UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 20-F
☐ REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR 12(g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
OR
☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.
OR
☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
OR
☐ SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.
For the transition period from to
Commission file number 001-35158
Phoenix New Media Limited
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Cayman Islands
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
Sinolight Plaza, Floor 16
No. 4 Qiyang Road
Wangjing, Chaoyang District,
Beijing 100102
People’s Republic of China
(Address of principal executive offices)
Contact Person: Mr. Edward Lu
Chief Financial Officer
(86 10) 6067-6869
Sinolight Plaza, Floor 16
No. 4 Qiyang Road
Wangjing, Chaoyang District,
Beijing 100102
People’s Republic of China
*(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
American Depositary Shares, each representing eight
Class A ordinary shares
Class A ordinary shares, par value $0.01 per share*
Trading Symbol(s)
FENG
Name of each exchange on which registered
New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
N/A
New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
*
Not for trading, but only in connection with the registration of American Depositary Shares representing such Class A ordinary shares pursuant to the
requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act: None
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual
report.
264,998,965 Class A ordinary shares were outstanding as of December 31, 2019
317,325,360 Class B ordinary shares were outstanding as of December 31, 2019
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
☐ Yes ☒ No
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
☐ Yes ☒ No
Note — Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 from their obligations under those Sections.
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 ☐ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files).
☒ Yes ☐ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or an emerging growth company. See
the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ☐
Accelerated filer ☒
Non-accelerated filer ☐
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected
not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards† provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the
Exchange Act. ☐
†The term “new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting
Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control
over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or
issued its audit report. ☒
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
U.S. GAAP ☒
International Financial Reporting Standards as issued
by the International Accounting Standards Board ☐
Other ☐
If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to
follow.
☐ Item 17 ☐ Item 18
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
☐ Yes ☒ No
(APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Section 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.
☐ Yes ☐ No
PHOENIX NEW MEDIA LIMITED
FORM 20-F ANNUAL REPORT
FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019
PART I
ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS
ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
PART II
ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES
ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS
ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
ITEM 16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
ITEM 16B. CODE OF ETHICS
ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
ITEM 16D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES
ITEM 16E. PURCHASE OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS
ITEM 16F. CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT
ITEM 16G. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
ITEM 16H. MINE SAFETY
PART III
ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ITEM 19. EXHIBIT INDEX
Page
2
2
2
3
44
77
77
101
107
111
111
112
118
119
120
120
120
120
121
122
122
123
123
123
123
123
124
124
124
124
In this annual report, unless otherwise indicated:
Conventions that Apply to this Annual Report on Form 20-F
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
“ADSs” refers to our American depositary shares, each of which represents eight Class A ordinary shares and “ADRs” refers to the American
depositary receipts that may evidence our ADSs;
“affiliated consolidated entities” refer to Yifeng Lianhe (Beijing) Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing Tianying Jiuzhou Network Technology Co., Ltd.,
and Beijing Chenhuan Technology Co., Ltd., each of which is a PRC domestic company. Substantially all of our operations in China are
conducted by our affiliated consolidated entities, in which we do not own any equity interest, through our contractual arrangements. We treat all
of these three PRC domestic companies as variable interest entities and have consolidated their financial results in our financial statements in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, or U.S. GAAP. As such, unless otherwise specified herein,
references to “affiliated consolidated entities” in this annual report include Yifeng Lianhe, Tianying Jiuzhou and Chenhuan;
“Chenhuan” refers to Beijing Chenhuan Technology Co., Ltd., a PRC domestic company and one of our affiliated consolidated entities;
“China” or “PRC” refers to the People’s Republic of China, excluding, for the purposes of this annual report on Form 20-F only, Taiwan, Hong
Kong and Macau;
“Class A ordinary shares” refer to our Class A ordinary shares, par value US$0.01 per share;
“Class B ordinary shares” refer to our Class B ordinary shares, par value US$0.01 per share, each of which shall be entitled to 1.3 votes on all
matters subject to shareholders’ vote;
“Fenghuang On-line” refers to Fenghuang On-line (Beijing) Information Technology Co., Ltd., a wholly foreign-owned PRC entity;
“Fengyu Network” refers to Beijing Fengyu Network Technology Co., Ltd., a PRC domestic company and a subsidiary of Chenhuan;
“Huanyou Tianxia” refers to Beijing Huanyou Tianxia Technology Co., Ltd., a PRC domestic company and an indirect subsidiary of Tianying
Jiuzhou;
“Qieyiyou” refers to Qieyiyou (Beijing) Information Technology Co., Ltd., a wholly foreign-owned PRC entity;
“ordinary shares” refer to our Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares, collectively;
“Phoenix TV” refers to Phoenix Media Investment (Holdings) Limited;
“Phoenix TV (BVI)” refers to Phoenix Satellite Television (B.V.I) Holding Limited, a wholly owned direct subsidiary of Phoenix TV, which
directly owned 54.5% of our share capital as of March 31, 2020.
“Phoenix TV Group” refers to Phoenix TV and its subsidiaries, not including our company.
“PRC subsidiaries” refer to Fenghuang On-line (Beijing) Information Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing Fenghuang Yutian Software Technology
Co., Ltd., Fenghuang Feiyang (Beijing) New Media Information Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing Fenghuang Borui Software Technology Co., Ltd.,
Qieyiyou (Beijing) Information Technology Co., Ltd. and any other companies established in the PRC in which we hold direct or indirect certain
equity interests and whose financial results are consolidated into our financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP; and unless otherwise
specified herein, references to “PRC subsidiaries” in this annual report do not include the companies established in the PRC in which we do not
hold directly or indirectly any equity interest but whose financial results are consolidated into our financial statements as variable interest entities
in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
•
“RMB” or “Renminbi” refers to the legal currency of China; “$”, “dollars”, “US$” and “U.S. dollars” refer to the legal currency of the United
States;
1
•
•
“Tianying Jiuzhou” refers to Beijing Tianying Jiuzhou Network Technology Co., Ltd., a PRC domestic company and one of our affiliated
consolidated entities;
“we”, “us”, “our company”, “our” and “Phoenix New Media” refer to Phoenix New Media Limited, a Cayman Islands company and its
predecessor entities and subsidiaries, and, unless the context otherwise requires, our affiliated consolidated entities and their subsidiaries in
China; and
•
“Yifeng Lianhe” refers to Yifeng Lianhe (Beijing) Technology Co., Ltd., a PRC domestic company and one of our affiliated consolidated entities.
This annual report contains statistical data that we obtained from various government and private publications, as well as a database issued by
Shanghai iResearch Co., Ltd., a third-party PRC consulting and market research firm focused on Internet media markets. We have not independently
verified the data in these reports and database. Statistical data in these publications also include projections based on a number of assumptions. If any one
of the assumptions underlying the statistical data turns out to be incorrect, actual results may differ from the projections based on these assumptions.
This annual report on Form 20-F includes our audited consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019,
and as of December 31, 2018 and 2019.
Our ADSs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “FENG.”
PART I
ITEM 1.
IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS
Not required.
ITEM 2.
OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
Not required.
2
ITEM 3.
KEY INFORMATION
A.
Selected Financial Data
The selected consolidated financial data shown below should be read in conjunction with “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and
Prospects,” and the financial statements and the notes to those statements included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 20-F. The selected consolidated
statements of comprehensive income/(loss) data for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019 and the selected consolidated balance sheet data as
of December 31, 2018 and 2019 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, which are included elsewhere in this annual report
on Form 20-F. The selected consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss) data for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2016 and the selected
balance sheet data as of December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 have been derived from our audited financial statements not included in this annual report on
Form 20-F. The historical results are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected in any future period.
For the Years Ended December 31,
2016
RMB
RMB
(In thousands, except for number of shares and per share (or ADS) data)
2017
RMB
2018*
RMB
2019*
US$
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss) Data
Revenues:
Net advertising revenues
Paid services revenues
Total revenues
Cost of revenues (1)
Gross profit
Operating expenses (1) :
Sales and marketing expenses
General and administrative expenses
Technology and product development expenses
Changes in fair value of financial assets-contingent returnable
consideration
Total operating expenses
Income/(loss) from operations
Other income, net**
Income/(loss) before tax
Income tax expense
Net income/(loss)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net income/(loss) attributable to Phoenix New Media
Limited
Net income/(loss)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax: fair value
remeasurement for available-for-sale debt investments
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax: reclassification adjustment for
disposal of available-for-sale debt investments
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax: foreign
currency translation adjustment
Comprehensive income
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
Comprehensive income attributable to Phoenix New Media
Limited
Net income/(loss) attributable to Phoenix New Media
Limited
Net income/(loss) per Class A and Class B ordinary share:
Basic
Diluted
Net income/(loss) per ADS (1 ADS represents 8 Class A
ordinary shares):
Basic
Diluted
Weighted average number of Class A and Class B ordinary
shares used in computing net income/(loss) per share:
Basic
Diluted
2015
RMB
1,226,516
382,680
1,609,196
(829,386)
779,810
(346,133)
(183,989)
(170,714)
—
(700,836)
78,974
18,928
97,902
(25,517)
72,385
1,199
73,584
72,385
15,869
—
22,813
111,067
1,199
112,266
73,584
0.13
0.13
1.03
1.01
1,232,210
212,697
1,444,907
(726,807)
718,100
(339,171)
(181,677)
(161,880)
—
(682,728)
35,372
56,937
92,309
(14,089)
78,220
2,391
80,611
78,220
247,336
—
27,669
353,225
2,391
355,616
80,611
0.14
0.14
1.12
1.12
1,353,480
221,612
1,575,092
(727,197)
847,895
(493,664)
(146,923)
(192,325)
—
(832,912)
14,983
34,224
49,207
(14,783)
34,424
3,048
37,472
34,424
321,538
—
(49,640)
306,322
3,048
309,370
1,198,271
179,108
1,377,379
(596,548)
780,831
(537,562)
(162,568)
(204,723)
—
(904,853)
(124,022)
78,515
(45,507)
(20,105)
(65,612)
2,390
(63,222)
(65,612)
566,320
1,263,485
267,577
1,531,062
(768,302)
762,760
(615,783)
(271,788)
(242,757)
62,051
(1,068,277)
(305,517)
1,049,760
744,243
(20,241)
724,002
3,827
727,829
724,002
1,188,762
181,488
38,435
219,923
(110,360)
109,563
(88,452)
(39,039)
(34,870)
8,913
(153,448)
(43,885)
150,789
106,904
(2,908)
103,996
550
104,546
103,996
170,755
—
(1,008,795)
(144,904)
51,794
552,502
2,390
554,892
37,472
(63,222)
0.07
0.06
0.52
0.51
(0.11)
(0.11)
(0.87)
(0.87)
37,483
941,452
3,827
945,279
727,829
1.25
1.25
10.00
10.00
5,384
135,231
550
135,781
104,546
0.18
0.18
1.44
1.44
571,247,723
580,785,256
573,521,536
577,037,906
574,786,887
590,433,907
581,084,453
581,084,453
582,275,800
582,275,800
582,275,800
582,275,800
Note:
*
Beginning from January 1, 2018, we adopted a new accounting standard of ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, by applying the
modified retrospective method. The financial data presented in our financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019 are
prepared in accordance with such new revenue accounting standard while all financial data
3
**
presented for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 are prepared in accordance with ASC 605, Revenue Recognition .
Other income, net generally reflects interest income, interest expense, foreign currency exchange gain or loss, income/(loss) from equity method
investments, net of impairments, gain on disposal of convertible loans due from a related party, gain on disposal of available-for-sale debt
investments, gain on disposal of an equity investment and acquisition of available-for-sale debt investments and others, net.
(1)
Includes share-based compensation as follows:
2015
RMB
2016
RMB
For the Years Ended December 31,
2017
RMB
2018
RMB
(In thousands)
2019
RMB
US$
6,335
3,043
21,836
3,140
(4,367)
(2,842)
11,025
(1,926)
5,017
1,877
10,796
3,162
3,750
2,360
5,072
2,807
6,830
1,643
9,025
2,723
981
236
1,296
392
34,354
1,890
20,852
13,989
20,221
2,905
2015
RMB
2016
RMB
2017
RMB
2018
RMB
2019*
RMB
US$
As of December 31,
(In thousands)
310,669
769,681
506,351
1,894,953
2,567,206
742,840
19,680
762,520
1,804,686
202,694
781,298
405,033
2,068,385
3,168,542
983,079
23,035
1,006,114
2,162,428
362,862
737,657
458,744
2,243,266
3,599,108
1,071,931
26,026
1,097,957
2,501,151
174,024
912,594
484,113
2,020,570
4,630,719
1,073,267
167,091
1,240,358
3,390,361
341,016
1,271,889
638,272
2,556,702
5,325,817
1,505,443
275,359
1,780,802
3,545,015
48,984
182,695
91,682
367,247
765,006
216,243
39,553
255,796
509,210
Allocation of share-based compensation:
Cost of revenues
Sales and marketing expenses
General and administrative expenses
Technology and product development
expenses
Total share-based compensation included
in cost of revenues and operating
expenses
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data
Cash and cash equivalents
Term deposits and short term investments
Accounts receivable, net
Total current assets
Total assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Total liabilities
Total shareholders’ equity
Note:
* During the course of preparing our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019, we discovered a minor error in
connection with the special dividend in the 2019 fourth quarter financial results announcement made on March 23, 2020 (“2019 Q4 ER”), and as a
result, the total amount of the special dividend payable by us was revised accordingly. Such revision caused an increase of RMB1.1 million in both
the “retained earnings” item and the “prepayments and other current assets” item on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2019 from
the amounts previously reported in the 2019 Q4 ER. The revision had no impact on our consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss) and
had no impact on other items of our consolidated balance sheet in the 2019 Q4 ER. We concluded the impact of the resulting corrections is not
material to the financial information contained in the 2019 Q4 ER issued on March 23, 2020 taken as a whole based on assessment under the
relevant guidance.
Non-GAAP gross profit (2)
786,145
713,733
(In thousands)
852,912
784,581
769,590
110,544
2015
RMB
2016
RMB
2017
RMB
2018
RMB
2019
RMB
US$
For the Years Ended December 31,
4
Non-GAAP income/(loss) from operations
(2)
Non-GAAP adjusted net income/(loss)
attributable to Phoenix New Media
Limited (3)
113,328
37,262
35,835
(110,033)
(347,347)
(49,893)
145,156
84,277
52,028
(54,585)
(316,176)
(45,416)
Notes:
(2)
Non-GAAP gross profit and non-GAAP income/(loss) from operations are both non-GAAP financial measures. Non-GAAP gross profit is gross
profit excluding share-based compensation. Non-GAAP income/(loss) from operations is income/(loss) from operations excluding share-based
compensation and changes in fair value of financial assets-contingent returnable consideration.
(3) We define non-GAAP adjusted net income/(loss) attributable to Phoenix New Media Limited as net income/(loss) attributable to Phoenix New
Media Limited excluding share-based compensation, income or loss from equity method investments, net of impairments, changes in fair value of
financial assets-contingent returnable consideration, gain on disposal of available-for-sale debt investments, gain on disposal of an equity investment
and acquisition of available-for-sale debt investments and changes in fair value of forward contract in relation to future disposal of investments in
Particle.
We believe the separate analysis and exclusion of the following non-GAAP to GAAP reconciling items add clarity to the constituent parts of our
performances. We review non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP income/(loss) from operations and non-GAAP adjusted net income/(loss) attributable to
Phoenix New Media Limited together with gross profit, income/(loss) from operations and net income/(loss) attributable to Phoenix New Media Limited to
obtain a better understanding of our operating performance. We use these non-GAAP financial measures for planning and forecasting and measuring results
against the forecast. Using these non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate our business allows us and our investors to assess our relative performance
against our competitors and ultimately monitor our capacity to generate returns for our investors. We also believe it is useful supplemental information for
investors and analysts to assess our operating performance without the effect of items like share-based compensation, income or loss from equity method
investments, net of impairments, which have been and will continue to be significant recurring items, and without the effect of changes in fair value of
financial assets-contingent returnable consideration, changes in fair value of forward contract in relation to future disposal of investments in Particle and
gain on disposal of available-for-sale debt investments, which have been significant and one-time items. 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 our gross profit, income/(loss) from operations and net income/(loss) attributable to Phoenix New Media Limited for the period. In addition,
because non-GAAP financial measures are not calculated in the same manner by all companies, they may not be comparable to other similar titled
measures used by other companies. In light of the foregoing limitations, you should not consider non-GAAP financial measures in isolation from or as an
alternative to the financial measures prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Non-GAAP to GAAP reconciling items have no income tax effect.
5
Our non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP income from operations and non-GAAP adjusted net income attributable to Phoenix New Media
Limited are calculated as follows for the years presented:
2015
RMB
2016
RMB
2017
RMB
2018
RMB
2019
RMB
US$
For the Years Ended December 31,
779,810
718,100
847,895
780,831
762,760
109,563
(In thousands)
Gross Profit
Excluding:
Share-based
compensation
Non-GAAP gross profit
6,335
786,145
(4,367)
713,733
5,017
852,912
3,750
784,581
6,830
769,590
981
110,544
Income/(loss) from
operations
Excluding:
Share-based
compensation
Changes in fair value
of financial assets-
contingent
returnable
consideration
Non-GAAP
income/(loss) from
operations
Net income/(loss)
attributable to
Phoenix New Media
Limited
Excluding:
Share-based
compensation
Loss/(income) from
equity method
investments, net
of impairments
Changes in fair value
of financial assets-
contingent
returnable
consideration
Gain on disposal of
available-for-sale
debt investments
Changes in fair value
of forward
contract in relation
to future disposal
of investments in
Particle
Gain on disposal of an
equity investment
and acquisition of
available-for-sale
debt investments
Non-GAAP adjusted net
income/(loss)
attributable to
Phoenix New Media
Limited
78,974
35,372
14,983
(124,022)
(305,517)
(43,885)
34,354
1,890
20,852
13,989
20,221
2,905
—
—
—
—
(62,051)
(8,913)
113,328
37,262
35,835
(110,033)
(347,347)
(49,893)
73,584
80,611
37,472
(63,222)
727,829
104,546
34,354
1,890
20,852
13,989
20,221
2,905
41,861
1,776
(6,296)
(5,352)
3,447
495
—
—
—
(4,643)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(62,051)
(8,913)
(1,001,181)
(143,811)
(4,441)
(638)
—
—
145,156
84,277
52,028
(54,585)
(316,176)
(45,416)
Currency Translation and Exchange Rates
We have translated certain Renminbi, or RMB, amounts included in this annual report on Form 20-F into U.S. dollars for the convenience of the
readers. The rate we used for the translations was RMB6.9618 = US$1.00, which was the noon buying rate on December 31, 2019 as set forth in the H.10
weekly statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board. The translation does not mean that RMB could actually be converted into U.S. dollars at that rate.
B.
Capitalization and Indebtedness
Not required.
C.
Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds
Not required.
6
D.
Risk Factors
Risks Relating to Our Business and Industry
Due to the rapidly evolving market in which we operate, our historical results may not be indicative of our future performance and there can be no
assurance that we will be able to meet internal or external expectations of future performance.
The Internet industry is rapidly evolving and new products, new business models and new players emerge on a regular basis, and we may not be
able to achieve results or growth in future periods as we did in past periods. Due to the rapidly evolving market in which we operate, our historical year-
over-year and quarter-over-quarter trends may not provide an accurate or reliable indication of our future performance. For certain lines of our business, we
have experienced high growth rates in the past and there may be expectations that these growth rates will continue. For other lines of our business, we have
experienced declining trends. Our ability to achieve and maintain profitability depends on, among other factors, the growth of the Internet advertising
market and mobile Internet services industry in China, our ability to maintain cooperative relationships with Phoenix TV and mobile operators, our ability
to control our costs and expenses and the continued relevance and usage of our various paid services. We may not be able to achieve or sustain profitability
on a quarterly or annual basis. Accordingly, our historical growth rates may not be indicative of our future performance. In addition, our online advertising
business may suffer from price competition from other online advertising companies. We may have to reduce our profit margins or operate at a loss in order
to adequately fund critical innovations that we believe will create value for our company and strengthen our market position over the long term. In the past
our operating results have failed to meet expectations of industry analysts and investors, and our future operating results may also fail to meet such
expectations. There can be no assurance that we will be able to meet internal or external expectations of future performance, and our share price may
decline as a result of any failure to meet such expectations.
We expect to continue to rely on advertising to drive a significant portion of our future revenues, and if we fail to retain existing advertisers or attract
new advertisers for our advertising services, our business, operating results and growth prospects could be materially affected.
In 2017, 2018, and 2019, we generated 85.9%, 87.0% and 82.5% of our total revenues from advertising services, respectively. Going forward, we
expect our net advertising revenues to continue to contribute the majority of our total revenues. Our ability to generate and maintain substantial advertising
revenues will depend on a number of factors, many of which are ultimately beyond our control, including but not limited to:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
the acceptance of online (including mobile and PC-based) advertising as an effective way for advertisers to market their businesses;
the maintenance and enhancement of our brand;
the maintenance and development of advertising technology, such as the maintenance of advertising data base and advertising placement
platform, and the ability to prevent computer virus attack;
the maintenance and development of our programmatic advertising platforms. We launched our self-developed demand-side platform, or
DSP, Fengyu (“(cid:0)(cid:0)”) in the second quarter of 2017 and our revenue generated from programmatic advertising has increased significantly
since then. In addition, we launched Feng Yi (“(cid:0)(cid:0)”) in the first quarter of 2018, another customizable marketing solution, catering to
premium advertising demands to help our brand advertising clients track and improve the performance of their apps. The global
macroeconomic uncertainties, more stringent local regulations on advertisements and more intense competition may slowdown the growth of
our programmatic advertising platforms. Our ability to maintain and upgrade Fengyu, Feng Yi and their related platforms, such as data
management platform and advertisement exchange platform is crucial to our advertising services and we cannot assure you that such revenue
generated from our programmatic advertising platforms will not decline in the future;
the development of independent and reliable means of measuring online traffic and verifying the effectiveness of our online advertising
services;
the development and retention of a large user base with attractive demographics for advertisers; and
our ability to have continued success with innovative advertising services.
7
Our advertisers may choose to reduce or discontinue their business with us if they believe their advertising spending has not generated or would
not generate enough sales to end customers or has not improved or would not effectively improve their brand recognition. In addition, certain technologies
could potentially be developed and applied to block the display of our online advertisements and other marketing products on PC websites, mobile
applications and mobile websites, which may in turn cause us to lose advertisers and adversely affect our operating results. Moreover, changes in
government policies could restrict or curtail our online advertising services. Furthermore, the outbreak of a novel st rain of coronavirus or COVID-19, and
the various temporary measures introduced by the central and local governments in China to contain COVID-19 outbreak have had, and is expected to
continue to have, a negative impact on our advertising business as our clients in China may be forced to reevaluate their marketing strategies and budgets.
Failure to retain our existing advertisers or attract new advertisers for our advertising services could seriously harm our business, operating results and
growth prospects.
We may not be successful in growing our mobile Internet related business and our revenue growth could be negatively impacted.
The growth of the mobile Internet services and applications and the level of demand and market acceptance of our services are subject to many
uncertainties. The development of this market and our ability to derive revenues from this market depends on a number of factors, some of which are
beyond our control, including but not limited to:
•
•
•
•
•
the growth rate of mobile Internet industry in China;
changes in consumer demographics and preferences;
development in mobile device platform technologies and mobile Internet distribution channels;
changes in government policies, regulations or their enforcement with respect to various types of mobile Internet services and applications;
and
potential competition from more established companies that decide to enter the mobile Internet market.
We rely in part on application marketplaces, Internet search engines, navigation sites, web browsers and pre-installations on handsets to drive traffic to
our PC websites, mobile applications and mobile websites, and if we fail to appear near the top of such search results or rankings or to retain
partnership with certain handset manufacturers, traffic to our PC websites, mobile applications and mobile websites could decline and our business
and operating results could be adversely affected.
We rely on application marketplaces, such as Apple’s iOS App Store, and other handset manufactures’ Android App Store, to drive downloads of
mobile applications of our products, including ifeng News, ifeng Video, and the digital reading application Fanyue Novel and Tadu Apps, which include
but are not limited to Tadu Literature Application (“(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)”) owned by Beijing Yitian Xindong Network Technology Co., Ltd., or Yitian Xindong. In the
future, iOS App Store, Android stores or other operators of application marketplaces may make changes to their marketplaces which could hinder or
impede access to our products and services. We also depend in part on Internet search engines, navigation sites and web browsers, such as Baidu, Sougou,
Hao123, Hao360, UC Browser, 360 Browser and Cheetah Browser, to drive traffic to our PC websites and referrals to our mobile applications and mobile
websites. For example, when a user types an inquiry into a search engine, we rely on a high organic search result ranking of our webpages in these search
results to refer users to our websites. However, our ability to maintain high organic search result rankings is not totally within our control. Our competitors’
search engine optimization, or SEO, efforts may result in their websites receiving a higher search result page ranking than ours, or Internet search engines
could revise their methodologies in a way that would adversely affect our search result rankings. If Internet search engines modify their search algorithms
or other methodologies in ways that are detrimental to us, or if our competitors’ SEO efforts are more successful than ours, the growth in our user base
could be adversely affected. In addition, navigation websites or web browsers might reduce the recommendation of our products for various reasons from
time to time.
We may also rely on pre-installations on handsets to increase traffic to our mobile applications. By partnering with mobile handset manufacturers,
we can have our mobile applications exposed directly to our users without downloading from application stores once they buy certain handsets. In this way,
users are more inclined to use our mobile applications for convenience reasons. Any reduction in the number of users directed to our PC websites, mobile
applications and mobile websites through application marketplaces, Internet search engines, navigation sites, web browsers and pre-installations could
harm our business and operating results.
8
If we are unable to successfully expand our mobile strategy and increase our mobile advertising revenues, our business, operating results and growth
prospects could be materially affected.
Use of mobile devices for consumption of news and other media content by consumers in China has been increasing rapidly in recent years. This
shift towards mobile has brought with it both challenges and opportunities. We achieved year-over-year growth in mobile advertising revenues during the
past years. We see mobile devices as the primary gateway for news consumption going forward and our ability to maintain and increase our mobile
advertising revenues will be critical to our future business prospects. While we are taking measures to expand our user base across our various mobile
applications, optimize our targeting technology and integrate next-generation high-efficiency advertising solutions, there can be no assurance that these
measures will be effective. User preferences and behaviors on mobile devices are rapidly evolving and we may not be able to successfully adapt to these
changes. The variety of technical and other configurations across different mobile devices, platforms and applications also increases the challenges
associated with our mobile expansion. Although we have taken strict control over operating expenses, we have witnessed significant increase in our traffic
acquisition expenses. Our traffic acquisition expenses may continue to increase in the future which will adversely impact our financial results. Our mobile
strategy is also subject to risks relating to changes in government policies, regulations or their enforcement with respect to mobile Internet services and
applications. Any change to laws and regulations applicable to the mobile Internet industry, such as those relating to content, user privacy, pricing,
copyrights and distribution, may impede the growth of mobile Internet in China or make it more difficult for us to carry out our mobile advertising
business. If we cannot successfully grow our user base and capitalize on emerging monetization opportunities on mobile devices, we may not be able to
maintain or grow our advertising revenues, which could materially and adversely affect our operating results and growth prospects.
While we entered into a series of agreements to sell a substantial part of our investment in Yidian Zixun, we may not be able to complete the proposed
transaction and our financial position, results of operation and ADS price could be materially and adversely affected.
We made substantial investments in Particle Inc., or Particle, in the form of investments and loans in the past. Particle operates Yidian Zixun (“—
(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)”), or Yidian, a personalized news and life-style information application in China that allows users to define and explore desired content on their
mobile devices. As of the date hereof, we held Series C and Series D1 convertible redeemable preferred shares of Particle, which had been accounted for as
available-for-sale debt investments, representing an aggregate of approximately 20.21% equity interest of Particle on an as-if converted basis (which
reflected the completion of the issuance of additional shares under Particle's share incentive plan). The fair value of our available-for-sale debt investments
in Particle was RMB2,012.5 million (US$289.1 million) as of December 31, 2019. In March 2019, we entered into a share purchase agreement with Run
Liang Tai Management Limited, or Run Liang Tai, to sell 32% equity interest of Particle on an as-if converted basis to Run Liang Tai and its designated
entities, or the proposed buyers. We subsequently entered into a series of agreements with Run Liang Tai and the shareholders of Particle to resolve certain
issues in connection with the sale of shares in Particle. See “Failure of our business strategies through our subsidiaries, affiliates and other business alliance
partners and any related disputes could negatively affect our financial condition, operating results and reputation.” and “Item 4. Information on the
Company — C. Organizational Structure — Our Corporate Structure” for further details. However, there are still uncertainties as to the completion of the
remaining part of the proposed transaction. Any of these will deprive us of the opportunity to realize a significant amount of gain from our investment in
Particle and may have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operation and our ADS price. In addition, if we fail to complete the
proposed transactions, we may not be able to negotiate better or comparable terms or at all with other potential buyers either.
We may also be subject to PRC withholding tax of 10% for the gain recognized from the disposal of available-for-sale debt investments in
Particle, with any relevant tax adjustments if applicable, if we are considered as a “non-resident enterprise” under the Corporate Income Tax Law, as
regulated by the Public Notice on Several Issues regarding Enterprise Income Tax for Indirect Property Transfer by Non-resident Enterprises , or SAT
Circular 7, issued on February 3, 2015, and the Public Notice Regarding Issues Concerning the Withholding of Non-resident Enterprise Income Tax at
Source , or SAT Public Notice 37, issued on October 17, 2017, which may adversely affect our financial position, results of operation and ADS price.
Newsfeed advertising is becoming an important mobile advertising format in China. If we are unable to successfully develop our newsfeed advertising
solution and adapt to new changes in advertising formats and trends, our mobile advertising revenues and growth may be materially and adversely
affected.
Newsfeed advertising is the practice of constantly updating lists of advertisements alongside news and information. It effectively helps mobile
applications enlarge their advertising inventory by inserting advertisements into the flow of content, while improving the user experience based on native
appearance and contextual relevance, implying greater monetization potential. We expect newsfeed advertising to maintain strong growth momentum and
become an increasingly important mobile advertising format in China. While we had developed and added newsfeed advertising into our mobile
applications and mobile websites in late 2016, we are facing an increasingly competitive environment. For example, several mobile applications of other
companies, such as Baidu app, Jinri Toutiao, QQ news (Tencent) and Qutoutiao, are all competing in newsfeed advertising. If we are unable to successfully
develop our newsfeed advertising solution and deliver better return on investment, or ROI, to our advertising clients, our future mobile
9
advertising revenues may be materially and adversely affected. Except for newsfeed advertising, we believe that more types of innovative mobile
advertising formats may emerge in the future. If we are unable to swiftly develop and adapt to new changes in advertising formats and trends, our mobile
advertising revenues may be materially and adversely affected.
Any failure to retain large advertising agencies or attract new agencies on reasonable terms could materially and adversely affect our business. If
advertising agencies demand higher service fees, our gross margin may be negatively affected.
Approximately 78.5%, 80.2% and 61.7% of our net advertising revenues in China were derived from advertising agencies in 2017, 2018 and
2019, respectively. We primarily serve our advertisers through advertising agencies and rely on these agencies for sourcing our advertisers and collecting
advertising revenue. In consideration for these agencies’ services, the agencies earn advertising agency service fees which are deducted from our gross
advertising revenues. While advertising agencies in China commonly increase their agency service fees on a sliding scale basis along with increased
volume of business, if our agency service fees increase at a materially disproportional rate relative to our gross advertising revenues, our operating results
may be negatively affected. We do not have long-term or exclusive arrangements with these agencies, and we cannot assure you that we will continue to
maintain favorable relationships with them. If we fail to maintain favorable relationships with large advertising agencies or attract additional agencies, we
may not be able to retain existing advertisers or attract new advertisers and our business and operating results could be materially and adversely affected.
Over the years, there has been some consolidation among advertising agencies in China. If the consolidation trend continues and the market is
effectively controlled by a small number of large advertising agencies, such advertising agencies may be in a position to demand higher advertising agency
service fees based on increased bargaining power, which could reduce our net advertising revenues.
If we fail to continue to anticipate user preferences and provide high quality content that attracts and retains users, or if we have to cease providing
certain content in order to comply with changing regulatory requirements, we may not be able to generate sufficient user traffic to remain competitive.
Our success depends on our ability to generate sufficient user traffic through the provision of attractive content. If we are not able to license or
otherwise obtain popular premium content (such as we-media content, professionally-generated content, or PGC and user-generated content, or UGC, etc.)
at commercially reasonable terms, if our desired premium content becomes exclusive to our competitors, or if we are not able to continue to use Phoenix
TV’s content, the attractiveness of our offerings to users may be severely impaired.
We may also be prevented from providing certain content to our users due to regulatory requirements or sanctions. For example, we received a
public notice issued by the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television of the People’s Republic of China, or the SAPPRFT, on
June 22, 2017 in connection with our and certain other Internet companies’ regulatory non-compliances. The notice required us to suspend our ifeng video
and audio services due to our lack of the Internet audio-visual program transmission license and our certain commentary programs that violates government
regulations. We have cooperated with SAPPRFT to make the necessary changes to our ifeng video and audio services. We are not sure when we can
distribute this kind of content again, and whether our video and audio services that provide other content will not be ordered to suspend again in the future.
We also produce content in-house, and intend to continue to invest resources in producing original content. If we are unable to continue to
procure premium and distinctive licensed content or produce in-house content that meets users’ tastes and preferences, we may lose users, and our
operating results may suffer. In addition, we rely on our team of skilled editors to edit and repackage our sourced content in a timely and professional
manner for our users and any deterioration in our editing team’s capabilities or losses in personnel may materially and adversely affect our operating
results. If our content fails to cater to the needs and preferences of our users, we may suffer from reduced user traffic and our business and operating results
may be materially and adversely affected.
If we have to limit or suspend our services in order to comply with changing and increasingly stringent regulatory requirements, our business,
financial condition and results of operation may be materially adversely affected.
Recently, regulatory authorities in China have increased their supervision of content platforms similar to our website and mobile applications. In
addition to the contents that are considered to be violating PRC laws and regulations, such oversight tends to pay more attention to content that is or may be
deemed misleading, obscene, pornographic, detrimental, and/or contradicting to social values and moral prevailing in China. A finding of such violation by
the regulatory authority may cause the operator of the platform to be subject to penalties and other administrative actions. We have received and may
continue to face regulatory inquiries and oral warnings from relevant regulatory authorities from time to time. In a couple of instances, the regulatory
authority has ordered suspension of downloads of our mobile applications and prohibited us from providing any update to some of our content for a short
period of time. Started on September 26, 2018, we temporarily suspended the services provided through our ifeng News mobile application and wireless
application protocol website, or WAP website, as well as our general news and finance channel on ifeng.com
10
for two weeks, and our technology channel on ifeng.com for 30 days, in compliance with a notice from the regulatory authority directing us to do so. In
addition, in February 2020, we temporarily suspended the services of the “finance” channel on our ifeng.com website and two channels on our ifeng News
mobile application for 15 days in compliance with a notice from the regulatory authority directing us to do so. We cannot assure you that similar events will
not occur in the future. In particular, we may have to limit or suspend some or all of our services due to changing regulatory requirements or new
government initiatives from time to time. We cannot predict the duration or potential impact of such limitation or suspension either. Any of these events
could severely impair the attractiveness of our applications and websites to users, reduce our user traffic and affect our revenue, and our business, financial
condition and results of operation may be materially adversely affected.
If we fail to successfully develop and introduce new products and services to meet the preferences of users, our competitive position and ability to
generate revenues could be harmed.
The preferences of viewers are continuously evolving and we must continue to develop new products and services. If we fail to react to changes
in user preferences in a timely manner or fall behind our competitors in providing innovative products and services, we may lose user traffic, which would
negatively affect our operating results. In addition, the planned timing or introduction of new products and services is subject to risks and uncertainties.
Actual timing may differ materially from original plans. Unexpected technical, operational, distribution or other problems could delay or prevent the
introduction of one or more of our new products or services. Moreover, we cannot assure you that our new products and services will achieve widespread
market acceptance or generate incremental revenues. At the same time, other new media providers may be more successful in developing more attractive
products and services. If our efforts to develop market and sell new products and services to the market are not successful, our financial position, operating
results and cash flows could be materially adversely affected, the price of our ordinary shares could decline and you could lose part or all of your
investment.
In addition, due to the tightened regulations in the media industry, the services that we may provide to users may be subject to limitations and we
may not be able to roll out new products and services under such regulatory environment. We have been continuously adjusting our business in response to
such regulatory changes. However, if we fail to successfully diversify our products and services, our business, financial condition and operating results may
be adversely affected.
As devices other than personal computers, such as mobile phones, tablets and other Internet-enabled mobile devices, are increasingly used to access the
Internet, we have to develop products and applications for such devices if we are to maintain or increase our market share and revenues, and we may
not be successful in doing so.
Devices such as mobile phones, tablets, wearable devices and other Internet-enabled mobile devices are widely used in China and in overseas
markets to access the Internet. We believe that, for our business to be successful, we will need to continue to design, develop, promote and operate new
products and applications that will be compatible with such devices and attractive to users. The design and development of new products and applications
may not be successful. We may encounter difficulties with the development and installation of such new products and applications for mobile devices, and
such products and applications may not function smoothly. As new devices are released or updated, we may encounter difficulties in developing and
upgrading our products or applications for use on mobile devices and we may need to devote significant resources to the creation, support and maintenance
of such products or applications for mobile devices, and we may not be successful in doing so. If these efforts are unsuccessful and we are thereby unable
to maintain or increase our market share and revenues, our business, operating results and growth prospects could be materially and adversely affected.
We operate in highly competitive markets and we may not be able to compete successfully against our competitors.
We face significant competition in the new media industry in China, including competition from major Internet portals, mobile news and
information application operators, Internet video companies, online video sites of major TV broadcasters, online digital reading companies, interactive and
social network service providers, online and mobile gaming companies, mobile Internet services providers and other companies with strong media, online
video and paid services businesses. Some of our competitors have longer operating histories and significantly greater financial resources than we do, which
may allow them to attract and retain more users and advertisers. Our competitors may compete with us in a variety of ways, including by obtaining
exclusive online distribution rights for popular content, conducting more aggressive brand promotions and other marketing activities and making
acquisitions to increase their user bases. If any of our competitors achieves greater market acceptance or are able to offer more attractive online content,
interactive services or paid services than us, our user traffic and our market share may decrease, which may result in a loss of advertisers and have a
material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results. We also face competition from traditional advertising media such as
television, newspapers, magazines, billboards and radio.
We have contracted with third-party content providers and we may lose users and revenues if these relationships deteriorate or arrangements are
terminated. If third-party content providers increase their content licensing fees, our operating results may be negatively affected.
We have relied and will continue to rely mostly on third parties for the content we distribute across our channels. If these parties fail to develop
and maintain high-quality and engaging content or raise their licensing fees, or if a large number of our existing
11
relationships are terminated, we could lose users and advertisers and our brand could be materially harmed. License fees for third-party content showed an
increasing trend in 2019. If such license fees continue to increase significantly in the future, our income from operations may be negatively affected. In
addition, the Chinese government has the ability to restrict or prevent state-owned media from cooperating with us in providing certain content to us,
which, if exercised, would result in a significant decrease in the amount of content we are able to source for our PC websites, mobile applications and
mobile websites and negatively impact our operating results.
We may not be able to continue to receive the same level of support from Phoenix TV Group in the future. We could lose our license and priority over
any third party to use Phoenix TV Group’s content and licensed trademarks, which would have an adverse effect on our paid services business, and
would also negatively affect our video advertising business. Together, these impacts could have an adverse effect on our business and operating results.
Phoenix TV, our majority shareholder, is a leading global Chinese language TV network broadcasting premium content globally and into China.
In November 2009, our PRC subsidiary, Fenghuang On-line, entered into a cooperation agreement with Phoenix TV, or the Phoenix TV Cooperation
Agreement, under which Fenghuang On-line and Phoenix TV agreed to certain cooperative arrangements in the areas of content, branding, promotion and
technology. Pursuant to the Phoenix TV Cooperation Agreement, in November 2009 each of Tianying Jiuzhou and Yifeng Lianhe entered into a program
content license agreement, or Content License Agreement, with Phoenix Satellite Television Company Limited, a subsidiary of Phoenix TV, and a
trademark license agreement, or Old Trademark License Agreement, with Phoenix Satellite Television Trademark Limited. Considering the significant
growth and changes in our business since execution of these agreements in 2009, we and Phoenix TV Group entered into a new set of agreements in
May 2016 and December 2017, or the 2016 and 2017 Agreements, to amend and replace the previous agreements and provide the terms of our continued
cooperation. The 2016 and 2017 Agreements include Program Resource License Agreements and Program Text/Graphics Resource License Agreements, or
the Program License Agreements, between Phoenix Satellite Television Company Limited and each of Tianying Jiuzhou, Yifeng Lianhe and Fengyu
Network, and new trademark license agreements by and between Phoenix Satellite Television Trademark Limited and each of Tianying Jiuzhou and Yifeng
Lianhe, or the New Trademark License Agreements. Under the Program License Agreements, we benefited from the license granted to Tianying Jiuzhou,
Yifeng Lianhe and Fengyu Network by Phoenix Satellite Television Company Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Phoenix TV, to use Phoenix TV
Group’s copyrighted content from three television channels of Phoenix TV Group for our various media services in China (excluding Hong Kong, Macau
and Taiwan). In addition, Phoenix Satellite Television Trademark Limited and Tianying Jiuzhou entered into four supplementary agreements to the New
Trademark License Agreements in April 2018, August 2018 and October 2018, to grant Tianying Jiuzhou the right to sublicense certain trademarks to
agents that operate local websites of our Company, which will expire in December 2020.
The Program License Agreements expired in May 2019 and Tianying Jiuzhou and Yifeng Lianhe each entered into a supplemental agreement
with Phoenix Satellite Television Company Limited to extend the term of the original Program License Agreements to January 14, 2020. Subsequently,
Tianying Jiuzhou and Yifeng Lianhe entered into a program resource license and cooperation agreement with Phoenix Satellite Television Company
Limited on January 15, 2020, or the 2020 Program Resource License and Cooperation Agreement. According to the 2020 Program Resource License and
Cooperation Agreement, Phoenix Satellite Television Company Limited grants Tianying Jiuzhou and Yifeng Lianhe the license to use Phoenix TV Group’s
copyrighted content from two television channels of Phoenix TV Group for our various media services in China (excluding Hong Kong, Macau and
Taiwan). See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—B. Related Party Transactions—Agreements and Transactions with Phoenix
TV and Certain of its Subsidiaries” for more information about the terms of these agreements.
If the aforementioned existing agreements expire and we cannot reach new agreements with Phoenix TV Group before the expiration, we may not
be able to obtain rights to use Phoenix TV Group’s content and licensed trademarks on our platforms on commercially reasonable terms, with any priority
or at all, which would have an effect on our paid services business, and may also negatively affect our video advertising business. Together, these impacts
could have an adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.
We received a public notice issued by SAPPRFT on June 22, 2017 in connection with our and certain other internet companies’ regulatory non-
compliances. The notice required us to suspend our ifeng video and audio services due to our lack of the Internet audio-visual program transmission license
and our certain commentary programs that violated government regulations. We have cooperated with SAPPRFT to make the necessary changes to our
ifeng video and audio services. We are not sure when we can distribute this kind of content again, and whether our video and audio services that provide
other content will not be ordered to suspend again in the future.
In addition, Tianying Jiuzhou and Yifeng Lianhe are able to use certain of Phoenix TV Group’s logos pursuant to the Old Trademark License
Agreement and the New Trademark License Agreements. We believe that our use of these logos helps to affiliate us with the brand of Phoenix TV Group,
which helps to enhance our own brand. Different from the Old Trademark License Agreement, however, the New Trademark License Agreements no
longer allow us to use the double-phoenix logo of Phoenix TV Group on a stand-alone basis and increased the annual license fee payable to Phoenix TV
Group from a total of US$10,000 to the greater of 2% of the annual revenues of Tianying Jiuzhou or Yifeng Lianhe (as the case may be) or US$100,000 for
each company.
12
Tianying Jiuzhou and Yifeng Lianhe had total annual revenues of RMB 240.8 million (US$34.6 million) in 2019 in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which
meant that the annual license fee payable to Phoenix TV Group was RMB 5.0 million (US$0.7 million) in 2019. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and
Related Party Transactions—B. Related Party Transactions—Agreements and Transactions with Phoenix TV and Certain of its Subsidiaries” for more
information about the terms of the New Trademark License Agreements.
On March 17, 2017, the State Administration of Taxation issued the Announcement of the State Administration of Taxation on Issuing the
Administrative Measures for Special Tax Adjustment and Investigation and Mutual Consultation Procedures , or SAT Circular 6, which became effective
on May 1, 2017, and replaced the Circular on Enterprise Income Tax Issues concerning Disbursement of Expense by Enterprises to Overseas Related
Parties . Pursuant to SAT Circular 6, tax authorities carry out special tax adjustment monitoring and management of enterprises via review of the reporting
of connected transactions, management of contemporaneous documentation, profit level monitoring and other means. When enterprises are found to have
special tax adjustment risks, they will send notices to such enterprises, suggesting the existence of a tax risk. The tax authorities will pay special attention
to an enterprise with the risk characteristics in the implementation of the special tax investigation. Such risk characteristics include but are not limited to:
(i) engaging in connected transactions with affiliates in countries (regions) subject to lower tax rates; (ii) no distribution or reduced distribution of profit
without reasonable business needs by an enterprise that is established in a country (region) where the actual tax burden is less than 12.5% controlled by
resident enterprises and/or Chinese resident individuals; or (iii) other tax planning or arrangements that do not have reasonable business purposes.
According to SAT Circular 6, payments made by our PRC subsidiaries and affiliated consolidated entities to Phoenix TV or its offshore affiliates under the
above arrangements may be subject to stringent supervision by competent tax authority.
Any negative development in Phoenix TV’s market position, harm to Phoenix TV’s brand or operations, or regulatory actions or legal proceedings
affecting Phoenix TV’s intellectual properties on which our business relies could materially and adversely affect our business and operating results.
Our business benefits significantly from our association with Phoenix TV’s brand. Many of our users and advertisers are attracted to the
“Phoenix” (“(cid:0)(cid:0)”) brand, with which our brand, “ifeng.com” (“(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)”) shares a similar Chinese name. Any negative development in Phoenix TV’s market
position or brand recognition may materially and adversely affect our marketing efforts and the popularity of our business. Any negative development in
Phoenix TV’s operations or attractiveness to users or advertisers may materially and adversely affect our business and operating results. Moreover, as we
benefit from the content licensed to us by Phoenix TV, any regulatory actions or legal proceedings against Phoenix TV related to such content could have a
material adverse impact on our operating results.
If we are unable to keep pace with rapid technological changes in the PC and mobile Internet industries, our business may suffer.
The PC and mobile Internet industries have been experiencing rapid technological changes. With the advances in Internet interactivity, the
interests and preferences of Internet users may increasingly shift to UGC and we-media content, such as WeChat, Weibo and short-form videos. As
broadband becomes more accessible, Internet users may increasingly demand content in pictorial, audio-rich and video-rich format. With the development
of the mobile Internet in China, mobile users may shift from the current predominant text messaging services and other mobile value-added services, or
MVAS, to newer services, such as mobile video streaming and mobile digital reading services. In addition, our success may in part depend on the impact of
the expected coming LTE 5G rollout. The 5G technology is expected to increase the speed of mobile service operator networks significantly and such
development may further change the way that users access and consume contents. If we are unable to upgrade our product and the services we provide to
adapt to the LTE 5G technology and the changes in user behavior that comes with it, we could lose users and our operating results may suffer. Our future
success will depend on our ability to anticipate, adapt and support new technologies and industry standards. If we fail to anticipate and adapt to these and
other technological changes, our market share and our profitability could suffer.
Our lack of an Internet audio-visual program transmission license has exposed, and may continue to expose, us to administrative sanctions, including
the banning of our paid mobile video services and video advertising services, which would materially and adversely affect our business and results of
operation.
The PRC government regulates the Internet industry extensively, including foreign ownership of, and the licensing requirements pertaining to,
companies in the Internet industry. A number of regulatory agencies, including the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, or the MCT (formerly the Ministry of
Culture, or MOC), the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, or MIIT, the National Radio and Television Administration, or NRTA, (formerly
the SAPPRFT), the State Council Information Office, or the SCIO, the Cyberspace Administrator of China, or CAC, and other governmental authorities,
jointly regulate all major aspects of the Internet industry. Operators are required to obtain various government approvals and licenses prior to providing the
relevant Internet information services.
13
Pursuant to the Administrative Provisions on Internet Audio-visual Program Service , or the Audio-visual Program Provisions, which was issued
by the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (the predecessor of SAPPRFT), or SARFT and MIIT on December 20, 2007, came into effect on
January 31, 2008 and was revised on August 28, 2015, online transmission of audio and video programs requires an Internet audio-visual program
transmission license and online audio-visual service providers must be either wholly state-owned or state-controlled. In a press conference jointly held by
SARFT and MIIT to answer questions with respect to the Audio-visual Program Provisions in February 2008, SARFT and MIIT clarified that online audio-
visual service providers that already had been operating lawfully prior to the issuance of the Audio-visual Program Provisions may re-register and continue
to operate without becoming state-owned or controlled, provided that such providers have not engaged in any unlawful activities. See “Item 4. Information
on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulatory Matters—Regulation of Online Transmission of Audio-Visual Programs.”
We started offering Internet audio-visual program services through Tianying Jiuzhou in China prior to the issuance of the Audio-visual Program
Provisions. Tianying Jiuzhou submitted an application to SAPPRFT to apply for the Internet audio-visual program transmission license when the relevant
regulation came into effect. However, as of the date of this annual report, NRTA has not issued Tianying Jiuzhou an Internet audio-visual program
transmission license. Although we have been communicating with the relevant government authorities, such government authorities have not informed us
as to when they will make a decision on whether to issue such license to Tianying Jiuzhou. In June 2017, SAPPRFT issued a notice requiring us to suspend
our ifeng video and audio services due to our lack of Internet audio-visual program transmission license and certain commentary programs that violated
government regulations. While we have been able to continue our video and audio operation notwithstanding the notice by cooperating with SAPPRFT to
make the necessary changes to our ifeng video and audio services, complying with government regulation and continuing to improve the management and
operation of the ifeng video and audio business, we cannot assure you that we will not receive similar or other notices or be subject to other penalties or
disciplinary action from the relevant governmental authorities in the future regarding our dissemination of audio-visual programs through our PC websites,
mobile applications and mobile websites without such license. We cannot assure you that Tianying Jiuzhou will be able to obtain the Internet audio-visual
program transmission license. Based on the opinion of our PRC counsel, Zhong Lun Law Firm, due to Tianying Jiuzhou’s lack of an Internet audio-visual
program transmission license, the applicable local counterpart of NRTA may issue further warnings, order us to rectify our violating activity and impose
fines on us. In case of severe contravention as determined by NRTA or its applicable local counterpart in its discretion, the applicable local counterpart of
NRTA may ban the violating operations, seize our equipment in connection with such operations and impose a penalty of one to two times the amount of
the total investment in such operations. The banning of our paid mobile video services and video advertising services would materially and adversely affect
our business and operating results.
Our lack of an Internet news license may expose us to administrative sanctions, including an order to cease our Internet information services or to
cease the Internet access services provided by third parties to us. In 2019, approximately 88.9% of our total revenues were derived from Internet
information services and services that relied on Internet access services from third parties.
We are required to obtain an Internet news license from CAC for the dissemination of news through our PC websites, mobile applications and
mobile websites. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulatory Matters—Regulation of Internet News Dissemination.”
Tianying Jiuzhou submitted an application to the CAC to apply for the Internet news license when the relevant regulation came into effect and we have
been trying our best to obtain the license. However, as of the date of this annual report, the CAC has not issued an Internet news license to Tianying
Jiuzhou. Based on the opinion of our PRC counsel, Zhong Lun Law Firm, as a result of Tianying Jiuzhou’s lack of an Internet news license, the CAC or
applicable cyberspace administrator at the provincial level may order us to cease our Internet information services or to cease the Internet access services
provided by third parties to us and impose a fine on us of not more than RMB30,000. In 2019, approximately 88.9% of our total revenues were derived
from Internet information services and services that relied on Internet access services from third parties; and therefore if we are ordered to cease such
services, our business, financial condition and results of operation will be materially and adversely affected.
Failure to obtain NRTA’s approval for introducing and broadcasting foreign television programs could have a material adverse effect on our ability to
conduct our business.
Some of the video contents on our PC websites, mobile applications and mobile websites are foreign content. PRC law requires approval from
NRTA for introducing and broadcasting foreign television programs into China. In September 2004, SARFT promulgated certain regulations of the
Administrative Regulations on the Introduction and Broadcasting of Foreign Television Programs , pursuant to which only organizations designated by
SAPPRFT are qualified to apply to SAPPRFT or its authorized entities for the introduction or broadcasting of foreign television programs. In addition, on
July 6, 2004, SARFT issued the Measures for the Administration of Publication of Audio-Visual Programs through the Internet or Other Information
Networks , or the 2004 A/V Measures, which explicitly prohibit Internet service providers from broadcasting any foreign television program over an
information network and state that any violation may result in warnings, monetary penalties or, in severe cases, criminal liabilities. On
14
November 19, 2009, SARFT issued a notice which extended this prohibition to broadcasting over mobile phones. In December 2007 and March 2009,
however, SARFT issued two notices which provide that certain foreign audio-visual programs may be published through the Internet provided that certain
regulatory requirements have been met and certain permits have been obtained, thereby implying that the absolute restriction against broadcasting foreign
television programs on the Internet as set forth in the 2004 A/V Measures has been lifted. On April 25, 2016, SAPPRFT issued the Administrative
Provisions on Audio-Visual Program Services through Private Network and Targeted Communication , the 2016 A/V Provisions, which replaced the 2004
Internet A/V Measures. The 2016 A/V Provisions does not explicitly specify whether broadcasting foreign television program is permitted. See “Item 4.
Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulatory Matters—Regulation of Foreign Television Programs and Satellite Channels.” As of the
date of this annual report, we have not obtained an approval from NRTA for introducing and broadcasting foreign TV programs produced by certain foreign
TV stations in China. We have made oral inquiries with NRTA, and were orally informed that such operations do not violate the regulations on the
introduction and distribution of foreign TV programs. Therefore, there is considerable uncertainty as to whether we are permitted to transmit foreign
television programs through the online video services that we offer. If NRTA or its local branch requires us to obtain its approval for our introduction and
online broadcasting of overseas TV programs, we may not be able to obtain such approval in a timely manner or at all. Based on the opinion of our PRC
counsel, Zhong Lun Law Firm, in such case, the PRC government would have the power to, among other things, levy fines against us, confiscate our
income, order us to cease certain content service, or require us to temporarily or permanently discontinue the affected portion of our business.
Failure to obtain certain permits for our advertising services that contain drug-related information would subject us to penalties.
Entities in China are not allowed to provide drug-related or medical care information services online before obtaining an Internet Medicine
Information Service Qualification Certificate from the relevant local government agencies. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business
Overview—Regulatory Matters—Regulation of Certain Internet Content.” Certain of our advertising services contain drug-related information. We do not
currently have such certificate and we cannot assure you that we may be able to obtain the certificate. Without them, we may be subject to administrative
warnings, termination of any Internet drug-related services and online health diagnoses and treatment services on our PC websites, mobile applications and
mobile websites, and other penalties that are not clearly provided for in the relevant regulations.
If we fail to obtain or maintain all applicable permits and approvals , or fail to comply with PRC regulations, relating to Internet publishing services
and online games, our ability to conduct our digital reading business and online game business and certain other businesses could be affected and we
could be subject to penalties and other administrative sanctions.
According to PRC regulations regulating Internet publishing services and online games, the provision of online novels and online games is
deemed an Internet publication activity, therefore, a Network Publication Service License or a Network Publication Service License from State
Administration of Press and Publication, or SAPP (formerly the SAPPRFT) is also required to operate digital reading business and online game business in
China. In addition, pursuant to PRC regulations regulating online games, online games (including mobile games) are categorized as a type of “online
cultural product”. Therefore, in order to operate an online game business, an operator should obtain an Online Culture Operating Permit from the MCT
(with a business scope covering operation of online games). Furthermore, pursuant to the Provisional Measures on the Administration of Online Games
promulgated by the MCT on June 3, 2010 and was amended on December 15, 2017, an online mobile games operator should make a filing with the MCT
in respect of each domestic game within 30 days of commencing operations, and each online game must be screened by SAPPRFT by way of an approval
process before it is first published and made publicly available. However, in May 2019, the General Office of the MCT released the Notice on Adjusting the
Scope of Examination and Approval regarding the Internet Culture Operation License to Further Regulate the Approval Work , which specifies that the
MCT no longer assumes the responsibility for administering the industry of online games . Furthermore, on July 10, 2019, the MCT issued the Decision on
the Abolition of the Provisional Measures on Administration of Online Games and the Administrative Measures for Tourism Development Plan , which
specifies that the Provisional Measures on the Administration of Online Games was repealed by the MCT on July 10, 2019. As of the date of this annual
report, no laws, regulations or official guidelines have been promulgated regarding whether the responsibility of MCT for regulating online games will be
undertaken by another governmental department. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulatory Matters—Regulation of
Online Cultural Activities, Online Games and Internet Music.”
As of the date of this annual report, Tianying Jiuzhou has obtained an Internet Publication License from SAPP with respect to books and
periodicals published on the Internet, including the mobile Internet, and online and mobile games. However, none of Fengyu Network, Yitian Xindong,
Yifeng Lianhe and Huanyou Tianxia has obtained an Internet Publication License or a Network Publication Service License. We license almost all of our
online and mobile games from other game operators and share profits with these game operators and we require these game operators to obtain the requisite
approvals from SAPP. In 2019, approximately 12.1% of our total revenues were derived from digital reading business and online game business.
We cannot assure you that (i) Fengyu Network, Yitian Xindong, Yifeng Lianhe and Huanyou Tianxia can obtain a Network Publication Service
License to operate digital reading business and online game business; or (ii) we or such game operators can obtain all the required approvals and complete
the relevant filing procedures with the relevant government authorities for each game we operate in a timely manner or at all. If the relevant authority
determines that we are in violation of the relevant laws and regulations
15
regarding Internet publishing services or online games, it would have the power to, among other things, levy fines against us, confiscate our income and
require us to discontinue our digital reading or online game business. In addition, if we were deemed to be in violation of the relevant laws and regulations
regarding Internet publishing services or online games, SAPP would have the ability to withdraw the Internet Publication License that the government
authorities granted to Tianying Jiuzhou on April 15, 2011, which may affect, directly or indirectly, our ability to conduct our online digital reading services
and game services.
In addition, the MCT and the Ministry of Commerce, or MOFCOM, jointly issued in 2009 the Notice on Strengthening the Administration of
Online Game Virtual Currency , or the Virtual Currency Notice, which requires online game operators to report the total amount of their issued virtual
currency on a quarterly basis, and game operators are prohibited from issuing disproportionate amounts of virtual currency in order to generate revenues.
The Virtual Currency Notice also reiterates that virtual currency can only be provided to users in exchange for an RMB payment and can only be used to
pay for virtual goods and services of the issuers. We provide extra free virtual currencies to game users as they buy virtual currencies, which is not in
compliance with the Virtual Currency Notice. Therefore, we may be ordered to remedy such noncompliance within the timeframe specified by the MCT or
MOFCOM. If we fail to remedy any noncompliance within the specified timeframe, the MCT and MOFCOM would have the power to, among other
things, levy fines against us, confiscate our income and order us to cease certain services.
Our business and operating results may be harmed by service disruptions, or by our failure to timely and effectively scale and adapt our existing
technology and infrastructure.
The continual accessibility of our PC websites, mobile applications and mobile websites and the performance and reliability of our network
infrastructure are critical to our reputation and our ability to attract and retain users, advertisers and partners. Any system failure or performance
inadequacy that causes interruptions in the availability of our services or increases the response time of our services could reduce our appeal to users and
consumers. Factors that could significantly disrupt our operations include system failures and outages caused by fire, floods, earthquakes, power loss, and
telecommunications failures and similar events. Despite we have endeavored efforts to implement network security measures to our systems, it may also be
vulnerable to computer viruses, break-ins and similar disruptions from unauthorized tampering, and security breaches related to the storage and
transmission of proprietary information, such as personal information. If we were to suffer a sustained system failure or an extended decline in performance
that interrupts or reduces speed of access to our services, our reputation may be harmed, we may fail to attract or retain users, advertisers and partners, and
our business and operating results may be harmed as a result.
Security breaches or computer virus attacks could have a material adverse effect on our business prospects and operating results.
Any significant breach of security of our products could significantly harm our business, reputation and operating results. We have in the past
experienced security breaches by third parties, including redirecting our user traffic to other websites, and we were able to rectify the security breaches
without significant impact to our operations. However, we cannot assure you that our IT systems will be completely secure from future security breaches or
computer virus attacks. Anyone who is able to circumvent our security measures could misappropriate proprietary information, including the personal
information of our users. To cope with these circumventions, we have (i) organized a professional technical team in cyber security, who are experts in
devising cyber security strategies, conducting security audits of operating source code, tracking and analyzing risks, and solving technology related
troubles, (ii) communicated closely with several external security organizations, to acquire zero-day vulnerability information, (iii) purchased third-party
security services, including vulnerability scanning services, and penetration and vulnerability testing every three years. Although we have already taken
such measures, any circumvention of these security measures may still cause interruptions in our operations or damage our brand image and reputation,
which could have a material adverse effect on our business prospects and operating results.
New technologies could block our advertisements, desktop clients and mobile applications and may enable technical measures that could limit our
traffic growth and new monetization opportunities.
Technologies have been developed that can disable the display of our advertisements and that provide tools to users to opt out of our advertising
products. Most of our revenues are derived from fees paid to us by advertisers in connection with the display of advertisements on webpages to our users.
In addition, our traffic growth is significantly dependent on content viewing via mobile devices, such as smart phones and tablets. Technologies and tools
for PCs and mobile devices, such as operating systems, Internet browsers, anti-virus software and other applications, as well as mobile application
download stores could set up technical measures to direct away Internet traffic, require a fee for the download of our products or block our products all
together, which could adversely affect our overall traffic and ability to monetize our services.
If we fail to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting, our ability to accurately and timely report our financial results in accordance
with U.S. GAAP may be materially and adversely affected. In addition, investor confidence in us and the market price of our ADSs may decline
significantly.
We are subject to reporting obligations under U.S. securities laws. Among other things, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission,
or the SEC, as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or Section 404, adopted
16
rules requiring every public company, including us, to include a report from management on the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting
in its annual report on Form 20-F starting in the annual report for its second fiscal year as a public company. In addition, beginning at the same time, an
independent registered public accounting firm must attest to and report on the effectiveness of such public company’s internal control over financial
reporting. We were subject to these requirements for the first time with respect to our annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31,
2012.
As of December 31, 2019, our management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting is effective. See “Item 15. Controls
and Procedures—Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.” Our independent registered public accounting firm has
issued an attestation report, which has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting is effective as of December 31, 2019.
However, we may not be able to always maintain an effective internal control over financial reporting for a variety of reasons. Among others, we
are based in China, an emerging market where the overall internal control environment may not be as strong as in more established countries. If we fail to
maintain effective internal control over financial reporting in the future, our management and our independent registered public accounting firm may not be
able to conclude that we have effective internal control over financial reporting at a reasonable assurance level. This could in turn result in the loss of
investor confidence in the reliability of our financial statements and negatively impact the trading price of our ADSs. Furthermore, we have incurred and
anticipate that we will continue to incur considerable costs, management time and other resources in an effort to maintain compliance with Section 404 and
other requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
We may experience continued decline in demand for our MVAS business and any expected economic benefits from this business may not be realized.
In 2017, 2018 and 2019, revenues from our MVAS accounted for 7.4%, 4.9% and 1.2%, respectively, of our total revenues, due to lower demand
from mobile users. For more information about our MVAS, see “Item 4. Information of the Company — B. Business Overview — Our Channels—Our
Operations with the Telecom Operators.” In addition, we cannot assure you that we will be successful in developing our MVAS business. Due to the
uncertainties of our MVAS business and the MVAS industry in China, we may experience continued decline in demand for our MVAS business, and we
expect that our MVAS business will contribute to an even smaller proportion of our future revenues. Any further decline in this business could have a
negative impact on our business, financial condition and operating results.
Our quarterly revenues and operating results may fluctuate, which makes our operating results difficult to predict and may cause our quarterly
operating results to fall short of expectations.
Our quarterly revenues and operating results have fluctuated in the past and may continue to fluctuate depending upon a number of factors, many
of which are out of our control. For these reasons, comparing our operating results on a period-to-period basis may not be meaningful, and you should not
rely on our past results as an indication of our future performance. Our quarterly and annual revenues and costs and expenses as a percentage of our
revenues may be significantly different from our historical or projected rates. Our operating results in future quarters may fall below expectations. Any of
these events could cause the price of our ADSs to fall. Other factors that may affect our financial results include, among others:
•
•
•
•
•
•
China macro-economic conditions;
our ability to maintain and increase user traffic;
our ability to attract and retain advertisers;
changes in the policies of mobile operators;
changes in government policies or regulations, or their enforcement; and
geopolitical events or natural disasters such as war, threat of war, earthquake or epidemics.
Our operating results tend to be seasonal. For instance, we may generate less revenue from brand advertising sales and paid services revenues
during national holidays in China, in particular during the Chinese New Year holidays in the first quarter of each year. We may have higher net advertising
revenues during the fourth quarter of each year primarily due to greater advertising spending by our advertisers near the end of the year when they spend
the remaining portions of their annual budgets. In addition, advertising spending in China has historically been cyclical, reflecting overall economic
conditions as well as the budgeting and buying patterns of our customers.
17
Our affiliated consolidated entities and their respective shareholders do not own all the trademarks used in their value-added telecommunications
services, which may subject them to revocation of their licenses or other penalties or sanctions.
Pursuant to the Notice on Strengthening the Administration of Foreign Investment in Value-added Telecommunications Services issued on July 13,
2006 by MIIT, or the MIIT 2006 Notice, domestic telecommunications service providers are prohibited from leasing, transferring or selling
telecommunications business operating licenses to any foreign investors in any form, or providing any resources, sites or facilities to any foreign investors
for their operation of telecommunications businesses in China. According to the MIIT 2006 Notice, the holder of a value-added telecommunications
business operating license, or ICP License, or its shareholders must directly own the domain names and trademarks used in their value-added
telecommunications business operations. After the promulgation of the MIIT 2006 Notice in July 2006, the MIIT issued a subsequent notice in
October 2006, or the MIIT October Notice, urging value-added telecommunication service operators to conduct self-examination regarding any
noncompliance with the MIIT 2006 Notice prior to November 1, 2006. Pursuant to the MIIT October Notice, ICP License-holders who were not in
compliance with the MIIT 2006 Notice were allowed to submit a self-correction report to the local provincial-level branch of MIIT by November 20, 2006.
Tianying Jiuzhou and Yifeng Lianhe are currently engaged in the provision of value-added telecommunications services and each of them has
obtained ICP Licenses from MIIT or its local counterpart in Beijing. In addition, Tianying Jiuzhou owns our material domain names, including ifeng.com,
and, as of March 31, 2020, owned six registered trademarks that were transferred to it from Phoenix Satellite Television Trademark Limited. Yifeng Lianhe
owned 19 registered trademarks, and Tianying Jiuzhou and Yifeng Lianhe continue to use certain of Phoenix TV’s logos that are licensed from Phoenix
Satellite Television Trademark Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Phoenix TV, in their value-added telecommunications services. Therefore, we are not
currently in compliance with the MIIT 2006 Notice.
We have designed propriety logos for use in the respective businesses of Tianying Jiuzhou and Yifeng Lianhe. As of March 31, 2020, Tianying
Jiuzhou owned 445 PRC registered trademarks, six of which were transferred from Phoenix Satellite Trademark Limited, and Yifeng Lianhe owned 19
PRC registered trademarks. In addition, Tianying Jiuzhou had submitted 242 registration applications relating to 57 logo designs to the PRC Trademark
Office. Despite our having registered many trademarks used in our value-added telecommunications business operations, we may continue to use certain of
Phoenix TV’s logos that are licensed from Phoenix Satellite Television Trademark Limited.
Although neither of our affiliated consolidated entities has been required by the MIIT or its local counterpart to obtain and hold the ownership of
the relevant trademarks related to our value-added telecommunications services to date, the provincial-level counterpart of MIIT may enforce the MIIT
2006 Notice on our affiliated consolidated entities. In such case, the provincial-level counterpart of MIIT could order our affiliated consolidated entities to
own the registered trademarks used in their value-added telecommunications business within a specified period of time. We do not have knowledge about
the period of time that MIIT would provide us to complete the necessary remediation measures. We are also not aware that since issuing the MIIT
October Notice, MIIT has promulgated any additional notices or guidelines with respect to timelines for self-examination or remediation of noncompliance
with the MIIT 2006 Notice. Moreover, the MIIT October Notice does not specify how much time the MIIT allows for ICP License-holders to remedy their
noncompliance issues. If we fail to remedy any noncompliance within the time frame specified by the provincial counterpart of MIIT, the relevant
governmental authority would have the discretion to revoke our affiliated consolidated entities’ licenses for value-added telecommunications or subject
them to other penalties or sanctions, which would have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects.
We may be adversely affected by the complexity, uncertainties and changes in PRC regulation of Internet businesses and companies, including
limitations on our ability to own key assets, such as our PC websites, mobile applications and mobile websites.
The Chinese government heavily regulates the Internet industry, including foreign investment in the Chinese Internet industry, content on the
Internet and license and permit requirements for service providers in the Internet industry. Since some of the laws, regulations and legal requirements with
respect to the Internet are relatively new and evolving, their interpretation and enforcement involve significant uncertainties. In addition, the Chinese legal
system is based on written statutes and so that prior court decisions can only be cited for reference and have little precedential value. As a result, in many
cases it is difficult to determine what actions or
18
omissions may result in liabilities. Issues, risks and uncertainties relating to China’s government regulation of the Chinese Internet sector include the
following:
•
•
•
•
We operate our PC websites, mobile applications and mobile websites in China through contractual arrangements due to restrictions on
foreign investment in businesses providing value-added telecommunication services, including substantially all of our paid services and
advertising services.
Uncertainties relating to the regulation of the Internet business in China, including evolving licensing practices, give rise to the risk that some
of our permits, licenses or operations may be subject to challenge, which may be disruptive to our business, subject us to sanctions or require
us to increase capital, compromise the enforceability of relevant contractual arrangements, or have other adverse effects on us. The numerous
and often vague restrictions on acceptable content in China subject us to potential civil and criminal liability, temporary blockage of our PC
websites, mobile applications and mobile websites or complete shut-down of the above-mentioned sites. For example, the State Secrecy
Bureau, which is directly responsible for the protection of state secrets of all Chinese government and Chinese Communist Party
organizations, is authorized to block any websites or mobile applications it deems to be leaking state secrets or failing to meet the relevant
regulations relating to the protection of state secrets in the distribution of online information. In addition, the newly amended Law on
Preservation of State Secrets which became effective on October 1, 2010 provides that whenever an Internet service provider detects any
leakage of state secrets in the distribution of online information, it should stop the distribution of such information and report to the
authorities of state security and public security. As per request of the authorities of state security, public security or state secrecy, the Internet
service provider should delete any contents on its websites or mobile applications that may lead to disclosure of state secrets. Failure to do so
on a timely and adequate basis may subject the service provider to liability and certain penalties imposed by the State Security Bureau,
Ministry of Public Security and/or MIIT or their respective local counterparts.
Under the Cyber Security Law of the People’s Republic of China, or Cyber Security Law, which became effective on June 1, 2017, when
network operators, such as us, provide users with information publication services, instant messaging services and other services, they shall
require users to provide real identity information at the time of signing agreements with users or confirming the provision of services. Where
users do not provide real identify information, network operators shall not provide them with relevant services. If network operators fail to
comply with these requirements, relevant competent authorities may order the operators to rectify, and if they fail to rectify or if the
circumstances are serious, a fine may be imposed, and the relevant competent authorities may order the operators to suspend operation, close
down the website, and revoke their relevant business permits and licenses; and a fine of no less than RMB10,000 but no more than
RMB100,000 may be imposed on the persons directly in charge and other directly responsible persons.
On September 28, 2009, the General Administration of Press and Publication (the predecessor of SAPPRFT), or GAPP and the National
Office of Combating Pornography and Illegal Publications jointly published a circular expressly prohibiting foreign investors from
participating in Internet game operating business via wholly owned, equity joint venture or cooperative joint venture investments in China,
and from controlling and participating in such businesses directly or indirectly through contractual or technical support arrangements. On
February 4, 2016, the SAPPRFT and the MIIT jointly issued the Administrative Measures on Network Publication, which took effect in
March 10, 2016 and prohibit wholly foreign-owned enterprises, Sino-foreign equity joint ventures and Sino-foreign cooperative enterprises
from engaging in the provision of web publishing services. In addition, project cooperation between an Internet publishing service provider
and a wholly foreign-owned enterprise, Sino-foreign equity joint venture, or Sino-foreign cooperative enterprise within China or an overseas
organization or individual involving Internet publishing services shall be subject to examination and approval by the SAPPRFT in advance.
Due to the increasing popularity and use of the Internet and other online services, it is possible that a number of laws and regulations may be
adopted with respect to the Internet or other online services covering issues such as user privacy, pricing, content, copyrights, distribution, antitrust and
characteristics and quality of products and services. The adoption of additional laws or regulations may impede the growth of the Internet or other online
services, which could, in turn, decrease the demand for our products and services and increase our cost of doing business. Moreover, the applicability to the
Internet and other online services of existing laws in various jurisdictions governing issues such as property ownership, sales and other taxes, libel and
personal privacy is uncertain and may take years to resolve. Any new legislation or regulation, the application of laws and regulations from jurisdictions
whose laws do not currently apply to our business, or the application of existing laws and regulations to the Internet and other online services could
significantly disrupt our operations or subject us to penalties.
The interpretation and application of existing PRC laws, regulations and policies, the stated positions of relevant PRC government authorities and
possible new laws, regulations or policies have created substantial uncertainties regarding the legality of existing and future foreign investments in, and the
businesses and activities of, Internet businesses in China, including our business.
19
The Chinese government may prevent us from advertising or distributing content, including UGC, that it believes is inappropriate and we may be
subject to penalties for such content or we may have to interrupt or stop the operation of our PC websites, mobile applications and mobile websites.
China has enacted regulations governing Internet access and the distribution of news and other information. In the past, the Chinese government
has stopped the distribution of information over the Internet or through mobile Internet devices that it believes violates Chinese law, including content that
it believes is obscene or defamatory, incites violence, endangers the national security, or contravenes the national interest. In addition, certain news items,
such as news relating to national security, may not be published without permission from the Chinese government. If the Chinese government were to take
any action to limit or prohibit the distribution of information through our PC websites, mobile applications and mobile websites, or through our services, or
to limit or regulate any current or future content or services available to users on our network, our business could be significantly harmed.
In addition to professionally produced content, content from Phoenix TV and our in-house produced content, we allow our users to upload text
and images (UGC) to our PC websites, mobile applications and mobile websites. We have a content screening team of five employees and more than 300
outsourced staff members who are responsible for monitoring and preventing the public release of inappropriate or illegal content, including UGC, on our
PC websites, mobile applications and mobile websites or through our services. Although we have adopted internal procedures to monitor the content
displayed on our PC websites, mobile applications and mobile websites, due to the significant amount of UGC uploaded by our users, we may not be able
to identify all the UGC that may violate relevant laws and regulations. Failure to identify and prevent inappropriate or illegal content from being displayed
on our PC websites, mobile applications and mobile websites may subject us to liability.
Content provided on our PC websites, mobile applications and mobile websites may expose us to libel or other legal claims which may result in costly
legal damages.
Claims have been threatened and filed against alleging for libel, defamation, invasion of privacy and other matters based on the nature and
content of the materials posted on our PC websites, mobile applications and mobile websites. While we screen our content for such potential liability, there
is no assurance that our screening process will identify all potential liability, especially liability arising from UGC and content we license from third parties.
In the past, some of the claims brought against us have resulted in liability. Although to date none of such claims resulting material loss, we cannot assure
you we will not be subject to future claims that could be costly, encourage similar lawsuits, distract our management team or harm our reputation and
possibly our business. For more information, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Legal and Administrative Proceedings.”
Advertisements on our PC websites, mobile applications and mobile websites may subject us to penalties and other administrative actions.
Under PRC advertising laws and regulations, we are obligated to monitor the advertising content shown on our PC websites, mobile applications
and mobile websites to ensure that such content is true, accurate and in full compliance with applicable laws and regulations. In addition, where a special
government review is required for specific types of advertisements prior to websites or mobile application posting, such as advertisements relating to
medical treatment, pharmaceuticals, medical instruments, agrochemicals, veterinary pharmaceuticals and health food, we are obligated to confirm that such
review has been performed and approval has been obtained from relevant governmental authorities, which include the local branch of the State
Administration for Market Regulation (formerly known as the State Administration for Industry and Commerce), or SAMR, the local branch of the
National Health Commission and the local branch of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine. On April 24, 2015, the Standing Committee
of the National People’s Congress issued the Advertisement Law, which took effect on September 1, 2015 and was amended on October 26, 2018, to
further strengthen the supervision and management of advertisement services. In addition, on July 4, 2016, the State Administration of Industry and
Commerce, or SAIC issued the Interim Measures for the Administration of Internet Advertising, the New Interim Measures , to further regulate Internet
advertising activities. Pursuant to these laws and regulations, any advertisement that contains false or misleading information to deceive or mislead
consumers shall be deemed false advertising. Furthermore, the Advertisement Law explicitly stipulates detailed requirements for the content of several
different kinds of advertisement, including advertisements for medical treatment, pharmaceuticals, medical instruments, health food, alcoholic drinks,
education or training, products or services having an expected return on investment, real estate, pesticides, feed and feed additives, and some other
agriculture-related advertisement. Also, according to the New Interim Measures, no advertisement of such special commodities or services which are
subject to examination by an advertising examination authority shall be published unless it has passed such examination. In addition, an Internet
advertisement shall be identifiable and clearly identified as an “advertisement” so that consumers will know that it is an advertisement. Paid search
advertisements shall be clearly distinguished from natural search results. We may be subject to enhanced supervision and more serious penalties in case of a
violation (if any) pursuant to such new Advertisement Law and the New Interim Measures. To fulfill these monitoring functions, we include clauses in
most of our advertising contracts requiring that all advertising content provided by advertisers must comply with relevant laws and regulations. Pursuant to
the contracts between us and advertising agencies, advertising agencies are liable for all damages to us caused by their breach of such representations.
Before a sale is confirmed and the advertisement is publicly posted on our PC websites or mobile
20
applications and mobile websites, our account execution personnel, who comprise a separate back-office team, are required to review all advertising
materials to ensure there is no racial, violent, pornographic or any other improper content, and will request the advertiser to provide proof of governmental
approval if the advertisement is subject to special government review. Violation of these laws and regulations may subject us to penalties, including fines,
confiscation of our advertising income, orders to cease dissemination of the advertisements and orders to eliminate the effect of illegal advertisement. PRC
governmental authorities may even force us to terminate our advertising operation or revoke our licenses in circumstances involving serious violations.
A majority of the advertisements shown on our PC websites, mobile applications and mobile websites are provided to us by third-party
advertising agencies on behalf of advertisers. We cannot assure you that all of the content contained in such advertisements is true and accurate as required
by the advertising laws and regulations. For example, the Advertisement Law provides that an advertisement operator who posts false or fraudulent
advertisements related to the life and health of the consumers, or who knows or should have known other kind of posted advertisement is false or
fraudulent will be subject to joint and several liabilities. The New Interim Measures provides that Internet advertisement publishers shall verify related
supporting documents, check the contents of the advertisement and be prohibited from publishing any advertisement with nonconforming contents or
without all the necessary certification documents. However, for the determination of the truth and accuracy of the advertisements, there are no
implementing rules or official interpretations, and such a determination is at the sole discretion of the relevant local branch of the SAMR, which results in
uncertainty in the application of these laws and regulations. If we are found to be in violation of applicable PRC advertising laws and regulations in the
future, we may be subject to penalties and our reputation may be harmed, which may have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial
condition, operating results and prospects.
In addition, online information distributors and related service providers, as well as marketplace platform operators, are required to conduct
businesses in full compliance with the Anti-unfair Competition Law in China, and may not unfairly compete with others or cause disruption to social and
economic orders, including but not limited to carrying out any false or misleading commercial promotions, inserting a link into an online product or service
legally provided by another business operator to compel a destination jump without the approval of such business operator. In November 2017, the Anti-
unfair Competition Law of the PRC was amended, which further emphasized that a business operator that engage in production and business activities
utilizing the information network shall abide by all the provisions of the Anti-unfair Competition Law, and may not engage in any false or misleading
publicity for its products or services. Violation of these provisions may subject the relevant business operators to various penalties, including an order from
the competent governmental authorities to cease its illegal acts and fines, or in case of a severe violation, revocation of business licenses.
Ineffective implementation of the separation of our advertising sales and regulatory compliance functions may result in insufficient supervision over
the content of advertisements shown on our PC websites, mobile applications and mobile websites and may subject us to penalties or administrative
actions.
We keep our advertising sales function separate from our team that is in charge of government compliance in order to prevent potential conflicts
between our advertising business and our compliance with relevant PRC advertising laws and regulations. Before a sale is confirmed and the relevant
advertisements are publicly posted on our PC websites, mobile applications and mobile websites, our account execution personnel, who comprise a
separate back-office team that does not interface directly with advertisers, are required to review all advertising materials to ensure that the relevant
advertisements do not contain any racial, violent, pornographic or any other improper content. These personnel will request an advertiser to provide proof
of governmental approval if its advertisement is subject to special governmental review. Such procedures are designed to enhance our regulatory
compliance efforts. However, in the event that the separation of advertising sales and regulatory compliance functions is not effectively implemented, the
content of our advertisements may not be in full compliance with applicable laws and regulations. If we are found to be in violation of applicable laws and
regulations in the future, we may be subject to penalties and our reputation may be harmed. This may have a material and adverse effect on our business,
financial condition and operating results.
We prioritize product innovation and user experience over short-term operating results, which may harm our revenue and operating results.
We encourage employees to quickly develop and help us launch new and innovative features. We focus on improving the user experience for our
products and services and on developing new and improved products and services for the advertisers on our platforms. We frequently make product and
service decisions that may negatively impact our short-term operating results if we believe that the decisions are consistent with our goals to improve user
experience and performance for advertisers, which we believe will improve our operating results over the long term. These decisions may not be consistent
with the short-term expectations of investors and may not produce the long-term benefits that we expect, in which case our user growth and user
engagement, our relationships with advertisers and our business and operating results could be harmed. In addition, our focus on user experience may
negatively impact our relationships with our existing or prospective customers. This could result in a loss of customers and platforms partners, which could
harm our revenue and operating results.
21
The continuing and collaborative efforts of our senior management, key employees and other employees are crucial to our success, and our business
may be harmed if we were to lose their services.
Our success depends on the continuous efforts and services of Mr. Shuang Liu, our director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Edward Lu, our
Chief Financial Officer, Ms. Xiaoyan Chi, our director and Senior Vice President and Mr. Chun Liu, our Senior Vice President. If, however, one or more of
our executives or other key personnel are unable or unwilling to continue to provide services to us, we may not be able to find suitable replacements easily
or at all. Competition for management and key personnel is intense and the pool of qualified candidates is limited. We may not be able to retain the services
of our executives or key personnel, or attract and retain experienced executives or key personnel in the future. We do not maintain key-man life insurance
for any of our key personnel. If any of our executive officers or key employees joins a competitor or forms a competing company, we may lose advertisers,
know-how and key professionals and staff members. Each of our executive officers and key employees has entered into an employment agreement and a
non-compete agreement with us. However, if any dispute arises between us and our executives or key employees, these agreements may not be enforceable
in China, where these executives and key employees reside, in light of uncertainties with China’s legal system. See “—Risks Relating to Doing Business in
China—Uncertainties with respect to the PRC legal system could limit the protections available to you and us.”
Our future success will also depend on our ability to attract and retain highly skilled technical, managerial, editorial, finance, marketing, sales and
customer service employees. Qualified individuals are in high demand, and we may not be able to successfully attract, assimilate or retain the personnel we
need to succeed.
We have granted, and may continue to grant, stock options, restricted shares and restricted share units under our share incentive plans or adopt new
share incentive plans in the future, which may result in increased share-based compensation.
We adopted a share option plan in June 2008, a restricted share and restricted share unit plan in March 2011 and a share option scheme in
June 2018. In addition, one of our subsidiaries, Fread Limited, adopted a restricted share unit scheme in March 2018. Another subsidiary of our company,
Yitian Xindong, also adopted an option scheme in December 2018. As of March 31, 2020, options to purchase 41,819,000 Class A ordinary shares were
granted under the 2008 share option plan and the 2018 share option scheme were outstanding. As of March 31, 2020, a total of 920,000 restricted shares of
Fread Limited were granted, and 5,461,293 options of Yitian Xindong were granted. See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—B.
Compensation of Directors, Supervisors and Executive Directors—Share Incentive Plans.” For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019, we
recorded RMB20.9 million, RMB14.0 million and RMB20.2 million (US$2.9 million), respectively, in share-based compensation. We believe the granting
of share-based awards is of significant importance to our ability to attract and retain key personnel and employees, and we will continue to grant stock
options to employees in the future. We intend to grant additional stock options to our employees going forward, and we may implement additional option
exchange program in the future, which we expect will further increase our share-based compensation. If we continue to grant share options in the future,
our share-based compensation will increase accordingly.
We have been and expect we will continue to be exposed to intellectual property infringement and other claims, including claims based on content
posted on our PC websites, mobile applications and mobile websites, which could be time-consuming and costly to defend and may result in substantial
damage awards and/or court orders that may prevent us from continuing to provide certain of our existing services.
Our success depends, in large part, on our ability to operate our business without infringing third-party rights, including third-party intellectual
property rights. Companies in the Internet, technology and media industries own, and are seeking to obtain, a large number of patents, copyrights,
trademarks and trade secrets, and they are frequently involved in litigation based on allegations of infringement or other violations of intellectual property
rights or other related legal rights. There may be patents issued or pending that are held by others that cover significant aspects of our technologies,
products, business methods or services. We license our premium licensed content from third parties. We also derive profits from online and mobile games
that are based on intellectual property licensed to us by third parties. Although our license agreements with our licensors generally require that the licensors
have the legal right to license such content to us and give us the right to promptly remove any content that we have been notified contains infringing
material, we cannot ensure that each licensor has such authorization and we may not receive notification of infringement. If any purported licensor does not
actually have sufficient authorization relating to the premium licensed content or right to license a work of authorship provided to us, we may be subject to
claims of copyright infringement from third parties and penalties imposed by competent government authorities, and we cannot ensure we can be fully
indemnified by the relevant licensor for all losses we may incur from such claims.
In order to strengthen the protection of intellectual property right, Chinese government and courts are improving the judicial system for resolving
intellectual property disputes in China. As intellectual property litigation is becoming more common in China, we face increased risk of being sued for
potential intellectual property infringements. Third parties may take action and file claims against us if they believe that certain content on our site violates
their copyrights or other related legal rights. We have been subject to such claims in the PRC. Government authorities may also impose administrative
penalties on us if they find that we have infringed third parties’ intellectual property rights. In October 2015, the National Copyright Bureau imposed a fine
of RMB250,000 on Tianying Jiuzhou for disseminating on our PC websites, mobile applications and mobile websites one work of literature that we
licensed from third parties that were alleged to have no legal rights to license such work. In November 2016, China Youth Book Inc. and Dewey
22
Press LLC filed a claim against Tianying Jiuzhou and our company for intellectual property infringement of such work based on the above-mentioned
finding of the National Copyright Bureau, and the related claim for damage was approximately RMB235.8 million, even though the actual income we
generated from such work was less than RMB1,500. This claim was withdrawn by the plaintiffs in January 2018. In April 2018, we received notices from
the local court that the plaintiffs have filed a lawsuit against us again for the same claim, with the related claim for damages reduced to approximately
RMB99.8 million. In April 2020, we received the judgment from the local court which ordered us to pay the plaintiffs a total of approximately RMB1.0
million as economic compensation and reimbursement of the plaintiff’s reasonable expenses. As of the date of this annual report, the time limit for lodging
an appeal against the judgment has not expired yet and we cannot assure you that the plaintiffs or we will not appeal the judgm ent. Therefore, the final
outcome of this case is still not known yet . In 2019, we also received some complaints and claims from third parties alleging intellectual property
infringements by us, although some of the complainants have not provided necessary proofs of title or infringements. While we are negotiating with theses
complainants and some of these claims are still pending as of the date of this annual report, we cannot assure you that we will not be proved to have
infringed their intellectual property rights or be required to pay any compensation. For more information, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—B.
Business Overview—Legal and Administrative Proceedings.”
In addition, our platforms are open to Internet users for uploading text and images and our we-media vertical obtained content produced by a
large number of we-media publishers, such as we-media outlets, public intellectual, commentators, scholars, key opinion leaders, or KOLs and professors.
As a result, content posted by our users, including we-media publishers and other Internet users, may expose us to allegations by third parties of
infringement of intellectual property rights, invasion of privacy, defamation and other violations of third-party rights. Pursuant to our user agreement, users
agree not to use our services in a way that is illegal, obscene or may otherwise violate generally accepted codes of ethics. However, given the volume of
content uploaded it is not possible, and we do not attempt to identify and remove all potentially infringing content uploaded or published by our users,
which may subject us to various claims by third parties.
Moreover, as we continue to hire additional personnel to expand our product development teams, we may be subject to allegations and claims that
some of our new employees may have disclosed trade secrets or other proprietary information of their former employers to us, especially when such
employees were previously employed by our competitors or companies with similar businesses as ours. Any such allegation or claim, even if unfounded,
could have a negative impact on our reputation, and our financial condition and operating results may suffer as a result.
We cannot assure you that we have not become subject to copyright laws in other jurisdictions, such as the United States, by virtue of our listing
in the United States, the ability of users to access our videos in the United States and other jurisdictions, the ownership of our ADSs by investors, the
extraterritorial application of foreign law by foreign courts or otherwise. Although we have not previously been subject to legal actions for copyright
infringement in jurisdictions other than China, it is possible that we may be subject to such claims in the future. Any such claims in China, U.S., or
elsewhere, regardless of their merit, could be time-consuming and costly to defend, and may result in litigation and divert management’s attention and
resources. Furthermore, an adverse determination in any such litigation or proceedings to which we may become a party in China, U.S. or elsewhere could
cause us to pay substantial damages. For example, statutory damage awards in the U.S. can range from US$750 to US$30,000 per infringement, and if the
infringement is found to be intentional, can be as high as US$150,000 per infringement. Additionally, the risk of an adverse determination in such litigation
or an actual adverse determination may result in harm to our reputation or in adverse publicity. The risk of an adverse result or the actual adverse result in
litigation may also require us to seek licenses from third parties, pay ongoing royalties or become subject to injunctions requiring us to remove content or
take other steps to prevent infringement, each of which could prevent us from pursuing some or all of our business and result in our users and advertisers or
potential users and advertising customers deferring or limiting their use of our services, which could materially and adversely affect our financial condition
and operating results.
We may not be able to adequately protect our intellectual property, which could cause us to be less competitive.
We rely on a combination of copyright, trademark and trade secret laws and restrictions on disclosure to protect our intellectual property rights.
Despite our efforts to protect our proprietary rights, unauthorized parties may attempt to copy or otherwise obtain and use our copyrighted content and
other intellectual property. Monitoring such unauthorized use is difficult and costly, and we cannot be certain that the steps we have taken will prevent
misappropriation. From time to time, we may have to resort to litigation to enforce our intellectual property rights, which could result in substantial costs
and diversion of our resources. The PRC is increasing the protection to a company’s intellectual property, but has historically afforded less protection than
the United States and the Cayman Islands, and therefore companies such as ours operating in the PRC face an increased risk of intellectual property piracy.
23
The discontinuation of any of the preferential tax treatments available to us in China could materially and adversely affect our operating results and
financial condition.
Under PRC tax laws and regulations, our PRC subsidiary, Beijing Fenghuang Yutian Software Technology Co., Ltd., or Fenghuang Yutian,
Beijing Fenghuang Borui Software Technology Co., Ltd., or Fenghuang Borui, Fenghuang On-line and Tianying Jiuzhou enjoyed, or are qualified to enjoy,
certain preferential income tax benefits. The PRC Corporate Income Taxes Law (“CIT Law”) , effective on January 1, 2008, further amended on
February 24, 2017 and December 29, 2018, and as well as its implementation rules, all significantly curtail tax incentives granted to foreign-invested
enterprises. The CIT Law generally applies an income tax rate of 25% to all enterprises, but grants preferential tax treatment to High and New Technology
Enterprises (“HNTEs”) and Software Enterprises. Under these preferential tax treatments, HNTEs are entitled to an income tax rate of 15%, subject to a
requirement that they re-apply for HNTE status every three years and Software Enterprises are entitled to an income tax exemption for two years beginning
from its first profitable year and a 50% reduction to a rate of 12.5% for the subsequent three years.
Fenghuang On-line had been qualified as an HNTE in November 2014 and August 2017, respectively, and was entitled to a preferential tax rate
of 15%. Therefore, Fenghuang On-line was subject to a 15% income tax rate for the years from 2017 to 2019. Tianying Jiuzhou resubmitted applications
for qualification and was approved as an HNTE in 2014 and 2017, respectively, and therefore, Tianying Jiuzhou was subject to a 15% income tax rate from
2017 to 2019. In 2012, Fenghuang Yutian was qualified as a Software Enterprise. As 2013 was the first year Fenghuang Yutian generated taxable profit, it
was exempted from income taxes for the years 2013 and 2014, and was subject to a 12.5% income tax rate from 2015 to 2017. In 2017, Fenghuang Yutian
had been qualified as an HNTE, and therefore, Fenghuang Yutian was subject to a 15% income tax rate in 2018 and 2019. In 2016, Fenghuang Borui was
qualified as a Software Enterprise. As 2016 was the first year Fenghuang Borui generated taxable profit, it was exempted from income taxes for the years
2016 and 2017, and was subject to a 12.5% income tax rate in 2018 and 2019. Yitian Xindong was qualified as an HNTE in November 2018, and was
subject to a 15% income tax rate in 2018 and 2019. See “Item 10. Additional Information—E. Taxation.”
We have limited business insurance coverage.
The insurance industry in China is still young and the business insurance products offered in China are limited. We do not have any business
liability or disruption insurance coverage for our operations. Any business disruption, litigation or natural disaster may cause us to incur substantial costs
and divert our resources.
A prolonged slowdown in the global or PRC economies may materially and adversely affect our operating results, financial condition, prospects and
future expansion plans.
The global financial markets experienced opportunities and challenges side by side in 2019. There were several milestone events in relation to the
United States-China trade deal negotiations and the Brexit negotiations in 2019, which led to the signing of the Phase One trade agreement between the
United States and China and the official withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union in January 2020. In addition, there have been
concerns over unrest in the Middle East and Africa, which have resulted in volatility in financial and other markets. In 2020, the rapid, worldwide spread of
COVID-19 has created global economic disruption and uncertainty.
Economic conditions in the PRC are sensitive to macroeconomic conditions. As China shifts from high-speed to high-quality growth, China’s
gross domestic product growth decelerated since 2012. According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, China’s gross domestic product growth was
at 6.1% in 2019. Due to impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, however, China’s gross domestic product declined by 6.8% in the first quarter of 2020.
Since demand for our paid and advertising services are sensitive to macro-economic conditions globally and in the PRC, our business prospects may be
affected by the macroeconomic environment. Any prolonged slowdown or contraction in the global or PRC economy may have a material adverse effect on
our business, operating results and financial condition, and continued turbulence in the international markets may materially and adversely affect our ability
to access the capital markets to meet liquidity needs.
PRC regulations establish complex procedures for certain acquisitions of PRC companies by foreign investors, which could make it more difficult for
us to pursue growth through acquisitions in China.
On August 8, 2006, six PRC regulatory authorities, including the CSRC, jointly promulgated the Regulations on Mergers and Acquisitions of
Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors, or the 2006 M&A Rules, which were later amended on June 22, 2009. The 2006 M&A Rules establish
procedures and requirements that could make some acquisitions of PRC companies by foreign investors more time-consuming and complex, including
requirements in some instances that MOFCOM be notified in advance of any change-of-control transaction in which a foreign investor takes control of a
PRC domestic enterprise. Moreover, the Anti-Monopoly Law requires that the anti-trust governmental authority shall be notified in advance of any
concentration of undertaking if certain thresholds are triggered. In addition, national security review rules issued by the PRC governmental authorities in
2011 require acquisitions by
24
foreign investors of domestic companies engaged in military related or certain other industries that are crucial to national security to be subject to prior
security review. According to the MOFCOM Security Review Rules, a security review is required for mergers and acquisitions of PRC domestic
enterprises by foreign investors (i) having “national defense and security” concerns, and (ii) where the foreign investors may acquire the “de facto control”
of the PRC domestic enterprises having national security concerns such as key farm products, key energy and resources, and key infrastructure,
transportation, technology and major equipment manufacturing industries. Circular No. 6, however, does not define the term of “key” or “major,” nor has it
exhausted all the industries that may be deemed as sensitive industries subject to the security review.
We may expand our business in part by acquiring complementary businesses. Complying with the requirements of the 2006 M&A Rules, the
MOFCOM Security Review Rules, if applicable, and other PRC regulations to complete such transactions could be time-consuming, and any required
approval processes, including obtaining approval from MOFCOM, may delay or inhibit our ability to complete such transactions, which could affect our
ability to expand our business or maintain our market share. However, it is also uncertain whether the 2006 M&A Rules, the MOFCOM Security Review
Rules or the other PRC regulations regarding the acquisitions of PRC companies by foreign investors will be materially repealed or amended as the Foreign
Investment Law , or the FIL, became effective on January 1, 2020. Any adverse change in rules or regulations may have a material adverse effect on our
business and operating results.
There is a substantial risk we will be classified as a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, for 2019, which could result in adverse United States
federal income tax consequences to United States Holders (as defined below).
Based upon the past and projected composition of our income, assets, and the valuation of our assets, including goodwill, we believe there is a
substantial risk that we will be classified as a “passive foreign investment company,” or PFIC, for 2019, and we may be classified as a PFIC for future
taxable years. The determination of whether or not we are a PFIC is made on an annual basis and will depend on the composition of our income and assets
from time to time. Specifically, we will be classified as a PFIC for United States federal income tax purposes for any taxable year in which: (i) at least 75%
of our gross income in a taxable year is passive income, or (ii) at least 50% of the value (determined based on a quarterly average) of our assets is
attributable to assets that produce or are held for the production of passive income. The calculation of the value of our assets will be based, in part, on the
quarterly market value of our ADSs, which is subject to change. See “Item 10. Additional Information—E. Taxation—Material United States Federal
Income Tax Consequences—Passive Foreign Investment Company.”
In addition, it is not entirely clear how the contractual arrangements between us and our affiliated consolidated entities will be treated for
purposes of PFIC rules. If it is determined that we do not own the stock of our affiliated consolidated entities for United States federal income tax purposes
(for instance, because the relevant PRC authorities do not respect these arrangements), we are more likely to be treated as a PFIC.
Such characterization as a PFIC could result in adverse United States federal income tax consequences to you if you are a United States Holder,
as defined under “Taxation—Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences.” For example, you may become subject to increased tax liabilities
under United States federal income tax laws and regulations, and will become subject to burdensome reporting requirements.
If we are a PFIC for any year during which a United States Holder holds our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares, we generally will continue to be
treated as a PFIC for all succeeding years during which such United States Holder holds our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares, unless we cease to be a
PFIC and such United States Holder makes a certain election. See “Item 10. Additional Information —E. Taxation—Material United States Federal Income
Tax Consequences—Passive Foreign Investment Company.” The determination of our PFIC status is based on an annual analysis that includes ascertaining
the fair market value of all of our assets on a quarterly basis and the character of each item of income we earn. Because this involves extensive factual
investigation and cannot be completed until the close of a taxable year, there can be no assurance we will not be a PFIC for any future year.
Our strategy of acquiring complementary assets, technologies and businesses may fail and may result in equity or earnings dilution.
As part of our business strategy, we intend to identify and acquire assets, technologies and businesses that are complementary to our business.
Acquired businesses or assets may not yield the results we expect. In addition, acquisitions could result in the use of substantial amounts of cash,
potentially dilutive issuances of equity securities, significant amortization expenses related to intangible assets and exposure to potential unknown
liabilities of the acquired business. Moreover, the cost of identifying and consummating acquisitions, and integrating the acquired businesses into ours, may
be significant, and the integration of acquired business may be disruptive to our business operations. In addition, we may have to obtain approval from the
relevant PRC governmental authorities for the acquisitions and comply with any applicable PRC rules and regulations, which may be costly. In the event
our acquisitions are not successful, our financial condition and results of operation may be materially and adversely affected.
25
Failure of our business strategies through our subsidiaries, affiliates and other business alliance partners could negatively affect our financial
condition, operating results and reputation.
Aligned with our business strategies, we have made and may undertake in the future investments in subsidiaries, affiliates and other business
alliance partners in various Internet-related businesses.
In March 2014, IDG-Accel China Growth Fund III L.P. and IDG-Accel China III Investors L.P., or the IDG-Accel Funds, acquired US$3.0
million convertible preferred shares of Phoenix FM Limited, or Phoenix FM, previously a subsidiary of us, to accelerate development of the ifeng
application business. Despite holding 71.8% of the equity interest in Phoenix FM at the time, we accounted for our investment in Phoenix FM as an equity
method investment since we did not control Phoenix FM due to substantive participating rights that had been provided to the IDG-Accel Funds. As of
December 31, 2019, the carrying value of our equity investment in Phoenix FM was nil. In April 2020, Phoenix FM and its subsidiaries and shareholders
underwent a series of debt restructuring transactions to restructure the shareholding structure of Phoenix FM. After the completion of the restructuring,
IDG-Accel Funds will no longer hold equity interest in Phoenix FM and its subsidiaries. After the completion of the transaction, Tianying Jiuzhou and Mr.
Ya Li will directly hold 19.99% and 80.01%, respectively, of the equity interest in Phoenix FM (Beijing) Information Technology Co., Ltd., the former
subsidiary of Phoenix FM, and we will continue to account for our investment in Phoenix FM as an equity method investment.
We made substantial investments in Particle in the form of investments and loans in the past. Particle operates Yidian, a personalized news and
life-style information application in China that allows users to define and explore desired content on their mobile devices. As of the date hereof, we held
Series C and Series D1 convertible redeemable preferred shares of Particle, which had been accounted for as available-for-sale debt investments,
representing an aggregate of approximately 20.21% equity interest of Particle on an as-if converted basis (which reflected the completion of the issuance of
additional shares under Particle's share incentive plan). The fair value of our available-for-sale debt investments in Particle was RMB2,012.5 million
(US$289.1 million) as of December 31, 2019. In March 2019, we entered into a share purchase agreement with Run Liang Tai to sell 32% equity interest of
Particle to the proposed buyers for a total consideration of US$448 million in cash. On July 23, 2019, we entered into a supplemental agreement with Run
Liang Tai, or the Particle Supplemental Agreement after we had a dispute with Run Liang Tai regarding the satisfaction of certain closing conditions under
the original share purchase agreement. According to the Particle Supplemental Agreement, we agree to increase the number of shares of Particle to be
transferred to the proposed buyers from 199,866,509 shares to 212,358,165 shares while the total purchase price will remain unchanged at US$448 million.
In addition, we agreed that the proposed buyers may pay the purchase price in several installments and deliver the preferred shares of Particle to the
Proposed Buyers in batches. We and the proposed buyers agreed to close the proposed transactions as described in the Particle Supplemental Agreement
regardless of any dispute raised by any party in respect of satisfaction of the closing conditions under the original share purchase agreement. However, after
we executed the Particle Supplemental Agreement, two shareholders of Particle, Long De Cheng Zhang Culture Communication (Tianjin) Co., Ltd., which
later transferred its shares in Particle to Long De Cheng Zhang (Tianjin) Investment Management Center, and Long De Holdings (Hong Kong) Co.,
Limited, notified us that they intend to exercise their co-sale rights under Particle’s existing shareholders agreement, or the Particle Shareholders
Agreement. On January 20, 2020, we entered into an agreement with Long De Cheng Zhang (Tianjin) Investment Management Center and Long De
Holdings (Hong Kong) Co., Limited, collectively the Long De Entities, or the Co-Sale Agreement. Pursuant to the Co-Sale Agreement, the Long De
Entities will sell approximately 9.8 million preferred shares of Particle, or the Long De Sale Shares, to the proposed buyers for a total consideration of
approximately US$20.7 million in cash and the number of Particle shares to be sold by us will be reduced accordingly. As a result, we are expected to sell a
total of 29.19% equity interest of Particle (which reflected the completion of the issuance of additional shares under Particle's share incentive plan) to the
proposed buyers for a total consideration of approximately US$427.3 million in cash under the original share purchase agreement as amended by the
Particle Supplemental Agreement and the Co-Sale Agreement. The Co-Sale Agreement is subject to approval by the shareholders of our parent company,
Phoenix Media Investment (Holdings) Limited. While we have completed delivery of the first batch of Particle shares to the proposed buyers pursuant to
the Particle Supplemental Agreement and received consideration of US$200 million for such shares and recognized a gain on disposal of available-for-sale
debt investments of RMB1,001.2 million (US$143.8 million) in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss), and w e have received a
further deposit of US$50 million for the second batch preferred shares of Particle to be delivered to the Proposed Buyers in or before August 2020 ,
however, there are still uncertainties as to the completion of the remaining part of the proposed transaction. If the remaining part of the transaction is also
completed, we expect to continue to hold approximately 4.7% of equity interest of Particle on an as-if converted and fully diluted basis (which reflected the
completion of the issuance of additional shares under Particle’s share incentive plan) after the completion. See “Item 3. Key Information — D. Risk Factors
— Risks Relating to Our Business and Industry — While we entered into a series of agreements to sell a substantial part of our investment in Yidian Zixun,
we may not be able to complete the proposed transaction and our financial position, results of operation and ADS price could be materially and adversely
affected.”
In December 2018, we acquired a 25.5% equity interest in Yitian Xindong, for an aggregate purchase price of RMB144.1 million. Telling
Telecommunication Co., Ltd., or Telling Telecom, concurrently transferred another 25.5% of its equity interests in Yintian Xindong to Shenzhen Bingruixin
Technology Co., Ltd., or Bingruixin, a third party, which then granted an option to us that
26
allowed us to acquire a 25.5% equity interest from Bingruixin for RMB144.1 million. Bingruixin also entrusted the voting rights of such 25.5% equity
interest to us, as a result of which we started to consolidate Yitian Xindong in our financial statements from December 28, 2018. We exercised the call
option granted by Bingruixin on March 1, 2019 and acquired another 25.5% equity interest in Yitian Xindong. We currently hold 51% of the equity
interests in Yitian Xindong and continue to consolidate Yitian Xindong. The revenues of Yitian Xindong for the year ended December 31, 2019 wer e
RMB204.0 million (US$29.3 million) and the net income of Yitian Xindong for the year ended December 31, 2019 were RMB2.5 million (US$0.4
million), which should mean that Yitian Xindong’s financial performance targets in 2019 as specified in our agreement with Telling Telecom in connection
with our acquisition of Yitian Xindong were not met and we should have the right to receive a contingent returnable consideration of RMB170.6 million
(US$24.5 million) from Telling Telecom. However, based on current communication with Telling Telecom, we estimated that the probability of
successfully collecting the contingent returnable consideration of RMB170.6 million (US$24.5 million) would be 60% as there were still some disputes
between Telling Telecom and us, and as a result, the fair value of our right to receive the contingent returnable consideration as of December 31, 2019 were
RMB98.5 million (US$14.1 million), with the changes in fair value of RMB62.1 million (US$8.9 million) recognized in the consolidated statements of
comprehensive income/(loss) of the year ended December 31, 2019. We cannot assure you that the disputes with Telling Telecom will be resolved in our
favor nor that we will eventually be able to receive all or any part of the contingent returnable consideration. If we cannot resolve such disputes, the
business, operation and financial performance of Yidian Xindong may be materially and adversely affected. Yitian Xindong owns Tadu Apps, which
collectively have more than one million daily active users. We recorded goodwill of RMB338.3 million from the acquisition, which would not be amortized
but was tested for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently if events or changes on circumstances indicates that it might be impaired. There was
no impairment loss for goodwill recognized for the year ended December 31, 2019.
We hold 50% of the equity interests in Beijing Fenghuang Tianbo Network Technology Co., Ltd., or Tianbo. Before April 2019, as we had
significant influence over financial and operating decision-making, we accounted for the 50% equity interest by using the equity method of accounting. On
April 1, 2019, we obtained control over Tianbo and consolidated Tianbo starting from April 1, 2019 as we and other shareholders of Tianbo agreed to make
certain revisions to the articles of association of Tianbo, which granted us the voting power to decide Tianbo’s significant financial and operating decisions
at both the shareholder level and the board level, to accelerate the development of its real estate vertical and to further bolster the development of our real
estate vertical and to create more synergies on Tianbo’s new business, with the equity interest in Tianbo of 50% unchanged. At the same time, we agreed
with other shareholders of Tianbo and would provide free advertising resources to Tianbo as consideration to gain control over Tianbo. Tianbo is
principally engaged in operation of the real property channel and sales of real property advertisements for ifeng.com.
In January 2015, in order to leverage our brand, content platform and large user base to expand into more entertainment related businesses, we
established a subsidiary, Shanghai Meowpaw Info&Tech Co., Ltd., or Meowpaw. Meowpaw is engaged in creating intellectual properties, related games,
books, movies and animations, etc. Meowpaw will apply for the necessary licenses and permits when required. As of the date of this annual report, we held
75% of Meowpaw’s equity interests, and its noncontrolling shareholder, who is an individual, held the remaining 25%. Meowpaw’s share capital was not
sufficient to support its operations. In addition to the capital injection, we have provided a long-term financing of RMB79.0 million to support its
operations.
In August 2017, we acquired an 8% equity interest in Shenzhenshi Kuailai Technology Co., Ltd., or Kuailai, with a consideration of RMB0.2
million. Kuailai operates Xunhutai, a life-style information application in China. As of December 31, 2019, the carrying value of our equity investment in
Kuailai was RMB0.2 million (US$0.03 million).
In November 2018, we acquired a 10% equity interest in Yitong Technology (Hangzhou) Limited, or Yitong Technology, by investing in newly
issued shares of Yitong Technology with a total consideration of RMB13.0 million. Yitong Technology mainly engages in big data application development
and operation in China. As our equity investment in Yitong Technology has preferred liquidation rights, it is not considered as in-substance common stock,
and should be measured at fair value, with changes in the fair value recognized through net income/(loss). As the investments in Yitong Technology lack
readily determinable fair values, we elect to use the measurement alternative defined as cost, less impairments, adjusted by observable price changes in
orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. As of December 31, 2019, the carrying value of our equity investment in
Yitong Technology was RMB13.0 million (US$1.9 million).
In December 2018, we acquired a 40% equity interest in Henan Fengyi Feiyang Network Technology Limited, or Fengyi Technology, with a
consideration of RMB2.0 million. Fengyi Technology mainly engages in advertising service in China. As the investment in Fengyi Technology is
redeemable at our option, it is not considered in-substance common stock but considered debt securities. Our investment in Fengyi Technology is classified
as available-for-sale debt investments and reported at fair value. As of December 31, 2019, the fair value of investment in Fengyi Technology was RMB2.0
million (US$0.3 million).
In January 2020, our company and an independent third party proposed to jointly operate advertising business. One of our subsidiary,
Fengqingyang (Beijing) Culture Transmission Co., Ltd., or Fengqingyang, formerly known as Beijing Youjiuzhou Technology Co., Ltd., underwent an
increase in share capital and our equity interest in it decreased from 100% to 60%. Our company
27
and the third-party investor subscribed to the additional share capital and hold 60% and 40% of the equity interest in Fengqingyang, respectively. We
continue to consolidate Fengqingyang, as the third-party investor do not obtain any participating rights that would preclude us from consolidating
Fengqingyang.
In addition, we previously invested in several other businesses. After considering the operating results of these entities and the likelihood of
recovering value from such investments, our equity interests in these businesses have been fully impaired and we have fully written off our entire
investments in these entities.
It is uncertain whether we will receive the expected benefits from these investments, due to any adverse regulatory changes, worsening of
economic conditions, increased competition or other factors that may negatively affect the related business activities. We accounted for some of our
investments in affiliates under the equity method. Therefore, net losses incurred by equity method investees may cause us to record our share of the net
losses. Furthermore, we may lose the capital which we have invested in affiliates and other business alliances or may incur impairment losses on securities
acquired in such alliances. For example, although we have entered into a series of agreements with Run Liang Tai and Long De Entities to sell a substantial
portion of our investment in Particle, if such transaction does not complete as expected, we may not be able to negotiate better or comparable terms or at all
with other potential buyers, and we may not be able to realize any gain and may incur losses from our investment in Particle.
While we do not have such arrangements in place, we may in the future be required under contractual or other arrangements to provide financial
support, including credit support and equity investments, to our business alliance partners in the future. Additionally, we may also incur credit costs from
our credit exposure to such business alliance partners. If there is any negative news coverage about our business alliance partners, our reputation may also
be harmed as a result of our affiliation with them.
Some of the businesses we have invested in are subject to intensive regulation. As a result of such regulations which are beyond our control, our
business strategies may fail. Any adverse regulatory change may have a material adverse impact on the business and financial performance of our
subsidiaries, affiliates and other business alliance partners. Furthermore, unanticipated costs and liabilities may be incurred in connection with those
business strategies, including liabilities from the claims related to the businesses prior to our business alliances, and cost from actions by regulatory
authorities.
We may have conflicts of interest with some of the affiliated companies we have invested in and, because some of our board members and executive
officers also hold positions and have other interests in such companies, we may not be able to resolve such conflicts on terms favorable for us.
We may have conflicts of interests with some of the affiliated companies we have invested in. Certain of our board members and executive
officers hold directorship and/or senior management positions and own shares, restricted share units and/or options in these affiliated companies. For
example, Mr. Shuang Liu, our director and Chief Executive Officer, also serves as the chairman of Particle. Mr. Shuang Liu has been granted or promised
options by Particle as incentive share compensation. These affiliated companies may continue to grant or promise incentive share compensation to certain
of our board members and executive officers from time to time. These relationships could create, or appear to create, conflicts of interest when these
persons are faced with decisions with potentially different implications for these affiliated companies and us. In addition, we do not have a non-compete
agreement with most of these affiliated companies and therefore neither we nor they are prohibited from entering into competition with each other in
respect of our respective current businesses or new businesses. As such, we may not be able to resolve potential conflicts, and even if we do so, the
resolution may be less favorable to us than if we were dealing with unrelated parties.
We face risks related to natural disasters, health epidemics and other outbreaks, which could significantly disrupt our operations. In particular, we
could be materially adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
We are vulnerable to natural disasters and other calamities that are beyond our control. Fire, floods, typhoons, earthquakes, power loss,
telecommunications failures, break-ins, war, riots, terrorist attacks or similar events may give rise to server interruptions, breakdowns, system failures or
Internet failures, which could cause the loss or corruption of data or malfunctions of software or hardware as well as adversely affect our ability to provide
our credit products.
Our business could also be adversely affected by the effects of health epidemics and pandemics, such as COVID-19, Ebola virus disease, H1N1
flu, H7N9 flu, avian flu, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS. For example, recently, COVID-19 has spread throughout China and worldwide.
The Chinese central government and local governments in China have introduced various temporary measures to contain the COVID-19 outbreak, such as
extension of the Lunar New Year holiday and travel restrictions, which has adversely impacted national and local economy to different degrees. We have
observed negative impact on our advertising business as our clients in China have been forced to reevaluate their marketing strategies and budgets and our
business operations have had and may continue to be adversely affected. In addition, our business operations could be disrupted if any of our employees is
suspected of contracting the COVID-19 or any other epidemic disease, since our employees could be quarantined and/or our offices be shut down for
disinfection. The potential downturn brought by and the duration of the COVID-19 may be difficult to assess or predict
28
where actual effects will depend on many factors beyond our control. The extent to which the COVID-19 impacts our business, results of operations , cash
flows and financial condition remains uncertain, and we are closely monitoring its impact on us. Our business, results of operations, financial conditions
and prospects could be materially and adversely affected to the extent that the COVID-19 or any other epidemic harms the Chinese economy in general. To
the extent the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affects our business and financial results, it may also have the effect of heightening many of the other risks
described in this “Risk Factors” section.
Risks Relating to Our Corporate Structure
Phoenix TV (BVI) owns our Class B ordinary shares with 1.3 votes per share, allowing it and Phoenix TV to exercise significant influence over matters
subject to shareholder approval, and their interests may not be aligned with the interests of our other shareholders.
Phoenix TV (BVI), a wholly owned direct subsidiary of Phoenix TV, owned 54.5% of our total issued and outstanding shares as of March 31,
2020. Moreover, all shares held by Phoenix TV (BVI) are Class B ordinary shares with 1.3 votes per share. As a result, Phoenix TV (BVI) held 60.9% of
the total voting power of our ordinary shares as of March 31, 2020. Accordingly, Phoenix TV (BVI), and Phoenix TV through Phoenix TV (BVI), have
substantial control over the outcome of corporate actions requiring shareholder approval, including the election of directors, any merger, consolidation or
sale of all or substantially all of our assets or any other significant corporate transaction, and their interests may not align with the interests of our other
shareholders. Phoenix TV (BVI) may take actions that are not in the best interest of us or our other shareholders and may also delay or prevent a change of
control or otherwise discourage a potential acquirer from attempting to obtain control of us, even if such a change of control would benefit our other
shareholders. This significant concentration of share ownership may adversely affect the trading price of our ADSs due to investors’ perception that
conflicts of interest may exist or arise.
We may have conflicts of interest with Phoenix TV and, because of Phoenix TV’s controlling beneficial ownership interest in our company, may not be
able to resolve such conflicts on terms favorable for us.
Conflicts of interest may arise between Phoenix TV and us in a number of areas relating to our past and ongoing relationships. Potential conflicts
of interest that we have identified include the following:
•
•
•
•
Our board members or executive officers may have conflicts of interest. Certain of our board members and executive officers own shares,
restricted share units and/or options in Phoenix TV, and also hold senior management positions in Phoenix TV. Phoenix TV may continue to
grant incentive share compensation to certain of our board members and executive officers from time to time. These relationships could
create, or appear to create, conflicts of interest when these persons are faced with decisions with potentially different implications for Phoenix
TV and us.
Sale of shares in our company. Phoenix TV (BVI) may decide to sell all or a portion of our shares that it beneficially owns to a third party,
including to one of our competitors, thereby giving that third party substantial influence over our business and our affairs. Such a sale could
be contrary to the interests of certain of our shareholders, including our employees or public shareholders.
Competition. We do not have a non-compete agreement with Phoenix TV and its subsidiaries and affiliates, therefore neither we nor Phoenix
TV is prohibited from entering into competition with each other in respect of our respective current businesses or new businesses.
Allocation of business opportunities. Business opportunities may arise that both we and Phoenix TV find attractive, and which would
complement our respective businesses. We and Phoenix TV do not have an agreement governing the allocation of new business opportunities
presented to us and Phoenix TV in the future, and therefore, it is not certain which company will have the priority to pursue such business
opportunities when such opportunities arise.
Although our company is a separate, stand-alone entity, Phoenix TV (BVI), a wholly owned direct subsidiary of Phoenix TV, owns Class B
ordinary shares, each of which will be entitled to 1.3 votes on all matter subject to shareholders’ vote, and we operate as a part of the Phoenix TV Group.
Phoenix TV may from time to time make strategic decisions that it believes are in the best interests of its business as a whole, including our company.
These decisions may be different from the decisions that we would have made on our own. Phoenix TV’s decisions with respect to us or our business may
be resolved in ways that favor Phoenix TV and therefore Phoenix TV’s own shareholders, which may not coincide with the interests of our other
shareholders. We may not be able to resolve any potential conflicts, and even if we do so, the resolution may be less favorable to us than if we were dealing
with non-controlling shareholder. Even if both parties seek to transact business on terms intended to approximate those that could have been achieved
among unaffiliated parties, this may not succeed in practice.
If the PRC government finds that the agreements that establish the structure for operating our businesses in China do not comply with PRC
governmental restrictions on foreign investment in Internet businesses, or if these regulations or the interpretation of
29
existing regulations change in the future, we would be subject to severe penalties or be forced to relinquish our interests in those operations.
Current PRC laws and regulations place certain restrictions on foreign ownership of companies that engage in Internet and mobile businesses.
Specifically, pursuant to the Regulations for Administration of Foreign-Invested Telecommunications Enterprises issued by the State Council on
December 11, 2001 and amended on September 10, 2008 and February 6, 2016, foreign ownership in an Internet content provider or other value-added
telecommunication service providers may not exceed 50%. We conduct our operations in China principally through contractual arrangements among our
wholly-owned PRC subsidiary, Fenghuang On-line and Qieyiyou, and three affiliated consolidated entities in the PRC, namely, Yifeng Lianhe, Tianying
Jiuzhou and Chenhuan, and their respective shareholders. Yifeng Lianhe holds the licenses and permits necessary to conduct our mobile business in China,
while Tianying Jiuzhou holds the licenses and permits necessary to conduct our Internet portal, video, mobile business, and Internet advertising and related
businesses in China. Our contractual arrangements with Yifeng Lianhe, Tianying Jiuzhou and Chenhuan, and their respective shareholders enable us to
exercise effective control over these entities and hence treat them as our affiliated consolidated entities and consolidate their results. For a detailed
discussion of these contractual arrangements, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—C. Organizational Structure.”
We cannot assure you, however, that we will be able to enforce these contracts. Although we believe we are in compliance with current PRC
regulations, we cannot assure you that the PRC government would agree that these contractual arrangements comply with PRC licensing, registration or
other regulatory requirements, with existing policies or with requirements or policies that may be adopted in the future. PRC laws and regulations
governing the validity of these contractual arrangements are uncertain and the relevant government authorities have broad discretion in interpreting these
laws and regulations. For example, it is uncertain whether the government authorities will promulgate other implementation rules of FIL and how the
implementation rules, when they come into force, may impact the viability of our current corporate structure in the future. See “Item 3. Key Information—
D. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Doing Business in China—Uncertainties exist with respect to the interpretation and implementation of the Foreign
Investment Law and how it may impact the viability of our current corporate structure, corporate governance and business operations.” If the PRC
government determines that we do not comply with applicable laws and regulations, it could revoke our business and operating licenses, require us to
discontinue or restrict our operations, restrict our right to collect revenues, block our PC websites or mobile applications and mobile websites, require us to
restructure our operations, impose additional conditions or requirements with which we may not be able to comply, or take other regulatory or enforcement
actions against us that could be harmful to our business. The imposition of any of these penalties would result in a material and adverse effect on our ability
to conduct our business.
In August 2011, MOFCOM promulgated the Rules of Ministry of Commerce on Implementation of Security Review System of Mergers and
Acquisitions of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors , or the MOFCOM Security Review Rules, to implement the Notice of the General Office of the
State Council on Establishing the Security Review System for Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors promulgated on
February 3, 2011, or Circular No. 6. The MOFCOM Security Review Rules came into effect on September 1, 2011 and replaced the Interim Provisions of
MOFCOM on Matters Relating to the Implementation of the Security Review System for Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign
Investors promulgated by MOFCOM in March 2011. According to these circulars and rules, a security review is required for mergers and acquisitions by
foreign investors having “national defense and security” concerns and mergers and acquisitions by which foreign investors may acquire the “de facto
control” of domestic enterprises having “national security” concerns. In addition, when deciding whether a specific merger or acquisition of a domestic
enterprise by foreign investors is subject to the security review, MOFCOM will look into the substance and actual impact of the transaction. The
MOFCOM Security Review Rules further prohibit foreign investors from bypassing the security review requirement by structuring transactions through
proxies, trusts, indirect investments, leases, loans, control through contractual arrangements or offshore transactions. There is no explicit provision or
official interpretation stating that our online game business falls into the scope subject to the security review, and there is no requirement for foreign
investors in those mergers and acquisitions transactions already completed prior to the promulgation of Circular No. 6 to submit such transactions to
MOFCOM for security review. As we have already obtained the “de facto control” over our variable interest entities prior to the effectiveness of these
circulars and rules and our current business would not have concerns on “national defense and security” or “national security,” we do not believe we are
required to submit our existing contractual arrangement to MOFCOM for security review. However, as there is a lack of clear statutory interpretation on the
implementation of these circulars and rules, there is no assurance that MOFCOM will have the same view as we do when applying.
We rely on contractual arrangements with our affiliated consolidated entities in China, and their shareholders, for our business operations, which may
not be as effective in providing operational control or enabling us to derive economic benefits as through ownership of controlling equity interests.
We rely on and expect to continue to rely on contractual arrangements with our affiliated consolidated entities in China and their respective
shareholders to operate our Internet and mobile businesses. These contractual arrangements may not be as effective in providing us with control over the
affiliated consolidated entities as ownership of controlling equity interests would be in providing us with control over, or enabling us to derive economic
benefits from the operations of, the affiliated consolidated entities. If we had direct ownership of the affiliated consolidated entities, we would be able to
exercise our rights as a shareholder to (i) effect changes in
30
the board of directors of those entities, which in turn could effect changes, subject to any applicable fiduciary obligations, at the management level, and
(ii) derive economic benefits from the operations of the affiliated consolidated entities by causing them to declare and pay dividends. However, under the
current contractual arrangements, as a legal matter, if any of the affiliated consolidated entities or any of their shareholders fails to perform its, his or her
respective obligations under these contractual arrangements, we may have to incur substantial costs and resources to enforce such arrangements, and rely
on legal remedies available under PRC laws, including seeking specific performance or injunctive relief, and claiming damages, which we cannot assure
you will be effective. For example, if shareholders of an affiliated consolidated entity were to refuse to transfer their equity interests in such affiliated
consolidated entity to us or our designated persons when we exercise the purchase option pursuant to these contractual arrangements, we may have to take
a legal action to compel them to fulfill their contractual obligations.
If (i) the applicable PRC authorities invalidate these contractual arrangements for violation of PRC laws, rules and regulations, (ii) any affiliated
consolidated entity or its shareholders terminate the contractual arrangements or (iii) any affiliated consolidated entity or its shareholders fail to perform
their obligations under these contractual arrangements, our business operations in China would be adversely and materially affected, and the value of your
ADSs would substantially decrease. Further, if we fail to renew these contractual arrangements upon their expiration, we would not be able to continue our
business operations unless the then current PRC law allows us to directly operate the applicable businesses in China.
In addition, if any affiliate consolidated entity or all or part of its assets become subject to liens or rights of third-party creditors, we may be
unable to continue some or all of our business activities, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.
If any of the affiliated consolidated entities undergoes a voluntary or involuntary liquidation proceeding, its shareholders or unrelated third-party creditors
may claim rights to some or all of these assets, thereby hindering our ability to operate our business, which could materially and adversely affect our
business, our ability to generate revenue and the market price of your ADSs.
All of these contractual arrangements are governed by PRC law and provide for the resolution of disputes through arbitration in the PRC. The
legal environment in the PRC is not as developed as in some other jurisdictions, such as the United States. As a result, uncertainties in the PRC legal
system could limit our ability to enforce these contractual arrangements. In the event we are unable to enforce these contractual arrangements, we may not
be able to exert effective control over our operating entities, and our ability to conduct our business may be negatively affected.
The shareholders of our affiliated consolidated entities may have potential conflicts of interest with us.
Current PRC laws and regulations place certain restrictions on foreign ownership of companies that engage in Internet and mobile businesses.
The shareholders of our affiliated consolidated entities are individuals who are PRC citizens. None of the shareholders of our affiliated consolidated entities
are significant shareholders of our company. Therefore, the interests of these individuals as shareholders of the affiliated consolidated entities and the
interests of our company may conflict. We cannot assure you that when conflicts of interest arise, any or all of these individuals will act in the best interests
of our company or that any conflict of interest will be resolved in our favor. In addition, these individuals may breach or cause the affiliated consolidated
entities that they beneficially own to breach or refuse to renew the existing contractual arrangements, which will have an adverse effect on our ability to
effectively control our affiliated consolidated entities and receive economic benefits from them. Currently, we do not have existing arrangements to address
potential conflicts of interest between these shareholders and our company. We rely on these shareholders to abide by the laws of the Cayman Islands and
China. If we cannot resolve any conflicts of interest or disputes between us and the shareholders of the affiliated consolidated entities, we would have to
rely on legal proceedings, the outcome of which is uncertain and which could be disruptive to our business.
The contractual arrangements with the affiliated consolidated entities may be subject to scrutiny by the PRC tax authorities and may result in a finding
that we owe additional taxes or are ineligible for tax exemption, or both, which could substantially increase our taxes owed and thereby reduce our net
income.
Under applicable PRC laws, rules and regulations, arrangements and transactions between related parties may be subject to audits or challenges
by the PRC tax authorities. If any of the transactions we have entered into between our wholly-owned subsidiary in China and any of the affiliated
consolidated entities and their respective shareholders are determined by the PRC tax authorities not to be on an arm’s length basis, or are found to result in
an impermissible reduction in taxes under applicable PRC laws, rules and regulations, the PRC tax authorities may adjust the profits and losses of such
affiliated consolidated entity and assess more taxes on it. In addition, the PRC tax authorities may impose late payment fees and other penalties to such
affiliated consolidated entity for under-paid taxes. Our net income may be adversely and materially affected if the tax liabilities of any of the affiliated
consolidated entities increase or if it is found to be subject to late payment fees or other penalties.
31
We rely on dividends and other distributions on equity from our PRC subsidiaries to fund any cash and financing requirements we have, and any
limitation on the ability of our PRC subsidiaries to pay dividends to us could have a material adverse effect on our ability to conduct our business.
We and our non-PRC subsidiaries rely on dividends and other distributions on equity from our PRC subsidiaries, for our cash requirements,
including the funds necessary to repay the short-term loans or service any debt we may incur. If our PRC subsidiaries incur debt on its own behalf in the
future, the instruments governing the debt may restrict its ability to pay dividends or make other distributions to us. In addition, the PRC tax authorities
may require us to adjust our taxable income under the contractual arrangements Fenghuang On-line and Qieyiyou currently have in place with the
respective affiliated consolidated entities in a manner that would materially and adversely affect the ability of Fenghuang On-line and Qieyiyou to pay
dividends and other distributions to us. Further, relevant PRC laws, rules and regulations permit payments of dividends by our PRC subsidiaries only out of
their retained earnings, if any, determined in accordance with accounting standards and regulations of China. Our PRC subsidiaries must set aside at least
10% of after-tax income each year to reserve funds prior to payment of dividends until the cumulative fund reaches 50% of their respective registered
capital. As a result of these PRC laws, rules and regulations, our PRC subsidiaries are restricted from transferring a portion of their net assets to us whether
in the form of dividends. As of December 31, 2019, our consolidated retained earnings were RMB186.3 million (US$26.8 million), out of which our PRC
subsidiaries’ retained earnings were approximately RMB972.0 million (US$139.6 million). Any limitation on the ability of our PRC subsidiaries to pay
dividends to us and our non-PRC subsidiaries could materially and adversely limit our ability to grow, make investments or acquisitions that could be
beneficial to our businesses, pay dividends, repay loans or otherwise fund and conduct our business.
Strengthened scrutiny over acquisition and disposition transactions by the PRC tax authorities may have a negative impact on us or your disposition of
our shares or ADS.
Our operations and transactions are subject to review by the PRC tax authorities pursuant to relevant PRC laws and regulations. However, these
laws, regulations and legal requirements change frequently, and their interpretation and enforcement involve uncertainties. For example, on April 30, 2009,
the Ministry of Finance and the State Administration of Taxation jointly issued the Notice on Issues Concerning Process of Enterprise Income Tax in
Enterprise Restructuring Business , or Circular 59. On December 10, 2009, the State Administration of Taxation issued the Notice on Strengthening the
Management on Enterprise Income Tax for Equity Transfers of Non-resident Enterprises , or Circular 698. Both Circular 59 and Circular 698 became
effective retroactively on January 1, 2008. Pursuant to the two circulars, in the event that we dispose of any equity interests in wholly foreign-owned
enterprises, whether directly or indirectly, we may be subject to income tax on capital gains generated from disposal of such equity interests. The PRC tax
authorities have the discretion under Circular 59 and Circular 698 to make adjustments to taxable capital gains based on the difference between the fair
value of the equity interests transferred and the cost of the corresponding investment. If the PRC tax authorities make such an adjustment, our income tax
costs will be increased.
By promulgating and implementing the circulars, the PRC tax authorities have strengthened their scrutiny over the direct or indirect transfer by
non-resident enterprises of equity interests in PRC resident enterprises. For example, Circular 698 specifies that the PRC State Administration of Taxation
is entitled to redefine the nature of an equity transfer where offshore holding vehicles are interposed for tax-avoidance purposes and without reasonable
commercial purpose. On February 3, 2015, the State Administration of Taxation issued the Notice on Several Issues regarding Enterprise Income Tax for
Indirect Property Transfer by Non-resident Enterprises , or SAT Circular 7, which further specifies the criteria for judging reasonable commercial purpose,
and the legal requirements for the voluntary reporting procedures and filing materials in the case of indirect property transfer. SAT Circular 7 has listed
several factors to be taken into consideration by tax authorities in determining whether an indirect transfer has a reasonable commercial purpose. However,
despite these factors, an indirect transfer satisfying all the following criteria shall be deemed to lack reasonable commercial purpose and be taxable under
the PRC laws: (i) 75% or more of the equity value of the intermediary enterprise being transferred is derived directly or indirectly from the PRC taxable
properties; (ii) at any time during the one year period before the indirect transfer, 90% or more of the asset value of the intermediary enterprise (excluding
cash) is comprised directly or indirectly of investments in the PRC, or 90% or more of its income is derived directly or indirectly from the PRC; (iii) the
functions performed and risks assumed by the intermediary enterprise and any of its subsidiaries that directly or indirectly hold the PRC taxable properties
are limited and are insufficient to prove their economic substance; and (iv) the foreign tax payable on the gains derived from the indirect transfer of the
PRC taxable properties is lower than the potential PRC tax on the direct transfer of such assets. Nevertheless, the indirect transfer falling into the scope of
the safe harbor under SAT Circular 7 may not be subject to PRC tax and such safe harbor includes qualified group restructuring, public market trading and
tax treaty exemptions. Under SAT Circular 7, the entities or individuals obligated to pay the transfer price to the transferor shall be the withholding agent
and shall withhold the PRC tax from the transfer price. If the withholding agent fails to do so, the transferor shall report to and pay the PRC tax to the PRC
tax authorities. In case neither the withholding agent nor the transferor complies with the obligations under SAT Circular 7, other than imposing penalties
such as late payment interest on the transferors, the tax authority may also hold the withholding agent liable and impose a penalty of 50% to 300% of the
unpaid tax on the withholding agent, provided that such penalty imposed on the withholding agent may be reduced or waived if the withholding agent has
submitted the relevant materials in connection with the indirect transfer to the PRC tax authorities in accordance with SAT Circular 7.
32
On October 17, 2017, the SAT released the Public Notice Regarding Issues Concerning the Withholding of Non-resident Enterprise Income Tax at
Source , or SAT Public Notice 37, effective from December 1, 2017. SAT Public Notice 37 replaced a series of important circulars, including but not
limited to SAT Circular 698, and revised the rules governing the administration of withholding tax on China-source income derived by non-resident
enterprises. SAT Public Notice 37 made certain key changes to the current withholding regime such as (i) the withholding obligation for dividend payment
to non-resident enterprises arises on the day the payment is actually made rather than the day of the board resolution to declare the dividends; and (ii) the
self-reporting requirements on non-resident enterprises in certain circumstances is removed.
It is not clear to what extent the holders of our shares or ADS may be subject to these requirements. We have conducted and may conduct
acquisitions and dispositions involving complex corporate structures, and we may not be able to make timely filings with the PRC tax authorities as
required. The PRC tax authorities may, at their discretion, impose or adjust the capital gains on us or the holders of our shares or ADS or request us or the
holders of our shares or ADS to submit additional documentation for their review in connection with any relevant acquisition or disposition, and thus cause
us or the holders of our shares or ADS to incur additional costs.
Risks Relating to Doing Business in China
Adverse changes in political and economic policies of the PRC government could have a material adverse effect on the overall economic growth of
China, which could reduce the demand for our services and materially and adversely affect our competitive position.
Since substantially all of our business operations are conducted in China, our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects are
significantly affected by economic, political, social and legal developments in China, and by continued growth in China as a whole. The Chinese economy
differs from the economies of most developed countries in many respects, including:
•
•
•
•
•
•
the degree of government involvement;
the level of development;
the growth rate;
the control of foreign exchange;
access to financing; and
the allocation of resources.
Although the Chinese government has implemented measures emphasizing the utilization of market forces for economic reform, the reduction of
state ownership of productive assets, and the establishment of improved corporate governance in business enterprises, a substantial portion of productive
assets in China is still owned by the government. In addition, the Chinese government continues to play a significant role in regulating industry
development. The Chinese government also exercises significant control over China’s economic growth through allocating resources, controlling payment
of foreign currency-denominated obligations, setting monetary policy, and providing preferential treatment to particular industries or companies.
While the Chinese economy has grown significantly in the past years, the growth has been uneven, both geographically and among various
sectors of the economy. The PRC government has implemented various measures to encourage or contain economic growth and guide the allocation of
resources. Some of these measures benefit the overall Chinese economy, but may also have a negative effect on our operations. For example, our operating
results and financial condition may be materially and adversely affected by government control over capital investments or changes in tax regulations that
are applicable to us. In addition, in the past the PRC government has implemented certain measures, including increases in interest rates and the reserve
requirement ratio of the People’s Bank of China, or the PBOC, to control the pace of growth.
Furthermore, there have been ongoing discussions and commentary regarding potential significant changes to the United States trade policies,
treaties, tariffs and taxes, including trade policies and tariffs regarding China. These changes have created significant uncertainty about the future
relationship between the United States and China. It is uncertain what measures will be adopted by the governments of the United States and China and
such measures, or the perception that any of them could occur, may have a material adverse effect on our region, global economic conditions and the
stability of global financial markets.
It is unclear whether PRC economic policies will be effective in sustaining stable economic growth in the future. In addition, other economic
measures, as well as future actions and policies of the PRC government, could also materially affect our liquidity and access to capital and our ability to
operate our business. Substantially all of our assets are located in China and substantially all of our revenues are derived from our operations in China.
Accordingly, our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects are subject, to a significant extent, to economic, political and legal
developments in China.
33
Uncertainties with respect to the PRC legal system could limit the protections available to you and us.
The PRC legal system is a civil law system based on written statutes. Unlike in the common law system, prior court decisions may be cited for
reference but have limited precedential value. Since 1979, PRC legislation and regulations have significantly enhanced the protections afforded to various
forms of foreign investments in China. We conduct substantially all of our business through our subsidiary and consolidated affiliates and their subsidiaries
established in China. However, since the PRC legal system continues to rapidly evolve, the interpretations of many laws, regulations and rules are not
always uniform and enforcement of these laws, regulations and rules involve uncertainties, which may limit legal protections available to us. For example,
we may have to resort to administrative and court proceedings to enforce the legal protection that we enjoy either by law or contract. However, since PRC
administrative and court authorities have significant discretion in interpreting and implementing statutory and contractual terms, it may be more difficult to
evaluate the outcome of Chinese administrative and court proceedings and the level of legal protection we enjoy in China than in more developed legal
systems. These uncertainties may impede our ability to enforce the contracts we have entered into with our employees, business partners, customers and
suppliers. In addition, such uncertainties, including the inability to enforce our contracts, could materially and adversely affect our business and operations.
Furthermore, intellectual property rights and confidentiality protections in China may not be as effective as in the United States or other countries.
Accordingly, we cannot predict the effect of future developments in the PRC legal system, including the promulgation of new laws, changes to existing
laws or the interpretation or enforcement thereof, or the preemption of local regulations by national laws. For instance, on March 15, 2019, the National
People’s Congress promulgated the FIL, which took effect on January 1, 2020, and the government authorities may promulgate other implementation rules
subsequently. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulatory Matters—Foreign Investment Law.” Substantial
uncertainties still exist with respect to the interpretation and implementation of these new laws. As a result, we may not be aware of how it may impact the
viability of our current corporate structure, corporate governance and business operations. These uncertainties could limit the legal protections available to
us and other foreign investors. In addition, any litigation in China may be protracted and result in substantial costs and diversion of our resources and
management attention.
Fluctuations in exchange rates of the Renminbi could materially affect our reported operating results.
The exchange rates between the Renminbi and the U.S. dollar, Euro and other foreign currencies is affected by, among other things, changes in
China’s political and economic conditions. On July 21, 2005, the PRC government changed its policy of pegging the value of the Renminbi to the U.S.
dollar. In 2017, the RMB appreciated approximately 6.3% against the U.S. dollar; in 2018, the RMB depreciated approximately 5.7% against the U.S.
dollar; and in 2019, the RMB depreciated approximately 1.3% against the U.S. dollar. It is difficult to predict how market forces or PRC or U.S.
government policy may impact the exchange rate between the RMB and the U.S. dollar in the future. It remains unclear what further fluctuations may
occur or what impact this will have on our results of operations.
As we may rely on dividends and other fees paid to us by our subsidiary and affiliated consolidated entities in China, any significant revaluation
of the Renminbi may materially and adversely affect our cash flows, revenues, earnings and financial position, and the value of, and any dividends payable
on, our ADSs in U.S. dollars. To the extent that we need to convert U.S. dollars we will receive from any offshore financing that we may undertake in the
future into Renminbi for our operations, appreciation of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar would have an adverse effect on the Renminbi amount we
would receive from the conversion. Conversely, if we decide to convert our Renminbi into U.S. dollars for the purpose of making payments for dividends
on our ordinary shares or ADSs or for other business purposes or commercial reasons, appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the Renminbi would have a
negative effect on the U.S. dollar amount available to us. We recorded foreign exchange loss of RMB23.6 million in 2017, foreign exchange gain of
RMB6.8 million in 2018 and foreign exchange gain of RMB7.9 million (US$1.1 million) in 2019, primarily due to the RMB fluctuation against the U.S.
dollar. Our operating results are sensitive to changes in exchange rates of the Renminbi. Future fluctuations that are adverse to us could have a material
adverse effect on our results of operation, financial condition or liquidity.
The ability of U.S. authorities to bring actions for violations of U.S. securities law and regulations against us, our directors, executive officers or the
expert named in this annual report may be limited and therefore you may not be afforded the same protection as provided to investors in U.S. domestic
companies.
The SEC, U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) and other authorities often have substantial difficulties in bringing and enforcing actions against
non-U.S. companies such as us, and non-U.S. persons, such as our directors and executive officers in China. Due to jurisdictional limitations, matters of
comity and various other factors, the SEC, DOJ and other U.S. authorities may be limited in their ability to pursue bad actors, including in instances of
fraud, in emerging markets such as China. We conduct substantially all of our operations in China and substantially all of our assets are located in China. In
addition, a majority of our directors and executive officers reside within China. There are significant legal and other obstacles for U.S. authorities to obtain
information needed for investigations or litigation against us or our directors, executive officers or other gatekeepers in case we or any of these individuals
engage in fraud or other wrongdoing. In addition, local authorities in China may be constrained in their ability to assist U.S. authorities and overseas
investors more generally. As a result, if we have any material disclosure violation or if our directors, executive officers or other gatekeepers commit any
fraud or other financial misconduct, the U.S. authorities may not be able to conduct effective investigations or bring and enforce actions against us, our
directors, executive officers or other gatekeepers.
34
Therefore, you may not be able to enjoy the same protection provided by various U.S. authorities as it is provided to investors in U.S. domestic companies.
You may experience difficulties in effecting service of legal process, enforcing foreign judgments or bringing original actions in China, based on
United States or other foreign laws, against us, our directors, executive officers or the experts named in this annual report and therefore you may not
be able to enjoy the protection of such laws in an effective manner.
We conduct substantially all of our operations in China and substantially all of our assets are located in China. In addition, a majority of our
directors and executive officers reside within China. As a result, it may not be possible to effect service of process within the United States or elsewhere
outside China upon us, our directors and executive officers, including with respect to matters arising under U.S. federal securities laws or applicable state
securities laws. Even if you obtain a judgment against us, our directors, executive officers or the expert named in this annual report in a U.S. court or other
court outside China, you may not be able to enforce such judgment against us or them in China. China does not have treaties providing for the reciprocal
recognition and enforcement of judgments of courts in the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan or most other western countries. Therefore,
recognition and enforcement in China of judgments of a court in any of these jurisdictions may be difficult or impossible. In addition, you may not be able
to bring original actions in China based on the U.S. or other foreign laws against us, our directors, executive officers or the expert named in this annual
report either. As a result, shareholder claims that are common in the U.S., including class action securities law and fraud claims, are difficult or impossible
to pursue as a matter of law and practicality in China. Therefore, you may not be able to effectively enjoy the protection offered by the U.S. laws and
regulations that intend to protect public investors.
PRC regulation of loans and direct investment by offshore holding companies to PRC entities may delay or prevent us from using the net proceeds
from any offshore financing that we may undertake in the future to make loans or additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries and
affiliated consolidated entities.
In utilizing the net proceeds from our initial public offering, as an offshore holding company of our PRC subsidiaries and affiliated consolidated
entities, we may make loans to our PRC subsidiaries and affiliated consolidated entities, or we may make additional capital contributions to our PRC
subsidiaries. Any loans to our subsidiary or affiliated consolidated entities in China are subject to PRC regulations, registrations and/or approvals. For
example, if we provide loans to our PRC subsidiaries, the total amount of such loans may not exceed the statutory limit, i.e., the difference between its total
amount of investment and its registered capital, or certain amount calculated based on elements including capital or net assets and the cross-border
financing leverage ratio (“Macro-prudential Management Mode”) under relevant PRC laws and the loans must be registered with the local counterpart of
the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, or SAFE, and such loans need to be registered with the SAFE or filed with SAFE in its information system.
We may also provide loans to our affiliated consolidated entities under the Macro-prudential Management Mode. According to the Circular of the People’s
Bank of China and the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on Adjusting the Macro-prudent Adjustment Parameter for Cross-border Financing
issued on March 11, 2020, the limit for the total amount of foreign debt under the Macro-prudential Management Mode is increased to two and a half times
from two times of their respective net assets. Moreover, any medium or long-term loan to be provided by us to our consolidated affiliated entities or other
domestic PRC entities must also be registered with the National Development and Reform Commission or NDRC. We may also determine to finance our
PRC subsidiaries by means of capital contributions. These capital contributions shall go through record-filing procedures from competent administration
for market regulation. Because the affiliated consolidated entities are domestic PRC enterprises, we are not likely to finance their activities by means of
capital contributions due to regulatory issues relating to foreign investment in domestic PRC enterprises, as well as the licensing and other regulatory
issues.
In addition, on March 30, 2015, SAFE issued the Circular on the Management Concerning the Reform of the Payment and Settlement of Foreign
Currency Capital of Foreign-Invested Enterprises , or SAFE Circular 19, which became effective on June 1, 2015. Pursuant to SAFE Circular 19, up to
100% of foreign currency capital of foreign-invested enterprise may be converted into RMB capital according to the actual operation of the enterprise
within the business scope at its will and the RMB capital converted from foreign currency registered capital of a foreign-invested enterprise may be used
for equity investments within the PRC provided that such usage shall fall into the scope of business of the foreign-invested enterprise, which will be
regarded as the reinvestment of foreign-invested enterprise. SAFE promulgated the Circular Regarding Further Promotion of the Facilitation of Cross-
Border Trade and Investment on October 23, 2019, or SAFE Circular 28, pursuant to which all foreign-invested enterprises can make equity investments in
the PRC with their capital funds in accordance with the law. As the SAFE Circular 28 is new and the relevant government authorities have broad discretion
in interpreting the regulation, it is unclear whether SAFE will permit such capital funds to be used for equity investments in the PRC in actual practice.
In light of the various requirements imposed by PRC regulations on loans to, and direct investment in, PRC entities by offshore holding
companies, we cannot assure you that we can obtain the required government registrations or record-filings on a timely basis, if at all, with respect to future
loans or capital contributions by us to our PRC subsidiaries or any of the affiliated consolidated entities. If we fail to receive such registrations or record-
filings, our ability to use the net proceeds from our initial public offering and to fund our operations in China would be negatively affected which would
adversely and materially affect our liquidity and our ability to expand our business.
35
If the PRC government finds that our PRC beneficial owners are subject to the SAFE registration requirement under SAFE Circular 37 and the
relevant implementing rules and our PRC beneficial owners fail to comply with such registration requirements, such PRC beneficial owners may be
subject to personal liability, our ability to acquire PRC companies or to inject capital into our PRC subsidiaries may be limited, our PRC subsidiaries ’
ability to distribute profits to us may be limited, or our business may be otherwise materially and adversely affected.
On July 4, 2014, SAFE issued the Circular on Several Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Administration of Domestic Residents Engaging in
Overseas Investment, Financing and Round-Trip Investment via Special Purpose Vehicles , or SAFE Circular 37, which became effective on the same date.
SAFE Circular 37 and its detailed guidelines require PRC residents to register with the local branch of SAFE before contributing their legally owned
onshore or offshore assets or equity interests into any special purpose vehicle, or SPV, directly established, or indirectly controlled, by them for the purpose
of investment or financing; SAFE Circular 37 further requires that when there is (i) any change to the basic information of the SPV, such as any change
relating to its individual PRC resident shareholders, name or operation period or (ii) any material change, such as increase or decrease in the share capital
held by its individual PRC resident shareholders, a share transfer or exchange of the shares in the SPV, or a merger or split of the SPV, the PRC resident
must register such changes with the local branch of SAFE on a timely basis. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—
Regulatory Matters—Regulation of Foreign Exchange Registration of Offshore Investment by PRC Residents.”
Based on the opinion of our PRC counsel, Zhong Lun Law Firm, we understand that the aforesaid registration requirement under SAFE Circular
37 and the relevant implementing rules do not apply to our PRC subsidiaries or our PRC resident beneficial owners due to the following reasons: (i) our
company was incorporated and controlled by Phoenix TV, a Hong Kong listed company, rather than any PRC residents defined under SAFE Circular 37;
(ii) none of the former or current shareholders of our PRC affiliated consolidated entities established or acquired interest in our company by injecting the
assets of, or equity interests in, our affiliated consolidated entities; and (iii) before the public listing of our ADSs, all of our PRC resident beneficial owners
obtained interest in our company through exercise of options granted to them under our employee share option plan. However, we cannot assure you that
the PRC government would hold the same opinion as us, and the relevant government authorities have broad discretion in interpreting these rules and
regulations. If SAFE or any of its local branches requires our PRC resident beneficial owners to register their interest in our company pursuant to SAFE
Circular 37 and the related implementing rules, we will request our PRC resident beneficial owners to make the necessary registration, filings and
amendments as required. However, we cannot provide any assurances that these PRC resident beneficial owners will apply for and complete any applicable
registrations, filing and amendments. The failure or inability of such PRC resident beneficial owners to do so may subject our PRC subsidiaries to fines or
legal sanctions, restrictions on our cross-border investment activities or our PRC subsidiaries’ ability to distribute dividends to, or obtain foreign-exchange-
dominated loans from, our company, or prevent us from making distributions or paying dividends. As a result, our business operations and our ability to
make distributions to you could be materially and adversely affected.
Failure to comply with PRC regulations regarding the registration requirements for stock incentive plans may subject the plan participants or us to
fines and other legal or administrative sanctions.
Under the applicable PRC regulations, “domestic individuals” (including both PRC residents and non-PRC residents who reside in the PRC for a
continuous period of not less than one year, excluding the foreign diplomatic personnel and representatives of international organizations) who participate
in employee stock plans or stock option plans of an overseas publicly-listed company are required to register with SAFE and complete certain other
procedures. If a domestic individual participates in any stock incentive plan of an overseas listed company, a qualified PRC domestic agent, which can be
the PRC subsidiaries of such overseas listed company, shall, among other things, file, on behalf of such individual, an application with SAFE to conduct the
SAFE registration with respect to such stock incentive plan, and obtain approval for an annual allowance with respect to the foreign exchange conversion in
connection with the stock purchase or stock option exercise. Such PRC individuals’ foreign exchange income received from the sale of stocks and
dividends distributed by the overseas listed company and any other income shall be fully remitted into a collective foreign currency account in the PRC
opened and managed by the PRC domestic agent before distribution to such individuals. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview
—Regulatory Matters—SAFE Regulation of Stock Incentive Plan.” We and our employees who are “domestic individuals” participating in stock incentive
plans are subject to these regulations. Our share incentive plans had been registered with SAFE when we became a public company listed on the New York
Stock Exchange. We cannot assure you, however, that we will be able to complete relevant registration for new employees who participate in our share
incentive plans in the future, in a timely manner or at all. If we or such employees fail to comply with these regulations, we or such employees may be
subject to fines and other legal or administrative sanctions.
The approval of the China Securities Regulatory Commission, or the CSRC, may have been required in connection with our initial public offering. Our
failure to obtain this approval, if required, could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, reputation and trading price of our
ADSs.
According to the 2006 M&A Rules, an offshore special purpose vehicle, or SPV, refers to an overseas company controlled directly or indirectly
by domestic companies or individuals for purposes of overseas listing of equity interests in domestic companies (defined as enterprises in the PRC other
than foreign invested enterprises). If an SPV purchases, for the purpose of overseas listing and
36
by means of paying consideration in shares of such SPV, domestic interests held by PRC domestic companies or individuals controlling such SPV, then the
overseas listing by the SPV must obtain the approval of the CSRC. However, the applicability of the 2006 M&A Rules with respect to CSRC approval is
unclear. The CSRC currently has not issued any definitive rule concerning whether offerings like the offering contemplated by our company are subject to
the 2006 M&A Rules and related clarifications.
Our PRC counsel, Zhong Lun Law Firm, has advised us that the 2006 M&A Rules do not require that we obtain prior CSRC approval for the
listing and trading of our ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange, given that:
•
•
•
the CSRC approval requirement applies to SPVs that acquired equity interests in PRC companies through share exchanges and seek overseas
listing;
Fenghuang On-line and Qieyiyou were incorporated indirectly by Phoenix TV, a Hong Kong-listed company, rather than an SPV as defined
under the 2006 M&A Rules; and
Fenghuang On-line and Qieyiyou were incorporated as a wholly foreign-owned enterprise by means of direct investment rather than by
merger or acquisition by our company of the equity interests or assets of any “domestic company” as defined under the 2006 M&A Rules,
and no provision in the 2006 M&A Rules classifies the contractual arrangements between Fenghuang On-line and Qieyiyou and each of the
affiliated consolidated entities as a type of acquisition transaction falling under the 2006 M&A Rules.
Our PRC counsel has further advised us that there are uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of relevant PRC laws, regulations
and rules. If the CSRC subsequently determines that its prior approval is required, we may face regulatory actions or other sanctions from the CSRC or
other PRC regulatory agencies. These regulatory agencies may impose fines and penalties on our operations, limit our operating privileges, delay or restrict
sending the proceeds from our initial public offering into China, or take other actions that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
condition, operating results, reputation and prospects, as well as the trading price of our ADSs.
We cannot predict when the CSRC may promulgate additional rules or other guidance, if at all. Implementing rules or guidance, to the extent
issued, may fail to resolve current ambiguities under this new PRC regulation. Uncertainties and/or negative publicity regarding this new PRC regulation
could have a material adverse effect on the trading price of our ADSs.
The approval of MOFCOM may be required in connection with the establishment of our contractual arrangements with the affiliated consolidated
entities. Our failure to obtain this approval, if required, could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, reputation and trading
price of our ADSs.
The 2006 M&A Rules also provide that approval by MOFCOM is required prior to a foreign company acquiring a PRC domestic company where
the foreign company and the domestic company have the same de facto controlling person(s) that are PRC domestic individual(s) or enterprise(s). The
applicability of the 2006 M&A Rules with respect to MOFCOM’s approval is unclear.
Our PRC legal counsel has advised us that an approval from MOFCOM is not required under 2006 M&A Rules for our contractual arrangements
among Fenghuang On-line, Qieyiyou and each of the affiliated consolidated entities, based on their understanding of the current PRC laws, rules and
regulations, given that Fenghuang On-line was incorporated as a wholly foreign-owned enterprise by means of direct investment rather than by merger or
acquisition by our company of the equity interests or assets of any “domestic company” as defined under the 2006 M&A Rules, and no provision in the
2006 M&A Rules classifies the contractual arrangements between Fenghuang On-line, Qieyiyou and each of the respective affiliated consolidated entities
as a type of acquisition transaction falling under the 2006 M&A Rules.
However, if MOFCOM subsequently determines that its prior approval was required for our contractual arrangements with the affiliated
consolidated entities, we may face regulatory actions or other sanctions from MOFCOM or other PRC regulatory agencies. These regulatory agencies may
impose fines and penalties on us and the affiliated consolidated entities, which require us to restructure our ownership structure or operations, limit our
operations, delay or restrict sending the net proceeds from our initial public offering into China, or take other actions. These regulatory actions could have a
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, operating results, reputation and prospects, as well as the trading price of our ADSs.
Governmental control of currency conversion may affect the value of your investment.
The PRC government imposes controls on the convertibility of the Renminbi into foreign currencies and, in certain cases, the remittance of
currency out of China. We receive substantially all of our revenues in Renminbi. Under our current corporate structure, our income is primarily derived
from dividend payments from our PRC subsidiaries. Shortages in the availability of foreign currency may restrict the ability of our PRC subsidiaries to
remit sufficient foreign currency to pay dividends or other payments to us, or otherwise satisfy their foreign currency-denominated obligations. Under
existing PRC foreign exchange regulations, payments of current account items, including profit distributions, interest payments and expenditures from
trade related transactions, can be made in foreign currencies without prior approval from the SAFE by complying with certain procedural requirements.
However, approval
37
from the SAFE or its local branch is required where Renminbi is to be converted into foreign currency and remitted out of China to pay capital expenses
such as the repayment of loans denominated in foreign currencies. The PRC government may also at its discretion restrict access in the future to foreign
currencies for current account transactions. If the foreign exchange control system prevents us from obtaining sufficient foreign currency to satisfy our
currency demands, we may not be able to pay dividends in foreign currencies to our shareholders, including holders of our ADSs.
Dividends we receive from our PRC subsidiaries located in the PRC may be subject to PRC withholding tax.
The CIT Law provides that a maximum income tax rate of 20% may be applicable to dividends payable to non-PRC investors that are “non-
resident enterprises”, to the extent such dividends are derived from sources within the PRC, and the State Council of the PRC has reduced such rate to 10%
through the implementation regulations. We are a Cayman Islands holding company and substantially all of our income may be derived from dividends we
receive from our subsidiary located in the PRC. Thus, dividends from our subsidiary in China may be subject to the 10% income tax if we are considered as
a “non-resident enterprise” under the CIT Law. If we are required under the CIT Law to pay income tax for any dividends we receive from our subsidiary
in China, it would materially and adversely affect the amount of dividends, if any, we may pay to our shareholders and ADS holders.
We may be deemed a PRC resident enterprise under the CIT Law and be subject to the PRC taxation on our worldwide income.
The CIT Law also provides that enterprises established outside of China whose “de facto management bodies” are located in China are
considered “resident enterprises” and are generally subject to the uniform 25% enterprise income tax rate as to their worldwide income. Under the
implementation regulations for the CIT Law issued by the PRC State Council, “de facto management body” is defined as a body that has material and
overall management and control over the manufacturing and business operations, personnel and human resources, finances and treasury, and acquisition
and disposal of properties and other assets of an enterprise. Although substantially all of our PRC operational entities’ management is currently based in the
PRC, it is unclear whether PRC tax authorities would treat us as a PRC resident enterprise. Despite the present uncertainties as a result of limited guidance
from PRC tax authorities on the issue, we do not believe that our legal entities organized outside of the PRC should be treated as residents under the CIT
Law. If we are treated as a resident enterprise for PRC tax purposes, we will be subject to PRC tax on our worldwide income at the 25% uniform tax rate,
which could have an impact on our effective tax rate and an adverse effect on our net income and operating results.
Dividends payable by us to our foreign investors and gain on the sale of our ADSs or ordinary shares may become subject to taxes under PRC tax laws.
Under the CIT Law and implementation regulations issued by the State Council, PRC withholding tax at the rate of 10% is applicable to
dividends payable to investors that are “non-resident enterprises”, which do not have an establishment or place of business in the PRC, or which have such
establishment or place of business but the relevant income is not effectively connected with the establishment or place of business, to the extent such
dividends have their sources within the PRC. Similarly, any gain realized on the transfer of ADSs or shares by such investors is also subject to 10% PRC
income tax if such gain is regarded as income derived from sources within the PRC. The implementation regulations of the CIT Law set forth that, (i) if the
enterprise that distributes dividends is domiciled in the PRC, or (ii) if gains are realized from transferring equity interests of enterprises domiciled in the
PRC, then such dividends or capital gains are treated as China-sourced income. It is not clear how “domicile” may be interpreted under the CIT Law, and it
may be interpreted as the jurisdiction where the enterprise is a tax resident. Therefore, if we are considered a PRC tax resident enterprise for tax purposes,
the dividends we pay to our non-PRC enterprise investors with respect to our ordinary shares or ADSs, or the gain our non-PRC enterprise investors may
realize from the transfer of our ordinary shares or ADSs, may be treated as income derived from sources within the PRC and be subject to PRC withholding
tax. In addition, it is unclear whether our non-PRC individual investors would be subject to any PRC tax in the event we are deemed a “PRC resident
enterprise”. If any PRC tax were to apply to such dividends or gains of non-PRC individual investors, it would generally apply at a tax rate of 20%.
Furthermore, it is unclear in these circumstances whether holders of our ordinary shares or ADSs would be able to claim the benefit of income tax treaties
entered into between China and other countries or regions. If we are required under the PRC law to withhold PRC income tax on dividends payable to our
non-PRC investors, or if you are required to pay PRC income tax on the transfer of our ordinary shares or ADSs, the value of your investment in our
ordinary shares or ADSs may be materially and adversely affected.
We may be required to register our operating offices not located at our residence addresses as branch companies under PRC law.
Under PRC law, a company setting up premises outside its resident address for business operations must register such operating offices with the
relevant local industry and commerce bureau at the place where such premises are located as branch companies and shall obtain business licenses for such
branches. Our affiliated consolidated entities have operations at locations other than their respective resident addresses. If the PRC regulatory authorities
determine that we are in violation of relevant laws and regulations, we may be subject to relevant penalties, including fines, confiscation of income, and
suspension of operation. If we are subject to these penalties, our business, operating results, financial condition and prospects could be materially and
adversely affected.
38
Our auditor, like other independent registered public accounting firms operating in China, is not permitted to be subject to inspection by the Public
Company Accounting Oversight Board and consequently investors may be deprived of the benefits of such inspection.
Our auditor, the independent registered public accounting firm that issued the audit reports included elsewhere in this annual report, as an auditor
of companies that are traded publicly in the United States and a firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), or
PCAOB, is subject to laws in the United States pursuant to which the PCAOB conducts regular inspections to assess its compliance with applicable
professional standards. Our auditor is located in, and organized under the laws of, the PRC, which is a jurisdiction where the PCAOB has been unable to
conduct inspections without the approval of the Chinese authorities. In May 2013, the PCAOB announced that it had entered into a Memorandum of
Understanding on Enforcement Cooperation with the China Securities Regulatory Commission, or CSRC, and the PRC Ministry of Finance, which
establishes a cooperative framework between the parties for the production and exchange of audit documents relevant to investigations undertaken by the
PCAOB, the CSRC or the PRC Ministry of Finance in the United States and the PRC, respectively. The PCAOB continues to be in discussions with the
CSRC, and the PRC Ministry of Finance to permit joint inspections in the PRC of audit firms that are registered with PCAOB and audit Chinese companies
that trade on U.S. exchanges.
On December 7, 2018, the SEC and the PCAOB issued a joint statement highlighting continued challenges faced by the U.S. regulators in their
oversight of financial statement audits of U.S.-listed companies with significant operations in China. In a statement issued on December 9, 2019, the SEC
reiterated concerns over the inability of the PCAOB to conduct inspections of the audit firm work papers with respect to U.S.-listed companies that have
operations in China, and emphasized the importance of audit quality in emerging markets, such as China. On April 21, 2020, the SEC and the PCAOB
issued a new joint statement, reminding the investors that in many emerging markets, including China, there is substantially greater risk that disclosures
will be incomplete or misleading and, in the event of investor harm, substantially less access to recourse, in comparison to U.S. domestic companies, and
stressing again the PCAOB’s inability to inspect audit work papers in China and its potential harm to investors. However, it remains unclear what further
actions, if any, the SEC and the PCAOB will take to address the problem.
This lack of the PCAOB inspections in China prevents the PCAOB from fully evaluating audits and quality control procedures of our
independent registered public accounting firm. As a result, we and investors in our ordinary shares are deprived of the benefits of such PCAOB inspections.
The inability of the PCAOB to conduct inspections of auditors in China makes it more difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of our independent registered
public accounting firm’s audit procedures or quality control procedures as compared to auditors outside of China that are subject to the PCAOB
inspections, which could cause investors and potential investors in our stock to lose confidence in our audit procedures and reported financial information
and the quality of our financial statements.
As part of a continued regulatory focus in the United States on access to audit and other information currently protected by national law, in
particular China’s, in June 2019, a bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced bills in both houses of the U.S. Congress, which if passed, would require the
SEC to maintain a list of issuers for which PCAOB is not able to inspect or investigate an auditor report issued by a foreign public accounting firm. The
proposed Ensuring Quality Information and Transparency for Abroad-Based Listings on our Exchanges (EQUITABLE) Act prescribes increased disclosure
requirements for these issuers and, beginning in 2025, the delisting from U.S. national securities exchanges of issuers included on the SEC’s list for three
consecutive years. Enactment of this legislation or other efforts to increase U.S. regulatory access to audit information could cause investor uncertainty for
affected issuers, including us, and the market price of our ADSs could be adversely affected. It is unclear if this proposed legislation would be enacted.
Furthermore, there has been recent media reports on deliberations within the U.S. government regarding potentially limiting or restricting China-based
companies from accessing U.S. capital markets. If any such deliberations were to materialize, the resulting legislation may have material and adverse
impact on the stock performance of China-based issuers listed in the United States.
Proceedings instituted by the SEC against certain PRC-based accounting firms, including our independent registered public accounting firm, could
result in financial statements being determined to not be in compliance with the requirements of the Exchange Act.
In December 2012, the SEC instituted administrative proceedings against the Big Four PRC-based accounting firms, including our independent
registered public accounting firm, alleging that these firms had violated U.S. securities laws and the SEC’s rules and regulations thereunder by failing to
provide to the SEC the firms’ audit work papers with respect to certain PRC-based companies that are publicly traded in the United States.
On January 22, 2014, the administrative law judge, or the ALJ, presiding over the matter rendered an initial decision that each of the firms had
violated the SEC’s rules of practice by failing to produce audit papers and other documents to the SEC. The initial decision censured each of the firms and
barred them from practicing before the SEC for a period of six months.
On February 6, 2015, the four China-based accounting firms each agreed to a censure and to pay a fine to the SEC to settle the dispute and avoid
suspension of their ability to practice before the SEC and audit U.S.-listed companies. The settlement required the firms to follow detailed procedures and
to seek to provide the SEC with access to Chinese firms’ audit documents via the CSRC.
39
Under the terms of the settlement, the underlying proceeding against the four China-based accounting firms was deemed dismissed with prejudice four
years after entry of the settlement. The four-year mark occurred on February 6, 2019. While we cannot predict if the SEC will further challenge the four
China-based accounting firms’ compliance with U.S. law in connection with U.S. regulatory requests for audit work papers or if the results of such a
challenge would result in the SEC imposing penalties such as suspensions, if the accounting firms are subject to additional remedial measures, our ability to
file our financial statements in compliance with SEC requirements could be impacted. A determination that we have not timely filed financial statements in
compliance with the SEC requirements could ultimately lead to the delisting of our ADSs from the New York Stock Exchange or the termination of the
registration of our ADSs and Class A ordinary shares under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or both, which would substantially reduce or effectively
terminate the trading of our ADSs in the United States.
Uncertainties exist with respect to the interpretation and implementation of the Foreign Investment Law and how it may impact the viability of our
current corporate structure, corporate governance and business operations.
On March 15, 2019, the National People’s Congress promulgated the Foreign Investment Law or the FIL, which took effect on January 1, 2020,
and replaced the existing laws regulating foreign investment in China, namely, the PRC Equity Joint Venture Law, the PRC Cooperative Joint Venture Law
and the Wholly Foreign-owned Enterprise Law, or Old FIE Laws, together with their implementation rules and ancillary regulations. See “Item 4.
Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulation—Regulation on Foreign Investment.”
Meanwhile, the Implementation Rules to the Foreign Investment Law came into effect as of January 1, 2020, which clarified and elaborated the
relevant provisions of the Foreign Investment Law. However, uncertainties still exist in relation to interpretation and implementation of the FIL, especially
in regard to, including, among other things, the nature of variable interest entities contractual arrangements and specific rules regulating the organization
form of foreign-invested enterprises within the five-year transition period. While FIL does not define contractual arrangements as a form of foreign
investment explicitly, however, it has a catch-all provision under definition of “foreign investment” that includes investments made by foreign investors in
the PRC through other means as provided by laws, administrative regulations or the State Council, we cannot assure you that future laws and regulations
will not provide for contractual arrangements as a form of foreign investment. Therefore, there can be no assurance that our control over our VIEs through
contractual arrangements will not be deemed as foreign investment in the future. In the event that any possible implementing regulations of the FIL, any
other future laws, administrative regulations or provisions deem contractual arrangements as a way of foreign investment, or if any of our operations
through contractual arrangements is classified in the “restricted” or “prohibited” industry in the future “negative list” under the FIL, our contractual
arrangements may be deemed as invalid and illegal, and we may be required to unwind the variable interest entity contractual arrangements and/or dispose
of any affected business. Also, if future laws, administrative regulations or provisions mandate further actions to be taken with respect to existing
contractual arrangements, we may face substantial uncertainties as to whether we can complete such actions in a timely manner, or at all. Furthermore,
under the FIL, foreign investors or the foreign investment enterprise should be imposed legal liabilities for failing to report investment information in
accordance with the requirements. In addition, the FIL provides that foreign invested enterprises established according to the existing laws regulating
foreign investment may maintain their structure and corporate governance within a five-year transition period, which means that we may be required to
adjust the structure and corporate governance of certain of our PRC subsidiaries in such transition period. Failure to take timely and appropriate measures
to cope with any of these or similar regulatory compliance challenges could materially and adversely affect our current corporate structure, corporate
governance and business operations.
Press reports concerning possible increased scrutiny by Chinese authorities of the VIE structure used by us and various other Chinese companies
publicly-traded in the United States appear to have created concern among investors and caused the price of our common stock to drop, and such
reports may have such an effect in the future.
We operate a VIE structure in which substantially all of our operations in China are conducted by our affiliated consolidated entities, in which we
do not own any equity interest, through our contractual arrangements. In the recent past, various prominent Western news outlets reported that the
MOFCOM and the China Securities Regulatory Commission, among other Chinese regulatory authorities, may be considering increased scrutiny or
enhanced regulation of Chinese companies that use VIE structures as a means of complying with Chinese laws prohibiting or restricting foreign ownership
of certain businesses in China, including businesses we are engaged in such as Internet information, content and services, online and mobile advertising,
and mobile Internet and other value-added telecommunication services. Some of such news reports have also sought to draw a connection between recent
widely reported accounting issues at certain Chinese companies and the use of VIE structures. Such news reports appear to have had the effect of causing
significant drops in the market prices of the shares of several Chinese companies, including us, that are publicly-traded in the United States. We believe
even if any such Chinese regulatory authorities were to increase scrutiny of VIE structures or adopt regulations specifically governing their use, the
possibility is remote that any such scrutiny would have a material adverse impact on us or cause us to change our existing operational structure in any
materially adverse way. However, it is possible that there will be such increased scrutiny or enhanced regulation in the future. In addition, while we are not
aware of any causal connection between the recently reported accounting scandals and the use of VIE structures, it is possible that investors in our ADSs
will believe that such a
40
connection exists. Any of such circumstances could lead to further loss of investor confidence in Chinese companies such as ours and cause fluctuations in
the market prices of our common stock and, if such prices were to drop sharply, could subject us to shareholder litigation, which could cause the price for
our shares to drop further.
Risks Relating to Our ADSs
The market price for our ADSs may be volatile which could result in a loss to you.
The market price for our ADSs is likely to be highly volatile and subject to wide fluctuations in response to factors, including the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
announcements by us or our competitors or other internet companies of competitive developments;
changes in the market valuations or the operating performance of other internet companies;
regulatory developments in China affecting us, our clients or our competitors;
announcements regarding litigation or administrative proceedings involving us;
actual or anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly operating results;
changes in financial estimates by securities research analysts;
addition or departure of our executive officers;
public perception or negative news about our products or services;
release or expiry of lock-up or other transfer restrictions on our outstanding ordinary shares or ADSs;
sales or perceived sales of additional ordinary shares or ADSs; and
fluctuations of exchange rates between RMB and the U.S. dollar. In addition, the securities market has from time to time experienced
significant price and volume fluctuations that are not related to the operating performance of particular companies. These market fluctuations
may also have a material adverse effect on the market price of our ADSs.
Substantial future sales or perceived sales of our ADSs in the public market could cause the price of our ADSs to decline.
Sales of our ADSs or ordinary shares in the public market, or the perception that these sales could occur, could cause the market price of our
ADSs to decline. As of March 31, 2020, we had 582,324,325 ordinary shares outstanding, including 317,325,360 Class B ordinary shares and 264,998,965
Class A ordinary shares part of which are represented by 32,692,347 ADSs. All ADSs sold in our initial public offering are freely transferable without
restriction or additional registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act. The remaining ordinary shares outstanding are
available for sale upon the expiration of any relevant lock-up periods, subject to volume and other restrictions that may be applicable under Rule 144 and
Rule 701 under the Securities Act. In addition, ordinary shares that certain option holders will receive when they exercise their share options will not be
available for sale until the expiration of any relevant lock-up periods, subject to volume and other restrictions that may be applicable under Rule 144 and
Rule 701 under the Securities Act. We cannot predict what effect, if any, market sales of securities held by our significant shareholders or any other
shareholder or the availability of these securities for future sale will have on the market price of our ADSs.
Our dual-class ordinary share structure with different voting rights could discourage others from pursuing any change of control transactions that
holders of our Class A ordinary shares and ADSs may view as beneficial.
We have Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares, which are all at par value of US$0.01 each. Holders of Class A ordinary shares are
entitled to one vote per share, while holders of Class B ordinary shares are entitled to 1.3 votes per share. Phoenix TV (BVI), which is wholly owned by
Phoenix TV, holds Class B ordinary shares, each of which is convertible into one Class A ordinary share at any time by the holder thereof. Class A ordinary
shares are not convertible into Class B ordinary shares under any circumstances. Due to the disparate voting rights attached to these two classes, Phoenix
TV (BVI) has significant voting rights over matters requiring shareholder approval, including the election and removal of directors and certain corporate
transactions, such as mergers, consolidations and other business combinations. This concentrated control could discourage others from pursuing any
potential merger, takeover or other change of control transactions that holders of Class A ordinary shares and ADSs may view as beneficial.
41
Anti-takeover provisions in our articles of association may discourage a third party from offering to acquire our company, which could limit your
opportunity to sell your ADSs at a premium.
Our currently effective, second amended and restated articles of association include provisions that could limit the ability of others to acquire
control of us, modify our structure or cause us to engage in change of control transactions. These provisions could have the effect of depriving our
shareholders of an opportunity to sell their shares at a premium over prevailing market prices by discouraging third parties from seeking to obtain control
of us in a tender offer or similar transaction.
For example, our board of directors have the authority, without further action by our shareholders, to issue preference shares in one or more series
and to fix the powers and rights of these shares, including dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of redemption and liquidation preferences,
any or all of which may be greater than the rights associated with our ordinary shares. Preference shares could thus be issued quickly with terms calculated
to delay or prevent a change in control or make removal of management more difficult. In addition, if our board of directors issues preference shares, the
market price of our ordinary shares may fall and the voting and other rights of the holders of our ordinary shares may be adversely affected.
As a foreign private issuer, we are permitted to, and we may, rely on exemptions from certain NYSE corporate governance standards applicable to U.S.
issuers. This may afford less protection to holders of our ordinary shares and ADSs.
The NYSE Listed Company Manual in general require listed companies to have, among other things, a majority of its board be independent, an
audit committee consisting of a minimum of three members and a nominating and corporate governance committee consisting solely of independent
directors. As a foreign private issuer, we are permitted to follow, and we follow, certain home country corporate governance practices instead of the above
requirements of the NYSE Listed Company Manual. The corporate governance practice in our home country, the Cayman Islands, does not require a
majority of our board to consist of independent directors or the implementation of an audit committee or nominating and corporate governance committee.
We rely upon the relevant home country exemption and exemptions afforded to controlled companies in lieu of certain corporate governance practices,
such as having less than a majority of the board be independent and establishing an audit committee consisting of two independent directors. As a result,
the level of independent oversight over management of our company may afford less protection to holders of our ordinary shares and ADSs.
As a foreign private issuer, we are not subject to U.S. proxy rules and are subject to Exchange Act reporting obligations that, to some extent, are more
lenient and less frequent than those of a U.S. issuer.
As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from certain provisions of the Exchange Act that are applicable to U.S. domestic issuers, including
(i) the sections of the Exchange Act regulating the solicitation of proxies, consents or authorizations in respect of a security registered under the Exchange
Act, (ii) the sections of the Exchange Act requiring insiders to file public reports of their stock ownership and trading activities and liability for insiders
who profit from trades made in a short period of time, and (iii) the rules under the Exchange Act requiring the filing with the SEC of quarterly reports on
Form 10-Q containing unaudited financial and other specified information, or current reports on Form 8-K, upon the occurrence of specified significant
events. In addition, the executive compensation disclosure requirements to which we are subject under Form 20-F are less rigorous than those required of
U.S. issuers under Form 10-K. Furthermore, foreign private issuers are not required to file their annual report on Form 20-F until 120 days after the end of
each fiscal year, while U.S. domestic issuers that are not large accelerated filers or accelerated filers are required to file their annual report on Form 10-K
within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year. Foreign private issuers are also exempt from the Regulation FD, aimed at preventing issuers from making
selective disclosures of material information. Although we intend to make quarterly reports available to our shareholders in a timely manner and are
required under the Exchange Act to provide current reports on Form 6-K, you may not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies
that are not foreign private issuers.
We are a Cayman Islands company and, because judicial precedent regarding the rights of shareholders is more limited under Cayman Islands law
than under U.S. law, you may have less protection of your shareholder rights than you would under U.S. law.
Our corporate affairs are governed by our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, the Cayman Islands Companies
Law (as amended) and the common law of the Cayman Islands. The rights of shareholders to take action against the directors, actions by minority
shareholders and the fiduciary responsibilities of our directors to us under Cayman Islands law are to a large extent governed by the common law of the
Cayman Islands. The common law of the Cayman Islands is derived in part from comparatively limited judicial precedent in the Cayman Islands as well as
from English common law, which has persuasive, but not binding, authority on a court in the Cayman Islands. The rights of our shareholders and the
fiduciary responsibilities of our directors under Cayman Islands law are not as clearly established as they would be under statutes or judicial precedent in
some jurisdictions in the United States. In particular, the Cayman Islands has a less developed body of securities laws than the United States. In addition,
some U.S. states, such as Delaware, have more fully developed and judicially interpreted bodies of corporate law than the Cayman Islands. Furthermore,
Cayman Islands companies may not have standing to initiate a shareholder derivative action in a federal court of
42
the United States. As a result, public shareholders may have more difficulties in protecting their interests in the face of actions taken by management,
members of the board of directors or controlling shareholders than they would as shareholders of a Delaware company.
Legislation enacted in the Cayman Islands and the British Virgin Islands as to economic substance may affect our corporate structure and cause us to
incur additional compliance costs.
Each of our company and its subsidiary, Fread Limited, is an exempted company incorporated in the Cayman Islands. Pursuant to the
International Tax Cooperation (Economic Substance) Law, 2018 of the Cayman Islands, or the “Cayman ES Law”, that came into force on January 1, 2019,
a “relevant entity” engaged in “relevant activities” is required to satisfy the economic substance test set out in the Cayman ES Law. A “relevant entity”
includes an exempted company incorporated in the Cayman Islands (such as our company and Fread Limited); however, it does not include an entity that is
tax resident outside the Cayman Islands. Accordingly, for so long as our company or Fread Limited is a tax resident outside the Cayman Islands, it is not
required to satisfy the economic substance test set out in the Cayman ES Law.
One of our subsidiaries is a business company incorporated under the laws of the British Virgin Islands, or BVI, prior to January 1, 2019, or BVI
Subsidiary. Pursuant to the Economic Substance (Companies and Limited Partnerships) Act, 2018 of the British Virgin Islands, or the “BVI ES Act”, that
came into force on January 1, 2019, a “legal entity” engaged in “relevant activity” is required to satisfy the economic substance test set out in the BVI ES
Act. A “legal entity” (based on the current interpretation of the BVI ES Act, includes a business company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands but
does not include an entity that is tax resident outside the British Virgin Islands). A “legal entity” carrying on any “relevant activity” is required to satisfy
the economic substance test as set out in the BVI ES Act. The list of “relevant activities” include the carrying on as a business of any one or more of
banking business, insurance business, fund management business, finance and leasing business, distribution and service business, shipping business,
holding business, intellectual property business and headquarters business. To the extent that a “legal entity” solely conducts holdings business as a pure
equity holding company, it will be Subject to reduced economic substance requirements under the BVI ES Act.
As the Cayman ES Law and the BVI ES Act were recently adopted and there are still uncertainties regarding their interpretation and
implementation, it is not possible at this stage to be definitive as to the extent of substance which our company, Fread Limited or the BVI Subsidiary will
be required to have in the Cayman Islands or BVI respectively. We are awaiting further guidance from the Cayman and BVI governmental authorities to
clarify the impact of the requirements in the Cayman ES Law and the BVI ES Act on our company, Fread Limited and the BVI Subsidiary.
We will make all endeavors to ensure our company, Fread Limited and the BVI Subsidiary comply with the economic substance requirements
under the relevant legislation. However, in doing so, our company, Fread Limited and the BVI Subsidiary may incur additional compliance costs (such as
payment of fees for attending to annual filings with the relevant governmental authorities); and/or if our company, Fread Limited or the BVI Subsidiary fail
to satisfy the economic substance test set out in the Cayman ES Law or the BVI ES Act (as the case may be), we, Fread Limited and the BVI Subsidiary
may initially be subject to penalty in accordance with the Cayman ES Law and the BVI ES Act respectively.
Judgments obtained against us by our shareholders may not be enforceable.
We are a Cayman Islands company and substantially all of our assets are located outside of the United States. Substantially all of our current
operations are conducted in the PRC. In addition, most of our directors and officers are nationals and residents of countries other than the United States. A
substantial portion of the assets of these persons are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for you to effect service of process
within the United States upon these persons. It may also be difficult for you to enforce in U.S. courts judgments obtained in U.S. courts based on the civil
liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws against us and our officers and directors. Moreover, there is uncertainty as to whether the courts of the
Cayman Islands or the PRC would recognize or enforce judgments of United States courts against us or such persons predicated upon the civil liability
provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state. In addition, there is uncertainty as to whether such Cayman Islands or PRC courts would
be competent to hear original actions brought in the Cayman Islands or the PRC against us or such persons predicated upon the securities laws of the
United States or any state.
Holders of ADSs must act through the depositary to exercise their rights as shareholders of our company.
Holders of our ADSs do not have the same rights of our shareholders and may only exercise the voting rights with respect to the underlying
ordinary shares in accordance with the provisions of the deposit agreement for the ADSs. Under our second amended and restated memorandum and
articles of association, the minimum notice period required to convene a general meeting is 10 days. When a general meeting is convened, you may not
receive sufficient notice of a shareholders’ meeting to permit you to withdraw your ordinary shares to allow you to cast your vote with respect to any
specific matter. In addition, the depositary and its agents may not be
43
able to send voting instructions to you or carry out your voting instructions in a timely manner. We will make all reasonable efforts to cause the depositary
to extend voting rights to you in a timely manner, but we cannot assure you that you will receive the voting materials in time to ensure that you can instruct
the depositary to vote your ADSs. Furthermore, the depositary and its agents will not be responsible for any failure to carry out any instructions to vote, for
the manner in which any vote is cast or for the effect of any such vote. As a result, you may not be able to exercise your right to vote and you may lack
recourse if your ADSs are not voted as you requested. In addition, in your capacity as an ADS holder, you will not be able to call a shareholders’ meeting.
The depositary for our ADSs will give us a discretionary proxy to vote our ordinary shares underlying your ADSs if you do not vote at shareholders’
meetings, except in limited circumstances, which could adversely affect your interests.
Under the deposit agreement for the ADSs, the depositary will give us a discretionary proxy to vote our ordinary shares underlying your ADSs at
shareholders’ meetings if you do not vote, unless:
•
•
•
•
we have failed to timely provide the depositary with our notice of meeting and related voting materials;
we have instructed the depositary that we do not wish a discretionary proxy to be given;
we have informed the depositary that there is substantial opposition as to a matter to be voted on at the meeting; or
a matter to be voted on at the meeting would have a material adverse impact on shareholders.
The effect of this discretionary proxy is that you cannot prevent our ordinary shares underlying your ADSs from being voted, absent the
situations described above, and it may make it more difficult for shareholders to influence the management of our company. Holders of our ordinary shares
are not subject to this discretionary proxy.
You may be subject to limitations on transfers of your ADSs.
Your ADSs are transferable on the books of the depositary. However, the depositary may close its transfer books at any time or from time to time
when it deems expedient in connection with the performance of its duties. In addition, the depositary may refuse to deliver, transfer or register transfers of
ADSs generally when our books or the books of the depositary are closed, or at any time if we or the depositary deems it advisable to do so because of any
requirement of law or of any government or governmental body, or under any provision of the deposit agreement, or for any other reason.
Your right to participate in any future rights offerings may be limited, which may cause dilution to your holdings and you may not receive cash
dividends or other distributions if it is impractical to make them available to you.
We may from time to time distribute rights to our shareholders, including rights to acquire our securities. However, we cannot make rights
available to you in the United States unless we register the rights and the securities to which the rights relate under the Securities Act or an exemption from
the registration requirements is available. Also, under the deposit agreement, the depositary will not make rights available to you unless either both the
rights and any related securities are registered under the Securities Act, or the distribution of them to ADS holders is exempted from registration under the
Securities Act. We are under no obligation to file a registration statement with respect to any such rights or securities or to endeavor to cause such a
registration statement to be declared effective. Moreover, we may not be able to establish an exemption from registration under the Securities Act.
Accordingly, you may be unable to participate in our rights offerings and may experience dilution in your holdings.
In addition, the depositary has agreed to pay to you the cash dividends or other distributions it or the custodian receives on our ordinary shares or
other deposited securities after deducting its fees and expenses. You will receive these distributions in proportion to the number of ordinary shares your
ADSs represent. However, the depositary may, at its discretion, decide that it is impractical to make a distribution available to any holders of ADSs. For
example, the depositary may determine that it is not practicable to distribute certain property through the mail, or that the value of certain distributions may
be less than the cost of mailing them. In these cases, the depositary may decide not to distribute such property and you will not receive any such
distribution.
ITEM 4.
INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
A.
History and Development of the Company
Phoenix TV registered the domain name phoenixtv.com for its corporate website in 1998. Tianying Jiuzhou began operating this website after its
establishment in April 2000. As part of the reorganization before its initial public offering, in September 1999, Phoenix TV incorporated Phoenix Satellite
Television Information Limited in the British Virgin Islands to be the holding company of its new media business.
44
In November 2005, Mr. Shuang Liu, a vice president of Phoenix TV, was appointed to lead Phoenix TV’s new media business. Upon his
appointment, Mr. Liu began implementing his vision to transform the business from a mere corporate website of Phoenix TV into a new media company
capitalizing on the future of new media convergence. Yifeng Lianhe was established in June 2006 to provide new media mobile services in China. In
July 2007, Tianying Jiuzhou registered the domain name ifeng.com and redirected the traffic of phoenixtv.com and phoenixtv.com.cn to ifeng.com.
On November 22, 2007, Phoenix New Media Limited, an exempted limited liability company, was incorporated in the Cayman Islands as a
subsidiary of Phoenix TV to be the holding company for its new media business. In May 2008, Phoenix Satellite Television (B.V.I.) Holding Limited
transferred the sole outstanding share of Phoenix Satellite Television Information Limited to us in exchange for 319,999,999 ordinary shares of our
company.
Fenghuang On-line was established in December 2005. On December 31, 2009, Fenghuang On-line entered into a series of contractual
arrangements with each of Tianying Jiuzhou and Yifeng Lianhe and their respective shareholders to govern our relationships with Tianying Jiuzhou and
Yifeng Lianhe, at which time we became operational in our current corporate structure. These contractual arrangements allow us to effectively control
Tianying Jiuzhou and Yifeng Lianhe and to derive substantially all of the economic benefits from them. See “—C. Organizational Structure — Contractual
Arrangements with Our Affiliated Consolidated Entities.”
On May 12, 2011, our ADSs began trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “FENG”. We closed our initial public
offering on May 17, 2011 and the underwriters subsequently exercised their over-allotment option on June 8, 2011. We issued and sold a total of
13,415,125 ADSs in these transactions, representing 107,321,000 Class A ordinary shares in the form of ADSs, raising US$137.2 million in proceeds to us
before expenses but after underwriting discounts and commissions.
In December 2018 and March 2019, we acquired a total of 51% of the equity interests in Yitian Xindong, which owns Tadu Apps, to further
develop our digital reading services. As a result of a series of contractual arrangements, we started to consolidate Yitian Xindong in our financial
statements from December 28, 2018. See “—C. Organizational Structure” for more details.
We hold 50% of the equity interests in Tianbo. Before April 2019, as we had significant influence over financial and operating decision-making,
we accounted for the 50% equity interest by using the equity method of accounting. On April 1, 2019, we obtained control over Tianbo and consolidated
Tianbo starting from April 1, 2019 as we and other shareholders of Tianbo agreed to make certain revisions to the articles of association of Tianbo, which
granted us the voting power to decide Tianbo’s significant financial and operating decisions at both the shareholder level and the board level, to accelerate
the development of its real estate vertical and to further bolster the development of our real estate vertical and to create more synergies on Tianbo’s new
business, with the equity interest in Tianbo of 50% unchanged. At the same time, we agreed with other shareholders of Tianbo and would provide free
advertising resources to Tianbo as consideration to gain control over Tianbo. See “—C. Organizational Structure” for more details.
Our principal executive offices are located at Sinolight Plaza, Floor 16, No. 4 Qiyang Road, Wangjing, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100102,
People’s Republic of China. Our telephone number at this address is +(86) 10 6067 6000. Our registered office in the Cayman Islands is located at the
offices of Conyers Trust Company (Cayman) Limited, Cricket Square, Hutchins Drive, P.O. Box 2681, Grand Cayman, KY1-1111, Cayman Islands. Our
agent for service of process in the United States is Law Debenture Corporate Services Inc., located at 801 2nd Avenue, Suite 403 New York, New York
10017.
B.
Business Overview
We are a leading new media company providing premium content on an integrated Internet platform, including PC and mobile, in China. Having
originated from a leading global Chinese language TV network based in Hong Kong, Phoenix TV, we enable consumers to access professional news and
other quality information and UGC, on the Internet and through their PCs and mobile devices. We also transmit our UGC and in-house produced content to
TV viewers primarily through Phoenix TV. Our PC channel includes major verticals such as news, real estate, fashion, military, finance, web-based games
and digital reading. Our mobile channel includes our mobile news application, mobile video application, mobile digital reading applications (“Fanyue
Novel” and “Tadu Apps”) and mobile Internet websites. We also act as a unique and quality content provider for multiple third-party channel. The appeal
of our brand is enhanced by its affiliation with the “Phoenix” (“(cid:0)(cid:0)”) brand of Phoenix TV.
According to iResearch, our number of PC monthly unique visitors was 110 million in December 2019. We have ranked second among all
Internet portals in China in terms of monthly unique visitors in December 2019, according to iResearch. We earn revenues from advertising and paid
services, which accounted for 82.5% and 17.5% of our total revenues, respectively, in 2019.
We recognize revenues from our advertising services on a net basis, after deducting the agency service fees we pay to advertising agencies and
the value-added tax, or VAT, and the cultural development fee. We provide advertising services through PC channel and mobile channel, which accounted
for 32.6% and 67.4% of our net advertising revenues, respectively, in 2019.We see
45
mobile devices as the primary gateway for news and other media content consumption going forward. In recent years, we have taken steps to optimize our
business model by shifting our revenue mix towards our mobile channels. By continuing to strengthen our core competencies of content production
capability, dedication to serious journalism and cutting-edge technology, we believe that we will be better positioned to capitalize on emerging
opportunities as increasing numbers of consumers in China use Internet-enabled mobile devices to consume news and other media content.
We offer a wide variety of paid services primarily through our mobile channel and operations with the telecom operators. We generate revenues
primarily from paid services, including (i) paid contents, which includes digital reading, audio books, paid videos, and other content-related sales activities,
(ii) games, which includes web-based games and mobile games, (iii) MVAS, and (iv) others. Prior to 2019, we primarily generate revenues from paid
services revenues including (i) digital entertainment, which includes digital reading and MVAS, and (ii) games and others, which include web-based games,
mobile games, content sales, and other online and mobile paid services through our own platforms. For comparison purposes, the revenues from paid
services for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018 have been retrospectively re-classified. We derived 76.8%, 5.3%, 6.9% and 11.0% of our paid
services revenues, respectively, from our paid contents, games, MVAS, and others in 2019. Due to a 116.1% increase in the revenues generated from paid
contents mainly attributable to the consolidation of digital reading revenues from Yitian Xindong, our paid services revenues increased from RMB179.1
million in 2018 to RMB267.6 million (US$38.4 million) in 2019.
Our Relationship with Phoenix TV
We are a subsidiary of Phoenix TV, a leading Hong Kong-based satellite TV network broadcasting Chinese language content globally and into
China. Phoenix TV indirectly owned 54.5% of our ordinary shares and 60.9% of the voting power of our ordinary shares as of March 31, 2020.
We entered into several sets of trademark and program content licensing agreements with Phoenix TV or certain of its subsidiaries in the past and
continue to use certain copyrighted content and trademarks provided by Phoenix TV Group. Currently, under the New Trademark License Agreements, we
have the right to use certain trademarks containing the double-phoenix logo and the Chinese or English words of “Phoenix New Media” or “ifeng” which
helps to affiliate us with the brand of Phoenix TV Group and helps to enhance our own brand. In addition, under the 2020 Program Resource License and
Cooperation Agreement, we also have the right to continue to use Phoenix TV Group’s copyrighted video content on our websites and our mobile
applications.
We have a mutually beneficial relationship with Phoenix TV. We and Phoenix TV share a common vision of the convergence of traditional and
new media channels, and work together to realize this vision. Pursuant to the Program License Agreements, Phoenix TV Group agreed to grant Tianying
Jiuzhou, Yifeng Lianhe and Fengyu Network the license to use Phoenix TV Group’s copyrighted content from three television channels of Phoenix TV
Group for our various media services in China (excluding Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan). After the Program License Agreements expired in May 2019,
Phoenix TV Group adjusted the scope of license granted to Tianying Jiuzhou and Yifeng Lianhe according to the 2020 Program Resource License and
Cooperation Agreement. We believe that our and Phoenix TV’s active promotion of one another’s brands on our respective Internet-enabled and TV
platforms helps to grow our combined audience synergistically.
On February 17, 2014, our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Shuang Liu, was also promoted to the position of Chief Operating Officer of Phoenix TV.
The key initiative for his position at Phoenix TV is to accelerate the convergence of TV, PC and mobile platforms of the two companies. As the Chief
Operating Officer of Phoenix TV, Mr. Liu is tasked with strategizing, overseeing and allocating resources to implement this convergence strategy. Through
this appointment, both companies can more seamlessly expand user reach on each of its media platforms, provide advertisers a one-stop shop solution,
more effectively monetize the Phoenix brand across all verticals, and achieve greater cost synergies.
For more information about the terms of the agreements with Phoenix TV and its subsidiaries, see “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party
Transactions—B. Related Party Transactions—Agreements and Transactions with Phoenix TV and Certain of its Subsidiaries.” For more information about
the risks associated with our relationship with Phoenix TV, see “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business and Industry
—We may not be able to continue to receive the same level of support from Phoenix TV Group in the future. We could lose our license and priority over
any third party to use Phoenix TV Group’s content and licensed trademarks, which would have an adverse effect on our paid services business, and would
also negatively affect our video advertising business. Together, these impacts could have an adverse effect on our business and operating results” and “Item
3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Corporate Structure—We may have conflicts of interest with Phoenix TV and, because of
Phoenix TV’s controlling beneficial ownership interest in our company, may not be able to resolve such conflicts on terms favorable for us.”
46
Our Content
We strive to deliver the most up-to-date, in-depth, exclusive and thought-provoking content to our users. Content selection, editing and
production are core focuses of our business. We obtain our content from four major sources: third-party professional content, our original contents with
intellectual property rights, or IP content, we-media content and online literature content. The content we acquire covers a wide spectrum of user-targeted
subjects, including news, current affairs, finance, technology, automobiles, fashion and entertainment, among others. We believe that we have provided the
earliest video and text media coverage among Chinese media companies of certain major world events. We are uniquely positioned among our peers in
China to be able to distribute our content on TV. We feed a substantial amount of in-house produced content and UGC to a number of Phoenix TV’s regular
prime-time programs each day. We also provide our in-house produced content to domestic TV networks.
Third-Party Professional Content . We have entered into content licensing agreements with approximately 508 professional content providers in
aggregate. We obtain our print content from major Chinese print media and news wires and selected international sources. Our Chinese content sources
include companies such as China News Service, Xinhua News Agency and the Huanqiu.com, as well as China’s top image providers. Our international
sources include Reuters, The Associated Press and Agence France Presse, among others. The video content we source from third parties is primarily
comprised of news and documentaries, which cater to our users’ preferences. We obtain our third-party video content from major Chinese television
broadcasters, such as Shenzhen Satellite TV, Dongnan Satellite TV and Liaoning Satellite TV. The content that we source from professional third parties
comprises the majority of the content on our PC websites, mobile applications and mobile websites.
Original IP Content . We started to build our original IP contents since 2018. In terms of our IP strategy, we have pioneered new programming
formats through the combination of culture, interviews, cross-discipline, and reality shows. We frequently conduct interviews with government officials,
thought leaders, celebrities and other compelling public figures and we have provided coverage on hundreds of conferences and forums. To engage a
growing fan base, we transmit a considerable amount of our in-house produced content to third-party internet video streaming platforms and to certain
Chinese TV networks from time to time. A prime example is Alliance of Heroes, a talk show we produced in-house to showcase some of China’s most
decorated Olympic gold medalists through a series of long-form interviews. The release of its first season on September 26, 2019 became an instant
success, garnering approximately 8.3 million views on our platform and 20 million views across the internet. The success of this program continues to
bolster our presence in the sports category. Our investment in original IP content with intellectual property rights has not only inspired our users, but has
also generated substantial traffic and financial returns.
We-media Content . We-media content covers various verticals in the form of text, photos, videos, etc., adding an important complementary
component to the content we deliver.
Online Literature Content. We offer users a full-fledged online reading experience through our own closed-loop IP ecosystem, a system
encompassing writer contracting, original content production, content distribution and content monetization. We are cultivating these content into online
series, comic books and audiobooks.
Content Editing and Production
Content editing and production are critical components of our content production process. We had a team of 412 editors as of December 31, 2019
organized generally by interest-based vertical. We believe that we possess a strong ability to select and distill compelling news stories and frame issues for
our users in a distinctive way. Beyond distributing a large amount of news and information in a timely fashion, we provide independent social commentary
and analyses. We edit our videos, primarily consisting of news, documentaries and interviews, into short clips. We organize our content by interest-based
vertical and segment it further by featured topic. We actively combine text, image, video and live broadcasting content and integrate interactive UGC,
aimed at producing an engaging user experience.
Content Monitoring
We implement monitoring procedures for all of our published content to remove inappropriate or illegal content, including but not limited to we-
media and UGC from our discussion forum, comments postings and user survey services. As of December 31, 2019, our content screening team consists of
five employees and more than 300 outsourced staff members who are responsible for monitoring and preventing the public release of inappropriate illegal
content. Text, images and video content are screened by our content screening team, which reviews the content on a 24-hour, 3-shift basis and employs
monitoring procedures, including (i) technology screening, where a text filtering system screens content based on pre-set key words and identifies
suspected information; and (ii) manual review, where the content that passes the technology screening is reviewed by the content screening team and the
flagged content identified by our technology is reviewed and confirmed before it can be released. For technology screening, the machine recognizes the
video and image content and we use an in-house developed identification system in order to comply with PRC regulatory requirements regarding Internet
content.
47
Our Channels
We provide our content and services through three major channels, including our PC channel, our mobile channel, and third-party channel. We
also transmit our content to TV viewers, primarily through Phoenix TV. Together, these channels form a converged platform providing integrated text,
image, video and live broadcasting content, and employing a variety of interactive formats to create a rich, personalized and hands-on experience for our
users. We derive advertising revenues through our PC channel and mobile channel. We generate paid services revenues through PC, mobile and third-party
channel.
Our PC Channel
Our PC channel consists of our website at ifeng.com, which comprises our interest-based verticals and interactive services. According to
iResearch, our number of PC monthly unique visitors was 110 million in December 2019. We have ranked second among all Internet portals in China in
terms of monthly unique visitors in December 2019.
Interest-based Verticals. We currently provide over 40 interest-based verticals, each of which features integrated text, image, video and live
broadcasting content and embedded interactive services, such as user surveys and comment postings. Since ifeng.com is one of multiple access points to
our converged platforms, our users can also access a significant portion of our interest-based verticals’ content through our mobile channel and operations
with the telecom operators, and can view in-house produced content and UGC created on these verticals on Phoenix TV’s regular programs. Our most
popular verticals include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
News. Through our news vertical, ifeng News, users have easy access to breaking news coverage from multiple sources and points of
view. Our news vertical also features a large amount of in-depth special reports and embedded interactive services. For our special
reports, we not only have dedicated teams deliver in-depth analysis and reports, but also integrated user surveys and comment postings
into the featured websites.
Finance . Our finance vertical, ifeng Finance, provides up-to-date information about financial news, securities and personal finance. We
have formed relationships with individual industry leaders who contribute to our in-depth reports and discussions we feature on our
finance vertical. We also obtain independent finance content from Phoenix TV. Our finance vertical also offers stock quotes from the
major exchanges, as well as breaking news from individual listed companies.
Fashion . Our fashion vertical provides coverage on fashion, beauty, weight loss, luxury goods, furniture, art and other popular topics, all
centered on the theme of refined lifestyle. It offers information on international fashion trends and new fashion concepts. Our fashion
vertical covers a variety of luxury topics, including wines, cigars, high-end brand apparel and accessories, as well as services aimed at the
high net worth population. It also provides real-time coverage of major world fashion events, bringing users the latest information on
styles and trends. We organize our Fashion Award Gala in Beijing every year, with the participation of the most popular celebrities and
fashion KOLs, the events received positive feedback, further demonstrating our unparalleled brand influence.
Entertainment . Our entertainment vertical spans greater China and strives to cover entertainment news and developments in China,
Hong Kong, Taiwan and globally among the Chinese community. This vertical provides broad coverage of the latest entertainment news,
including dining, movies, television programs, plays, operas, as well as popular and classical music. It features our in-house produced
video program of candid celebrity interviews.
Automobiles . Our automobiles vertical, ifeng Auto, offers the latest automobile-related news and information to provide car buyers and
automobile enthusiasts with the most current information on automotive pricing, reviews and featured guides.
Live Broadcasting . Our live broadcasting vertical, FENG Live (“(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)”), offers live broadcasting news and information to provide real-
time professional reports of hit events, conferences and etc.
We-media . Our we-media vertical, Dafenghao, (“(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)”) offers various we-media content.
Military affairs . Our military affairs vertical provides updated information and commentary on military affairs and defense matters and
targets a broad audience, from military professionals to hobbyists.
Sports. Our sports vertical offers multimedia news and information on a wide range of sporting events, and broadcasts both live and
recorded domestic and international sports matches.
48
•
•
•
•
•
History . Our history vertical provides content about Chinese and international modern history. We investigate relatively unexplored
historical turning points and events and provide in-depth analyses of historical figures and events.
Video . Our v.ifeng.com vertical offers free online video on demand, or VOD. Our free online VOD typically consist of short clips of up
to five minutes of news programs, interviews, documentaries and other programs. Our VOD content is easily searchable on our websites
and is organized into various verticals of v.ifeng.com for easy browsing, including entertainment, fashion, sports, technology, movies and
dramas, and VIP channel. In 2019, by optimizing our AI image recognition technology, we have enhanced our ability to identify and
restrict video content violating our standards, cultivated a proprietary supply of high-quality content, and actively partnered with
professional video content producers to provide users with more high-quality and original short-form video content. In addition, we also
optimized our knowledge map, which was another outstanding achievement for our video business in the year. By leveraging our big data
analysis capabilities, we have developed a knowledge map covering news, sports, entertainment, encyclopedia, life, health, and other
fields. Importantly, this work has enabled us to effectively improve the click-through-rate of our video recommendations.
Web-based Game . We operate third-party developed web-based games on our game platforms, play.ifeng.com. Web-based games are
games that can be played directly from the user’s Internet browser without downloading additional software. Currently our game
platforms only offer web-based games licensed from third parties. Our game portfolio includes role-playing, strategy and casual games.
Revenues generated from web-based games are recorded in games revenues under paid services revenues.
PC Digital Reading . Our PC digital reading service provides fee-based Internet literatures from writers and digital format books licensed
from third-party publishers to customers on our PC platforms. Revenues generated from digital reading are recorded in paid contents
revenues under paid services revenues.
Real Estate . Based on the media characteristic of our company, real estate vertical integrates massive resources of the industry and make
an objective and detailed interpretation of the market. We provide real estate related information, building details, the information of
rental and purchasing of new residential property and second housing, and residential ecological service. The main sections include
house.ifeng.com, izhiliao.com, iqidian.com and wenlv.house.ifeng.com.
Interactive Services . Our interactive services aim at turning our PC websites, mobile applications and mobile websites into an active venue for
social networking and community interaction. These services allow our users to interact with the content we provide, opening up avenues for lively
exchange of information. Our comment posting services are available on both our PC and mobile channels. By furnishing an engaging user experience
across PC and mobile channels, we believe that community-based interactive services increase user loyalty and stickiness. We currently offer the following
interactive services:
•
•
User surveys. Our user surveys allow users to express their opinions on topics featured on our PC and mobile channels, view up-to-date
opinion polls of users generally and compare their views with those of our user community at large. We offer opinion surveys on major
featured topics on most of ifeng.com and v.ifeng.com. Our survey results also frequently appear on Phoenix TV’s programs.
Comment posting. Our comment posting feature allows registered users to post their reactions to and thoughts on our articles and videos
and browse the input of other members of the ifeng.com community. Our comment postings also frequently appear on Phoenix TV’s
programs.
In September 2018, Fread Limited launched its independent domain, Fread.com. We currently have three domains of PC websites, including
ifeng.com, Fread.com, and Tadu.com.
Our Mobile Channel
Our mobile channel includes (i) ifeng news application, (ii) ifeng video application, (iii) mobile Internet websites i.ifeng.com (“mobile websites”)
and (iv) digital reading applications.
•
ifeng News (formerly named “Phoenix News”). We offer a wide range of mobile applications for different mobile devices. Ifeng news
application is our flagship mobile product, which provides newsfeeds and other contents in the form of text, image, live broadcasting and
video.
49
•
•
•
ifeng Video (formerly named “Phoenix Mobile Station”). ifeng video application provides video news, live broadcasting, and Phoenix
TV programs content, etc.
Mobile websites. Our i.ifeng.com website is designed and tailored to the preferences of our mobile users on mobile browser and web-
based pages. As part of our converged platform, i.ifeng.com allows our users to access quality convergence content while they are on-
the-go. Similar to ifeng.com, our i.ifeng.com features an array of interest-based and interactive verticals, as well as a mobile video site
for watching free mobile VOD. There are two of fee-based products, including mobile digital reading and mobile games.
Digital reading applications, Fanyue Novel (“(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)”) and Tadu Apps (“(cid:0)(cid:0)”). Our digital reading applications provide fee-based
Internet literatures from writers and digital format books licensed from third-party publishers to customers on our mobile platform. By
offering both Fanyue Novel and Tadu Apps, our users are able to enjoy a full-fledged online reading experience and enable us to lay a
solid foundation for building our own closed-loop IP ecosystem. Revenues generated from digital reading are recorded in paid contents
revenues under paid services revenues. We also generate a small portion of our revenue by offering our digital reading platforms as
distribution channels for certain programmatic advertisements.
Third-Party Channel
In addition to our own channels, we have opened public accounts on popular social media in China including but not limited to WeChat, Weibo,
Douyin, Kuaishou and Bilibili to distribute content in certain verticals such as finance, technology, fashion and entertainment.
We also rely on Telecom Operators’ platforms, or MVAS, Internet search engines and navigation sites to provide quality content for our high-end
users. As a prime example of our converged platforms, the Telecom Operators’ platforms, or MVAS consist mainly of the following product lines: mobile
newspaper service, mobile video service, mobile games service delivered through the Telecom Operators’ platforms and wireless value-added services, or
WVAS.
Our Sources of Revenues
Advertising Services
We provide advertising services primarily through our ifeng.com, our mobile Internet websites i.ifeng.com and our mobile applications in our
mobile channel. Our advertising team consists of direct sales, agency sales, advertising technology and products support, customer support, advertising
design and production, resource management, advertising strategy and sales promotion and other functions.
As is typical in China’s online advertising industry, we primarily enter into advertising service contracts through third-party advertising agencies.
We mainly have three types of pricing models, consisting of the Cost Per Day (“CPD”) model, the Cost Per Impression (“CPM”) model, and the Cost Per
Click (“CPC”) model. In 2019, our advertising services are primarily on our mobile channel, and we expect our advertising services on mobile will
continue to increase going forward. In addition, together with Phoenix TV, we provide bundled new media and TV advertising solutions to certain of
Phoenix TV’s advertisers.
We strive to provide our advertisers with high-quality customer service. Our experienced sales professionals help advertisers to analyze their
target audiences and create innovative campaign strategies and designs. We provide a variety of advertising solutions, including online advertisements,
online video advertisements, user activities, live promotions and cross media public relations campaigns. We have an advertising tracking system, which
records and maintains the traffic statistics and other data that can be used to measure the effectiveness of advertisements. After the release of a customer’s
advertising campaign, we furnish them with a report on the campaign’s effectiveness either prepared in-house or by an independent research firm.
We have a diverse advertising client base, including both Chinese and international brand advertisers. Our top ten advertisers accounted for
29.7% of our total gross advertising revenues in 2019. Our advertisers generally are in the automobile, e-commerce, financial services, food &
beverages, Internet services, entertainment and tourism services, communication services, retail services, IT products, cosmetic products, luxury brands,
airline, health care and education industries.
Paid Services
The following table sets forth our paid services offerings on telecom operators’ platforms and our own platforms and the percentage contribution
of our various paid services to our paid services revenues and our total revenues in 2019.
50
Paid Services Offerings
Paid contents
Digital reading, audio books, paid videos, and other content-related sales activities
Games
Web-based games and mobile games
MVAS
Mobile value-added services delivered through telecom operators’ platforms, or MVAS
Others
E-commerce and online real estate related services, etc.
Our Advertising Execution Team
% of Paid
Service Revenues
% of
Total Revenues
76.8
5.3
6.9
11.0
13.4
1.0
1.2
1.9
We have a dedicated team to manage the advertising execution which includes a series of review procedures on our advertising material before
we display such material on our platforms interfaces. This team checks advertisements for form and reviews them to ensure that they do not contain any
racial, violent, pornographic or other inappropriate content. This team also verifies that advertisers have provided relevant government approvals if their
advertisements are subject to special government requirements.
Marketing and Promotion
We employ a variety of traditional and online marketing programs and promotional activities to build our brand as part of our overall marketing
strategy. We focus on building brand awareness and growing our user base through proactive public relations and innovative and interactive marketing
activities and events.
We believe that our distinguished content and high-quality services lead to strong word-of-mouth promotion, which drives consumer awareness
of our brand in China. In addition, our engagement in philanthropic activities, such as our Annual Forever Happiness Charity Gala (“(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)”), helps
associate our brand with social responsibility. In November 2019, we hosted the 2019 Forever Happiness Charity Gala in cooperation with China Charities
Aid Foundation for Children and several other charity organizations. This charity event raising over RMB32.4 million in donations for children in need.
During the last 13 years, we have organized the Annual Forever Happiness Charity Gala in eight different cities across three continents to raise over
RMB210 million.
Seasonality
Seasonal fluctuations and industry cyclicality have affected, and are likely to continue to affect our business. We generally generate less revenue
from advertising sales and paid services revenues during national holidays in China, in particular during the Chinese New Year holidays in the first quarter
of each year. We typically generate higher net advertising revenues in the fourth quarter due to greater advertising spending by our advertisers near the end
of each calendar year when they spend the remaining portions of their annual budgets. In addition, advertising spending in China has historically been
cyclical, reflecting overall economic conditions as well as the budgeting and buying patterns of our advertisers. We expect that the seasonal fluctuations
and cyclicality to cause our quarterly and annual operating results to fluctuate. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Our
Business and Industry—Our quarterly revenues and operating results may fluctuate, which makes our operating results difficult to predict and may cause
our quarterly operating results to fall short of expectations.”
Research and Development
In 2019, we continued to improve our advertising solution products as well as focus on improving our convergence model across PC, mobile and
TV in order to provide our users easier access to our premium content through any device. In particular, we continued to introduce and improve our mobile
applications and strengthened commercial products in certain of our verticals. For example, we internally developed an analytic platforms named Feng Yan
(“(cid:0)(cid:0)”) to track and analyze certain real-time user behavior data. Through Feng Yan we can better understand user’s profile and reading preference, and
provide reference data for future content production and performance advertising solution. We also have an in-house Data Management Platform to better
analyze and manage advertising data and help improve the targeting accuracy of advertisements. Another platform we launched in 2016 is Fengyu (“(cid:0)(cid:0)”).
Fengyu is a customizable and self-service marketing solution that operates under a bidding system. Customers are able to target users based on gender, age,
geographic location, interests, device type, etc. Customers can place performance-based ads directly by themselves using our self-service advertising
system. We launched Feng Yi (“(cid:0)(cid:0)”), another customizable marketing solution, catering to premium advertising demands. In 2017, 2018 and 2019, our
total technology and product development expenses, including related share-based compensation, were RMB192.3 million, RMB204.7 million and
RMB242.8 million (US$34.9 million), respectively.
51
Infrastructure and Technology
Our technology platforms have been designed for reliability, speed, scalability and flexibility and are administered by our in-house technology
department. We have access to a network of approximately 5,400 self-owned and leased servers across China mainland, Hong Kong and North America
with power supply and power generator backup. We have developed our server operations based on Linux and other open source software, which has
allowed us to lower software related investment and enhance our network reliability.
Content Management Technology . We have internally developed a leading new media content management system, which fully integrates our PC
and mobile channels. We have also developed a new consolidated system, CMPP (Content Management Programmable Platforms), for content
management and delivery, which focuses on mobile websites and mobile applications.
Integration with Phoenix TV . The integration of our and Phoenix TV’s content management systems allows us to directly access Phoenix TV’s
programs digitally, in addition to our access via satellite signal, and to expedite the transmission of our content to Phoenix TV.
Data Analysis Technology . Based on commercial big data, we developed a data analytical system which has successfully helped build a
comprehensive analytical chain of big data and helping us achieve our goals of making precise and efficient commercial strategy decisions. This system
delivers comprehensive and consultative data ranging from distribution channel, content to manpower. We can access advertising exposure data as well as
clicks and its corresponding costs on all business platforms, such as our PC websites, mobile applications and mobile websites. In addition, this system
possesses flexible mechanics for organizing and analyzing data, with relatively lower cost.
Cloud Computing . Our technology department began researching the use of a cloud computing system in 2011 to modify our network and system
infrastructure and lower our content delivery and system maintenance costs. We have built a distributed file system, which provides file access services to
our content management system, and is anticipated to become a streaming media service and core storage system for each of our CDN nodes. We have
commenced our distributed computing platforms project, which provide large-scale computer capacity support for our raw access log and transcoding
computing-intensive applications. We have also deployed an open source virtualization cluster to integrate multiple small applications, which significantly
reduced our IT costs.
Intelligent Recommender System (IRS). Our technical department developed a real-time, personalized recommender system, which produce a list
of contents through algorithm-based system and expert system, to predict contents that the user may have an interest in, and to recommend additional items
with similar properties. Powered by cutting-edge algorithm technology, we are able to provide useful and relative news and information to our users, and
also well-equipped to provide enhanced advertising solutions that target users based on their exhibited preferences.
Competition
We operate in the market of PC and mobile Internet content and services, especially in newsfeed sector in China. The industry is highly
competitive and rapidly changing due to the growing market and technological developments. Our ability to compete successfully depends on many
factors, including the quality and relevance of our content, the demographic composition of our users, brand recognition and reputation, user experience,
the robustness of our technology platforms, our ability to provide innovative advertising services to our customers and our relationships with our
advertisers.
While we believe that our integrated platforms business model and targeted user base is unique, on the whole, from other companies in China, we
compete with other content and service providers in each of our individual channels for user traffic, advertising revenues and fee-based services. On
Internet content and service provision, we compete primarily with Baidu Inc, NetEase, Inc., Sina Corporation, Sohu.com Limited and Tencent Technology
Limited. Besides, especially among mobile newsfeed sector, we primarily compete against ByteDance (Jinri Toutiao) and Qutoutiao. In terms of video
content, we compete with a number of online video companies, including ByteDance (Douyin), Kuaishou short video, Youku Tudou, iQIYI and Tencent
video.
We also compete with traditional advertising media, such as television, radio, print media, as well as billboards and other forms of outdoor media.
We expect large companies’ proportionate spending on new media advertising of their advertising budgets relative to traditional media advertising to
continue increase in the future.
Intellectual Property
We rely on a combination of trademark, copyright and trade secret protection laws in China and other jurisdictions, as well as confidentiality
procedures and contractual provisions to protect our intellectual property and our brand. We also enter into confidentiality, non-compete and invention
assignment agreements with our employees and consultants and nondisclosure agreements with selected third parties. We had 283 PRC software
registrations and owned 55 domain names, including ifeng.com, as of March 31, 2020.
52
We have also designed proprietary logos for use in the respective businesses of Tianying Jiuzhou and Yifeng Lianhe. As of March 31, 2020,
Tianying Jiuzhou owned 445 PRC registered trademarks, six of which were transferred from Phoenix Satellite Trademark Limited, and Yifeng Lianhe
owned 19 PRC registered trademarks. In addition, Tianying Jiuzhou had submitted 242 registration applications relating to 57 logo designs to the PRC
Trademark Office. Tianying Jiuzhou and Yifeng Lianhe continue to use certain of Phoenix TV’s logos that are licensed from Phoenix Satellite Television
Trademark Limited. Therefore, we are currently not in compliance with a notice of the MIIT which requires ICP License-holders to own the trademarks
used in their value-added telecommunications businesses. For information about the risks related to our use of licensed trademarks and our plans to remedy
such risks, see “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business and Industry—Our affiliated consolidated entities and their
respective shareholders do not own all the trademarks used in their value-added telecommunications services, which may subject them to revocation of
their licenses or other penalties or sanctions.”
Employees
We had approximately 1,402, 1,447 and 1,689 employees as of December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively. The table below sets forth the
number of employees categorized by function as of December 31, 2019:
Function
Management and administration
Content development
Mobile products and services
Technology and product development
Sales and marketing
Total
Number of Employees
275
412
149
372
481
1,689
As of December 31, 2019, we had 1,246, 92 and 77 employees located in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, respectively, and 274 employees
located in other locations in China. Currently we do not have any employees located outside of China.
Since our inception, we have not experienced any strikes or other disruptions of employment. We believe our relationships with our employees
are good.
The remuneration package of our employees includes salary, bonus, share-based compensation and other cash benefits. In accordance with
applicable regulations in China, we participate in a pension contribution plan, a medical insurance plan, an unemployment insurance plan, a personal injury
insurance plan, maternity insurance and a housing reserve fund for the benefit of all of our employees.
Legal and Administrative Proceedings
From time to time, we are involved in claims and legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business. We are currently a party to
certain legal proceedings and claims which in the opinion of our management, adequate provisions have been recorded to cover the probable loss of those
that can be reasonably estimated, while other claims are considered would not have material adverse effect, individually or in the aggregate, on our
financial position, results of operations or cash flows. From January 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020, we have been subject to 209 cases in the PRC, 148 of
which have been concluded. The aggregate amount of damages awards and settlements paid by us was RMB4.1 million. Government authorities may also
impose administrative penalties on us if they find that we have infringed third parties’ intellectual property rights.
In October 2015, the National Copyright Bureau imposed a fine of RMB250,000 on Tianying Jiuzhou for disseminating on our PC websites,
mobile applications and mobile websites one work of literature that we licensed from third parties that were alleged to have no legal rights to license such
work. In November 2016, China Youth Book Inc. and Dewey Press LLC filed a claim against Tianying Jiuzhou and our company for intellectual property
infringement of such work based on the above-mentioned finding of the National Copyright Bureau, and the related claim for damage was approximately
RMB235.8 million, even though the actual income we generated from such work was less than RMB1,500. This claim was withdrawn by the plaintiffs in
January 2018. In April 2018, we received notices from the local court that the plaintiffs have filed a lawsuit against us again for the same claim, with the
related claim for damages reduced to approximately RMB99.8 million. In April 2020, we received the judgment from the local court which ordered us to
pay the plaintiffs a total of approximately RMB1.0 million as economic compensation and reimbursement of the plaintiff’s reasonable expenses. As of the
date of this annual report, the time limit for lodging an appeal against the judgment has not expired yet and we cannot assure you that the plaintiffs or we
will not appeal the judgment. Therefore, the final outcome of this case is still not known yet. In 2019, we received some complaints and claims from third
parties alleging intellectual property infringements by us; however, some of the complainants have not provided necessary proofs of title and infringement.
We are still negotiating with such complainants and some of these claims are still pending as of the date of this annual report.
53
Litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties and our view of these matters may change in the future. There exists the possibility of a material
adverse impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows for the period in which the unfavorable outcome occurs, and potentially in
future periods.
Facilities
Our executive office is located at Sinolight Plaza, Floor 16, No. 4 Qiyang Road, Wangjing, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100102, People’s Republic
of China. We maintain a number of offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou under leases with terms ranging from one to five years. As of December
31, 2019, we leased an aggregate of 18,325 square meters of office space in Beijing and 6,753 square meters of office space in other regions in China for
use as office space for our employees.
We believe that our leased facilities are adequate to meet our needs for the foreseeable future, and that we will be able to obtain adequate
facilities, principally through leasing of additional properties, to accommodate our future expansions.
Regulatory Matters
The following is a summary of the most significant PRC laws and regulations that affect our business activities in China or our shareholders’
rights to receive dividends and other distributions from us.
Foreign Investment Law
Investment activities in the PRC by foreign investors are principally governed by the Catalogue for the Guidance of Foreign Investment Industry,
or the Catalogue, which was promulgated and is amended from time to time by the MOFCOM, and the NDRC. The Catalogue lays out the basic
framework for foreign investment in China, classifying businesses into three categories with regard to foreign investment: “encourage,” “restricted” and
“prohibited.” Industries not listed in the catalog are generally deemed as falling into a fourth category “permitted” unless specifically restricted by other
PRC laws. On June 28, 2018 the MOFCOM and the NDRC jointly promulgated the Special Management Measures (Negative List) for the Access of
Foreign Investment, or the 2018 Negative List, which became effective on July 28, 2018 to amend the Guidance Catalog and the previous negative list
thereunder. The Special Management Measures (Negative List) for the Access of Foreign Investment (2019), or the 2019 Negative List and the Catalogue
of Industries for Encouraging Foreign Investment (2019 Version), which became effective on July 30, 2019, the 2019 Negative List further reduces
restrictions on the foreign investment and replaced the 2018 Negative List.
On March 15, 2019, the National People’s Congress promulgated the FIL, which came into effect on January 1, 2020 and the FIL replaced the
Old FIE Laws. The FIL, by means of legislation, establishes the basic framework for the access, promotion, protection and administration of foreign
investment in view of investment protection and fair competition.
According to the FIL, foreign investment shall enjoy pre-entry national treatment, except for those foreign invested entities that operate in
industries deemed to be either “restricted” or “prohibited” in the “negative list”. The FIL provides that foreign invested entities operating in foreign
“restricted” or “prohibited” industries will require entry clearance and other approvals. However, it is unclear whether the “negative list” will differ from
the 2019 Negative List. In addition, the FIL does not comment on the concept of “de facto control” or contractual arrangements with variable interest
entities, however, it has a catch-all provision under definition of “foreign investment” to include investments made by foreign investors in China through
means stipulated by laws or administrative regulations or other methods prescribed by the State Council. Therefore, it still leaves leeway for future laws,
administrative regulations or provisions to provide for contractual arrangements as a form of foreign investment. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk
Factors— Uncertainties with respect to the PRC legal system and changes in laws and regulations in China could adversely affect us.”
The FIL also provides several protective rules and principles for foreign investors and their investments in the PRC, including, among others, that
local governments shall abide by their commitments to the foreign investors; foreign-invested enterprises are allowed to issue stocks and corporate bonds;
except for special circumstances, in which case statutory procedures shall be followed and fair and reasonable compensation shall be made in a timely
manner, expropriate or requisition the investment of foreign investors is prohibited; mandatory technology transfer is prohibited, allows foreign investors’
funds to be freely transferred out and into the territory of PRC, which run through the entire lifecycle from the entry to the exit of foreign investment, and
provide an all-around and multi-angle system to guarantee fair competition of foreign-invested enterprises in the market economy. In addition, foreign
investors or the foreign investment enterprise should be imposed legal liabilities for failing to report investment information in accordance with the
requirements. Furthermore, the FIL provides that foreign invested enterprises established according to the existing laws regulating foreign investment may
maintain their structure and corporate governance within five years after the implementing of the FIL, which means that foreign invested enterprises may
be required to adjust the structure and corporate governance in accordance with the current PRC Company Law and other laws and regulations governing
the corporate governance.
54
On December 26, 2019, the State Council promulgated the Implementation Rules to the Foreign Investment Law , which became effective on
January 1, 2020. The implementation rules further clarified that the state encourages and promotes foreign investment, protects the lawful rights and
interests of foreign investors, regulates foreign investment administration, continues to optimize foreign investment environment, and advances a higher-
level opening.
On December 30, 2019, the MOFCOM and SAMR, jointly promulgated the Measures for Information Reporting on Foreign Investment , which
became effective on January 1, 2020. Pursuant to the Measures for Information Reporting on Foreign Investment , where a foreign investor carries out
investment activities in China directly or indirectly, the foreign investor or the foreign-invested enterprise shall submit the investment information to the
competent commerce department.
Regulation of Telecommunications and Internet Information Services
The telecommunications industry, including the Internet sector, is highly regulated in the PRC. Regulations issued or implemented by the State
Council, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, or MIIT (formerly the Ministry of Information Industry, or MII), and other relevant
government authorities cover many aspects of operation of telecommunications and Internet information services, including entry into the
telecommunications industry, the scope of permissible business activities, licenses and permits for various business activities and foreign investment.
The principal regulations governing the telecommunications and Internet information services we provide in the PRC include:
Telecommunications Regulations (2016, revised), or the Telecom Regulations. The Telecom Regulations categorize all telecommunications
businesses in the PRC as either basic or value-added. Value-added telecommunications services are defined as telecommunications and information
services provided through public network infrastructures. The currently effective “Catalog of Telecommunications Business,” an attachment to the Telecom
Regulations, categorizes various types of telecommunications and telecommunications-related activities into basic or value-added telecommunications
services, according to which, Internet information services, or ICP services, are classified as value-added telecommunications businesses. Under the
Telecom Regulations, commercial operators of value-added telecommunications services must first obtain an operating license for value-added
telecommunications services, or the ICP License, from MIIT or its provincial level counterparts.
Administrative Measures on Internet Information Services (2011, revised), or the Internet Measures. According to the Internet Measures, a
commercial ICP service operator must obtain an ICP License from MIIT or its provincial level counterparts before engaging in any commercial ICP service
in PRC. When the ICP service involves areas of news, publication, education, medicine, health, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment and other industry
and, if required by relevant laws and regulations, prior approval from the respective regulatory authorities must be obtained prior to applying for the ICP
License. Moreover, an ICP service operator must display its ICP License number in a conspicuous location on its websites.
Administrative Measures for Telecommunications Business Operating License (2017, revised), or the Telecom License Measures. Pursuant to the
Telecom License Measures, an ICP service operator conducting business within a single province must apply for the ICP License from MIIT’s applicable
provincial level counterpart, while that providing ICP services across provinces must apply for Trans-regional ICP License directly from MIIT. The
appendix to the ICP License should detail the permitted activities to be conducted by the ICP service operator. An approved ICP service operator must
conduct its business in accordance with the specifications recorded on its ICP License. The ICP License is subject to annual report, an ICP service operator
shall report certain information to the issuing authorities through the Administrative Platforms in the first quarter every year, such information includes the
business performance of the telecommunications business in the previous year; the actual progress in network building-up, business development, turnover
of staff and institutional restructuring; the service quality; the actual implementation of the network and information security guarantee systems and
measures; the actual implementation of the relevant provisions of MIIT and other information required to be reported to the issuing authorities. An ICP
service operator shall be responsible for the authenticity of the information in the annual report.
Regulations for Administration of Foreign-Invested Telecommunications Enterprises (2016, revised), or the FITE Regulations. Under the FITE
Regulations, a foreign entity is prohibited from owning more than 50% of the total equity interests in any value-added telecommunications service business
in the PRC and the major foreign investor in any value-added telecommunications service business in the PRC shall have a good track record in such
industry.
Notice on Strengthening the Administration of Foreign Investment in Value-added Telecommunications Services (2006), or the MIIT 2006 Notice.
Under the MIIT 2006 Notice, a domestic PRC company that holds an ICP License is prohibited from leasing, transferring or selling the ICP License to
foreign investors in any form, and from providing any assistance, including providing resources, sites or facilities, to foreign investors that conduct value-
added telecommunications business illegally in the PRC. Further, the domain names and registered trademarks used by an operating company providing
value-added telecommunications service must be legally owned by such company and/or its shareholders. In addition, such company’s operation premises
and equipment should comply with its approved ICP License, and such company should establish and improve its internal Internet and information security
policies and standards and emergency management procedures. After the promulgation of the MIIT 2006 Notice in July 2006, the
55
MIIT issued a subsequent notice in October 2006, or the MIIT October Notice, urging value-added telecommunication service operators to conduct self-
examination regarding any noncompliance with the MIIT 2006 Notice prior to November 1, 2006.
We have also designed proprietary logos for use in the respective businesses of Tianying Jiuzhou and Yifeng Lianhe. As of March 31, 2020,
Tianying Jiuzhou owned 445 PRC registered trademarks, six of which were transferred to it from Phoenix Satellite Trademark Limited, and Yifeng Lianhe
owned 19 PRC registered trademarks. In addition, Tianying Jiuzhou had submitted 242 registration applications relating to 57 logo designs to the PRC
Trademark Office. Tianying Jiuzhou and Yifeng Lianhe continue to use certain of Phoenix TV’s logos that are licensed from Phoenix Satellite Television
Trademark Limited. Therefore, we are currently not in compliance with the MIIT 2006 Notice.
All “ifeng” related trademarks used by our company have been transferred to Tianying Jiuzhou and Yifeng Lianhe. In addition, we will continue
to examine the possibility of the transferring to our affiliated consolidated entities all or part of the ownership of additional licensed logos currently used by
them in a manner that would meet the requirements of PRC trademark regulations in due course in the future. For information about the risks related to our
use of licensed trademarks, see “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business and Industry—Our affiliated consolidated
entities and their respective shareholders do not own all the trademarks used in their value-added telecommunications services, which may subject them to
revocation of their licenses or other penalties or sanctions.”
Measures for the Administration of Commercial Websites Filings for Record (2004). Under these measures, commercial websites operated by ICP
service operators registered in Beijing must: (i) file with the Beijing Administration of Industry and Commerce and obtain electronic registration marks,
and (ii) place the registration marks on their websites’ homepages.
In order to comply with these PRC laws and regulations, we operate our commercial websites through Tianying Jiuzhou, one of our PRC
affiliated consolidated entities. Tianying Jiuzhou holds an ICP License and owns the material domain names for our value-added telecommunications
business. In addition, Tianying Jiuzhou completed the necessary filing with the relevant Administration of Industry and Commerce to obtain the electronic
registration mark for our websites and has placed the registration mark on the websites homepage. Tianying Jiuzhou has completed all necessary
registrations and approvals for its use of such material domain names.
Under various laws and regulations governing ICP services, ICP services operators are required to monitor their websites. They may not produce,
duplicate, post or disseminate any content that falls within the prohibited categories and must remove any such content from their websites, including any
content that:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
opposes the fundamental principles determined in the PRC’s Constitution;
compromises state security, divulges state secrets, subverts state power or damages national unity;
harms the dignity or interests of the State;
incites ethnic hatred or racial discrimination or damages inter-ethnic unity;
sabotages the PRC’s religious policy or propagates heretical teachings or feudal superstitions;
disseminates rumors, disturbs social order or disrupts social stability;
propagates obscenity, pornography, gambling, violence, murder or fear or incites the commission of crimes;
insults or slanders a third party or infringes upon the lawful rights and interests of a third party; or
includes other content prohibited by laws or administrative regulations.
The PRC government may shut down the websites of ICP License holders that violate any of the above restrictions and requirements, revoke their
ICP Licenses or impose other penalties pursuant to applicable law.
In order to comply with these PRC laws and regulations, we have adopted internal procedures to monitor content displayed on our PC websites,
mobile applications and mobile websites. However, because the definition and interpretation of prohibited content is in many cases vague and subjective, it
is not always possible to determine or predict what content might be prohibited under existing restrictions or restrictions that might be imposed in the future
and we may be subject to penalties for such content. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business and Industry—The
Chinese government may prevent us from advertising or distributing content, including UGC, that it believes is inappropriate and we may be subject to
penalties for such content or we may have to interrupt or stop the operation of our PC websites, mobile applications and mobile websites.”
56
Regulation of Online Transmission of Audio-Visual Programs
On July 6, 2004, SARFT promulgated the Measures for the Administration of Publication of Audio-Visual Programs through the Internet or
Other Information Networks , or the 2004 Internet A/V Measures, which was revised on August 28, 2015. The 2004 Internet A/V Measures apply to
activities relating to the opening, broadcasting, integration, transmission or download of audio-visual programs via the Internet or other information
networks. An applicant who engages in the business of transmitting audio-visual programs must obtain a license from SAPPRFT in accordance with its
category of business, including receiving terminals, transmission networks and other items. Foreign-invested enterprises are not allowed to engage in the
above business. Pursuant to the Certain Decisions on the Entry of the Non-State-owned Capital into the Cultural Industry , and the Several Opinions on
Canvassing Foreign Investment into the Cultural Sector promulgated in 2005 non-State-owned capital and foreign investors are not allowed to conduct the
business of transmitting audio-visual programs via an information network.
On December 20, 2007, SARFT and MII jointly promulgated the Administrative Provisions on Internet Audio-visual Program Service , or the
Audio-visual Program Provisions, which came into effect on January 31, 2008 and was revised on August 28, 2015. The Audio-Visual Program Provisions
apply to the provision of audio-visual program services to the public via the Internet (including mobile network) in China. Providers of Internet audio-
visual program services are required to obtain a License for Online Transmission of Audio-Visual Programs issued by SAPPRFT or complete certain
registration procedures with SAPPRFT. Providers of Internet audio-visual program services are generally required to be either State-owned or State-
controlled by the PRC government, and the business to be carried out by such providers must satisfy the overall planning and guidance catalog for Internet
audio-visual program service determined by SAPPRFT. In a press conference jointly held by SARFT and MII to answer questions with respect to the
Audio-Visual Program Provisions in February 2008, SARFT and MII clarified that providers of Internet audio-visual program services who engaged in
such services prior to the promulgation of the Audio-Visual Program Provisions are eligible to register their business and continue their operation of
Internet audio-visual program services so long as such providers have not been in violation of laws and regulations.
On May 21, 2008, SARFT issued a Notice on Relevant Issues Concerning Application and Approval of Licenses for Online Transmission of
Audio-Visual Programs , which sets forth detailed provisions concerning the application and approval process for the License for Online Transmission of
Audio-Visual Programs. The notice also states that providers of Internet audio-visual program services who engaged in such services prior to the
promulgation of the Audio-Visual Program Provisions are eligible to apply for the license as long as their violation of the laws and regulations is minor and
can be rectified in a timely manner and they have no records of violation during the three months prior to the promulgation of the Audio-Visual Program
Provisions.
On December 28, 2007, SARFT issued the Notice on Strengthening the Administration of TV Dramas and Films Transmitted via the Internet , or
the Notice on Dramas and Films . According to this notice, if audio-visual programs published to the public through an information network fall under the
film and drama category, the requirements of the Permit for Issuance of TV Dramas, Permit for Public Projection of Films, Permit for Issuance of Cartoons
or academic literature movies and Permit for Public Projection of Academic Literature Movies and TV Plays will apply accordingly. In addition, providers
of such services should obtain prior consents from copyright owners of all such audio-visual programs.
Further, on March 31, 2009, SARFT issued the Notice on Strengthening the Administration of the Content of Internet Audiovisual Programs , or
the Notice on Content of A/V Programs , which reiterates the requirement of obtaining the relevant permit for publishing audio-visual programs to the
public through an information network, and prohibits certain types of Internet audio-visual programs from containing violence, pornography, gambling,
terrorism, superstitious or other hazardous contents.
On April 25, 2016, SAPPRFT issued the 2016 A/V Provisions , which replaced 2004 Internet A/V Measures. Pursuant to these provisions,
“audio-visual program services through private network and targeted communication” refer to radio and TV program and other audio-visual program
services to a targeted audience with TV, and all types of handheld electronic equipment, etc., as terminal recipients, and through setting up virtual private
network through local area networks and Internet or with Internet and other information networks as targeted transmission channels, including the
provision of contents, integrated broadcast control, transmission and distribution, and other activities conducted by such forms as Internet protocol
television (IPTV), private network mobile TV, and Internet TV. Any provider who engages in aforesaid service must obtain a license from SAPPRFT.
Wholly foreign-owned enterprises, Sino-foreign joint ventures and Sino-foreign cooperative enterprises are not allowed to engage in the above business.
On March 10, 2017, SAPPRFT issued the Internet Audio-visual Program Services Categories (Provisional) , or the Provisional Categories, which
classifies Internet audio-visual programs into four categories.
In addition, on November 18, 2019, the State Internet Information Office, MTC and the State Administration of Radio and Television jointly
promulgated the Notice on Promulgation of the Administrative Provisions on Online Audio and Video Information Services to further strengthen the
supervision and management of network audio-visual information services, pursuant to which the online audio and video information service providers
shall establish and improve their systems in respect of user registration,
57
information release review, information security management, emergency response, protection of intellectual property rights and mechanisms to refute
rumors.
In order to comply with these laws and regulations, Tianying Jiuzhou submitted an application to SAPPRFT for the License for the Online
Transmission of Audio-Visual Programs. However, we have not been granted such license as to the date of this annual report and cannot assure you that we
may be able to obtain one. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business and Industry—Our lack of an Internet audio-
visual program transmission license has exposed, and may continue to expose, us to administrative sanctions, including the banning of our paid mobile
video services and video advertising services, which would materially and adversely affect our business and results of operation.”
Regulation of Foreign Television Programs and Satellite Channels
Broadcast of foreign television programs is strictly regulated by NRTA (formerly the SAPPRFT). On August 11, 1997, the State Council
promulgated the Administrative Regulations on Television and Radio , which was revised on March 1, 2017, under which any foreign television drama or
other foreign television program to be broadcast by television or radio stations is subject to the prior inspection and approval by SAPPRFT or its authorized
entities. On June 18, 2004, SARFT promulgated the Administrative Measures on the Landing of Foreign Satellite Television Channels , pursuant to which
foreign satellite televisions channels can only be broadcast in three-star (or above) hotels for foreigners or departments exclusively for the residence of
foreigners or other specific areas, and prior broadcasting approval for such limited landing must be obtained from SAPPRFT.
In addition, on September 23, 2004, SARFT promulgated the Administrative Regulations on the Introduction and Broadcasting of Foreign
Television Programs , pursuant to which only organizations designated by SAPPRFT are qualified to apply to SAPPRFT or its authorized entities for
introduction or broadcasting of foreign television dramas or foreign television programs. Approval of such application is subject to the general plan of
SAPPRFT and the content of such foreign television dramas or programs may not in any way threaten the national security or violate any laws or
regulations.
The 2004 Internet A/V Measures explicitly prohibit Internet service providers from broadcasting any foreign television or radio program over an
information network and state that any violation may result in warnings, monetary penalties or, in severe cases, criminal liabilities. On November 19, 2009,
SARFT issued a notice to extend the prohibition to broadcasting foreign television programs via mobile phones. However, pursuant to several notices
issued by SARFT, such as the Notice on Dramas and Films and the Notice on Content of A/V Programs referenced above under “Regulation of Online
Transmission of Audio-visual Programs”, foreign audio-visual programs may be published to the public through the Internet, provided that such foreign
audio-visual programs comply with the regulations on administration of radios, films and television, and that the relevant permits required by PRC laws
and regulations, such as the Permit for Issuance of TV Dramas, Permit for Public Projection of Films, Permit for Issuance of Cartoons or academic
literature movies and Permit for Public Projection of Academic Literature Movies and TV Plays, have been obtained for such foreign audio-visual
programs. The promulgation of the Notice on Dramas and Films and the Notice on Content of A/V Programs implies that the absolute restriction against
broadcasting foreign television or radio programs on the Internet as set forth in the 2004 Internet A/V Measures has been lifted.
On April 25, 2016, SAPPRFT issued the 2016 A/V Provisions, which replaced the 2004 Internet A/V Measures. The 2016 A/V Provisions does
not explicitly regulate whether broadcasting foreign television program is permitted.
Some of the video, image and text contents on our PC websites, mobile applications and mobile websites are foreign content and we currently do
not have any approval from SAPPRFT for introducing and broadcasting foreign TV content into China and cannot assure you that we may be able to obtain
such approval if required to do so. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business and Industry—Failure to obtain
NRTA’s approval for introducing and broadcasting foreign television programs could have a material adverse effect on our ability to conduct our business.”
Regulation of the Production of Radio and Television Programs
On July 19, 2004, SARFT promulgated the Regulations on the Administration of Production of Radio and Television Programs , or the Radio and
TV Programs Regulations, which came into effect as of August 20, 2004 and was revised on August 28, 2015. Under the Radio and TV Programs
Regulations, any entities that engage in the production of radio and television programs are required to apply for a license from SAPPRFT or its provincial
branches. Entities with the Permit for Production and Operation of Radio and TV Programs must conduct their business operations in strict compliance
with the approved scope of production and operation. Furthermore, entities other than radio and TV stations are strictly prohibited from producing radio
and TV programs covering contemporary political news or similar subjects and columns.
Tianying Jiuzhou has been granted a Permit for Production and Operation of Radio and TV Programs, with a permitted scope including the
production of animations, featured shows and entertainment programs.
58
Regulation of Online Cultural Activities, Online Games and Internet Music
The MCT promulgated the new Provisional Measures on Administration of Internet Culture on February 17, 2011, or the Internet Culture
Measures, which became effective as of April 1, 2011 and was further amended on December 15, 2017 and the Notice on Issues Relating to Implementing
the Newly Amended Provisional Measures on Administration of Internet Culture on March 18, 2011, replacing the relevant regulations promulgated in
2003. The Internet Culture Measures apply to entities that engage in activities related to “online cultural products”. “Online cultural products” are classified
as cultural products produced, disseminated and circulated via the Internet that include: (i) online cultural products specifically produced for the Internet,
such as online music entertainment, network games, network performance programs, online performing arts, online artworks and online animation features
and cartoons; and (ii) online cultural products that are converted from music entertainment, games, performance programs, performing arts, artworks and
animation features and cartoons and disseminated via the Internet. Pursuant to the Internet Culture Measures, an entity that intends to commercially engage
in any of the following types of activities are required to obtain an Online Culture Operating Permit from the applicable provincial level culture
administrative authority:
•
•
•
the production, duplication, import, distribution or broadcasting of online cultural products;
the publication of online cultural products on the Internet or transmission of online cultural products via an information network, such as
the Internet and mobile networks, to a computer, fixed-line or mobile phones, television sets or gaming consoles for the purpose of
browsing, reviewing, using or downloading such products by online users; or
exhibitions or contests related to online cultural products.
The Administration Rules of Publication of Electronic Publication Rules , or the Electronic Publication Rules, regulate the production, publishing
and importation of electronic publication in the PRC and outline a licensing system for business operations involving electronic publishing. Under the
Electronic Publication Rules and other regulations issued by GAPP, online games are classified as a type of electronic production and publishing of online
games is required to be done by licensed electronic publishing entities with standard publication codes. If a PRC company is contractually authorized to
publish foreign electronic publications, it must obtain the approval of, and register the copyright license contract with, SAPPRFT.
Pursuant to the Tentative Administrative Measures on Internet Publication , or the Internet Publication Measures, jointly promulgated by MII and
GAPP and effective on August 1, 2002, Internet publishers must secure approval, or the Internet Publication license, from GAPP to conduct Internet
publication activities, including operating of online games. In February 2016, the SAPPRFT and the MIIT jointly issued the Administrative Measures on
Network Publication, which took effect in March 2016 and replaced the Internet Publication Measures. Pursuant to the Administrative Measures on
Network Publication, Internet publishers must be approved by and obtain a Network Publication Service License from SAPPRFT in order to provide
network publication services. In addition, the Administrative Measures on Network Publication does not stipulate explicitly whether the holder of Internet
Publication License should reapply and obtain the Network Publication Service License within the valid term.
On September 28, 2009, GAPP and the National Office of Combating Pornography and Illegal Publications jointly published a circular
prohibiting foreign investors from investing and engaging in the operation of online games services by any forms of wholly foreign-owned enterprise,
Sino-foreign joint-venture or cooperation. Under this notice, foreign investors cannot control and participate in the operation of online games services
provided by domestic companies in any indirect forms, such as incorporating other joint-ventures, signing relevant agreements, or providing technical
supports. This circular further states that all the online games must be screened by SAPPRFT through advanced approvals before they are operated online,
and any updated online game versions or any change to the online games are subject to further approvals before they can be operated online.
On June 4, 2009, the MCT and MOFCOM jointly issued the Notice on Strengthening the Administration of Online Game Virtual Currency , or
the Virtual Currency Notice, to regulate the trading of online game virtual currencies. The Virtual Currency Notice defines the meaning of virtual currency
and places a set of restrictions on the trading and issuance of virtual currency. The Virtual Currency Notice also reiterates that virtual currency can only be
provided to users in exchange for an RMB payment and can only be used to pay for virtual goods and services of the issuers. In addition, the Virtual
Currency Notice states that online game operators are not allowed to give out virtual items or virtual currency through lottery-base activities, such as lucky
draws, betting or random computer sampling, etc., in exchange for user’s cash or virtual money. We provide extra free virtual currencies to game users as
they buy virtual currencies from us. For more information regarding regulatory risks related to our online games business, see “Item 3. Key Information—
D. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business and Industry— If we fail to obtain or maintain all applicable permits and approvals, or fail to comply
with PRC regulations, relating to online games, our ability to conduct our online game business and certain other businesses could be affected and we could
be subject to penalties and other administrative sanctions.”
59
On June 3, 2010, the MCT issued the Provisional Measures on Administration of Online Games , which applies to business activities relating to
online game development and operation and virtual currencies issuance and trading. Pursuant to this regulation, business entities are required to obtain an
Online Culture Operating Permit prior to commencing their online game operation. Game operators must file separate applications for virtual currencies
issuance and trading. Regarding virtual currencies trading, game operators can only issue virtual currencies in exchange of service they provide themselves
rather than trading for service or products of the third parties. Game operators cannot appropriate advance payments from players. Game operators are not
allowed to provide trading service of virtual currencies to minors. Records of all transactions in the accounts shall be kept for minimum 180 days.
On December 2, 2016, the MCT issued the Administrative Measures for Business Activities of Online Performances , which became effective on
January 1, 2017. According to these measures, the business of transmitting in real time the content of online games presented or narrated via information
networks such as Internet, mobile communication networks and mobile Internet or uploading such contents for communication in the audio-visual form
shall be administered as online performances. An operator of online performances shall apply for Online Culture Operating Permit with the competent
provincial administrative cultural department, and the business scope indicated on the Online Culture Operating Permit shall clearly include online
performances. In addition, an operator of online performances shall present the number of its Online Culture Operating Permit in a prominent position on
the homepage of its websites.
On December 1, 2016, MCT issued the Circular of the Ministry of Culture on Regulating the Operations of Online Games and Strengthening
Interim and Ex Post Regulation , the MCT Online Games Regulation, which will become effect on May 1, 2017. Pursuant to the MCT Online Games
Regulation, MCT further clarified the scope of operations of online games. Technical testing of online games conducted by an enterprise engaging in online
games operations by means such as making the online games available for user registration, opening the fee-charging system of the online games,
providing client-end software with direct server registration and login functions, etc. shall be deemed as the operations of online games. In addition, with
respect to enterprises engaging in providing user systems, fee-charging systems, program downloading, publicity and promotion and other services for the
online game products of another operating enterprise and participating in sharing the revenue from the operations of online games shall be deemed as
engaging in joint operations, and shall bear corresponding liabilities. In addition, this circular standardizes the service for distributing the virtual props
listed as below:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Virtual props distributed by enterprises engaging in online games operations shall be managed pursuant to the provisions on virtual
currencies of online games.
Enterprises engaging in online games operations that intend to change the version of an online game, increase the types of virtual props,
adjust the functions and use period of virtual props or hold temporary activities shall, via the official homepage of the online game or in
conspicuous locations within the online game, promptly make public the name, functions, price, exchange rate and expiration date of
each virtual prop involved, the corresponding ways for gifting, transferring or trading the virtual props and other relevant information.
Enterprises engaging in online games operations that provide virtual props and value-added services of an online game by random
selection shall not require users to participate by way of directly investing legal tender or the virtual currency of the online game.
Enterprises engaging in online games operations shall publish the random selection results of participating users on the official websites
of an online game or in conspicuous locations within the online game, and keep relevant records for at least 90 days for future inquiries
by relevant departments.
When providing virtual props and value-added services of an online game by way of random selection, an enterprise engaging in online
games operations shall, at the same time, provide users with other means to obtain virtual props and value-added services of the same
performance, such as by exchanging other virtual props, using the virtual currency of the online game to directly purchase virtual
props, etc.
Enterprises engaging in online games operations shall not provide users with services to exchange the virtual currency of an online game
to legal tender or physical items, except where the said enterprise terminates the provision of online gaming products and services, and
refunds the virtual currency not yet used by users in the form of legal tender or by other means acceptable to the users.
Enterprises engaging in online games operations may not provide users with services to exchange virtual props into legal tender.
In addition, enterprises engaging in online games operations shall require online game users to register their real names by using valid identity
documents and shall limit the amount that an online game user may top up each time in a single game, and send
60
information that requires confirmation by users when they top up or engage in consumption, and shall indicate the contact details for protecting user rights
and interests in conspicuous locations within an online game.
On May 14, 2019, the General Office of the MCT issued the Notice on Adjusting the Scope of Examination and Approval regarding the Internet
Culture Operation License to Further Regulate the Approval Work , which quotes the Regulations on the Function Configuration, Internal Institutions and
Staffing of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and further specifies that the MCT no longer assumes the responsibility for administering the industry of
online games. On July 10, 2019, the MCT issued the Decision on the Abolition of the Provisional Measures on Administration of Online Games and the
Administrative Measures for Tourism Development Plan , or the Abolition Decision. The Abolition Decision also cites the Regulations on the Function
Configuration, Internal Institutions and Staffing of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and further abolishes the Provisional Measures on Administration
of Online Games , which means that the MCT will no longer regulate the industry of the online games. As of the date of this annual report, no PRC laws
and regulations have been officially promulgated regarding whether the responsibility of the MCT for supervising the online games will be undertaken by
another governmental department, so it is still unclear as to whether such supervision responsibility will be transferred to another governmental department
or whether such governmental department will require similar online filing requirement or new supervision requirements for the distribution and operation
of online games.
On November 20, 2006, the MCT issued Several Suggestions on the Development and Administration of the Internet Music , or the Suggestions,
which became effective on November 20, 2006. The Suggestions, among other things, reiterate the requirement for Internet service providers to obtain an
Online Culture Operating Permit to operate any business involving Internet music products. In addition, foreign investors are prohibited from operating
Internet culture businesses. However, the laws and regulations on Internet music products are still evolving, and there have not been any provisions
stipulating whether or how music videos will be regulated by the Suggestions.
On August 18, 2009, the MCT issued the Notice on Strengthening and Improving the Content Review of Online Music . According to this notice,
only “Internet culture operating entities” approved by the MCT may engage in the production, release, dissemination (including providing direct links to
music products) and importation of online music products. Online music content shall be reviewed by or filed with the MCT. Internet culture operating
entities should establish a strict system for self-monitoring online music content and set up a special department in charge of such monitoring.
Tianying Jiuzhou provides Internet music products on our PC websites, mobile applications and mobile websites. As of the date of this annual
report, Tianying Jiuzhou has been granted an Online Culture Operating Permit with a permitted scope including the operation of online music, art and
entertainment products, online game products (including virtual currencies for online games), art products, play performance, animation products and
organization of exhibition or race of the online cultural products. However, the Online Culture Operating Permit does not cover the operation of online
performances. Tianying Jiuzhou has also obtained an Internet Publication License from SAPPRFT with respect to books and periodicals published on the
Internet, including the mobile Internet, and online and mobile games. For more information regarding regulatory risks of our online games business, see
“Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors— Risks Relating to Our Business and Industry—If we fail to obtain or maintain all applicable permits and
approvals, or fail to comply with PRC regulations, relating to online games, our ability to conduct our online game business and certain other businesses
could be affected and we could be subject to penalties and other administrative sanctions.”
In addition, to comply with the laws and regulations on the content requirements of Internet music products, our content examination team
reviews the content of online music products provided on our PC websites, mobile applications and mobile websites.
Regulation of Internet News Dissemination
Pursuant to the Provisional Regulations for the Administration of Internet Websites Engaging in News Publication Services , promulgated by the
State Council Information Office, or the SCIO, and MII, which became effective as of November 6, 2000 websites established by non-news organizations
may publish news released by certain official news agencies but may not publish news generated by themselves or news sourced elsewhere. In order to
disseminate news, such websites must satisfy the relevant requirements set forth in the applicable regulations and have acquired approval from SCIO after
securing permission from the news office of the provincial-level government. In addition, websites intending to publish news released by the
aforementioned news agencies must enter into agreements with the respective organizations, and file copies of such agreements with the news office of the
provincial-level government.
On November 4, 2016, the State Internet Information Office issued the Provisions on the Administration of Online Live-streaming Services ,
which became effective on December 1, 2016. According to these provisions, online live-streaming service providers shall obtain an Internet news license,
and carry out Internet news information services within the permissible scope of the license; those who provide online performances, Internet video and
audio programs and other online live-streaming services shall also obtain relevant licenses as required by laws and regulations. Online live-streaming
service providers shall examine and verify the real
61
identity information of online live-streaming service publishers and establish platforms for reviewing live-streaming content, exercise oversight over
Internet news information live-streams and its interactive content following the principle of examination first and issuance later. In addition, online live-
streaming service providers shall strengthen real-time management of live interactions and equip corresponding administrative staff.
On May 2, 2017, the CAC issued the Provisions on Administration over the Internet News Information Services, which became effective on
June 1, 2017 and replaced the Provisions for the Administration of Internet News Information Services, promulgated by the SCIO, and MII, which became
effective as of September 25, 2005. In addition, CAC issued the Implementing Rules for the Administration of the Licensing for Internet News Information
Services on May 22, 2017, which became effective as of June 1, 2017. According to these regulations, Internet news information services are divided into
three categories: collecting, editing and releasing Internet news information service; reposting Internet news information and providing platforms to
disseminate such news information. Anyone who intends to provide the public with news information services on the Internet via Internet websites,
applications, forums, blogs, micro-blogs, official accounts, instant messaging tools, network-based broadcast, etc. shall obtain an Internet news license, and
is forbidden to carry out any activities concerning Internet news information services without the permit or beyond the permitted scope. Where such an
applicant is an entity other than a news entity, or a party whose entity-in-charge is a news publicity department, the application shall first be subject to
preliminary examination by the applicable cyberspace administrator at the provincial level, and thereafter be examined and approved by the CAC. No
organization may establish the Internet news information service entity in the form of a Sino-foreign equity joint venture, Sino-foreign cooperative joint
venture or wholly foreign-invested enterprise. When an Internet news information service entity cooperates with a Sino-foreign equity joint venture, Sino-
foreign cooperative joint venture or wholly foreign-invested enterprise, such cooperation shall be submitted to the CAC for security assessment. In
addition, an Internet news information service provider shall request its users to submit their real identification information in accordance with the
provisions of the Cyber Security Law, provided that it provides such users with a platform to disseminate news information on the Internet. Where any user
refuses to provide its real identification information, the Internet news information service provider is not allowed to provide it with relevant services.
In order to comply with these laws and regulations, we submitted an application to CAC for the Internet news license and we have been trying
our best to obtain the license. However, we have not been granted such license as of the date of this annual report and cannot assure you that we may be
able to obtain one. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business and Industry—Our lack of an Internet news license
may expose us to administrative sanctions, including an order to cease our Internet information services that provide political news or to cease the Internet
access services provided by third parties to us.”
Regulation of Publication Operation
On March 25, 2011, GAPP and MOFCOM jointly issued the Administrative Measures for the Publication Market , or the Publication Market
Measures (2011 Version), pursuant to which any entity or individual engaging in the wholesale or retail of books, newspaper, magazines, electronic
publications and audio and video products must obtain an approval from the relevant press and publication administrative authority and receive a
Publication Operation Permit. An enterprise that has obtained a Publication Operation Permit is not required to obtain any special permission if it utilizes
the Internet and other information networks to sell such publications, but must file with the relevant press and publication administrative authority within
15 days following its commencement of operations on the Internet. Foreign investors may engage in the distribution of audio and video products in China
only in the form of contractual joint ventures between foreign and Chinese investors. Due to these measures, we engage in retail of books, newspaper,
magazines, electronic publications and audio and video products through Tianying Jiuzhou and wholesale and retail of books, newspaper, magazines and
electronic publications through Yifeng Lianhe. Each of Tianying Jiuzhou and Yifeng Lianhe has obtained a Publication Operation Permit.
On May 31, 2016, SAPPRFT and MOFCOM jointly promulgated the Administrative Measures for the Publication Market (2016 Version) , or
Publication Market Measures (2016 Version), which replaced the Publication Market Measures (2011 Version). According to the Publication Market
Measures (2016 Version), entities and individuals engaged in the wholesale or retail of publications shall carry out the relevant activities on the strength of
an operation permit for publications. Where an entity or individual is engaged in the distribution of publications via the Internet or other information
networks, it or he/she shall obtain the operation permit for publications; where an entity or individual that has obtained the operation permit for
publications is engaged in the distribution of publications via the Internet or other information networks within the approved business scope, it or he/she
shall go through the record-filing formalities with the publication administrative department that granted approval within 15 days after launching the online
distribution business. Pursuant to the Publication Market (2016 Version), foreign-invested enterprises are allowed to engage in the distribution of
publications.
Regulation of Internet Publication
SAPP is the government agency regulating publishing activities in the PRC. On June 27, 2002, MII and GAPP jointly promulgated the Tentative
Administration Measures on Internet Publication , or the Internet Publication Measures, which took effect
62
on August 1, 2002. The Internet Publication Measures require Internet publishers to secure approval, or the Internet Publication License, from SAPPRFT to
conduct Internet publication activities. In February 2016, the SAPPRFT and the MIIT jointly issued the Administrative Measures on Network Publication,
which took effect in March 2016 and replaced the Internet Publication Measure. The Administrative Measures on Network Publication further strengthen
and expand supervision over and management of network publication services, and require Internet publishers to be approved by and obtain a Network
Publication Service License from SAPPRFT. Pursuant to the Administrative Measures on Network Publication, “network publication services” refers to
activities including providing network publications to the public through information network, and “network publications” refers to digitalized works with
publishing features such as editing, producing and processing. The Administrative Measures on Network Publication also detailed qualifications and
application procedures for obtaining a Network Publication Service License.
User generated content, the programs we select, produce and/or edit for users’ browsing, reading or downloading or our online games may be
deemed a kind of “Internet publication” and the relevant authority could require us to obtain a Network Publication Service License. Tianying Jiuzhou has
obtained an Internet Publication License from SAPP. However, none of Yifeng Lianhe, Fengyu Network, Yitian Xindong and Huanyou Tianxia has
obtained this license. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business and Industry—If we fail to obtain or maintain all
applicable permits and approvals, or fail to comply with PRC regulations, relating to online games, our ability to conduct our online game business and
certain other businesses could be affected and we could be subject to penalties and other administrative sanctions.”
Regulation of Short Message Services
MII issued the Notice on Certain Issues Regarding Standardizing Short Message Services on April 15, 2004, specifying that only those
information service providers holding the relevant license can provide short message services in the PRC. Such notice also specifies that information
service providers shall examine the contents of short messages and automatically record and keep for five months the time of sending and receiving the
short messages, the mobile numbers or codes of the sending terminal and receiving terminal of the short messages.
MIIT issued the Administrative Provisions on Short Message Services for Communication on May 19, 2015, which became effective on June 30,
2015. According to such provisions, an entity shall obtain relevant telecommunications business license (“the relevant licenses”) to engage in short
message service.
In order to comply with these laws and regulations, Tianying Jiuzhou and Yifeng Lianhe have obtained the relevant licenses, for provision of
information via mobile networks. In addition, we have certain personnel to examine and screen on contents of short messages and keep the relevant records
as required by the law.
Regulation of Telecommunications Networks Code Number Resources
On January 29, 2003, MII issued the Administrative Measures on Telecommunications Networks Code Number Resources , or the Code Number
Measures, which was revised on September 23, 2014, to regulate code numbers, including those of mobile communications networks. According to such
administrative measures, entities which apply for code numbers to be used in a trans-provincial range shall apply to MIIT, and entities which apply for code
numbers to be used within provincial-level administrative regions shall apply to MIIT at the provincial level. Such administrative measures also specify the
qualification requirements for code number applicants, required application materials and the application procedures.
In June 2006, MII issued the Administrative Measures on Application, Distribution, Usage and Withdrawal of SMS Services Access Codes .
According to such administrative measures, the administration and usage of services relating to SMS short codes shall comply with the Code Number
Measures. Such administrative measures also specify that operators who provide services relating to SMS short codes across provinces or in the territory of
the whole country shall file with the relevant provincial-level counterparts of MII.
Each of Tianying Jiuzhou and Yifeng Lianhe has been granted the code numbers to be used in a trans-provincial range and has completed the
filing in all of the provinces in the PRC.
Regulation of Certain Internet Content
Internet Medicine Information
The Administration Measures on Internet Medicine Information Service issued by the State Food and Drug Administration, or the SFDA, and
related implementing rules and notices govern the classification, application, approval, contents, qualifications and requirements for Internet medicine
information services. An ICP service operator that provides information regarding medicine or medical equipment must obtain an Internet Medicine
Information Service Qualification Certificate from the applicable provincial level counterpart of SFDA.
63
Certain of our advertising services contain drug-related information. We currently do not have such qualification certificate. We cannot assure
you that we may be able to obtain it. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business and Industry—Failure to obtain
certain permits for our advertising services that contain drug-related information would subject us to penalties.”
Regulation of Internet Privacy
The PRC Constitution states that PRC law protects the freedom and privacy of communications of citizens and prohibits the infringement of such
rights. In recent years, PRC government authorities have passed regulations on Internet use to protect personal information from unauthorized disclosure.
The Internet Measures prohibit an ICP service operator from insulting or slandering a third party or infringing upon the lawful rights and interests of a third
party. The regulations also authorize the relevant telecommunications authorities to order ICP service operators to rectify unauthorized disclosures. ICP
service operators are subject to legal liability if unauthorized disclosure results in damages or losses to users. The PRC government, however, has the
power and authority to order ICP service operators to turn over personal information if an Internet user posts any prohibited content or engages in illegal
activities on the Internet. Pursuant to the Information Protection Decision issued by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of the PRC
and the Order for the Protection of Telecommunication and Internet User Personal Information issued by MIIT on July 16, 2013, or the Order, any
collection and use of user personal information shall be subject to the consent of the user, abide by the principles of legality, rationality and necessity and
be within the specified purposes, methods and scope. The Information Protection Decision and the Order further states that Internet service providers and
other enterprises and institutions must keep users’ personal information that is gathered in the course of their business activities confidential and are further
prohibited from divulging, tampering or destroying of any such information, or selling or providing such information to other parties. Any violations of the
Information Protection Decision or the Order may subject such companies to penalties such as warnings, fines, confiscation of its unlawful income,
revocation of licenses, cancellation of filings, shutdown of their websites or even criminal liabilities.
Our platforms are open to Internet users for uploading text and images. As a result, content posted by our users may expose us to allegations by
third parties of invasion of privacy. Though our users agree not to use our services in a way that is illegal, given the volume of content uploaded, it is not
possible to identify and remove all potentially infringing content uploaded by our users and we may therefore be subject to litigations or claims in
connection with invasion of user privacy.
Regulation of Advertising Business
The State Administration for Market Regulation, or SAMR, is the government agency responsible for regulating advertising activities in the PRC.
According to PRC Advertisement Law and relevant rules and regulations, companies that engage in advertising activities must obtain from SAMR
or its local branches a business license which specifically includes advertising within its business scope. PRC advertising laws and regulations set forth
certain content requirements for advertisements in the PRC including, among other things, prohibitions on false or misleading content, superlative wording,
socially destabilizing content or content involving obscenities, superstition, violence, discrimination or infringement of the public interest. Advertisers,
advertising agencies, and advertising distributors are required to ensure that the content of the advertisements they prepare or distribute is true and in full
compliance with applicable law. In providing advertising services, advertising operators and advertising distributors must review the supporting documents
provided by advertisers for their advertisements and verify that the content of the advertisements complies with applicable PRC laws and regulations. Prior
to distributing advertisements that are subject to government censorship and approval, advertising distributors are obligated to verify that such censorship
has been performed and approval has been obtained. The release or delivery of advertisements through the Internet shall not impair the normal use of the
users. Advertisements released in pop-up forms on a webpage and other forms shall indicate the close flag in prominent manner and ensure one-key close.
Violation of these regulations may result in penalties, including fines, confiscation of advertising income, orders to cease dissemination of the
advertisements and orders to eliminate the effect of illegal advertisement. In circumstances involving serious violations, SAIC or its local branches may
revoke violators’ licenses or permits for their advertising business operations.
On July 4, 2016, SAIC issued the Interim Measures for the Administration of Internet Advertising to regulate Internet advertising activities, which
became effect on September 1, 2016. According to these measures, no advertisement of any medical treatment, medicines, foods for special medical
purpose, medical apparatuses, pesticides, veterinary medicines, dietary supplement or other special commodities or services which are subject to
examination by an advertising examination authority as stipulated by laws and regulations shall be published unless it has passed such examination. In
addition, no entity or individual may publish any advertisement of prescription drugs or tobacco by means of the Internet. An Internet advertisement shall
be identifiable and clearly identified as an “advertisement” so that consumers will know that it is an advertisement. Paid search advertisements shall be
clearly distinguished from natural search results. In addition, the following violations shall be forbidden in Internet advertising activities: providing or
using any application programs or hardware to intercept, filter, cover, fast forward or otherwise restrict any authorized advertisement of other persons;
using network pathways, network equipment or applications to disrupt the normal data transmission of advertisements, alter or block authorized
advertisements of other persons or load advertisements without authorization; or using false statistical data, transmission effect or Internet medium prices to
induce incorrect quotations, seek undue interests or damage the
64
interests of other persons. Internet advertisement publishers shall verify related supporting documents, check the contents of the advertisement and be
prohibited from publishing any advertisement with nonconforming contents or without all the necessary certification documents. Internet information
service providers that are not involved in Internet advertising business activities but simply provide information services shall stop any attempt to publish
an advertisement through their information services when they know, or should reasonably know, that such advertisement is illegal.
Pursuant to the PRC Anti-Unfair Competition Law promulgated by the Standing Committee of the NPC on September 2, 1993 and amended on
November 4, 2017 and April 23, 2019, respectively, a business operator that engage in production and business activities by taking advantage of the
network shall abide all the provisions under Anti-unfair Competition Law , and shall not engage in any false or misleading publicity for its products.
Violation of these provisions may subject the relevant business operators to various penalties, including an order from the competent governmental
authorities to cease its illegal acts and impose a fine, or in case of a severe violation, revocation of business licenses.
Violation of these regulations may result in penalties, including fines, confiscation of advertising income, orders to cease dissemination of the
advertisements and orders to eliminate the effect of illegal advertisement. In circumstances involving serious violations, SAIC or its local branches may
revoke violators’ licenses or permits for their advertising business operations.
In order to comply with these laws and regulations, our advertising contracts require that all advertising agencies or advertisers that contract with
us must examine the advertising content provided to us to ensure that such content are truthful, accurate and in full compliance with PRC laws and
regulations. In addition, we have established a task force to review all advertising materials to ensure the content does not violate relevant laws and
regulations before displaying such advertisements, and we also request relevant advertiser to provide proof of governmental approval if an advertisement is
subject to special government review.
Regulation of Information Security and Censorship
Applicable PRC laws and regulations specifically prohibit the use of Internet infrastructure where it may breach public security, distribute content
harmful to the stability of society or disclose state secrets. It is mandatory for Internet companies in the PRC to complete security filing procedures and
regularly update information security and censorship systems for their websites with the local public security bureau. In addition, the newly amended Law
on Preservation of State Secrets , which became effective on October 1, 2010, provides that whenever an Internet service provider detects any leakage of
state secrets in the distribution of online information, it should stop the distribution of such information and report such violation to the state security and
public security authorities. Upon request of state security, public security or state secrecy authorities, the Internet service provider must delete any contents
on its websites that may lead to disclosure of state secrets. Failure to do so on a timely and adequate manner may subject the Internet service provider to
liability and certain penalties enforced by the State Security Bureau, the Ministry of Public Security and/or MIIT or their respective local counterparts.
On June 28, 2016, the State Internet Information Office issued the Administrative Provisions on Mobile Internet Applications Information
Services , which became effect on August 1, 2016, to further strengthen administration over mobile Internet applications information services. Pursuant to
these provisions, owners or operators of mobile Internet applications that provide information services shall fulfill their information security management
responsibilities strictly and perform their obligations listed as below:
•
•
•
•
•
certify the identification information of registered users including their mobile telephone number based information under the principle
of a real name backstage, and a freely-chosen name on stage;
establish and perfect the mechanism for protecting users’ information, and follow the principle of legality, rightfulness and necessity,
indicate expressly the purpose, method and scope of collection and use and obtain the consents of users while collecting and using users’
personal information;
establish and perfect the mechanism for verifying and managing information contents, and in terms of any information content released
that violates laws or regulations, take such measures as warning, restricting functions, suspending updates and closing accounts as the
case may be, keep relevant records and report the same to relevant competent departments;
safeguard users’ right to know and to make choices when users are installing or using such applications, and refrain from starting such
functions as collecting the information of users’ location, accessing users’ contacts, turning on users’ camera and recording sound, or any
other function irrelevant to the services, nor forcefully install any other irrelevant application, for so long as users are not notified of the
same clearly and do not give their consent;
respect and protect intellectual property and refrain from producing or releasing any application that infringes others’ intellectual
property; and
65
•
record the users’ log information and keep the same for 60 days.
On November 7, 2016, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress promulgated the Cyber Security Law to preserve cyberspace
security and order. Pursuant to Cyber Security Law , network operators shall strictly keep confidential users’ personal information that they have collected,
and establish and improve systems to protect users’ information. To collect and use personal information, network operators shall follow the principles of
legitimacy, rightfulness and necessity, disclose their rules of data collection and use, clearly express the purposes, means and scope of collecting and using
information, and obtain the consent of persons whose data is gathered. Network operators shall not gather personal information unrelated to the services
they provide. Network operators shall not divulge, distort or damage the personal information they have collected, and shall not provide the personal
information to others without the consent of the persons whose data is collected, except under circumstance where the information has been processed and
cannot be recovered and thus it is impossible to match such information with specific persons. In addition, network operators shall perform the following
security obligations according to the requirements of the classified protection system for cyber security to ensure that the network is free from interference,
damage or unauthorized access, and prevent network data from being divulged, stolen or falsified:
•
•
•
•
formulate internal security management systems and operating instructions, determine the persons responsible for cyber security, and
fulfill the responsibilities of cyber security protection;
take technological measures to prevent computer viruses, network attacks, network intrusions and other actions endangering cyber
security;
take technological measures to monitor and record the network operation status and cyber security incidents, and preserve relevant web
logs for no less than six months according to the provisions; and
take measures such as data classification, as well as back-up and encryption of important data.
Violation of these laws and provisions may result in penalties, including fines, confiscation of illegal income. In circumstances involving serious
violations, the competent telecommunication department, public security departments and other relevant authorities may order the network operators to
suspend relevant business, stop the business for rectification or close down the websites, or revoke violators’ licenses or permits for their business
operations.
On August 25, 2017, the CAC promulgated the Administrative Provisions on Internet Follow-up Comment Services , which became effective on
October 1, 2017, pursuant to which Internet follow-up comment services refers to the services of publishing transcripts, symbols, expressions, pictures,
audio and video and other information offered by Internet websites, applications, interactive communication platforms and other types of communication
platforms with news and public opinion property and social mobilization function by way of post, reply, message, bullet screen and using other means. The
Internet follow-up comment service providers shall strictly assume the primary responsibilities and discharge the following obligations according to the
law:
•
•
•
•
•
•
verify the real identity information of registered users following the principle of using real name at foreground and volunteering to do so
at background and forbid the provision of Internet follow-up comment services for users whose real identity information is not verified;
establish and improve a user information protection system;
establish a system of reviewing at first and then publishing comments if the service providers offer Internet follow-up comment services
to news information;
establish and improve an Internet follow-up comment review and administration, real-time check, emergency response and other
information security administration systems, timely identify and process illicit information and submit a report to the relevant competent
authorities;
develop Internet follow-up comment information protection and administration technologies, timely identify security flaws and loopholes
and other risks existing in Internet follow-up comment services, take remedial measures and submit a report to the relevant competent
authorities; and
build a reviewing and editing team in line with service scale and improve the professionalism of editors.
In addition, on August 25, 2017, the CAC promulgated the Administrative Provisions on Internet Forum and Community Services , which
became effective on October 1, 2017, pursuant to which the Internet forum and community service providers shall assume the primary responsibility for
establishing and improving the information check and verification, public information real-time check, emergency response and personal information
protection and other information security administration systems, institute safe
66
and controllable preventative measures, employ professionals in line with their service scale, and provide necessary technical support for the relevant
departments in performing duties according to the law. The Internet forum and community service providers shall not use Internet forum and community
services to publish or disseminate information banned by laws, regulations and the relevant provisions of the state. Where the Internet forum and
community service providers identify any aforementioned information, they shall cease the transmission of such information forthwith, take deletion and
other handling measures, retain the relevant records and timely submit a report to the CAC or its local counterparts.
On November 28, 2019, the Secretary Bureau of the CAC, the General Office of the MIIT, the General Office of the Ministry of Public Security
and the General Office of the SAMR promulgated the Identification Method of Illegal Collection and Use of Personal Information Through App , which
provides guidance for the regulatory authorities to identify the illegal collection and use of personal information through mobile apps, and for the app
operators to conduct self-examination and self-correction and for other participants to voluntarily monitor compliance.
To comply with these laws and regulations, we have completed the mandatory security filing procedures with the local public security authorities,
and regularly updated the information security and content-filtering systems with newly issued content restrictions as required by the relevant laws and
regulations. In addition, we have obtained the consents from the users to collect and use their personal information as required by the relevant laws and
regulations in all material respect. However, not all of our users have registered their real names by using valid identity documents, we may be ordered to
effect rectification by the relevant competent authorities; where we fail to effect rectification or if the circumstances are serious, a fine of no less than
RMB50,000 but no more than RMB500,000 may be imposed, and the relevant competent authorities may order us to suspend operation, stop doing
business for internal rectification, close down the website, or may revoke relevant business permits or business licenses; and a fine of no less than
RMB10,000 but no more than RMB100,000 may be imposed on the persons directly in charge and other directly responsible persons.
Regulation of Internet Copyrights
In order to address copyright issues relating to the Internet, in December 2012, the PRC Supreme People’s Court adopted the Provisions on
Certain Issues Concerning the Applicable Laws in the Trial of Civil Cases Involving Disputes over Infringement of the Right of Dissemination through
Information Networks, or the Provisions, which provides that the courts will require ICP service providers to remove not only links or content that have
been specifically mentioned in the notices of infringement from right holders, but also links or content they “should have known” to contain infringing
content. The Provisions further provide that where an ICP service provider has directly obtained economic benefits from any content made available by an
Internet user, it has a higher duty of care with respect to Internet users’ infringement of third-party copyrights. According to the Copyright Law, an
infringer may be subject to various consequences, which include stopping the infringement, eliminating the damages, apologizing to the copyright owners
and compensating the loss of copyright owners. The Copyright Law further provides that the infringer shall compensate the actual loss suffered by the
copyright owner. If the actual loss of the copyright owner is difficult to determine, the illegal income received by the infringer as a result of the
infringement shall be deemed as the actual loss or if such illegal income is difficult to be determine, the court may decide the amount of the actual loss up
to RMB500,000.
Under the applicable laws and regulations, where a copyright holder finds that any content communicated through the Internet infringes upon its
copyright and sends a notice to the ICP service operator, the ICP service operator shall immediately take measures to remove the relevant content. Such
ICP service operator is also required to retain all infringement notices for six months and to record the content, display time and IP addresses and the
domain names related to the infringement for 60 days. Where an ICP service operator removes relevant content of an Internet content provider according to
the notice of a copyright holder, the Internet content provider may deliver a counter-notice to both the ICP service operator and the copyright holder, stating
that the removed contents do not infringe upon the copyright of other parties. After the delivery of such counter-notice, the ICP service operator may
immediately reinstate the removed contents and shall not bear administrative legal liability for such reinstatement. Where an ICP service operator is clearly
aware of the infringement by an Internet content provider of another’s copyright through the Internet, or, although not being aware of such activity, fails to
take measures to remove relevant contents upon receipt of the copyright owner’s notice, and as a result, damages public interests, the ICP service operator
could be subject to an order to stop the tortious act and other administrative penalties such as confiscation of illegal income and fines. Where there is no
evidence to indicate that an ICP service operator is clearly aware of the facts of tort, or the ICP service operator has taken measures to remove relevant
contents upon receipt of the copyright owner’s notice, the ICP service provider shall not bear the relevant administrative legal liabilities.
Our content licensors and users have entered into agreements with us in which they make an undertaking not to provide or upload any contents
that may have infringed on the copyright of any third parties. However, we cannot ensure you that our content licensors or users who upload contents to our
PC websites, mobile applications and mobile websites will not infringe on the copyright of any third parties and we could delete any infringed contents in a
time manner or at all. We may be consequently subject to copyright infringement claims arising thereof. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—
Risks Relating to Our Business and Industry—We have been and expect we will continue to be exposed to intellectual property infringement and other
claims, including claims based on content posted on our PC websites, mobile applications and mobile websites, which could be time-consuming and costly
to defend and may result in substantial damage awards and/or court orders that may prevent us from continuing to provide certain of our existing services.”
67
Regulation of Foreign Exchange Control and Administration
Under the Foreign Exchange Administration Rules , Renminbi is convertible for current account items, including the distribution of dividends,
interest payments, trade and service-related foreign exchange transactions. As for capital account items, such as direct investments, loans, security
investments and the repatriation of investment returns, however, the conversion of foreign currency is still subject to the approval of, or registration with,
SAFE or its competent local branches. SAFE approval is not necessary for the conversion of Renminbi for foreign currency payments for current account
items except as otherwise explicitly provided by laws and regulations. Under the Administration Rules of the Settlement, Sale and Payment of Foreign
Exchange , enterprises may only buy, sell or remit foreign currencies at banks that are authorized to conduct foreign exchange business after the enterprise
provides valid commercial documents and relevant supporting documents and, in the case of certain capital account transactions, after obtaining approval
from SAFE or its competent local branches. If we provide loans to any of our PRC subsidiaries, the total amount of such loans may not exceed the
difference between its total investment as approved by the foreign investment authorities and its registered capital at the time of the provision of such loans.
Such loans need to be registered with the SAFE, which usually takes no more than 20 working days to complete. The cost of completing such registration
is minimal. Capital investments by enterprises outside of the PRC are subject to further limitations, which include approvals by MOFCOM, SAFE and
NDRC, or their respective competent local branches.
On August 29, 2008, SAFE issued the Circular on the Relevant Operating Issues Concerning the Improvement of the Administration of the
Payment and Settlement of Foreign Currency Capital of Foreign-Invested Enterprises , or SAFE Circular 142. Pursuant to SAFE Circular 142, Renminbi
capital obtained from settlement of the foreign currency capital of a foreign-invested enterprise must be used within the business scope as approved by the
applicable government authority and unless otherwise specifically provided by law, such Renminbi capital cannot be used for domestic equity investments.
In addition, SAFE strengthened its oversight of the flow and use of the Renminbi capital converted from foreign currency registered capital of a foreign-
invested company. As a result, the use of such Renminbi capital may not be altered without the SAFE’s approval, and such Renminbi capital may not be
used to repay Renminbi loans if the relevant loan proceeds have not been used. As to the latest development, on March 30, 2015, SAFE issued the Circular
on the Management Concerning the Reform of the Payment and Settlement of Foreign Currency Capital of Foreign-Invested Enterprises , or SAFE
Circular 19, which became effective on June 1, 2015 and replaced SAFE Circular 142. Pursuant to SAFE Circular 19, up to 100% of foreign currency
capital of foreign-invested enterprise may be converted into RMB capital according to the actual operation of the enterprise within the business scope at its
will and the RMB capital converted from foreign currency registered capital of a foreign-invested enterprise may be used for equity investments within the
PRC. However, under SAFE Circular 19, RMB capital converted from foreign currency registered capital of a foreign-invested company still may not in
any case be used to advance the RMB entrusted loan or repay RMB loans if the proceeds of such loans have not been used.
On November 19, 2012, SAFE promulgated the Circular of Further Improving and Adjusting Foreign Exchange Administration Policies on
Foreign Direct Investment , or SAFE Circular 59, which became effective on December 17, 2012. SAFE Circular 59 substantially amends and simplifies
the current foreign exchange procedure. The major developments under SAFE Circular 59 are that the opening of various special purpose foreign exchange
accounts, such as pre-establishment expenses accounts, foreign exchange capital accounts and guarantee accounts, no longer requires the approval of
SAFE. Furthermore, multiple capital accounts for the same entity may be opened in different provinces, which was not possible before the issuance of
SAFE Circular 59. The reinvestment of lawful incomes, such as profit and proceeds of equity transfer, capital reduction, liquidation and early repatriation
of investment, by foreign investors in the PRC and the purchase and remittance of foreign exchange as a result of capital reduction, liquidation, early
repatriation or share transfer in a foreign-invested enterprise no longer requires SAFE approval.
On May 10, 2013, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Printing and Distributing the Provisions on Foreign Exchange Administration over
Domestic Direct Investment by Foreign Investors and the Supporting Documents , which specifies that the administration by SAFE or its local branches
over direct investment by foreign investors in the PRC shall be conducted by way of registration. Institutions and individuals shall register with SAFE
and/or its branches for their direct investment in the PRC. Banks shall process foreign exchange business relating to the direct investment in the PRC based
on the registration information provided by SAFE and its branches.
On February 13, 2015, SAFE issued the Circular on Further Simplifying and Improving the Foreign Exchange Administration Policies on Direct
Investments , or SAFE Circular 13, pursuant to which the administrative examination and approval procedures with SAFE or its local branches relating to
the foreign exchange registration approval for domestic direct investments as well as overseas direct investments have been cancelled, and qualified banks
are delegated the power to directly conduct such foreign exchange registrations under the supervision of SAFE or its local branches. SAFE Circular 13 took
effect on June 1, 2015.
On April 26, 2016, SAFE issued the Circular of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on Further Promoting Trade and Investment
Facility and Improving the Examination and Verification of the Authenticity , pursuant to which when handling the remittance of profits exceeding the
equivalent of US$50,000 abroad for a domestic institution, a bank shall examine, according to the principle of transaction authenticity, the profit
distribution resolution of the board of directors (or the profit distribution resolution of all partners) that is related to this remittance of profits abroad, the
original of its tax record-filing form and the financial statements in proof of the profits involved in this remittance.
68
On June 9, 2016, SAFE issued the Circular of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on Reforming and Regulating Policies on the
Control over Foreign Exchange Settlement of Capital Accounts , to promote nationwide the reform of control approaches to foreign exchange settlement of
foreign debts of enterprises and in the meantime to unify and regulate control over discretionary settlement and payment of foreign exchange receipts under
capital accounts. Pursuant to this circular, domestic enterprises (including foreign-invested enterprises) may go through foreign exchange settlement
formalities for their foreign debts at their discretion. In addition, domestic institutions may, at their discretion, settle up to 100% of foreign exchange
receipts under capital accounts for the time being.
On October 23, 2019, SAFE issued the Circular Regarding Further Promotion of the Facilitation of Cross-Border Trade and Investment , or
SAFE Circular 28, pursuant to which all foreign-invested enterprises can make domestic equity investments with their capital funds in accordance with the
law.
Regulation of Foreign Exchange Registration of Offshore Investment by PRC Residents
On July 4, 2014, SAFE issued the Circular on Several Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Administration of Domestic Residents Engaging in
Overseas Investment, Financing and Round-Trip Investment via Special Purpose Vehicles , or SAFE Circular 37, which became effective on the same date.
SAFE Circular 37 and its detailed guidelines require PRC residents to register with the local branch of SAFE before contributing their legally owned
onshore or offshore assets or equity interests into any special purpose vehicle, or SPV, directly established, or indirectly controlled, by them for the purpose
of investment or financing; and when there is (i) any change to the basic information of the SPV, such as any change relating to its individual PRC resident
shareholders, name or operation period or (ii) any material change, such as increase or decrease in the share capital held by its individual PRC resident
shareholders, a share transfer or exchange of the shares in the SPV, or a merger or split of the SPV, the PRC resident must register such changes with the
local branch of SAFE on a timely basis. According to the relevant SAFE rules, failure to comply with the registration procedures set forth in SAFE Circular
37 may result in restrictions being imposed on the foreign exchange activities of the relevant onshore companies of SPVs, including the payment of
dividends and other distributions to its offshore parent or affiliate and the capital inflow from such offshore entity, and may also subject the relevant PRC
residents and onshore companies to penalties under PRC foreign exchange administration regulations. Further, failure to comply with various SAFE
registration requirements described above would result in administrative penalties or even criminal liabilities under PRC laws. On February 13, 2015,
SAFE issued SAFE Circular 13, which is the Circular on Further Simplifying and Improving the Foreign Exchange Administration Policies on Direct
Investments . Under SAFE Circular 13, qualified banks are delegated the power to register all PRC residents’ investments in SPVs pursuant to SAFE
Circular 37, saving for supplementary registration application made by PRC residents who failed to comply with SAFE Circular 37, which shall still fall
into the jurisdiction of the local branch of SAFE. SAFE Circular 13 took effect on June 1, 2015.
We understand that the aforesaid registration requirement under SAFE Circular 37, SAFE Circular 13 and the relevant implementing rules do not
apply to our PRC subsidiaries or our PRC resident beneficial owners due to the following reasons: (i) our company was incorporated and controlled by
Phoenix TV, a Hong Kong listed company, rather than any PRC residents defined under SAFE Circular 37, (ii) none of the former or current shareholders
of our PRC affiliated consolidated entities established or acquired interest in our company by injecting the assets of, or equity interests in, our affiliated
consolidated entities, and (iii) before the public listing of our ADSs all of our PRC resident beneficial owners obtained interest in our company through
exercise of options granted to them under our share incentive plan. However, we cannot assure you that SAFE or its local branch would hold the same
opinion with us and the relevant government authorities have broad discretion in interpreting these rules and regulations. See “Item 3. Key Information—
D. Risk Factors—Risk Relating to Doing Business in China—If the PRC government finds that our PRC beneficial owners are subject to the SAFE
registration requirement under SAFE Circular 37 and the relevant implementing rules and our PRC beneficial owners fail to comply with such registration
requirements, such PRC beneficial owners may be subject to personal liability, our ability to acquire PRC companies or to inject capital into our PRC
subsidiaries may be limited, our PRC subsidiaries’ ability to distribute profits to us may be limited, or our business may be otherwise materially and
adversely affected.”
SAFE Regulation of Stock Incentive Plan
On December 25, 2006, the People’s Bank of China promulgated the Administrative Measures for Individual Foreign Exchange . On January 5,
2007, SAFE issued the Implementation Rules of the Administrative Measures for Individual Foreign Exchange , or the Individual Foreign Exchange Rules,
which, among other things, specifies the approval requirements for a “domestic individual’s” (including both PRC residents and non-PRC residents who
reside in the PRC for a continuous period of not less than one year, excluding the foreign diplomatic personnel and representatives of international
organizations) participation in employee stock plans or stock option plans of an overseas publicly listed company. On February 15, 2012, SAFE issued the
Notices on Issues concerning the Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Individuals Participating in Stock Incentive Plan of Overseas Publicly-
Listed Company , or the Stock Incentive Plan Rules, which terminated the Processing Guidance on Foreign Exchange Administration of Domestic
Individuals Participating in the Employee Stock Ownership Plans or Stock Option Plans of Overseas-Listed Companies issued by SAFE on March 28,
2007. According to the Stock Incentive Plan Rules, if a domestic individual
69
participates in any stock incentive plan of an overseas listed company, a qualified PRC domestic agent, which can be the PRC subsidiaries of such overseas
listed company, shall, among other things, file, on behalf of such individual, an application with SAFE to conduct the SAFE registration with respect to
such stock incentive plan, and obtain approval for an annual allowance with respect to the purchase of foreign exchange in connection with the stock
purchase or stock option exercise. Such PRC individuals’ foreign exchange income received from the sale of stocks and dividends distributed by the
overseas listed company and any other income shall be fully remitted into a collective foreign currency account in the PRC opened and managed by the
PRC domestic agent before distribution to such individuals.
Our employees who are “domestic individuals” and have been granted share options, or PRC optionees are subject to the Stock Incentive Plan
Rules. Our stock incentive plan has been registered with SAFE when we listed in New York Stock Exchange, however, we cannot assure you that we will
be able to complete relevant registration for other employees who participate such stock incentive plan in the future, in a timely manner or at all. If we or
our PRC optionees fail to comply with the Individual Foreign Exchange Rules and the Stock Incentive Plan Rules, we and/or our PRC optionees may be
subject to fines and other legal sanctions. We may also face regulatory uncertainties that could restrict our ability to adopt additional option plans for our
directors and employees under PRC law. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business and Industry—Failure to
comply with PRC regulations regarding the registration requirements for stock incentive plans may subject the plan participants or us to fines and other
legal or administrative sanctions.”
Regulation of Dividend Distributions
Enterprises in the PRC may pay dividends only out of their accumulated profits, if any, as determined in accordance with PRC accounting
standards and regulations. In addition, a PRC enterprise is required to set aside at least 10% of its after-tax profit based on PRC accounting standards each
year to its general reserves until its cumulative total reserve funds reaches 50% of its registered capital. These reserve funds, however, may not be
distributed as cash dividends. Under the CIT Law and its implementation rules, dividends payable by a foreign-invested enterprise in the PRC to its foreign
investor who is a non-resident enterprise will be subject to a 10% withholding tax, unless any such foreign investor’s jurisdiction of incorporation has a tax
treaty with the PRC that provides for a lower withholding tax rate.
Regulation of Overseas Listings
On August 8, 2006, six PRC regulatory agencies, namely, MOFCOM, the State Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, the State
Administration for Taxation, SAIC, CSRC and SAFE, jointly adopted the 2006 M&A Rules, which became effective on September 8, 2006 and were
amended in June 22, 2009. The 2006 M&A Rules purport, among other things, to require that offshore special purpose vehicles, or SPVs, that are
controlled by PRC companies or individuals and that have been formed for overseas listing purposes through acquisitions of PRC domestic interest held by
such PRC companies or individuals, to obtain the approval of the CSRC prior to publicly listing their securities on an overseas stock exchange. On
September 21, 2006, the CSRC published a notice on its official websites specifying documents and materials required to be submitted to it by SPVs
seeking CSRC approval of their overseas listings. While the application of the 2006 M&A Rules remains unclear, our PRC counsel has advised us that
based on its understanding of the current PRC laws, rules and regulations and the 2006 M&A Rules, prior approval from the CSRC is not required under
the 2006 M&A Rules for the listing and trading of our ADSs on the NYSE because we have not acquired any equity interest or assets of a PRC domestic
company owned by PRC companies or individuals, as defined under the 2006 M&A Rules, that are our beneficial owners after the effective date of the
2006 M&A Rules.
However, our PRC counsel has further advised us uncertainties still exist as to how the 2006 M&A Rules will be interpreted and implemented
and its opinions summarized above are subject to any new laws, rules and regulations or detailed implementations and interpretations in any form relating
to the 2006 M&A Rules. If the CSRC or another PRC regulatory agency subsequently determines that prior CSRC approval was required, we may face
regulatory actions or other sanctions from the CSRC or other PRC regulatory agencies. These regulatory agencies may impose fines and penalties on our
operations, limit our operating privileges, delay or restrict the repatriation of the proceeds from our initial public offering into the PRC or payment or
distribution of dividends by our PRC subsidiaries, or take other actions that could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating
results, reputation and prospects, as well as the trading price of our ADSs. If the CSRC later requires that we obtain its approval for our initial public
offering, we may be unable to obtain a waiver of CSRC approval requirements, if and when procedures are established to obtain such a waiver. Any
uncertainties or negative publicity regarding CSRC approval requirements could have a material adverse effect on the trading price of our ADSs.
70
C.
Organizational Structure
Our Corporate Structure
The following diagram illustrates our corporate structure as of the date of this annual report, including our subsidiaries, affiliated consolidated
entities and their subsidiaries which are significant subsidiaries as defined in rule 1-02(w) of Regulation S-X:
Aligned with our business strategies, we have made the following investments in subsidiaries, affiliates and other business alliance partners in
various Internet-related businesses.
In March 2014, the IDG-Accel Funds acquired US$3.0 million convertible preferred shares of Phoenix FM, previously a subsidiary of us, to
accelerate development of the ifeng application business. Despite holding 71.8% of the equity interest in Phoenix FM at the time, we accounted for our
investment in Phoenix FM as an equity method investment since we did not control Phoenix FM due to substantive participating rights that had been
provided to the IDG-Accel Funds. As of December 31, 2019, the carrying value of our equity investment in Phoenix FM was nil. In April 2020, Phoenix
FM and its subsidiaries and shareholders underwent a series of debt restructuring transactions to restructure the shareholding structure of Phoenix FM.
After the completion of the restructuring, IDG-Accel Funds will no longer hold equity interest in Phoenix FM and its subsidiaries. After the completion of
the transaction, Tianying Jiuzhou and Mr. Ya Li will directly hold 19.99% and 80.01%, respectively, of the equity interest in Phoenix FM (Beijing)
Information Technology Co., Ltd., the former subsidiary of Phoenix FM, and we will continue to account for our investment in Phoenix FM as an equity
method investment.
In October 2014, we acquired Series B convertible redeemable preferred shares of Particle, representing 9.34% equity interest of Particle on an
as-if converted basis, with a total cash consideration of US$6.0 million. Particle operates Yidian, a personalized news and life-style information application
in China that allows users to define and explore desired content on their mobile devices. In December 2014, we acquired ordinary shares of Particle,
representing 9.08% equity interest of Particle on an as-if converted basis, with a cash consideration of US$5.0 million and a number of our ordinary shares
with fair value of US$2.8 million. In April 2015, we acquired Series C convertible redeemable preferred shares of Particle with a cash consideration of
US$30.0 million, and we also acquired additional ordinary shares and Class A ordinary shares of Particle from certain existing shareholders for an
aggregate purchase price of US$27.6 million. Following the transactions, also in April 2015, Particle repurchased all the ordinary shares and Class A
ordinary shares held by us, including ordinary shares purchased by us in 2014, and issued to us one Series C convertible redeemable preferred share for
each ordinary share or Class A ordinary share. In January and April 2016, we granted two unsecured short-term convertible loans to Particle with an
aggregate principal amount of US$20.0 million, and we converted the principal amounts of these loans and all accrued interests with a total amount of
US$20.7 million into Series D1 convertible redeemable preferred shares of Particle in December 2016.
71
As of the date hereof, we held Series C and Series D1 convertible redeemable preferred shares of Particle, which had been accounted for as
available-for-sale debt investments, representing an aggregate of approximately 20.21% equity interest in Particle on an as-if converted basis (which
reflected the completion of the issuance of additional shares under Particle's share incentive plan). The fair value of our available-for-sale debt investments
in Particle was RMB2,012.5 million (US$289.1 million) as of December 31, 2019. In March 2019, we entered into a share purchase agreement with Run
Liang Tai, to sell 32% equity interest of Particle on an as-if converted basis to Run Liang Tai and its designated entities, or the proposed buyers, for a total
consideration of US$448 million in cash. On July 23, 2019, we entered into a supplemental agreement with Run Liang Tai, or the Particle Supplemental
Agreement, after we had a dispute with Run Liang Tai regarding the satisfaction of certain closing conditions under the original share purchase agreement.
According to the Particle Supplemental Agreement, we agree to increase the number of shares of Particle to be transferred to the proposed buyers from
199,866,509 shares to 212,358,165 shares while the total purchase price will remain unchanged at US$448 million. In addition, we agreed that the
proposed buyers may pay the purchase price in several installments and deliver the preferred shares of Particle to the Proposed Buyers in batches. We and
the proposed buyers agreed to close the proposed transactions as described in the Particle Supplemental Agreement regardless of any dispute raised by any
party in respect of satisfaction of the closing conditions under the original share purchase agreement. However, after we executed the Particle Supplemental
Agreement, two shareholders of Particle, Long De Cheng Zhang Culture Communication (Tianjin) Co., Ltd., which later transferred its shares in Particle to
Long De Cheng Zhang (Tianjin) Investment Management Center, and Long De Holdings (Hong Kong) Co., Limited, notified us that they intend to exercise
their co-sale rights under the Particle Shareholders Agreement. On January 20, 2020, we entered into the Co-Sale Agreement with the Long De Entities.
Pursuant to the Co-Sale Agreement, the Long De Entities will sell approximately 9.8 million preferred shares of Particle, or the Long De Sale Shares, to the
proposed buyers for a total consideration of approximately US$20.7 million in cash and the number of Particle shares to be sold by us will be reduced
accordingly. As a result, we are expected to sell a total of 29.19% equity interest of Particle on an as-if converted basis (which reflected the completion of
the issuance of additional shares under Particle's share incentive plan) to the proposed buyers for a total consideration of approximately US$427.3 million
in cash under the original share purchase agreement as amended by the Particle Supplemental Agreement and the Co-Sale Agreement. The Co-Sale
Agreement is subject to approval by the shareholders of our parent company, Phoenix Media Investment (Holdings) Limited. While we have completed
delivery of the first batch of Particle shares to the proposed buyers pursuant to the Particle Supplemental Agreement and received consideration of US$200
million for such shares and recognized a gain on disposal of available-for-sale debt investments of RMB1,001.2 million (US$143.8 million) in the
consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss), and we have received a further deposit of US$50 million for the second batch preferred shares of
Particle to be delivered to the Proposed Buyers in or before August 2020, however, there are still uncertainties as to the completion of the remaining part of
the proposed transaction. If the remaining part of the transaction is also completed, we expect to continue to hold approximately 4.7% equity interest of
Particle on an as-if converted and fully diluted basis (which reflected the completion of the issuance of additional shares under Particle’s share incentive
plan) after the completion.
In December 2018, we acquired a 25.5% equity interest in Yitian Xindong, for an aggregate purchase price of RMB144.1 million. Telling
Telecommunication Co., Ltd., or Telling Telecom, concurrently transferred another 25.5% of its equity interests in Yintian Xindong to Shenzhen Bingruixin
Technology Co., Ltd., or Bingruixin, a third party, which then granted an option to us that allowed us to acquire a 25.5% equity interest from Bingruixin for
RMB144.1 million. Bingruixin also entrusted the voting rights of such 25.5% equity interest to us, as a result of which we started to consolidate Yitian
Xindong in our financial statements from December 28, 2018. We exercised the call option granted by Bingruixin on March 1, 2019 and acquired another
25.5% equity interest in Yitian Xindong. We currently hold 51% of the equity interests in Yitian Xindong and continue to consolidate Yitian Xindong. The
revenues of Yitian Xindong for the year ended December 31, 2019 wer e RMB204.0 million (US$29.3 million) and the net income of Yitian Xindong for
the year ended December 31, 2019 were RMB2.5 million (US$0.4 million), which should mean that Yitian Xindong’s financial performance targets in
2019 as specified in our agreement with Telling Telecom in connection with our acquisition of Yitian Xindong were not met and we should have the right
to receive a contingent returnable consideration of RMB170.6 million (US$24.5 million) from Telling Telecom. However, based on current communication
with Telling Telecom, we estimated that the probability of successfully collecting the contingent returnable consideration of RMB170.6 million (US$24.5
million) would be 60% as there were still some disputes between Telling Telecom and us, and as a result, the fair value of our right to receive the
contingent returnable consideration as of December 31, 2019 were RMB98.5 million (US$14.1 million), with the changes in fair value of RMB62.1 million
(US$8.9 million) recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss) of the year ended December 31, 2019. Yitian Xindong owns
Tadu Apps, which collectively have more than one million daily active users. We recorded goodwill of RMB338.3 million from the acquisition, which
would not be amortized but was tested for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently if events or changes on circumstances indicates that it might
be impaired. There was no impairment loss for goodwill recognized for the year ended December 31, 2019.
We hold 50% of the equity interests in Tianbo. Before April 2019, as we had significant influence over financial and operating decision-making,
we accounted for the 50% equity interest by using the equity method of accounting. On April 1, 2019, we obtained control over Tianbo and consolidated
Tianbo starting from April 1, 2019 as we and other shareholders of Tianbo agreed to make certain revisions to the articles of association of Tianbo, which
granted us the voting power to decide Tianbo’s significant financial and operating decisions at both the shareholder level and the board level, to accelerate
the development of its real estate vertical and to
72
further bolster the development of our real estate vertical and to create more synergies on Tianbo’s new business, with the equity interest in Tianbo of 50%
unchanged. At the same time, we agreed with other shareholders of Tianbo and would provide free advertising resources to Tianbo as consideration to gain
control over Tianbo. Tianbo is principally engaged in operation of the real property channel and sales of real property advertisements for ifeng.com.
In January 2015, in order to leverage our brand, content platform and large user base to expand into more entertainment related businesses, we
established a subsidiary, Meowpaw. Meowpaw is engaged in creating intellectual properties, related games, books, movies and animations, etc. As of the
date of this annual report, we held 75% of Meowpaw’s equity interests, and its noncontrolling shareholder, who is an individual, held the remaining 25%.
Meowpaw’s share capital was not sufficient to support its operations. In addition to the capital injection, we have provided a long-term financing of
RMB79.0 million to support its operations.
In August 2017, we acquired an 8% equity interest in Kuailai with a consideration of RMB0.2 million. Kuailai operates Xunhutai, a life-style
information application in China. As of December 31, 2019, the carrying value of our equity investment in Kuailai was RMB0.2 million (US$0.03 million).
In November 2018, we acquired a 10% equity interest in Yitong Technology, by investing in newly issued shares of Yitong Technology with a
total consideration of RMB13.0 million. Yitong Technology mainly engages in big data application development and operation in China. As our equity
investment in Yitong Technology has preferred liquidation rights, it is not considered as in-substance common stock, and should be measured at fair value,
with changes in the fair value recognized through net income/(loss). As the investments in Yitong Technology lack readily determinable fair values, we
elect to use the measurement alternative defined as cost, less impairments, adjusted by observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a
similar investment of the same issuer. As of December 31, 2019, the carrying value of our equity investment in Yitong Technology was RMB13.0 million
(US$1.9 million).
In December 2018, we acquired a 40% equity interest of Fengyi Technology with a consideration of RMB2.0 million. Fengyi Technology mainly
engages in advertising service in China. As the investment in Fengyi Technology is redeemable at our option, it is not considered in-substance common
stock but considered debt securities. Our investment in Fengyi Technology is classified as available-for-sale debt investments and reported at fair value. As
of December 31, 2019, the fair value of investment in Fengyi Technology was RMB2.0 million (US$0.3 million).
In January 2020, our company and an independent third party proposed to jointly operate advertising business. One of our subsidiary,
Fengqingyang (Beijing) Culture Transmission Co., Ltd., or Fengqingyang, formerly known as Beijing Youjiuzhou Technology Co., Ltd., underwent an
increase in share capital and our equity interest in it decreased from 100% to 60%. Our company and the third-party investor subscribed to the additional
share capital and hold 60% and 40% of the equity interest in Fengqingyang, respectively. We continue to consolidate Fengqingyang, as the third-party
investor do not obtain any participating rights that would preclude us from consolidating Fengqingyang.
In addition, we previously invested in several other businesses. After considering the operating results of these entities and the likelihood of
recovering value from such investments, our equity interests in these businesses have been fully impaired and we have fully written off our entire
investments in these entities.
Contractual Arrangements with Our Affiliated Consolidated Entities
Foreign investment in the Internet and mobile services industries is currently prohibited or restricted in China. As a Cayman Islands company, we
do not qualify to conduct these businesses under PRC regulations. See “—B. Business Overview—Regulatory Matters.” As a result, our business in China
is operated through contractual arrangements with our affiliated consolidated entities.
We do not have any equity interests in Tianying Jiuzhou or its subsidiaries, Yifeng Lianhe, or Chenhuan or its subsidiaries. However, as a result
of these contractual arrangements, we are the primary beneficiary of each of Tianying Jiuzhou, Yifeng Lianhe and Chenhuan and account for them as our
affiliated consolidated entities under U.S. GAAP. Outstanding equity interests in Tianying Jiuzhou, Yifeng Lianhe and Chenhuan are held by Haiyan Qiao
and Ximin Gao, Xiaowei Shang and Yansheng He, and Haipeng Wu and Yansheng He respectively. Mssrs. Qiao, Gao, Shang, Wu and He have each been
employed by us for approximately ten years. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Corporate Structure—The
shareholders of our affiliated consolidated entities may have potential conflicts of interest with us.”
We have consolidated the financial results of each of Tianying Jiuzhou and its subsidiaries, Yifeng Lianhe, and Chenhuan and its subsidiaries in
our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP. In 2019, Tianying Jiuzhou and its subsidiaries accounted for 39.4% of our total
revenues, Yifeng Lianhe accounted for 1.0% of our total revenues, and Chenhuan and its subsidiaries accounted for 18.2% of our total revenues.
73
Overview of the Contractual Arrangements
The contractual arrangements among Fenghuang On-line, Qieyiyou, the affiliated consolidated entities and the shareholders of the affiliated
consolidated entities enable us to:
•
•
•
receive substantially all of the economic benefits from Tianying Jiuzhou and its subsidiaries, Yifeng Lianhe and Chenhuan and its
subsidiaries in consideration for the technical and consulting services provided and intellectual property rights licensed by Fenghuang
On-line;
exercise effective control over Tianying Jiuzhou and its subsidiaries, Yifeng Lianhe, and Chenhuan and its subsidiaries; and
have an exclusive option to purchase all of the equity interests in Tianying Jiuzhou, Yifeng Lianhe and Chenhuan when and to the extent
permitted under PRC laws.
Agreements that Transfer Economic Benefits to Us
Exclusive Technical Consulting and Service Agreements . Under the exclusive technical consulting and service agreements between Fenghuang
On-line and each of Tianying Jiuzhou and Yifeng Lianhe, or the Fenghuang On-line Technical Service Agreements, Fenghuang On-line has the exclusive
right to provide designated technical and consulting services to the affiliated consolidated entities, including developing and upgrading various software,
developing system technology, maintaining operational hardware and providing various training and consulting services, among other services. Third
parties may only be engaged to provide the designated services to the affiliated consolidated entities under limited circumstances that are within the control
of Fenghuang On-line.
The Fenghuang On-line Technical Service Agreements also transfer all of the economic benefit of intellectual property created by the relevant
affiliated consolidated entities to Fenghuang On-line. To the extent that the relevant affiliated consolidated entities jointly develop business-related
technologies with Fenghuang On-line or are entrusted by Fenghuang On-line to develop business-related technologies, the ownership and patent
application rights for such technologies are vested in Fenghuang On-line. To extent that the relevant affiliated consolidated entities develop business-related
technologies independently, the relevant affiliated consolidated entities are required to promptly notify Fenghuang On-line of such technologies, and
Fenghuang On-line has the right to purchase each such technology for RMB1 or the minimum purchase price permitted by then applicable law, or
otherwise has priority rights with respect to any transfer or license of such technologies. In addition, Fenghuang On-line controls the patent applications of
any business-related technologies created by the relevant affiliated consolidated entities.
The term of each Fenghuang On-line Technical Service Agreements is indefinite unless terminated by Fenghuang On-line by providing prior
written notice to the relevant affiliated consolidated entity. The Fenghuang On-line Technical Service Agreements provide that the relevant affiliated
consolidated entities cannot terminate such agreements under any circumstances or on any ground unless otherwise provided for by law.
The Fenghuang On-line Technical Service Agreements provide that any disputes shall be resolved by the parties through negotiation, and if the
parties cannot reach an agreement within thirty days, the dispute shall be submitted to the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission
in Beijing. The arbitral awards shall be final and binding upon both parties.
On January 13, 2014, Qieyiyou, Chenhuan and each of the shareholders of Chenhuan entered into an exclusive technical consulting and service
agreement, or Qieyiyou Technical Service Agreements (collectively with Fenghuang On-line Technical Service Agreements as the Technical Service
Agreements). The Qieyiyou Technical Service Agreements contains terms substantially similar to the Fenghuang On-line Technical Service Agreements
described above.
Pursuant to the Technical Service Agreements, the affiliated consolidated entities have each agreed to pay to Fenghuang On-line or Qieyiyou an
amount equal to a certain percentage of their respective annual revenues, plus a special service fee for certain services rendered by Fenghuang On-line or
Qieyiyou at the request of the relevant affiliated consolidated entity. However, the Technical Service Agreements also provide that notwithstanding such
agreement as to payment, the actual amount of the service fee may be adjusted upon mutual agreement of the parties. Historically, the affiliated
consolidated entities have deducted relevant costs and expenses from the amount that is subject to the service fee payment. In 2017, 2018 and 2019, the
affiliated consolidated entities transferred technical service fees of RMB39.0 million, RMB60.5 million and RMB34.0 million (US$4.9 million),
respectively, to Fenghuang On-line and Qieyiyou and their subsidiaries.
74
Agreements that Provide Us with Effective Control and Grant Fenghuang On-line and Qieyiyou an Exclusive Option to Purchase all of the Equity
Interests in the Respective Affiliated Consolidated Entities When and to the Extent Permitted Under PRC Laws
Voting Right Entrustment Agreements . Each of the Tianying Jiuzhou and Yifeng Lianhe, their respective shareholders and Fenghuang On-line
have entered into a voting right entrustment agreement. Pursuant to the voting right entrustment agreements the shareholders of each relevant affiliated
consolidated entity have granted a person designated by Fenghuang On-line, or the trustee, the right to exercise their rights as shareholders, including all
voting rights, as well as rights to attend and propose the convening of shareholder meetings. Under the voting right entrustment agreements, the respective
trustees have the right to access all information regarding the relevant affiliated consolidated entity’s operation, business, clients, finances and employees,
as well as their financial, business and corporate documentation.
The term of each voting right entrustment agreement is indefinite unless both parties agree to terminate the agreement in writing, or unless
Fenghuang On-line decides in its discretion to terminate the relevant agreement after the relevant affiliated consolidated entity or one of its shareholders
breaches the agreement and such breach is not remedied within ten days of receipt of written notice. The voting right entrustment agreements provide that
the relevant affiliated consolidated entities cannot terminate such agreements under any circumstances or on any ground unless otherwise provided for by
law.
The voting right entrustment agreements provide that any disputes shall be resolved by the parties through negotiation, and if the parties cannot
reach an agreement within thirty days, the dispute shall be submitted to the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission in Beijing.
The arbitral awards shall be final and binding upon both parties.
On January 13, 2014, Qieyiyou, Chenhuan and each of the shareholders of Chenhuan entered into a voting right entrustment agreement. The
voting right entrustment agreement contains terms substantially similar to the voting right entrustment agreement relating to Fenghuang On-line described
above.
Exclusive Equity Option Agreements . Each of the Tianying Jiuzhou and Yifeng Lianhe, their respective shareholders and Fenghuang On-Line
have entered into an exclusive equity option agreement, or equity option agreement, pursuant to which Fenghuang On-line has an irrevocable,
unconditional and exclusive option to purchase, or to designate other persons to purchase from the shareholders, to the extent permitted by applicable PRC
laws, rules and regulations, all of the equity interests in the affiliated consolidated entities. Fenghuang On-line may acquire all of the equity interests in the
relevant affiliated entity through one purchase or a series of purchases, the timing, manner and frequency of which are in Fenghuang On-line’s discretion.
The purchase price for the entire equity interest is to be calculated based on the paid-up amount of the relevant equity interest or the minimum price
permitted by applicable PRC laws, rules and regulations. In addition, the amount borrowed by the respective shareholders from Fenghuang On-line for
making the capital contributions to the relevant affiliated consolidated entities under the loan agreements, as described in “—Loan Agreements,” shall
offset the purchase price paid for any transfer of equity interests from the respective shareholders to Fenghuang On-line or be immediately repaid by such
shareholders in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement.
Under the equity option agreements, the shareholders have agreed that, without Fenghuang On-line’s written consent, they will not take certain
actions, including transferring any of their equity interests in the relevant affiliated consolidated entities, disposing or causing the relevant affiliated
consolidated entities’ management to dispose of any of the entities’ tangible or intangible assets, terminating any material agreement to which the relevant
affiliated consolidated entities are party, appointing or removing any of the relevant affiliated consolidated entities’ directors, supervisors or management
members, causing or endorsing the declaration or actual distribution of any profit, bonus, dividends or interests of the relevant affiliated consolidated
entities, or causing or endorsing any lending or borrowing or provision of any guarantee or creation of any other security interest other than in the normal
course of business, among other actions.
The term of each equity option agreement will expire when all of the equity interests in the relevant affiliated consolidated entities have been duly
transferred to Fenghuang On-line or its designated representative. In addition, the equity option agreements provide that neither of the relevant affiliated
consolidated entities nor their shareholders may terminate such agreements under any circumstances or on any ground.
The equity option agreements provide that any disputes shall be resolved by the parties through negotiation, and if the parties cannot reach an
agreement within thirty days, the dispute shall be submitted to the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission in Beijing. The arbitral
awards shall be final and binding upon both parties.
On January 13, 2014, Qieyiyou, Chenhuan and each of the shareholders of Chenhuan entered into an exclusive equity option agreement. The
exclusive equity option agreement contains terms substantially similar to the exclusive equity option agreement relating to Fenghuang On-line described
above.
75
Loan Agreements . Pursuant to the loan agreements among Fenghuang On-line and the respective shareholders of Tianying Jiuzhou and Yifeng
Lianhe, Fenghuang On-line granted interest-free loans to the shareholders of the relevant affiliated consolidated entities in an amount equal to their
respective capital contribution in the relevant affiliated consolidated entities. The loans can be repaid only with proceeds from the sale of all of the
respective shareholder’s equity interests in the applicable affiliated consolidated entity to Fenghuang On-line or its designated representatives pursuant to
the applicable equity option agreement.
The term of each loan is ten years from the execution of the applicable loan agreement, and may be extended upon mutual agreement of the
parties. On December 31, 2019, Fenghuang On-line and the shareholders of Tianying Jiuzhou entered into a supplemental agreement to extend the loan for
a term of ten years upon expiration of the original loan agreement on the same day. Any disputes shall be resolved by the parties through negotiation, and if
the parties cannot reach an agreement within thirty days, the dispute shall be submitted to the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration
Commission in Beijing. The arbitral awards shall be final and binding upon both parties.
On January 13, 2015, Qieyiyou and the shareholders of Chenhuan entered into a loan agreement. The loan agreement contains terms substantially
similar to the loan agreement relating to Fenghuang On-line described above.
Business Management Agreement. Pursuant to the business management agreement entered into by and among Chenhuan, its respective
shareholders and Qieyiyou, Qieyiyou agrees to be the guarantor of Chenhuan in contracts, agreements or transactions entered into between Chenhuan and
any third party in connection with Chenhuan’s business and operations, to provide full guarantees for the performance of such contracts, agreements or
transactions by Chenhuan. As counter-guarantee, Chenhuan agrees to pledge the accounts receivable in its operations and all of its assets to Qieyiyou. In
addition, Qieyiyou has the exclusive right to nominate directors, general manager and other senior management of Chenhuan.
Equity Pledge Agreements . Each of Tianying Jiuzhou and Yifeng Lianhe, their respective shareholders and Fenghuang On-line, have entered into
an equity pledge agreement. Under the equity pledge agreements, the shareholders have pledged their respective equity interests in the relevant affiliated
consolidated entities to Fenghuang On-line to secure the performance of the obligations of the relevant affiliated consolidated entities and the shareholders
under the applicable technical service agreements, voting right entrustment agreements, equity option agreements and loan agreements, including, among
others, the payment of the service fees, the entrustment of the shareholders’ voting rights in the affiliated consolidated entities, the conditional transfer of
the shareholders’ equity interests in the affiliated consolidated entities and the repayment of the shareholder loans with proceeds from the transfer of the
shareholders’ equity interests, respectively. In addition, the shareholders of Chenhuan and Qieyiyou have also entered into an equity pledge agreement, or
Qieyiyou Equity Pledge Agreement, which is substantially similar to the equity pledge agreements of Tianying Jiuzhou and Yifeng Lianhe except that the
amount of such guarantee under the Qieyiyou Equity Pledge Agreement is limited to an amount equal to the shareholders’ respective capital contribution in
the Chenhuan, and the scope of such guarantee is extended to cover the obligations of Chenhuan under the business management agreement, the Qieyiyou
Equity Pledge Agreement contains terms substantially similar to the equity pledge agreement relating to Fenghuang On-line. All registrations necessary to
secure the enforceability of each of the equity pledge agreements have been completed.
The term of each equity pledge agreement will expire when the secured obligations have been fully performed or released. Any disputes shall be
resolved by the parties through negotiation, and if the parties cannot reach an agreement within thirty days, the dispute shall be submitted to the China
International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission in Beijing. The arbitral awards shall be final and binding upon both parties.
We have been advised by our PRC legal counsel, Zhong Lun Law Firm, that our organizational structure in China (including our corporate
structure and our contractual arrangements with our affiliated consolidated entities) complies with all applicable PRC laws, rules and regulations, and does
not violate, breach, contravene or otherwise conflict with any applicable PRC laws, rules or regulations. However, there are uncertainties regarding the
interpretation and application of the relevant PRC laws, rules and regulations. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the PRC regulatory authorities
will not take a view that is contrary to the opinion of our PRC legal counsel. Our PRC legal counsel has further advised that if a PRC government authority
determines that our corporate structure, the contractual arrangements or the reorganization to establish our current corporate structure violates any
applicable PRC laws, rules or regulations, the contractual arrangements will become invalid or unenforceable, and we could be subject to severe penalties
and required to obtain additional governmental approvals from the PRC regulatory authorities. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks
Relating to Our Corporate Structure—If the PRC government finds that the agreements that establish the structure for operating our businesses in China do
not comply with PRC governmental restrictions on foreign investment in Internet businesses, or if these regulations or the interpretation of existing
regulations change in the future, we would be subject to severe penalties or be forced to relinquish our interests in those operations” and “Item 3. Key
Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Doing Business in China—Uncertainties with respect to the PRC legal system could limit the protections
available to you and us.”
76
Our Relationship with Phoenix TV
We are currently a subsidiary of Phoenix TV, the leading Hong Kong-based satellite TV network broadcasting Chinese language content globally
and into China. Phoenix TV owned 54.5% of our outstanding ordinary shares and 60.9% of the voting power of our ordinary shares as of March 31, 2020.
Phoenix TV first reported its new media business as one of its business segments in its annual report submitted to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange for the
year ended December 31, 2007.
In addition, we entered into several sets of trademark and program content licensing agreements with Phoenix TV or certain of its subsidiaries in
the past and continue to use certain copyrighted content and trademarks provided by Phoenix TV Group. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related
Party Transactions—B. Related Party Transactions—Agreements and Transactions with Phoenix TV and Certain of its Subsidiaries.”
We have a mutually beneficial relationship with Phoenix TV. We and Phoenix TV share a common vision of the convergence of traditional and
new media channels, and work together to realize this vision. Phoenix TV enables us to display our proprietary content on its TV programs. We believe that
our and Phoenix TV’s active promotion of one another’s brands on our respective Internet-enabled and TV platforms helps to grow our combined audience
synergistically.
On February 17, 2014, our Chief Executive Officer Mr. Shuang Liu was also promoted to the position of Chief Operating Officer of Phoenix TV.
The key initiative for his new position at Phoenix TV is to accelerate the convergence of TV, Internet and mobile platforms of the two companies. In his
new role, Mr. Liu is tasked with strategizing, overseeing and allocating resources to implement this convergence strategy. Through this appointment, both
companies can more seamlessly expand user reach on each of its media platforms, provide advertisers a one-stop shop solution, more effectively monetize
the Phoenix brand across all verticals, and achieve greater cost synergies.
Although we believe that our interests and those of Phoenix TV are mostly aligned because Phoenix TV will continue to consolidate our financial
results as long as Phoenix TV maintains a majority voting interest in our company, there may be conflicts of interest between our company and Phoenix TV
from time to time. We may not be able to resolve any potential conflicts, and even if we do so, the resolution may be less favorable to us than if we were
dealing with a non-controlling shareholder. For more information about our potential conflicts of interest with Phoenix TV, see “Item 3. Key Information—
D. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Corporate Structure—We may have conflicts of interest with Phoenix TV and, because of Phoenix TV’s
controlling beneficial ownership interest in our company, may not be able to resolve such conflicts on terms favorable for us.”
Subsidiaries of Phoenix New Media Limited
An exhibit containing a list of our significant subsidiaries has been filed with this annual report.
D.
Property, Plants and Equipment
Please refer to “B. Business Overview—Facilities” for a discussion of our property, plants and equipment.
ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 5.
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
Unless otherwise states, the discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operation in this section apply to our financial
information as prepared according to U.S. GAAP. You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and operating results in
conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this annual report. The following discussion contains
forward-looking statements based upon current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results and the timing of selected events may
differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those set forth under “Item 3. Key
Information—D. Risk Factors.”
Overview
We are a leading new media company providing premium content on an integrated Internet platform, including PC and mobile, in China. Having
originated from a leading global Chinese language TV network based in Hong Kong, Phoenix TV, we enable consumers to access professional news and
other quality information and UGC, on the Internet and through their PCs and mobile devices. We also transmit our UGC and in-house produced content to
TV viewers primarily through Phoenix TV. Our PC channel includes major verticals such as news, real estate, fashion, military, finance, web-based games
and digital reading. Our mobile channel includes our mobile news application, mobile video application, mobile digital reading applications (“Fanyue
Novel” and “Tadu Apps”) and mobile Internet websites. We also act as a unique and quality content provider for multiple third-party channel. The appeal
of our brand is enhanced by its affiliation with the “Phoenix” (“(cid:0)(cid:0)”) brand of Phoenix TV.
77
According to iResearch, our number of PC monthly unique visitors was 110 million in December 2019. We ranked second among all Internet
portals in China in terms of monthly unique visitors in December 2019, according to iResearch. We earn revenues from advertising and paid services,
which accounted for 82.5% and 17.5% of our total revenues, respectively, in 2019.
We recognize revenues from our advertising services on a net basis, after deducting the agency service fees we pay to advertising agencies and
the VAT and the cultural development fee. We provide advertising services through PC channel and mobile channel, which accounted for 32.6% and 67.4%
of our net advertising revenues, respectively, in 2019. We see mobile devices as the primary gateway for news and other media content consumption going
forward. In recent years, we have taken steps to optimize our business model by shifting our revenue mix towards our mobile channels. By continuing to
strengthen our core competencies of content production capability, dedication to serious journalism and cutting-edge technology, we believe that we will be
better positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities as increasing numbers of consumers in China use Internet-enabled mobile devices to consume
news and other media content.
We offer a wide variety of paid services primarily through our mobile channel and operations with the telecom operators. We generate revenues
primarily from paid services, including (i) paid contents, which includes digital reading, audio books, paid videos, and other content-related sales activities,
(ii) games, which includes web-based games and mobile games, (iii) MVAS, and (iv) others. Prior to 2019, we primarily generate revenues from paid
services revenues including (i) digital entertainment, which includes digital reading and MVAS, and (ii) games and others, which include web-based games,
mobile games, content sales, and other online and mobile paid services through our own platforms. For comparison purposes, the revenues from paid
services for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018 have been retrospectively re-classified. We derived 76.8%, 5.3%, 6.9% and 11.0% of our paid
services revenues, respectively, from our paid contents, games, MVAS, and others in 2019. Due to a 116.1% increase in the revenues generated from paid
contents mainly attributable to the consolidation of digital reading revenues from Yitian Xindong, our paid services revenues increased from RMB179.1
million in 2018 to RMB267.6 million (US$38.4 million) in 2019.
Our business and operating results are affected by general factors affecting China’s new media industry, which include China’s overall economic
growth, per capita disposable income, the trend of media convergence, growth of new media and its popularity as an advertising medium, growth of
Internet (including mobile Internet) penetration, adoption of paid services, including 3G /4G mobile services, and smart phones. Unfavorable changes in
any of these general industry conditions could negatively affect demand for our services and negatively and materially affect our operating results.
Our business, operating results, financial condition and future growth are more directly affected by company specific factors and trends,
including:
•
•
•
•
our ability to maintain and expand our target user base;
our ability to provide effective advertising services and enhance our pricing power;
our ability to grow our paid services on both mobile operators’ platforms and our own platforms; and
our ability to procure and produce content in a cost-effective manner.
Critical Accounting Policies
The following descriptions of critical accounting policies, judgments and estimates should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial
statements and other disclosures included in this annual report. When reviewing our financial statements, you should consider (i) our selection of critical
accounting policies, (ii) judgment and other uncertainties affecting the application of such policies and (iii) the sensitivity of reported results to changes in
conditions and assumptions.
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of us, our subsidiaries, our affiliated consolidated entities, and the
subsidiaries of our affiliated consolidated entities. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and on a going
concern basis. All significant transactions and balances among us, our subsidiaries, our affiliated consolidated entities and the subsidiaries of our affiliated
consolidated entities have been eliminated upon consolidation. We consolidate our affiliated consolidated entities and the subsidiaries of our affiliated
consolidated entities as required by Accounting Standards Codification, or ASC, 810 Consolidation , because Fenghuang On-line and Qieyiyou hold all the
variable interests of our affiliated consolidated entities and have been determined to be the primary beneficiaries of our affiliated consolidated entities.
Business combinations and non-controlling interests
We account for our business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805 Business Combinations . The
cost of an acquisition is measured as the aggregate of the acquisition date fair value of the assets transferred to the
78
sellers and liabilities incurred by us and equity instruments issued as well as the contingent considerations as of the acquisition date. Transaction costs
directly attributable to the acquisition are expensed as incurred. Identifiable assets and liabilities acquired or assumed are measured separately at their fair
values as of the acquisition date, irrespective of the extent of any non-controlling interests. The excess of (i) the total costs of acquisition, fair value of the
non-controlling interests and acquisition date fair value of any previously held equity interests in the acquiree over (ii) the fair value of the identifiable
tangible and intangible net assets of the acquiree is recorded as goodwill. If the cost of acquisition is less than the fair value of the net assets of the
subsidiary acquired, the difference is recognized directly in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss). During the measurement period,
which can be up to one year from the acquisition date, we may record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed with the corresponding
offset to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period or final determination of the values of assets acquired or liabilities assumed, whichever
comes first, any subsequent adjustments are recorded to the consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss).
In a business combination achieved in stages, we re-measure the previously held equity interests in the acquiree immediately before obtaining
control at its acquisition date fair value and the re-measurement gain or loss, if any, is recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive
income/(loss).
When there is a change in ownership interests or a change in contractual arrangements that results in a loss of control of a subsidiary, we
deconsolidate the subsidiary from the date control is lost. Any retained non-controlling investment in the former subsidiary is measured at fair value and is
included in the calculation of the gain or loss upon deconsolidation of the subsidiary.
For our non-wholly owned subsidiaries, a non-controlling interest is recognized to reflect portion of equity that is not attributable, directly or
indirectly, to us. When the non-controlling interest is contingently redeemable upon the occurrence of a conditional event, which is not solely within the
control of us, the non-controlling interest is classified as mezzanine equity. Transactions with changes in our ownership interest while we retain our
controlling financial interest in our subsidiary shall be accounted for as equity transactions. Therefore, no gain or loss shall be recognized in the
consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss). The carrying amount of the non-controlling interest shall be adjusted to reflect the change in our
ownership interest in the subsidiary. Any difference between the fair value of the consideration received or paid and the amount by which the
noncontrolling interest is adjusted shall be recognized in equity attributable to us. Consolidated net income/(loss) in the consolidated statements of
comprehensive income/(loss) includes net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests. The cumulative results of operations attributable to non-
controlling interests, along with adjustments for share-based compensation expense arising from outstanding share-based awards relating to subsidiaries’
shares, are also recorded as non-controlling interests in our consolidated balance sheets. Cash flows related to transactions with non-controlling interests are
presented under financing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect
the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported
amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from such estimates. We base our estimates on
historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about
the carrying values of assets and liabilities.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
U.S. GAAP establishes a three-tier hierarchy to prioritize the inputs used in the valuation methodologies in measuring the fair value of financial
instruments. This hierarchy also requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring
fair value. The three-tier fair value hierarchy is:
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 marketplace
Level 3— Unobservable inputs which are supported by little or no market activity
79
U.S. GAAP describes three main approaches to measuring the fair value of assets and liabilities: (1) market approach; (2) income approach and
(3) cost approach. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated from market transactions involving identical or comparable
assets or liabilities. The income approach uses valuation techniques to convert future amounts to a single present value amount. The measurement is based
on the value indicated by current market expectations about those future amounts. The cost approach is based on the amount that would currently be
required to replace an asset. In some circumstances, a combined approach of the aforementioned three approaches may be used to measure the fair values.
In accordance with ASC 820, we measure term deposits and short term investments, restricted cash, available-for-sale debt investments, financial
assets — contingent returnable consideration and forward contract at fair value on a recurring basis.
The fair values of our available-for-sale debt investments in Particle were determined based on the discounted cash flow model for the year ended
December 31, 2017. As we entered into a binding letter of intent, or the LOI, to sell part of our investments in Particle in February 2019, the fair values of
the investments in Particle were determined based on the scenario analysis, the weighted average valuation results derived from both the discounted cash
flow model and the market approach, and the probability of each scenario as of December 31, 2018. As we have completed delivery of the first batch of
94,802,752 preferred shares of Particle to the Proposed Buyers in 2019, the fair values of the investments in Particle as of December 31, 2019 were
determined based on a valuation technique under the market approach, known as guideline company method, where financial ratios of comparable
companies were analyzed to determine the value of Particle, as well as using observable transactions of Particle’s shares. We classify the valuation
techniques that use unobservable inputs as Level 3 of fair value measurements.
The key inputs used in available-for-sale debt investments valuation as of December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019 were as follows:
Discount rate
Lack of marketability discount (“DLOM”)
Volatility
Revenue growth rate
Terminal growth rate
Control premium
Probability of each scenario
2017
23%
25%
45.3%
5.0%-93.8%
3%
N/A
N/A
As of December 31,
2018
Under the Status
Quo
Scenario*
22.5%
20%
44.5%
Under the Trade
Sale
Scenario**
17%
15%
44.8%
3.7%-75.8%
3.7%-75.8%
3%
N/A
60%
3%
30%
40%
2019
N/A
5%
45.7%
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Note:
*
**
Under the status quo scenario, we would not close the transaction contemplated under the LOI, and we would keep holding the investments of
convertible redeemable preferred shares in Particle and maintain the status quo.
Under the trade sale scenario, we would close the transaction contemplated under the LOI, and we would go through trade sales on the investments
of convertible redeemable preferred shares in Particle.
Our non-financial long-lived assets, such as intangible assets, goodwill and fixed assets, would be measured at fair value only if they are
determined to be impaired on an other-than-temporary basis. We use a combination of valuation methodologies, including market and income approaches
based on our best estimate to determine the fair value of these non-financial assets. Inputs used in these methodologies primarily include future cash flows,
discount rate, expected volatility and the selection of comparable companies operating in similar businesses.
For equity investments without readily determinable fair values accounted for under the measurement alternative, when there are observable price
changes in orderly transactions for identical or similar investments of the same issuer, the investments are re-measured to fair value. The non-recurring fair
value measurements to the carrying amount of an investment usually requires us to estimate a price adjustment for the different rights and obligations
between a similar instrument of the same issuer with an observable price change in an orderly transaction and the investment held by us. These non-
recurring fair value measurements are measured as of the observable transaction dates. The valuation methodologies involved require us to use the
observable transaction price at the transaction date and other unobservable inputs (level 3) such as volatility of comparable companies and probability of
exit events as it relates to liquidation and redemption preferences.
Accounts receivable, amounts due from related parties, prepayments and other current assets, accounts payable, amounts due to related parties,
salary and welfare payable, accrued expense, short-term bank loans and other current liabilities are financial assets or liabilities with carrying values that
approximate fair value due to their short term nature.
80
Available-for-sale debt investments
In accordance with ASC 320 Investments-Debt and Equity Securities , we classify the investments in debt securities as “held-to-maturity”,
“trading” or “available-for-sale”. The securities that we have positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity securities. The
securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term are classified as trading securities. Investments that have
readily determinable fair values not classified as trading or as held-to-maturity are classified as available-for-sale debt investments. Available-for-sale debt
investments are reported at fair value, which is estimated by management after considering an independent appraisal performed by a reputable appraisal
firm, with unrealized gains and losses, if any, recorded in the accumulated other comprehensive loss or income in shareholder’s equity. The tax effects of
the unrealized gains and losses of the available-for-sale debt investments should be recorded net against the pre-tax changes in other comprehensive
income. An impairment loss on the available-for-sale debt investments would be recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss)
when the decline in value is determined to be other-than-temporary. Investments with maturities of greater than 12 months are recorded in non-current
assets.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase consideration over the fair value of the identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired and
liabilities assumed in a business combination. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently if events or
changes in circumstances indicate that it might be impaired. We first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step
quantitative goodwill impairment test. In the qualitative assessment, we consider primary factors such as industry and market considerations, overall
financial performance of the reporting unit, and other specific information related to the operations. Based on the qualitative assessment, if it is more likely
than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test is performed.
In performing the two-step quantitative impairment test, the first step compares the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying amount,
including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill is not considered to be impaired and the second step will
not be required. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step compares the implied fair value of goodwill to the carrying
value of a reporting unit’s goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in a manner similar to accounting for a business combination with the
allocation of the assessed fair value determined in the first step to the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit. The excess of the fair value of the reporting
unit over the amounts assigned to the assets and liabilities is the implied fair value of goodwill. This allocation process is only performed for the purposes
of evaluating goodwill impairment and does not result in an entry to adjust the value of any assets or liabilities. Application of a goodwill impairment test
requires significant management judgment, including the identification of reporting units, allocation of assets, liabilities and goodwill to reporting units,
and determination of the fair value of each reporting unit.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment . The guidance removes Step 2 of the goodwill
impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. A goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit’s
carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. We have early adopted ASU 2017-04 in the annual impairment test for
the year ended December 31, 2019 and did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Intangible Assets, Net
Intangible assets acquired through business acquisitions are recognized as assets separate from goodwill if they satisfy either the “contractual-
legal” or “separability” criterion. Intangible assets mainly consist of computer software purchased from unrelated third parties, operating rights for licensed
games, licensed copyrights of reading content, audio content, user base, and trademark and domain names. Intangible assets are stated at cost less
impairment and accumulated amortization, which is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Separately
identifiable intangible assets that have determinable lives continue to be amortized over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method as
follows:
Computer software
Trademark and domain names
Licensed copyrights of reading content
Audio content
User base
License and licensed games
We amortize the licensed copyrights in “cost of revenues” on a straight-line basis.
81
Estimated Useful Lives
5 years
10 years
Lesser of the licensed period or 5 years
5 years
0.8 years
Estimated life cycle
Revenue Recognition
According to ASC 606, revenue is recognized when control of the promised services is transferred to the customers, in an amount that reflects the
consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those services. The recognition of revenues involves certain management judgments, including the
estimation of the fair value of the noncash transaction, estimated lives of virtual items purchased by game players, and volume sales rebates. We do not
believe that significant management judgments are involved in revenue recognition, but the amount and timing of our revenues could be different for any
period if management made different judgments or utilized different estimates.
We adopt the five-step model for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers:
Step 1: Identify the contract(s) with a customer,
Step 2: Identify the performance obligations in the contract,
Step 3: Determine the transaction price,
Step 4: Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract,
Step 5: Recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation.
(i)
Net Advertising Revenues
Advertising revenues are derived principally from advertising contracts with customers where the advertisers pay to place their advertisements on
our ifeng.com, mobile Internet websites i.ifeng.com and our mobile applications in different formats over a particular period of time. Such formats
generally include but are not limited to banners, newsfeed, text-links, videos, logos, buttons and rich media. Our performance obligations are to place the
customers’ advertisements on different spots, in different formats and at different times.
Our contracts with customers may include multiple performance obligations. For such arrangements, we allocate revenues to each performance
obligation based on its relative standalone selling price. We generally determine standalone selling prices of each distinct performance obligation based on
the prices charged to customers when sold on a standalone basis. Where standalone selling price is not directly observable, we generally estimate selling
prices based on the publicly published advertising rate card, times the relevant discount rates, taking into considerations of the historical trend, the pricing
of advertising areas sold with similar popularities, advertisements with similar formats and quoted prices from competitors, and other relevant market
conditions. We recognize revenue on the satisfied performance obligations and defer the recognition of revenue for the estimated value of the undelivered
elements until the remaining performance obligations have been satisfied. When all of the elements within an arrangement are delivered uniformly over the
agreement period, the revenues are recognized on a straight-line basis over the contract period.
Currently the advertising business has three main types of pricing models, consisting of the Cost Per Day (“CPD”) model, the Cost Per
Impression (“CPM”) model, and the Cost Per Click (“CPC”) model.
CPD model. Under the CPD model, a contract is signed to establish a fixed price for the advertising services to be provided over a period of time.
Given the advertisers benefit from the displayed advertising evenly, we recognize revenue on a straight-line basis over the period of display, provided all
revenue recognition criteria have been met.
CPM model. Under the CPM model, the unit price for each qualifying display is fixed and stated in the contract with the advertiser. A qualifying
display is defined as the appearance of an advertisement, where the advertisement meets criteria specified in the contract. Given that the fees are priced
consistently throughout the contract and the unit prices are consistent with our pricing practices with similar customers, we recognize revenue based on the
fixed unit prices and the number of qualifying displays upon occurrence of display, provided and all revenue recognition criteria have been met.
CPC model. Under the CPC model, there is no fixed price for advertising services stated in the contract with the advertiser and the unit price for
each click is auction-based. We charge advertisers on a per-click basis, when the users click on the advertisements. Given that the fees are priced
consistently throughout the contract and the unit prices are consistent with our pricing practices with similar customers, we recognize revenue based on
qualifying clicks and the unit price upon the occurrence of a click, provided all revenue recognition criteria have been met.
Certain customers may receive sales rebates, which are accounted for as variable consideration. We estimate annual expected revenue volume of
each individual agent with reference to their historical results. The sales rebate will reduce revenues recognized.
82
We recognize revenue for the amount of fees we receive from our advertisers, after deducting sales rebates and net of value-added tax, or VAT, and related
surcharges. We believe that there will not be significant changes to our estimates of variable consideration.
We enter into contracts with certain customers involving consideration in a form other than cash. The noncash consideration (or promise of
noncash consideration) shall be measured at fair value. If we cannot reasonably estimate the fair value of the noncash consideration, we shall measure the
consideration indirectly by reference to the standalone selling price of the goods or services promised to the customer (or class of customer) in exchange for
the consideration. We recognize revenue from noncash transactions involving exchanging advertising services for advertisement, content, technical,
application pre-installation services and others.
(ii)
Paid Services Revenues
Prior to 2019, paid services revenues comprised of (i) revenues from digital entertainment, which included MVAS and digital reading, and (ii)
revenues from games and others, which included web-based games, mobile games, content sales, and other online and mobile paid services through our
own platforms.
Beginning from January 1, 2019, paid services revenues have been re-classified and now comprised of (i) revenues from paid contents, which
includes digital reading, audio books, paid videos, and other content-related sales activities, (ii) revenues from games, which includes web-based games
and mobile games, (iii) revenues from MVAS, and (iv) revenues from others. For comparison purposes, the revenues from paid services for the years ended
December 31, 2017 and 2018 have been retrospectively re-classified.
Paid contents
Paid contents revenues mainly comprised of revenues generated from digital reading, audio books, paid videos, and other content-related sales
activities.
Digital reading
Digital reading revenues are derived from providing fee-based internet literatures from writers and digital format books licensed from third-party
publishers to customers on both of our PC and mobile platforms, and on third-party platforms. Most revenues generated from digital reading are recorded
on a gross basis and recognized evenly over the subscription period, or in the period in which a pay-per-view service is provided, as we are responsible for
providing the desired services to the customers and have primary responsibility and broad discretion to establish price, therefore we are considered the
primary obligor in these transactions. Digital reading revenues generated from third-party platforms are recorded on a net basis.
Audio books
Audio books revenues are derived from the sale of copyright of audio books to third parties, and licensing audio books to third parties.
With respect to the sale of copyright of audio books, we are determined to be the primary obligor and accordingly, we record revenues on a gross
basis. With respect to the revenues that derived from licensing audio books to third parties, we evaluated and determined that we are not the primary
obligor in the service rendered to the end users and accordingly, we record our revenues based on the portion of the sharing of revenues that derives from
the third parties. We recognize revenue on the satisfied performance obligations and defers the recognition of revenue for the estimated value of the
undelivered elements until the remaining performance obligations have been satisfied.
Paid videos
We generate revenues from licensing video to third parties. For such content licensing transactions, we earn up-front fixed-amount license fees or
revenue sharing fees based on pre-agreed percentage. We view the third parties as customers and recognizes revenues on a net basis during the licensing
periods, provided that no significant obligation remains, collection of the receivables is reasonably assured and the amounts can be accurately estimated.
Games
Games include web-based games, mobile games. Revenues from these services are recognized over the periods in which the services are
performed, provided that no significant obligations remain, collection of the receivables is reasonably assured and the amounts can be accurately
estimated.
For web-based game services, all of the web-based games provided on our platforms are developed by third-party game developers and can be
accessed and played by game players without downloading separate software. We primarily view the game
83
developers to be our customers and considers our responsibility under our agreements with the game developers to be promotion of the game developers’
games. We collect payments from game players in connection with the sale of in-game virtual currencies and remit certain agreed-upon percentages of the
proceeds to the game developers. Revenue from the sale of in-game virtual currency is recorded net of remittances to game developers and deferred until
the estimated consumption date of the virtual items, which is within a short period of time, typically a few days, after purchase of the in-game virtual
currency.
MVAS
MVAS revenues are derived from providing mobile phone users with mobile newspaper services, mobile game services delivered through the
telecom operators’ platforms, mobile video services, wireless value-added services (“WVAS”) through telecom operators’ platforms. Revenues from
MVAS are charged on a monthly or per-usage basis, and are recognized in the period in which the service is performed, provided that no significant
obligation remains, collection of the receivables is reasonably assured and the amounts can be accurately estimated. Most revenues from mobile newspaper
services, mobile video services and most WVAS are recorded on a net basis as we are acting as an agent of operators in these transactions.
Others
Other paid service revenues mainly comprise of revenues generated from E-commerce and online real estate related services. Revenues are
recognized in the period in which the service is performed, provided that no significant obligation remains, collection of the receivables is reasonably
assured and the amounts can be accurately estimated.
Operating leases and adoption of ASU 2016-02
On February 25, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 Leases (Topic 842), which supersedes the lease accounting guidance under Topic 840, and
generally requires lessees to recognize operating and financing lease liabilities and corresponding right-of-use assets on the balance sheet and to provide
enhanced disclosures surrounding the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leasing arrangements.
We applied ASU 2016-02 beginning from January 1, 2019 and elected to apply practical expedients permitted under the transition method that
allow us to use the beginning of the period of adoption as the date of initial application, to not recognize lease assets and lease liabilities for leases with a
term of twelve months or less, and to not reassess lease classification, treatment of initial direct costs, or whether an existing or expired contract contains a
lease. We used modified retrospective method and did not recast the prior comparative periods. Under the new lease standard, we determine if an
arrangement is or contains a lease at inception. Right-of-use assets and liabilities are recognized at lease commencement date based on the present value of
remaining lease payments over the lease terms. We consider only payments that are fixed and determinable at the time of lease commencement.
As a result of the adoption, we recorded a right-of-use asset of approximately RMB99.5 million and a lease liability of approximately RMB99.5
million upon the adoption of ASU 2016-02 on January 1, 2019, primarily related to our leased office space. The adoption had no material impact on our
consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss) for the year ended December 31, 2019 or the opening balances of retained earnings as of
January 1, 2019.
Share-based Compensation
We have share incentive plans for the granting of share-based awards, such as share options and restricted shares. We measure the cost of
employee services received in exchange for share-based compensation at the grant date fair value of the award. We recognize the share-based compensation
as costs or expenses in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss), net of estimated forfeitures, on a graded-vesting basis over the vesting
term of the awards.
We recognize compensation cost for awards with performance conditions if and when we conclude that it is probable that the performance
condition will be achieved and should reassess the probability of vesting at each reporting period for awards with performance conditions and adjust
compensation cost based on our probability assessment. We recognize a cumulative catch-up adjustment for changes in our probability assessment in
subsequent reporting periods.
The share-based awards to nonemployees are accounted for based on the fair value of the consideration received or the fair value of the award
issued, whichever is more reliably measurable. Share-based compensation expense for share options granted to non-employees is measured at fair value at
the earlier of the performance commitment date or the date service is completed and recognized over the period during which the service is provided. We
apply the guidance in ASU 2018-07 Compensation— Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting
to account for share options granted to non-employees based on the grant date fair value beginning from January 1, 2019.
84
Cancellation of an award accompanied by the concurrent grant of a replacement award is accounted for as a modification of the terms of the
cancelled award, or modification awards. The share-based compensation cost associated with the modification awards are recognized if either the original
vesting condition or the new vesting condition has been achieved. Such compensation costs cannot be less than the grant-date fair value of the original
award. The incremental compensation cost is measured as the excess of the fair value of the replacement award over the fair value of the cancelled award at
the cancellation date. Therefore, in relation to the modification awards, we recognize share-based compensation over the vesting periods of the new awards,
which comprises, (1) the amortization of the incremental portion of share-based compensation over the remaining vesting term and (2) any unrecognized
compensation cost of original award, using either the original term or the new term, whichever is higher for each reporting period.
We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of share options based on the fair value of underlying ordinary shares
at the grant date. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of share options represent management’s best estimates, but these estimates involve
inherent uncertainties and the application of management judgment. The fair values of the options during 2017, 2018 and 2019 used the following
assumptions.
Expected volatility rate
Expected dividend yield
Expected term (years)
Risk-free interest rate (per annum)
2017
48.84%-57.06%
For the Years Ended December 31,
2018
56.76%-57.10%
—
3.13-6.16
0.90%-1.92%
—
2.50-6.16
0.91%-2.09%
2019
55.92%-77.98%
—
1.00-6.16
2.33%-3.12%
Expected Volatility. We estimated the expected volatility at the date of grant based on the average annualized standard deviation of the share
prices of comparable listed companies.
Expected Dividend Yield . The Black-Scholes option pricing model calls for a single expected dividend yield as an input. We have not declared or
paid any regular cash dividends on our capital stock, and we do not anticipate any regular dividend payments on our ordinary shares in the foreseeable
future.
Expected Term . We estimated the expected term based on the vesting schedule and the exercise period of the options.
Risk-Free Interest Rate . We estimated the risk-free interest rate used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model based on the derived market yield
of the U.S. Treasury securities with an estimated country-risk differential as of the valuation date .
We determined the fair value of restricted share and restricted share units based on the fair value of the underlying ordinary shares at the grant
date and considered the dilutive effect of restricted share and restricted share units.
Forfeiture rates are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from initial estimates.
We use historical data to estimate pre-vesting option and restricted share units forfeitures and record share-based compensation only for those awards that
are expected to vest.
Income Taxes
Current income taxes are provided on the basis of net income for financial reporting purposes, adjusted for income and expense items which are
not assessable or deductible for income tax purposes, in accordance with the regulations of the relevant tax jurisdictions. Deferred income taxes are
provided using an asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences of temporary differences
by applying enacted statutory rates applicable to future years to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of existing
assets and liabilities. The tax base of an asset or liability is the amount attributed to that asset or liability for tax purposes. The effect on deferred taxes of a
change in tax rates is recognized in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss) in the period of change. A valuation allowance is provided
to reduce the amount of deferred tax assets if it is considered more likely than not that some portion of, or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
In order to assess uncertain tax positions, we apply a more likely than not threshold and a two-step approach for the tax position measurement and
financial statement recognition. Under 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 of being realized upon settlement. We did not have
significant unrecognized uncertain tax positions or any unrecognized liabilities, interest or penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefit as of and for
the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019.
85
We recognized a gain on disposal of available-for-sale debt investments of RMB1,001.2 million (US$143.8 million) in the consolidated
statements of comprehensive income/(loss) for the year ended December 31, 2019, which was not subject to any corporate income or capital gains taxes
under the current laws of the Cayman Islands.
Description of Key Statement of Comprehensive Income/(Loss) Items
Revenues
The following table sets forth the principal components of our total revenues by amount and by percentage of total revenues for the years
presented.
Revenues:
Net advertising revenues
Paid services revenues
Total revenues
2017*
RMB
%
For the Years Ended December 31,
2018
RMB
%
(In thousands except percentages)
RMB
2019
US$
%
1,353,480
221,612
1,575,092
85.9
14.1
100.0
1,198,271
179,108
1,377,379
87.0
13.0
100.0
1,263,485
267,577
1,531,062
181,488
38,435
219,923
82.5
17.5
100.0
Note:
*
The financial data presented in our financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019 are prepared in accordance with ASC 606
while all financial data presented for the year ended December 31, 2017 are prepared in accordance with ASC 605.
We derive our revenues from advertising services and paid services.
Advertising Services . Our net advertising revenues accounted for 85.9%, 87.0% and 82.5% of our total revenues in 2017, 2018 and 2019,
respectively. We generate our net advertising revenues from payments made by advertisers to place their advertisements on our ifeng.com, mobile Internet
websites i.ifeng.com and our mobile applications in different formats over a particular period of time. Such formats generally include but are not limited to
banners, newsfeed, videos, text-links, logos, buttons and rich media.
Advertisers purchase our advertising services primarily through third-party advertising agencies. Currently the advertising business has three
main types of pricing models, consisting of the CPD model, the CPM model, and the CPC model. We recognize advertising revenues on a net basis after
deducting service fees earned by advertising agencies and the VAT and the cultural development fee.
We also earn advertising revenues from related parties, including Phoenix TV, for joint TV and online advertising solutions which we provide
together with Phoenix TV to certain Phoenix TV advertising customers, China Mobile and our investees for online advertising services. We also record
these revenues as net advertising revenues earned from related parties. Our net advertising revenues earned from related parties accounted for 5.0%, 3.5%
and 4.0% of our net advertising revenues in 2017, 2018 and 2019 respectively.
Paid Services . Our paid services revenues contributed 14.1%, 13.0% and 17.5% of our total revenues in 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively. The
following table sets forth our paid services offerings and their respective contributions to our paid services revenues and total revenues in 2017, 2018 and
2019, respectively.
Paid Services Revenues*
Paid contents
Games
MVAS
Others
% of Paid Services Revenues
2018
2019
2017
2017
% of Total Revenues
2018
2019
For the Years Ended December 31,
35.0
12.4
49.0
3.6
53.1
8.2
30.7
8.0
76.8
5.3
6.9
11.0
4.9
1.8
6.9
0.5
6.9
1.1
4.0
1.0
13.4
1.0
1.2
1.9
Note:
*
Prior to 2019, paid services revenues comprised of (i) revenues from digital entertainment, which included MVAS and digital reading, and
(ii) revenues from games and others, which included web-based games, mobile games, content sales, and other online and mobile paid services
through our own platforms. Beginning from January 1, 2019, paid services revenues have been
86
re-classified and now comprised of (i) revenues from paid contents, which includes digital reading, audio books, paid videos, and other content-
related sales activities, (ii) revenues from games, which includes web-based games and mobile games, (iii) revenues from MVAS, and (iv) revenues
from others. For comparison purposes, the revenues from paid services for the year s ended December 31, 2017 and 2018 have been retrospectively
re-classified .
These revenues were recorded either on gross or net basis depending on the nature of the services that we provided to the customers.
Our paid services revenues generated from China Mobile, a related party, accounted for 62.6%, 48.2% and 26.6% of our paid services revenues in
2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively. We generated paid services revenues of RMB126.7 million, RMB77.1 million and RMB71.2 million (US$10.2 million)
from providing services to customers of China Mobile and collecting fees through arrangements with China Mobile in 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively.
The decrease in paid services revenues with China Mobile was primarily due to a decrease in the MVAS revenues mainly resulting from the decline in
users’ demand for services provided through telecom operators in China. We derived paid services revenues of RMB12.0 million, RMB9.2 million and nil
for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively, from fixed fees from China Mobile for our mobile newspaper service.
Sales Taxes and Related Surcharges and Other Surcharges . We are subject to VAT and related surcharges on the revenues earned for services
provided in the PRC. The primary applicable rate of VAT is 6.0% for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019. We are also subject to a cultural
development fee on the provision of advertising services in the PRC. The applicable tax rate decreased from 3% of the net advertising revenues before July
1, 2019 to 1.5% of the net advertising revenues since July 1, 2019. The VAT and the cultural development fee were included in the cost of revenues under
ASC 605 for the years ended December 31, 2017, and have been recorded as a reduction item of revenues under ASC 606 since January 1, 2018. Other
surcharges mainly comprised of urban maintenance and construction tax and education surcharges. The urban maintenance and construction tax are charged
at 7%, 5% or 1% of the amount of VAT actually paid depending on where the taxpayer is located. Education surcharges are charged at 3% of the amount of
VAT actually paid and local education surcharges are charged at 2% or 1% of the amount of VAT actually paid depending on where the taxpayer is located.
The urban maintenance and construction tax, education surcharges and local education surcharges are recorded in the cost of revenues in the consolidated
statements of comprehensive income/(loss).
Cost of Revenues
Our cost of revenues consists primarily of (1) revenue sharing fees, including service fees retained by mobile telecommunications operators,
which are recognized as cost of revenues for revenues recorded on gross basis, and revenue sharing fees paid to our channel and content partners,
(2) content and operational costs, including personnel-related cost associated with content production and certain advertisement sales support personnel,
content procurement costs to third-party professional media companies and to Phoenix TV Group, direct costs related to in-house content production,
channel testing costs, rental cost, depreciation and amortization, the urban maintenance and construction tax, education surcharges and local education
surcharges, and other miscellaneous costs, and (3) bandwidth costs. The increase in cost of revenues from 2018 to 2019 was primarily attributable to the
consolidation of cost of revenues from Tianbo and Yitian Xindong. The following table sets forth the components of our cost of revenues by amount and by
percentage of total revenues for the years indicated.
2017*
RMB
%
For the Years Ended December 31,
2018
RMB
%
(In thousands except percentages)
RMB
2019
US$
%
Cost of revenues:
Revenue sharing fees
Content and operational costs
Bandwidth costs
Sales taxes and surcharges
Total cost of revenues
72,613
466,379
55,050
133,155
727,197
4.6
29.6
3.5
8.5
46.2
47,539
491,868
57,141
—
596,548
3.5
35.7
4.1
—
43.3
59,672
648,195
60,435
—
768,302
8,571
93,108
8,681
—
110,360
3.9
42.3
4.0
—
50.2
Note:
*
The financial data presented in our financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019 are prepared in accordance with ASC 606
while all financial data presented for the years ended December 31, 2017 are prepared in accordance with ASC 605.
Revenue Sharing Fees . We share the revenues generated from these services with the mobile operators through whose networks and/or service
platforms we offer our services to our users, and record the revenue sharing fee as cost of revenues. We also share the revenues generated from our paid
services with channel partners through whose platforms we market and distribute our services and with certain content providers, as applicable. The
percentage allocations for our revenue sharing are determined with the relevant parties and vary by service.
87
Content and Operational Costs . Our content costs consist of (i) personnel-related costs which include share-based compensation associated with
content production and advertising sales support staff, (ii) payments we make to third-party professional media companies, (iii) revenue sharing fees we
pay to Phoenix TV Group for sales of its video content, (iv) the license fees we pay to Phoenix TV Group for the use of its content, (v) production costs
related to our in-house produced content, (vi) the urban maintenance and construction tax, education surcharges and local education surcharges, and
(vii) operational costs which consist of channel testing costs, event costs incurred in connection with advertising revenue-generating activities, rental costs,
depreciation and amortization costs, and other miscellaneous costs.
Bandwidth Costs . Bandwidth costs are the fees we pay to mobile operators and other service providers for telecommunications services and for
hosting our servers at their Internet data centers.
For more information about such taxes, surcharges and fees, see “—Taxation.” For more information about risks related to potential changes in
the taxes applicable to us, see “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business and Industry—The discontinuation of any of
the preferential tax treatments available to us in China could materially and adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.”
Operating Expenses
Our operating expenses consist of sales and marketing expenses, general and administrative expenses and technology and product development
expenses, and include allocations of expenses from Phoenix TV and the changes in fair value of financial assets-contingent returnable consideration. Share-
based compensation is included in our operating expenses as they are incurred. The increase in operating expenses from 2018 to 2019 was primarily
attributable to the consolidation of operating expenses from Tianbo and Yitian Xindong, the special cash compensation paid to our option holders in 2019
and the increase in bad debt expenses recognized in 2019, which was partially offset by the gain arising from the changes in fair value of financial assets-
contingent returnable consideration.
The following table sets forth our operating expenses, divided into their major categories, by amount and by percentage of total revenues for the
years indicated.
Operating expenses:
Sales and marketing expenses
General and administrative expenses
Technology and product development
expenses
Changes in fair value of financial
assets-contingent returnable
consideration
Total operating expenses
2017
RMB
%
493,664
146,923
192,325
—
832,912
31.3
9.3
12.2
—
52.8
For the Years Ended December 31,
2018
RMB
%
(In thousands except percentages)
RMB
2019
US$
%
537,562
162,568
204,723
39.0
11.8
14.9
615,783
271,788
88,452
39,039
242,757
34,870
40.2
17.8
15.9
—
904,853
—
65.7
(62,051)
1,068,277
(8,913)
153,448
(4.1)
69.8
Sales and Marketing Expenses . Our sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of sales and marketing personnel-related expenses, including
sales commissions, advertising and promotion expenses including traffic acquisition expenses, rental expenses, and depreciation and amortization expenses.
General and Administrative Expenses . Our general and administrative expenses primarily consist of personnel-related expenses for management
and administrative staff, professional service expenses, bad debt provision, rental expenses, and depreciation and amortization expenses.
Technology and Product Development Expenses . Our technology and product development expenses mainly consist of personnel-related
expenses associated with the development and maintenance of, and enhancement to our PC websites, mobile applications and mobile websites, expenses
associated with new technology and product development and enhancement, rental expenses, and depreciation and amortization expenses.
Changes in Fair Value of Financial Assets-Contingent Returnable Consideration. Changes in fair value of financial assets-contingent returnable
consideration in the fiscal year of 2019 was a gain of RMB62.1million (US$8.9 million), which represent the changes in fair value of our right to receive
the contingent returnable consideration in relation to the acquisition of Yitian Xindong,
88
subject to certain price adjustment mechanisms based on Yitian Xindong’s operating and financial performance in 2019 and 2020. We recorded the
financial assets-contingent returnable consideration as prepayments and other current assets in the balance sheet and recognized the changes in its fair value
in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss) of 2019.
Share-based Compensation
We measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for share-based compensation at the grant date fair value of the award. We
recognize share-based compensation, net of forfeitures, on a graded-vesting basis over the vesting term of the award. We adopt the Black-Scholes option
pricing model to determine the fair value of stock options, and determine the fair value of restricted share and restricted share units based on the fair value
of the underlying ordinary shares at the grant date considering the dilutive effect of restricted share and restricted share units. We account for share-based
compensation using an estimated forfeiture rate at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from initial
estimates. Share-based compensation is recorded net of estimated forfeitures such that expenses are recorded only for share-based awards that are expected
to vest.
Related Party Transactions
In 2017, 2018 and 2019, we have entered into transactions with our related parties, including Phoenix TV, China Mobile, and certain investees,
that impacted our net advertising revenues, paid services revenues, cost of revenues, sales and marketing expenses and general and administrative expenses.
See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—B. Related Party Transactions.” The following table sets forth the significant
transactions with our related parties.
Transactions with the non-US listed part of Phoenix TV Group :
Content provided by Phoenix TV Group
Advertising and promotion expenses charged by Phoenix TV Group
Corporate administrative expenses and trademark license fees charged by
Phoenix TV Group
Project cost charged by Phoenix TV Group
Revenues earned from Phoenix TV Group
Transactions with China Mobile:
Advertising revenues earned from China Mobile
Paid services revenues earned from and through China Mobile
Revenue sharing fees and bandwidth cost charged by China Mobile
Transactions with Investees :
Revenues earned through FM
Advertising revenues earned from Tianbo
Advances provided to Tianbo
Revenues earned from Lilita
Loans provided to Particle and related interest income including the effect of
foreign exchange
Loans repaid by Particle
Related interest income including the effect of foreign exchange arising from
convertible loans to Particle
Corporate administrative expenses charged by Particle
Sales of assets to Particle at carrying value
Other income earned from Particle
Advertising revenues earned from Fengyi Technology
Revenue sharing fees charged by investees
Other Income, net
For the Years Ended December 31,
2017
RMB
2018
RMB
2019
RMB
US$
(In thousands)
(12,090)
(23)
(6,245)
(1,217)
9,454
33,491
138,712
(43,604)
855
13,869
29
10,161
87,514
(48,747)
(1,799)
(725)
4,740
—
—
(111)
(12,398)
(4,258)
(7,918)
(1,763)
14,354
27,532
86,352
(15,929)
160
193
10,721
21
—
(84,083)
8,993
(82)
(413)
—
—
(77)
(11,302)
(4,157)
(7,045)
(1,148)
15,705
23,256
71,248
(14,216)
10
16
247
305
—
—
—
—
—
1,990
12,612
(62)
(1,623)
(597)
(1,011)
(165)
2,256
3,341
10,234
(2,042)
1
2
35
44
—
—
—
—
—
286
1,812
(9)
Our other income, net generally reflects gain on disposal of available-for-sale debt investments, gain on disposal of convertible loans due from a
related party, government subsidies, interest income, interest expense, foreign currency exchange gain or loss, income/(loss) from equity method
investments, net of impairment, changes in fair value of forward contract in relation to future disposal of investments in Particle, and others, net.
89
For more information about the gain on disposal of available-for-sale debt investments , see “Note 9 Available-for-sale Debt Investments” of our
audited consolidated financial statements included at the end of this annual report.
Taxation
We are incorporated in the Cayman Islands. Under the current relevant laws of the Cayman Islands, corporate income, capital gains or other direct
taxes are not imposed on corporations in the Cayman Islands. In addition, dividend payments are not subject to withholding taxes in the Cayman Islands.
We recognized a gain on disposal of available-for-sale debt investments of RMB1,001.2 million (US$143.8 million) in the consolidated statements of
comprehensive income/(loss) for the year ended December 31, 2019, which was not subject to any corporate income or capital gains taxes under the current
laws of the Cayman Islands.
Our subsidiaries incorporated in the British Virgin Islands are exempted from income tax on their foreign-derived income and are not subject to
withholding taxes. Our subsidiaries incorporated in Hong Kong are subject to a tax rate of 16.5% on the estimated assessable profit arising in Hong Kong.
Each of our PRC subsidiaries and our affiliated consolidated entities are obligated to pay income tax in the PRC. The CIT Law generally applies
an income tax rate of 25% to all enterprises, but grants preferential tax treatment to High and New Technology Enterprises (“HNTEs”) and Software
Enterprises. Under these preferential tax treatments, HNTEs are entitled to an income tax rate of 15%, subject to a requirement that they re-apply for HNTE
status every three years and Software Enterprises are entitled to an income tax exemption for two years beginning from its first profitable year and a 50%
reduction to a rate of 12.5% for the subsequent three years.
Fenghuang On-line had been qualified as an HNTE in November 2014 and August 2017, respectively, and was entitled to a preferential tax rate
of 15%. Therefore, Fenghuang On-line was subject to a 15% income tax rate for the years from 2017 to 2019.
Tianying Jiuzhou resubmitted applications for qualification and was approved as an HNTE in 2014 and 2017, respectively, and therefore,
Tianying Jiuzhou was subject to a 15% income tax rate from 2017 to 2019.
In 2012, Fenghuang Yutian was qualified as a Software Enterprise. As 2013 was the first year Fenghuang Yutian generated taxable profit, it was
exempted from income taxes for the years 2013 and 2014, and was subject to a 12.5% income tax rate from 2015 to 2017. In 2017, Fenghuang Yutian had
been qualified as an HNTE, and therefore, Fenghuang Yutian was subject to a 15% income tax rate in 2018 and 2019.
In 2016, Fenghuang Borui was qualified as a Software Enterprise. As 2016 was the first year Fenghuang Borui generated taxable profit, it was
exempted from income taxes for the years 2016 and 2017, and was subject to a 12.5% income tax rate in 2018 and 2019.
Yitian Xindong had been qualified as an HNTE in November 2018, and was entitled to a preferential tax rate of 15%. Therefore, Yitian Xindong
was subject to a 15% income tax rate in 2018 and 2019.
All our other PRC subsidiaries and affiliated consolidated entities were subject to a 25% income tax rate for all the years presented.
Under the CIT Law, dividends paid from our PRC subsidiaries are subject to a withholding tax at 10%. This dividend withholding tax, however,
will only be levied on our PRC subsidiaries in respect of profits earned in 2008 onwards. Profits distributed after January 1, 2008 but related to financial
results generated for the year ended December 31, 2007 and prior years will not be subject to dividend withholding tax. The dividend withholding tax rate
can be lower than 10% subject to tax treaties between China and foreign countries or regions.
The CIT Law also provides that an enterprise established under the laws of foreign countries or regions but whose “de facto management body”
is located in the PRC be treated as a resident enterprise for PRC tax purposes and consequently be subject to the PRC income tax at the rate of 25% for its
global income. On April 22, 2009, the SAT issued a circular, known as Circular 82, which provides certain specific criteria for determining whether the “de
facto management body” of a PRC-controlled enterprise that is incorporated offshore is located in China. Under Circular 82, an offshore incorporated
enterprise controlled by a PRC enterprise or a PRC enterprise group will be regarded as a PRC tax resident by virtue of having its “de facto management
body” in China and will be subject to PRC enterprise income tax on its global income only if all of the following conditions are met: (i) the primary
location of the day-to-day operational management is in the PRC; (ii) decisions relating to the enterprise’s financial and human resource matters are made
or are subject to approval by organizations or personnel in the PRC; (iii) the enterprise’s primary assets, accounting books and records, company seals, and
board and shareholder resolutions, are located or maintained in the PRC; and (iv) at least 50% of voting board members or senior executives habitually
reside in the PRC. We and our offshore subsidiaries have never been treated as resident enterprises for PRC tax purposes.
90
We are subject to VAT and related surcharges on the revenues earned for services provided in the PRC. The primary applicable rate of VAT is
6.0% for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019. We are also subject to a cultural development fee on the provision of advertising services in
the PRC. The applicable tax rate decreased from 3% of the net advertising revenues before July 1, 2019 to 1.5% of the net advertising revenues since July
1, 2019. The VAT and the cultural development fee were included in the cost of revenues under ASC 605 for the years ended December 31, 2017, and have
been recorded as a reduction item of revenues under ASC 606 since January 1, 2018. Other surcharges mainly comprised of urban maintenance and
construction tax and education surcharges. The urban maintenance and construction tax are charged at 7%, 5% or 1% of the amount of VAT actually paid
depending on where the taxpayer is located. Education surcharges are charged at 3% of the amount of VAT actually paid and local education surcharges are
charged at 2% or 1% of the amount of VAT actually paid depending on where the taxpayer is located. The urban maintenance and construction tax,
education surcharges and local education surcharges are recorded in the cost of revenues in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss).
For more information about risks related to potential changes in the taxes applicable to us, see “Item 3. Key Information — D. Risk Factors — Risks
Relating to Our Business and Industry — The discontinuation of any of the preferential tax treatments available to us in China could materially and
adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.”
A.
Results of Operations
Selected Consolidated Financial Information
The following table sets forth the selected consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss) data by amount and by percentage of total
revenues for the years indicated. This information should be read together with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere
in this annual report. The operating results in any period are not necessarily indicative of the results you may expect for future periods.
1
2017
RMB
%
For the Years Ended December 31,
2018*
RMB
(In thousands, except for percentages)
%
RMB
2019
US$
%
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive
Income/(Loss) Data
Revenues:
Net advertising revenues
Paid services revenues
Total revenues
Cost of revenues (1)
Gross profit
Operating expenses (1) :
Sales and marketing expenses
General and administrative expenses
Technology and product development expenses
Changes in fair value of financial assets-
contingent returnable consideration
Total operating expenses
Income/(loss) from operations
Other income, net
Income/(loss) before tax
Income tax expense
Net income/(loss)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net income/(loss) attributable to Phoenix
New Media Limited
Net income/(loss)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
fair value remeasurement for available-for
-sale debt investments
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax: reclassification
adjustment for disposal of available-for-sale debt
investments
1,353,480
221,612
1,575,092
(727,197)
847,895
(493,664)
(146,923)
(192,325)
—
(832,912)
14,983
34,224
49,207
(14,783)
34,424
3,048
37,472
34,424
85.9
14.1
100.0
(46.2)
53.8
(31.3)
(9.3)
(12.2)
—
(52.8)
1.0
2.2
3.2
(0.9)
2.3
0.2
2.5
2.3
1,198,271
179,108
1,377,379
(596,548)
780,831
(537,562)
(162,568)
(204,723)
—
(904,853)
(124,022)
78,515
(45,507)
(20,105)
(65,612)
2,390
(63,222)
(65,612)
87.0
13.0
100.0
(43.3)
56.7
(39.0)
(11.8)
(14.9)
—
(65.7)
(9.0)
5.7
(3.3)
(1.5)
(4.8)
0.2
(4.6)
(4.8)
1,263,485
267,577
1,531,062
(768,302)
762,760
(615,783)
(271,788)
(242,757)
62,051
(1,068,277)
(305,517)
1,049,760
744,243
(20,241)
724,002
3,827
181,488
38,435
219,923
(110,360)
109,563
(88,452)
(39,039)
(34,870)
8,913
(153,448)
(43,885)
150,789
106,904
(2,908)
103,996
550
727,829
724,002
104,546
103,996
82.5
17.5
100.0
(50.2)
49.8
(40.2)
(17.8)
(15.9)
4.1
(69.8)
(20.0)
68.6
48.6
(1.3)
47.3
0.2
47.5
47.3
321,538
20.4
566,320
41.1
1,188,762
170,755
77.6
—
—
—
—
(1,008,795)
(144,904)
(65.9)
91
Other comprehensive (loss)/ income, net of tax:
foreign currency translation adjustment
Comprehensive income
Comprehensive loss attributable to
noncontrolling interests
Comprehensive income attributable to
Phoenix New Media Limited
Non-GAAP gross profit (2)
Non-GAAP income/(loss) from operations (2)
Non-GAAP adjusted net income/(loss)
attributable to Phoenix New Media
Limited (3)
(49,640)
306,322
3,048
309,370
(3.2)
19.5
0.2
19.7
51,794
552,502
2,390
554,892
3.8
40.1
0.2
40.3
37,483
941,452
5,384
135,231
3,827
550
2.5
61.5
0.2
945,279
135,781
61.7
2017
RMB
%
For the Years Ended December 31,
2018
RMB
%
RMB
(In thousands, except for percentages)
2019
US$
852,912
35,835
54.1
2.3
784,581
(110,033)
57.0
(8.0)
769,590
(347,347)
110,544
(49,893)
%
50.3
(22.7)
52,028
3.3
(54,585)
(4.0)
(316,176)
(45,416)
(20.7)
Notes:
*
The financial data presented in our financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019 are prepared in accordance with ASC 606
while all financial data presented for the year ended December 31, 2017 are prepared in accordance with ASC 605.
(1)
Includes share-based compensation as follows:
Allocation of share-based compensation:
Cost of revenues
Sales and marketing expenses
General and administrative expenses
Technology and product development expenses
Total share-based compensation included in cost of revenues and operating
expenses
2017
RMB
For the Years Ended December 31,
2018
RMB
(In thousands)
2019
RMB
US$
5,017
1,877
10,796
3,162
3,750
2,360
5,072
2,807
6,830
1,643
9,025
2,723
20,852
13,989
20,221
981
236
1,296
392
2,905
(2)
Non-GAAP gross profit and non-GAAP income from operations are both non-GAAP financial measures. Non-GAAP gross profit is gross profit
excluding share-based compensation. Non-GAAP income/(loss) from operations is income/(loss) from operations excluding share-based
compensation changes in fair value of financial assets-contingent returnable consideration.
(3) We define non-GAAP adjusted net income/(loss) attributable to Phoenix New Media Limited as net income/(loss) attributable to Phoenix New
Media Limited excluding share-based compensation, income or loss from equity method investments, net of impairments, changes in fair value of
financial assets-contingent returnable consideration, changes in fair value of forward contract in relation to future disposal of investments in Particle
and gain on disposal of available-for-sale debt investments.
We believe the separate analysis and exclusion of the following non-GAAP to GAAP reconciling items add clarity to the constituent parts of our
performances. We review non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP income/(loss) from operations and non-GAAP adjusted net income/(loss) attributable to
Phoenix New Media Limited together with gross profit, income/(loss) from operations and net income/(loss) attributable to Phoenix New Media Limited to
obtain a better understanding of our operating performance. We use these non-GAAP financial measures for planning and forecasting and measuring results
against the forecast. Using these non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate our business allows us and our investors to assess our relative performance
against our competitors and ultimately monitor our capacity to generate returns for our investors. We also believe it is useful supplemental information for
investors and analysts to assess our operating performance without the effect of items like share-based compensation, income or loss from equity method
investments, net of impairments, which have been and will continue to be significant recurring items, and without the effect of changes in fair value of
financial assets-contingent returnable consideration, changes in fair value of forward contract in relation to future disposal of investments in Particle and
gain on disposal of available-for-sale debt investments, which have been significant and one-time items. 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 our gross profit, income/(loss) from operations and net income/(loss) attributable to Phoenix New Media Limited for the period. In addition,
because non-GAAP financial measures are not calculated in the same manner by all companies, they may not be comparable to other similar
92
titled measures used by other companies. In light of the foregoing limitations, you should not consider non-GAAP financial measures in isolation from or
as an alternative to the financial measures prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Non-GAAP to GAAP reconciling items have no income tax effect.
Our non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP income/(loss) from operations and non-GAAP adjusted net income/(loss) attributable to Phoenix New
Media Limited are calculated as follows for the years presented:
Gross Profit
Excluding:
Share-based compensation
Non-GAAP gross profit
Income/(loss) from operations
Excluding:
Share-based compensation
Changes in fair value of financial assets-contingent returnable
consideration
Non-GAAP income/(loss) from operations
Net income/(loss) attributable to Phoenix New Media Limited
Excluding:
Share-based compensation
Loss/(income) from equity investments, including impairments
Changes in fair value of financial assets-contingent returnable
consideration
Gain on disposal of available-for-sale debt investments
Changes in fair value of forward contract in relation to future
disposal of investments in Particle
Non-GAAP adjusted net income/(loss) attributable to Phoenix New
Media Limited
For the Years Ended December 31,
2017
RMB
2018
RMB
2019
RMB
US$
847,895
780,831
762,760
109,563
(In thousands)
5,017
852,912
3,750
784,581
6,830
769,590
981
110,544
14,983
(124,022)
(305,517)
(43,885)
20,852
—
35,835
13,989
20,221
2,905
—
(110,033)
(62,051)
(347,347)
(8,913)
(49,893)
37,472
(63,222)
727,829
104,546
20,852
(6,296)
13,989
(5,352)
20,221
3,447
2,905
495
—
—
—
—
—
—
(62,051)
(1,001,181)
(8,913)
(143,811)
(4,441)
(638)
52,028
(54,585)
(316,176)
(45,416)
Year Ended December 31, 2019 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2018
Revenues . Our total revenues increased by 11.2% from RMB1.38 billion in 2018 to RMB1.53 billion (US$219.9 million) in 2019. Net
advertising revenues (net of advertising agency service fees and sales taxes and related surcharges) increased by 5.4% from RMB1.20 billion in 2018 to
RMB1.26 billion (US$181.5 million) in 2019, primarily due to the consolidation of advertising revenues from Tianbo and Yitian Xindong. Paid service
revenues increased by 49.4% from RMB179.1 million in 2018 to RMB267.6 million (US$38.4 million) in 2019, primarily due to the consolidation of
digital reading revenues from Yitian Xindong.
Cost of Revenues . Our cost of revenues for the year ended December 31, 2019 was RMB768.3 million (US$110.4 million), which represented an
increase of 28.8% from RMB596.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, primarily attributable to the consolidation of cost of revenues from
Tianbo and Yitian Xindong. Cost of revenues as a percentage of our revenues increased from 43.3% in 2018 to 50.2% in 2019.
•
•
Revenue sharing fees . Our revenue sharing fees for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019 were RMB47.5 million and RMB59.7
million (US$8.6 million), respectively.
Content and operational costs . Our content and operational costs for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019 were RMB491.9 million
and RMB648.2 million (US$93.1 million), respectively. The increase in content and operational costs from 2018 to 2019 was primarily
attributable to the consolidation of content and operational costs from Tianbo and Yitian Xindong.
93
•
Bandwidth costs . Our bandwidth costs increased from RMB57.1 million in 2018 to RMB60.4 million (US$8.7 million) in 2019.
Share-based compensation . Our share-based compensation allocated to cost of revenues as part of content and operational costs above,
increased from RMB3.7 million in 2018 to RMB6.8 million (US$1.0 million) in 2019. The increase was mainly due to the restricted share units granted to
certain employees in 2019 under the restricted share unit scheme adopted in 2018 by Fread Limited, the share options granted to employees of Yitian
Xindong under an option scheme adopted in December 2018, and the options granted by us in July 2019.
As a result of the foregoing, our gross profit decreased by 2.3% from RMB780.8 million in 2018 to RMB762.8 million (US$109.6 million) in
2019. Our gross margin decreased from 56.7% in 2018 to 49.8% in 2019.
Operating Expenses . Our operating expenses increased by 18.1% from RMB904.8 million in 2018 to RMB1,068.3 million (US$153.4 million)
in 2019, primarily due to the consolidation of operating expenses from Tianbo and Yitian Xindong, the special cash compensation paid to our option
holders of RMB30.1 million (US$4.3 million) recognized in 2019 and the increase in bad debt expenses, which was partially offset by the gain of
RMB62.1 million (US$8.9 million) arising from the changes in fair value of financial assets-contingent returnable consideration. Our operating expenses as
a percentage of revenues increased from 65.7% in 2018 to 69.8% in 2019.
•
•
•
•
•
Sales and marketing expenses . Our sales and marketing expenses increased by 14.6% from RMB537.6 million in 2018 to RMB615.8
million (US$88.5 million) in 2019. This increase was mainly due to the consolidation of Tianbo and Yitian Xindong.
General and administrative expenses . Our general and administrative expenses increased by 67.2% from RMB162.6 million in 2018 to
RMB271.8 million (US$39.0 million) in 2019. This increase was mainly due to the consolidation of Tianbo and Yitian Xindong and the
increase in bad debt expenses of accounts receivable from RMB22.5 million in 2018 to RMB43.9 million (US$6.3 million) in 2019.
Technology and product development expenses . Our technology and product development expenses increased by 18.6% from RMB204.7
million in 2018 to RMB242.8 million (US$34.9 million) in 2019.
Changes in Fair Value of Financial Assets-Contingent Returnable Consideration. Changes in fair value of financial assets-contingent
returnable consideration in the fiscal year of 2019 was a gain of RMB62.1million (US$8.9 million), which represent the changes in fair value
of our right to receive the contingent returnable consideration in relation to the acquisition of Yitian Xindong, subject to certain price
adjustment mechanisms based on Yitian Xindong’s operating and financial performance in 2019 and 2020. We recorded the financial assets-
contingent returnable consideration as prepayments and other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets and recognized the changes in
its fair value in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss) of 2019.
Share-based compensation . Our share-based compensation allocated to each of the three categories of operating expenses increased by
30.8% from RMB10.2 million in 2018 to RMB13.4 million (US$1.9 million) in 2019.
Related Party Transactions
•
•
•
•
Our net advertising revenues from related parties increased by 22.2% from RMB41.5 million in 2018 to RMB50.7 million (US$7.3 million)
in 2019, which was primarily attributable to increase in advertising revenues earned from Fengyi Technology.
Our paid service revenues from related parties decreased by 16.8% from RMB87.1 million in 2018 to RMB72.5 million (US$10.4 million) in
2019, which was primarily attributable to decrease in paid services revenues generated from China Mobile.
Our cost of revenues due to transactions with related parties decreased by 11.4% from RMB30.2 million in 2018 to RMB26.7 million
(US$3.8 million) in 2019, which was primarily due to decrease in revenues sharing and bandwidth cost payable to China Mobile.
Our operating expenses due to transactions with related parties decreased by 8.6% from RMB12.3 million in 2018 to RMB11.2 million
(US$1.6 million) in 2019, which was mainly attributable to a decrease in trademark license fee charged by Phoenix TV Group.
94
Other Income, Net . Our other income, net increased from RMB78.5 million in 2018 to RMB1,049.8 million (US$150.8 million) in 2019. The
increase in other income, net in 2019 was mainly due to the g ain on disposal of available-for-sale debt investments recognized in 2019 of RMB 1 , 001.2
million (US $143.8 million), which represented the gain from the disposal of part of our investments in Particle recorded as available-for sale debt
investments .
Income Tax Expense . Our income tax expense increased from RMB20.1 million in 2018 to RMB20.2 million (US$2.9 million) in 2019. Our
effective tax rate was negative 9.4% in 2019 as compared to negative 46.8% in 2018. The change in effective tax rate was mainly due to the gain on
disposal of available-for-sale debt investments of RMB1,001.2 million (US$143.8 million) recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive
income/(loss) in 2019, which was not subject to any corporate income or capital gains taxes under the current laws of the Cayman Islands, and due to the
increase in the valuation allowance for the tax effect of operating loss recognized in 2019, which was partially offset by the tax effect of the permanent
differences deriving from tax-deductible expenses of the research and development expenses.
Net Income/(loss) Attributable to Phoenix New Media Limited . As a result of the foregoing, net loss attributable to our company was RMB63.2
million in 2018 and net income attributable to our company was RMB727.8 million (US$104.5 million) in 2019.
Year Ended December 31, 2018 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2017
Revenues . Our total revenues decreased by 12.6% from RMB1.6 billion in 2017 to RMB1.4 billion under ASC 606 in 2018. Net advertising
revenues (net of advertising agency service fees and sales taxes and related surcharges) decreased by 11.5% from RMB1.4 billion in 2017 to RMB1.2
billion under ASC 606 in 2018, and paid service revenues decreased by 19.2% from RMB221.6 million in 2017 to RMB179.1 million under ASC 606.
Sales taxes and related surcharges of RMB123.0 million were excluded from cost of revenues and recorded as a reduction item of revenues under ASC 606
in 2018.
Under ASC 605, our total revenues in 2018 would have decreased by 5.0% to RMB1.5 billion from RMB1.6 billion in 2017. Under ASC 605, net
advertising revenues (net of advertising agency service fees and sales taxes and related surcharges) in 2018 would have decreased by 3.4% to RMB1.3
billion from RMB1.4 billion in 2017, primarily due to the decrease in PC advertising revenues, which was partially offset by the growth in mobile
advertising revenues.
Under ASC 605, our paid service revenues in 2018 would have decreased by 14.8% to RMB188.8 million from RMB221.6 million in 2017,
which was primarily due to the 39.5% year-over-year decrease of revenues from MVAS products mainly resulting from the decline in users’ demand for
services provided through telecom operators in China.
Cost of Revenues . Our cost of revenues for the year ended December 31, 2018 was RMB596.5 million under ASC 606, which represented a
decrease of 18.0% from RMB727.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. Cost of revenues as a percentage of our revenues decreased from 46.2%
in 2017 to 43.3% in 2018.
Under ASC 605, cost of revenues for the year ended December 31, 2018 would have been RMB719.2 million, which would have represented a
decrease of 1.1% from RMB727.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2017.
•
•
•
•
•
Revenue sharing fees . Our revenue sharing fees for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018 were RMB72.6 million and RMB47.5
million, respectively.
Content and operational costs . Our content and operational costs for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018 were RMB466.4 million
and RMB491.9 million, respectively.
Bandwidth costs . Our bandwidth costs increased by 3.8% from RMB55.1 million in 2017 to RMB57.1 million in 2018.
Sales taxes and related surcharges . Our sales taxes and related surcharges decreased from RMB133.2 million in 2017 to nil in 2018, as the
sales taxes and related surcharges of RMB123.0 million were excluded from cost of revenues and recorded as a reduction item of revenues
under ASC 606 in 2018.
Share-based compensation . Our share-based compensation allocated to cost of revenues as part of content and operational costs above,
decreased from RMB5.0 million in 2017 to RMB3.7 million in 2018. As we recognized share-based compensation, net of estimated
forfeitures, on a graded-vesting basis over the vesting term of the awards, there was less share-based compensation recognized in the fourth
quarter of 2018 for share options granted prior to 2018.
As a result of the foregoing, our gross profit decreased by 7.9% from RMB847.9 million in 2017 to RMB780.8 million in 2018. Our gross margin
increased from 53.8% in 2017 to 56.7% in 2018.
95
Operating Expenses . Our operating expenses increased by 8.6% from RMB832.9 million in 2017 to RMB904.9 million in 2018, primarily due
to the increase in mobile traffic acquisition expenses. Our operating expenses as a percentage of revenues increased from 52.8% in 2017 to 65.7% in 2018.
•
•
•
•
Sales and marketing expenses . Our sales and marketing expenses increased by 8.9% from RMB493.7 million in 2017 to RMB537.6 million
in 2018. This increase was mainly due to the increase in mobile traffic acquisition expenses. Total advertising and promotion expenses from
advertising-for-advertising barter transactions of RMB4.3 million were recognized under ASC 606 in 2018.
General and administrative expenses . Our general and administrative expenses increased by 10.6% from RMB146.9 million in 2017 to
RMB162.6 million in 2018. This increase was mainly due to the increase in bad debt accrued in 2018.
Technology and product development expenses . Our technology and product development expenses increased by 6.4% from RMB192.3
million in 2017 to RMB204.7 million in 2018.
Share-based compensation . Our share-based compensation allocated to each of the three categories of operating expenses decreased by
35.3% from RMB15.8 million in 2017 to RMB10.2 million in 2018. As we recognized share-based compensation, net of estimated
forfeitures, on a graded-vesting basis over the vesting term of the awards, there was less share-based compensation recognized in 2018 for
share options granted prior to 2018.
Related Party Transactions
•
•
•
•
Our net advertising revenues from related parties decreased by 38.4% from RMB67.4 million in 2017 to RMB41.5 million in 2018, which
was primarily attributable to the decrease in advertising revenues generated from Tianbo, which was then an equity method investee.
Our paid service revenues from related parties decreased by 37.4% from RMB139.1 million in 2017 to RMB87.1 million in 2018, which was
primarily attributable to the decrease in paid service revenues generated from China Mobile.
Our cost of revenues due to transactions with related parties decreased by 47.1% from RMB57.1 million in 2017 to RMB30.2 million in
2018, which was primarily due to the decrease in revenue sharing fees paid to China Mobile.
Our operating expenses due to transactions with related parties increased by 75.3% from RMB7.0 million in 2017 to RMB12.3 million in
2018, which was mainly attributable to an increase in trademark license fee charged by Phoenix TV Group.
Other Income, Net . Our other income, net increased by 129.4% from RMB34.2 million in 2017 to RMB78.5 million in 2018. The increase in
other income, net in 2018 was mainly due to the foreign exchange gain of RMB6.8 million recognized in 2018 as compared to the foreign exchange loss of
RMB23.6 million recognized in 2017, and gain on disposal of convertible loans due from a related party of RMB10.6 million recognized in 2018.
Income Tax Expense . Our income tax expense increased by 35.8% from RMB14.8 million in 2017 to RMB20.1 million in 2018. Our effective
tax rate was negative 46.8% in 2018 as compared to positive 14.1% in 2017. The decrease in effective tax rate was mainly due to the increase in the
valuation allowance for the tax operating loss recognized in 2018, and partially offset by the tax effect of the permanent differences deriving from tax-
deductible expenses of the research and development expenses.
Net Income/(loss) Attributable to Phoenix New Media Limited . As a result of the foregoing, net income attributable to our company was
RMB37.5 million in 2017 and net loss attributable to our company was RMB63.2 million in 2018.
96
B.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The following table sets forth a summary of our cash flows for the years indicated:
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities
Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities
Net cash used in financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and
restricted cash
Net increase/(decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the beginning of the year
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the end of the year
For the Years Ended December 31,
2017
RMB
2018
RMB
2019
RMB
(In thousands)
172,980
(6,390)
(16,234)
(8,090)
142,266
557,296
699,562
(76,824)
(114,712)
(75,831)
11,477
(255,890)
699,562
443,672
(330,305)
1,460,394
(1,114,620)
(35,191)
(19,722)
443,672
423,950
US$
(47,445)
209,773
(160,105)
(5,055)
(2,832)
63,729
60,897
As of December 31, 2019, we had RMB424.0 million (US$60.9 million) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash. Our cash and cash
equivalents consist of cash on hand and demand deposits, which are unrestricted as to withdrawal or use, and which have original maturities of three
months or less. Our restricted cash represents deposits placed as security for banking facilities granted to us, and deposits placed in accounts co-managed
with third-parties related to the real estate services, which are restricted to withdrawal or usage. We have not encountered any difficulties in meeting our
cash obligations to date. As of December 31, 2019, we also had RMB1.3 billion (US$182.7 million) in term deposits and short term investments with
maturities up to one year. We believe that our operating cash flows, existing cash balances and term deposits and short term investments will be sufficient
to meet our anticipated cash needs for the next twelve months from April 28, 2020.
We are a holding company, and we rely principally on dividends and other distributions from our subsidiaries in China for our cash requirements.
Current PRC regulations permit our subsidiaries to pay dividends to us only out of its accumulated profits, if any, determined in accordance with Chinese
accounting standards and regulations. Any limitations on the ability of our PRC subsidiaries to transfer funds to us could materially and adversely limit our
ability to grow, make investments or acquisitions that could be beneficial to our business, pay dividends and otherwise fund and conduct our business.
Any earnings that our PRC subsidiaries distribute would be paid to our offshore intermediate holding company primarily through dividends. To
date, our PRC subsidiaries have not paid dividends to us. As a holding company, we have not required cash for our operations outside of China and
therefore our PRC subsidiaries have retained their earnings for the purpose of conducting our business operations in China. As of December 31, 2017, 2018
and 2019, our PRC subsidiaries’ retained earnings were RMB993.1 million, RMB1,038.3 million and RMB972.0 million (US$139.6 million), respectively,
and our PRC subsidiaries’ cash and cash equivalents were RMB117.6 million, RMB45.6 million and RMB125.4 million (US$18.0 million), respectively.
Although we currently anticipate that we will be able to fund operations for at least the next twelve months with operating cash flows, existing
cash balances and term deposits and short-term investments, we may require additional cash resources due to changed business conditions or other future
developments, including any investments or acquisitions we may decide to pursue. If these sources are insufficient to satisfy cash requirements, we may
seek to sell additional equity or debt securities or to obtain additional credit facilities. The sale of additional equity or equity-linked securities could result
in additional dilution to shareholders. The incurrence of indebtedness would result in increased debt service obligations and could result in operating and
financial covenants that would restrict operations. Financing may not be available in amounts or on terms acceptable to us, if at all.
Operating Activities
In 2019, our net cash used in operating activities were RMB330.3 million (US$47.4 million). This was primarily due to (i) a non-operating gain
on disposal of available-for-sale debt investments of RMB1.0 billion (US$143.8 million), (ii) non-cash adjustments of a gain of changes in fair value of
financial assets-contingent returnable consideration of RMB62.1 million (US$8.9 million), (iii) a decrease in accrued expenses and other current liabilities
of RMB104.3 million (US$15.0 million), (iv) an increase in accounts receivables of RMB79.2 million (US$11.4 million), and (v) a decrease in accounts
payable of RMB51.1 million (US$7.3 million). These items were partially offset by (i) net income of RMB724.0 million (US$104.0 million), (ii) a
decrease in amounts due from related parties of RMB33.8 million (US$4.9 million), and (iii) non-cash adjustments which primarily included depreciation
and amortization expenses of RMB77.4 million (US$11.1 million), provision for allowance for doubtful accounts of RMB40.2 million (US$5.8 million),
amortization of the right-of-use assets of RMB35.0 million (US$5.0 million) and share-based compensation of RMB20.2 million (US$2.9 million).
97
In 2018, our net cash used in operating activities were RMB76.8 million. This was primarily due to (i) net loss of RMB65.6 million, (ii) non-cash
adjustments of gain on disposal of convertible loans due from a related party of RMB10.6 million, and foreign currency exchange gain of RMB6.8 million,
(iii) an increase in accounts receivables of RMB30.0 million, (iv) a decrease in salary and welfare payable of RMB19.9 million, and (v) a decrease in
accrued expenses and other liabilities of RMB17.3 million. These items were partially offset by (i) non-cash adjustments which primarily included
depreciation and amortization expenses of RMB32.5 million, provision for allowance for doubtful accounts of RMB24.0 million, share-based
compensation of RMB14.0 million, and (ii) an increase in amounts due from related parties of RMB37.5 million.
In 2017, our operating activities generated net cash of RMB173.0 million. This was primarily due to (i) net income of RMB34.4 million, (ii) non-
cash adjustments which primarily included depreciation and amortization expenses of RMB35.6 million, foreign currency exchange loss of RMB23.6
million, and share-based compensation of RMB20.9 million, (iii) an increase in accrued expenses and other current liabilities of RMB62.0 million, (iv) an
increase in advances from customers of RMB37.4 million, and (v) an increase in tax payable of RMB16.6 million. These items were partially offset by
(i) an increase in accounts receivable of RMB44.6 million mainly attributable to the increase of advertising revenues, and (ii) an increase in amounts due
from related parties of RMB23.0 million mainly attributable to increase in the loans granted to Particle in 2017.
Investing Activities
We had net cash provided by investing activities of RMB1.46 billion (US$209.8 million) for 2019. This was primarily due to (i) the maturity of
term deposits and short term investments of RMB8.8 billion (US$1.3 billion), (ii) net proceeds from disposal of available-for-sale debt investments of
RMB1.4 billion (US$201.5 million), (iii) deposits received from proposed buyers of Particle shares of RMB358.0 million (US$51.4 million), and (iv) net
cash acquired from acquisition of a subsidiary of RMB121.1 million (US$17.4 million). These items were partially offset by (i) placement of term deposits
and short term investments of RMB9.2 billion (US$1.3 billion), and (ii) capital expenditures of RMB83.8 million (US$12.0 million) as described in “—
Capital Expenditures”.
We had net cash used in investing activities of RMB114.7 million for 2018. This was primarily due to (i) placement of term deposits and short
term investments of RMB3.4 billion, (ii) cash paid for acquisition of a subsidiary, net of cash acquired of RMB62.1 million, (iii) capital expenditures of
RMB56.0 million as described in “—Capital Expenditures”, and (iv) loan provided to a related party of RMB10.0 million, partially offset by the maturity
of term deposits and short term investments of RMB3.2 billion, proceeds from disposal of convertible loans due from a related party of RMB112.0 million,
and loans repaid by a related party of RMB74.0 million.
We had net cash used in investing activities of RMB6.4 million for 2017. This was primarily due to (i) placement of term deposits and short term
investments of RMB2.8 billion, (ii) loan provided to Particle of RMB74.0 million, and (iii) capital expenditures of RMB27.8 million as described in “—
Capital Expenditures”, partially offset by the maturity of term deposits and short term investments of RMB2.8 billion and loan repaid by a related party of
RMB53.1 million.
Financing Activities
We had net cash used in financing activities of RMB1,114.6 million (US$160.1 million) for 2019, mainly attributable to (i) the special cash
dividends paid to shareholders of RMB703.1 million (US$101.0 million), (ii) repayment of short-term bank loans of RMB267.9 million (US$38.5 million),
and (iii) cash paid for acquisition of noncontrolling interests of RMB144.1 million (US$20.7 million), partially offset by proceeds from exercise of stock
options RMB0.5 million (US$0.07 million).
We had net cash used in financing activities of RMB75.8 million for 2018, mainly attributable to the repayment of short-term bank loans of
RMB330.0 million, partially offset by proceeds from short-term bank loans of RMB250.5 million and proceeds from exercise of stock option of RMB3.7
million.
We had net cash used in financing activities of RMB16.2 million for 2017, mainly attributable to the repayment of short-term bank loans of
RMB357.1 million, partially offset by proceeds from short-term bank loans of RMB328.5 million and proceeds from exercise of stock option of RMB12.4
million.
Capital Expenditures
We had capital expenditures of RMB27.8 million, RMB56.0 million and RMB83.8 million (US$12.0 million) in 2017, 2018 and 2019,
respectively. The capital expenditures were mainly attributable to purchasing intangible assets, servers and network equipment. We expect capital
expenditures to increase to approximately RMB70.3 million in 2020. We plan to fund our capital expenditures in 2020 with cash flows from our operations
and remaining cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2019.
98
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
Financial Instruments-Credit Losses. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326) , which
requires entities to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and
reasonable and supportable forecasts. This replaces the existing incurred loss model and is applicable to the measurement of credit losses on financial assets
measured at amortized cost. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15,
2019. Early application will be permitted for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15,
2018. We will adopt ASU 2016-13 effective January 1, 2020 on a modified retrospective basis and do not expect any material impact on the consolidated
balance sheets and the consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss) as a result of adopting the new standard .
Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. In
August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for
Fair Value Measurement . The amendments of ASU 2018-13 test the concepts in the proposed Concepts Statement and improve the effectiveness of
disclosure requirements on fair value measurement by using those concepts. This guidance is effective beginning after December 15, 2019, including
interim periods within that fiscal year. The amendments on changes in unrealized gains and losses, the range and weighted average of significant
unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements, and the narrative description of measurement uncertainty should be applied
prospectively for only the most recent interim or annual period presented in the initial fiscal year of adoption. All other amendments should be applied
retrospectively to all periods presented upon their effective date. Early adoption is permitted upon issuance of this Update. An entity is permitted to early
adopt any removed or modified disclosures upon issuance of this Update and delay adoption of the additional disclosures until their effective date. We are
currently evaluating the impact and do not expect it to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
Consolidation (Topic 810): Targeted Improvements to Related Party Guidance for Variable Interest Entities. In October 2018, the FASB issued
ASU 2018-17, Consolidation (Topic 810): Targeted Improvements to Related Party Guidance for Variable Interest Entities . Current GAAP provides a
private company with an accounting alternative not to apply VIE guidance to leasing arrangements with entities under common control if certain criteria
are met. The amendments expand the accounting alternative to include all private company common control arrangements if the common control parent
and the legal entity being evaluated for consolidation are not public business entities. The amendments for determining whether a decision-making fee is a
variable interest require reporting entities to consider indirect interests held through related parties under common control on a proportional basis rather
than as the equivalent of a direct interest in its entirety (as currently required in GAAP). This guidance is effective beginning after December 15, 2019,
including interim periods within that fiscal year. All entities are required to apply the amendments retrospectively with a cumulative-effect adjustment to
retained earnings at the beginning of the earliest period presented. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact and do not expect it
to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
C.
Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, etc.
Product Development
See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Research and Development.”
Intellectual Property
See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Intellectual Property.”
D.
Trend Information
Please refer to “—A. Results of Operations” for a discussion of the most recent trends in our services, sales and marketing by the end of 2019. In
addition, please refer to discussions included in such Item for a discussion of known trends, uncertainties, demands, commitments or events that we believe
are reasonably likely to have a material effect on our net sales and operating revenues, income from continuing operations, profitability, liquidity or capital
resources, or that would cause reported financial information to be not necessarily indicative of our future operating results or financial condition.
In 2020, COVID-19 has spread rapidly to many parts of China and other parts of the world. The pandemic has resulted in quarantines, travel
restrictions, and the temporary closure of stores and facilities in China and elsewhere. Substantially all of our revenue and workforce are concentrated in
China. Consequently, the COVID-19 outbreak has adversely affected and may continue to adversely affect our business operations and our financial
condition, operating results and cash flows for 2020, including but not limited to negative impact to our total revenues and slower collection of receivables
and potential additional allowance for doubtful
99
accounts or impairment to our long-term assets. Because of the significant uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak, the extent of the business
disruption and the related financial impact cannot be reasonably estimated at this time.
E.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have not entered into any financial guarantees or other commitments to guarantee the payment obligations of any third parties. In addition, we
have not entered into any derivative contracts that are indexed to our own 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. Moreover, we do not have any variable interest in any unconsolidated entity that provides
financing, liquidity, market risk or credit support to us or engages in leasing, hedging or research and development services with us.
F.
Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations
The following table sets forth our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2019.
Property management costs
Operating lease liabilities*
Bandwidth purchases
Cooperation with Phoenix TV Group
Content purchases
Property and equipment, and intangible assets
Others
Total
Total
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024 and Thereafter
Payments Due by Period
(RMB in thousands)
17,697
96,158
5,627
5,780
23,400
1,164
3,083
152,909
8,608
44,109
5,268
3,780
18,893
677
2,951
84,286
6,251
35,706
307
2,000
1,003
487
62
45,816
2,838
16,052
52
—
634
—
60
19,636
—
291
—
—
542
—
—
833
—
—
—
—
2,328
—
10
2,338
Note:
*
Operating lease liabilities represent our obligations for leasing office space, which include all future cash outflows under ASC Topic 842, Leases .
Please see “Operating leases and adoption of ASU 2016-02” under Note 2(x) to our audited consolidated financial statements included at the end of
this annual report.
As a result of our adoption of Accounting Standard Codification 740 Income Taxes, we recorded uncertain tax positions of RMB27.6 million
(US$4.0 million) as of December 31, 2019 and recognized it as long-term liabilities, as ASC 740 specifies that tax positions for which the timing of the
ultimate resolution is uncertain should be recognized as long-term liabilities. At this time, we are unable to make a reasonable estimate on the timing of
payments in individual years beyond 12 months due to uncertainties in the timing. As a result, this amount is not included in the table above.
G.
Safe Harbor
This annual report on Form 20-F contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of
historical facts are forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our
actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.
You can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “aim”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”,
“likely to”, “may”, “plan”, “will” or other similar expressions. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and
projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, operating results, business strategy and financial
needs. These forward-looking statements include:
•
•
•
•
•
our growth strategies, including without limitation strategies to grow particular products or services;
our future business development, operating results and financial condition;
expected changes in our revenues, including in components of our total revenues, and cost or expense items;
our ability to continue and manage the expansion of our operations; and
changes in general economic and business conditions in China.
100
The forward-looking statements made in this annual report on Form 20-F relate only to events or information as of the date on which the
statements are made in this annual report on Form 20-F. We undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether
as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated
events. You should read this annual report on Form 20-F and the documents that we reference in this annual report on Form 20-F and have filed as exhibits
hereto with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect. You should not rely upon forward-looking
statements as predictions of future events.
Other sections of this annual report on Form 20-F include additional factors that could adversely impact our business and financial performance.
Moreover, we operate in an evolving environment. New risk factors and uncertainties emerge from time to time and it is not possible for our management
to predict all risk factors and uncertainties, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of
factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.
ITEM 6.
DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
A.
Executive Officers and Directors
The following table sets forth information regarding our executive officers and directors as of the date of this annual report.
Directors and Executive Officers
Keung Chui
Shuang Liu
Daguang He
Ka Keung Yeung
Xiaoyan Chi
Carson Wen
Jerry Juying Zhang
Edward Lu
Chun Liu
Age
69
50
63
61
41
68
60
39
53
Position/Title
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Director, Chief Executive Officer
Director
Director
Director and Senior Vice President
Independent Director
Independent Director
Chief Financial Officer
Senior Vice President
Keung Chui has served as the chairman of our board of directors since the establishment of Phoenix New Media Limited in November 2007.
Mr. Chui has served as the deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of administration of Phoenix Satellite Television Company Limited since 1998. He
served as vice chairman of the board of directors of Hong Kong Letian Development Limited from 1993 to 1996. From 1980 to 1992, Mr. Chui worked at
China Central People’s Radio Station, where he served as a journalist, editor and senior editor. Mr. Chui has served as a director of Phoenix Satellite
Television Company Limited since 1996 and is a director of numerous subsidiaries of Phoenix TV.
Shuang Liu has served as our director and Chief Executive Officer since the establishment of Phoenix New Media Limited in November 2007.
Mr. Liu was also promoted to the position of Chief Operating Officer of Phoenix TV in February 2014. Mr. Liu has been employed by Phoenix TV from
2001 to the present, and where he has served in various managing positions, including chief director of business development and vice president in charge
of investment, finance, investor relationships, legal affairs, public affairs and development of the finance channel. Before joining Phoenix TV, Mr. Liu
worked at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP and Morrison & Foerster LLP from 1996 to 2001. Mr. Liu received a
J.D. degree from Duke University Law School, and a bachelor’s degree from University of International Business & Economic.
Daguang He is currently the Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer of Phoenix TV. He is also a member of the Board Risk
Management committee of Phoenix TV. Mr. He joined Phoenix TV in 2001, since then he served as the Group Chief Financial Officer (mainland China)
and vice president of Phoenix TV. He is currently responsible for Phoenix TV’s daily operations and management of the various business units under
Phoenix TV, formulating Phoenix TV’s innovative transformation strategy, and completing the tasks as assigned by Phoenix TV’s CEO. Mr. He graduated
from Shaanxi Institute of Finance and Economics in 1983. Since his graduation, Mr. He worked for China International Water & Electric Corporation as the
deputy chief accountant and managing director. During such period, Mr. He was mainly responsible for business and financial management in respect of
investment and development projects in collaboration with various international financial institutions.
Ka Keung Yeung has served as our director since May 2011. Mr. Yeung is the executive vice president, Chief Financial Officer, qualified
accountant and company secretary of Phoenix TV. Mr. Yeung joined Phoenix TV in March 1996 and has been in charge of all of such company’s internal
and external financial management and arrangements, as well as the supervision of administration and personnel matters since that time. Mr. Yeung
received a Bcom (Acc) degree from the University of Birmingham and remained in the United Kingdom until 1992 after obtaining his qualification as a
chartered accountant. Upon returning to Hong Kong, he worked at Hutchison Telecommunications and Star Television Limited in the fields of finance and
business development. Mr. Yeung currently serves as an independent director for The9 Limited (NASDAQ: NCTY).
101
Xiaoyan Chi has served as our Senior Vice President since January 2018 and has served as our director since November 2019. Ms. Chi joined our
company in 2009 as part of our team providing branded advertising and marketing solutions to advertisers. Prior to the promotion to the position of Senior
Vice President, Ms. Chi served as Vice President in advertising since 2016. Ms. Chi has more than 16 years of experience in media marketing and
management. She is the co-founder of China Internet Advertising Summit and Online Advertising Competition. She served as a final judgment committee
member of Effie Awards of Greater China, visiting professor of Communication University of China, vice president of Digital Marketing Committee of
China Advertising Association of Commerce and the special columnist of Digital Marketing Magazine. She has extensive experience in branded
communications and advertisement sales. Ms. Chi received an EMBA and a master’s degree from Peking University and a bachelor’s degree from Beijing
Technology and Business University.
Carson Wen has served as an independent director of our company since May 2011. Mr. Wen was formerly a Partner and then an Of Counsel at
Jones Day, and has more than 30 years of experience in business, corporate and securities law. Mr. Wen is currently a Senior Consultant of Siao, Wen and
Leung, Solicitors & Notaries and the Chairman of BOA Financial Group, Bank of Asia (BVI) Limited and the Sancus Group of Companies. Mr. Wen is a
Justice of the Peace of Hong Kong and was awarded the Bronze Bauhinia Star by the Hong Kong government for his contribution to economic ties between
Hong Kong, the PRC and the rest of the world. He is a guest professor of the Law School of Sun Yat-Sen University (Zhongshan University) in
Guangzhou, China, and sits on the board of numerous organizations, including the China Africa Business Council (Hong Kong), and the Pacific Basin
Economic Council. He is a member of the Executive Council of the United Nation Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP)
Sustainable Business Network and the former chairman of its Green Business Task Force. He was a deputy of the National People’s Congress of the PRC.
Mr. Wen holds a B.A. and M.A. degree in Law from Oxford University, where he was a Younger Prizeman in law at Balliol College, and a B.A. in
Economics from Columbia University. Mr. Wen currently serves as an independent non-executive director of Winox Holdings Limited (HKEx: 6838).
Jerry Juying Zhang has served as an independent director of our company since May 2011. Mr. Zhang has been a managing director of China
Orient Asset Management (International) in Hong Kong since March 2015. He was a senior managing director of CITIC Capital Holdings Limited between
June 2009 and December 2014. Prior to joining CITIC Capital Holdings Limited, Mr. Zhang was a managing director in the investment banking division of
Deutsche Bank in Hong Kong from August 2006 to June 2009. He served as a managing director and the head of investment banking of CITIC Capital
Markets Holdings Limited in Hong Kong from March 2003 to July 2006 and, prior to that time, as executive director in the communications, media and
entertainment group of the investment banking department of Goldman Sachs in Hong Kong from April 2001 to January 2003. Mr. Zhang held the
positions of associate, vice president and director at Salomon Smith Barney from August 1994 to March 2001. Prior to joining Salomon Smith Barney, he
served as accounting manager for Town & Country Homes in Chicago from January 1990 to December 1993 and as accountant, audit senior and supervisor
at Ernst & Young in Chicago and Hong Kong. Mr. Zhang held CPA qualifications in China and the State of Kentucky, both of which he has surrendered
voluntarily. He holds an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago, an M.A. in Accounting from the Ministry of Finance Graduate School in the PRC and a
B.A. degree from Inner Mongolia University.
Edward (Xiaojing) Lu joined ifeng in 2009. Prior to the promotion, he has served in various managerial positions, including executive assistant to
the Chief Executive Officer and Vice President in charge of strategic investment and human resources, assisting with the oversight and management of each
of our company’s business lines. He has accumulated extensive experience in capital raising and investment management, and participated in the planning
and execution of ifeng's first-round of capital raise as well as its initial public offering. Prior to joining our company, he was the director of business
development at Ogilvy from 2007 to 2009. Prior to that, he worked in strategic partnership department at Baidu from 2006 to 2007. Edward received an
MBA from INSEAD, and a bachelor's degree from Western University in Canada.
Chun Liu has served as our Senior Vice President since October 2018. Mr. Liu has participated in the production, distribution and monetization of
numerous television programs in the past, including one of the most influential live television interview programs, A Date with Luyu ((cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)), which has
won multiple awards in the industry since its initial launch. During his tenure at Phoenix Satellite Television Holdings Ltd. between 2000 and 2011,
Mr. Liu served as the Executive Director of Phoenix Chinese TV. Mr. Chun Liu holds a master’s degree from the Communication University of China.
B.
Compensation of Directors, Supervisors and Executive Directors
For the year ended December 31, 2019, we paid an aggregate of approximately US$2.74 million in cash to our executive officers and directors.
Share Incentive Plans
In June 2008, we adopted the 2008 share option plan, in March 2011, we adopted the 2011 restricted share and restricted share unit plan, and in
June 2018, we adopted the 2018 share option scheme, together, the share incentive plans, to attract and retain the best available personnel, provide
additional incentives to our employees, directors and consultants, and promote the success of our business. The share incentive plans provide for the grant
of options, restricted shares and restricted share units, collectively referred to as “awards.” We have already granted the full number of awards that were
authorized under the 2011 restricted share and restricted
102
share unit plan. In June and August 2012, June 2014 and October 2016, the shareholders of each of Phoenix TV and our company approved three
refreshments of the total number of Class A ordinary shares, which may be issued upon exercise of all options to be granted under the 2008 share option
plan (excluding awards previously granted, outstanding, cancelled, lapsed or exercised). As of March 31, 2020, no shares are available for grant of
additional options under the 2008 share option plan, and a total of 12,299,508 Class A ordinary shares are available for grant of additional options under the
2018 share option scheme.
Plan Administration . Our compensation committee administers the share incentive plans and determines the participants to receive awards, the
type and number of awards to be granted, the terms and conditions of each award grant.
Award Agreements . Awards granted under the share incentive plans are evidenced by an award agreement that sets forth the terms, conditions
and limitations for each award, which may include the term of the award, the provisions applicable in the event of the grantee’s employment or service
terminates, and our authority to unilaterally or bilaterally amend, modify, suspend, cancel or rescind the award.
Option Exercise . The term of awards granted under the share incentive plans may not exceed ten years from the date of grant.
Restricted Shares and Restricted Share Units . Restricted ordinary shares granted under the 2011 restricted share and restricted share unit plan
and Fread 2018 RSU scheme are subject to applicable vesting, transfer, forfeiture and other restrictions as set forth in the plan and, as applicable, in the
award agreements. Each restricted share unit is an unsecured promise of our company to issue and delivery one ordinary share, or Fread Limited to issue
and delivery one or more of its ordinary shares, on a specified date, which unit is subject to applicable vesting, transfer, forfeiture and other restrictions as
set forth in the plan and, as applicable, in the award agreements.
Transfer Restrictions . The right of a grantee in an award granted under the share incentive plans and Fread 2018 RSU scheme may not be
transferred in any manner by the grantee other than by will or the laws of succession and, with limited exceptions, may be exercised during the lifetime of
the grantee only by the grantee.
Acceleration upon a Takeover Offer . If a takeover offer for our company, or Fread Limited as applicable, becomes unconditional or is approved
by the necessary number of shareholders, as the case may be, the vesting of the awards shall be accelerated.
Termination and Amendment . The board of directors of our company and Fread Limited have the authority to amend or terminate the share
incentive plans and the Fread 2018 RSU scheme, respectively, subject to shareholder approval to the extent necessary to comply with applicable law. In
addition, shareholders of our company and Fread Limited may, by ordinary resolution, terminate the share incentive plans and Fread 2018 RSU scheme,
respectively, at any time.
Lapse of Awards . An award will lapse if the optionee ceases to be eligible by reasons of, among other things, (i) illness, injury, disability or
death; (ii) retirement; (iii) voluntary resignation; (iv) termination of employment for serious misconduct; and (v) breach of contract.
We granted awards to our employees, directors and consultants under the share incentive plans in November 2008, July 2009, September 2009,
January 2010, July 2010, March 2011, March 2013, May 2013, October 2013, December 2013, March 2014, June 2014, July 2014, October 2014,
July 2015, October 2016, September 2017, November 2017, January 2018, April 2018, July 2018 and July 2019. As of December 31, 2019, Fread Limited
granted 920,000 restricted share units to its employees and director under the Fread 2018 RSU scheme.
With the approvals of the board of directors and shareholders of us and Phoenix TV, we implemented an option exchange program from
October 21, 2016 to November 1, 2016 whereby our directors, employees and consultants exchanged options to purchase 21,011,951 Class A ordinary
shares granted under the 2008 share option plan with various exercise prices greater than US$0.4823 per share (or US$3.8587 per ADS) for new options
granted under the same plan with a new exercise price of US$0.4823 per share and a new vesting schedule that generally adds 12 months to each original
vesting date, and the new options would vest no sooner than May 1, 2017.
As of March 31, 2020, options to purchase 41,819,000 Class A ordinary shares granted under the 2008 share option plan and the 2018 share
option scheme were outstanding. The table below sets forth the awards that we granted to our directors and executive officers (including pursuant to the
exchange program described above) and were outstanding as of March 31, 2020:
Name
Class A
Ordinary Shares
Underlying
Outstanding
Awards
Exercise
Price or
Purchase Price
(US$/Share)
103
Date of
Grant
Date of
Expiration
Shuang Liu
9,070,000
Edward Lu
Xiaoyan Chi
Chun Liu
Total
*
*
[
*
15,700,000
US$0.4657,
US$0.4823
US$0.4836
US$0.4836
US$0.4459,
US$0.4823,
US$0.4734,
US$0.4149
US$0.4836
US$0.4836
May 23, 2013,
October 21, 2016
July 5, 2019
July 5, 2019
March 15, 2013,
October 21, 2016,
October 17, 2016,
September 14, 2017
July 5, 2019
July 5, 2019
May 22, 2023,
July 10, 2024,
July 15, 2025
July 4, 2029
July 4, 2029
March 14, 2023,
July 10, 2024,
July 15, 2025,
October 16, 2026,
September 13, 2027
July 4, 2029
July 4, 2029
*
Less than 1% of our total outstanding Class A ordinary shares.
As of March 31, 2020, other employees and consultants in aggregate held awards entitling them to receive 26,119,000 Class A ordinary shares,
with exercise prices ranging from US$0 to US$0.7867 per Class A ordinary share.
C.
Board Practices
Board of Directors
Our board of directors currently consists of seven directors. Our directors are elected by the holders of our ordinary shares, which will include
holders of our Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares.
A director is not required to hold any shares in our company by way of qualification. Subject to any separate requirement for audit committee
approval and unless disqualified by the chairman of the meeting, a director may vote with respect to any contract, proposed contract or arrangement in
which he or she is materially interested provided they have disclosed such interest to the board. The board may exercise all the powers of our company to
borrow money, mortgage its undertaking, property and uncalled capital, and issue debentures or other securities whenever money is borrowed or as security
for any obligation of our company or of any third party.
Committees of the Board of Directors
We have established three committees under the board of directors: the audit committee, the compensation committee and the corporate
governance and nominating committee. We have adopted a charter for each of the three committees. Each committee’s members and functions are
described below.
Audit Committee . Our audit committee consists of Jerry Juying Zhang and Carson Wen. Our board of directors has determined that each of Jerry
Juying Zhang and Carson Wen satisfies the “independence” requirements of Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and
Section 303A of the New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual, or the NYSE Manual. Jerry Juying Zhang is the chairman of our audit committee
and meets the criteria of an audit committee financial expert as set forth under the applicable rules of the SEC. Our audit committee oversees our
accounting and financial reporting processes and the audits of the financial statements of our company. The audit committee is responsible for, among other
things:
•
•
•
•
•
•
selecting the independent auditors and pre-approving all auditing and non-auditing services permitted to be performed by the independent
auditors;
reviewing with the independent auditors any audit problems or difficulties and management’s response;
reviewing and approving all proposed related party transactions, as defined in Item 404 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act;
discussing the annual audited financial statements with management and the independent auditors;
reviewing major issues as to the adequacy of our internal controls and any special audit steps adopted in light of material control deficiencies;
annually reviewing and reassessing the adequacy of our audit committee charter;
meeting separately and periodically with management and the independent auditors; and
104
•
reporting regularly to our board of directors.
Compensation Committee . Our compensation committee consists of Shuang Liu, Daguang He, Jerry Juying Zhang and Carson Wen. Our board
of directors has determined that each of Jerry Juying Zhang and Carson Wen satisfies the “independence” requirements of Section 303A of the NYSE
Manual. Shuang Liu is the chairman of our compensation committee. Our compensation committee assists the board in reviewing and approving the
compensation structure, including all forms of compensation, relating to our directors and executive officers. Our Chief Executive Officer may not be
present at any committee meeting during which his compensation is deliberated. The compensation committee is responsible for, among other things:
•
•
•
•
reviewing and recommending to the board with respect to the total compensation package for our four most senior executives;
approving and overseeing the total compensation package for our executives other than the four most senior executives;
reviewing and recommending to the board with respect to the compensation of our directors; and
reviewing periodically and approving any long-term incentive compensation or equity plans, programs or similar arrangements, annual
bonuses, employee pension and welfare benefit plans.
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee . Our corporate and nominating committee consists of Keung Chui, Shuang Liu and Carson
Wen. Our board of directors has determined that Carson Wen satisfies the “independence” requirements of Section 303A of the NYSE Manual. Keung Chui
is the chairman of our corporate governance and nominating committee. Our corporate governance and nominating committee assists the board of directors
in selecting individuals qualified to become our directors and in determining the composition of the board and its committees. The corporate governance
and nominating committee is responsible for, among other things:
•
•
•
•
•
selecting and recommending to the board nominees for election or re-election to the board, or for appointment to fill any vacancy;
reviewing annually with the board the current composition of the board with regards to characteristics such as independence, age, skills,
experience and availability of service to us;
selecting and recommending to the board the names of directors to serve as members of the audit committee and the compensation
committee, as well as the corporate governance and nominating committee itself;
advising the board periodically with regards to significant developments in the law and practice of corporate governance as well as our
compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and making recommendations to the board on all matters of corporate governance and on
any remedial action to be taken; and
monitoring compliance with our code of business conduct and ethics, including reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of our procedures
to ensure proper compliance.
Duties of Directors
Under Cayman Islands law, our directors have a fiduciary duty to act honestly, in good faith and with a view to our best interests. Our directors
also have a duty to exercise the skills they actually possess and such care and diligence that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in comparable
circumstances. In fulfilling their duty of care to us, our directors must ensure compliance with our memorandum and articles of association, as amended
and restated from time to time. Subject to laws, a shareholder has the right to seek damages if a duty owed by our directors is breached.
The functions and powers of our board of directors include, among others:
convening shareholders’ annual general meetings and reporting its work to shareholders at such meetings;
issuing authorized but unissued shares and redeem or purchase outstanding shares of our company;
declaring dividends and other distributions;
appointing officers and determining the term of office of officers;
exercising the borrowing powers of our company and mortgaging the property of our company; and
•
•
•
•
•
105
•
approving the transfer of shares of our company, including the registering of such shares in our share register.
Terms of Directors and Officers
Our officers are elected by and serve at the discretion of the board of directors. Our directors are not subject to a term of office and hold office in
accordance with the articles of association, which provide that at each annual general meeting, one-third of the directors for the time being (or, if their
number is not a multiple of three, the number nearest to but not greater than one-third) shall retire from office by rotation provided that the chairman of the
board and/or the managing director of our company shall not, whilst holding such office, be subject to retirement by rotation or be taken into account in
determining the number of directors to retire in each year. A retiring director shall be eligible for re-election. A director will be removed from office
automatically if, among other things, the director (i) becomes bankrupt or makes any arrangement or composition with his creditors; or (ii) dies or is found
by our company to be or becomes of unsound mind. No benefits are payable to members of the board upon termination of their relationship with us.
D.
Employees
See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Employees.”
E.
Share Ownership
The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership, within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act, of
our ordinary shares, as of March 31, 2020:
•
•
each of our directors and executive officers; and
each person known to us to own beneficially more than 5% of each class of our ordinary shares.
The calculations in the tables below assume there are 264,998,965 Class A ordinary shares and 317,325,360 Class B ordinary shares, outstanding
as of March 31, 2020. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Exchange Act. In
computing the number of shares beneficially owned by a person and the percentage ownership of that person, we have included shares that the person has
the right to acquire within 60 days of this annual report on Form 20-F, including through the exercise of any option, the vesting of any contingently issuable
share, restricted share, restricted share unit or the conversion of any other security. These shares, however, are not included in the computation of the
percentage ownership of any other person.
Class A ordinary shares
Keung Chui
Shuang Liu (2)
Daguang He
Ka Keung Yeung
Carson Wen
Jerry Juying Zhang
Edward Lu (3)
Xiaoyan Chi (4)
Chun Liu
All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (5)
Principal Shareholders:
International Value Advisers, LLC (6)
FIL Limited (7)
Class A Ordinary Shares
Beneficially Owned
Number
% (1)
]
—
16,862,000
—
*
—
—
*
*
—
17,985,758
39,947,632
13,904,728
—
6.36
—
*
—
—
*
*
—
6.79
]]
15.07
5.247
*
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
Less than 1% of our total outstanding Class A ordinary shares.
Percentages disclosed are with respect to Class A ordinary shares.
Represents 16,862,000 Class A ordinary shares, including 8,170,000 Class A ordinary shares in the form of ADSs.
Represents Class A ordinary shares.
Represents options to purchase Class A ordinary shares.
Represents 17,985,758 Class A ordinary shares, including 8,250,008 Class A ordinary shares in the form of ADSs.
106
(6)
(7)
Information is as of December 31, 2019, based on the Amendment No.5 to Schedule 13G filed on October 9, 2019 by International Value Advisers,
LLC, and consists of 39,947,632 Class A ordinary shares in the form of 4,993,454 ADSs. The principal business office of International Value
Advisers, LLC is 717 Fifth Avenue, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10022.
Information is as of December 31, 2019, based on the Amendment No. 1 to Schedule 13G filed on February 7, 2020 by FIL Limited, and consists of
13,904,728 Class A ordinary shares in the form of 1,738,091 ADSs. The principal business office of FIL Limited is Pembroke Hall, 42 Crow Lane,
Hamilton, Bermuda.
Class B ordinary shares
Phoenix Satellite Television (B.V.I.) Holding Limited (2)
Class B Ordinary Shares
Beneficially Owned
Number
% (1)
317,325,360
100.0
(1)
(2)
Percentages disclosed are with respect to Class B ordinary shares.
Information based on the Schedule 13G filed on February 14, 2012 on behalf of Phoenix Satellite Television Holdings Limited and Phoenix Satellite
Television (B.V.I.) Holding Limited. Represents 317,325,360 Class B ordinary shares. Phoenix Satellite Television (B.V.I.) Holding Limited is
controlled by Phoenix Satellite Television Holdings Limited, a public company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The registered office for
Phoenix Satellite Television Holdings Limited is Cricket Square, Hutchins Drive, P.O. Box 2681, Grand Cayman KY1-1111, Cayman Islands.
As of March 31, 2020, 261,538,912 Class A ordinary shares or 98.7% of our outstanding Class A ordinary shares in the form of ADSs are held by
one record holder in the United States, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Because many of these shares are held by brokers or other nominees, we cannot
ascertain the exact number of beneficial shareholders with addresses in the United States.
Holders of Class A ordinary shares are entitled to one vote per share, while the holder of Class B ordinary shares are entitled to 1.3 votes per
share. Our major shareholders have the same voting rights as our other shareholders. We are not aware of any arrangement that may, at a subsequent date,
result in a change of control of our company.
ITEM 7
MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
A. Major Shareholders
See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—E. Share Ownership”
B.
Related Party Transactions
Our subsidiaries, consolidated affiliated entities, and the subsidiaries of the consolidated affiliated entities have engaged, during the ordinary
course of business, in a number of customary transactions with each other. All of these inter-company balances have been eliminated in consolidation. We
also engage in transactions with related parties, including Phoenix TV, China Mobile, and certain investees. In accordance with our audit committee charter,
all of our related party transactions described in this annual report have been reviewed and approved by our audit committee.
Phoenix TV, through its wholly owned subsidiary, is our controlling shareholder, with beneficial ownership and voting power of 54.5% and
60.9%, respectively, of our outstanding ordinary shares as of March 31, 2020. Phoenix TV has the power acting alone to approve any action requiring a
vote of the majority of our ordinary shares.
Transactions Related to Our Corporate Structure
To comply with the applicable PRC laws, rules and regulations, we conduct our operations in China through contractual arrangements between
our wholly owned PRC subsidiaries, Fenghuang On-line, Qieyiyou and our affiliated consolidated entities. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—C.
Organizational Structure—Contractual Arrangements with Our Affiliated Consolidated Entities.”
Agreements and Transactions with Phoenix TV and Certain of its Subsidiaries
Phoenix TV Cooperation Agreement and Phoenix TV Content License Agreements
Fenghuang On-line entered into a Content, Branding, Promotion and Technology Cooperation Agreement, or the Phoenix TV Cooperation
Agreement, with Phoenix TV on November 24, 2009, certain terms of which were amended pursuant to a supplemental agreement entered into by the
parties on March 28, 2011. Pursuant to the Phoenix TV Cooperation Agreement, Phoenix TV agreed to procure and procured its subsidiaries, Phoenix
Satellite Television Company Limited and Phoenix Satellite Television Trademark
107
Limited, respectively, to enter into content license agreements, or the Content License Agreements, and trademark license agreements, or the Old
Trademark License Agreements, with Tianying Jiuzhou and Yifeng Lianhe. Fenghuang On-line agreed to provide Phoenix TV with our proprietary text,
image, sound and video content. In addition, Fenghuang On-line and Phoenix TV agreed to promote one another’s brand and content on their respective
new media and TV platforms. As compensation for the rights granted to Fenghuang On-line under the agreement, Fenghuang On-line is obligated to pay
Phoenix TV an annual service fee in the amount of RMB1.6 million for the first year of the agreement, which incrementally increases by 25% for each
subsequent year of the agreement. The annual service payment to Phoenix TV under the Phoenix TV Cooperation Agreement for 2016 before expiration of
the agreement was RMB2.5 million. Fenghuang On-line must also pay to Phoenix TV 50% of the after-tax revenues Tianying Jiuzhou earns from
sublicensing Phoenix TV’s video content to third parties. In the event that Phoenix TV’s indirect voting interest in Fenghuang On-line falls to 50% or
below, Phoenix TV has the right to amend the annual service fee, provided that it may not be raised to more than 500% of the original annual service fee. If
Phoenix TV’s beneficial ownership stake in us decreases to 35% or below, Phoenix TV has the right to immediately terminate or renegotiate the Phoenix
TV Cooperation Agreement.
Pursuant to the Phoenix TV Cooperation Agreement, Tianying Jiuzhou and Yifeng Lianhe each entered into a Content License Agreement with
Phoenix Satellite Television Company Limited on November 24, 2009. Pursuant to the Content License Agreements, Phoenix TV granted each of Tianying
Jiuzhou and Yifeng Lianhe an exclusive license to use its copyrighted text, images, sound and videos on its Internet and mobile channels, as applicable, in
China. Payments for the content license are made in accordance with the payment provisions set forth in the Phoenix TV Cooperation Agreement. The
Content License Agreements can be terminated earlier (i) by the non-breaching party in the event of a breach and if the breach is not cured within ten
business days after receipt of notice of breach from the non-breaching party, (ii) in the event of bankruptcy or the cessation of business operations of either
party, or a change in the shareholder or equity structure of the relevant affiliated consolidated entity, other than in connection with the contractual
arrangements, (iii) if either party’s performance of its obligations is held unlawful under PRC law; or (iv) if an event occurs that adversely affects the
performance of either party of its respective obligations and upon written notice by the unaffected party.
All of the above agreements expired on May 27, 2016 and were replaced by the Program License Agreements described below.
Program License Agreements
As the Phoenix TV Cooperation Agreement and Phoenix TV Content License Agreements expired in May 2016, Phoenix Satellite Television
Company Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Phoenix TV, and each of Tianying Jiuzhou, Yifeng Lianhe, and Fengyu Network entered into a Program
Resource License Agreements and a Program Text/Graphics Resource License Agreements, or the Program License Agreements, in May 2016. Under these
agreements, Phoenix TV Group agreed to grant Tianying Jiuzhou, Yifeng Lianhe and Fengyu Network the license with priority over any third party to
broadcast Phoenix TV Group’s copyrighted video content from three television channels of Phoenix TV Group on ifeng.com (our main Internet channel),
i.ifeng.com (a mobile Internet channel of ours), and ifeng News, ifeng Video and ifeng VIP (three mobile applications of ours) in China concurrently with
such content broadcasted on the three television channels of Phoenix TV Group, pursuant to the Program License Agreements; and Phoenix TV Group
agreed to grant Tianying Jiuzhou, Yifeng Lianhe and Fengyu Network a non-exclusive license to use Phoenix TV Group’s copyrighted text and graphics on
the same Internet and mobile channels for which Phoenix TV Group’s copyrighted video content license, above, was granted. The fees payable to Phoenix
TV Group by us for all content licenses described above will be RMB10.0 million for the first year of the agreements, which will incrementally increase by
15% for each subsequent year of the agreement. Unlike the previous agreements, the Program License Agreements do not grant us the right to sublicense
Phoenix TV Group’s copyrighted content to third parties.
Each of the Program License Agreements has an initial term of three years and expired on May 26, 2019 and may be renewed on an annual basis
thereafter upon agreement of both parties. Each of the parties to the Program License Agreements has the right to terminate the Program License
Agreements before their expiration date by 6-month prior written notice to the other party. In addition, each of the Program License Agreements can be
terminated earlier (i) by the non-breaching party in the event of a breach and if the breach is not cured within ten business days after receipt of notice of
breach from the non-breaching party; (ii) in the event of bankruptcy or the cessation of business operations of either party, or a change in the shareholder or
equity structure of Tianying Jiuzhou, Yifeng Lianhe or Fengyu Network, other than in connection with the contractual arrangements; (iii) by Phoenix
Satellite Television Company Limited in the event that our shareholders or ownership structure change so that the shares held by Phoenix TV Group
account for 50% or less of our actual total issued shares, or in the event that we lose control of Tianying Jiuzhou, Yifeng Lianhe or Fengyu Network; or if
Tianying Jiuzhou, Yifeng Lianhe or Fengyu Network, as applicable, ceases business operation; (iv) if either party’s performance of its obligations is held
unlawful under PRC law; or (v) if an event occurs that adversely affects the performance by either party of its obligations and upon written notice by the
unaffected party.
After the expiration of the Program License Agreements in May 2019, Tianying Jiuzhou and Yifeng Lianhe each entered into a supplemental
agreement with Phoenix Satellite Television Company Limited to extend the term of the original Program License Agreements to January 14, 2020.
Subsequently, Tianying Jiuzhou and Yifeng Lianhe entered into a program resource license and
108
cooperation agreement with Phoenix Satellite Television Company Limited on January 15, 2020, or the 2020 Program Resource License and Cooperation
Agreement , to continue to use Phoenix TV Group’s copyrighted video content . The annual license fees payable to Phoenix Satellite Television Company
Limited under the 2020 Program Resource License and Cooperation Agreement are RMB2 million plus 50% of the revenue generated from the use of the
licensed program resource in excess of RMB2 million. The 2020 Program Resource License and Cooperation Agreement have a term of two years and may
be extended prior to expiration.
Phoenix TV Trademark License Agreements
Pursuant to the Phoenix TV Cooperation Agreement, Tianying Jiuzhou and Yifeng Lianhe each entered into the Old Trademark License
Agreement with Phoenix Satellite Television Trademark Limited on November 24, 2009. Pursuant to the Old Trademark License Agreements, Phoenix
Satellite Television Trademark Limited granted Tianying Jiuzhou and Yifeng Lianhe non-exclusive rights to use certain of its logos for the purpose of
conducting Tianying Jiuzhou’s and Yifeng Lianhe’s respective businesses. Tianying Jiuzhou may sub-license such trademarks to China Mobile, pursuant to
the China Mobile Cooperation Agreement, as described below. Tianying Jiuzhou is obligated to pay Phoenix Satellite Television Trademark Limited an
annual license fee of US$7,000, while Yifeng Lianhe is obligated to pay Phoenix Satellite Television Trademark Limited an annual license fee of
US$3,000, under the respective Old Trademark License Agreement. Phoenix Satellite Television Trademark Limited may in its discretion waive such
license fees.
On December 8, 2017, Tianying Jiuzhou and Yifeng Lianhe each entered into a new trademark license agreement, or the New Trademark License
Agreements, with Phoenix Satellite Television Trademark Limited to replace the Old Trademark License Agreements. Under the New Trademark License
Agreements, Phoenix Satellite Television Holdings Limited agreed to continue to license to Tianying Jiuzhou and Yifeng Lianhe certain trademarks
containing the double-phoenix logo and the Chinese or English words of “Phoenix New Media” or “ifeng” for an initial term of three years, while Tianying
Jiuzhou and Yifeng Lianhe are not allowed to use the double-phoenix logo on a stand-alone basis. Tianying Jiuzhou and Yifeng Lianhe are also granted a
one-year license to continue to use the current marks of our two mobile applications which contain the Chinese words of “Phoenix News” and “Phoenix
Video” which will be automatically renewed upon its expiration unless Phoenix TV raises any objection. The annual license fee payable to Phoenix
Satellite Television Holdings Limited by each of Tianying Jiuzhou and Yifeng Lianhe will be the greater of 2% of the annual revenues of Tianying Jiuzhou
or Yifeng Lianhe (as the case may be) or US$100,000 for each company, while the annual fee under the Old Trademark License Agreements was
US$10,000 in aggregate.
Transactions with Phoenix TV and Certain of its Subsidiaries
Costs for content provided to us by Phoenix TV Group were RMB12.1 million, RMB12.4 million and RMB11.3 million (US$1.6 million) in
2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively. We were charged by Phoenix TV Group for advertising and promotion expenses of RMB0.02 million, RMB4.3 million
and RMB4.2 million (US$0.6 million) in 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively. We were charged corporate administrative expenses by Phoenix TV Group in
the total amounts of RMB2.7 million, RMB2.2 million and RMB2.1 million (US$0.3 million) in 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively. We were also charged
Trademark license fee by Phoenix TV Group with the total amounts of RMB3.6 million, RMB5.8 million and RMB5.0 million (US$0.7 million) in 2017,
2018 and 2019, respectively.
We provide joint advertising services to Phoenix TV Group’s advertisers from which we earned revenues of RMB9.5 million, RMB14.4 million
and RMB15.7 million (US$2.3 million) in 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively.
As of December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019, we had amounts due from Phoenix TV Group with the amounts of RMB10.5 million, RMB10.5
million and RMB10.2 million (US$1.5 million), respectively, and accounts due to Phoenix TV Group with the amounts of RMB8.6 million, RMB14.4
million and RMB24.6 million (US$3.5 million), respectively.
Cooperation Agreement with China Mobile Communication Corporation
China Mobile Communication Corporation, or China Mobile, is a shareholder of our parent company, Phoenix TV. As of March 31, 2020, China
Mobile held 19.7% of the outstanding shares of Phoenix TV.
We obtained revenues for our paid services through China Mobile of RMB138.7 million, RMB86.4 million and RMB71.2 million (US$10.2
million) in 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively. We earned revenues from China Mobile for advertising services RMB33.5 million, RMB27.5 million and
RMB23.3 million (US$3.3 million) in 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively. We incurred revenue sharing and bandwidth costs in connection with MVAS
provided through China Mobile’s platforms in the amounts of RMB43.6 million, RMB15.9 million and RMB14.2 million (US$2.0 million) in 2017, 2018
and 2019, respectively.
As of December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019, we had amounts due from China Mobile with the amounts of RMB63.2 million, RMB59.9 million and
RMB46.1 million (US$6.6 million), respectively, and accounts due to China Mobile with the amounts of RMB4.0 million, RMB0.6 million RMB3.7
million (US$0.5 million), respectively.
109
Cooperation Agreement and License Agreement with Lilita
In September 2014, Tianying Jiuzhou entered into a brand authorization cooperation agreement, or the Lilita Cooperation Agreement, with
Beijing Phoenix Lilita Information Technology Co., Ltd., or Lilita, pursuant to which, Tianying Jiuzhou granted Lilita an exclusive right to use its brand
resources, including operating on the platforms of jr.ifeng.com, for the purpose of conducting P2P lending and reward-based crowd-funding businesses.
Lilita is obligated to pay Tianying Jiuzhou an annual license fee of RMB3.0 million for using its brand resources under the Lilita Cooperation Agreement.
In December 2015, Tianying Jiuzhou and Lilita further entered into an advertisement cooperation framework agreement, or the Lilita Framework
Agreement, pursuant to which Lilita agreed to place, and Tianying Jiuzhou agreed to launch, Internet advertisements provided by Lilita from time to time
on the PC websites, mobile applications and mobile websites operated by Tianying Jiuzhou. Tianying Jiuzhou entered into a supplemental agreement with
Lilita in May 2016 in order to increase the annual revenue caps set forth in the Lilita Framework Agreement to RMB49.0 million and RMB80.0 million for
the calendar years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively.
We earned revenues from Lilita for of RMB10.2 million, RMB21,000 and RMB305,000 in 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively.
Convertible Loans and Loans Provided to Particle
In August 2016, we granted an unsecured short-term loan to Particle with a principal amount of US$14.8 million at an interest rate of 4.35% per
annum , whose term had been extended several times to twenty-four months after several extensions. Particle agreed to grant us the right to convert, at our
option, all or a portion of the principal amount of the loan granted to Particle in August 2016 (plus interests incurred as of the conversion) into Series D1
convertible redeemable preferred shares to be issued by Particle at a conversion price of US$1.071803 per share before August 9, 2018. Our rights under
the aforementioned convertible loan granted in August 2016 were assigned to Long De, and Long De’s designated affiliate paid us approximately US$17.0
million for the assignment in August 2018. In November 2016, we granted an unsecured short-term loan to Particle with a principal amount of
approximately US$6.8 million at an interest rate of 9% per annum, whose term had been extended to twelve months and repaid in November 2017. In
January 2017, we granted an unsecured short-term loan to Particle with a principal amount of RMB74.0 million at an interest rate of 9% per annum, whose
term had been extended to eighteen months. Particle is required to use the proceeds of the loans for its working capital requirements in the ordinary course
of its business. Particle repaid this loan in full to us in July 2018.
Loans and Advances Provided to Phoenix FM
We have provided financial support to Phoenix FM in the form of unsecured short-term loans and financial advanced expenses. Phoenix FM was
our subsidiary in 2013 and became our affiliate in 2014. As of the date of this annual report, the outstanding amount of our loans to Phoenix FM is RMB8.0
million, which had been fully impaired.
Our loans to Phoenix FM are unsecured and do not have any priority over Phoenix FM’s other debts. Therefore, if Phoenix FM becomes unable
to repay all of its debts, we will be competing with Phoenix FM’s other unsecured creditors for its remaining assets.
Advertisement Agreement with Tianbo
In 2013, Tianying Jiuzhou and Tianbo entered into an Agreement on Operation and Advertisement Agency for Real Estate Channel and an
Advertisement Source Purchase Agreement, or the Previous Tianbo Agreements, pursuant to which, Tianying Jiuzhou granted Tianbo the exclusive right to
operate our real estate channel (house.ifeng.com) and act as the exclusive agent for placement of real estate advertisements on ifeng.com ((cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)). The
Previous Tianbo Agreements expired on March 31, 2018 and in April 2018 we entered into a series of new agreements with Tianbo, or the New Tianbo
Agreements, to continue the business cooperation with Tianbo. Different from the Previous Tianbo Agreements, the New Tianbo Agreements granted
Tianbo a non-exclusive right to operate our real estate channel and act as the non-exclusive agent for placement of real estate advertisements on Internet. In
May 2018, we granted an unsecured short-term loan to Tianbo with a principal amount of approximately RMB10.0 million at an interest rate of 10% per
annum and with an initial term of twelve months. On April 1, 2019, we obtained control over Tianbo and consolidated Tianbo starting from April 1, 2019
as we and other shareholders of Tianbo agreed to make certain revisions to the articles of association of Tianbo, which granted us the voting power to
decide Tianbo’s significant financial and operating decisions at both the shareholder level and the board level, to accelerate the development of its real
estate vertical and to further bolster the development of our real estate vertical and to create more synergies on Tianbo’s new business, with the equity
interest in Tianbo of 50% unchanged. At the same time, we agreed with other shareholders of Tianbo and would provide free advertising resources to
Tianbo as consideration to gain control over Tianbo.
Other Transactions with Certain Directors and Affiliates
110
See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—B. Compensation of Directors, Supervisors and Executive Directors.”
Share Incentive Plans
See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—B. Compensation of Directors, Supervisors and Executive Directors—Share
Incentive Plans.”
C.
Interests of Experts and Counsel
Not applicable.
ITEM 8.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
A.
Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information
Please refer to Item 18 for a list of our annual consolidated financial statements filed as part of this annual report on Form 20-F.
Legal Proceedings
See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Legal and Administrative Proceedings.”
Dividend Policy and Distributions
Our board of directors has complete discretion as to whether to distribute dividends. Even if our board of directors decides to pay dividends, the
form, frequency and amount will depend upon our future operations and earnings, capital requirements and surplus, general financial condition, contractual
restrictions and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant.
We had never paid cash dividends until 2019. On November 14, 2019, our board of directors declared a special cash dividend of US$0.1714 per
ordinary share, equivalent to US$1.3712 per ADS, totaling approximately US$100 million. The special dividend was payable December 13, 2019 to
holders of record of our ordinary shares at the close of business on November 29, 2019.
We are a holding company incorporated in the Cayman Islands. We may rely on dividends from our subsidiaries in China, which in turn relies on
the payments received from our affiliated consolidated entities in China pursuant to the contractual arrangements that established our corporate structure.
Current PRC laws, rules and regulations permit our PRC subsidiaries to pay dividends to us only out of its accumulated profits, if any, determined in
accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. In addition, our subsidiaries in China are required to set aside a certain amount of their
accumulated after-tax profits each year to fund statutory reserves. These reserves may not be distributed as cash dividends. Further, if our subsidiaries in
China incur debt on its own behalf, the instruments governing the debt may restrict its ability to pay dividends or make other payments to us.
If we pay any dividends, we will pay our ADS holders to the same extent as holders of our Class A ordinary shares, subject to the terms of the
deposit agreement, including the fees and expenses payable thereunder. Cash dividends on our ordinary shares, if any, will be paid in U.S. dollars.
B.
Significant Changes
We have not experienced any significant changes since the date of our audited consolidated financial statements included in this annual report.
ITEM 9.
THE OFFER AND LISTING
A.
Offer and listing details
Our ADSs, each representing eight of Class A ordinary shares, have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange since May 12, 2011 under the
symbol “FENG.”
B.
Plan of Distribution
Not applicable.
111
C. Markets
Our ADSs, each representing eight of our ordinary shares, have been trading on the New York Stock Exchange since May 12, 2011 under the
symbol “FENG.”
D.
Selling Shareholders
Not applicable.
E.
Dilution
Not applicable.
F.
Expenses of the Issue
Not applicable.
ITEM 10.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A.
Share Capital
Not applicable.
B. Memorandum and Articles of Association
We incorporate by reference into this annual report the description of our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association
contained in our Form F-1 registration statement (File No. 333-173666), as amended, initially filed with the Commission on April 21, 2011. Our
shareholders adopted our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association on April 21, 2011.
C. Material Contracts
In the past three fiscal years, we have not entered into any material contracts other than in the ordinary course of business or other than those
described elsewhere in this annual report.
D.
Exchange Controls
See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulatory Matters—Regulation of Foreign Exchange Control and
Administration.”
E.
Taxation
Cayman Islands Taxation
Pursuant to section 6 of the Tax Concessions Law (1999 Revision) of the Cayman Islands, our company has obtained an undertaking from the
Governor-in-Cabinet (1) that no law which is enacted in the Cayman Islands imposing any tax to be levied on profits, income, gains or appreciation shall
apply to our company or its operations; and (2) that the aforesaid tax or any tax in the nature of estate duty or inheritance tax shall not be payable on or in
respect of the shares, debentures or other obligations of our company. The undertaking for our company is for a period of twenty years from December 4,
2007.
The Cayman Islands currently levy no taxes on individuals or corporations based upon profits, income, gains or appreciations and there is no
taxation in the nature of inheritance tax or estate duty. There are no other taxes likely to be material to our company levied by the Government of the
Cayman Islands save for certain stamp duties which may be applicable, from time to time, on certain instruments executed in or brought within the
jurisdiction of the Cayman Islands. The Cayman Islands are a party to a double tax treaty entered into with the United Kingdom in 2010 but otherwise is
not party to any double tax treaties.
No stamp duty is payable in the Cayman Islands on transfers of shares of Cayman Islands companies except those which hold interests in land in
the Cayman Islands.
An exempted company shall make available at its registered office, in electronic form or any other medium, such register of members, including
any branch register of members, as may be required of it upon service of an order or notice by the Tax Information Authority pursuant to the Tax
Information Authority Law of the Cayman Islands.
112
People’s Republic of China Taxation
The CIT Law provides that enterprises established outside of China whose “de facto management bodies” are located in China are considered
“resident enterprises” of China. Under the implementation regulations for the CIT Law issued by the PRC State Council, “de facto management body” is
defined as a body that has material and overall management and control over the manufacturing and business operations, personnel and human resources,
finances and treasury, and acquisition and disposal of properties and other assets of an enterprise. Despite the present uncertainties as a result of limited
guidance from PRC tax authorities on the issue, we do not believe that our legal entities organized outside of the PRC should be treated as residents under
the CIT Law.
Under the CIT Law and implementation regulations issued by the State Council, PRC withholding tax at the rate of 10% is applicable to
dividends payable to investors that are “non-resident enterprises,” which do not have an establishment or place of business in the PRC, or which have such
establishment or place of business but the relevant income is not effectively connected with the establishment or place of business, to the extent such
dividends have their sources within the PRC. Similarly, any gain realized on the transfer of ADSs or shares by such investors is also subject to 10% PRC
income tax if such gain is regarded as income derived from sources within the PRC. The implementation regulations of the CIT Law set forth that, (i) if the
enterprise that distributes dividends is domiciled in the PRC, or (ii) if gains are realized from transferring equity interests of enterprises domiciled in the
PRC, then such dividends or capital gains are treated as China-sourced income. It is not clear how “domicile” may be interpreted under the CIT Law, and it
may be interpreted as the jurisdiction where the enterprise is a tax resident. Therefore, if we are considered a PRC “resident enterprise”, dividends we pay
to our non-PRC enterprise investors with respect to our Class A ordinary shares or ADSs, or the gain our non-PRC enterprise investors may realize from
the transfer of our Class A ordinary shares or ADSs, may be treated as income derived from sources within the PRC and be subject to PRC tax. In addition,
it is unclear whether our non-PRC individual investors would be subject to any PRC tax in the event we are deemed a “PRC resident enterprise”. If any
PRC tax were to apply to such dividends or gains of non-PRC individual investors, it would generally apply at a tax rate of 20%. Furthermore, it is unclear
whether, if we are considered a PRC “resident enterprise”, holders of our Class A ordinary shares or ADSs might be able to claim the benefit of income tax
treaties entered into between China and other countries or regions.
Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following summary describes material United States federal income tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of our ADSs and
Class A ordinary shares as of the date hereof. The discussion is applicable only to United States Holders (as defined below) who hold our ADSs or Class A
ordinary shares as capital assets (generally, property held for investment) under the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
“Code”). As used herein, the term “United States Holder” means a beneficial owner of an ADS or Class A ordinary share that is for United States federal
income tax purposes:
•
•
•
•
an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States;
a corporation (or other entity treated as a corporation for United States federal income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws
of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia;
an estate the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its source; or
a trust if it (1) is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United States and one or more United States persons have the
authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust, or (2) has a valid election in effect under applicable United States Treasury
regulations to be treated as a United States person.
This summary does not purport to be a detailed description of the United States federal income tax consequences applicable to you if you are subject
to special treatment under the United States federal income tax laws, such as:
•
•
•
•
•
•
a dealer in securities or currencies;
a financial institution;
a regulated investment company;
a real estate investment trust;
an insurance company;
a tax-exempt organization;
113
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
a person holding our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares as part of a hedging, integrated or conversion transaction, a constructive sale or a
straddle;
a trader in securities that has elected the mark-to-market method of accounting for your securities;
a person liable for alternative minimum tax;
a person who owns or is deemed to own 10% or more of our stock (by vote or value);
a partnership or other pass-through entity for United States federal income tax purposes;
a person required to accelerate the recognition of any item of gross income with respect to our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares as a result of
such income being recognized on an applicable financial statement; or
a person whose “functional currency” is not the United States dollar.
The discussion below is based upon the provisions of the Code and United States Treasury regulations, rulings and judicial decisions thereunder
as of the date hereof. Such authorities may be replaced, revoked or modified so as to result in United States federal income tax consequences different from
those discussed below. In addition, this summary is based, in part, upon representations made by the depositary to us and assumes that the deposit
agreement, and all other related agreements, will be performed in accordance with their terms.
This discussion does not consider the tax treatment of partnerships or other pass-through entities that hold our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares,
or of persons who hold our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares through such entities. If a partnership holds ADSs or Class A ordinary shares, the tax
treatment of a partner will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. If you are a partner of a partnership holding
our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares, you should consult your tax advisors.
This summary does not contain a detailed description of all the United States federal income tax consequences to you in light of your particular
circumstances and does not address the Medicare tax on net investment income or the effects of any state, local or non-United States tax laws.
If you are considering the purchase, ownership or disposition of our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares, you should consult your own tax advisors
concerning the United States federal income tax consequences to you in light of your particular situation as well as any consequences arising under
other United States federal tax laws and the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction.
ADSs
If you hold ADSs, for United States federal income tax purposes, you generally will be treated as the owner of the underlying Class A ordinary
shares that are represented by such ADSs. Accordingly, deposits or withdrawals of Class A ordinary shares for ADSs will not be subject to United States
federal income tax.
Taxation of Dividends
Subject to the rules discussed under “—Passive Foreign Investment Company” below, the gross amount of distributions with respect to our ADSs
or Class A ordinary shares (including any amounts withheld to reflect PRC withholding taxes) will be taxable as dividends, to the extent paid out of our
current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under United States federal income tax principles. Such income (including withheld taxes) will
be includable in your gross income as dividend income on the day actually or constructively received by you, in the case of the Class A ordinary shares, or
by the depositary, in the case of ADSs. Such dividends will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction allowed to corporations under the Code.
With respect to non-corporate United States Holders, certain dividends received from a qualified foreign corporation may be subject to reduced
rates of taxation. A non-United States corporation is treated as a qualified foreign corporation with respect to dividends paid by that corporation on shares
(or ADSs backed by such shares) that are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States. U.S. Treasury Department guidance
indicates that our ADSs (but not our Class A ordinary shares), which are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, are readily tradable on an established
securities market in the United States. Thus, we believe that dividends we pay on our Class A ordinary shares that are represented by ADSs, but not on our
Class A ordinary shares that are not so represented, will meet such conditions required for the reduced tax rates. There can be no assurance that our ADSs
will be considered readily tradable on an established securities market in later years. A qualified foreign corporation also includes a foreign corporation that
is eligible for the benefits of certain income tax treaties with the United States. In the event that we are deemed to be a PRC “resident enterprise” under the
PRC tax law (see discussion under “Item 10. Additional Information—E. Taxation—People’s
114
Republic of China Taxation”), we may be eligible for the benefits of the income tax treaty between the United States and the PRC, and if we are eligible for
such benefits, dividends we pay on our Class A ordinary shares, regardless of whether such shares are represented by ADSs, would be subject to the
reduced rates of taxation. Non-corporate United States Holders that do not meet a minimum holding period requirement during which they are not
protected from the risk of loss, or that elect to treat the dividend income as “investment income” pursuant to Section 163(d)(4) of the Code, will not be
eligible for the reduced rates of taxation regardless of our status as a qualified foreign corporation. In addition, the rate reduction will not apply to dividends
if the recipient of a dividend is obligated to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property. This disallowance
applies even if the minimum holding period has been met. Furthermore, non-corporate United States Holders will not be eligible for reduced rates of
taxation on any dividends received from us if we are a PFIC (as discussed below under “—Passive Foreign Investment Company”) in the taxable year in
which such dividends are paid or in the preceding taxable year (as we believe there is a substantial risk of in 2019). You should consult your own tax
advisors regarding the application of these rules given your particular circumstances.
In the event that we are deemed to be a PRC “resident enterprise” under the PRC tax law, you may be subject to PRC withholding taxes on
dividends paid to you with respect to the ADSs or Class A ordinary shares. In that case, however, you may be able to obtain a reduced rate of PRC
withholding taxes under the treaty between the United States and the PRC if certain requirements are met. In addition, subject to certain conditions and
limitations, PRC withholding taxes on dividends, if any, may be treated as foreign taxes eligible for credit against your United States federal income tax
liability. For purposes of calculating the foreign tax credit, dividends paid to you with respect to our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares will be treated as
income from sources outside the United States and will generally constitute passive category income. Furthermore, in certain circumstances, if you have
held our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares for less than a specified minimum period during which you are not protected from risk of loss, or are obligated to
make payments related to the dividends, you will not be allowed a foreign tax credit for any PRC withholding taxes imposed on dividends paid on our
ADSs or Class A ordinary shares. The rules governing the foreign tax credit are complex. You are urged to consult your tax advisors regarding the
availability of the foreign tax credit under your particular circumstances.
To the extent that the amount of any distribution exceeds our current and accumulated earnings and profits for a taxable year, as determined under
United States federal income tax principles, the distribution will be treated first as a tax-free return of your tax basis in our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares
held by you, and to the extent the amount of the distribution exceeds your tax basis, the excess will be taxed as capital gain recognized on a sale or
exchange. We do not expect to keep earnings and profits in accordance with United States federal income tax principles. Therefore, you should expect that
a distribution will generally be treated as a dividend (as discussed above).
Passive Foreign Investment Company
In general, we will be a PFIC for any taxable year in which:
at least 75% of our gross income is passive income, or
at least 50% of the value (determined based on a quarterly average) of our assets is attributable to assets that produce or are held for the
production of passive income.
•
•
For this purpose, passive income generally includes dividends, interest, royalties and rents (other than royalties and rents derived in the active
conduct of a trade or business and not derived from a related person). If we own at least 25% (by value) of the stock of another corporation, we will be
treated, for purposes of the PFIC tests, as owning our proportionate share of the other corporation’s assets and receiving our proportionate share of the other
corporation’s income. However, it is not entirely clear how the contractual arrangements between us and our affiliated consolidated entities will be treated
for purposes of the PFIC rules. If it is determined that we do not own the stock of the affiliated consolidated entities for United States federal income tax
purposes (for instance, because the relevant PRC authorities do not respect these arrangements), we are more likely to be treated as a PFIC.
Based upon the past and projected composition of our income, assets, and the valuation of our assets, including goodwill, we believe there is a
substantial risk that we will be classified as a PFIC 2019, and we may be classified as a PFIC for future taxable years. The determination of whether or not
we are a PFIC is made on an annual basis and will depend on the composition of our income and assets from time to time. Accordingly, it is possible that
our status as a PFIC may change in any future taxable year due to changes in our asset or income composition. In addition, the calculation of the value of
our assets will be based, in part, on the quarterly market value of our ADSs, which is subject to change.
The determination of our PFIC status is based on an annual analysis that includes ascertaining the fair market value of all of our assets on a
quarterly basis and the character of each item of income we earn. Because this involves extensive factual investigation and cannot be completed until the
close of a taxable year, there can be no assurance we will not be a PFIC for any future year.
If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which you hold our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares and you do not make a timely mark-tomarket
election, as described below, you will be subject to special tax rules discussed below for that year and for each subsequent year in which you hold the ADSs
or Class A ordinary shares (even if we do not qualify as a PFIC in such subsequent years). However, if we cease to be a PFIC, you can avoid the continuing
impact of the PFIC rules by making a special election (a
115
“Purging Election”) to recognize gain in the manner described below as if your ADSs or Class A ordinary shares had been sold on the last day of the last
taxable year during which we were a PFIC. In addition, a new holding period would be deemed to begin for your ADSs or Class A ordinary shares for
purposes of the PFIC rules. After the Purging Election, your ADSs or Class A ordinary shares with respect to which the Purging Election was made will not
be treated as shares in a PFIC unless we subsequently become a PFIC. You are urged to consult your own tax advisor about the availability of this election,
and whether making the election would be advisable in your particular circumstances.
If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which you hold our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares, you will be subject to special tax rules with
respect to any “excess distribution” received and any gain realized from a sale or other disposition, including a pledge, of our ADSs or Class A ordinary
shares. Distributions received in a taxable year that are greater than 125% of the average annual distributions received during the shorter of the three
preceding taxable years or your holding period for our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares will be treated as excess distributions. Under these special tax
rules:
•
•
•
the excess distribution or gain will be allocated ratably over your holding period for our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares,
the amount allocated to the current taxable year, and any taxable year prior to the first taxable year in which we were a PFIC, will be treated
as ordinary income, and
the amount allocated to each other year will be subject to tax at the highest tax rate in effect for that year and the interest charge generally
applicable to underpayments of tax will be imposed on the resulting tax attributable to each such year.
In addition, non-corporate United States Holders will not be eligible for reduced rates of taxation on any dividends received from us (as described
above under “—Taxation of Dividends”) if we are a PFIC in the taxable year in which such dividends are paid or in the preceding taxable year. You will
generally be required to file Internal Revenue Service Form 8621 if you hold our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares in any year in which we are classified as
a PFIC.
If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which you hold our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares and any of our non-United States subsidiaries
is also a PFIC, a United States Holder would be treated as owning a proportionate amount (by value) of the shares of the lower-tier PFIC for purposes of
the application of these rules. You are urged to consult your tax advisors about the application of the PFIC rules to any of our subsidiaries.
In certain circumstances, in lieu of being subject to the excess distribution rules discussed above, you may make an election to include gain on the
stock of a PFIC as ordinary income under a mark-to-market method, provided that such stock is regularly traded on a qualified exchange. Under current
law, the mark-to-market election may be available to holders of our ADSs because they are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, which constitutes a
qualified exchange, although there can be no assurance that our ADSs will be “regularly traded” for purposes of the mark-to-market election. It should also
be noted that only our ADSs and not our Class A ordinary shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Consequently, if you are a holder of our
Class A ordinary shares that are not represented by ADSs, you generally will not be eligible to make a mark-to-market election if we are a PFIC.
If you make an effective mark-to-market election, you will include in each taxable year that we are a PFIC, as ordinary income, the excess of the
fair market value of our ADSs held by you at the end of the year over your adjusted tax basis in our ADSs. You will be entitled to deduct as an ordinary
loss in each such year the excess of your adjusted tax basis in our ADSs over their fair market value at the end of the year, but only to the extent of the net
amount previously included in income as a result of the mark-to-market election. If you make an effective mark-to-market election, in each year that we are
a PFIC, any gain you recognize upon the sale or other disposition of our ADSs will be treated as ordinary income and any loss will be treated as ordinary
loss, but only to the extent of the net amount previously included in income as a result of the mark-to-market election.
Your adjusted tax basis in our ADSs will be increased by the amount of any income inclusion and decreased by the amount of any deductions
under the mark-to-market rules. If you make a mark-to-market election it will be effective for the taxable year for which the election is made and all
subsequent taxable years, unless our ADSs are no longer regularly traded on a qualified exchange or the Internal Revenue Service consents to the
revocation of the election. Because a mark-to-market election cannot be made for any lower-tier PFICs that we may own, a United States Holder may
continue to be subject to the PFIC rules with respect to such United States Holder’s indirect interest in any investments held by us that are treated as an
equity interest in a PFIC for United States federal income tax purposes.
You are urged to consult your tax advisor about the availability of the mark-to-market election, and whether making the election would be
advisable in your particular circumstances.
Alternatively, you can sometimes avoid the rules described above with respect to the stock you own in a PFIC by electing to treat such PFIC as a
“qualified electing fund” under Section 1295 of the Code. However, this option is not available to you because we do not intend to comply with the
requirements necessary to permit you to make this election. You are urged to consult your tax
116
advisors concerning the United States federal income tax consequences of holding our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares if we are considered a PFIC in any
taxable year.
Taxation of Capital Gains
For United States federal income tax purposes, you will recognize taxable gain or loss on any sale or exchange of our ADSs or Class A ordinary
shares in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized for our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares and your tax basis in such ADSs or
Class A ordinary shares. Subject to the discussion under “—Passive Foreign Investment Company” above, such gain or loss will generally be capital gain
or loss. Capital gains of individuals derived with respect to capital assets held for more than one year are eligible for reduced rates of taxation. The
deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations. Any gain or loss recognized by you will generally be treated as United States source gain or loss.
Consequently, you may not be able to use the foreign tax credit arising from any PRC tax imposed on the disposition of our ADSs or Class A ordinary
shares unless such credit can be applied (subject to applicable limitations) against tax due on other income treated as derived from foreign sources.
However, in the event that we are deemed to be a PRC “resident enterprise” under the PRC tax law and PRC tax is imposed on any gain from the sale or
exchange of our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares, a United States Holder eligible for the benefits of the income tax treaty between the United States and
the PRC may be able to elect to treat such gain as PRC-source income. You are urged to consult your tax advisors regarding the tax consequences if a
foreign withholding tax is imposed on a disposition of our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares, including the availability of the foreign tax credit under your
particular circumstances.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
Certain United States Holders may be required to submit to the Internal Revenue Service certain information with respect to their beneficial
ownership of our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares, unless such ADSs or Class A ordinary shares are held on their behalf by a United States financial
institution. Penalties may be imposed if a United States Holder is required to submit such information to the Internal Revenue Service and fails to do so.
Moreover, information reporting will apply to dividends in respect of our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares and the proceeds from the sale,
exchange or other disposition of our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares that are paid to you within the United States (and in certain cases, outside the United
States), unless you are an exempt recipient. Backup withholding may apply to such payments if you fail to provide a taxpayer identification number or
certification of exempt status or fail to report in full dividend and interest income.
Backup withholding is not a tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a refund or a credit against your
United States federal income tax liability provided the required information is timely furnished to the Internal Revenue Service. You should consult your
tax advisors regarding the application of the United States information reporting and backup withholding rules to your particular circumstances.
F.
Dividends and Paying Agents
On November 14, 2019, our board of directors declared a special cash dividend of US$0.1714 per ordinary share, equivalent to US$1.3712 per
ADS totaling approximately US$100 million. The special dividend was payable on December 13, 2019 to holders of record of our ordinary shares at the
close of business on November 29, 2019. JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., or JP Morgan, as depositary of the ADSs, paid a cash distribution of US$1.3512 per
ADS to our ADS holders of record at the close of business on November 29, 2019 after receipt of cash dividends on our ordinary shares and deduction of
its fees and expenses. JP Morgan paid the cash distribution to our ADS holders on December 13, 2019.
G.
Statement by Experts
Not applicable.
H.
Documents on Display
We have filed this annual report on Form 20-F, including exhibits, with the SEC. As allowed by the SEC, in Item 19 of this annual report, we
incorporate by reference certain information we filed with the SEC. This means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to
another document filed separately with the SEC. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this annual report.
You may read and copy this annual report, including the exhibits incorporated by reference in this annual report, at the SEC’s Public Reference
Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549 and at the SEC’s regional offices in New York, New York, and Chicago, Illinois. You can also request
copies of this annual report, including the exhibits incorporated by reference in this annual report, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by writing to the
SEC’s Public Reference Room for information.
117
The SEC also maintains a website that contains reports, proxy statements and other information about issuers, such as us, who file electronically
with the SEC. The address of that websites is http://www.sec.gov. The information on that websites is not a part of this annual report.
I.
Subsidiary Information
Not applicable.
ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Concentration risk
We depend on China Mobile, which is a shareholder of Phoenix TV, for a significant portion of our business. The revenues generated from
advertising and paid services we provided through China Mobile for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019 were RMB172.2 million,
RMB113.9 million and RMB94.5 million (US$13.6 million), respectively, which accounted for 10.9%, 8.3% and 6.2% of our total revenues in the
respective years.
We had accounts receivable from China Mobile as of December 31, 2018 and 2019 of RMB59.9 million and RMB46.1 million (US$6.6 million),
respectively, which are included on our balance sheets as “Amounts due from related parties.” Apart from China Mobile, we have no other customer with
revenues or accounts receivable accounting for over 10% of our total revenues or total account receivables, net and due from related parties, respectively.
Credit risk
Our credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents, term deposits and short term investments and restricted cash, as well as credit exposures to
receivables due from our customers, related parties and other parties.
We believe that there is no significant credit risk associated with cash and cash equivalents, term deposits and short term investments and
restricted cash for short-term bank loans which were held by reputable financial institutions in the jurisdictions where we are located. We believe that we
are not exposed to unusual risks as these financial institutions have high credit quality.
We have no significant concentrations of credit risk with respect to our customers and related parties, except for the account receivable from
China Mobile and an advertising agent. We assess the credit quality of, and set credit limits on our customers by taking into account their financial position,
the availability of guarantees from third parties, their credit history and other factors such as current market conditions.
Inflation Risk
In recent years, inflation has not had a material impact on our operating results. According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, the
change in the Consumer Price Index in China was 1.6%, 2.1% and 2.9% in 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively. Although we have not been materially
affected by inflation in the past, we can provide no assurance that we will not be affected in the future by higher rates of inflation in China. We do not
anticipate being exposed to material risks due to changes in market interest rates. However, our future interest income may fall short of expectations due to
changes in market interest rates.
Foreign Currency Risk
Substantially all our revenues and expenses are denominated in Renminbi. We have not had any material foreign exchange gains or losses.
Although in general, our exposure to foreign exchange risks should be limited, the value of your investment in our ADSs will be affected by the foreign
exchange rate between U.S. dollars relative to the Renminbi because the value of our business is effectively denominated in Renminbi, while the ADSs are
traded in U.S. dollars. Furthermore, a decline in the value of the Renminbi could reduce the U.S. dollar equivalent of the value of the earnings from, and
our investments in, our subsidiaries and PRC-incorporated affiliates in China. In addition, appreciation or depreciation in the value of the Renminbi relative
to the U.S. dollar would affect our reported financial results in U.S. dollar terms. As of December 31, 2019, we had RMB denominated cash and cash
equivalents, term deposits and short term investments and restricted cash, totaling RMB1.1 billion (US$156.4 million), and U.S. dollar denominated cash
and cash equivalents and term deposits totaling US$85.7 million. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Doing Business in
China—Fluctuations in exchange rates of the Renminbi could materially affect our reported operating results.”
118
ITEM 12.
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITI ES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
A.
Debt Securities
Not applicable.
B. Warrants and Rights
Not applicable.
C.
Other Securities
Not applicable.
D.
American Depositary Shares
In July 2016, we appointed JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., or JPMorgan, as the successor depositary for our ADR program. JPMorgan replaced
Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, or Deutsche Bank, as depositary for our ADR program effective from July 18, 2016. We entered into an
amended and restated deposit agreement with JPMorgan, as depositary, and all holders from time to time of our ADRs in July 2016 to amend and restate
the previous deposit agreement with Deutsche Bank dated as of May 11, 2011.
Fees and Charges
As an ADS holder, you will be required to pay the following service fees to JPMorgan as the depositary bank:
Service:
Issuance of ADSs, including issuances resulting from a distribution of
$5.00 for each 100 ADSs (or portion thereof) issued
Fee:
shares or rights or other property
Cancellation of ADSs, including in the case of termination of the deposit
$5.00 for each 100 ADSs (or portion thereof) cancelled
agreement
Distribution of cash dividends or other cash distributions
Up to $0.05 per ADS held
Distribution of ADSs pursuant to share dividends, free share distributions or
Up to $0.05 per ADS held
exercise of rights
Distribution of securities other than ADSs or rights to purchase ADSs or
additional ADSs
Depositary services
A fee being in an amount equal to the fee for the execution and delivery of
ADSs which would have been charged as a result of the deposit of such
securities
An aggregate fee of U.S.$0.05 per ADS per calendar year (or portion
thereof) for services performed by the Depositary in administering the
ADRs
Transfer of ADRs
$1.50 per certificate presented for transfer
As an ADS holder, you will also be responsible to pay certain fees and expenses incurred by the depositary bank and certain taxes and
governmental charges such as:
Fees for the transfer and registration of ordinary shares charged by the registrar and transfer agent for the ordinary shares in the Cayman Islands
(i.e., upon deposit and withdrawal of ordinary shares).
•
•
•
•
Expenses incurred for converting foreign currency into U.S. dollars.
Expenses for cable, telex and fax transmissions and for delivery of securities.
Taxes and duties upon the transfer of securities, including any applicable stamp duties, any stock transfer charges or withholding taxes (i.e.,
when ordinary shares are deposited or withdrawn from deposit).
Fees and expenses incurred in connection with the delivery or servicing of ordinary shares on deposit.
119
•
•
Fees and expenses incurred in connection with complying with exchange control regulations and other regulatory requirements applicable to
ordinary shares, deposited securities, ADSs and ADRs.
Any applicable fees and penalties thereon.
The depositary fees payable upon the issuance and cancellation of ADSs are typically paid to the depositary bank by the brokers (on behalf of
their clients) receiving the newly issued ADSs from the depositary bank and by the brokers (on behalf of their clients) delivering the ADSs to the
depositary bank for cancellation. The brokers in turn charge these fees to their clients. Depositary fees payable in connection with distributions of cash or
securities to ADS holders and the depositary services fee are charged by the depositary bank to the holders of record of ADSs as of the applicable ADS
record date.
The depositary fees payable for cash distributions are generally deducted from the cash being distributed or by selling a portion of distributable
property to pay the fees. In the case of distributions other than cash (i.e., share dividends, rights), the depositary bank charges the applicable fee to the ADS
record date holders concurrent with the distribution. In the case of ADSs registered in the name of the investor (whether certificated or uncertificated in
direct registration), the depositary bank sends invoices to the applicable record date ADS holders. In the case of ADSs held in brokerage and custodian
accounts (via DTC), the depositary bank generally collects its fees through the systems provided by DTC (whose nominee is the registered holder of the
ADSs held in DTC) from the brokers and custodians holding ADSs in their DTC accounts. The brokers and custodians who hold their clients’ ADSs in
DTC accounts in turn charge their clients’ accounts the amount of the fees paid to the depositary banks.
In the event of refusal to pay the depositary fees, the depositary bank may, under the terms of the deposit agreement, refuse the requested service
until payment is received or may set off the amount of the depositary fees from any distribution to be made to the ADS holder.
The depositary has agreed to reimburse us for a portion of certain expenses we incur that are related to establishment and maintenance of the
ADR program, including investor relations expenses. There are limits on the amount of expenses for which the depositary will reimburse us, but the
amount of reimbursement available to us is not related to the amounts of fees the depositary collects from investors. Further, the depositary has agreed to
reimburse us certain fees payable to the depositary by holders of ADSs. Neither the depositary nor we can determine the exact amount to be made available
to us because (i) the number of ADSs that will be issued and outstanding, (ii) the level of service fees to be charged to holders of ADSs and (iii) our
reimbursable expenses related to the program are not known at this time.
Payments by Depositary
As of March 31, 2020, we had received total payments of US$1.15 million from JPMorgan, the current depositary bank for our ADR program for
reimbursement of investor relations expenses and other program related expenses.
ITEM 13.
DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES
None of these events occurred in any of the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019.
PART II
ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS
A. Modifications of Rights
See “Item 10. Additional Information—B. Memorandum and Articles of Association” for a description of the rights of securities holders, which
remain unchanged.
B.
Use of Proceeds
Not applicable.
ITEM 15.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of December 31, 2019, an evaluation has been carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our
Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such
term is defined under Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Disclosure controls and
procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed,
summarized, and reported within the time
120
periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding the required disclosures. There are inherent limitations to
the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the
controls and procedures. Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives. Based upon our
evaluation, our management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2019, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in
Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, for our company. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to
provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail,
accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and disposals of our assets, (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to
permit preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP and that a company’s receipts and expenditures are being made only
in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors, and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of
unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposal of our assets that could have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, a system of internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to
consolidated financial statements preparation and presentation and may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of
effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of
compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
As required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and related rules as promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, our
management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting
as of December 31, 2019 using the criteria set forth in the report “Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013)” published by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, management has concluded that our internal control over financial
reporting was effective as of December 31, 2019. Management has excl uded Beijing Fenghuang Tianbo Network Technology Co., Ltd. and its subsidiaries
(“Tianbo”) from its assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019 because it was acquired by the Company in a purchase
business combination during 2019. Tianbo is a subsidiary of a consolidated variable interest entity, and Tianbo’s total assets and total revenues excluded
from management’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting represent 6.3% and 16.2%, respectively, of the related consolidated financial
statement amounts as of and for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Attestation Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong
Tian LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears on page F-2 of this annual report on Form 20-F.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We maintain a system of internal control over financial reporting that is designed to provide reasonable assurance that our books and records
accurately reflect our transactions and that our established policies and procedures are followed. As required by Rule 13a-15(d), under the Exchange Act,
our management, including our Chief Executive Officer, president and our Chief Financial Officer, has also conducted an evaluation of our internal control
over financial reporting to determine whether any changes occurred during the period covered by this report have materially affected, or are reasonably
likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred
during the year ended December 31, 2019 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial
reporting.
ITEM 16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
Our Board of Directors has determined that Jerry Juying Zhang, who is an independent director, qualifies as an audit committee financial expert
as defined in Item 16A of the instruction to Form 20-F.
121
ITEM 16B. CO DE OF ETHICS
We have adopted a code of ethics which applies to our directors, employees, advisors and officers, including our Chief Executive Officer and
Chief Financial Officer. No changes have been made to the code of ethics since its adoption and no waivers have been granted therefrom to our directors or
employees. We have filed our code of business conduct and ethics as an exhibit to our F-1 registration statement (File No. 333-173666), as amended,
initially filed with the Commission on April 21, 2011, and a copy is available to any shareholder upon request. This code of ethics is also available on our
website at ir.ifeng.com.
ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian LLP has served as our independent public accountant for each of the fiscal years in the three-year period
ended December 31, 2019, for which audited financial statements appear in this annual report.
122
The following table sets forth the aggregate fees by categories specified below in connection with certain professional services rendered by
PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian LLP, for the years indicated.
Audit Fees (1)
Tax Fees (2)
All Other Fees (3)
Total
For the Years Ended
December 31,
2018
2019
(In thousands of US dollars)
1,192
22
41
1,255
1,176
—
3
1,179
(1)
(2)
(3)
Audit fees consist of fees associated with the annual audit, reviews of our quarterly financial statements and related statutory and regulatory filings.
For 2018 and 2019, the audit refers to financial audit and audit pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Tax fees include fees billed for tax compliance and tax advice services.
All other fees comprise fees for all other services provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian LLP, other than those services covered in
footnotes (1) to (2) above.
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
Our audit committee is responsible for the oversight of our independent accountants’ work. The policy of our audit committee is to pre-approve
all audit and non-audit services provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian LLP, including audit services, audit-related services, tax services and
other services, as described above.
All audit and non-audit services performed by PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian LLP must be pre-approved by the Audit Committee.
ITEM 16D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES
None.
ITEM 16E. PURCHASE OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS
None.
ITEM 16F. CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT
Not applicable.
ITEM 16G. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
We are a “foreign private issuer” (as such term is defined in Rule 3b-4 under the Exchange Act), and our ADSs, each representing eight ordinary
shares, are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Under Section 303A of the New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual, New York Stock
Exchange listed companies that are foreign private issuers are permitted to follow home country practice in lieu of the corporate governance provisions
specified by the New York Stock Exchange with limited exceptions. The following summarizes some significant ways in which our corporate governance
practices differ from those followed by domestic companies under the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange.
•
•
•
In respect of independent directors on our Board of Directors: Only two of our seven directors are independent directors: As our home
country practice does not require a majority of our Board of Directors to be independent, two of our seven directors are independent.
In respect of composition of our audit committee: As our home country practice does not require us to have a minimum of three members of
our audit committee, our audit committee is comprised of two independent directors.
In respect of the oversight of our executive officer compensation and director nominations matters: As our home country practice does not
require independent director oversight of executive officer compensation and director nomination matters, our compensation and corporate
governance and nominating committees are not comprise solely of independent directors.
ITEM 16H. MINE SAFETY
Not applicable.
123
PART III
ITEM 17.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Registrant has elected to provide the financial statements and related information specified in Item 18.
ITEM 18.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The consolidated financial statements of Phoenix New Media Limited are included at the end of this annual report.
ITEM 19.
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Number
1.1
2.1
2.2
2.3
Description of Exhibits
Second Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Registrant (incorporated by reference Exhibit 3.2 to our
Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-173666), initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 21, 2011).
Registrant’s Specimen American Depositary Receipt (included in Exhibit 4.3) (incorporated by reference Exhibit (a) to our Registration
Statement on Form F-6 (File No. 333-212488) with respect to American depositary shares representing our Class A ordinary shares, filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 12, 2016)
Registrant’s Specimen Certificate for Class A ordinary shares (incorporated by reference Exhibit 4.2 to our Registration Statement on Form F-1
(File No. 333-173666), initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 21, 2011).
Form of Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement, among the Registrant, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as depositary, and all holders from
time to time of ADRs issued thereunder (incorporated by reference Exhibit (a) to our Registration Statement on Form F-6 (File No. 333-212488)
with respect to American depositary shares representing our Class A ordinary shares, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
July 12, 2016).
2.4*
Description of Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
Preferred Share Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 9, 2009, in respect of the sale of the Series A convertible redeemable preferred
shares of the Registrant (incorporated by reference Exhibit 4.4 to our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-173666), initially filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 21, 2011).
Shareholders’ Agreement, dated as of November 24, 2009, by and among the Registrant and the other parties thereto (incorporated by reference
Exhibit 4.5 to our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-173666), initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
April 21, 2011).
Form of the Registrant’s Employment Agreements for its executive officers (incorporated by reference Exhibit 10.1 to our Registration
Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-173666), initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 21, 2011).
Registrant’s 2008 Share Option Plan (incorporated by reference Exhibit 10.2 to our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-173666),
initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 21, 2011).
Registrant’s 2011 Restricted Share Unit and Restricted Share Plan (incorporated by reference Exhibit 10.3 to our Registration Statement on
Form F-1 (File No. 333-173666), initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 21, 2011).
Form of Indemnification Agreement with the Registrant’s directors and officers (incorporated by reference Exhibit 10.4 to our Registration
Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-173666), initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 21, 2011).
Translation of the Exclusive Equity Option Agreement, dated as of December 31, 2009, between Fenghuang On-line and Tianying Jiuzhou and
its shareholders (incorporated by reference Exhibit 10.5 to our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-173666), initially filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on April 21, 2011).
124
4.8
4.8A
4.9
4.10
Translation of the Exclusive Equity Option Agreement, dated as of December 31, 2009, between Fenghuang On-line and Yifeng Lianhe and its
shareholders (incorporated by reference Exhibit 10.6 to our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-173666), initially filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on April 21, 2011).
Translation of the Exclusive Equity Option Agreement, dated as of January 13, 2014, between Qieyiyou and Chenhuan.and its shareholders
(incorporated by reference Exhibit 4.8A to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2017 (File No. 001-
35158), initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 26, 2018).
Translation of the Equity Pledge Agreement, dated as of December 31, 2009, between Fenghuang On-line and Tianying Jiuzhou and its
shareholders (incorporated by reference Exhibit 10.7 to our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-173666), initially filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on April 21, 2011).
Translation of the Equity Pledge Agreement, dated as of December 31, 2009, between Fenghuang On-line and Yifeng Lianhe and its
shareholders(incorporated by reference Exhibit 10.8 to our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-173666), initially filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on April 21, 2011).
4.10A
Translation of the Equity Pledge Agreement, dated as of January 13, 2014, between Fenghuang On-line and Chenhuan and its shareholders
(incorporated by reference Exhibit 4.10A to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2017 (File No. 001-
35158), initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 26, 2018).
4.11
4.12
Translation of the Exclusive Technical Consulting & Service Agreement, dated as of December 31, 2009, between Fenghuang On-line and
Tianying Jiuzhou (incorporated by reference Exhibit 10.9 to our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-173666), initially filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 21, 2011).
Translation of the Exclusive Technical Consulting & Service Agreement, dated as of December 31, 2009, between Fenghuang On-line and
Yifeng Lianhe (incorporated by reference Exhibit 10.10 to our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-173666), initially filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on April 21, 2011).
4.12A
Translation of the Exclusive Technical Consulting & Service Agreement, dated as of January 13, 2014, between Qieyiyou and Chenhuan.and its
shareholders (incorporated by reference Exhibit 4.12A to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2017 (File
No. 001-35158), initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 26, 2018).
4.12B
Translation of the Business Management Agreement, dated as of January 13, 2014, between Qieyiyou and Chenhuan.and its shareholders
(incorporated by reference Exhibit 4.12B to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2017 (File No. 001-
35158), initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 26, 2018).
4.13
Translation of Loan Agreement, dated as of December 31, 2009, between Fenghuang On-line and the shareholders of Tianying Jiuzhou
(incorporated by reference Exhibit 10.11 to our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-173666), initially filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on April 21, 2011).
*4.13A
Translation of Supplemental Agreement to the Loan Agreement, dated as of December 31, 2019, between Fenghuang On-line and the
shareholders of Tianying Jiuzhou.
4.14
Translation of the Loan Agreement, dated as of December 31, 2009, between Fenghuang On-line and the shareholders of Yifeng Lianhe
(incorporated by reference Exhibit 10.12 to our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-173666), initially filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on April 21, 2011).
4.14A
Translation of the Loan Agreement, dated as of January 13, 2015, between Qieyiyou and shareholders of Chenhuan (incorporated by reference
Exhibit 4.14A to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2017 (File No. 001-35158), initially filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on April 26, 2018).
4.15
Translation of the Voting Right Entrustment Agreement, dated as of December 31, 2009, between Fenghuang On-line and shareholders of
Tianying Jiuzhou (incorporated by reference Exhibit 10.13 to our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-173666), initially filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 21, 2011).
125
4.16
Translation of the Voting Right Entrustment Agreement, dated as of December 31, 2009, between Fenghuang On-line and the shareholders of
Yifeng Lianhe (incorporated by reference Exhibit 10.14 to our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-173666), initially filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on April 21, 2011).
4.16A
Translation of the Voting Right Entrustment Agreement, dated as of January 13, 2014, between Qieyiyou and Chenhuan.and its shareholders
(incorporated by reference Exhibit 4.16A to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2017 (File No. 001-
35158), initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 26, 2018).
4.17
4.18
4.19
4.20
4.21
4.22
4.23
4.24
4.25
4.26
4.27
Translation of the Content, Branding, Promotion and Technology Cooperation Agreement, dated November 24, 2009, between Fenghuang On-
line and Phoenix TV (incorporated by reference Exhibit 10.15 to our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-173666), initially filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 21, 2011).
Translation of the Supplemental Agreement to the Content, Branding, Promotion and Technology Cooperation Agreement, dated March 28,
2011, between Fenghuang On-line and Phoenix TV (incorporated by reference Exhibit 10.16 to our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File
No. 333-173666), initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 21, 2011).
Translation of the Second Supplemental Agreement to the Content, Branding, Promotion and Technology Cooperation Agreement, dated
March 24, 2016, between Fenghuang On-line and Phoenix TV (incorporated by reference Exhibit 4.19 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for
the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2015 (File No. 001-35158), initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 28,
2016).
Translation of the Program Content License Agreement, dated November 24, 2009, between Phoenix TV and Tianying Jiuzhou (incorporated by
reference Exhibit 10.17 to our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-173666), initially filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on April 21, 2011).
Schedule of Material Differences between the Program Content Agreements entered into between Tianying Jiuzhou and Yifeng Lianhe,
respectively, and Phoenix TV (incorporated by reference Exhibit 10.18 to our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-173666),
initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 21, 2011).
Confirmation Letter, dated April 14, 2011, among Tianying Jiuzhou, Yifeng Lianhe and Phoenix Satellite Television Company Limited
(incorporated by reference Exhibit 10.19 to our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-173666), initially filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on April 21, 2011).
Translation of the Second Supplemental Agreement to the Program Content License Agreement, dated March 24, 2016, between Phoenix TV,
Tianying Jiuzhou and Yifeng Lianhe (incorporated by reference Exhibit 4.23 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the Fiscal Year Ended
December 31, 2015 (File No. 001-35158), initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 28, 2016).
Translation of the Trademark License Agreement, dated as of November 24, 2009, between Phoenix Satellite Television Trademark Limited and
Tianying Jiuzhou (incorporated by reference Exhibit 10.20 to our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-173666), initially filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 21, 2011).
Schedule of material differences between the Trademark License Agreements entered into between Tianying Jiuzhou and Yifeng Lianhe,
respectively, and Phoenix Satellite Television Trademark Limited (incorporated by reference Exhibit 10.21 to our Registration Statement on
Form F-1 (File No. 333-173666), initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 21, 2011).
Confirmation Letter, dated April 14, 2011, among Tianying Jiuzhou, Yifeng Lianhe and Phoenix Satellite Television Trademark Limited
(incorporated by reference Exhibit 10.22 to our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-173666), initially filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on April 21, 2011).
Translation of the Second Supplemental Agreement to the Trademark License Agreement, dated March 24, 2016, between Phoenix TV, Tianying
Jiuzhou and Yifeng Lianhe (incorporated by reference Exhibit 4.27 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31,
2015 (File No. 001-35158), initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 28, 2016).
126
4.28
4.29
4.30
4.31
4.32
4.33
4.34
4.35
4.36
4.37
4.38
4.39
4.40
Program Resource License Agreement between Phoenix Satellite Television Company Limited and Beijing Tianying Jiuzhou Network
Technology Co., Ltd., dated May 27, 2016 (incorporated by reference Exhibit 99.2 to our report on Form 6-K (File No. 001-35158) filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 27, 2016).
Program Text/Graphics Resource License Agreement between Phoenix Satellite Television Company Limited and Beijing Tianying Jiuzhou
Network Technology Co., Ltd., dated May 27, 2016 (incorporated by reference Exhibit 99.3 to our report on Form 6-K (File No. 001-35158)
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 27, 2016).
Program Resource License Agreement between Phoenix Satellite Television Company Limited and Yifeng Lianhe (Beijing) Technology
Co., Ltd., dated May 27, 2016 (incorporated by reference Exhibit 99.4 to our report on Form 6-K (File No. 001-35158) filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on May 27, 2016).
Program Text/Graphics Resource License Agreement between Phoenix Satellite Television Company Limited and Yifeng Lianhe (Beijing)
Technology Co., Ltd., dated May 27, 2016 (incorporated by reference Exhibit 99.5 to our report on Form 6-K (File No. 001-35158) filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 27, 2016).
Program Resource License Agreement between Phoenix Satellite Television Company Limited and Beijing Fenghuang Interactive
Entertainment Network Technology Co., Ltd., dated May 27, 2016 (incorporated by reference Exhibit 99.6 to our report on Form 6-K (File
No. 001-35158) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 27, 2016).
Program Text/Graphics Resource License Agreement between Phoenix Satellite Television Company Limited and Beijing Fenghuang Interactive
Entertainment Network Technology Co., Ltd., dated May 27, 2016 (incorporated by reference Exhibit 99.7 to our report on Form 6-K (File
No. 001-35158) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 27, 2016).
The Third Supplemental Agreement to the Trademark License Agreement by and among Phoenix Satellite Television Trademark Limited,
Beijing Tianying Jiuzhou Network Technology Co., Ltd. and Yifeng Lianhe (Beijing) Technology Co., Ltd., dated May 27, 2016 (incorporated
by reference Exhibit 99.8 to our report on Form 6-K (File No. 001-35158) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 27,
2016).
Translation of the Fourth Supplemental Agreement to the Trademark License Agreement by and among Phoenix Satellite Television Trademark
Limited, Beijing Tianying Jiuzhou Network Technology Co., Ltd. and Yifeng Lianhe (Beijing) Technology Co., Ltd., dated September 29, 2017
(incorporated by reference Exhibit 99.2 to our report on Form 6-K (File No. 001-35158) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
September 29, 2017).
Translation of the Trademark License Agreement, dated as of December 8, 2017, between Phoenix Satellite Television Trademark Limited and
Beijing Tianying Jiuzhou Network Technology Co., Ltd. (incorporated by reference Exhibit 99.2 to our report on Form 6-K (File No. 001-
35158) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 8, 2017).
Translation of the Trademark License Agreement, dated as of December 8, 2017, between Phoenix Satellite Television Trademark Limited and
Yifeng Lianhe (Beijing) Technology Co., Ltd. (incorporated by reference Exhibit 99.3 to our report on Form 6-K (File No. 001-35158) filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 8, 2017).
Loan Agreement Memorandum, dated as of January 3, 2011, between Phoenix Satellite Television Co., Ltd. and Phoenix Satellite Television
Information Limited (incorporated by reference Exhibit 10.23 to our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-173666), initially filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 21, 2011).
Translation of the Cooperation Agreement, dated as of December 29, 2009, between China Mobile Communications Corporation and Tianying
Jiuzhou (incorporated by reference Exhibit 10.24 to our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-173666), initially filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on April 21, 2011).
Translation of the Cooperation Agreement, dated as of February 14, 2011, between China Mobile Communications Corporation and Tianying
Jiuzhou (incorporated by reference Exhibit 10.25 to our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-173666), initially filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on April 21, 2011).
127
4.41
4.42
4.43
4.44
4.45
4.46
4.47
4.48
4.49
Schedule of Material Differences between the Cooperation Agreement, dated as of February 14, 2011, between China Mobile Communications
Corporation and Beijing Tianying Jiuzhou Network Technology Co., Ltd. entered into in 2011, filed as Exhibit 10.25 to the Registration
Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-173666) (“Cooperation Agreement 2011”), the Cooperation Agreement, dated as of June 20, 2014,
between China Mobile Communications Corporation and Beijing Tianying Jiuzhou Network Technology Co., Ltd. entered into in 2014
(“Cooperation Agreement 2014”), the Cooperation Agreement, dated as of September 16, 2015, between China Mobile Communications
Corporation and Beijing Tianying Jiuzhou Network Technology Co., Ltd. entered into in 2015 (“Cooperation Agreement 2015”), the
Cooperation Agreement, dated as of January 16, 2017, between China Mobile Communications Corporation and Beijing Tianying Jiuzhou
Network Technology Co., Ltd. entered into in 2017 and as to 2016 and 2017 (“Cooperation Agreement 2016”), and the Cooperation Agreement,
dated as of October 18, 2017, between China Mobile Communications Corporation and Beijing Tianying Jiuzhou Network Technology Co., Ltd.
entered into in 2017 and as to 2017 and 2018 (“Cooperation Agreement 2017”) (incorporated by reference Exhibit 4.41 to our Annual Report on
Form 20-F for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2017 (File No. 001-35158), initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
April 26, 2018).
Share Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 10, 2014, among Particle Inc., Particle (HK) Limited, Beijing Particle Information
Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing Yidianwangju Technology Co., Ltd., Zhaohui Zheng, Xuyang Ren, Xin Li, Rongqing Lu, Shunwei TMT II
Limited, Red Better Limited and our company (incorporated by reference Exhibit 4.29 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the Fiscal Year
Ended December 31, 2014 (File No. 001-35158), initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2015).
Share Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2014, among Zhaohui Zheng, Xin Li, Rongqing Lu, Tengteng Kong, Weijian Lin, Kaifeng
Xu, Miao Liu, Yuanyuan Wang, Xiaoxi Wu, Fubo Wang, Shi’an Peng, Sha Zhou, Qiyu Tan and our company (incorporated by reference
Exhibit 4.30 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2014 (File No. 001-35158), initially filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2015).
Share Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 10, 2015, among Particle Inc., Particle (HK) Limited, Beijing Particle Information Technology
Co., Ltd., Beijing Yidianwangju Technology Co., Ltd., Zhaohui Zheng, Xuyang Ren, Xin Li, Rongqing Lu, Shunwei TMT II Limited, Red
Better Limited and our company (incorporated by reference Exhibit 4.31 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the Fiscal Year Ended
December 31, 2014 (File No. 001-35158), initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2015).
Share Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 10, 2015, among IDG Technology Venture Investment V, L.P., Yifang Technology Group, Ltd.
and our company (incorporated by reference Exhibit 4.32 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2014
(File No. 001-35158), initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2015).
Loan Agreement, dated as of January 28, 2016, among Particle Inc., Particle (HK) Limited, Beijing Particle Information Technology Co., Ltd.,
Beijing Yidianwangju Technology Co., Ltd., and our company (incorporated by reference Exhibit 4.36 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for
the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2015 (File No. 001-35158), initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 28,
2016).
Loan Agreement, dated as of April 5, 2016, among Particle Inc., Particle (HK) Limited, Beijing Particle Information Technology Co., Ltd.,
Beijing Yidianwangju Technology Co., Ltd., and our company (incorporated by reference Exhibit 4.37 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for
the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2015 (File No. 001-35158), initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 28,
2016).
Loan Agreement, dated as of August 10, 2016, among Particle Inc., Particle (HK) Limited, Beijing Particle Information Technology Co., Ltd.,
Beijing Yidianwangju Technology Co., Ltd., and our company (incorporated by reference Exhibit 4.45 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for
the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2016 (File No. 001-35158), initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 28,
2017).
Amendment No. 1 to Loan Agreement Dated as of August 10, 2016, dated as of January 20, 2017, among Particle Inc., Particle (HK) Limited,
Beijing Particle Information Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing Yidianwangju Technology Co., Ltd., and our company (incorporated by reference
Exhibit 4.46 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2016 (File No. 001-35158), initially filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on April 28, 2017).
128
4.50
4.51
4.52
4.53
4.54
4.55
4.56
4.57
4.58
Loan Agreement, dated as of November 2, 2016, among Particle Inc., Particle (HK) Limited, Beijing Particle Information Technology Co., Ltd.,
Beijing Yidianwangju Technology Co., Ltd., and our company (incorporated by reference Exhibit 4.47 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for
the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2016 (File No. 001-35158), initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 28,
2017).
Amendment No. 1 to Loan Agreement Dated as of November 2, 2016, dated as of January 20, 2017, among Particle Inc., Particle (HK) Limited,
Beijing Particle Information Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing Yidianwangju Technology Co., Ltd., and our company (incorporated by reference
Exhibit 4.48 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2016 (File No. 001-35158), initially filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on April 28, 2017).
English Translation of the Loan Agreement, dated as of January 20, 2017, among Particle Inc., Particle (HK) Limited, Beijing Particle
Information Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing Yidianwangju Technology Co., Ltd., and our company (incorporated by reference Exhibit 4.49 to our
Annual Report on Form 20-F for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2016 (File No. 001-35158), initially filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on April 28, 2017).
Amendment No. 2 to Loan Agreement Dated as of August 10, 2016, dated as of August 9, 2017, among Particle Inc., Particle (HK) Limited,
Beijing Particle Information Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing Yidianwangju Technology Co., Ltd., and our company (incorporated by reference
Exhibit 4.53 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2017 (File No. 001-35158), initially filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on April 26, 2018).
Amendment No. 3 to Loan Agreement Dated as of August 10, 2016, dated as of January 20, 2018, among Particle Inc., Particle (HK) Limited,
Beijing Particle Information Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing Yidianwangju Technology Co., Ltd., and our company (incorporated by reference
Exhibit 4.54 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2017 (File No. 001-35158), initially filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on April 26, 2018).
Amendment No. 1 to Loan Agreement Dated as of January 20, 2017, dated as of January 20, 2018, among Particle Inc., Particle (HK) Limited,
Beijing Particle Information Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing Yidianwangju Technology Co., Ltd., and our company (incorporated by reference
Exhibit 4.55 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2017 (File No. 001-35158), initially filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on April 26, 2018).
Loan assignment agreement among the Registrant, Particle Inc. and its subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entity, and Long De Cheng Zhang
Culture Communication (Tianjin) Co., Ltd. dated April 2, 2018 (incorporated by reference Exhibit 4.56 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for
the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2017 (File No. 001-35158), initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 26,
2018).
Translation of Equity Transfer and Equity Purchase Option Agreement, dated as of December 18, 2018, among Telling Telecommunication
Co., Ltd., Beijing Chenhuan Technology Co., Ltd., and Shenzhen Bingruixin Technology Co., Ltd. (incorporated by reference Exhibit 4.57 to
our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2018 (File No. 001-35158), initially filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on April 26, 2019).
Translation of Equity Transfer Agreement, dated as of March 1, 2019, among Beijing Yitian Xindong Network Technology Co., Ltd., Telling
Telecommunication Co., Ltd., Shenzhen Bingruixin Technology Co., Ltd., and Beijing Chenhuan Technology Co., Ltd. (incorporated by
reference Exhibit 4.57 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2018 (File No. 001-35158), initially filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 26, 2019).
4.59
Translation of Share Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 22, 2019, between Run Liang Tai Management Limited and our Company
(incorporated by reference Exhibit 4.57 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2018 (File No. 001-35158),
initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 26, 2019).
*4.59A
Translation of Supplemental Agreement, dated as of July 23, 2019, between Run Liang Tai Management Limited and our Company.
*4.59B
Translation of Co-Sale Agreement, dated as of January 20, 2020, among Long De Cheng Zhang (Tianjin) Investment Management Center, Long
De Holdings (Hong Kong) Co., Limited and our Company.
4.60
Fread Limited’s Restricted Share Unit Scheme adopted in March 2018 (incorporated by reference Exhibit 4.57 to our Annual Report on Form
20-F for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2018 (File No. 001-35158), initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April
26, 2019).
129
*8.1
List of Subsidiaries
11.1
Code of Business conduct and Ethics of the Registrant (incorporated by reference Exhibit 99.1 to our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File
No. 333-173666), initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 21, 2011).
*12.1
Certification of our Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
*12.2
Certification of our Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
*13.1
*13.2
Certification of our Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of 2002
Certification of our Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002
*15.1
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
*15.2
Consent of Zhong Lun Law Firm
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document. *
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. *
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. *
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document. *
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document. *
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. *
*
Filed herewith
130
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the
undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.
SIGNAT URES
Date: April 28, 2020
Phoenix New Media Limited
By:
/s/ Edward Lu
Name: Edward Lu
Title: Chief Financial Officer
131
Phoenix New Media Limited
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Contents
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2018 and 2019
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss) for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Page
F-2
F-4
F-5
F-6
F-7
F-8
F-1
Report of Independent Regist ered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Phoenix New Media Limited
Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Phoenix New Media Limited and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31,
2019 and 2018, and the related consolidated statements of comprehensive income /(loss), of shareholders’ equity and of cash flows for each of the three
years in the period ended December 31, 2019, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have
audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated
Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of
December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2019 in
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material
respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated
Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.
Changes in Accounting Principles
As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for leases in 2019, and the manner
in which it accounts for revenues from contracts with customers and the manner in which it accounts for investments in equity securities in 2018.
Basis for Opinions
The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting,
and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over
Financial Reporting appearing under Item 15. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the
Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting
Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities
laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective
internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial
statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis,
evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used
and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal
control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness
exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing
such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
As described in Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, management has excluded Beijing Fenghuang Tianbo Network
Technology Co., Ltd. and its subsidiaries (“Tianbo”) from its assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019 because it
was acquired by the Company in a purchase business combination during 2019. We have also excluded Tianbo from our audit of internal control over
financial reporting. Tianbo is a subsidiary of a consolidated variable interest entity, and Tianbo’s total assets and total revenues excluded from
management’s assessment and our audit of internal control over financial reporting represent 6.3% and 16.2%, respectively, of the related consolidated
financial statement amounts as of and for the year ended December 31, 2019.
F-2
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting
and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control
over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly
reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit
preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are
being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding
prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial
statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of
effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of
compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian LLP
PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian LLP
Beijing, the People’s Republic of China
April 28, 2020
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2010.
F-3
Phoenix New Media Limited
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Amounts in thousands, except for number of shares and per share data)
2018
RMB
As of December 31,
2019
RMB
2019
US$ (Note 2e)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
Term deposits and short term investments
Restricted cash
Accounts receivable, net
Amounts due from related parties
Prepayments and other current assets
Total current assets
Non-current assets:
Property and equipment, net
Intangible assets, net
Goodwill
Available-for-sale debt investments
Equity investments, net
Deferred tax assets
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net
Other non-current assets
Total non-current assets
Total assets
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities (including amounts of the consolidated VIEs, excluding intercompany
amounts, without recourse to the Company of RMB457,498 and RMB611,670 (US$87,861)
as of December 31, 2018 and 2019, respectively. Note 1) :
Short-term bank loans
Accounts payable
Amounts due to related parties
Advances from customers
Taxes payable
Salary and welfare payable
Deposits in relation to future disposal of investment in Particle
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
Operating lease liabilities
Total current liabilities
Non-current liabilities (including amounts of the consolidated VIEs, excluding intercompany
amounts, without recourse to the Company of RMB28,796 and RMB52,087 (US$7,482)
as of December 31, 2018 and 2019, respectively. Note 1) :
Deferred tax liabilities
Long-term liabilities
Operating lease liabilities
Total non-current liabilities
Total liabilities
Commitments and contingencies (Note 23)
Shareholders’ equity:
Phoenix New Media Limited shareholders’ equity:
Class A ordinary shares (US$0.01 par value, 680,000,000 shares authorized; 264,824,592
and 264,998,965 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2018 and
2019, respectively)
Class B ordinary shares (US$0.01 par value, 320,000,000 shares authorized; 317,325,360
and 317,325,360 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2018 and
2019, respectively)
Additional paid-in capital
Statutory reserves
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive income
Total Phoenix New Media Limited shareholders’ equity
Noncontrolling interests
Total shareholders’ equity
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
174,024
912,594
269,648
484,113
91,228
88,963
2,020,570
95,631
97,448
338,288
1,961,474
33,694
60,160
—
23,454
2,610,149
4,630,719
267,665
264,753
25,218
54,601
101,386
132,316
—
227,328
—
1,073,267
140,960
26,131
—
167,091
1,240,358
341,016
1,271,889
82,934
638,272
59,723
162,868
2,556,702
101,650
99,280
361,074
2,014,537
13,237
73,688
85,790
19,859
2,769,115
5,325,817
—
259,928
34,223
55,900
291,511
174,902
355,212
293,441
40,326
1,505,443
197,810
27,612
49,937
275,359
1,780,802
48,984
182,695
11,913
91,682
8,579
23,394
367,247
14,601
14,261
51,865
289,370
1,901
10,585
12,323
2,853
397,759
765,006
—
37,336
4,916
8,030
41,873
25,123
51,023
42,150
5,792
216,243
28,414
3,966
7,173
39,553
255,796
17,487
17,499
2,514
22,053
1,604,588
87,620
159,621
1,188,358
3,079,727
310,634
3,390,361
4,630,719
22,053
1,611,484
88,583
186,324
1,405,808
3,331,751
213,264
3,545,015
5,325,817
3,168
231,475
12,724
26,764
201,931
478,576
30,634
509,210
765,006
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-4
Phoenix New Media Limited
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss)
(Amounts in thousands, except for number of shares and per share (or ADS) data)
Revenues (1) :
Net advertising revenues
Paid services revenues
Total revenues
Cost of revenues (1)
Gross profit
Operating expenses (1) :
Sales and marketing expenses
General and administrative expenses
Technology and product development expenses
Changes in fair value of financial assets-contingent returnable consideration
Total operating expenses
Income/(loss) from operations
Other income/(loss):
Interest income
Interest expense
Foreign currency exchange (loss)/gain
Income/(loss) from equity method investments, net of impairments
Gain on disposal of convertible loans due from a related party
Gain on disposal of available-for-sale debt investments
Others, net
Income/(loss) before tax
Income tax expense
Net income/(loss)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net income/(loss) attributable to Phoenix New Media Limited
Net income/(loss)
Other comprehensive income (net of tax of nil, RMB132,272 and
RMB196,617 (US$28,242) for the years ended December 31, 2017,
2018 and 2019, respectively): fair value remeasurement for available-
for-sale debt investments
Other comprehensive loss (net of tax of nil, nil and RMB142,574
(US$20,479) for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and
2019, respectively): reclassification adjustment for disposal of available-
for-sale debt investments
Other comprehensive (loss)/income (net of nil tax for all years):
foreign currency translation adjustment
Comprehensive income
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
Comprehensive income attributable to Phoenix New Media Limited
Net income/(loss) attributable to Phoenix New Media Limited
Net income/(loss) per Class A and Class B ordinary share:
Basic
Diluted
Net income/(loss) per ADS (1 ADS represents 8 Class A ordinary shares):
Basic
Diluted
Weighted average number of Class A and Class B ordinary shares
used in computing net income/(loss) per share:
Basic
Diluted
For the Years Ended December 31,
2017
RMB
2018
RMB
2019
RMB
2019
US$
1,353,480
221,612
1,575,092
(727,197)
847,895
(493,664)
(146,923)
(192,325)
—
(832,912)
14,983
54,286
(22,221)
(23,560)
6,296
—
—
19,423
49,207
(14,783)
34,424
3,048
37,472
34,424
1,198,271
179,108
1,377,379
(596,548)
780,831
(537,562)
(162,568)
(204,723)
—
(904,853)
(124,022)
47,445
(13,544)
6,849
5,352
10,565
—
21,848
(45,507)
(20,105)
(65,612)
2,390
(63,222)
(65,612)
1,263,485
267,577
1,531,062
(768,302)
762,760
(615,783)
(271,788)
(242,757)
62,051
(1,068,277)
(305,517)
28,407
(5,089)
7,892
(3,447)
—
1,001,181
20,816
744,243
(20,241)
724,002
3,827
727,829
724,002
181,488
38,435
219,923
(110,360)
109,563
(88,452)
(39,039)
(34,870)
8,913
(153,448)
(43,885)
4,080
(731)
1,134
(495)
—
143,811
2,990
106,904
(2,908)
103,996
550
104,546
103,996
321,538
566,320
1,188,762
170,755
—
(49,640)
306,322
3,048
309,370
37,472
0.07
0.06
0.52
0.51
—
(1,008,795)
(144,904)
51,794
552,502
2,390
554,892
(63,222)
(0.11)
(0.11)
(0.87)
(0.87)
37,483
941,452
3,827
945,279
727,829
1.25
1.25
10.00
10.00
5,384
135,231
550
135,781
104,546
0.18
0.18
1.44
1.44
574,786,887
590,433,907
581,084,453
581,084,453
582,275,800
582,275,800
582,275,800
582,275,800
(1) Transactions with related parties included in revenues, cost of revenues and operating expenses are as follows (Note 24):
Net advertising revenues
Paid services revenues
Cost of revenues
Sales and marketing expenses
General and administrative expenses
67,393
139,149
(57,057)
(748)
(6,245)
41,482
87,131
(30,167)
(4,341)
(7,918)
50,700
72,454
(26,728)
(4,157)
(7,045)
7,283
10,407
(3,839)
(597)
(1,012)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-5
Phoenix New Media Limited
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
(Amounts in thousands, except for number of shares)
Phoenix New Media Limited Shareholders’ Equity
Class A ordinary
shares
Shares
Amount
RMB
Class B ordinary
shares
Shares
Amount
RMB
Additional
paid-in
capital
RMB
254,909,790 16,843 317,325,360 22,053 1,555,511
20,852
—
—
—
—
Statutory
reserves
RMB
Retained
earnings
RMB
77,946 195,069
—
—
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income
RMB
298,346
—
Noncontrolling
interests
RMB
(3,340)
—
Total
shareholders’
equity
RMB
2,162,428
20,852
5,091,696
—
337
—
—
—
—
—
11,212
—
—
3,291
—
(3,291)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
321,538
—
—
—
11,549
—
321,538
—
—
—
—
260,001,486 17,180 317,325,360 22,053 1,587,575
13,989
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
37,472
81,237 229,250
—
—
(49,640)
—
570,244
—
—
(3,048)
(6,388)
—
(49,640)
34,424
2,501,151
13,989
4,823,106
—
307
—
—
—
—
—
3,024
—
—
6,383
—
(6,383)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
566,320
51,794
—
—
—
—
—
319,412
3,331
—
566,320
51,794
319,412
—
—
—
—
264,824,592 17,487 317,325,360 22,053 1,604,588
8,041
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(24)
(63,222)
87,620 159,621
—
—
—
—
1,188,358
—
—
(2,390)
310,634
12,180
(24)
(65,612)
3,390,361
20,221
174,373
—
12
—
—
—
—
—
499
—
—
963
—
(963)
—
—
—
—
511
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
1,188,762
—
1,188,762
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(1,008,795)
37,483
—
—
(1,008,795)
37,483
(1,644)
—
—
—
264,998,965 17,499 317,325,360 22,053 1,611,484
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
— (700,163)
— 727,829
88,583 186,324
—
—
—
—
1,405,808
(124,245)
18,522
—
(3,827)
213,264
(125,889)
18,522
(700,163)
724,002
3,545,015
2,514
3,168
231,475
12,724
26,764
201,931
30,634
509,210
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-6
Balance as of December 31, 2016
Share-based compensation
Issuance of ordinary shares upon
settlement of share-based awards
Appropriation to statutory reserves
Fair value changes of available-for-
sale
debt investments
Foreign currency translation
adjustment
Net income
Balance as of December 31, 2017
Share-based compensation
Issuance of ordinary shares upon
settlement of share-based awards
Appropriation to statutory reserves
Fair value changes of available-for-
sale
debt investments, net of tax
Foreign currency translation
adjustment
Acquisition of a subsidiary
Cumulative effect of initially applying
ASC 606
Net loss
Balance as of December 31, 2018
Share-based compensation
Issuance of ordinary shares upon
settlement of share- based awards
Appropriation to statutory reserves
Fair value changes of available-for-
sale
debt investments, net of tax
Reclassification adjustment for
disposal
of available-for-sale debt
investments, net of tax
Foreign currency translation
adjustment
Acquisition of a noncontrolling
interest
in a subsidiary
Acquisition of a subsidiary
Dividends declared and paid
Net income
Balance as of December 31, 2019
Balance as of December 31, 2019
(in US$)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income/(loss)
Adjustments to reconcile net income/(loss) to net cash provided by/
(used in) operating activities:
Share-based compensation
Provision for allowance for doubtful accounts, including related party
amounts of RMB15,757, RMB1,528 and RMB(2,273)
(US$(326)) for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018
and 2019, respectively
Depreciation and amortization expense
Amortization of the right-of-use assets
Impairment of intangible assets
(Income)/loss from equity method investments, net of impairments
Deferred income tax
Gain on disposal of property and equipment
Loss on disposal of intangible assets
Gain on disposal of convertible loans due from a related party
Changes in fair value of financial assets-contingent returnable
consideration
Gain on disposal of available-for-sale debt investments
Changes in fair value of financial liability
Foreign currency exchange loss/(gain)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisition:
Accounts receivable
Prepayments and other current assets
Amounts due from related parties
Other non-current assets
Accounts payable
Advances from customers
Salary and welfare payable
Taxes payable
Amounts due to related parties
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
Long-term liabilities
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property and equipment and intangible assets
Placement of term deposits and short term investments
Maturity of term deposits and short term investments
Payment for the equity investment measured under fair value
Loans provided to a related party
Loans repaid by a related party
Proceeds from disposal of convertible loans due from a related party
Net proceeds from disposal of available-for-sale debt investments
Deposits received from proposed buyers of investments in Particle
Cash (paid for)/acquired from acquisition of subsidiaries, net
Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
Proceeds from short-term bank loans
Repayment of short-term bank loans
Dividends paid to shareholders
Cash paid for acquisition of noncontrolling interests
Net cash used in financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and
restricted cash
Net increase/(decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the beginning of the year
Including:
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
Restricted cash at the beginning of the year
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the end of the year
Including:
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
Restricted cash at the end of the year
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for income taxes
Cash paid during the period for interest expenses
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing activities:
Acquisition of a subsidiary included in accrued expenses and other
current liabilities
Acquisition of the investments included in amount due to related
parties
Phoenix New Media Limited
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Amounts in thousands)
2017
RMB
For the Years Ended December 31,
2018
RMB
2019
RMB
2019
US$
34,424
20,852
6,632
35,618
—
—
(6,296 )
(6,153 )
(1,279 )
118
—
—
—
—
23,560
(44,575 )
5,508
(22,988 )
3,503
5,602
37,371
4,142
16,562
(4,580 )
61,968
2,991
172,980
(27,800 )
(2,754,930 )
2,797,282
—
(74,000 )
53,058
—
—
—
—
(6,390 )
12,368
328,511
(357,113 )
—
—
(16,234 )
(8,090 )
142,266
557,296
202,694
354,602
699,562
362,862
336,700
19,424
22,762
—
—
(65,612 )
724,002
103,996
13,989
20,221
2,905
23,999
32,471
—
—
(5,352 )
286
(1,318 )
—
(10,565 )
—
—
—
(6,849 )
(29,979 )
(13,636 )
37,539
(4,910 )
(6,102 )
(15,701 )
(19,855 )
8,066
2,578
(17,290 )
1,417
(76,824 )
(55,950 )
(3,365,720 )
3,199,558
(6,500 )
(10,000 )
74,000
111,957
—
—
(62,057 )
(114,712 )
3,677
250,492
(330,000 )
—
—
(75,831 )
11,477
(255,890 )
699,562
362,862
336,700
443,672
174,024
269,648
10,649
15,221
71,100
8,500
40,154
77,356
34,976
5,600
3,447
(2,977 )
(144 )
—
—
(62,051 )
(1,001,181 )
(4,441 )
(7,892 )
(79,203 )
20,641
33,778
5,902
(51,113 )
(2,674 )
14,828
18,223
15,505
(104,284 )
(28,978 )
(330,305 )
(83,837 )
(9,175,619 )
8,844,241
(6,500 )
—
—
—
1,403,046
357,974
121,089
1,460,394
511
—
(267,886 )
(703,145 )
(144,100 )
(1,114,620 )
(35,191 )
(19,722 )
443,672
174,024
269,648
423,950
341,016
82,934
1,083
4,026
—
—
5,768
11,111
5,024
804
495
(428 )
(21 )
—
—
(8,913 )
(143,811 )
(638 )
(1,134 )
(11,377 )
2,965
4,852
848
(7,342 )
(384 )
2,130
2,618
2,227
(14,978 )
(4,162 )
(47,445 )
(12,042 )
(1,317,995 )
1,270,396
(934 )
—
—
—
201,535
51,420
17,393
209,773
73
—
(38,479 )
(101,000 )
(20,699 )
(160,105 )
(5,055 )
(2,832 )
63,729
24,997
38,732
60,897
48,984
11,913
156
578
—
—
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-7
Phoenix New Media Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
1. Organization and Principal Activities
Phoenix New Media Limited (“PNM”, or the “Company”) was incorporated in the Cayman Islands on November 22, 2007 by Phoenix Satellite
Television (B.V.I.) Holding Limited (the “Parent”), a subsidiary of Phoenix Media Investment (Holdings) Limited (“Phoenix TV”). Phoenix TV, its
subsidiaries and variable interest entities (“VIEs”) excluding the Group are collectively referred to as the Phoenix TV Group. As of December 31, 2019, the
Company had twelve subsidiaries, four VIEs and twenty-five subsidiaries of VIEs. The Company, its subsidiaries, VIEs and subsidiaries of the VIEs are
hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Group”. The Group generates revenues from providing advertising services and paid services, which include paid
contents, MVAS, games and others. While the Group’s VIEs hold certain licenses and approvals to operate Internet-related businesses in the People’s
Republic of China (“China” or the “PRC”), they are also in the process of applying for licenses for the operations of their businesses, including an Internet
audio-visual program transmission license and an Internet news license.
Major subsidiaries, VIEs and the subsidiaries of the VIEs as of December 31, 2019 are set out below:
Name
Direct subsidiaries:
Phoenix Satellite Television Information Limited
Phoenix New Media (Hong Kong) Company Limited
Phoenix New Media (Hong Kong) Information Technology Company Limited
Fread Limited*
Indirect subsidiaries:
Fenghuang On-line (Beijing) Information Technology Co., Ltd. (“Fenghuang
On-line”)
Beijing Fenghuang Yutian Software Technology Co., Ltd. (“Fenghuang Yutian”)
Fenghuang Feiyang (Beijing) New Media Information Technology Co., Ltd.
(“Fenghuang Feiyang”)
I Game (Hong Kong) Company Limited
Beijing Fenghuang Borui Software Technology Co., Ltd. (“Fenghuang Borui”)
Qieyiyou (Beijing) Information Technology Co., Ltd. (“Qieyiyou”)
Tianjin Fengying Hongda Culture Communication Co., Ltd. (“Fengying Hongda”)
VIEs:
Beijing Tianying Jiuzhou Network Technology Co., Ltd. (“Tianying Jiuzhou”)
Yifeng Lianhe (Beijing) Technology Co., Ltd. (“Yifeng Lianhe”)
Beijing Chenhuan Technology Co., Ltd. (“Chenhuan”)
Subsidiaries of VIEs:
Beijing Tianying Chuangzhi Advertising Co., Ltd. (“Tianying Chuangzhi”)
Beijing Fengyu Network Technology Co., Ltd. (“Fengyu Network”)**
Beijing Yitian Xindong Network Technology Co., Ltd. (“Yitian Xindong”)
Beijing Fenghuang Tianbo Network Technology Co., Ltd. (“Tianbo”)
Place of
Incorporation
Date of
Incorporation
Percentage
of Direct or
Indirect
Economic
Ownership
British Virgin Islands
(“BVI”)
Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Cayman Island
PRC
PRC
PRC
Hong Kong
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
September 1, 1999
February 24, 2011
April 22, 2014
May 20, 2014
December 20, 2005
June 15, 2012
October 25, 2013
June 10, 2014
October 13, 2014
November 28, 2014
March 13, 2017
April 18, 2000
June 16, 2006
June 10, 2014
February 8, 2010
June 1, 2012
September 05,2008
May 31, 2013
Principal
Activity
Investment holding
Advertising
Investment holding
Investment holding
Technical consulting
Software development
Advertising
Game
Software development
Game
Advertising
Advertising and
paid services
Digital entertainment
Game
Advertising
Digital entertainment
Digital entertainment
Advertising
100 %
100 %
100 %
100 %
100 %
100 %
100 %
100 %
100 %
100 %
100 %
100 %
100 %
100 %
100 %
100 %
51 %
50 %
*
**
In January 2018, the name of “I Game Limited” was changed to “Fread Limited”.
In April 2017, the name of “Beijing Fenghuang Interactive Entertainment Network Technology Co., Ltd.” was changed to “Beijing Fengyu Network
Technology Co., Ltd.”.
In order to comply with Chinese laws and regulations that prohibit or restrict foreign ownership of companies that operate Internet content,
advertising and game businesses, a series of agreements (the “Contractual Agreements”) were entered into among Fenghuang On-line, Tianying Jiuzhou,
Yifeng Lianhe and their legal shareholders in 2009, and among Qieyiyou, Chenhuan, and their legal shareholders in 2015. Through the aforementioned
activities, Tianying Jiuzhou, Yifeng Lianhe and Chenhuan, are considered as VIEs in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States (“U.S. GAAP”). Fenghuang On-line and Qieyiyou are entitled to substantially all the economic risks and rewards associated with the VIEs,
and are the primary beneficiaries of the VIEs, respectively.
Voting Right Entrustment Agreements
Pursuant to the voting right entrustment agreements among the VIEs, their legal shareholders and Fenghuang On-line or Qieyiyou, each legal
shareholder of the VIEs agreed to grant a person designated by Fenghuang On-line or Qieyiyou the right to exercise their rights as shareholders, including
all voting rights, as well as rights to attend and propose the convening of shareholder meetings. Unless otherwise required by law, the voting right
entrustment agreements will remain in effect indefinitely unless both parties agree to terminate the agreement in writing, or unless the Fenghuang On-line
or Qieyiyou decide in their discretion to terminate the relevant agreements.
F-8
Phoenix New Media Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
1. Organization and Principal Activities (Continued)
Exclusive Equity Option Agreements
Under the exclusive equity option agreements among the VIEs, their legal shareholders and Fenghuang On-line or Qieyiyou, legal shareholders
of the VIEs irrevocably granted Fenghuang On-line or Qieyiyou or their designated person an irrevocable, unconditional and exclusive option to purchase,
to the extent permitted by applicable PRC laws, all of the equity interest in the VIEs from the legal shareholders. The purchase price for the entire equity
interest is to be calculated based on the paid-up amount of the relevant equity interest or the minimum price permitted by applicable PRC laws. The
exclusive equity option agreement will remain in effect until all of the equity interest in the VIEs has been duly transferred to Fenghuang On-line or
Qieyiyou or their designated representatives.
Loan Agreements
Pursuant to the loan agreements among Fenghuang On-line or Qieyiyou, and legal shareholders of their VIEs, Fenghuang On-line or Qieyiyou
granted interest-free loans to the legal shareholders of the VIEs for an amount that is equal to their respective capital contribution in the VIEs. The loans
can be repaid only with proceeds from the sale of all of the respective shareholder’s equity interest in the applicable VIE to Fenghuang On-line or
Qieyiyou, or their designated representatives pursuant to the applicable exclusive equity option agreement. The term of each loan is ten years, and may be
extended upon mutual agreement of the parties. On December 31, 2019, Tianying Jiuzhou and Fenghuagn On-line entered into a supplemental agreement
to extend the loan for a term of ten years upon expiration of the original loan agreement on the same day.
Equity Pledge Agreements
Under the equity pledge agreement among the VIEs, their legal shareholders and Fenghuang On-line or Qieyiyou, the legal shareholders of the
VIEs have pledged their equity interests in the VIEs to Fenghuang On-line or Qieyiyou to secure the performance of the obligations of the VIEs and their
legal shareholders under the applicable exclusive technical licensing and services agreement, voting right entrustment agreement, exclusive equity option
agreement and loan agreement. The equity pledge agreements will remain in effect until the secured obligations have been fully performed by the VIEs or
released by Fenghuang On-line or Qieyiyou.
Exclusive Technical Licensing and Service Agreements
Under the exclusive technical licensing and service agreements between Fenghuang On-line or Qieyiyou and each of the VIEs, Fenghuang On-
line or Qieyiyou has the exclusive right to provide technical and consulting services to their respective VIEs. The VIEs have agreed to pay a service fee to
Fenghuang On-line or Qieyiyou equal to a certain percentage of their respective annual revenues plus a special service fee for certain services rendered by
Fenghuang On-line or Qieyiyou at the request of the VIEs. The technical service agreements also transfer all of the economic benefit of intellectual
property created by the VIEs to Fenghuang On-line or Qieyiyou. Each exclusive technical services agreement will remain in effect indefinitely and can be
terminated only by Fenghuang On-line or Qieyiyou unless otherwise required by law.
The Group has evaluated the relationship among the Company, Fenghuang On-line or Qieyiyou and the VIEs in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Pursuant to the voting right entrustment agreements, the Company has obtained power, as granted to the legal shareholders by the applicable PRC law and
under the articles of association of the VIEs, to direct all significant activities of the VIEs, which include but are not limited to budgeting, financing, and
making other strategic and operational decisions, and will significantly impact the VIEs’ economic performance. Pursuant to the exclusive technical
licensing and service agreements and other agreements, the Company has the right to receive benefits of the VIEs in the form of technical service fees,
which could potentially be significant to the VIEs’ net income. In addition, the Company has the right to receive all the residual assets of the VIEs through
exercise of the exclusive equity option agreements. As a result, the Company, through Fenghuang On-line and Qieyiyou, is considered the primary
beneficiary of the VIEs and therefore includes the VIEs’ assets, liabilities and operating results in its consolidated financial statements.
F-9
Phoenix New Media Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
1. Organization and Principal Activities (Continued)
In January 2015, in order to leverage the Group’s brand, content platform and large user base to expand into more entertainment related
businesses, the Group established a new subsidiary Meowpaw with share capital of RMB1.0 million. Meowpaw is engaged in creating intellectual
properties, related games, books, movies and animations, etc. The Group held 75% of the shares, and the noncontrolling shareholder, who was an
individual, held the rest of 25%. Meowpaw’s share capital was not sufficient to support its operations. In addition to the capital injection, as of
December 31, 2018 and 2019, the Group has a long-term loan to Meowpaw of RMB79.0 million and RMB79.0 million (US$11.5 million), respectively, to
support Meowpaw’s operations. In accordance with ASC 810-10 Variable Interest Entities , Meowpaw is thinly capitalized and consolidated as a variable
interest entity. Meowpaw may not pay any dividend to shareholders until the accumulated retained earnings are over RMB35.0 million. As the Group owns
75% equity interest of Meowpaw, it can absorb a majority of Meowpaw’s expected loss, owns the power to direct Meowpaw’s activities and most
significantly impacted Meowpaw’s economic performance, therefore, the Group is the primary beneficiary of Meowpaw and consolidated Meowpaw under
VIE model.
The Company has the power to direct the activities of all the VIEs, including the VIEs aforementioned in the Contractual Agreements and
Meowpaw, and can freely have assets transferred out of all the VIEs without any restrictions. Only the registered capital and PRC statutory reserves of the
consolidated VIEs amounted to RMB32.8 million (US$4.7 million) as of December 31, 2019 can be used to solely settle obligations of the VIEs and
subsidiaries of the VIEs. As all the VIEs and subsidiaries of the VIEs are incorporated as limited liability companies under the PRC Company Law, the
creditors of the VIEs and subsidiaries of the VIEs do not have recourse to the general credit of the Company. The amounts of the consolidated VIEs’
current liabilities without recourse to the Company disclosed on the face of the consolidated balance sheets have excluded the amounts due to inter-
company entities.
The following tables set forth the summarized assets, liabilities, results of operations and cash flows of the consolidated VIEs (in thousands):
Current assets
Non-current assets
Total assets
Accounts payable
Amounts due to related parties
Amounts due to inter-company entities
Advances from customers
Taxes payable
Salary and welfare payable
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Total liabilities
Revenues
Net loss
Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities
F-10
2018
RMB
As of December 31,
2019
RMB
2019
US$
979,025
530,118
1,509,143
135,407
11,531
631,392
31,686
48,697
40,949
189,228
1,088,890
28,796
1,117,686
1,223,454
588,327
1,811,781
132,690
24,194
1,030,231
56,212
82,475
82,095
234,004
1,641,901
52,087
1,693,988
175,738
84,508
260,246
19,060
3,475
147,983
8,074
11,847
11,792
33,613
235,844
7,482
243,326
For the Years Ended December 31,
2017
RMB
2018
RMB
2019
RMB
2019
US$
769,943
(7,760)
591,495
(112,146)
889,084
(174,661)
127,709
(25,089)
For the Years Ended December 31,
2017
RMB
2018
RMB
2019
RMB
(3,950)
65,600
(2,000)
100,256
(164,190)
—
(227,916)
129,697
224,299
2019
US$
(32,738)
18,630
32,219
1. Organization and Principal Activities (Continued)
Phoenix New Media Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
As of December 31, 2019, the total assets for the consolidated VIEs mainly comprised of cash and cash equivalents, term deposits and short term
investments, accounts receivable, prepayments and other current assets, amounts due from related parties, intangible assets, goodwill and property and
equipment. There was no pledge or collateralization of these assets. Unrecognized revenue-producing assets that are held by the VIEs and subsidiaries of
the VIEs comprise the Internet Content Provision License, the Online Culture Operating Permit, the Internet Publication License, the Permit for Production
and Operation of Radio and TV Programs, the Value-added Telecommunications Business Operating License, trademark, and domain name. Recognized
revenue-producing assets that are held by the VIEs and subsidiaries of the VIEs comprise property and equipment and operating rights for licensed games.
As of December 31, 2019, the total liabilities for the consolidated VIEs mainly comprised accounts payable, amounts due to related parties, amounts due to
inter-company entities, advances from customers, salary and welfare payable, taxes payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities and non-current
liabilities. After netting off the amount of inter-company transactions between the consolidated VIEs and other subsidiaries within the Group, the net fee
paid or payable to other subsidiaries of the Group by the consolidated VIEs were RMB13.7 million, RMB31.7 million and RMB3.8 million (US$0.6
million) for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively. The balances and transactions of the consolidated VIEs were reflected in the
Company’s consolidated financial statements with inter-company transactions eliminated.
It is possible that the Group’s operation of certain of its operations and businesses through VIEs could be found by PRC authorities to be in
violation of PRC law and regulations prohibiting or restricting foreign ownership of companies that engage in such operations and businesses. While the
Group’s management considers the possibility of such a finding by PRC regulatory authorities under current law and regulations to be remote, on
March 15, 2019, the National People’s Congress promulgated the Foreign Investment Law or the FIL, which took effect on January 1, 2020, and replaced
the existing laws regulating foreign investment in China, namely, the PRC Equity Joint Venture Law, the PRC Cooperative Joint Venture Law and the
Wholly Foreign-owned Enterprise Law, or Old FIE Laws, together with their implementation rules and ancillary regulations. Meanwhile, the
Implementation Rules to the Foreign Investment Law came into effect as of January 1, 2020, which clarified and elaborated the relevant provisions of the
Foreign Investment Law. However, uncertainties still exist in relation to interpretation and implementation of the FIL, especially in regard to, including,
among other things, the nature of variable interest entities contractual arrangements and specific rules regulating the organization form of foreign-invested
enterprises within the five-year transition period. While FIL does not define contractual arrangements as a form of foreign investment explicitly, however,
it has a catch-all provision under definition of “foreign investment” that includes investments made by foreign investors in the PRC through other means as
provided by laws, administrative regulations or the State Council, the Group cannot assure that future laws and regulations will not provide for contractual
arrangements as a form of foreign investment. Therefore, there can be no assurance that the Group’s control over its VIEs through contractual arrangements
will not be deemed as foreign investment in the future. In the event that any possible implementing regulations of the FIL, any other future laws,
administrative regulations or provisions deem contractual arrangements as a way of foreign investment, or if any of its operations through contractual
arrangements is classified in the “restricted” or “prohibited” industry in the future “negative list” under the FIL, its contractual arrangements may be
deemed as invalid and illegal, and the Group may be required to unwind the variable interest entity contractual arrangements and/or dispose of any affected
business. Also, if future laws, administrative regulations or provisions mandate further actions to be taken with respect to existing contractual
arrangements, the Group may face substantial uncertainties as to whether it can complete such actions in a timely manner, or at all. Furthermore, under the
FIL, foreign investors or the foreign investment enterprise should be imposed legal liabilities for failing to report investment information in accordance
with the requirements. In addition, the FIL provides that foreign invested enterprises established according to the existing laws regulating foreign
investment may maintain their structure and corporate governance within a five-year transition period, which means that the Group may be required to
adjust the structure and corporate governance of certain of its PRC subsidiaries in such transition period. Failure to take timely and appropriate measures to
cope with any of these or similar regulatory compliance challenges could materially and adversely affect its current corporate structure, corporate
governance and business operations.
2. Principal Accounting Policies
(a) Basis of presentation, principles of consolidation, and cost allocations
The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company, its subsidiaries, its VIEs and the subsidiaries of the VIEs.
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and on a going concern basis. All significant transactions and
balances among the Company, its subsidiaries, its VIEs and the subsidiaries of the VIEs have been eliminated upon consolidation. The Company
consolidates the VIEs as required by Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 810 Consolidation , because Fenghuang On-line and Qieyiyou hold all
the variable interests of the VIEs and have been determined to be the primary beneficiaries of the VIEs (see Note 1).
F-11
Phoenix New Media Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2. Principal Accounting Policies (Continued)
(a) Basis of presentation, principles of consolidation, and cost allocations (continued)
The Group and Phoenix TV Group have engaged in various mutual cooperation activities in content, branding, promotions, technical support and
corporate management. The Group and Phoenix TV Group entered into a Program Resource License Agreements and a Program Text/Graphics Resource
License Agreements, or the Agreements, effective as of May 27, 2016 and expired on May 26, 2019, to grant the Group the license with priority over any
third party to broadcast Phoenix TV Group’s copyrighted video content from three television channels of Phoenix TV Group and a non-exclusive license to
use Phoenix TV Group’s copyrighted text and graphics. The fees payable to Phoenix TV Group by the Group are RMB10.0 million for the first year of the
Agreements, which would incrementally increase by 15% for each subsequent year of the Agreements. The Agreements do not grant the Group the right to
sublicense Phoenix TV Group’s copyrighted content to third parties. As such, the Group does not incur revenue sharing fee to Phoenix TV Group
accordingly. After the expiration of the Agreements in May 2019, the Group entered into a supplemental agreement with Phoenix TV Group to extend the
term of the Agreements to January 14, 2020. Subsequently, the Group entered into a program resource license and cooperation agreement with Phoenix TV
Group on January 15, 2020, or the 2020 Program Resource License and Cooperation Agreement, to continue to use Phoenix TV Group’s copyrighted video
content. The annual license fees payable to Phoenix TV Group under the 2020 Program Resource License and Cooperation Agreement are RMB2.0 million
plus 50% of the revenue generated from the use of the licensed program resource in excess of RMB2.0 million. The 2020 Program Resource License and
Cooperation Agreement have a term of two years and may be extended prior to expiration.
The Group and Phoenix TV Group entered into new trademark license agreements in December 2017, which became effective on December 8,
2017 and will expire on December 7, 2020. Compared to the original trademark license agreements, effective from November 2009 and expired in
December 2017, the new trademark license agreements no longer allow the Group to use the double-phoenix logo of Phoenix TV Group on a stand-alone
basis and have increased the annual license fee payable to Phoenix TV Group from a total of US$10,000 to the greater of 2% of the annual revenues of
Tianying Jiuzhou and Yifeng Lianhe or US$100,000 for each company.
Apart from the above cooperation agreements, Phoenix TV Group also paid certain expenses on behalf of the Group, such as data line usage and
other general and administrative expenses, which the Group needed to settle with Phoenix TV Group based on the actual amount, and were recorded in the
consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss). The Group also earned and recorded advertising revenues from Phoenix TV Group by providing
joint advertising campaign solutions together with Phoenix TV Group to Phoenix TV Group’s advertisers or from providing the advertising and promotion
services directly to Phoenix TV Group by entering into advertising-for-advertising barter transactions.
(b) Use of estimates
The preparation of the Group’s consolidated financial statements in conformity with the U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements
and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from such estimates. The Group bases
its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable, the results of which form the basis for making
judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities.
(c) Business combinations and noncontrolling interests
The Group accounts for its business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805 Business
Combinations . The cost of an acquisition is measured as the aggregate of the acquisition date fair value of the assets transferred to the sellers and liabilities
incurred by the Group and equity instruments issued as well as the contingent considerations as of the acquisition date. Transaction costs directly
attributable to the acquisition are expensed as incurred. Identifiable assets and liabilities acquired or assumed are measured separately at their fair values as
of the acquisition date, irrespective of the extent of any noncontrolling interests. The excess of (i) the total costs of acquisition, fair value of the
noncontrolling interests and acquisition date fair value of any previously held equity interest in the acquiree over (ii) the fair value of the identifiable
tangible and intangible net assets of the acquiree is recorded as goodwill. If the cost of acquisition is less than the fair value of the net assets of the
subsidiary acquired, the difference is recognized directly in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss). During the measurement period,
which can be up to one year from the acquisition date, the Group may record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed with the
corresponding offset to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period or final determination of the values of assets acquired or liabilities
assumed, whichever comes first, any subsequent adjustments are recorded to the consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss).
F-12
Phoenix New Media Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2. Principal Accounting Policies (Continued)
(c) Business combinations and noncontrolling interests (continued)
In a business combination achieved in stages, the Group re-measures the previously held equity interest in the acquiree immediately before
obtaining control at its acquisition date fair value and the re-measurement gain or loss, if any, is recognized in the consolidated statements of
comprehensive income/(loss).
When there is a change in ownership interests or a change in contractual arrangements that results in a loss of control of a subsidiary, the Group
deconsolidates the subsidiary from the date control is lost. Any retained noncontrolling investment in the former subsidiary is measured at fair value and is
included in the calculation of the gain or loss upon deconsolidation of the subsidiary.
For the Group’s non-wholly owned subsidiaries, a noncontrolling interest is recognized to reflect portion of equity that is not attributable, directly
or indirectly, to the Group. When the noncontrolling interest is contingently redeemable upon the occurrence of a conditional event, which is not solely
within the control of the Group, the noncontrolling interest is classified as mezzanine equity. Transactions with changes in the Group’s ownership interest
while it retains its controlling financial interest in its subsidiary shall be accounted for as equity transactions. Therefore, no gain or loss shall be recognized
in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss). The carrying amount of the noncontrolling interest shall be adjusted to reflect the change in
its ownership interest in the subsidiary. Any difference between the fair value of the consideration received or paid and the amount by which the
noncontrolling interest is adjusted shall be recognized in equity attributable to the Group. Consolidated net income/(loss) in the consolidated statements of
comprehensive income/(loss) includes net income or loss attributable to noncontrolling interests. The cumulative results of operations attributable to
noncontrolling interests, along with adjustments for share-based compensation expense arising from outstanding share-based awards relating to the
subsidiaries’ shares, are also recorded as noncontrolling interests in the Group’s consolidated balance sheets. Cash flows related to transactions with
noncontrolling interests are presented under financing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
(d) Foreign currency translation
The Group uses Renminbi (“RMB”) as its reporting currency. The Company’s operations in the PRC and other regions use their respective
currencies as their functional currencies. In the consolidated financial statements, the financial information of the Company and its subsidiaries, which use
U.S. dollars or Hong Kong dollars as their functional currency, have been translated into RMB at the exchange rates quoted by the People’s Bank of China
(the “PBOC”). Assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rates on the balance sheet date, equity amounts are translated at historical exchange
rates, and revenues, expenses, gains, and losses are translated using the average rate for the period. Translation adjustments arising from these are reported
as foreign currency translation adjustments and have been shown as a component of other comprehensive loss or income in the consolidated statements of
shareholders’ equity and the consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss).
Foreign currency transactions denominated in currencies other than functional currency are translated into the functional currency using the
exchange rates prevailing on the dates of the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies on the balance sheet date are
remeasured at the applicable rates of exchange in effect on that date. Foreign currency exchange gain or loss resulting from the settlement of such
transactions and from remeasurement at period-end is recognized in foreign currency exchange gain or loss in the consolidated statements of
comprehensive income/(loss).
(e) Convenience translation
Translations of amounts from RMB into US$ for the convenience of the reader were calculated at the noon buying rate of US$1.00 = RMB6.9618
on December 31, 2019 as set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the U.S. Federal Reserve Board. No representation is made that the RMB amounts could
have been, or could be, converted into US$ at such rate.
F-13
Phoenix New Media Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2. Principal Accounting Policies (Continued)
(f) Fair value of financial instruments
U.S. GAAP establishes a three-tier hierarchy to prioritize the inputs used in the valuation methodologies in measuring the fair value of financial
instruments. This hierarchy also requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring
fair value. The three-tier fair value hierarchy is:
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 marketplace
Level 3— Unobservable inputs which are supported by little or no market activity
U.S. GAAP describes three main approaches to measuring the fair value of assets and liabilities: (1) market approach; (2) income approach and
(3) cost approach. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated from market transactions involving identical or comparable
assets or liabilities. The income approach uses valuation techniques to convert future amounts to a single present value amount. The measurement is based
on the value indicated by current market expectations about those future amounts. The cost approach is based on the amount that would currently be
required to replace an asset. In some circumstances, a combined approach of the aforementioned three approaches may be used to measure the fair values.
The Group’s financial instruments include cash equivalents, term deposits, short term investments, restricted cash, accounts receivable, amounts
due from related parties, prepayments and other current assets, financial assets — contingent returnable consideration, available-for-sale debt investments,
equity investments without readily determinable fair values, forward contract, accounts payable, amounts due to related parties, salary and welfare payable,
accrued expense, short-term bank loans and other current liabilities and other non-current assets. Refer to Note 21 for details.
(g) Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents represent cash on hand, demand deposits, time deposits and highly liquid investments placed with banks or other
financial institutions, which are unrestricted to withdrawal or use, and which have original maturities of three months or less.
(h) Term deposits, short term investments
Term deposits represent term deposits placed with banks with original maturities of more than three months and up to one year.
Short term investments represent investments in financial instruments with a variable interest rate indexed to performance of underlying assets
and investments that the Group has positive intent and ability to hold to maturity, all of which are with original maturity of less than 12 months.
In accordance with ASC 825, for investments in financial instruments with a variable interest rate indexed to performance of underlying assets,
the Group elected the fair value method at the date of initial recognition and carried these investments at fair value. Fair value is estimated based on quoted
prices of similar products provided by banks at the end of each period. The Group classifies the valuation techniques that use these inputs as Level 2 of fair
value measurements. Please see Note 21 for additional information.
(i) Restricted cash
Restricted cash represents deposits placed as security for banking facilities granted to the Group, and deposits placed in accounts co-managed
with third-parties related to the real estate services, which are restricted to withdrawal or usage.
F-14
Phoenix New Media Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2. Principal Accounting Policies (Continued)
(j) Accounts receivable, net
Accounts receivable is the Group’s right to consideration that is unconditional, and the right to consideration is unconditional if only the passage
of time is required before payment of that consideration is due. The carrying value of accounts receivable is reduced by an allowance that reflects the
Group’s best estimate of the amounts that will not be collected. Many factors are considered in estimating the general allowance, including but not limited
to reviewing accounts receivable balances, historical bad debt rates, aging analysis, customer credit worthiness and industry trend analysis. The Group also
makes the specific allowance if there is evidence showing that the receivable is unlikely to be collected. Accounts receivable balances are written off
against the allowance when they are determined to be uncollectible. All accounts receivable balances are presented as accounts receivables, net in the
consolidated balance sheets. Refer to Note 5 for details.
(k) Convertible loans due from a related party
Convertible loans due from a related party represent short-term loans advanced to a related party of which the Group may at its option to convert
all or a portion into preferred shares. The Group has determined that the convertible loans are not within the scope ASC 320 Investment — debt and equity
securities and therefore are accounted for under ASC 310 Receivables . The conversion features were considered as embedded derivatives that do not meet
the criteria to be bifurcated under ASC 815-15-25-1 and were accounted for in a similar method as for the short-term loans advanced to a related party. The
Group accounts for the convertible loans due from a related party at an amortized cost basis after deduction of any other-than-temporary impairment loss
and reviews for impairment on a regular basis.
(l) Property and equipment, net
Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment. Property and equipment are depreciated over the
following estimated useful lives on a straight-line basis:
Computers
Equipment, furniture and motor vehicles
Leasehold improvements
Estimated Useful Lives
3 years
5 years
Lesser of lease terms or the estimated useful lives of the assets
Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. The gain or loss on the disposal of property and equipment is the difference
between the net sales proceeds and the carrying amount of the relevant assets and is recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive
income/(loss).
(m) Intangible assets, net
Intangible assets acquired through business acquisitions are recognized as assets separate from goodwill if they satisfy either the “contractual-
legal” or “separability” criterion. Intangible assets mainly consist of computer software purchased from unrelated third parties, operating rights for licensed
games, licensed copyrights of reading content, audio content, user base, and trademark and domain names. Intangible assets are stated at cost less
impairment and accumulated amortization, which is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Separately
identifiable intangible assets that have determinable lives continue to be amortized over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method as
follows:
Computer software
Trademark and domain names
Licensed copyrights of reading content
Audio content
User base
License and licensed games
Estimated Useful Lives
5 years
10 years
Lesser of the licensed period or 5 years
5 years
0.8 years
Estimated life cycle
The Group amortizes the licensed copyrights in “cost of revenues” on a straight-line basis.
F-15
Phoenix New Media Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2. Principal Accounting Policies (Continued)
(n) Available-for-sale debt investments
In accordance with ASC 320 Investments-Debt and Equity Securities , the Group classifies the investments in debt securities as “held-to-
maturity”, “trading” or “available-for-sale”. The securities that the Group has positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-
maturity securities. The securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term are classified as trading securities.
Investments that have readily determinable fair values not classified as trading or as held-to-maturity are classified as available-for-sale debt investments.
Available-for-sale debt investments are reported at fair value, which is estimated by management after considering an independent appraisal performed by a
reputable appraisal firm, with unrealized gains and losses, if any, recorded in the accumulated other comprehensive loss or income in shareholder’s equity.
The tax effects of the unrealized gains and losses of the available-for-sale debt investments should be recorded net against the pre-tax changes in other
comprehensive income. An impairment loss on the available-for-sale debt investments would be recognized in the consolidated statements of
comprehensive income/(loss) when the decline in value is determined to be other-than-temporary. Investments with maturities of greater than 12 months are
recorded in non-current assets.
(o) Equity investments
Investments in entities in which the Group can exercise significant influence but does not own a majority equity interest or control are accounted
for using the equity method of accounting in accordance with ASC 323 Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures . The Group adjusts the carrying
amount of equity method investment for its share of the income or losses of the investee and reports the recognized income or losses in the consolidated
statements of comprehensive income/(loss). The Group’s share of the income or losses of an investee are based on the shares of common stock and in-
substance common stock held by the Group.
The Group adopted ASU 2016-1 Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities , beginning from January 1, 2018,
and the cumulative effect of initially applying the guidance to the financial statements of prior periods at January 1, 2018 was not material. Prior to
adopting ASU 2016-1, the Group accounted as cost method investments for its investments in investees that do not have readily determinable fair value and
over which the Group does not have significant influence, in accordance with ASC 325-20, Investments-Other: Cost Method Investments . After the
adoption of ASU 2016-1, the Group measures equity investments, other than those accounted for under the equity method, at fair value through net
income/(loss). For investments in equity securities lacking of readily determinable fair values, the Group has elected to use the measurement alternative
defined as cost, less impairments, adjusted by observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer.
An impairment loss on the equity investments is recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss) when the decline in
value is determined to be other-than-temporary.
F-16
Phoenix New Media Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2. Principal Accounting Policies (Continued)
(p) Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase consideration over the fair value of the identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired and
liabilities assumed in a business combination. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently if events or
changes in circumstances indicate that it might be impaired. The Group first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the
two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. In the qualitative assessment, the Group considers primary factors such as industry and market
considerations, overall financial performance of the reporting unit, and other specific information related to the operations. Based on the qualitative
assessment, if it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test is performed.
In performing the two-step quantitative impairment test, the first step compares the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying amount,
including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill is not considered to be impaired and the second step will
not be required. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step compares the implied fair value of goodwill to the carrying
value of a reporting unit’s goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in a manner similar to accounting for a business combination with the
allocation of the assessed fair value determined in the first step to the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit. The excess of the fair value of the reporting
unit over the amounts assigned to the assets and liabilities is the implied fair value of goodwill. This allocation process is only performed for the purposes
of evaluating goodwill impairment and does not result in an entry to adjust the value of any assets or liabilities. Application of a goodwill impairment test
requires significant management judgment, including the identification of reporting units, allocation of assets, liabilities and goodwill to reporting units,
and determination of the fair value of each reporting unit.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment . The guidance removes Step 2 of the goodwill
impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. A goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit’s
carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. The Group has early adopted ASU 2017-04 in the annual impairment
test for the year ended December 31, 2019 and did not expect it to have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.
(q) Impairment of long-lived assets
Long-lived assets such as property and equipment and intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in the
circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. When these events occur, the Group assesses the recoverability of the
long-lived assets by comparing the carrying amount to the estimated future undiscounted cash flows associated from the use of the asset and its eventual
disposition, and recognize an impairment of long-lived assets when the carrying value of such assets exceeds the estimated future undiscounted cash flows
such assets is expected to generate. If the Group identifies an impairment, the Group reduces the carrying amount of the assets or asset group to its
estimated fair value based on a discounted cash flow approach or, when available and appropriate, to comparable market values.
F-17
Phoenix New Media Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2. Principal Accounting Policies (Continued)
(r) ASC 606 Revenue from Contracts with Customers
On January 1, 2018, the Group adopted ASC 606 Revenue from Contracts with Customers by applying the modified retrospective method, and
the financial statements of prior periods were not retrospectively adjusted and the cumulative effect of initially applying the guidance at January 1, 2018,
which was recorded as an adjustment to the balance of retained earnings and advance from customers as of January 1, 2018, was not material. The main
impact of applying the new accounting standard on the Group’s financial results by applying the modified retrospective method mainly include, (1) the
reclassification of sales taxes and related surcharges from cost of revenues to a reduction of revenues, and (2) revenues and expenses from some advertising
barter transactions is recognized beginning from January 1, 2018 in accordance with the new guidance, as the provision of ASC 605 exempting some
advertising-for-advertising barter transactions, for which the fair value of the advertising services surrendered or received was not determinable, from being
reported at fair value has been superseded. The sales taxes and related surcharges were RMB123.0 million and RMB125.5 million (US$18.0 million) for
the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019, respectively, which were excluded from cost of revenues and recorded as a reduction item of revenues. Total
revenues from advertising-for-advertising barter transactions of RMB4.7 million and RMB7.4 million (US$1.1 million) were recognized in the years ended
December 31, 2018 and 2019, respectively, and total costs and expenses from advertising-for-advertising barter transactions of RMB4.8 million and
RMB7.4 million (US$1.1 million) were recognized in the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019, respectively. Accordingly, the financial data presented
in the Group’s financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019 were in accordance with ASC 606 while all financial data presented
for the years ended December 31, 2017 were in accordance with ASC 605 Revenue Recognition .
In 2019, the Group re-classified paid services revenues (see Note 2(s)). For comparison purposes, the revenues from paid services for the years of
2017 and 2018 have been retrospectively re-classified. The following table presents the Group’s revenues disaggregated by products and services (in
thousands):
Net advertising revenues
Paid services revenues
Revenues from paid contents
Revenues from games
Revenues from MVAS
Revenues from others
Total
Contract balances
For the Years Ended December 31,
2017
RMB
1,353,480
221,612
77,675
27,463
108,567
7,907
1,575,092
2018
RMB
1,198,271
179,108
95,044
14,727
55,037
14,300
1,377,379
2019
RMB
1,263,485
267,577
205,360
14,169
18,499
29,549
1,531,062
2019
US$
181,488
38,435
29,498
2,035
2,657
4,245
219,923
Timing of revenue recognition may differ from the timing of invoicing to customers. Contract asset represents the Group’s right to consideration
in exchange for goods or services that it has transferred to a customer when that right is conditioned on something other than the passage of time (for
example, the entity’s future performance). Accounts receivable represent amounts invoiced and revenue recognized prior to invoicing, when the Group has
satisfied its performance obligations and has the unconditional right to payment. Contract assets as of December 31, 2018 and 2019 were not material.
If a customer pays consideration, or the Group has a right to an amount of consideration that is unconditional (that is, a receivable), before the
Group transfers a good or service to the customer, the Group shall present the contract as a contract liability when the payment is made or the payment is
due (whichever is earlier). A contract liability is the Group’s obligation to transfer goods or services to a customer for which it has received consideration
(or an amount of consideration is due) from the customer. Receipts in advance and deferred revenue relate to unsatisfied performance obligations at the end
of the period and primarily consist of fees received from advertisers. Due to the generally short-term duration of the contracts, the majority of the
performance obligations are satisfied in the following reporting period. Contract liability is presented as advances from customers in the balance sheet.
Revenues recognized for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019 that were included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of the period
were RMB47.7 million and RMB44.7 million (US$6.4 million), respectively.
F-18
Phoenix New Media Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2. Principal Accounting Policies (Continued)
(r) ASC 606 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (continued)
The assets recognized for costs incurred to fulfill contracts shall be amortized on a systematic basis that is consistent with the transfer to the
customer of the goods or services to which the asset relates. As of December 31, 2018 and 2019, the costs incurred to fulfill contracts recognized as assets
were immaterial.
Practical expedients
The Group has used the following practical expedients as allowed under ASC 606:
i.
ii.
The transaction price allocated to the performance obligations that are unsatisfied, or partially unsatisfied, has not been disclosed as
substantially all of the Group’s contracts have duration of one year or less.
Payment terms and conditions vary by contract type, although terms generally include a requirement of prepayment or payment within one
year or less. In instances where the timing of revenue recognition differs from the timing of invoicing, the Group has determined that its
contracts generally do not include a significant financing component.
iii. The Group generally expenses sales commissions when incurred because the amortization period would be one year or less. These costs are
recorded within sales and marketing expenses.
(s) Revenue recognition
According to ASC 606, revenue is recognized when control of the promised services is transferred to the customers, in an amount that reflects the
consideration the Group expects to be entitled to in exchange for those services. The recognition of revenues involves certain management judgments,
including the estimation of the fair value of the noncash transaction, estimated lives of virtual items purchased by game players, and volume sales rebates.
The Group does not believe that significant management judgments are involved in revenue recognition, but the amount and timing of the Group’s
revenues could be different for any period if management made different judgments or utilized different estimates.
The Group adopts the five-step model for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers:
Step 1: Identify the contract(s) with a customer,
Step 2: Identify the performance obligations in the contract,
Step 3: Determine the transaction price,
Step 4: Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract,
Step 5: Recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation.
(i) Net advertising revenues
Advertising revenues are derived principally from advertising contracts with customers where the advertisers pay to place their advertisements on
the Group’s ifeng.com, mobile Internet website i.ifeng.com and its mobile applications in different formats over a particular period of time. Such formats
generally include but are not limited to banners, news feed, text-links, videos, logos, buttons and rich media. The Group’s performance obligations are to
place the customers’ advertisements on different spots, in different formats and at different times.
The Group’s contracts with customers may include multiple performance obligations. For such arrangements, the Group allocates revenues to
each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price. The Group generally determines standalone selling prices of each distinct
performance obligation based on the prices charged to customers when sold on a standalone basis. Where standalone selling price is not directly
observable, the Group generally estimates selling prices based on the publicly published advertising rate card, times the relevant discount rates, taking into
considerations of the historical trend, the pricing of advertising areas sold with similar popularities, advertisements with similar formats and quoted prices
from competitors, and other relevant market conditions.
F-19
Phoenix New Media Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2. Principal Accounting Policies (Continued)
(s) Revenue recognition (continued)
(i) Net advertising revenues (continued)
The Group recognizes revenue on the satisfied performance obligations and defers the recognition of revenue for the estimated value of the
undelivered elements until the remaining performance obligations have been satisfied. When all of the elements within an arrangement are delivered
uniformly over the agreement period, the revenues are recognized on a straight-line basis over the contract period.
Currently the advertising business has three main types of pricing models, consisting of the Cost Per Day (“CPD”) model, the Cost Per
Impression (“CPM”) model, and the Cost Per Click (“CPC”) model.
CPD model
Under the CPD model, a contract is signed to establish a fixed price for the advertising services to be provided over a period of time. Given the
advertisers benefit from the displayed advertising evenly, the Group recognizes revenue on a straight-line basis over the period of display, provided all
revenue recognition criteria have been met.
CPM model
Under the CPM model, the unit price for each qualifying display is fixed and stated in the contract with the advertiser. A qualifying display is
defined as the appearance of an advertisement, where the advertisement meets criteria specified in the contract. Given that the fees are priced consistently
throughout the contract and the unit prices are consistent with the Group’s pricing practices with similar customers, the Group recognizes revenue based on
the fixed unit prices and the number of qualifying displays upon occurrence of display, provided and all revenue recognition criteria have been met.
CPC model
Under the CPC model, there is no fixed price for advertising services stated in the contract with the advertiser and the unit price for each click is
auction-based. The Group charges advertisers on a per-click basis, when the users click on the advertisements. Given that the fees are priced consistently
throughout the contract and the unit prices are consistent with the Group’s pricing practices with similar customers, the Group recognizes revenue based on
qualifying clicks and the unit price upon the occurrence of a click, provided all revenue recognition criteria have been met.
Agency service fees to third-party advertising agencies
Certain customers may receive sales rebates, which are accounted for as variable consideration. The Group estimates annual expected revenue
volume of each individual agent with reference to their historical results. The sales rebate will reduce revenues recognized. The Group recognizes revenue
for the amount of fees it receives from its advertisers, after deducting sales rebates and net of value-added tax (“VAT”) and related surcharges. The Group
believes that there will not be significant changes to its estimates of variable consideration.
The Group has estimated and recorded RMB223.3 million, RMB215.2 million and RMB180.7 million (US$26.0 million) in agency service fees
to third-party advertising agencies for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively.
Noncash transactions
The Group enters into contracts with certain customers involving consideration in a form other than cash. The noncash consideration (or promise
of noncash consideration) shall be measured at fair value. If the Group cannot reasonably estimate the fair value of the noncash consideration, it shall
measure the consideration indirectly by reference to the standalone selling price of the goods or services promised to the customer (or class of customer) in
exchange for the consideration. The Group recognized revenue from noncash transactions involving exchanging advertising services for advertisement,
content, technical, application pre-installation services and others amounted to RMB4.4 million, RMB17.8 million and RMB8.7 million (US$1.3 million)
for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively, of which RMB4.7 million and RMB7.4 million (US$1.1 million) representing
revenue from advertising-for-advertising barter transactions for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019, respectively.
F-20
Phoenix New Media Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2. Principal Accounting Policies (Continued)
(s) Revenue recognition (continued)
(ii) Paid services revenues
Prior to 2019, paid services revenues comprised of (i) revenues from digital entertainment, which included MVAS and digital reading, and (ii)
revenues from games and others, which included web-based games, mobile games, content sales, and other online and mobile paid services through the
Group’s own platforms.
Beginning from January 1, 2019, paid services revenues have been re-classified and now comprise of (i) revenues from paid contents, which
includes digital reading, audio books, paid videos, and other content-related sales activities, (ii) revenues from games, which includes web-based games
and mobile games, (iii) revenues from MVAS, and (iv) revenues from others. For comparison purposes, the revenues from paid services for the years of
2017 and 2018 have been retrospectively re-classified.
Paid contents
Paid contents revenues mainly comprise of revenues generated from digital reading, audio books, paid videos, and other content-related sales
activities.
Digital reading
Digital reading revenues are derived from providing fee-based internet literatures from writers and digital format books licensed from third-party
publishers to customers on both of the Group’s PC and mobile platforms, and on third-party platforms. Most revenues generated from digital reading are
recorded on a gross basis and recognized evenly over the subscription period, or in the period in which a pay-per-view service is provided, as the Group is
responsible for providing the desired services to the customers and has primary responsibility and broad discretion to establish price, and therefore the
Group is considered the primary obligor in these transactions. Digital reading revenues generated from third-party platforms are recorded on a net basis.
Audio books
Audio books revenues are derived from the sale of copyright of audio books to third parties and licensing audio books to third parties.
With respect to the sale of copyright of audio books, the Group is determined to be the primary obligor and accordingly, the Group records its
revenues on a gross basis. With respect to the revenues that derived from licensing audio books to third parties, the Group evaluated and determined it is
not the primary obligor in the service rendered to the end users and accordingly, the Group records its revenues based on the portion of the sharing of
revenues that derives from third parties. The Group recognizes revenue on the satisfied performance obligations and defers the recognition of revenue for
the estimated value of the undelivered elements until the remaining performance obligations have been satisfied.
Paid videos
The Group generates revenues from licensing video content to third parties. For such content sales transactions, the Group earns up-front fixed-
amount license fees or revenue sharing fees based on pre-agreed percentage. The Group views the third parties as customers and recognizes revenues on a
net basis during the licensing periods, provided that no significant obligation remains, collection of the receivables is reasonably assured and the amounts
can be accurately estimated.
F-21
Phoenix New Media Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2. Principal Accounting Policies (Continued)
(s) Revenue recognition (continued)
(ii) Paid services revenues (continued)
Games
Games include web-based games and mobile games. Revenues from these services are recognized over the periods in which the services are
performed, provided that no significant obligations remain, collection of the receivables is reasonably assured and the amounts can be accurately estimated.
For web-based game services, all of the web-based games provided on the Group’s platforms are developed by third-party game developers and
can be accessed and played by game players without downloading separate software. The Group primarily views the game developers to be its customers
and considers its responsibility under its agreements with the game developers to be promotion of the game developers’ games. The Group collects
payments from game players in connection with the sale of in-game virtual currencies and remits certain agreed-upon percentages of the proceeds to the
game developers. Revenue from the sale of in-game virtual currency is recorded net of remittances to game developers and deferred until the estimated
consumption date of the virtual items, which is within a short period of time, typically a few days, after purchase of the in-game virtual currency.
MVAS
MVAS revenues are derived from providing mobile phone users with mobile newspaper services, mobile game services delivered through the
telecom operators’ platforms, mobile video services, wireless value-added services (“WVAS”) through telecom operators’ platforms. Revenues from
MVAS are charged on a monthly or per-usage basis, and are recognized in the period in which the service is performed, provided that no significant
obligation remains, collection of the receivables is reasonably assured and the amounts can be accurately estimated. Most revenues from mobile newspaper
services, mobile video services and most WVAS are recorded on a net basis as the Group is acting as an agent of operators in these transactions.
Others
Other paid service revenues mainly comprise of revenues generated from E-commerce and online real estate related services. Revenues are
recognized in the period in which the service is performed, provided that no significant obligation remains, collection of the receivables is reasonably
assured and the amounts can be accurately estimated.
(t) Sales taxes and related surcharges and other surcharges
The Group is subject to value-added tax (“VAT”) and related surcharges on the revenues earned for services provided in the PRC. The primary
applicable rate of VAT is 6.0% for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019. The Group is also subject to a cultural development fee on the
provision of advertising services in the PRC and the applicable tax rate is 3% of the net advertising revenues before July 1, 2019 and 1.5% after July 1,
2019. The VAT and the cultural development fee were included in the cost of revenues under ASC 605 for the year ended December 31, 2017, and have
been recorded as a reduction item of revenues under ASC 606 since January 1, 2018.
Other surcharges mainly comprised of urban maintenance and construction tax and education surcharges. The urban maintenance and
construction tax are charged at 7%, 5% or 1% of the amount of VAT actually paid depending on where the taxpayer is located. Education surcharges are
charged at 3% of the amount of VAT actually paid and local education surcharges are charged at 2% or 1% of the amount of VAT actually paid depending
on where the taxpayer is located. The urban maintenance and construction tax, education surcharges and local education surcharges are recorded in the cost
of revenues in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss).
The sales taxes and related surcharges and other surcharges for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019 were RMB133.2 million,
RMB127.6 million and RMB128.3 million (US$18.4 million), respectively.
F-22
Phoenix New Media Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2. Principal Accounting Policies (Continued)
(u) Cost of revenues
The Group’s cost of revenues consists primarily of (i) revenue sharing fees, including service fees retained by mobile telecommunications
operators, which are recognized as cost of revenues for revenues recorded on gross basis and revenue sharing fees paid to the Group’s channel and content
partners, (ii) content and operational costs, including personnel-related cost associated with content production and certain advertisement sales support
personnel, content procurement costs to third-party professional media companies and to Phoenix TV Group, direct costs related to in-house content
production, channel testing costs, rental cost, depreciation and amortization, the urban maintenance and construction tax, education surcharges and local
education surcharges, and other miscellaneous costs, and (iii) bandwidth costs.
(v) Sales and marketing expenses
Sales and marketing expenses comprise primarily of: (i) personnel-related expenses including sales commissions related to the sales and
marketing personnel; (ii) advertising and promotion expenses including traffic acquisition expenses; and (iii) rental expense, depreciation and amortization
expenses. The Group expenses advertising costs as incurred. Total advertising and promotion expenses including traffic acquisition expenses were
RMB329.7 million, RMB376.7 million and RMB385.4 million (US$55.4 million), for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively.
Total advertising and promotion expenses from advertising-for-advertising barter transactions of RMB4.3 million and RMB7.3 million (US$1.0 million)
were recognized in the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019, respectively.
(w) Technology and product development expenses
Technology and product development expenses mainly consist of: (i) personnel-related expenses associated with the development of,
enhancement to, and maintenance of the Group’s PC websites, mobile applications and mobile websites; (ii) expenses associated with new technology and
product development and enhancement; and (iii) rental expense and depreciation of servers. The Group expenses technology and product development
expenses as incurred for all the years presented.
(x) Operating leases and adoption of ASU 2016-02
On February 25, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 Leases (Topic 842) , which supersedes the lease accounting guidance under Topic 840, and
generally requires lessees to recognize operating and financing lease liabilities and corresponding right-of-use assets on the balance sheet and to provide
enhanced disclosures surrounding the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leasing arrangements.
The Group applied ASU 2016-02 beginning from January 1, 2019 and elected to apply practical expedients permitted under the transition method
that allow the Group to use the beginning of the period of adoption as the date of initial application, to not recognize lease assets and lease liabilities for
leases with a term of twelve months or less, and to not reassess lease classification, treatment of initial direct costs, or whether an existing or expired
contract contains a lease. The Group used modified retrospective method and did not recast the prior comparative periods. Under the new lease standard,
the Group determines if an arrangement is or contains a lease at inception. Right-of-use assets and liabilities are recognized at lease commencement date
based on the present value of remaining lease payments over the lease terms. The Group considers only payments that are fixed and determinable at the
time of lease commencement.
As a result of the adoption, the Group recorded a right-of-use asset of approximately RMB99.5 million and a lease liability of approximately
RMB99.5 million upon the adoption of ASU 2016-02 on January 1, 2019, primarily related to the Group’s leased office space. The adoption had no
material impact on the Group’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss) for the year ended December 31, 2019 or the opening balances of
retained earnings as of January 1, 2019.
F-23
Phoenix New Media Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2. Principal Accounting Policies (Continued)
(x) Operating leases and adoption of ASU 2016-02 (continued)
As of December 31, 2019, the Group’s operating leases had a weighted average remaining lease term of 2.37 years and a weighted average
discount rate of 5.60%. Future lease payments under operating leases as of December 31, 2019 were as follows (in thousands):
Year ending December 31,
2020
2021
2022
2023
Total future lease payments
Less: Imputed interest
Total lease liability balance
Future lease payments under operating leases as of December 31, 2018 were as follows (in thousands):
Year ending December 31,
2019
2020
2021
2022
Total future lease payments
Operating Leases
RMB
US$
44,109
35,706
16,052
291
96,158
5,895
90,263
6,336
5,129
2,306
42
13,813
848
12,965
Operating Leases
RMB
38,222
38,270
38,314
18,980
133,786
Rent expense under operating leases was RMB37.0 million and RMB37.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018, respectively.
Operating lease costs and expenses for the year ended December 31, 2019 was RMB40.4 million (US$5.8 million), which excluded costs and expenses of
short-term contracts. Short-term lease costs and expenses for the year ended December 31, 2019 was RMB1.9 million (US$0.3 million). Supplemental cash
flow information related to operating leases was as follows (in thousands) :
Cash payments for operating leases
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities
(y) Share-based compensation
For the Year
Ended December 31, 2019
RMB
US$
37,713
22,388
5,417
3,216
The Group has incentive plans for the granting of share-based awards, such as share options and restricted shares. The Group measures the cost of
employee services received in exchange for share-based compensation at the grant date fair value of the award. The Group recognizes the share-based
compensation as costs or expenses in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss), net of estimated forfeitures, on a graded-vesting basis
over the vesting term of the awards.
The Group recognizes compensation cost for awards with performance conditions if and when the Group concludes that it is probable that the
performance condition will be achieved and should reassess the probability of vesting at each reporting period for awards with performance conditions and
adjust compensation cost based on its probability assessment. The Group recognizes a cumulative catch-up adjustment for changes in its probability
assessment in subsequent reporting periods.
F-24
Phoenix New Media Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2. Principal Accounting Policies (Continued)
(y) Share-based compensation (continued)
The share-based awards to nonemployees are accounted for based on the fair value of the consideration received or the fair value of the award
issued, whichever is more reliably measurable. Share-based compensation expense for share options granted to non-employees is measured at fair value at
the earlier of the performance commitment date or the date service is completed and recognized over the period during which the service is provided. The
Company applies the guidance in ASU 2018-07 Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment
Accounting to account for share options granted to non-employees based on the grant date fair value beginning from January 1, 2019.
Cancellation of an award accompanied by the concurrent grant of a replacement award is accounted for as a modification of the terms of the
cancelled award (“modification awards”). The compensation costs associated with the modification awards are recognized if either the original vesting
condition or the new vesting condition has been achieved. Such compensation costs cannot be less than the grant-date fair value of the original award. The
incremental compensation cost is measured as the excess of the fair value of the replacement award over the fair value of the cancelled award at the
cancellation date. Therefore, in relation to the modification awards, the Group recognizes share-based compensation over the vesting periods of the new
awards, which comprises (i) the amortization of the incremental portion of share-based compensation over the remaining vesting term and (ii) any
unrecognized compensation cost of original award, using either the original term or the new term, whichever is higher for each reporting period.
The Group adopts the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of share options, and determines the fair value of restricted
share and restricted share units based on the fair value of the underlying ordinary shares at the grant date considering the dilutive effect of restricted share
and restricted share units.
Forfeiture rates are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from initial estimates.
The Group uses historical data to estimate pre-vesting option and restricted share unit forfeitures and record share-based compensation only for those
awards that are expected to vest. Refer to Note 19 for further information regarding share-based compensation assumptions and expenses.
In 2019, the Company declared a special cash compensation to its share option holders, concurrent with the special cash dividend declared. As
the Company’s share options are not dividend-protected award, the option holders have no rights to participate in all dividends before excising the share
options. The Company accounted for the special cash compensation as incremental compensation cost, which would be vested with the same vesting
conditions of the original share options granted. The compensation cost of RMB31.6 million (US$4.5 million) were recognized as costs or expenses in the
consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss) of 2019.
(z) Income taxes
Current income taxes are provided on the basis of net income for financial reporting purposes, adjusted for income and expense items which are
not assessable or deductible for income tax purposes, in accordance with the regulations of the relevant tax jurisdictions. Deferred income taxes are
provided using an asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences of temporary differences
by applying enacted statutory rates applicable to future years to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of existing
assets and liabilities. The tax base of an asset or liability is the amount attributed to that asset or liability for tax purpose. The effect on deferred taxes of a
change in tax rates is recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss) in the period of change. A valuation allowance is provided
to reduce the amount of deferred tax assets if it is considered more likely than not that some portion of, or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
Uncertain tax positions
In order to assess uncertain tax positions, the Group applies a more likely than not threshold and a two-step approach for the tax position
measurement and financial statement recognition. Under 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 of being realized upon
settlement. The Group did not have significant unrecognized uncertain tax positions or any unrecognized liabilities, interest or penalties associated with
unrecognized tax benefit as of and for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019. Refer to Note 17 for details of the Group’s tax positions.
F-25
Phoenix New Media Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2. Principal Accounting Policies (Continued)
(aa) Employee social security and welfare benefits
The Company’s subsidiaries and consolidated VIEs in the PRC participate in a government-mandated multi-employer defined contribution plan
pursuant to which certain retirement, medical and other welfare benefits are provided to employees. The relevant labor regulations require the Company’s
subsidiaries and consolidated VIEs in the PRC to pay the local labor and social welfare authorities monthly contributions at a stated contribution rate based
on the monthly basic compensation of qualified employees. The relevant local labor and social welfare authorities are responsible for meeting all retirement
benefits obligations and the Company’s subsidiaries and consolidated VIEs in the PRC have no further commitments beyond their monthly contributions.
The contributions to the plan are expensed as incurred. Employee social security and welfare benefits included as cost and expenses in the consolidated
statements of comprehensive income/(loss) were RMB79.4 million, RMB84.3 million and RMB113.7 million (US$16.3 million) for the years ended
December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively.
(ab) Other income — Others, net
Other income —Others, net mainly represent government subsidies which primarily consist of financial subsidies received from provincial and
local governments for operating a business in their jurisdictions. Such income has been recognized when the grants are received and no further conditions
need to be met.
(ac) Statutory reserves
In accordance with the laws applicable to China’s Foreign Investment Enterprises, those of the Company’s China-based subsidiaries that are
considered under PRC law to be a wholly foreign-owned enterprise are required to make appropriations from their after-tax profit (as determined under the
Accounting Standards for Business Enterprises as promulgated by the Ministry of Finance of the People’s Republic of China (“PRC GAAP”)) to non-
distributable reserve funds including (i) general reserve fund, (ii) enterprise expansion fund and (iii) staff bonus and welfare fund. The appropriation to the
general reserve fund must be at least 10% of the after-tax profits calculated in accordance with PRC GAAP. Appropriation is not required if the general
reserve fund has reached 50% of the registered capital of the respective company. Appropriations to the other two reserve funds are at the respective
companies’ discretion.
In accordance with the China Company Laws, those China-based subsidiaries of the Company that are considered under PRC law to be
domestically funded enterprises, as well as the Company’s VIEs are required to make appropriations from their after-tax profit (as determined under PRC
GAAP) to non-distributable reserve funds including (i) statutory surplus fund and (ii) discretionary surplus fund. The appropriation to the statutory surplus
fund must be at least 10% of the after-tax profits calculated in accordance with PRC GAAP. Appropriation is not required if the statutory surplus fund has
reached 50% of the registered capital of the respective company. Appropriation to the discretionary surplus fund is at the discretion of the respective
company.
General reserve fund and statutory surplus fund are restricted for set off against losses, expansion of production and operation or increase in the
registered capital of the respective company. The Group has made appropriations of RMB3.3 million, RMB6.4 million and RMB1.0 million (US$0.1
million) to these funds for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively.
(ad) Related parties
Parties are considered to be related if one party has the ability, directly or indirectly, to control the other party or exercise significant influence
over the other party in making financial and operating decisions. Parties are also considered to be related if they are subject to common control or
significant influence, such as a family member or relative, shareholders, or a related corporation.
(ae) Dividends
Dividends are charged to retained earnings when declared. No dividends were declared for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018. In
2019, the Group declared a special cash dividend of US$0.1714 per ordinary share, equivalent to US$1.3712 per ADS, totaling approximately US$100
million, and had paid the dividends to shareholders in December 2019.
F-26
Phoenix New Media Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2. Principal Accounting Policies (Continued)
(af) Net income/(loss) per share
The Group computes net income/(loss) per Class A and Class B ordinary share in accordance with ASC 260-10 Earnings Per Share: Overall ,
using the two class method. Under the two-class method, net income is allocated between ordinary shares and other participating securities based on their
participating rights. Net losses are not allocated to other participating securities if based on their contractual terms they are not obligated to share in the
losses.
The liquidation and dividend rights of the holders of the Company’s Class A and Class B ordinary shares are identical, except with respect to
voting. As the liquidation and dividend rights are identical, the net incomes are allocated on a proportionate basis.
Basic net income/(loss) per share is computed by dividing net income/(loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number
of ordinary shares and contingently issuable shares outstanding during the period except that it does not include unvested restricted shares or repurchased
ordinary shares subject to cancellation.
Diluted net income/(loss) per share is calculated by dividing net income/(loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders, as adjusted for the effect of
dilutive potential ordinary shares, if any, by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding and dilutive potential ordinary shares during the
period. Potential ordinary shares are excluded in the denominator of the diluted net income/(loss) per share calculation if their effects would be anti-
dilutive.
(ag) Comprehensive income/(loss)
Comprehensive income/(loss) is defined as the change in equity of the Group during a period arising from transactions and other events and
circumstances excluding transactions resulting from investments by shareholders and distributions to shareholders. Comprehensive income is reported in
the consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss). Accumulated other comprehensive loss or income, as presented on the Group’s consolidated
balance sheets, includes the foreign currency translation adjustment and fair value remeasurement for available-for-sale debt investments. The tax effects of
pre-tax changes to other comprehensive income should be recorded net against the pre-tax changes in other comprehensive income.
(ah) Segment reporting
The Group’s segments are business units that offer different services and are reviewed separately by the chief operating decision maker (the
“CODM”) in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Group’s CODM has been identified as the Chief Executive Officer. As
the Group’s long-lived assets and revenues are substantially located in and derived from the PRC, no geographical segments are presented.
The Group’s organizational structure is based on a number of factors that the CODM uses to evaluate, view and run the Group’s business
operations, which include, but are not limited to, customer base, homogeneity of products and technology. The Group’s operating segments are based on its
organizational structure and information reviewed by the Group’s CODM to evaluate the operating segment results.
(ai) Recent accounting pronouncements
Financial Instruments-Credit Losses. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13 Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326) , which
requires entities to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and
reasonable and supportable forecasts. This replaces the existing incurred loss model and is applicable to the measurement of credit losses on financial assets
measured at amortized cost. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15,
2019. Early application will be permitted for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15,
2018. The Group will adopt ASU 2016-13 effective January 1, 2020 on a modified retrospective basis and do not expect any material impact on the balance
sheets and the consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss) as a result of adopting the new standard.
F-27
Phoenix New Media Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2. Principal Accounting Policies (Continued)
(ai) Recent accounting pronouncements (continued)
Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. In
August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for
Fair Value Measurement . The amendments of ASU 2018-13 test the concepts in the proposed Concepts Statement and improve the effectiveness of
disclosure requirements on fair value measurement by using those concepts. This guidance is effective beginning after December 15, 2019, including
interim periods within that fiscal year. The amendments on changes in unrealized gains and losses, the range and weighted average of significant
unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements, and the narrative description of measurement uncertainty should be applied
prospectively for only the most recent interim or annual period presented in the initial fiscal year of adoption. All other amendments should be applied
retrospectively to all periods presented upon their effective date. Early adoption is permitted upon issuance of this Update. An entity is permitted to early
adopt any removed or modified disclosures upon issuance of this Update and delay adoption of the additional disclosures until their effective date. The
Group is currently evaluating the impact and does not expect it to have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
Consolidation (Topic 810): Targeted Improvements to Related Party Guidance for Variable Interest Entities. In October 2018, the FASB issued
ASU 2018-17, Consolidation (Topic 810): Targeted Improvements to Related Party Guidance for Variable Interest Entities . Current GAAP provides a
private company with an accounting alternative not to apply VIE guidance to leasing arrangements with entities under common control if certain criteria
are met. The amendments expand the accounting alternative to include all private company common control arrangements if the common control parent
and the legal entity being evaluated for consolidation are not public business entities. The amendments for determining whether a decision-making fee is a
variable interest require reporting entities to consider indirect interests held through related parties under common control on a proportional basis rather
than as the equivalent of a direct interest in its entirety (as currently required in GAAP). This guidance is effective beginning after December 15, 2019,
including interim periods within that fiscal year. All entities are required to apply the amendments retrospectively with a cumulative-effect adjustment to
retained earnings at the beginning of the earliest period presented. Early adoption is permitted. The Group is currently evaluating the impact that the
standard and does not expect it to have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
3. Certain Risks and Concentration
(a) Major customers
A significant portion of the Group’s MVAS is generated through and from China Mobile (“CMCC”), which is also a related party as CMCC is a
shareholder of Phoenix TV. CMCC is a major mobile network operator in the PRC. It provides billing, collection and transmission services related to the
paid services offered by most of the wireless service and content providers in the PRC. The revenues generated through and from CMCC for the years
ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019 were RMB172.2 million, RMB113.9 million and RMB94.5 million (US$13.6 million), respectively, which
accounted for 10.9%, 8.3% and 6.2% of the respective years’ total revenues.
The amounts due from CMCC as of December 31, 2018 and 2019 were RMB59.9 million and RMB46.1 million (US$6.6 million), respectively,
which is included on the consolidated balance sheets as “Amounts due from related parties”. Except for CMCC as discussed above, there is no customer
with revenues or receivables over 10% of total revenues or total accounts receivable, net and due from related parties, respectively.
(b) Credit risk
The Group’s credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents, term deposits, short term investments and restricted cash as well as credit
exposures to receivables due from its customers, related parties and other parties.
The Group expects that there is no significant credit risk associated with cash and cash equivalents, term deposits, short term investments and
restricted cash for short-term bank loans which were held by reputable financial institutions in the jurisdictions where the Company, its subsidiaries, VIEs
and the subsidiaries of the VIEs are located. The Group believes that it is not exposed to unusual risks as these financial institutions have high credit
quality.
The Group has no significant concentrations of credit risk with respect to its customers, related parties and other parties, except for CMCC as
discussed above. The Group assesses the credit quality of and sets credit limits on its customers by taking into account their financial position, the
availability of guarantee from third parties, their credit history and other factors such as current market conditions.
F-28
Phoenix New Media Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
3. Certain Risks and Concentration (continued)
(c) Currency convertibility risk
The Group’s operating transactions and its assets and liabilities are mainly denominated in RMB. RMB is not freely convertible into foreign
currencies. The value of the RMB is subject to changes by the central government policies and to international economic and political developments. In the
PRC, certain foreign exchange transactions are required by law to be transacted only by authorized financial institutions at exchange rates set by PBOC.
Remittances in currencies other than RMB by the Group in the PRC must be processed through PBOC or other China foreign exchange regulatory bodies
which require certain supporting documentation in order to affect the remittance.
(d) PRC regulations
The Group is exposed to certain macro-economic and regulatory risks and uncertainties in the Chinese market. These uncertainties affect the
ability of the Group to provide online advertising, mobile and Internet related services through Contractual Arrangements in the PRC since these industries
remains highly regulated. The Chinese government may issue from time to time new laws or new interpretations on existing laws to regulate these
industries. Regulatory risk also encompasses the interpretation by the tax authorities of current tax laws and the Group’s legal structure and scope of
operations in the PRC, which could be subject to further restrictions resulting in limitations on the Group’s ability to conduct business in the PRC. The PRC
government may also require the Group to restructure its operations entirely if it finds that its Contractual Arrangements do not comply with applicable
laws and regulations. It is unclear how a restructuring could impact the Group’s business and operating results, as the PRC government has not yet found
any such Contractual Arrangements to be in noncompliance. However, any such restructuring may cause significant disruption to the Group’s business
operations.
In addition, the Group is required to obtain certain licenses to operate the Internet information services. As of the date of the annual report, the
Group is in the process of applying for licenses for the certain operations of the businesses, including an Internet audio-visual program transmission license
and an Internet news license. In 2019, approximately 88.9% of the Group’s total revenues were derived from business related to the above licenses. Without
these licenses, the PRC government may order the Group to cease its services, which may cause significant disruption to the Group’s business operations.
Recently, regulatory authorities in China have increased their supervision of content platforms similar to the Group’s websites and mobile
applications. In addition to the contents that are considered to be violating PRC laws and regulations, such oversight tends to pay more attention to content
that is or may be deemed misleading, obscene, pornographic, detrimental, and/or contradicting to social values and moral prevailing in China. The Group
may face regulatory inquiries and oral warnings made by relevant regulatory authorities from time to time. The Group may also be required to limit or even
suspend its services due to regulatory requirements or sanctions. Any of these events could severely impair the attractiveness of the Group’s applications
and websites to users, reduce its user traffic and affect its revenue, and its business, financial condition and results of operation may be materially adversely
affected.
(e) Investments risk
The Group has made and may undertake in the future investments in subsidiaries, affiliates and other business alliance partners in various
Internet-related businesses. It is uncertain whether the Group will receive the expected benefits from these investments, due to any adverse regulatory
changes, worsening of economic conditions, increased competition or other factors that may negatively affect the related business activities. Some of the
businesses the Group has invested in are subject to intensive regulation. Any adverse regulatory change may have a material adverse impact on the business
and financial performance of the subsidiaries, affiliates and other business alliance partners. Furthermore, unanticipated costs and liabilities may be
incurred in connection with those business strategies, including liabilities from the claims related to the businesses prior to the business alliances, and cost
from actions by regulatory authorities.
F-29
Phoenix New Media Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
4. Acquisition
Acquisition of Yitian Xindong
In December 2018, the Group entered into an agreement with Telling Telecommunication Co., Ltd. (“Telling Telecom”), the sole shareholder of
Yitian Xindong, to acquire 25.5% equity interest in Yitian Xindong (the “Acquisition”) for an aggregate purchase consideration of RMB144.1 million,
subject to certain price adjustment mechanisms based on Yitian Xindong’s operating and financial performance in 2019 and 2020 (the “Performance
Targets”). If any of Yitian Xindong’s Performance Targets in either 2019 or 2020 is not met, Telling Telecom will return part of the purchase consideration
to the Group, which resulted in the recognition of a financial assets derived from the contingent returnable consideration. Yitian Xindong owns the Tadu
APPs, which include but are not limited to Tadu Literature Application (“(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)”).
Concurrently, Telling Telecom also transferred another 25.5% equity interest in Yitian Xindong to Shenzhen Bingruixin Technology Co., Ltd.
(“Bingruixin”), a third party, Bingruixin granted an option that allowed the Group to acquire the 25.5% equity interest from Bingruixin for RMB144.1
million before March 15, 2019, subject to the above mentioned same price adjustment mechanisms based on Yitian Xindong’s operating and financial
performance in 2019 and 2020 (the “Call Option”). Concurrent with the Acquisition, Bingruixin agreed to entrust voting rights with respect to the 25.5%
equity interest in Yitian Xindong to the Group (the “Voting Rights Entrustment”) from December 28, 2018 to March 15, 2019. Because of the Voting
Rights Entrustment, the Group concluded that it gained control over Yitian Xindong and consolidated Yitian Xindong upon completion of the Acquisition.
On December 28, 2018, the Group completed the Acquisition and consolidated Yitian Xindong thereafter. Therefore, the Group had consolidated
the balance sheet of Yitian Xindong as of December 31, 2018 and the operating results of Yitian Xindong for the 3-day period from December 29, 2018 to
December 31, 2018, and recognized a noncontrolling interest for the 74.5% equity interest of Yitian Xindong owned by other shareholders.
The allocation of the purchase price as of the date of acquisition was summarized as follows (in thousands):
Amount
RMB
Amortization
Period
Purchase consideration
Net assets acquired, excluding intangible assets and the related deferred tax (Note a)
Deferred tax assets
Less: valuation allowance
Amortizable intangible assets
—User base
—Trademark and domain name
—Licensed copyrights of reading content
Goodwill (Note b)
Financial assets — contingent returnable consideration (Note c)
Deferred tax liabilities (Note d)
Noncontrolling interests
Total
144,100
21,803
8,576
(8,576)
5,100
38,300
49,200
338,288
18,211
(7,390)
(319,412)
144,100
0.8 year
10 years
Not exceeding 3 years,
with a weighted-average
amortization period of
2.34 years
Note:
(a) Net assets acquired included cash and cash equivalents with an amount of RMB10.9 million (US$1.6 million).
(b) Goodwill arising from this acquisition was attributable to the synergies between Yitian Xindong and the Group’s multiple business streams. The
goodwill recognized was not expected to be deductible for income tax purpose.
(c) The financial assets represented the fair value of the Group’s right to receive the contingent returnable consideration, subject to certain price
adjustment mechanisms based on Yitian Xindong’s operating and financial performance in 2019 and 2020.
(d) Deferred tax liabilities represented the tax effect of the amortizable intangible assets from the Acquisition.
F-30
Phoenix New Media Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
4. Acquisition (Continued)
Acquisition of Yitian Xindong (continued)
As of December 31, 2018, the Group had paid RMB73.0 million in cash for the Acquisition and the remaining consideration of RMB71.1 million
was paid within six months after the Acquisition. The Group had also received deposits of RMB14.2 million from Telling Telecom for the price adjustment
mechanisms mentioned above as of December 31, 2018, which was RMB16.7 million (US$2.4 million) as of December 31, 2019. See Note 14.
Neither the results of operations since the acquisition dates nor the pro forma results of operations of Yitian Xindong were presented because the
effects of the business combination were not significant to the Company’s consolidated results of operations.
On March 1, 2019, the Group exercised the Call Option and acquired another 25.5% equity interest in Yitian Xindong from Bingruixin with a
consideration of RMB144.1 million (US$20.7 million). As a result, the Group currently holds 51.0% equity interest in and a 51.0% voting rights of Yitian
Xindong and continues to consolidate Yitian Xindong’s financial statements. As this transaction only leads to an increase in the Group’s ownership interest
in Yitian Xindong and the Group retains its controlling financial interest in Yitian Xindong, this acquisition of a noncontrolling interest was accounted for
as equity transactions, resulting in a decrease in noncontrolling interest of RMB124.2 million (US$17.8 million) and no gain or loss recognized in the
consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss) during the year ended December 31, 2019.
The revenues of Yitian Xindong for the year ended December 31, 2019 were RMB204.0 million (US$29.3 million) and the net income of Yitian
Xindong for the year ended December 31, 2019 were RMB2.5 million (US$0.4 million), which should mean that Yitian Xindong’s Performance Targets in
2019 as specified in the Group’s agreement with Telling Telecom in connection with its acquisition of Yitian Xindong were not met and the Group should
have the right to receive a contingent returnable consideration of RMB170.6 million (US$24.5 million) from Telling Telecom. However, based on current
communication with Telling Telecom, the Group estimated that the probability of successfully collecting the contingent returnable consideration of
RMB170.6 million would be 60% as there were still some disputes between Telling Telecom and the Group, and as a result, the fair value of the Group’s
right to receive the contingent returnable consideration as of December 31, 2019 were RMB98.5 million (US$14.1 million), with the changes in fair value
of RMB62.1 million (US$8.9 million) recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss) of the year ended December 31, 2019. As
of December 31, 2018 and 2019, the fair values of the contingent returnable consideration were RMB18.2 million and RMB98.5 million (US$14.1
million), respectively, recorded as prepayments and other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets. See note 6.
Acquisition of Tianbo in 2019
The Group holds a 50% equity interest in Tianbo. Before April 1, 2019, as the Group had significant influence over financial and operating
decision-making of Tianbo, it accounted for the 50% equity interest in Tianbo by using the equity method of accounting. On April 1, 2019, the Group
obtained control over Tianbo and started consolidating Tianbo from April 1, 2019, as the Group and other shareholders of Tianbo agreed to make certain
revisions to the articles of association of Tianbo, which granted the Group the voting power to decide Tianbo’s significant financial and operating decisions
at both the shareholder level and the board level, to accelerate the development of its real estate vertical and to further bolster the development of the
Group’s real estate vertical and to create more synergies on Tianbo’s new business, with the equity interest in Tianbo of 50% unchanged. At the same time,
the Group agreed with other shareholders of Tianbo and would provide free advertising resources to Tianbo as consideration to gain control over Tianbo
with a fair value of RMB5.9 million (US$0.8 million), estimated by management after considering an independent appraisal performed by a reputable
valuation firm. The previously held equity interest in Tianbo was remeasured at fair value of RMB17.0 million (US$2.4 million) on the date of acquisition
and a gain on remeasurement of RMB0.5 million (US$0.07 million) was recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss).
F-31
Phoenix New Media Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
4. Acquisition (Continued)
Acquisition of Tianbo in 2019 (continued)
The allocation of the purchase price as of the date of acquisition is summarized as follows (in thousands):
Amount
RMB
Non-cash consideration
Fair value of previously held equity interests in Tianbo
Total purchase consideration
Net assets acquired (Note a)
Goodwill
Noncontrolling interests
Total
Note:
(a) Net assets acquired included cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash with an amount of RMB175.5 million (US$25.2 million). There were no
material amortizable intangible assets (e.g. trademark and domain names, customer relationship) identified and recognized as Tianbo has no
independent trademark and domain name or exclusive service agreement signed between Tianbo and its customers.
5,900
17,012
22,912
17,138
22,786
(17,012)
22,912
Goodwill, which is non-deductible for tax purpose s , is primarily attributable to the synergies expected to be achieved from the acquisition.
Tianbo contributed revenues of RMB248.5 million (US$35.7 million) and earnings of RMB19.6 million (US$2.8 million) to the Group for the
period from April 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019. The following unaudited pro forma summary presents consolidated information of the Group as if the
business combination had occurred on January 1, 2018 (in thousands):
Revenue
Net (loss)/income attributable to
Phoenix New Media Limited
Pro Forma Year Ended December 31,
2018
RMB
(unaudited)
2019
RMB
(unaudited)
1,579,211
1,566,245
(50,577)
731,007
The Group did not have any material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to the business combination included in the
reported pro forma revenue and earnings.
The valuations used in the purchase price allocation described above were determined by the Group with the assistance of an independent third-
party valuation firm. The valuations considered generally accepted valuation methodologies such as the income, market and cost approaches. As the
acquirees are both private companies, the fair value estimates of previously held equity interests or noncontrolling interests are based on significant inputs
considered by market participants which mainly include (a) discount rate, (b) projected terminal value based on future cash flow (c) financial multiple of
companies in the same industry and (d) adjustment for lack of control or lack of marketability.
F-32
Phoenix New Media Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
5. Accounts Receivable, Net
The following table sets out the balance of accounts receivable as of December 31, 2018 and 2019 (in thousands):
Accounts receivable, gross
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Accounts receivable, net
2018
RMB
As of December 31,
2019
RMB
562,797
(78,684)
484,113
757,158
(118,886)
638,272
2019
US$
108,759
(17,077)
91,682
The following table presents the movement of the allowance for doubtful accounts (in thousands):
Balance as of January 1,
Additional provision/(reversal) charged to bad debt expenses, net
Write-off of bad debt provision
Balance as of December 31,
2017
RMB
2018
RMB
2019
RMB
2019
US$
91,348
(9,137)
(16,757)
65,454
65,454
22,473
(9,243)
78,684
78,684
43,932
(3,730)
118,886
11,302
6,311
(536)
17,077
The reversal of RMB9.1 million bad debt expenses in 2017 were mainly caused by the collection of previously fully-reserved receivables of
RMB25.4 million, and partially offset by the addition of new bad debt provision of RMB16.3 million.
6. Prepayments and Other Current Assets
The following is a summary of prepayments and other current assets (in thousands):
Prepaid rental and deposits
Prepayments to suppliers and other business related expenses
Receivables related to exercise of employee options
Costs to fulfill contracts with customers
Financial assets — contingent returnable consideration (Note 4)
Long-term receivable from an unrelated party due within one year
Others
Total
2018
RMB
As of December 31,
2019
RMB
2019
US$
2,799
60,548
4,101
157
18,211
—
3,147
88,963
12,737
34,316
4,003
1,686
98,473
6,500
5,153
162,868
1,830
4,929
575
242
14,145
934
739
23,394
Prepayments to suppliers and other business related expenses mainly consist of business related staff advances, in-house produced content costs
and the Group’s prepaid content licenses fee to third-party content suppliers for the rights to access and present on the Group’s website the content
produced by these suppliers during a certain period. These content licenses generally have a license period of one to three years, and are amortized over the
license period on a straight-line basis. The portion of the prepaid content license costs that relates to the license period for more than 12 months from the
balance sheet date is classified as other non-current assets. The long-term receivable from an unrelated party represented a two-year loan granted to the
unrelated party with an interest rate of 10.0%, which was due within one year.
F-33
Phoenix New Media Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
7. Property and Equipment, Net
The following is a summary of property and equipment, net (in thousands):
Computers, equipment and furniture
Motor vehicles
Leasehold improvements
Total
Less: accumulated depreciation
Net book value
2018
RMB
As of December 31,
2019
RMB
2019
US$
199,591
5,971
38,821
244,383
(148,752)
95,631
218,284
6,100
42,408
266,792
(165,142)
101,650
31,355
876
6,092
38,323
(23,722)
14,601
Depreciation expenses for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019 were RMB32.2 million, RMB29.4 million and RMB35.6 million
(US$5.1 million), respectively.
8. Intangible Assets, Net
The following table summarizes the Group’s intangible assets, net (in thousands):
Computer software
License and licensed games
User base
Licensed copyrights of reading content
Audio content
Trademark and domain names
Total
Less: accumulated amortization
accumulated impairment
Net book value
2018
RMB
As of December 31,
2019
RMB
2019
US$
23,233
7,899
5,100
49,200
—
38,354
123,786
(24,035)
(2,303)
97,448
20,653
132
5,100
89,084
9,639
38,354
162,962
(58,082)
(5,600)
99,280
2,967
19
733
12,796
1,385
5,509
23,409
(8,344)
(804)
14,261
Amortization expenses for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019 were RMB3.4 million, RMB3.1 million and RMB41.8 million
(US$6.0 million), respectively. Based on the current amount of intangible assets subject to amortization, the estimated amortization expenses for each of
the following five years are as follows: 2020: RMB30.1 million, 2021: RMB21.8 million, 2022 RMB17.3 million, 2023: RMB12.7 million and 2024:
RMB7.7 million.
F-34
Phoenix New Media Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
9. Available-for-sale Debt Investments
Investments in Particle
The Company held Series B, Series C and Series D1 convertible redeemable preferred shares of Particle Inc. (“Particle”), which had been
accounted for as available-for-sale debt investments. As of December 31, 2018, the fair values of available-for-sale debt investments in Particle were
RMB1,959.5 million, which represented approximately 37.63% equity interest of Particle on an as-if converted basis.
The Company has determined that its investments in Series B, Series C and Series D1 convertible redeemable preferred shares of Particle are not
considered in-substance common stock but considered debt securities as the preferred shares of Particle are redeemable at the option of the Company and
are therefore not within the scope of ASC 323 Equity Method and Joint Ventures . The Company’s investments in Series B, Series C and Series D1
convertible redeemable preferred shares of Particle are classified as available-for-sale debt investments and reported at fair value, which is estimated by
management after considering valuation reports prepared by a reputable and independent appraisal firm on a recurring basis. Refer to Note 21 for details.
The Company entered into a share purchase agreement (the “SPA”) with Run Liang Tai Management Limited, or Run Liang Tai, and its
designated entities (the “Proposed Buyers”) on March 22, 2019 and entered into a supplemental agreement (the “Supplemental Agreement”) to the SPA on
July 23, 2019 for its proposed sale of 34% equity interest of Particle on an as-if converted basis (the “Proposed Transaction”). Prior to this transaction, the
Company owned 37.63% equity interest of Particle on an as-if converted basis. According to the Supplemental Agreement, the Company agreed to increase
the total number of shares of Particle to be transferred to the Proposed Buyers from 199,866,509 shares to 212,358,165 shares while the total purchase price
would remain unchanged at US$448 million. In addition, the Company agreed that the Proposed Buyers may pay the purchase price in several installments
and deliver the preferred shares of Particle to the Proposed Buyers in batches. In November 2019, the Company transferred the first batch of 94,802,752
preferred shares of Particle to the Proposed Buyers, corresponding to US$200 million of consideration fully received before August 10, 2019, and
recognized a gain on disposal of available-for-sale debt investments of RMB1,001.2 million (US$143.8 million) in the consolidated statements of
comprehensive income/(loss). The Company has received a further deposit of US$50 million in October 2019 for the second batch preferred shares of
Particle to be delivered to the Proposed Buyers in or before August 2020, which was presented as deposits in relation to future disposal of investment in
Particle in the Group’s consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2019. Meanwhile, the Company has recognized a liability of RMB16.0 million
(US$2.3 million) representing the forward contract in relation to future disposal of investments in Particle in the Group’s consolidated balance sheets as of
December 31, 2019.
As of December 31, 2019, the fair values of available-for-sale debt investments in Particle were RMB2,012.5 million (US$289.1 million), which
represented approximately 20.21% equity interest of Particle on an as-if converted basis, which reflected the completion of the issuance of additional shares
under Particle's share incentive plan.
Investments in Fengyi Technology
In December 2018, the Group acquired 40% equity interest of Henan Fengyi Feiyang Network Technology Limited (“Fengyi Technology”) with
a consideration of RMB2.0 million. Fengyi Technology mainly engages in advertising service in China. As the investment in Fengyi Technology is
redeemable at the option of the Group, it is not considered in-substance common stock but considered debt securities. The Group’s investment in Fengyi
Technology is classified as available-for-sale debt investments and reported at fair value. As of December 31, 2018 and 2019, the fair value of investment
in Fengyi Technology was RMB2.0 million, and RMB2.0 million (US$0.3 million), respectively.
As the Group does not expect to sell or redeem the investments mentioned above within one year, the available-for-sale debt investments are
classified as long-term available-for-sale debt investments. Total unrealized gains on available-for-sale debt investments recorded in accumulated other
comprehensive income excluding tax effect were RMB1,323.6 million and RMB1,615.1 million (US$232.0 million) as of December 31, 2018 and 2019,
respectively. The total fair value of available-for-sale debt investments were RMB1,961.5 million and RMB2,014.5 million (US$289.4 million) as of
December 31, 2018 and 2019, respectively (see Note 21).
F-35
Phoenix New Media Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
10. Equity Investments
Equity method investments
The Group applies the equity method of accounting to account for its equity investments in common stock or in-substance common stock, over
which it has significant influence but does not own a majority equity interest or otherwise control.
The Group holds 50% equity interest in Tianbo. Before April 1, 2019, as the Group had significant influence over financial and operating
decision-making of Tianbo, it accounted for the 50% equity interest in Tianbo by using the equity method of accounting. As of December 31, 2018, the
carrying values of equity investment in Tianbo were RMB20.5 million. In April 2019, the Group obtained control over financial and operation decision-
making of Tianbo and could consolidate Tianbo (see Note 4). Therefore, Tianbo has been a subsidiary of the Company’s VIE since April 1, 2019.
Despite holding 100% ordinary shares of Phoenix FM Limited (“Phoenix FM”), the Company accounts for its investment in Phoenix FM as an
equity investment since the Company did not control Phoenix FM due to substantive participating rights that have been provided to IDG-Accel China
Growth Fund III L.P. and IDG-Accel China III Investors L.P., who invested in preferred shares of Phoenix FM. The Group had fully written down the
whole investment in Phoenix FM in 2015.
The Group holds 31.54% equity interest of Shenzhenshi Fenghuang Jingcai Network Technology Co., Ltd. (“Fenghuang Jingcai”).
Since March 2015, Fenghuang Jingcai had suspended all of its online lottery ticket distribution businesses, in response to the Notice related to Self-
Inspection and Self-Remedy of Unauthorized Online Lottery Sales, or the Self-Inspection Notice, which was jointly promulgated by the Ministry of
Finance, the Ministry of Civil Affairs and the General Administration of Sports of the People’s Republic of China. The Group assessed that the Self-
Inspection Notice would have negative impact on the cash flows and operating results of Fenghuang Jingcai, and that the carrying value of its equity
investments in Fenghuang Jingcai might not be fully recoverable. As a result, the Group had fully written down the whole investment in Fenghuang Jingcai
in 2015. As of December 31, 2019, there has been no change to the Self-Inspection Notice.
The Group no longer records share of losses in Phoenix FM and Fenghuang Jingcai, as the carrying value of equity investments in them had been
reduced to zero. Meanwhile, the Group has no future obligations to fund Phoenix FM and Fenghuang Jingcai.
The Group summaries the condensed financial information of the Group’s equity method investments as a group below in accordance with
Rule 4-08 of Regulation S-X (in thousands):
Operating data:
Revenues
Gross profit
Net income/(loss)
Net income/(loss) attributable to the equity method investees
PNM’s share of net income/(loss)
2017
RMB
For the Years Ended December 31,
2018
RMB
2019*
RMB
2019
US$
171,335
101,424
2,562
2,562
6,796
220,656
140,701
1,747
577
5,352
37,987
25,874
(21,583)
(21,442)
(3,968)
5,456
3,717
(3,100)
(3,080)
(570)
* Tianbo has been a subsidiary of the Company’s VIE and no longer an equity method investee since April 1, 2019. The operating data here only included
the data of Tianbo from January 1, 2019 to March 31, 2019.
Balance sheet data:
Current assets
Non-current assets
Current liabilities
2018
RMB
As of December 31,
2019*
RMB
2019
US$
249,386
20,428
286,695
3,251
17
59,685
467
2
8,573
* Tianbo has been a subsidiary of the Company’s VIE and no longer an equity method investee since April 1, 2019. The balance sheet data here did not
include the data of Tianbo as of December 31, 2019.
F-36
Phoenix New Media Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
10. Equity Investments (Continued)
Other equity investments
The Group holds 4.69% equity interest of Beijing Phoenix Lilita Information Technology Co., Ltd. (“Lilita”). Lilita is principally engaged in P2P
lending and reward-based crowd-funding businesses. Based on the other-than-temporary impairment assessment on equity investments, the Group had fully
written down the whole investment in Lilita of RMB0.5 million in 2017.
The Group holds 0.3% equity interest of Lifeix Inc. (“Lifeix”), which had been fully impaired in 2015. Lifeix is the operator of the life station
websites L99.com and Lifeix.com.
In August 2017, the Group acquired 8% equity interest of Shenzhenshi Kuailai Technology Co., Ltd. (“Kuailai”) with a consideration of RMB0.2
million. Kuailai operates Xunhutai, a life-style information application in China. As of December 31, 2019, the carrying value of equity investment in
Kuailai was RMB0.2 million (US$0.03 million).
In November 2018, the Group acquired 10% equity interest of Yitong Technology (Hangzhou) Limited (“Yitong Technology”) by investing in
newly issued shares of Yitong Technology with a total consideration of RMB13.0 million, of which RMB6.5 million and RMB6.5 million (US$0.9 million)
was paid in December 2018 and February 2019, respectively. Yitong Technology mainly engages in big data application development and operation in
China. As the Group’s equity investment in Yitong Technology has preferred liquidation rights, it is not considered as in-substance common stock, and
should be measured at fair value, with changes in the fair value recognized through net income/(loss). As the investments in Yitong Technology lack
readily determinable fair values, the Group elects to use the measurement alternative defined as cost, less impairments, adjusted by observable price
changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. As of December 31, 2018 and 2019, the carrying value of equity
investment in Yitong Technology was R MB13.0 million and RMB13.0 million (US$1.9 million), respectively.
11. Convertible Loans Due from a Related Party
In 2016, the Company granted an unsecured short-term loan to Particle with a principal amount of US$14.8 million at an interest rate of 4.35%
per annum, whose term had been extended several times to twenty-four months. The Company had the right to convert, at the Company’s option, all or a
portion of the loan (including principal and interests) into Series D1 preferred shares to be issued by Particle on or before maturity date at a conversion
price of US$1.071803 per share. In August 2018, the Company assigned to Long De the Company’s rights under the loan with an assignment consideration
of approximately US$17.0 million, and recognized a gain on disposal of convertible loans due from a related party of US$1.5 million (RMB10.6 million) in
the consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss) for the year ended December 31, 2018 .
F-37
Phoenix New Media Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
12. Goodwill
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are follows:
Balance as of December 31, 2017
Goodwill acquired
Balance as of December 31, 2018
Goodwill acquired
Balance as of December 31, 2019
Yitian Xindong
Business
RMB
Tianbo
Business
RMB
—
338,288
338,288
—
338,288
—
—
—
22,786
22,786
Total
RMB
—
338,288
338,288
22,786
361,074
The Group first applied the qualitative assessment and then performed the goodwill impairment test by quantitatively comparing the fair values of
the reporting unit to its carrying amounts. In the qualitative assessment, the Group considers primary factors such as industry and market considerations,
overall financial performance of the reporting unit, and other specific information related to the operations. There was no impairment charge recognized for
any of the periods presented.
13. Other Non-Current Assets
The following is a summary of other non-current assets (in thousands):
Rental deposits
Non-current portion of prepayments to suppliers and other business related
expenses
Long-term receivable from an unrelated party
Others
Total
2018
RMB
As of December 31,
2019
RMB
8,355
8,330
2019
US$
9,099
6,000
—
23,454
8,698
—
2,831
19,859
1,197
1,249
—
407
2,853
The long-term receivable from an unrelated party represented a two-year loan granted to the unrelated party with an interest rate of 10.0%, which
would be due in March 2020 and has been reclassified into prepayments and other current assets as of December 31, 2019.
14 . Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities are comprised of (in thousands):
Deposits from advertising agencies and customers
Accrued professional fees
Advertising and promotion expenses payables and accruals
General operating expenses payables and accruals
Consideration to be paid for acquisition of Yitian Xindong (Note 4)
Deposits from original investor of Yitian Xindong (Note 4)
Deposits from individual property buyers
Forward contract in relation to future disposal of investments in Particle
(Note 9)
Others
Total
F-38
2018
RMB
As of December 31,
2019
RMB
2019
US$
13,760
7,059
83,805
36,955
71,100
14,200
—
—
449
227,328
16,029
7,869
73,533
71,350
—
16,700
83,131
15,988
8,841
293,441
2,302
1,130
10,562
10,249
—
2,399
11,941
2,297
1,270
42,150
Phoenix New Media Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
14 . Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (Continued)
As the agent of real estate developers, the Group sells individual property buyers coupons issued by real estate developers that enable them to
purchase specified properties from real estate developers at a discounted price. Coupons purchase price are collected initially by the Group upfront from the
property buyers, and subsequently, the coupon purchase price will be remitted to the real estate developers when property buyers use the coupons to
purchase the specified properties, or will be refunded to property buyers if they decide not to buy. The coupons purchase price paid by the property buyers
are recorded in accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the Group's consolidated balance sheets.
15. Short-term Bank Loans
In March 2018, the Group entered into a loan facility agreement with Hang Seng Bank. According to this facility, the Group was authorized bank
loans with an aggregate principal amount of US$47.0 million or its equivalent in HKD or RMB and with maturity of twelve months, which would be
required to be secured by RMB deposits in an onshore branch of Hang Seng Bank. The loans would be repayable on demand and bear interest rate of
London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 1.2% per annum. The Group obtained US$23.0 million short-term secured bank loan in March 2018 and
US$16.0 million short-term secured bank loan in May 2018, both with maturity of twelve months under this facility. In 2019, the Group repaid all the
short-term secured bank loans.
As of December 31, 2018 and 2019, the Group had total short-term bank loans of US$39.0 million (RMB267.7 million) and nil from Hang Seng
Bank, respectively, and the short-term bank loans were secured by bank deposits of RMB269.6 million and nil, respectively. The pledged deposits were
classified as restricted cash on the consolidated balance sheets.
16. Cost of Revenues
The cost of revenues is as follows (in thousands):
Revenue sharing fees
Content and operational costs
Bandwidth costs
Sales taxes and related surcharges (Note 2(t))
Total
17. Income Taxes
Income Tax Expense and Effective Tax Rate
For the Years Ended December 31,
2017
RMB
2018
RMB
2019
RMB
72,613
466,379
55,050
133,155
727,197
47,539
491,868
57,141
—
596,548
59,672
648,195
60,435
—
768,302
2019
US$
8,571
93,108
8,681
—
110,360
The provisions for income tax expense are summarized as follows (in thousands):
Current tax expense
Deferred tax (benefit)/expense
Income tax expense
For the Years Ended December 31,
2017
RMB
2018
RMB
20,936
(6,153)
14,783
19,819
286
20,105
2019
RMB
23,218
(2,977)
20,241
2019
US$
3,336
(428)
2,908
F-39
Phoenix New Media Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
17. Income Taxes (Continued)
The components of income before tax and income tax expense for PRC and non-PRC operations are as follows (in thousands):
Income/(loss) arising from PRC operations
(Loss)/income arising from non-PRC operations
Income/(loss) before tax
Income tax expense relating to PRC operations
Income tax expense/(benefit) relating to non-PRC operations
Income tax expense
For the Years Ended December 31,
2017
RMB
2018
RMB
104,208
(55,001)
49,207
14,739
44
14,783
(43,009)
(2,498)
(45,507)
20,129
(24)
20,105
2019
RMB
(214,743)
958,986
744,243
20,243
(2)
20,241
2019
US$
(30,846)
137,750
106,904
2,908
(0.3)
2,908
Effective tax rate for PRC operations
14.1%
(46.8)%
(9.4)%
(9.4)%
Cayman Islands (“Cayman”)
Under the relevant current laws of the Cayman Islands, corporate income, capital gains or other direct taxes are not imposed on corporations in
the Cayman Islands. In addition, dividend payments are not subject to withholding taxes in the Cayman Islands. The Company recognized a gain on
disposal of available-for-sale debt investments of RMB1,001.2 million (US$143.8 million) in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss)
for the year ended December 31, 2019, which was not subject to any corporate income or capital gains taxes under the current laws of the Cayman Islands.
British Virgin Islands (“BVI”)
The Group’s subsidiaries incorporated in the British Virgin Islands are exempted from income tax on their foreign-derived income and are not
subject to withholding taxes.
Hong Kong
The Group’s subsidiaries incorporated in Hong Kong are subject to a tax rate of 16.5% on the estimated assessable profit arising in Hong Kong.
PRC
Each of the Group’s PRC subsidiaries, VIEs and subsidiaries of the VIEs are obligated to pay income tax in the PRC. The PRC Corporate Income
Taxes Law (“CIT Law”) generally applies an income tax rate of 25% to all enterprises, but grants preferential tax treatment to High and New Technology
Enterprises (“HNTEs”) and Software Enterprises. Under these preferential tax treatments, HNTEs are entitled to an income tax rate of 15%, subject to a
requirement that they re-apply for HNTE status every three years and Software Enterprises are entitled to an income tax exemption for two years beginning
from its first profitable year and a 50% reduction to a rate of 12.5% for the subsequent three years.
Fenghuang On-line had been qualified as an HNTE in November 2014 and August 2017, respectively, and was entitled to a preferential tax rate
of 15%. Therefore, Fenghuang On-line was subject to a 15% income tax rate for the years from 2017 to 2019.
Tianying Jiuzhou resubmitted applications for qualification and was approved as an HNTE in 2014 and 2017, respectively, and therefore,
Tianying Jiuzhou was subject to a 15% income tax rate from 2017 to 2019.
In 2012, Fenghuang Yutian was qualified as a Software Enterprise. As 2013 was the first year Fenghuang Yutian generated taxable profit, it was
exempted from income taxes for the years 2013 and 2014, and was subject to a 12.5% income tax rate from 2015 to 2017. In 2017, Fenghuang Yutian had
been qualified as an HNTE, and therefore Fenghuang Yutian was subject to a 15% income tax rate in 2018 and 2019.
In 2016, Fenghuang Borui was qualified as a Software Enterprise. As 2016 was the first year Fenghuang Borui generated taxable profit, it was
exempted from income taxes for the years 2016 and 2017, and was subject to a 12.5% income tax rate in 2018 and 2019.
F-40
Phoenix New Media Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
17. Income Taxes (Continued)
Yitian Xindong was qualified as an HNTE in November 2018, and was entitled to a preferential tax rate of 15%. Therefore, Yitian Xindong was
subject to a 15% income tax rate in 2018 and 2019.
All other PRC incorporated entities of the Group were subject to a 25% income tax rate for all the years presented.
The CIT Law also provides that an enterprise established under the laws of foreign countries or regions but whose “de facto management body”
is located in the PRC be treated as a resident enterprise for PRC tax purposes and consequently be subject to the PRC income tax at the rate of 25% for its
global income. On April 22, 2009, the State Administration of Taxation (“SAT”) issued a circular, known as Circular 82, which provides certain specific
criteria for determining whether the “de facto management body” of a PRC-controlled enterprise that is incorporated offshore is located in China. Under
Circular 82, an offshore incorporated enterprise controlled by a PRC enterprise or a PRC enterprise group will be regarded as a PRC tax resident by virtue
of having its “de facto management body” in China and will be subject to PRC enterprise income tax on its global income only if all of the following
conditions are met: (i) the primary location of the day-to-day operational management is in the PRC; (ii) decisions relating to the enterprise’s financial and
human resource matters are made or are subject to approval by organizations or personnel in the PRC; (iii) the enterprise’s primary assets, accounting
books and records, company seals, and board and shareholder resolutions, are located or maintained in the PRC; and (iv) at least 50% of voting board
members or senior executives habitually reside in the PRC. The Company and its offshore subsidiaries have never been treated as resident enterprises for
PRC tax purposes.
Withholding Tax on Undistributed Dividends
The CIT Law imposes a 10% withholding income tax on dividends distributed by foreign invested enterprises in the PRC to their immediate
holding companies outside the PRC. A lower withholding tax rate may be applied if there is a tax treaty between the PRC and the jurisdiction of the foreign
holding company. A holding company in Hong Kong, for example, will be subject to a 5.0% withholding tax rate under an 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,” if such holding company is considered a non-PRC resident enterprise and holds at least 25.0% of the equity interest 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 will remain subject to a withholding tax
rate of 10%.
The PRC subsidiaries, VIEs and subsidiaries of VIEs have not paid dividends in the past and do not have any present plans to declare and pay any
dividends on the Company’s ordinary shares or ADSs in the near future and the Group currently intends to retain most, if not all, of its available funds and
any future earnings to operate and expand the business. Accordingly, the Company does not intend to have its PRC subsidiaries distribute any undistributed
profits of such subsidiaries to their direct overseas parent companies, but rather intends that such profits will be permanently reinvested in such subsidiaries
to further expand their business in the PRC. As of December 31, 2019, the Company did not record any withholding tax on the retained earnings of its
foreign invested enterprises in the PRC. Aggregate undistributed earnings of the Group’s entities located in the PRC that were available for distribution to
the Company as of December 31, 2018 and 2019 were approximately RMB1,052.2 million and RMB820.1 million (US$117.8 million), respectively. The
amounts of the unrecognized deferred tax liability on the permanently reinvested earnings were RMB105.2 million and RMB82.0 million (US$11.8
million) as of December 31, 2018 and 2019, respectively.
Withholding Tax on gain from the disposal of available-for-sale debt investments in Particle
The Company is subject to PRC withholding tax of 10% on the gain recognized from the disposal of available-for-sale debt investments in
Particle , with any relevant tax adjustments if applicable, as regulated by the Public Notice on Several Issues regarding Enterprise Income Tax for Indirect
Property Transfer by Non-resident Enterprises , or SAT Circular 7, issued on February 3, 2015, and the Public Notice Regarding Issues Concerning the
Withholding of Non-resident Enterprise Income Tax at Source , or SAT Public Notice 37, issued on October 17, 2017.
F-41
Phoenix New Media Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
17. Income Taxes (Continued)
Reconciliation of the Differences between Statutory Tax Rate and the Effective Tax Rate for PRC Operations
Reconciliation of the differences between PRC statutory income tax rate and the Group’s effective income tax rate for PRC operations for the
years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019 is as follows:
Statutory income tax rate
Permanent differences*
Change in valuation allowance
Effect of preferential tax treatment
Uncertain tax positions
Effective income tax rate
2017
%
For the Years Ended December 31,
2018
%
2019
%
25.0
(10.1)
2.9
(6.6)
2.9
14.1
25.0
46.2
(77.2)
(37.5)
(3.3)
(46.8)
25.0
18.0
(33.0)
(18.7)
(0.7)
(9.4)
* Permanent differences mainly included the tax-deductible expenses of the research and development expenses so incurred in a year in determining their
tax assessable profits for that year for enterprises engaging in research and development activities, which were of 150% before 2018 and of 175%
beginning from January 1, 2018, according to policies promulgated by the State Tax Bureau of the PRC.
The combined effects of the income tax exemption and other preferential tax treatment available to the Group are as follows (in thousands, except
per share data):
Effect of preferential tax treatment
Basic net income/(loss) per share effect
Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities
For the Years Ended December 31,
2017
RMB
2018
RMB
6,836
0.01
(16,128)
(0.03)
2019
RMB
(40,054)
(0.07)
2019
US$
(5,753)
(0.01)
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to the deferred tax assets and liabilities balances as of December 31, 2018 and 2019 are as
follows (in thousands):
Deferred tax assets:
Provision of allowance for doubtful accounts
Accrued payroll and expenses and others
Net operating loss carryforward
Less: valuation allowance
Total deferred tax assets, net
2018
RMB
As of December 31,
2019
RMB
2019
US$
21,431
25,576
69,150
(55,997)
60,160
31,240
32,849
136,503
(126,904)
73,688
4,487
4,720
19,607
(18,229)
10,585
F-42
Phoenix New Media Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
17. Income Taxes (Continued)
Deferred tax liabilities:
Unrealized holding gain of available-for-sale debt investments*
Amortizable intangible assets from acquisition of a subsidiary
Others
Total deferred tax liabilities
2018
RMB
As of December 31,
2019
RMB
2019
US$
132,272
7,376
1,312
140,960
190,830
5,668
1,312
197,810
27,412
814
188
28,414
*The Company recognized a deferred tax liability of RMB132.3 million and RMB190.8 million (US$27.4 million) for the unrealized holding gain of
available-for-sale debt investments in Particle, as of December 31, 2018 and 2019, respectively, which was recorded net against the pre-tax changes in
other comprehensive income.
As of December 31, 2019, the Group had net operating loss of approximately RMB827.4 million (US$118.8 million), which can be carried
forward to offset future taxable income. Net operating loss carry forward of RMB29.0 million, RMB 6 7.3 million, RMB69.7 million, RMB222.3 million
and RMB439.1 million will expire in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, respectively, if not utilized.
Movement of Valuation Allowance
Valuation allowance is provided against deferred tax assets when the Group determines that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets
will not be utilized in the future. In making such determination, the Group considered factors including future reversals of existing taxable temporary
differences, future profitability and tax planning strategies. Valuation allowance was provided for net operating loss carry forward because it was more
likely than not that such deferred tax assets will not be realized based on the Group’s estimate of its future taxable income.
The following table sets forth the movement of the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets (in thousands):
Balance as of January 1,
Additions
Increase from an acquired subsidiary
Reversals
Balance as of December 31,
2017
RMB
2018
RMB
2019
RMB
2019
US$
11,402
6,164
—
(3,358)
14,208
14,208
37,584
8,576
(4,371)
55,997
55,997
70,709
997
(799)
126,904
8,043
10,158
143
(115)
18,229
As valuation allowance had been recognized for most of the increased net operating loss carry forward incurred in 2019 because it was more
likely than not that such deferred tax assets will not be realized based on the Group’s estimate of its future taxable income, there was an addition of
RMB70.7 million (US$10.2 million) in valuation allowance in 2019.
Uncertain Tax Positions
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of liabilities associated with uncertain tax positions is as follows (in thousands):
Balance as of January 1,
Increase related to current year tax positions
Balance as of December 31,
2017
RMB
2018
RMB
21,723
2,991
24,714
24,714
1,417
26,131
2019
RMB
26,131
1,481
27,612
2019
US$
3,753
213
3,966
The Group did not accrue any potential penalties and interest related to these uncertain tax positions for all years presented on the basis that the
likelihood of penalties and interest being charged is not considered to be probable.
F-43
Phoenix New Media Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
17. Income Taxes (Continued)
The amounts of uncertain tax positions listed above are based on the recognition and measurement criteria of ASC 740. However, due to the
uncertain and complex application of tax regulations, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of uncertain tax positions may result in liabilities which
could be materially different from these estimates. In such an event, the Group will record additional tax expense or tax benefit in the period in which such
resolution occurs. The Group does not expect changes in uncertain tax positions recognized as of December 31, 2019 to be material in the next twelve
months. In accordance with PRC Tax Administration Law on the Levying and Collection of Taxes, the PRC tax authorities generally have up to five years
to claw back underpaid tax plus penalties and interest for PRC entities’ tax filings. In the case of tax evasion, which is not clearly defined in the law, there
is no limitation on the tax years open for investigation. Accordingly, the PRC entities’ tax years from 2015 to 2019 remain subject to examination by tax
authorities. There are no ongoing examinations by tax authorities as of December 31, 2019.
18. Ordinary Shares
The Company has Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares which are all at par value of US$0.01 each. Holders of Class A ordinary
shares and Class B ordinary shares have the same rights except that holders of Class A ordinary shares are entitled to one vote per share, while holders of
Class B ordinary shares are entitled to 1.3 votes per share. The Parent, which is wholly owned by Phoenix TV, holds Class B ordinary shares, each of which
is convertible into one Class A ordinary share at any time by the holder thereof. Class A ordinary shares are not convertible into Class B ordinary shares
under any circumstances.
As of December 31, 2018, there were 264,824,592 and 317,325,360 Class A and Class B ordinary shares issued and outstanding, respectively. As
of December 31, 2019, there were 264,998,965 and 317,325,360 Class A and Class B ordinary shares issued and outstanding, respectively.
19. Share-based Compensation
Share-based compensation recognized in costs and expenses for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019 are as follows (in
thousands):
Cost of revenues
Sales and marketing expenses
General and administrative expenses
Technology and product development expenses
Total
For the Years Ended December 31,
2017
RMB
2018
RMB
2019
RMB
2019
US$
5,017
1,877
10,796
3,162
20,852
3,750
2,360
5,072
2,807
13,989
6,830
1,643
9,025
2,723
20,221
981
236
1,296
392
2,905
The Group recognized share-based compensation, net of estimated forfeitures, on a graded-vesting basis over the vesting term of the awards.
There was no income tax benefit recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss) for share-based compensation and the Group
did not capitalize any of the share-based compensation as part of the cost of any asset in the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019.
For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019, the Group recognized share-based compensation net of forfeitures for options of
RMB20.9 million, RMB14.0 million and RMB20.2 million (US$2.9 million), respectively.
F-44
Phoenix New Media Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
19. Share-based Compensation (Continued)
Share Options of the Company
In June 2008, the Company adopted the Share Option Scheme (the “June 2008 Scheme”) that provides for the granting of options to employees,
directors and consultants to attract and retain the best available personnel and promote the success of the Group’s business, which terminated automatically
in June 2018. In June 2018, the Company adopted another Share Option Scheme (the “June 2018 Scheme”), whose main clauses are the same with the
June 2008 Scheme. The schemes permit the grant of options to its eligible recipients for up to 10% of the ordinary shares in issue (the “Limit”) on the
effective dates of the schemes. The total number of ordinary shares which may be issued upon exercise of all outstanding options granted and yet to be
exercised under the schemes and any other share option schemes of the Company shall not exceed 30% of the ordinary shares in issue from time to time.
The Company may seek approval from its shareholders to refresh the Limit provided that the Limit as refreshed shall not exceed 10% of the ordinary shares
of the Company in issue as at the date of approval, and options previously granted will not be counted for the purpose of calculating the Limit as refreshed.
Any outstanding option lapse in accordance with the terms of the schemes will not be counted for the purpose of calculating the Limit. Option awards are
granted with an exercise price determined by the board of directors. Those option awards vest over a period of four years and expire in ten years.
The Company accounted for an option exchange program implemented from October 21, 2016 to November 1, 2016 as option modification and
recognized the total incremental share-based compensation of which RMB5.9 million, RMB1.3 million and RMB0.1 million (US$0.02 million) were
recognized in the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively.
The Company granted 1,720,000 share options to one non-employee in September 2017 for the content related consulting services provided by
him, which would vest over a period of four years and expire in ten years with a grant-date fair value of US$0.4648 per share. In January 2018, the
Company granted 3,314,500 share options to two non-employees for the content related consulting services provided by them, which would vest over a
period of four years and expire in ten years. The share-based awards to nonemployees are accounted for based on the fair value of the consideration
received or the fair value of the award issued, whichever is more reliably measurable. The Company applies the guidance in ASU 2018-07 Compensation—
Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting to account for share options granted to non-employees
based on the grant date fair value beginning from January 1, 2019.
A summary of the Company’s share option activities for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019 is presented below:
Outstanding as of January 1, 2017
Granted
Forfeited and expired
Exercised
Outstanding as of December 31, 2017
Granted
Forfeited and expired
Exercised
Outstanding as of December 31, 2018
Granted
Forfeited and expired
Exercised
Outstanding as of December 31, 2019
Exercisable as of December 31, 2019
Vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2019
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
US$
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
Years
0.43
0.42
0.50
0.37
0.42
0.56
0.47
0.12
0.47
0.48
0.49
0.43
0.47
0.47
0.47
7.1
6.7
6.4
6.4
4.5
5.6
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
US$ in Million
1.8
2.1
15.3
2.3
—
0.02
—
—
—
Number of
Options
44,445,135
7,255,000
(7,319,500)
(5,091,696)
39,288,939
3,719,500
(3,933,599)
(4,823,106)
34,251,734
15,794,018
(7,128,379)
(174,373)
42,743,000
25,806,736
33,809,645
F-45
Phoenix New Media Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
19. Share-based Compensation (Continued)
Share Options of the Company (continued)
The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding, exercisable and vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2019 was calculated as the
difference between the Company’s closing stock price of US$1.97 per ADS, or US$0.25 per share as of that date, and the exercise price of the underlying
options. The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised was calculated as the difference between the market value on the date of exercise and the
exercise price of the underlying options.
As disclosed in Note 2(y), the Company’s share-based compensation is measured at the value of the award as calculated under the Black-Scholes
option pricing model. The Company estimated the expected volatility at the date of grant based on average annualized standard deviation of the share price
of comparable listed companies. The Company has no history or expectation of paying regular dividends on its ordinary shares. The Company estimated
the expected term based on the vesting schedule and the exercise period of the options. Risk-free interest rates are based on the derived market yield of the
U.S. Treasury securities with an estimated country-risk differential as of the valuation date. The assumptions used in determining the fair value of options
granted during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019 are as follows:
Expected volatility rate
Expected dividend yield
Expected term (years)
Risk-free interest rate (per annum)
2017
For the Years Ended December 31,
2018
48.84%-57.06%
—
3.13-6.16
0.90%-1.92%
56.76%-57.10%
—
2.50-6.16
0.91%-2.09%
2019
55.92%-77.98%
—
1.00-6.16
2.33%-3.12%
The weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019 were US$0.48, US$0.48
and US$0.20, respectively.
As of December 31, 2019, there was RMB9.4 million (US$1.4 million) of unrecognized share-based compensation for options, adjusted for
estimated forfeitures. The unrecognized share-based compensation is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.2 years.
Share-based Awards of the Company’s Subsidiaries, VIEs and Subsidiaries of the VIEs
One of the Company’s subsidiaries, Fread Limited, adopted a restricted share unit scheme in March 2018 to grant a total of 2,000,000 restricted
share units to employees (the “2018 Fread RSU Scheme”). As of December 31, 2018 and 2019, nil and 920,000 restricted share units of Fread Limited
have been granted under the 2018 Fread RSU Scheme, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2019, Fread Limited recognized share-based
compensation net of forfeitures of RMB3.8 million (US$0.6 million).
O ne of the Company’s subsidiaries of VIEs, Yitian Xindong, adopted an option scheme in December 2018 (the “2018 Tadu Option Scheme”),
under which Telling Telecom would grant a total of 6,750,000 options to Yitian Xindong’s employees from its previously held shares with an exercise price
of RMB3 per share. In December 2018, Telling Telecom granted a total of 4,588,994 share options to Yitian Xindong’s employees, which would be vested
over the requisite service period from December 28, 2018 to March 31, 2021 and expired before March 31, 2021. In June 2019, Telling Telecom granted
872,299 share options to Yitian Xindong’s employees, which would be vested over the requisite service period from June 18, 2019 to March 31, 2021 and
expired before March 31, 2022. As of December 31, 2019, 2,550,203 share options would be vested only if the performance targets based on Yitian
Xindong’s Performance Targets in 2019 and 2020 are achieved. As the Group assessed that it was not probable that the performance condition would be
achieved, no compensation cost for the 2,550,203 share options were recognized in the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019. The share-based
compensation recognized during the 3-day period from December 29, 2018 to December 31, 2018 was immaterial. For the year ended December 31, 2019,
Yitian Xindong recognized share-based compensation net of forfeitures of RMB8.4 million (US$1.2 million).
F-46
Phoenix New Media Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
20 . Segments
The Group currently operates in two principal operating segments: net advertising services and paid services. Information provided to the CODM
is at the gross margin level. The Group currently does not allocate operating expenses or assets to its segments, as its CODM does not use such information
to allocate resources to or evaluate the performance of the operating segments.
The following table presents summarized information by segments (in thousands):
Revenues
Net advertising services
Paid services
Total revenues
Cost of revenues
Net advertising services
Paid services
Total cost of revenues
Gross profit
Net advertising services
Paid services
Total gross profit
21. Fair Value Measurements
For the Years Ended December 31,
2017
RMB
2018
RMB
2019
RMB
2019
US$
1,353,480
221,612
1,575,092
1,198,271
179,108
1,377,379
1,263,485
267,577
1,531,062
(602,945)
(124,252)
(727,197)
(517,533)
(79,015)
(596,548)
(638,160)
(130,142)
(768,302)
750,535
97,360
847,895
680,738
100,093
780,831
625,325
137,435
762,760
181,488
38,435
219,923
(91,666)
(18,694)
(110,360)
89,822
19,741
109,563
Assets and Liabilities Measured and Disclosed at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
In accordance with ASC 820, the Group measures term deposits and short term investments, restricted cash, available-for-sale debt investments,
financial assets — contingent returnable consideration and forward contract at fair value on a recurring basis.
The following table sets forth the financial instruments, measured at fair value on a recurring basis, by level within the fair value hierarchy (in
thousands):
As of December 31, 2018:
Assets:
Term deposits and short term investments
Restricted cash
Available-for-sale debt investments
Financial assets — contingent returnable consideration
As of December 31, 2019:
Assets:
Term deposits and short term investments
Restricted cash
Available-for-sale debt investments
Financial assets — contingent returnable consideration
Liability:
Forward contract in relation to future disposal of investments
in Particle
Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
Carrying
Value
on Balance
Sheets
RMB
Quote Prices
in Active
Market for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
RMB
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
RMB
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
RMB
912,594
269,648
1,961,474
18,211
1,271,889
82,934
2,014,537
98,473
93,398
269,648
—
—
488,488
82,934
—
—
819,196
—
—
—
—
—
1,961,474
18,211
783,401
—
—
—
—
—
2,014,537
98,473
15,988
—
—
15,988
F-47
Phoenix New Media Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
21. Fair Value Measurements (Continued)
Assets and Liabilities Measured and Disclosed at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (continued)
The following table sets forth the reconciliation of the fair value measurements of available-for-sale debt investments from January 1, 2017 to
December 31, 2019 (in thousands):
Beginning balance as of January 1, 2017
Change in fair value
Currency translation adjustment
Ending balance as of December 31, 2017
Change in fair value
Currency translation adjustment
Additional investments
Ending balance as of December 31, 2018
Change in fair value
Disposal of part available-for-sale debt investments
Currency translation adjustment
Ending balance as of December 31, 2019
Fair Value
Measurements of
Available-for-sale
Debt Investments
RMB
939,432
321,538
(64,640)
1,196,330
698,592
64,552
2,000
1,961,474
1,385,379
(1,390,031)
57,715
2,014,537
Term deposits. The fair values of term deposits placed with banks with original maturity of more than three months and up to one year are
determined based on the pervasive interest rates in market as stated in the contracts with the banks. The Group classifies the valuation techniques that use
the interest rates input as Level 1 of fair value measurement.
Short term investments. Short term investments represent interest-bearing deposit placed with financial institutions which are restricted to
withdrawal and use. The investments are issued by commercial bank in the PRC with a variable interest rate indexed to performance of underlying assets.
To estimate fair value, the Group refers to the quoted rate of return provided by banks at the end of each period using the discounted cash flow method. The
Group classifies the valuation techniques that use these inputs as Level 2 of fair value measurements.
F-48
Phoenix New Media Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
21. Fair Value Measurements (Continued)
Assets and Liabilities Measured and Disclosed at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (continued)
Restricted cash. The Group’s restricted cash represents deposits that are restricted to withdrawal or usage. The fair values of restricted cash are
determined based on the pervasive interest rate in the market. The Group classifies the valuation techniques that use the pervasive interest rates input as
Level 1 of fair value measurement.
Available-for-sale debt investments. Available-for-sale debt investments mainly represent the investments of convertible redeemable preferred
shares in Particle. In accordance with ASC 820, the Group measures available-for-sale debt investments at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair values of
the investments in Particle were determined based on the discounted cash flow model as of December 31, 2017. As the Company entered into a binding
letter of intent (the “LOI”) in February 2019, the fair values of the investments in Particle were determined based on the scenario analysis, the weighted
average valuation results derived from both the discounted cash flow model and the market approach, and the probability of each scenario as of December
31, 2018. As the Company has completed delivery of the first batch of 94,802,752 preferred shares of Particle to the Proposed Buyers in 2019, the fair
values of the investments in Particle as of December 31, 2019 were determined based on a valuation technique under the market approach, known as
guideline company method, where financial ratios of comparable companies were analyzed to determine the value of Particle, as well as using observable
transactions of Particle’s shares. The Group classifies the valuation techniques that use unobservable inputs as Level 3 of fair value measurements.
The key inputs used in valuation of available-for-sale debt investments as of December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019 were as follow:
Discount rate
Lack of marketability discount (“DLOM”)
Volatility
Revenue growth rate
Terminal growth rate
Control premium
Probability of each scenario
2017
23%
25%
45.3%
5.0%-93.8%
3%
N/A
N/A
As of December 31,
2018
Under the Status
Quo
Scenario*
22.5%
20%
44.5%
Under the Trade
Sale
Scenario**
17%
15%
44.8%
3.7%-75.8%
3.7%-75.8%
3%
N/A
60%
3%
30%
40%
2019
N/A
5%
45.7%
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
*Under the status quo scenario, the Company would not close the transaction contemplated under the LOI, and would keep holding the investments of
convertible redeemable preferred shares in Particle and maintain the status quo.
**Under the trade sale scenario, the Company would close the transaction contemplated under the LOI, and the Company would go through trade sales on
the investments of convertible redeemable preferred shares in Particle.
Financial assets — contingent returnable consideration . The financial assets represented the fair value of the Group’s right to receive the
contingent returnable consideration, subject to certain price adjustment mechanisms based on Yitian Xindong’s operating and financial performance in
2019 and 2020. The Group assesses the probability of whether Yitian Xindong’s operating and financial performance targets in 2019 and 2020 could be
achieved at each reporting period, and adjusts the fair value of the financial assets accordingly based on its probability assessment. Inputs used in the
probability assessment include future cash flows, discount rate, and the selection of probability. The fair values of these investments were categorized as
Level 3 of fair value measurements. The following table sets forth the reconciliation of the fair value measurements of financial assets — contingent
returnable consideration from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2019 (in thousands):
F-49
Phoenix New Media Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
21. Fair Value Measurements (Continued)
Assets and Liabilities Measured and Disclosed at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (continued)
Beginning balance as of January 1, 2018
Acquisition of Yitian Xindong
Ending balance as of December 31, 2018
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests in Yitian Xindong
Change in fair value
Ending balance as of December 31, 2019
Fair Value
Measurements of
Financial Assets —
Contingent Returnable
Consideration
RMB
—
18,211
18,211
18,211
62,051
98,473
Forward contract in relation to future disposal of investments in Particle. Forward contract in relation to future disposal of investments in
Particle represented the derivative forward contract resulting from the Supplemental Agreement between the Proposed Buyers and the Company, which
states the payment of the agreed-upon price in exchange for the second batch of preferred shares of Particle on or before August 10, 2020, and thus should
be recognized as asset or liability and measured at fair value. The fair values of forward contract in relation to future disposal of investments in Particle
were determined based on a valuation technique using inputs including fair value of the underlying assets, risk-free interest rate, term and the delivery price
in the Supplemental Agreement. The Group classifies the valuation techniques that use unobservable inputs as Level 3 of fair value measurements.
Assets and Liabilities Measured and Disclosed at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis
The Group’s non-financial long-lived assets, such as intangible assets, goodwill and fixed assets, would be measured at fair value only if they
were determined to be impaired on an other-than-temporary basis. The Group uses a combination of valuation methodologies, including market and income
approaches based on the Group’s best estimate to determine the fair value of these non-financial assets. Inputs used in these methodologies primarily
included future cash flows, discount rate, expected volatility and the selection of comparable companies operating in similar businesses.
For equity investments without readily determinable fair values accounted for under the measurement alternative, when there are observable price
changes in orderly transactions for identical or similar investments of the same issuer, the investments are re-measured to fair value. The non-recurring fair
value measurements to the carrying amount of an investment usually requires management to estimate a price adjustment for the different rights and
obligations between a similar instrument of the same issuer with an observable price change in an orderly transaction and the investment held by the
Company. These non-recurring fair value measurements were measured as of the observable transaction dates. The valuation methodologies involved
require management to use the observable transaction price at the transaction date and other unobservable inputs (level 3) such as volatility of comparable
companies and probability of exit events as it relates to liquidation and redemption preferences.
Accounts receivable, amounts due from related parties, prepayments and other current assets, accounts payable, amounts due to related parties,
salary and welfare payable, accrued expense, short-term bank loans and other current liabilities are financial assets or liabilities with carrying values that
approximate fair value due to their short term nature.
F-50
Phoenix New Media Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
22. Net Income/(Loss) per Share
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income/(loss) per share for the years indicated (amounts in thousands,
except for number of shares (or ADSs) and per share (or ADS) data):
Net income/(loss) per Class A and Class B ordinary share -
basic:
Numerator:
Net income/(loss) attributable to Phoenix New Media Limited
Denominator:
Weighted average number of Class A and Class B ordinary shares
outstanding
Weighted average number of contingently issuable shares
Denominator used in computing net income/(loss) per share —
basic
Net income/(loss) per Class A and Class B ordinary share — basic
Net income/(loss) per Class A and Class B ordinary share -
diluted:
Numerator:
Net income/(loss) attributable to Phoenix New Media Limited
Denominator:
Denominator used in computing net income/(loss) per share —
basic
Share-based awards
Denominator used in computing net income/(loss) per share —
diluted
Net income/(loss) per Class A and Class B ordinary share — diluted
Net income/(loss) per ADS (1 ADS represents 8 Class A
ordinary shares):
Denominator used in computing net income/(loss) per ADS — basic
Denominator used in computing net income/(loss) per ADS —
diluted
Net income/(loss) per ADS — basic
Net income/(loss) per ADS — diluted
For the Years Ended December 31,
2017
RMB
2018
RMB
2019
RMB
2019
US$
37,472
(63,222)
727,829
104,546
573,096,266
1,690,621
580,516,101
568,352
582,275,800
—
582,275,800
—
574,786,887
0.07
581,084,453
(0.11)
582,275,800
1.25
582,275,800
0.18
37,472
(63,222)
727,829
104,546
574,786,887
15,647,020
581,084,453
—
582,275,800
—
582,275,800
—
590,433,907
0.06
581,084,453
(0.11)
582,275,800
1.25
582,275,800
0.18
71,848,361
72,635,557
72,784,475
72,784,475
73,804,238
0.52
72,635,557
(0.87)
72,784,475
10.00
0.51
(0.87)
10.00
72,784,475
1.44
1.44
The Company has included 1,690,621, 568,352 and nil contingently issuable shares in the denominator used in computing basic and diluted net
income/(loss) per share for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively. These shares are contingently issuable upon the holders’
request without other substantive conditions and for no further consideration. There were 2,223,005, 35,183,115 and 34,445,604 options to purchase
ordinary shares have been excluded from the computation of diluted net income/(loss) per share for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019,
respectively, as their effects would be anti-dilutive.
F-51
Phoenix New Media Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
23. Commitments and Contingencies
(a) Commitments
As of December 31, 2019, future minimum commitments under non-cancelable agreements were as follows (in thousands):
Property
Management
Costs
RMB
Bandwidth
Purchases
RMB
Cooperation
with
Phoenix TV
Group
RMB
Content
Purchases
RMB
Property and
Equipment, and
Intangible Assets
RMB
8,608
6,251
2,838
—
—
17,697
5,268
307
52
—
—
5,627
3,780
2,000
—
—
—
5,780
18,893
1,003
634
542
2,328
23,400
677
487
—
—
—
1,164
Others
RMB
Total
RMB
2,951
62
60
—
10
3,083
40,177
10,110
3,584
542
2,338
56,751
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024 and
thereafter
Total
The amounts of cooperation with Phoenix TV Group are calculated according to the agreements between the Group and Phoenix TV Group (see
Note 2(a)).
Upon the adoption of ASC 842 on January 1, 2019, future minimum lease payments for operating lease commitments as of December 31, 2019
are disclosed in Note 2(x).
The Group did not have any significant capital and other commitments, long-term obligations, or guarantees as of December 31, 2018 and 2019.
(b) Litigation
From time to time, the Group is involved in claims and legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business. The Group is currently a
party to certain legal proceedings and claims which in the opinion of the Company’s management, adequate provisions have been recorded to cover the
probable loss of those that can be reasonably estimated, while other claims are considered would not have material adverse effect, individually or in the
aggregate, on the Group’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In relation to one of the claims in 2016 about the infringement of copyright and unauthorized selling on the Group’s website and mobile
applications for a piece of literature work, the related claim for damage was approximately RMB235.8 million, however, the actual income the Group
generated from such literature work was less than RMB1,500. This claim was withdrawn by the plaintiffs in January 2018. In April 2018, the Group
received notices from the local court that the plaintiffs have filed a lawsuit against it again for the same claim, with the related claim for damages reduced
to approximately RMB99.8 million. In April 2020, the Group received the judgment from the local court which ordered it to pay the plaintiffs a total of
approximately RMB1.0 million as economic compensation and reimbursement of the plaintiff’s reasonable expenses. As of the date of this annual report,
the time limit for lodging an appeal against the judgment has not expired yet and the Group cannot assure that the plaintiffs or it will not appeal the
judgment. Therefore, the final outcome of this case is still not known yet.
Litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties and the Group’s view of these matters may change in the future. There exists the possibility of a
material adverse impact on the Group’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows for the period in which the unfavorable outcome occurs, and
potentially in future periods.
(c) Long-term Liabilities for Uncertain Tax Positions
As mentioned in Note 16, as of December 31, 2018 and 2019, the Group had recorded uncertain tax positions of RMB26.1 million and RMB27.6
million (US$4.0 million), respectively.
F-52
Phoenix New Media Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
24. Related Party Transactions
The table below sets forth the major related parties and their relationships with the Group:
Related Parties
Entities within the non US listed part of the Phoenix TV Group
China Mobile (“CMCC”)
Fengxin Technology (Haikou) Group Co., Ltd (“Lilita”)*
Particle Inc. (“Particle”)
Beijing Fenghuang Tianbo Network Technology Co., Ltd.
(“Tianbo”)
Phoenix FM Limited (“Phoenix FM”)
Shenzhenshi Fenghuang Jingcai Network Technology Co., Ltd.
(“Fenghuang Jingcai”)
Yitong Technology (Hangzhou) Limited (“Yitong Technology”)
Lifeix Inc.
Shenzhen Kuailai Technology Co., Ltd. (“Kuailai”)
Henan Fengyi Feiyang Network Technology Limited (“Fengyi
Technology”)
Mr. Gao Ximin and Mr. Qiao Haiyan
Mr. He Yansheng and Mr. Shang Xiaowei
Mr. Wu Haipeng and Mr. He Yansheng
Relationships with the Group
Under common control by Phoenix TV
A shareholder of Phoenix TV
Other equity investee, related party of Phoenix TV Group
Available-for-sale debt investee, with common directors of the Company
Former equity method investee, and current subsidiary of VIEs since April
1, 2019
Equity method investee
Equity method investee
Other equity investee
Other equity investee
Other equity investee
Available-for-sale debt investee
Legal shareholders of Tianying Jiuzhou and employees of the Group
Legal shareholder of Yifeng Lianhe and employee of the Group
Legal shareholders of Chenhuan and employees of the Group
*In 2019, the name of “Beijing Phoenix Lilita Information Technology Co., Ltd.” was changed to “Fengxin Technology (Haikou) Group Co., Ltd.”.
In addition to those disclosed elsewhere in the financial statements, the Group had the following significant related party transactions during the
years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019 (in thousands):
Transactions with the Non US Listed Part of Phoenix TV Group:
Content provided by Phoenix TV Group
Advertising and promotion expenses charged by Phoenix TV Group
Corporate administrative expenses charged by Phoenix TV Group
Trademark license fees charged by Phoenix TV Group
Project cost charged by Phoenix TV Group
Revenues earned from Phoenix TV Group
Transactions with CMCC:
Advertising revenues earned from CMCC
Paid services revenues earned from and through CMCC
Revenue sharing fees and bandwidth costs charged by CMCC
F-53
For the Years Ended December 31,
2017
RMB
2018
RMB
2019
RMB
2019
US$
(12,090)
(23)
(2,676)
(3,569)
(1,217)
9,454
(12,398)
(4,258)
(2,166)
(5,752)
(1,763)
14,354
(11,302)
(4,157)
(2,057)
(4,988)
(1,148)
15,705
(1,623)
(597)
(295)
(716)
(165)
2,256
For the Years Ended December 31,
2017
RMB
2018
RMB
2019
RMB
33,491
138,712
(43,604)
27,532
86,352
(15,929)
23,256
71,248
(14,216)
2019
US$
3,341
10,234
(2,042)
Phoenix New Media Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
24. Related Party Transactions (Continued)
Transactions with Investees:
Revenues earned through Phoenix FM
Advertising revenues earned from Tianbo
Advances provided to Tianbo
Revenues earned from Lilita
Loans provided to Particle and related interest income including the effect of
foreign exchange
Loans repaid by Particle
Related interest income including the effect of foreign exchange arising from
convertible loans to Particle
Corporate administrative expenses charged by Particle
Sales of assets to Particle at carrying value
Other income earned from Particle
Advertising revenues earned from Fengyi Technology
Revenue sharing fees charged by investees
For the Years Ended December 31,
2018
RMB
2019*
RMB
2019
US$
2017
RMB
855
13,869
29
10,161
160
193
10,721
21
87,514
(48,747)
—
(84,083)
(1,799)
(725)
4,740
—
—
(111)
8,993
(82)
(413)
—
—
(77)
10
16
247
305
—
—
—
—
—
1,990
12,612
(62)
1
2
35
44
—
—
—
—
—
286
1,812
(9)
* As Tianbo has been consolidated starting from April 1, 2019, related party transactions with Tianbo in 2019 only included those incurred from January 1,
2019 to March 31, 2019.
As of December 31, 2018 and 2019, the amounts of due from and due to related parties were as follows (in thousands):
Amounts due from related parties:
Due from CMCC (Note 3)
Due from Phoenix TV Group
Due from Particle, net
Due from Fengyi Technology
Due from other investees, net
Total
Amounts due to related parties:
Due to CMCC
Due to Phoenix TV Group
Due to Yitong Technology (Note 10)
Due to Fengyi Technology
Due to Others
Total
2018
RMB
As of December 31,
2019*
RMB
2019
US$
59,871
10,489
10,022
—
10,846
91,228
605
14,396
6,500
—
3,717
25,218
46,145
10,224
1,040
1,900
414
59,723
3,668
24,637
—
4,996
922
34,223
6,628
1,469
149
273
60
8,579
527
3,539
—
718
132
4,916
* As Tianbo has been consolidated from April 1, 2019, the amounts of due from and due to related parties as of December 31, 2019 did not include those
due from and due to Tianbo.
The amounts due from Phoenix TV Group represent accounts receivable from Phoenix TV Group for the advertising services provided to its
customers, and the amounts due to Phoenix TV Group represent resources or services provided by Phoenix TV Group, expenses paid by Phoenix TV
Group on behalf of the Group, and expenses charged by Phoenix TV Group under the cooperation agreements (see Note 2 (a)).
F-54
Phoenix New Media Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
24. Related Party Transactions (Continued)
In January 2017, the Group granted an unsecured RMB74.0 million loan to Particle at an interest rate of 9.0% per annum and with maturity of
twelve months (the “January 2017 Loan”). In November 2017, Particle repaid all of the principal and interests of the US$6.8 million loan granted to
Particle in November 2016. In July 2018, Particle repaid all of the principal and interests of the January 2017 Loan.
For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019, total interest income arising from loans provided to Particle, convertible loans due from
Particle and bank interest expenses incurred by the Group but borne by Particle were RMB23.1 million, RMB9.9 million and nil, respectively. The Group
made bad debt provision to receivable from Particle with a total amount of RMB11.2 million (US$1.6 million) for the year ended December 31, 2019,
which were reduced from amounts due from related parties.
25. Restricted Net Assets
Relevant PRC laws and regulations permit payments of dividends by the Company’s subsidiaries, the VIEs and the subsidiaries of the VIEs
incorporated in the PRC only out of their retained earnings, if any, as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. In
addition, the Company’s subsidiaries, the VIEs and the subsidiaries of the VIEs incorporated in the PRC are required to annually appropriate 10% of their
net after-tax income to the general reserve fund or the statutory surplus fund prior to payment of any dividends, unless such reserve funds have reached
50% of their respective registered capital. As a result of these and other restrictions under PRC laws and regulations, and in accordance with Securities and
Exchange Commission Regulation S-X Rule 4-08 (e) (3), General Notes to Financial Statements , the Company’s subsidiaries, the VIEs and the
subsidiaries of the VIEs incorporated in the PRC are restricted in their ability to transfer a portion of their net assets to the Company either in the form of
dividends, loans or advances, which the restricted portion amounted to approximately RMB552.2 million and RMB759.1 million (US$109.0 million) as of
December 31, 2018 and 2019, respectively. Even though the Company currently does not require any such dividends, loans or advances from the PRC
entities for working capital and other funding purposes, the Company may in the future require additional cash resources from them due to changes in
business conditions, to fund future acquisitions and development, or merely to declare and pay dividends or distributions to the Company’s shareholders.
Except for the above, there is no other restriction on use of proceeds generated by the Company’s subsidiaries, the VIEs and the subsidiaries of the VIEs to
satisfy any obligations of the Company.
The Company performed a test on the restricted net assets of the Company’s subsidiaries, the VIEs and the subsidiaries of the VIEs in accordance
with Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X Rule 4-08 (e) (3), General Notes to Financial Statement s and concluded that it was not
applicable for the Company to disclose its condensed financial information for the year ended December 31, 2019, as restricted net assets of the Company’s
subsidiaries, the VIEs and the subsidiaries of the VIEs did not exceed 25 percent of consolidated net assets for all the years ended December 31, 2017,
2018 and 2019.
F-55
Phoenix New Media Limited
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
26. Subsequent Events
On January 20, 2020, the Company entered into an agreement with the two shareholders of Particle, Long De Cheng Zhang Culture
Communication (Tianjin) Co., Ltd., which later transferred its shares in Particle to Long De Cheng Zhang (Tianjin) Investment Management Center, and
Long De Holdings (Hong Kong) Co., Limited (collectively, the “Long De Entities”), who notified the Company that they intended to exercise their co-sale
rights under Particle’s existing shareholder agreement, or the Co-Sale Agreement. Pursuant to the Co-Sale Agreement, the Long De Entities would sell
approximately 9.8 million preferred shares of Particle, or the Long De Sale Shares, to the Proposed Buyers for a total consideration of approximately
US$20.7 million in cash and the number of Particle shares to be sold by the Company would be reduced accordingly. As a result, the Company would be
expected to sell a total of 29.19% equity interest of Particle on an as-if converted basis, which reflected the completion of the issuance of additional shares
under Particle's share incentive plan to the Proposed Buyers for a total consideration of approximately US$427.3 million in cash under the original SPA as
amended by the Supplemental Agreement and the Co-Sale Agreement. The Co-Sale Agreement is subject to approval by the shareholders of the
Company’s parent company, Phoenix Media Investment (Holdings) Limited.
In 2020, novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) has spread rapidly to many parts of China and other parts of the world. The pandemic has resulted in
quarantines, travel restrictions, and the temporary closure of stores and facilities in China and elsewhere. Substantially all of the Group’s revenue and
workforce are concentrated in China. Consequently, the COVID-19 outbreak has adversely affected and may continue to adversely affect the Group’s
business operations and its financial condition, operating results and cash flows for 2020, including but not limited to negative impact to the Group’s total
revenues and slower collection of receivables and potential additional allowance for doubtful accounts or impairment to the Group’s long-term assets.
Because of the significant uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak, the extent of the business disruption and the related financial impact cannot
be reasonably estimated at this time.
F-56
Exhibit 2.4
Description of Securities Registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)
As of December 31, 2019, Phoenix New Media Limited (“PNM,” “the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our”) had the following series of securities registered
pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:
Title of each class
American Depositary Shares (each representing
one Class A ordinary share of PNM)
Class A ordinary shares of US$0.01 each (the
“PNM Class A ordinary shares”)
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of exchange on which registered
FENG
N/A
New York Stock Exchange
New York Stock Exchange*
*
Not for trading, but only in connection with the listing on the New York Stock Exchange of American depositary shares.
Description of Ordinary Shares (Items 9.A.3, 9.A.5, 9.A.6, 9.A.7, 10.B.3, 10.B.4, 10.B.6, 10.B.7, 10.B.8, 10.B.9 and 10.B.10 of Form 20-F)
General
We are a Cayman Islands exempted company with limited liability and our affairs are governed by our memorandum and articles of
association, as amended and restated from time to time, the Companies Law (as amended) of the Cayman Islands, or the Companies Law, and the common
law of the Cayman Islands.
Our ordinary shares consist of Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares. Each Class A ordinary share and Class B ordinary share of
our company has par value of US$0.01 per share. The respective number of Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares that had been issued as of
December 31, 2019 is provided on the cover of our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Holders of Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares have the same rights except for voting and conversion rights. All of our
outstanding ordinary shares are fully paid and non-assessable. Certificates representing the ordinary shares are issued in registered form. Our shareholders
who are non-residents of the Cayman Islands may freely hold and transfer their ordinary shares.
Dividends
The holders of our ordinary shares are entitled to such dividends as may be declared by our board of directors subject to the Companies Law
and to the articles of association.
Voting Rights
Subject to any special rights or restrictions as to voting for the time being attached to any shares, at any general meeting every holder of Class
A ordinary shares who is present in person or by proxy (or, in the case of a shareholder being a corporation, by its duly authorized representative) shall
have one vote on a show of hands, and on a poll every shareholder holding Class A ordinary shares present in person or by proxy (or, in the case of a
shareholder being a corporation, by its duly appointed representative) shall have one vote for each fully paid Class A ordinary share of which such
shareholder is the holder.
Subject to any special rights or restrictions as to voting for the time being attached to any shares, at any general meeting every holder of Class
B ordinary shares who is present in person or by proxy (or, in the case of a
shareholder being a corporation), by its duly authorized representative) shall have 1.3 votes on a show of hands, and on a poll every shareholder holding
Class B ordinary shares present in person or by proxy (or, in the case of a shareholder being a corporation), by its duly authorized representative) shall have
1.3 votes for each fully paid Class B ordinary shares of which such shareholder is the holder.
A quorum required for a meeting of shareholders consists of two shareholders entitled to vote and present in person or by proxy or, if a
corporation or other non-natural person, by its duly authorized representative representing not less than one-third of nominal value of the total issued
ordinary shares. An annual general meeting of our company shall be held in each year other than the year in which the memorandum and articles of
association are adopted. Each general meeting, other than an annual general meeting, shall be an extraordinary general meeting. Only a majority of our
board of directors may call extraordinary general meetings. Advance notice of at least ten days is required for the convening of our annual general meeting
and other shareholders meetings.
An ordinary resolution to be passed by the shareholders requires the affirmative vote of a simple majority of the votes attaching to the ordinary
shares cast in a general meeting, while a special resolution requires the affirmative vote of no less than two-thirds of the votes cast attaching to the
outstanding ordinary shares. A special resolution will be required for important matters such as a change of name or making changes to our memorandum
and articles of association.
Conversion.
Subject to the provisions of the memorandum and articles of association and to compliance with all fiscal and other laws and regulations
applicable thereto, a holder of Class B ordinary shares shall have the right to convert all or any of its Class B ordinary shares into the appropriate number of
Class A ordinary shares. At present the Class B ordinary shares convert on a 1 : 1 basis into Class A ordinary shares, subject to adjustment as described
below.
Transfer of Ordinary Shares.
Subject to the restrictions of our articles of association, as applicable, including as set out above in respect of Class B ordinary shares, any of
our shareholders may transfer all or any of his or her ordinary shares by an instrument of transfer in the usual or common form or any other form approved
by our board of directors.
Our board of directors may, in its absolute discretion, decline to register any transfer of any ordinary share which is not fully paid up or on
which we have a lien. Our board of directors may also decline to register any transfer of any ordinary share unless:
•
•
•
•
•
the instrument of transfer is lodged with us, accompanied by the certificate for the ordinary shares to which it relates and such other
evidence as our board of directors may reasonably require to show the right of the transferor to make the transfer;
the instrument of transfer is in respect of only one class of ordinary shares;
the instrument of transfer is properly stamped, if required;
in the case of a transfer to joint holders, the number of joint holders to whom the ordinary share is to be transferred does not exceed four;
and
the ordinary shares transferred are free of any lien in favor of us.
If our directors refuse to register a transfer they shall, within two months after the date on which the instrument of transfer was lodged, send to
each of the transferor and the transferee notice of such refusal.
The registration of transfers may, after compliance with any notice required of the Designated Stock Exchange (as defined in the memorandum
and articles of association), be suspended and the register closed at such
times and for such periods as our board of directors may from time to time determine, provided, however, that the registration of transfers shall not be
suspended nor the register closed for more than 30 days in any year.
Liquidation.
On a return of capital on winding up or otherwise (other than on conversion, redemption or purchase of ordinary shares), assets available for
distribution among the holders of ordinary shares shall be distributed among the holders of the ordinary shares on a pro rata basis. If our assets available for
distribution are insufficient to repay all of the paid-up capital, the assets will be distributed so that the losses are borne by our shareholders proportionately.
Calls on Ordinary Shares and Forfeiture of Ordinary Shares.
Our board of directors may from time to time make calls upon shareholders for any amounts unpaid on their ordinary shares in a notice served
to such shareholders at least 14 clear days prior to the specified time of payment. The ordinary shares that have been called upon and remain unpaid are
subject to forfeiture.
Redemption of Ordinary Shares.
Subject to the provisions of the Companies Law, we may issue shares on terms that are subject to redemption, at our option or at the option of
the holders of these shares, on such terms and in such manner, including out of capital, as may be determined by our board of directors.
Variations of Rights of Shares.
All or any of the special rights attached to any class of shares may, subject to the provisions of the Companies Law, be varied either with the
unanimous written consent of the holders of the issued shares of that class or with the sanction of a special resolution passed at a general meeting of the
holders of the shares of that class. Consequently, the rights of any class of shares cannot be detrimentally altered without a vote of all of the shares in that
class. The rights conferred upon the holders of the shares of any class issued with preferred or other rights shall not, unless otherwise expressly provided by
the terms of issue of the shares of that class, be deemed to be varied by the creation or issue of further shares ranking pari passu with such existing class of
shares. The rights of holders of ordinary shares shall not be deemed to be varied by the creation or issue of shares with preferred or other rights which may
be affected by the directors as provided in the articles of association without any vote or consent of the holders of ordinary shares.
General Meetings of Shareholders
Shareholders' meetings may be convened by a majority of our board of directors. Advance notice of at least ten clear days is required for the
convening of our annual general shareholders' meeting and any other general meeting of our shareholders.
Inspection of Books and Records
Holders of our ordinary shares have no general right under Cayman Islands law to inspect or obtain copies of our list of shareholders or our
corporate records. However, we will provide our shareholders with annual audited financial statements. See “Where You Can Find Additional
Information.”
Issuance of Additional Preferred Shares
Our articles of association authorize our board of directors to issue additional ordinary shares from time to time as our board of directors shall
determine, to the extent of available authorized but unissued shares.
Our articles of association authorizes our board of directors to establish from time to time one or more classes or series of preferred shares and
to determine, with respect to any series of preferred shares, the terms and rights of that series, including:
•
•
•
•
the designation of the series;
the number of shares of the series;
the dividend rights, dividend rates, conversion rights, voting rights; and
the rights and terms of redemption and liquidation preferences.
Our board of directors may issue preferred shares without action by our shareholders to the extent authorized but unissued. The issuance of
preferred shares may be used as an anti-takeover device without further action on the part of the shareholders. Issuance of these shares may dilute the
voting power of holders of ordinary shares.
Exempted Company
We are an exempted company with limited liability under the Companies Law. The Companies Law distinguishes between ordinary resident
companies and exempted companies. Any company that is registered in the Cayman Islands but conducts business mainly outside of the Cayman Islands
may apply to be registered as an exempted company. The requirements for an exempted company are essentially the same as for an ordinary company
except that an exempted company:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
does not have to file an annual return of its shareholders with the Registrar of Companies;
is not required to open its register of members for inspection;
does not have to hold an annual general meeting;
may issue negotiable or bearer shares or shares with no par value;
may obtain an undertaking against the imposition of any future taxation (such undertakings are usually given for 20 years in the first
instance);
may register by way of continuation in another jurisdiction and be deregistered in the Cayman Islands;
may register as a limited duration company; and
“Limited liability” means that the liability of each shareholder is limited to the amount unpaid by the shareholder on the shares of the company.
Differences in Corporate Law
The Companies Law is modeled after that of English law but does not follow many recent English law statutory enactments. In addition, the
Companies Law differs from laws applicable to United States corporations and their shareholders. Set forth below is a summary of the significant
differences between the provisions of the Companies Law applicable to us and the laws applicable to companies incorporated in the State of Delaware.
Mergers and Similar Arrangements
A merger of two or more constituent companies under Cayman Islands law requires a plan of merger or consolidation to be approved by the
directors of each constituent company and authorization by (a) a majority in
number representing seventy-five percent (75%) in value of the shareholders voting together as one class and (b) if the shares to be issued to each
shareholder in the surviving company are to have the same rights and economic value as the shares held in the constituent company, a special resolution of
the shareholders voting together as one class.
A merger between a Cayman parent company and its Cayman subsidiary or subsidiaries does not require authorization by a resolution of
shareholders. For this purpose a subsidiary is a company of which at least ninety percent (90%) of the issued shares entitled to vote are owned by the parent
company.
The consent of each holder of a fixed or floating security interest over a constituent company is required unless this requirement is waived by a
court in the Cayman Islands.
Save in certain circumstances, a dissentient shareholder of a Cayman constituent company is entitled to payment of the fair value of his shares
upon dissenting to a merger or consolidation. The exercise of appraisal rights will preclude the exercise of any other rights save for the right to seek relief
on the grounds that the merger or consolidation is void or unlawful.
In addition, there are statutory provisions that facilitate the reconstruction and amalgamation of companies, provided that the arrangement is
approved by a majority in number of each class of shareholders and creditors (representing 75% by value) with whom the arrangement is to be made, and
who must in addition represent three-fourths in value of each such class of shareholders or creditors, as the case may be, that are present and voting either
in person or by proxy at a meeting, or meetings, convened for that purpose. The convening of the meetings and subsequently the arrangement must be
sanctioned by the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands. While a dissenting shareholder has the right to express to the court the view that the transaction
ought not to be approved, the court can be expected to approve the arrangement if it determines that:
•
•
•
•
the statutory provisions as to the required majority vote have been met;
the shareholders have been fairly represented at the meeting in question and the statutory majority are acting bona fide without coercion
of the majority to promote interests adverse to those of the class;
the arrangement is such that may be reasonably approved by an intelligent and honest man of that class acting in respect of his interest;
and
the arrangement is not one that would more properly be sanctioned under some other provision of the Companies Law.
When a takeover offer is made and accepted by holders of 90.0% of the shares within four months, the offeror may, within a two-month period
commencing on the expiration of such four month period, require the holders of the remaining shares to transfer such shares on the terms of the offer. An
objection can be made to the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands but this is unlikely to succeed in the case of an offer which has been so approved unless
there is evidence of fraud, bad faith or collusion.
If an arrangement and reconstruction is thus approved, the dissenting shareholder would have no rights comparable to appraisal rights, which
would otherwise ordinarily be available to dissenting shareholders of Delaware corporations, providing rights to receive payment in cash for the judicially
determined value of the shares.
Shareholders’ Suits
In principle, we will normally be the proper plaintiff and as a general rule a derivative action may not be brought by a minority shareholder.
However, based on English authorities, which would in all likelihood be of persuasive authority in the Cayman Islands, there are exceptions to the
foregoing principle, including when:
•
a company acts or proposes to act illegally or ultra vires;
•
•
the act complained of, although not ultra vires, could only be effected duly if authorized by more than a simple majority vote that has not
been obtained; and
those who control the company are perpetrating a "fraud on the minority." Indemnification of Directors and Executive Officers and
Limitation of Liability
Indemnification of Directors and Executive Officers and Limitation of Liability
Cayman Islands law does not limit the extent to which a company's memorandum and articles of association may provide for indemnification
of officers and directors, except to the extent any such provision may be held by the Cayman Islands courts to be contrary to public policy, such as to
provide indemnification against civil fraud or the consequences of committing a crime. Our memorandum and articles of association permit
indemnification of officers and directors for losses, damages, costs and expenses incurred in their capacities as such unless such losses or damages arise
from dishonesty or fraud of such directors or officers. This standard of conduct is generally the same as permitted under the Delaware General Corporation
Law for a Delaware corporation. In addition, we have entered into indemnification agreements with our directors and senior executive officers that provide
such persons with additional indemnification beyond that provided in our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to our directors, officers or persons controlling us
under the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that in the opinion of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, such indemnification
is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.
Directors' Fiduciary Duties
Under Delaware corporate law, a director of a Delaware corporation has a fiduciary duty to the corporation and its shareholders. This duty has
two components: the duty of care and the duty of loyalty. The duty of care requires that a director act in good faith, with the care that an ordinarily prudent
person would exercise under similar circumstances. Under this duty, a director must inform himself of, and disclose to shareholders, all material
information reasonably available regarding a significant transaction. The duty of loyalty requires that a director acts in a manner he reasonably believes to
be in the best interests of the corporation. He must not use his corporate position for personal gain or advantage. This duty prohibits self-dealing by a
director and mandates that the best interest of the corporation and its shareholders take precedence over any interest possessed by a director, officer or
controlling shareholder and not shared by the shareholders generally. In general, actions of a director are presumed to have been made on an informed
basis, in good faith and in the honest belief that the action taken was in the best interests of the corporation. However, this presumption may be rebutted by
evidence of a breach of one of the fiduciary duties. Should such evidence be presented concerning a transaction by a director, the director must prove the
procedural fairness of the transaction, and that the transaction was of fair value to the corporation.
As a matter of Cayman Islands law, a director of a Cayman Islands company is in the position of a fiduciary with respect to the company and
therefore it is considered that he owes the following duties to the company—a duty to act bona fide in the best interests of the company, a duty not to make
a profit based on his position as director (unless the company permits him to do so) and a duty not to put himself in a position where the interests of the
company conflict with his personal interest or his duty to a third party. A director of a Cayman Islands company owes to the company a duty to act with
skill and care. It was previously considered that a director need not exhibit in the performance of his duties a greater degree of skill than may reasonably be
expected from a person of his knowledge and experience. However, English and Commonwealth courts have moved towards an objective standard with
regard to the required skill and care and these authorities are likely to be followed in the Cayman Islands.
Directors’ Independence
The Companies Law of the Cayman Islands does not require a majority of our directors to be independent. For as long as our Class A ordinary
shares or ADSs are listed on the NYSE, our amended and restated articles of
association require that the directors shall include such number of independent directors (as defined in the rules of NYSE or in Rule 10A-3 under the
Exchange Act) as applicable law, rules or regulations or the rules of the NYSE require.
Shareholder Action by Written Consent
Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, a corporation may eliminate the right of shareholders to act by written consent by amendment to
its certificate of incorporation. Cayman Islands law provides that shareholders may approve corporate matters by way of a unanimous written resolution
signed by or on behalf of each shareholder who would have been entitled to vote on such matter at a general meeting without a meeting being held.
However, this is expressly prohibited by our articles of association.
Shareholder Proposals
Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, a shareholder has the right to put any proposal before the annual meeting of shareholders,
provided it complies with the notice provisions in the governing documents. A special meeting may be called by the board of directors or any other person
authorized to do so in the governing documents, but shareholders may be precluded from calling special meetings.
Neither Cayman Islands law nor our memorandum and articles of association allow our shareholders to requisition a meeting. As an exempted
Cayman Islands company, we are not obliged to call shareholders' annual general meetings. However, our articles of association require us to call such
meetings.
Cumulative Voting
Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, cumulative voting for elections of directors is not permitted unless the corporation's certificate
of incorporation specifically provides for it. Cumulative voting potentially facilitates the representation of minority shareholders on a board of directors
since it permits the minority shareholder to cast all the votes to which the shareholder is entitled on a single director, which increases the shareholder's
voting power with respect to electing such director. There are no prohibitions in relation to cumulative voting under the laws of the Cayman Islands but our
amended and restated articles of association do not provide for cumulative voting. As a result, our shareholders are not afforded any less protections or
rights on this issue than shareholders of a Delaware corporation.
Removal of Directors
Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, a director of a corporation with a classified board may be removed only for cause with the
approval of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote, unless the certificate of incorporation provides otherwise. Under our articles of association,
members have no power to remove a director, either with or without cause.
Transactions with Interested Shareholders
The Delaware General Corporation Law contains a business combination statute applicable to Delaware corporations whereby, unless the
corporation has specifically elected not to be governed by such statute by amendment to its certificate of incorporation, it is prohibited from engaging in
certain business combinations with an "interested shareholder" for three years following the date that such person becomes an interested shareholder. An
interested shareholder generally is a person or a group who or which owns or owned 15% or more of the target's outstanding voting stock within the past
three years. This has the effect of limiting the ability of a potential acquirer to make a two-tiered bid for the target in which all shareholders would not be
treated equally. The statute does not apply if, among other things, prior to the date on which such shareholder becomes an interested shareholder, the board
of directors approves either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the person becoming an interested shareholder. This encourages
any potential acquirer of a Delaware corporation to negotiate the terms of any acquisition transaction with the target's board of directors.
Cayman Islands law has no comparable statute. As a result, we cannot avail ourselves of the types of protections afforded by the Delaware
business combination statute. However, although Cayman Islands law does not regulate transactions between a company and its significant shareholders, it
does provide that such transactions must be entered into bona fide in the best interests of the company and for proper corporate purpose and not with the
effect of constituting a fraud on the minority shareholders.
Dissolution; Winding Up
Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, unless the board of directors approves the proposal to dissolve, dissolution must be approved by
shareholders holding 100% of the total voting power of the corporation. Only if the dissolution is initiated by the board of directors may it be approved by a
simple majority of the corporation's outstanding shares. Delaware law allows a Delaware corporation to include in its certificate of incorporation a
supermajority voting requirement in connection with dissolutions initiated by the board. Under Cayman Islands law, a company may be wound up by either
an order of the courts of the Cayman Islands or by a special resolution of its members or, if the company is unable to pay its debts as they fall due, by an
ordinary resolution of its members. The court has authority to order winding up in a number of specified circumstances including where it is, in the opinion
of the court, just and equitable to do so. Under the Companies Law and our articles of association, our company may be dissolved, liquidated or wound up
by the vote of holders of two-thirds of our shares voting at a meeting.
Variation of Rights of Shares
Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, a corporation may vary the rights of a class of shares with the approval of a majority of the
outstanding shares of such class, unless the certificate of incorporation provides otherwise. Under Cayman Islands law and our amended and restated
articles of association. All or any of the special rights attached to any class of shares may, subject to the provisions of the Companies Law, be varied with
the sanction of a special resolution passed at a general meeting of the holders of the shares of that class.
Amendment of Governing Documents
Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, a corporation's governing documents may be amended with the approval of a majority of the
outstanding shares entitled to vote, unless the certificate of incorporation provides otherwise. As permitted by Cayman Islands law, our memorandum and
articles of association may only be amended with a special resolution.
Rights of Non-Resident or Foreign Shareholders
There are no limitations imposed by our memorandum and articles of association on the rights of non-resident or foreign shareholders to hold
or exercise voting rights on our shares. In addition, there are no provisions in our memorandum and articles of association governing the ownership
threshold above which shareholder ownership must be disclosed.
Description of Debt Securities, Warrants and Rights and Other Securities (Items 12.A, 12.B and 12.C of Form 20-F)
Not applicable .
Description of American Depositary Shares (Items 12.D.1 and 12.D.2 of Form 20-F)
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., acts as depositary for the ADSs. Each ADS represents ownership of eight Class A ordinary shares we deposited
with the custodian, as agent of the depositary, under the deposit agreement among ourselves, the depositary and yourself as an ADR holder. Each ADS will
also represent ownership of any other securities, cash or other property which may be held by the depositary. The depositary's office is located at 383
Madison Avenue, Floor 11, New York, New York 10179, United States of America.
We will not treat ADS holders as our shareholders and accordingly, you, as an ADS holder, will not have shareholder rights. Cayman Islands
law governs shareholder rights. The depositary will be the holder of the ordinary shares underlying your ADSs. As a holder of ADSs, you will have ADS
holder rights. A deposit agreement among us, the depositary and you, as an ADS holder, and the beneficial owners of ADSs sets out ADS holder rights as
well as the rights and obligations of the depositary. The laws of the State of New York govern the deposit agreement and the ADSs.
The following is a summary of the material provisions of the deposit agreement. For more complete information, you should read the entire
deposit agreement and the form of American Depositary Receipt. You can read a copy of the deposit agreement which is filed as an exhibit to the
registration statement on Form F-6 (Filed No. 333-212488) filed with the SEC on July 12, 2016. You may also obtain a copy of the deposit agreement at
the SEC's Public Reference Room which is located at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public
Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-732-0330. You may also find the registration statement and the attached deposit agreement on the SEC's
website at http://www.sec.gov .
Share Dividends and Other Distributions
How will I receive dividends and other distributions on the Class A ordinary shares underlying my ADSs?
We may make various types of distributions with respect to our securities. The depositary has agreed that, to the extent practicable, it will pay
to you the cash dividends or other distributions it or the custodian receives on shares or other deposited securities, after converting any cash received into
U.S. dollars (if it determines such conversion may be made on a reasonable basis) and, in all cases, making any necessary deductions provided for in the
deposit agreement. The depositary may utilize a division, branch or affiliate of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. to direct, manage and/or execute any public
and/or private sale of securities under the deposit agreement. Such division, branch and/or affiliate may charge the depositary a fee in connection with such
sales, which fee is considered an expense of the depositary. You will receive these distributions in proportion to the number of underlying securities that
your ADSs represent.
Except as stated below, the depositary will deliver such distributions to ADR holders in proportion to their interests in the following manner:
•
•
•
Cash . The depositary will distribute any U.S. dollars available to it resulting from a cash dividend or other cash distribution or the net
proceeds of sales of any other distribution or portion thereof (to the extent applicable), on an averaged or other practicable basis, subject
to (i) appropriate adjustments for taxes withheld, (ii) such distribution being impermissible or impracticable with respect to certain
registered ADR holders, and (iii) deduction of the depositary's and/or its agents' expenses in (1) converting any foreign currency to U.S.
dollars to the extent that it determines that such conversion may be made on a reasonable basis, (2) transferring foreign currency or U.S.
dollars to the United States by such means as the depositary may determine to the extent that it determines that such transfer may be made
on a reasonable basis, (3) obtaining any approval or license of any governmental authority required for such conversion or transfer, which
is obtainable at a reasonable cost and within a reasonable time and (4) making any sale by public or private means in any commercially
reasonable manner. If exchange rates fluctuate during a time when the depositary cannot convert a foreign currency, you may lose some
or all of the value of the distribution.
Shares . In the case of a distribution in shares, the depositary will issue additional ADRs to evidence the number of ADSs representing
such Class A ordinary shares. Only whole ADSs will be issued. Any shares which would result in fractional ADSs will be sold and the
net proceeds will be distributed in the same manner as cash to the ADR holders entitled thereto.
Rights to receive additional shares . In the case of a distribution of rights to subscribe for additional shares or other rights, if we timely
provide evidence satisfactory to the depositary that it may lawfully distribute such rights, the depositary will distribute warrants or other
instruments in the discretion of
the depositary representing such rights. However, if we do not timely furnish such evidence, the depositary may:
(i)
sell such rights if practicable and distribute the net proceeds in the same manner as cash to the ADR holders entitled thereto; or
(ii)
if it is not practicable to sell such rights by reason of the non-transferability of the rights, limited markets therefor, their short
duration or otherwise, do nothing and allow such rights to lapse, in which case ADR holders will receive nothing and the rights
may lapse.
•
Other Distributions . In the case of a distribution of securities or property other than those described above, the depositary may either (i)
distribute such securities or property in any manner it deems equitable and practicable or (ii) to the extent the depositary deems
distribution of such securities or property not to be equitable and practicable, sell such securities or property and distribute any net
proceeds in the same way it distributes cash.
If the depositary determines in its discretion that any distribution described above is not practicable with respect to any specific registered ADR
holder, the depositary may choose any method of distribution that it deems practicable for such ADR holder, including the distribution of foreign currency,
securities or property, or it may retain such items, without paying interest on or investing them, on behalf of the ADR holder as deposited securities, in
which case the ADSs will also represent the retained items.
Any U.S. dollars will be distributed by checks drawn on a bank in the United States for whole dollars and cents. Fractional cents will be
withheld without liability and dealt with by the depositary in accordance with its then current practices.
The depositary is not responsible if it fails to determine that any distribution or action is lawful or reasonably practicable.
There can be no assurance that the depositary will be able to convert any currency at a specified exchange rate or sell any property, rights,
shares or other securities at a specified price, nor that any of such transactions can be completed within a specified time period. All purchases and sales of
securities will be handled by the Depositary in accordance with its then current policies, which are currently set forth in the “Depositary Receipt Sale and
Purchase of Security” section of https://www.adr.com/Investors/FindOutAboutDRs, the location and contents of which the Depositary shall be solely
responsible for.
Deposit, Withdrawal and Cancellation
How does the depositary issue ADSs?
The depositary will issue ADSs if you or your broker deposit Class A ordinary shares or evidence of rights to receive Class A ordinary shares
with the custodian and pay the fees and expenses owing to the depositary in connection with such issuance. In the case of the ADSs issued in our initial
public offering, we arranged with the underwriters named herein to deposit such Class A ordinary shares.
Class A ordinary shares deposited in the future with the custodian must be accompanied by certain delivery documentation and shall, at the
time of such deposit, be registered in the name of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as depositary for the benefit of holders of ADRs or in such other name as
the depositary shall direct.
The custodian will hold all deposited shares (including those being deposited by or on our behalf in connection with our initial public offering)
for the account and to the order of the depositary. ADR holders thus have no direct ownership interest in the Class A ordinary shares and only have such
rights as are contained in the deposit agreement. The custodian will also hold any additional securities, property and cash received on or in substitution for
the deposited Class A ordinary shares. The deposited Class A ordinary shares and any such additional items are referred to as “deposited securities”.
Upon each deposit of Class A ordinary shares, receipt of related delivery documentation and compliance with the other provisions of the
deposit agreement, including the payment of the fees and charges of the depositary and any taxes or other fees or charges owing, the depositary will issue
an ADR or ADRs in the name or upon the order of the person entitled thereto evidencing the number of ADSs to which such person is entitled. All of the
ADSs issued will, unless specifically requested to the contrary, be part of the depositary's direct registration system, and a registered holder will receive
periodic statements from the depositary which will show the number of ADSs registered in such holder's name. An ADR holder can request that the ADSs
not be held through the depositary's direct registration system and that a certificated ADR be issued.
How do ADR holders cancel an ADS and obtain deposited securities?
When you turn in your ADR certificate at the depositary’s office, or when you provide proper instructions and documentation in the case of
direct registration ADSs, the depositary will, upon payment of certain applicable fees, charges and taxes, deliver the underlying Class A ordinary shares to
you or upon your written order. Delivery of deposited securities in certificated form will be made at the custodian's office. At your risk, expense and
request, the depositary may deliver deposited securities at such other place as you may request.
•
•
•
The depositary may only restrict the withdrawal of deposited securities in connection with:
temporary delays caused by closing our transfer books or those of the depositary or the deposit of Class A ordinary shares in connection
with voting at a shareholders’ meeting, or the payment of dividends;
the payment of fees, taxes and similar charges; or
compliance with any U.S. or foreign laws or governmental regulations relating to the ADRs or to the withdrawal of deposited securities.
This right of withdrawal may not be limited by any other provision of the deposit agreement.
Record Dates
The depositary may, after consultation with us if practicable, fix record dates (which, to the extent applicable, shall be as near as practicable to
any corresponding record dates set by us) for the determination of the registered ADR holders who will be entitled (or obligated, as the case may be):
•
•
•
•
to receive any distribution on or in respect of deposited securities,
to give instructions for the exercise of voting rights at a meeting of holders of shares, or
to pay the fee assessed by the depositary for administration of the ADR program and for any expenses as provided for in the ADR,
to receive any notice or to act in respect of other matters
all subject to the provisions of the deposit agreement.
Voting Rights
How do I vote?
If you are an ADR holder and the depositary asks you to provide it with voting instructions, you may instruct the depositary how to exercise the
voting rights for the Class A ordinary shares which underlie your ADSs. Subject to the next sentence, as soon as practicable after receipt from us of notice
of any meeting at which the holders of shares are entitled to vote, or of our solicitation of consents or proxies from holders of shares, the
depositary shall fix the ADS record date in accordance with the provisions of the deposit agreement in respect of such meeting or solicitation of consent or
proxy. The depositary shall, if we request in writing in a timely manner (the depositary having no obligation to take any further action if our request shall
not have been received by the depositary at least 30 days prior to the date of such vote or meeting) and at our expense and provided no legal prohibitions
exist, distribute to the registered ADR holders a notice stating such information as is contained in the voting materials received by the depositary and
describing how you may instruct the depositary to exercise the voting rights for the Class A ordinary shares which underlie your ADSs, including
instructions for giving a discretionary proxy to a person designated by us. For instructions to be valid, the depositary must receive them in the manner and
on or before the date specified. The depositary will try, as far as is practical, subject to the provisions of and governing the underlying Class A ordinary
shares or other deposited securities, to vote or to have its agents vote the Class A ordinary shares or other deposited securities as you instruct. The
depositary will only vote or attempt to vote as you instruct. Holders are strongly encouraged to forward their voting instructions to the depositary as soon as
possible. Voting instructions will not be deemed to be received until such time as the ADR department responsible for proxies and voting has received such
instructions notwithstanding that such instructions may have been physically received by the depositary prior to such time. The depositary will not itself
exercise any voting discretion. Furthermore, neither the depositary nor its agents are responsible for any failure to carry out any voting instructions, for the
manner in which any vote is cast or for the effect of any vote. Notwithstanding anything contained in the deposit agreement or any ADR, the depositary
may, to the extent not prohibited by law or regulations, or by the requirements of the stock exchange on which the ADSs are listed, in lieu of distribution of
the materials provided to the depositary in connection with any meeting of, or solicitation of consents or proxies from, holders of deposited securities,
distribute to the registered holders of ADRs a notice that provides such holders with, or otherwise publicizes to such holders, instructions on how to
retrieve such materials or receive such materials upon request (i.e., by reference to a website containing the materials for retrieval or a contact for
requesting copies of the materials).
We have advised the depositary that under the Cayman Islands law and our constituent documents, each as in effect as of the date of the deposit
agreement, voting at any meeting of shareholders is by show of hands unless a poll is (before or on the declaration of the results of the show of hands)
demanded. In the event that voting on any resolution or matter is conducted on a show of hands basis in accordance with our constituent documents, the
depositary will refrain from voting and the voting instructions received by the depositary from holders shall lapse. The depositary will not demand a poll or
join in demanding a poll, whether or not requested to do so by holders of ADSs. There is no guarantee that you will receive voting materials in time to
instruct the depositary to vote and it is possible that you, or persons who hold their ADSs through brokers, dealers or other third parties, will not have the
opportunity to exercise a right to vote.
Reports and Other Communications
Will ADR holders be able to view our reports?
The depositary will make available for inspection by ADR holders at the offices of the depositary and the custodian the deposit agreement, the
provisions of or governing deposited securities, and any written communications from us which are both received by the custodian or its nominee as a
holder of deposited securities and made generally available to the holders of deposited securities.
Additionally, if we make any written communications generally available to holders of our Class A ordinary shares, and we furnish copies
thereof (or English translations or summaries) to the depositary, it will distribute the same to registered ADR holders.
Fees and Expenses
What fees and expenses will I be responsible for paying?
The depositary may charge each person to whom ADSs are issued, including, without limitation, issuances against deposits of Class A ordinary
shares, issuances in respect of share distributions, rights and other distributions, issuances pursuant to a stock dividend or stock split declared by us or
issuances pursuant to a merger, exchange of securities or any other transaction or event affecting the ADSs or deposited securities, and each person
surrendering
ADSs for withdrawal of deposited securities or whose ADRs are cancelled or reduced for any other reason, $5.00 for each 100 ADSs (or any portion
thereof) issued, delivered, reduced, cancelled or surrendered, as the case may be. The depositary may sell (by public or private sale) sufficient securities
and property received in respect of a share distribution, rights and/or other distribution prior to such deposit to pay such charge.
The following additional charges shall be incurred by the ADR holders, by any party depositing or withdrawing Class A ordinary shares or by
any party surrendering ADSs and/or to whom ADSs are issued (including, without limitation, issuance pursuant to a stock dividend or stock split declared
by us or an exchange of stock regarding the ADSs or the deposited securities or a distribution of ADSs), whichever is applicable:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
a fee of U.S.$1.50 per ADR or ADRs for transfers of certificated or direct registration ADRs;
a fee of up to U.S.$0.05 per ADS for any cash distribution made pursuant to the deposit agreement;
an aggregate fee of up to U.S.$0.05 per ADS per calendar year (or portion thereof) for services performed by the depositary in
administering the ADRs (which fee may be charged on a periodic basis during each calendar year and shall be assessed against holders of
ADRs as of the record date or record dates set by the depositary during each calendar year and shall be payable in the manner described
in the next succeeding provision);
a fee for the reimbursement of such fees, charges and expenses as are incurred by the depositary and/or any of its agents (including,
without limitation, the custodian and expenses incurred on behalf of holders in connection with compliance with foreign exchange control
regulations or any law or regulation relating to foreign investment) in connection with the servicing of the Class A ordinary shares or
other deposited securities, the sale of securities (including, without limitation, deposited securities), the delivery of deposited securities or
otherwise in connection with the depositary's or its custodian's compliance with applicable law, rule or regulation (which fees and charges
shall be assessed on a proportionate basis against holders as of the record date or dates set by the depositary and shall be payable at the
sole discretion of the depositary by billing such holders or by deducting such charge from one or more cash dividends or other cash
distributions);
a fee for the distribution of securities (or the sale of securities in connection with a distribution), such fee being in an amount equal to the
$0.05 per ADS issuance fee for the execution and delivery of ADSs which would have been charged as a result of the deposit of such
securities (treating all such securities as if they were shares) but which securities or the net cash proceeds from the sale thereof are instead
distributed by the depositary to those holders entitled thereto;
stock transfer or other taxes and other governmental charges;
cable, telex and facsimile transmission and delivery charges incurred at your request in connection with the deposit or delivery of Class A
ordinary shares, ADRs or deposited securities;
transfer or registration fees for the registration of transfer of deposited securities on any applicable register in connection with the deposit
or withdrawal of deposited securities;
in connection with the conversion of foreign currency into U.S. dollars, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. ("JPMorgan") shall deduct out of
such foreign currency the fees, expenses and other charges charged by it and/or its agent (which may be a division, branch or affiliate) so
appointed in connection with such conversion; and
fees of any division, branch or affiliate of the depositary utilized by the depositary to direct, manage and/or execute any public and/or
private sale of securities under the deposit agreement.
JPMorgan and/or its agent may act as principal for such conversion of foreign currency. For further details see https://www.adr.com.
We will pay all other charges and expenses of the depositary and any agent of the depositary (except the custodian) pursuant to agreements
from time to time between us and the depositary. The charges described above may be amended from time to time by agreement between us and the
depositary.
The depositary may make available to us a set amount or a portion of the depositary fees charged in respect of the ADR program or otherwise
upon such terms and conditions as we and the depositary may agree from time to time. The depositary collects its fees for issuance and cancellation of
ADSs directly from investors depositing Class A ordinary shares or surrendering ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal or from intermediaries acting for
them. The depositary collects fees for making distributions to investors by deducting those fees from the amounts distributed or by selling a portion of
distributable property to pay the fees. The depositary may collect its annual fee for depositary services by deduction from cash distributions, or by directly
billing investors, or by charging the book-entry system accounts of participants acting for them. The depositary will generally set off the amounts owing
from distributions made to holders of ADSs. If, however, no distribution exists and payment owing is not timely received by the depositary, the depositary
may refuse to provide any further services to holders that have not paid those fees and expenses owing until such fees and expenses have been paid. At the
discretion of the depositary, all fees and charges owing under the deposit agreement are due in advance and/or when declared owing by the depositary.
Payment of Taxes
If any taxes or other governmental charges (including any penalties and/or interest) shall become payable by or on behalf of the custodian or
the depositary with respect to any ADR, any deposited securities represented by the ADSs evidenced thereby or any distribution thereon, including, without
limitation, any Chinese Enterprise Income Tax owing if the Circular Guoshuifa [2009] No. 82 issued by the Chinese State Administration of Taxation
(SAT) or any other circular, edict, order or ruling, as issued and as from time to time amended, is applied or otherwise, such tax or other governmental
charge shall be paid by the holder thereof to the depositary and by holding or having held an ADR the holder and all prior holders thereof, jointly and
severally, agree to indemnify, defend and save harmless each of the depositary and its agents in respect thereof. If an ADR holder owes any tax or other
governmental charge, the depositary may (i) deduct the amount thereof from any cash distributions, or (ii) sell deposited securities (by public or private
sale) and deduct the amount owing from the net proceeds of such sale. In either case the ADR holder remains liable for any shortfall. If any tax or
governmental charge is unpaid, the depositary may also refuse to effect any registration, registration of transfer, split-up or combination of deposited
securities or withdrawal of deposited securities until such payment is made. If any tax or governmental charge is required to be withheld on any cash
distribution, the depositary may deduct the amount required to be withheld from any cash distribution or, in the case of a non-cash distribution, sell the
distributed property or securities (by public or private sale) in such amounts and in such manner as the depositary deems necessary and practicable to pay
such taxes and distribute any remaining net proceeds or the balance of any such property after deduction of such taxes to the ADR holders entitled thereto.
By holding an ADR or an interest therein, you will be agreeing to indemnify us, the depositary, its custodian and any of our or their respective
officers, directors, employees, agents and affiliates against, and hold each of them harmless from, any claims by any governmental authority with respect to
taxes, additions to tax, penalties or interest arising out of any refund of taxes, reduced rate of withholding at source or other tax benefit obtained.
Reclassifications, Recapitalizations and Mergers
If we take certain actions that affect the deposited securities, including (i) any change in par value, split-up, consolidation, cancelation or other
reclassification of deposited securities or (ii) any distributions of shares or other property not made to holders of ADRs or (iii) any recapitalization,
reorganization, merger, consolidation, liquidation, receivership, bankruptcy or sale of all or substantially all of our assets, then the depositary may choose
to, and shall if reasonably requested by us:
(1)
amend the form of ADR;
(2)
distribute additional or amended ADRs;
(3)
distribute cash, securities or other property it has received in connection with such actions;
(4)
sell any securities or property received and distribute the proceeds as cash; or
(5)
none of the above.
If the depositary does not choose any of the above options, any of the cash, securities or other property it receives will constitute part of the
deposited securities and each ADS will then represent a proportionate interest in such property.
Amendment and Termination
How may the deposit agreement be amended?
We may agree with the depositary to amend the deposit agreement and the ADSs without your consent for any reason. ADR holders must be
given at least 30 days’ notice of any amendment that imposes or increases any fees or charges (other than stock transfer or other taxes and other
governmental charges, transfer or registration fees, SWIFT, cable, telex or facsimile transmission costs, delivery costs or other such expenses), or otherwise
prejudices any substantial existing right of ADR holders. Such notice need not describe in detail the specific amendments effectuated thereby, but must
identify to ADR holders a means to access the text of such amendment. If an ADR holder continues to hold an ADR or ADRs after being so notified, such
ADR holder is deemed to agree to such amendment and to be bound by the deposit agreement as so amended. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any
governmental body or regulatory body should adopt new laws, rules or regulations which would require amendment or supplement of the deposit
agreement or the form of ADR to ensure compliance therewith, we and the depositary may amend or supplement the deposit agreement and the ADR at any
time in accordance with such changed laws, rules or regulations, which amendment or supplement may take effect before a notice is given or within any
other period of time as required for compliance. No amendment, however, will impair your right to surrender your ADSs and receive the underlying
securities, except in order to comply with mandatory provisions of applicable law.
How may the deposit agreement be terminated?
The depositary shall at our written direction, terminate the deposit agreement and the ADRs by mailing notice of such termination to the
registered holders of ADRs at least 30 days prior to the date fixed in such notice for such termination. In addition, if the depositary shall have (i) resigned
as depositary under the deposit agreement, and a successor depositary shall not be operating under the deposit agreement within 120 days of the date of
such resignation, and (ii) been removed as depositary under the deposit agreement and a successor depositary shall not be operating under the deposit
agreement on the 90th day after our notice of removal was first provided to the depositary, the depositary may terminate the deposit agreement and the
ADRs by mailing notice of such termination to the registered holders of ADRs at least 30 days prior to the date fixed in such notice for such termination.
After the date so fixed for termination, (a) all direct registration ADRs shall cease to be eligible for the direct registration system and shall be considered
ADRs issued on the ADR register maintained by the depositary and (b) the depositary shall use its reasonable efforts to ensure that the ADSs cease to be
DTC eligible so that neither DTC nor any of its nominees shall thereafter be a registered holder of ADRs. At such time as the ADSs cease to be DTC
eligible and/or neither DTC nor any of its nominees is a registered holder of ADRs, the depositary shall (a) instruct its custodian to deliver all Class A
ordinary shares to us along with a general stock power that refers to the names set forth on the ADR register maintained by the depositary and (b) provide
us with a copy of the ADR register maintained by the depositary. Upon receipt of such Class A ordinary shares and the ADR register maintained by the
depositary, we have agreed to use our best efforts to issue to each registered holder a Share certificate representing the Shares represented by the ADSs
reflected on the ADR register maintained by the depositary in such registered holder's name and to deliver such Share certificate to the registered holder at
the address set forth on the ADR register maintained by the depositary. After providing such instruction to the custodian and delivering a copy of the ADR
register to us, the depositary and its agents will perform no further acts under the deposit agreement or the ADRs and shall cease to have any obligations
under the deposit agreement and/or the ADRs.
Limitations on Obligations and Liability to ADR holders
Limits on our obligations and the obligations of the depositary; limits on liability to ADR holders and holders of ADSs
Prior to the issue, registration, registration of transfer, split-up, combination, or cancellation of any ADRs, or the delivery of any distribution in
respect thereof, and from time to time in the case of the production of proofs as described below, we or the depositary or its custodian may require:
•
•
•
payment with respect thereto of (i) any stock transfer or other tax or other governmental charge, (ii) any stock transfer or registration fees
in effect for the registration of transfers of Class A ordinary shares or other deposited securities upon any applicable register and (iii) any
applicable fees and expenses described in the deposit agreement;
the production of proof satisfactory to it of (i) the identity of any signatory and genuineness of any signature and (ii) such other
information, including without limitation, information as to citizenship, residence, exchange control approval, beneficial ownership of
any securities, compliance with applicable law, regulations, provisions of or governing deposited securities and terms of the deposit
agreement and the ADRs, as it may deem necessary or proper; and
compliance with such regulations as the depositary may establish consistent with the deposit agreement.
The issuance of ADRs, the acceptance of deposits of Class A ordinary shares, the registration, registration of transfer, split-up or combination
of ADRs or the withdrawal of Class A ordinary shares, may be suspended, generally or in particular instances, when the ADR register or any register for
deposited securities is closed or when any such action is deemed advisable by the depositary; provided that the ability to withdraw Class A ordinary shares
may only be limited under the following circumstances: (i) temporary delays caused by closing transfer books of the depositary or our transfer books or the
deposit of Class A ordinary shares in connection with voting at a shareholders' meeting, or the payment of dividends, (ii) the payment of fees, taxes, and
similar charges, and (iii) compliance with any laws or governmental regulations relating to ADRs or to the withdrawal of deposited securities.
The deposit agreement expressly limits the obligations and liability of the depositary, ourselves and our respective agents, provided, however,
that no disclaimer of liability under the Securities Act of 1933 is intended by any of the limitations of liabilities provisions of the deposit agreement. In the
deposit agreement it provides that neither we nor the depositary nor any such agent will be liable if:
•
•
•
any present or future law, rule, regulation, fiat, order or decree of the United States, the Cayman Islands, the People's Republic of China
(including the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the People's Republic of China) or any other country or jurisdiction, or of any
governmental or regulatory authority or securities exchange or market or automated quotation system, the provisions of or governing any
deposited securities, any present or future provision of our charter, any act of God, war, terrorism, nationalization, expropriation, currency
restrictions, work stoppage, strike, civil unrest, revolutions, rebellions, explosions, computer failure or circumstance beyond our, the
depositary's or our respective agents' direct and immediate control shall prevent or delay, or shall cause any of them to be subject to any
civil or criminal penalty in connection with, any act which the deposit agreement or the ADRs provide shall be done or performed by us,
the depositary or our respective agents (including, without limitation, voting);
it exercises or fails to exercise discretion under the deposit agreement or the ADRs including, without limitation, any failure to determine
that any distribution or action may be lawful or reasonably practicable;
it performs its obligations under the deposit agreement and ADRs without gross negligence or willful misconduct;
•
•
it takes any action or refrains from taking any action in reliance upon the advice of or information from legal counsel, accountants, any
person presenting Class A ordinary shares for deposit, any registered holder of ADRs, or any other person believed by it to be competent
to give such advice or information; or
it relies upon any written notice, request, direction, instruction or document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed,
presented or given by the proper party or parties.
Neither the depositary nor its agents have any obligation to appear in, prosecute or defend any action, suit or other proceeding in respect of any
deposited securities or the ADRs. We and our agents shall only be obligated to appear in, prosecute or defend any action, suit or other proceeding in respect
of any deposited securities or the ADRs, which in our opinion may involve us in expense or liability, if indemnity satisfactory to us against all expense
(including fees and disbursements of counsel) and liability is furnished as often as may be required. The depositary and its agents may fully respond to any
and all demands or requests for information maintained by or on its behalf in connection with the deposit agreement, any registered holder or holders of
ADRs, any ADRs or otherwise related to the deposit agreement or ADRs to the extent such information is requested or required by or pursuant to any
lawful authority, including without limitation laws, rules, regulations, administrative or judicial process, banking, securities or other regulators. The
depositary shall not be liable for the acts or omissions made by, or the insolvency of, any securities depository, clearing agency or settlement system.
Furthermore, the depositary shall not be responsible for, and shall incur no liability in connection with or arising from, the insolvency of any custodian that
is not a branch or affiliate of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the deposit agreement or any ADRs, the
depositary shall not be responsible for, and shall incur no liability in connection with or arising from, any act or omission to act on the part of the custodian
except to the extent that the custodian has (i) committed fraud or willful misconduct in the provision of custodial services to the depositary or (ii) failed to
use reasonable care in the provision of custodial services to the depositary as determined in accordance with the standards prevailing in the jurisdiction in
which the custodian is located. The depositary and the custodian(s) may use third party delivery services and providers of information regarding matters
such as pricing, proxy voting, corporate actions, class action litigation and other services in connection with the ADRs and the deposit agreement, and use
local agents to provide extraordinary services such as attendance at annual meetings of issuers of securities. Although the depositary and the custodian will
use reasonable care (and cause their agents to use reasonable care) in the selection and retention of such third party providers and local agents, they will not
be responsible for any errors or omissions made by them in providing the relevant information or services. The depositary shall not have any liability for
the price received in connection with any sale of securities, the timing thereof or any delay in action or omission to act nor shall it be responsible for any
error or delay in action, omission to act, default or negligence on the part of the party so retained in connection with any such sale or proposed sale.
The depositary has no obligation to inform ADR holders or other holders of an interest in any ADSs about the requirements of Cayman Islands
or People's Republic of China law, rules or regulations or any changes therein or thereto.
Additionally, none of us, the depositary or the custodian shall be liable for the failure by any registered holder of ADRs or beneficial owner
therein to obtain the benefits of credits on the basis of non-U.S. tax paid against such holder's or beneficial owner's income tax liability. Neither we nor the
depositary shall incur any liability for any tax consequences that may be incurred by registered holders or beneficial owners on account of their ownership
of ADRs or ADSs.
Neither the depositary nor its agents will be responsible for any failure to carry out any instructions to vote any of the deposited securities, for
the manner in which any such vote is cast or for the effect of any such vote. The depositary may rely upon instructions from us or our counsel in respect of
any approval or license required for any currency conversion, transfer or distribution. The depositary shall not incur any liability for the content of any
information submitted to it by us or on our behalf for distribution to ADR holders or for any inaccuracy of any translation thereof, for any investment risk
associated with acquiring an interest in the deposited securities, for the validity or worth of the deposited securities, for the credit-worthiness of any third
party, for allowing any rights to lapse upon the terms of the deposit agreement or for the failure or timeliness of any notice from us. The depositary shall not
be liable for any acts or omissions made by a successor depositary whether in connection with a previous act or omission of the depositary or in connection
with any matter arising wholly after the removal or resignation of
the depositary. Neither the depositary nor any of its agents shall be liable to registered holders or beneficial owners of interests in ADSs for any indirect,
special, punitive or consequential damages (including, without limitation, legal fees and expenses) or lost profits, in each case of any form incurred by any
person or entity, whether or not foreseeable and regardless of the type of action in which such a claim may be brought.
In the deposit agreement each party thereto (including, for avoidance of doubt, each holder and beneficial owner and/or holder of interests in
ADRs) irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any right it may have to a trial by jury in any suit, action or proceeding against
the depositary and/or us directly or indirectly arising out of or relating to the Class A ordinary shares or other deposited securities, the ADSs or the ADRs,
the deposit agreement or any transaction contemplated therein, or the breach thereof (whether based on contract, tort, common law or any other theory).
The depositary and its agents may own and deal in any class of securities of our company and our affiliates and in ADRs.
Disclosure of Interest in ADSs
To the extent that the provisions of or governing any deposited securities may require disclosure of or impose limits on beneficial or other
ownership of deposited securities, other shares and other securities and may provide for blocking transfer, voting or other rights to enforce such disclosure
or limits, you agree to comply with all such disclosure requirements and ownership limitations and to comply with any reasonable instructions we may
provide in respect thereof. We reserve the right to instruct you to deliver your ADSs for cancellation and withdrawal of the deposited securities so as to
permit us to deal with you directly as a holder of shares and, by holding an ADS or an interest therein, you will be agreeing to comply with such
instructions.
Books of Depositary
The depositary or its agent will maintain a register for the registration, registration of transfer, combination and split-up of ADRs, which
register shall include the depositary's direct registration system. Registered holders of ADRs may inspect such records at the depositary's office at all
reasonable times, but solely for the purpose of communicating with other holders in the interest of the business of our company or a matter relating to the
deposit agreement. Such register may be closed at any time or from time to time, when deemed expedient by the depositary.
The depositary will maintain facilities for the delivery and receipt of ADRs.
Pre-release of ADSs
In its capacity as depositary, the depositary shall not lend shares or ADSs; provided, however, that the depositary may (i) issue ADSs prior to
the receipt of Class A ordinary shares and (ii) deliver Class A ordinary shares prior to the receipt of ADSs for withdrawal of deposited securities, including
ADSs which were issued under (i) above but for which shares may not have been received (each such transaction a “pre-release”). The depositary may
receive ADSs in lieu of Class A ordinary shares under (i) above (which ADSs will promptly be canceled by the depositary upon receipt by the depositary)
and receive Class A ordinary shares in lieu of ADSs under (ii) above. Each such pre-release will be subject to a written agreement whereby the person or
entity (the “applicant”) to whom ADSs or Class A ordinary shares are to be delivered (a) represents that at the time of the pre-release the applicant or its
customer owns the Class A ordinary shares or ADSs that are to be delivered by the applicant under such pre-release, (b) agrees to indicate the depositary as
owner of such Class A ordinary shares or ADSs in its records and to hold such Class A ordinary shares or ADSs in trust for the depositary until such Class
A ordinary shares or ADSs are delivered to the depositary or the custodian, (c) unconditionally guarantees to deliver to the depositary or the custodian, as
applicable, such Class A ordinary shares or ADSs, and (d) agrees to any additional restrictions or requirements that the depositary deems appropriate. Each
such pre-release will be at all times fully collateralized with cash, U.S. government securities or such other collateral as the depositary deems appropriate,
terminable by the depositary on not more than five (5) business days’ notice and subject to such further indemnities and credit regulations as the depositary
deems appropriate. The depositary will normally limit the number of ADSs and Class A ordinary shares involved in such pre-release at any one time to
thirty percent (30%) of the ADSs outstanding
(without giving effect to ADSs outstanding under (i) above), provided, however, that the depositary reserves the right to change or disregard such limit
from time to time as it deems appropriate. The depositary may also set limits with respect to the number of ADSs and Class A ordinary shares involved in
pre-release with any one person on a case-by-case basis as it deems appropriate. The depositary may retain for its own account any compensation received
by it in conjunction with the foregoing. Collateral provided in connection with pre-release transactions, but not the earnings thereon, shall be held for the
benefit of the ADR holders (other than the applicant).
Appointment
In the deposit agreement, each registered holder of ADRs and each person holding an interest in ADSs, upon acceptance of any ADSs (or any
interest therein) issued in accordance with the terms and conditions of the deposit agreement will be deemed for all purposes to:
be a party to and bound by the terms of the deposit agreement and the applicable ADR or ADRs, and
appoint the depositary its attorney-in-fact, with full power to delegate, to act on its behalf and to take any and all actions contemplated in
the deposit agreement and the applicable ADR or ADRs, to adopt any and all procedures necessary to comply with applicable laws and to
take such action as the depositary in its sole discretion may deem necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of the deposit
agreement and the applicable ADR and ADRs, the taking of such actions to be the conclusive determinant of the necessity and
appropriateness thereof.
•
•
Governing Law
The deposit agreement and the ADRs shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York. In the deposit
agreement, we have submitted to the jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York and appointed an agent for service of process on our behalf.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) any action based on the deposit agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby may be instituted by the depositary
in any competent court in the Cayman Islands, Hong Kong, the People's Republic of China and/or the United States, (ii) the depositary may, in its sole
discretion, elect to institute any action, controversy, claim or dispute directly or indirectly based on, arising out of or relating to the deposit agreement or the
ADRs or the transactions contemplated thereby, including without limitation any question regarding its or their existence, validity, interpretation,
performance or termination, against any other party or parties to the deposit agreement (including, without limitation, against ADR holders and owners of
interests in ADSs), by having the matter referred to and finally resolved by an arbitration conducted under the terms described below, and (iii) the
depositary may in its sole discretion require that any action, controversy, claim, dispute, legal suit or proceeding brought against the depositary by any party
or parties to the deposit agreement (including, without limitation, by ADR holders and owners of interests in ADSs) shall be referred to and finally settled
by an arbitration conducted under the terms described below. Any such arbitration shall be conducted in the English language either in New York, New
York in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association or in Hong Kong following the arbitration rules of the
United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL).
By holding an ADS or an interest therein, registered holders of ADRs and owners of ADSs each irrevocably agree that any legal suit, action or
proceeding against or involving us or the depositary, arising out of or based upon the deposit agreement, the ADSs or the transactions contemplated
thereby, may only be instituted in a state or federal court in New York, New York, and each irrevocably waives any objection which it may have to the
laying of venue of any such proceeding, and irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts in any such suit, action or proceeding.
Exhibit 4.13A
This Agreement is made in Chaoyang District, Beijing on December 31, 2019 by and among:
Supplementary Agreement to the Loan Agreement
1.
2.
QIAO HAIYAN , a citizen of the People's Republic of China;
GAO XIMIN , a citizen of the People's Republic of China;
(QIAO HAIYAN and GAO XIMIN shall hereinafter be referred to collectively as the "Borrowers" and individually as a "Borrower")
3.
Fenghuang On-line (Beijing) Information Technology Co., Ltd., a wholly foreign-owned enterprise established under the laws of
China with its legal address at Room 1202, Floor 11, Building 2, Courtyard 4, Qiyang Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing (the "Lender").
(In this Agreement, the Borrowers and the Lender shall hereinafter be referred to individually as a "Party" and collectively as the "Parties".(cid:0)
WHEREAS:
1.
The Borrowers and the Lender signed the Loan Agreement (the "Original Agreement") on December 31, 2009. The loan term agreed in
the Original Agreement is ten (10) years from the date of signing the Original Agreement.
2.
The loan term agreed in the Original Agreement may be extended with the written consent of the Parties.
After friendly negotiation, the Borrowers and the Lenders, intending to be legally bound, enter into the following supplementary
agreement (this "Agreement"):
1.
2.
3.
4.
The Parties agree to extend the loan term agreed in the Original Agreement, which shall be extended for ten (10) years from the date of
signing this Agreement.
Other terms of the Original Agreement shall remain unchanged. As an integral part of the Original Agreement, this Agreement shall
have the same legal effect as the Original Agreement. Matters stipulated in both this Agreement and the Original Agreement shall be
subject to this Agreement, and matters not covered herein shall be subject to the Original Agreement.
This Agreement shall take effect on the date when the Parties affix their signatures hereon.
This Agreement is made in three counterparts, with the Borrower and the Lender holding one counterpart respectively, and such three
counterparts shall have the same legal effect.
(The following remainder below this line is intentionally left blank and is a signature page)
1 / 2
(This page is the signature page of this Supplementary Agreement of Loan Agreement)
QIAO HAIYAN
Signature:
GAO XIMIN
Signature:
Fenghuang On-line (Beijing) Information Technology Co., Ltd.(Seal)
Signature:
Name:
Title:
2 / 2
Supplementary Agreement to the Share Purchase Agreement
on PARTICLE INC.
Exhibit 4.59A
This Supplementary Agreement (this “ Agreement ”) is made on July 23, 2019 by and between:
(A)
(B)
PHOENIX NEW MEDIA LIMITED (the " Phoenix " or " Transferor "), an exempted company legally established and
validly existing under the laws of the Cayman Islands with its registered address at the offices of Codan Trust Company
(Cayman) Limited, Cricket Square, Hutchins Drive, P.O. Box 2681, Grand Cayman, KY1-1111, Cayman Islands; and
Run Liang Tai Management Limited (the " Transferee "), a company legally established and validly existing under the laws of
Hong Kong with its registered address at Room D 10/F Tower A, Billion Centre, 1 Wang Kwong Road, Kowloon Bay, KL, HK.
In this Agreement, the Transferor and the Transferee shall hereinafter be referred to collectively as the " Parties " and individually as a "
Party ".
WHEREAS:
(A)
(B)
Phoenix and the Transferee signed the Share Purchase Agreement on Particle Inc.(the " Company " or " Yidian Cayman ")
(the " Share Purchase Agreement ") on March 22, 2019. According to the Share Purchase Agreement, (i) the Transferor intends
to sell part of the shares of the Company held by it (i.e. representing 32% of the Company's shares, corresponding to 199,866,509
preferred shares of the Company, including 27,639,580 Series B Preferred Shares and 172,226,929 Series C Preferred Shares, the
“ Overseas Target Shares ”) to the Transferee, and (ii) the Transferor designates the Domestic Transferor to sell the 37.169% of
equities of Beijing Yidian Wangju Technology Co., Ltd.(representing a registered capital of RMB 3.719167 million, the "
Domestic Target Shares ") held by the Transferor as a shareholder to the Transferee's Designated Party.
The Parties intend to enter into this Agreement on the payment arrangement for the purchase price of the Overseas Target Shares
and other matters, and exercise and perform their respective rights and obligations in accordance with the provisions of this
Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, through friendly consultation, the Parties, intending to be mutually bound, enter into this Agreement with respect to
the relevant matters.
Unless otherwise stated herein, the relevant terms, definitions and abbreviations used in this Agreement shall have the meanings or directions
given to them in the Share Purchase Agreement.
1
Article 1 Closing Conditions
Now the Parties confirm that the Transferor and the Transferee shall perform Article 4 of this Agreement, regardless of whether either Party
will put forward any dispute with respect to the fulfillment of the closing conditions specified in Article 2.4(I) of the Share Purchase
Agreement.
Article 2 Newly-Issued ESOP Shares of Yidian Cayman
The Parties agree that they will use their commercially reasonable efforts to cause Yidian Cayman to newly issue and reserve 69,398,094
ordinary shares (the " Newly-Issued ESOP Shares ", accounting for 10% of the total shares of Yidian Cayman on the basis of full dilution
and conversion after Yidian Cayman newly issues the ESOP shares) as the shares under the Employee Stock Ownership Plan on the basis of
share capital structure on the signing date of the Share Purchase Agreement. After Yidian Cayman reserves the Newly-Issued ESOP Shares,
the total number of shares reserved by Yidian Cayman for ESOP will be 114,172,049 ordinary shares, accounting for 16.45% of the total
shares of Yidian Cayman on the basis of full dilution and conversion. For the avoidance of doubt, the calculation of the proportion of the
relevant shares to the total shares of Yidian Cayman will be based on the assumption that all warrants and other convertible securities (if any)
of Yidian Cayman have been exercised, and such proportion will be calculated on the basis of full dilution and the assumption that all shares
are deemed to be converted into ordinary shares.
The Parties agree that they will use their commercially reasonable efforts to cause to obtain the approvals of the board of shareholders and the
board of directors of Yidian Cayman (including the approvals of relevant parties specified in Article 8 (Protective Provisions) of the
Shareholders Agreement of Yidian Cayman and Article 18 (Protective Provisions) of the existing Articles of Association) and the approval
by the shareholders' meeting of Phoenix TV (if necessary) with respect to the above reservation and newly-issuance of ESOP Shares .
Article 3 Adjustment of the Overseas Target Shares
The Parties agree that the Overseas Target Shares under the Share Purchase Agreement will be adjusted as follows:
The Transferor intends to sell to the Transferee part of the shares of the Company (i.e. representing 30.60% of the Company's shares,
corresponding to 212,358,165 preferred shares of the Company, including 27,639,580 Series B Preferred Shares, 183,767,856 Series C
Preferred Shares and 950,729 Series D1 Preferred Shares, the " Total Number of Closed Shares ") held by the Transferor after the Company
newly issues the ESOP shares. At that time, when the Phase II Closing is completed, the Transferor will hold a total of 22,693,362 preferred
shares of the Company (the " Number of Remaining Shares after Closing ").
The Parties acknowledge that the adjustment of the Overseas Target Shares shall be subject to the approval by the shareholders' meeting of
Phoenix TV. The Transferor agrees that it will use its commercially reasonable efforts to facilitate the above adjustment of the Overseas
Target Shares to be approved by the shareholders' meeting of Phoenix TV.
The Parties further agree that if the above adjustment of the Overseas Target Shares finally triggers the relevant shareholders of the Company
to claim to exercise the relevant shareholder’s rights and has a significant impact on the performance agreed under this Agreement (including
but not limited to the impact on the Total Number of Closed Shares and the Number of Remaining Shares after Closing specified in Article 3
hereof and the purchase price of the Overseas Target Shares specified in the Share Purchase Agreement), the Parties shall use their
commercially reasonable efforts to negotiate a solution in accordance with the principles specified in this Agreement. If the negotiation fails
and the above matters are still
2
not settled before October 10, 2019 or other time limit agreed by the Parties in writing, the Transferor shall have the right to terminate this
Agreement immediately and shall not bear the liabilities for breach of contract specified in Article 4 hereof as a result of such termination.
After termination, the Transferee shall immediately take all measures to cooperate with the Company in canceling and transferring to the
Company the relevant Overseas Target Shares registered in the Transferee's name (if applicable), including the cancellation of the share
certificate obtained by the Transferee and the filed and updated Register of Shareholders of the Company, so as to register the relevant
Overseas Target Shares in the name of the Transferor. At the same time, the Transferee shall have the right to require the Transferor to return
to the Transferee or its Designated Party the Phase I Consideration and/or the Remaining Price, and the Deposit of Remaining Price paid by
the Transferee or its Designated Party as well as the Interest on Deposit of Remaining Price after the Transferee registers the relevant
Overseas Target Shares in the name of the Transferor in accordance with the above provisions.
Article 4 Closing
4.1
The Parties agree to make the following arrangements for the payment of the purchase price of the Overseas Target Shares and
other matters:
(I)
Phase I Consideration and Deposit of Remaining Price.
(1)
(2)
On or before August 10, 2019, the Transferee or its Designated Party (including one or more designated parties,
collectively referred to as " Designated Party " in this Agreement) shall pay the Transferor US$ 100,000,000
(the " Phase I Consideration "). The Transferor shall provide a designated bank account to the Transferee
before the date of this Agreement. The specific schedule for the payment of the Phase I Consideration is as
follows: (i) no later than July 23, 2019 after the execution of this Agreement, the Transferee or its Designated
Party shall pay US$ 20,000,000 (the " First Phase I Consideration ") to the Transferor ; (ii) on or before July
30, 2019, the Transferee or its Designated Party shall pay US$ 20,000,000 to the Transferor; and (iii) on or
before August 10, 2019, the Transferee or its Designated Party shall pay US$ 60,000,000 to the Transferor.
After the Transferee or its Designated Party has paid the Phase I Consideration in full, the deposit of US$ 100
million shall be set off as part of the price paid by the Transferee on the Phase I Closing Date (as defined in
Article 4.1(II) ), and the Interest on Deposit (as defined below) shall be set off as part of the price paid by the
Transferee on the Phase II Closing Date (as defined in Article 4.1(IV) ).
Since this Agreement and the transactions hereunder shall be subject to the approval by the shareholders'
meeting of Phoenix TV, if the shareholders' meeting of Phoenix TV approves this Agreement and the matters
hereunder after deliberation (subject to Phoenix TV's announcement), the Transferee or its Designated Party
shall provide the Transferor with a deposit of US$ 50 million for the Remaining Price (the " Deposit of
Remaining Price ") within two working days after Phoenix TV announces the voting result of its shareholders'
meeting, and the Transferee or its Designated Party shall provide the Transferor with a bank remittance
3
voucher within the aforesaid time limit. The Deposit of Remaining Price and the Interest on Deposit of
Remaining Price (“ Interest on Deposit of Remaining Price ” means the interest calculated in accordance with
Article 10.4 of the Share Purchase Agreement with respect to the Deposit of Remaining Price for the period from
the date when the Transferor receives the Deposit of Remaining Price to the date of payment of the Remaining
Price, the "Interest on Deposit of Remaining Price ") shall be set off as part of the price paid by the transferee
on the Phase II Closing Date. If this Agreement and the matters hereunder fail to obtain the approval of the
shareholders' meeting of Phoenix TV after deliberation, the above paid Phase I Consideration and the interest
generated in the Transferor's bank account (such interest is calculated according to Article 10.4 of the Share
Purchase Agreement) shall be returned to the Transferee or its Designated Party in full within two working days
from the date when the shareholders' meeting of Phoenix TV disapproves this Agreement and the matters
hereunder after deliberation. The Transferee or its Designated Party shall provide a designated bank account in
advance and the Transferor shall provide a bank remittance voucher to the Transferee or its Designated Party
within the aforesaid time limit. At that time, the Parties shall continue to negotiate on the disapproval of the
shareholders' meeting of Phoenix TV after deliberation. If the negotiation fails, the Parties shall continue to
perform their respective obligations according to the provisions of Article 2.3 (Closing of the Overseas Target
Shares) of the Share Purchase Agreement.
(II)
Phase I Closing. On the premise that the shareholders' meeting of Phoenix TV approves this Agreement and the matters
hereunder after deliberation, the Transferor and the Transferee shall complete the closing (the “ Phase I Closing ”; the
date when the Phase I Closing is made shall be referred to as “ Phase I Closing Date ”) of the Overseas Target Shares
corresponding to the Phase I Consideration plus the deposit (the " First Amount Received by the Transferor ") by e-
mail confirmation within five (5) working days after the Transferee or its Designated Party pays the Transferor all the
Phase I Consideration and the Deposit of Remaining Price. The number of shares corresponding to the Phase I Closing is
as follows: 27,639,580 Series B Preferred Shares and 67,163,172 Series C Preferred Shares (the " Shares for Phase I
Closing "). The Parties shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with the Company in providing the
Transferee with a share certificate stating the number of the Shares for Phase I Closing and an updated Register of
Shareholders of the Company (original or scanned) within 10 working days after the Phase I Closing Date. The
Transferor shall cause the Domestic Transferor to sign a relevant domestic equity transfer agreement according to the
provisions of Article 2.5 of the Share Purchase Agreement within a reasonable time limit notified in writing by the
Transferee, transferring a corresponding proportion of the Domestic Target Shares to the Transferee's Designated Party, if
the Transferee requests so in writing.
(III)
Remaining Price . Before August 10, 2020 or within other time limit agreed by
4
the Transferor and the Transferee (the " Latest Closing Date "), the Transferee or its Designated Party shall pay by
telegraphic transfer to the Transferor's account the Remaining Price (the " Remaining Price "; the Remaining Price is
equal to US$ 448 million minus the Phase I Consideration, the deposit, the Interest on Deposit, the Deposit of Remaining
Price, and the Interest on Deposit of Remaining Price. “Interest on Deposit” means the interest calculated with respect to
the deposit according to Article 10.4 of the Share Purchase Agreement for the period from the date when the Transferor
receives the deposit to August 10, 2019, with a specific amount of US$ 714,413 (the " Interest on Deposit ")).
(IV)
Phase II Closing . The Transferor and the Transferee shall complete the closing of the remaining Overseas Target Shares
by e-mail confirmation within five (5) working days after the Transferee or its Designated Party pays all the Remaining
Price (the " Phase II Closing "; the date when the Phase II Closing is made shall be referred to as " Phase II Closing
Date "). The Overseas Target Shares corresponding to the Phase II Closing (the "Shares for Phase II Closing") are the
total number of closed shares minus the number of the Shares for Phase I Closing. The Parties shall use their
commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with the Company in providing the Transferee with a share certificate
stating the number of the Shares for Phase II Closing and a updated Register of Shareholders of the Company (original
or scanned) within 10 working days after the Phase II Closing Date. The remaining Domestic Target Shares shall be
handled according to the provisions of the Share Purchase Agreement. The resignation of the two directors appointed by
the Transferor and the appointment of the two directors of the Transferee shall be determined in accordance with the
Share Purchase Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, the Transferee shall have the right to appoint two new directors
in accordance with the Share Purchase Agreement only after both the Phase I Closing and the Phase II Closing are
completed.
(V)
Transferee's Liabilities for Breach of Contract .
If the Transferee fails to pay the corresponding Phase I Consideration and the Remaining Price (collectively, the "
Payable Price ") and/or the Deposit of Remaining Price in accordance with Articles 4.1(I) and 4.1(III) , the Transferee
shall pay the Transferor the liquidated damages per day from the first day of such breach, which shall be calculated
according to the following formula: liquidated damages = the Payable Price and /or the Deposit of Remaining Price
payable but not paid × the annualized simple interest of 15% × the number of days for the period from the first day of
breach to the date of actual payment of the liquidated damages. If the Transferee fails to pay all the Payable Price and/or
the Deposit of Remaining Price within the time limit specified in this Agreement or the time limit agreed by the Parties
through negotiation, or the Parties fail to reach an agreement on extending the time limit for paying the Payable Price
and/or the Deposit of Remaining Price , or the Transferee fails to perform the provisions of Article 5 (Authorization
Arrangement) of this Agreement (including but not limited to the Provision on Concerted Action), without limiting the
other obligations of the Transferee under this Agreement and the applicable law, (i) the Transferor shall have the right to
immediately terminate the Share Purchase Agreement, this Agreement and this transaction, and will not refund any
Phase I Consideration, the deposit and any interest
5
(VI)
thereon, the Deposit of Remaining Price and any interest thereon (if applicable) paid by the Transferee or its Designated
Party, and if the Phase I Consideration, the deposit and any interest thereon, the Deposit of Remaining Price and any
interest thereon (if applicable) are not sufficient to make up for the losses suffered by the Transferor due to the breach of
the Transferee, the Transferee shall make full compensation to the Transferor; (ii) the consents, undertakings and
authorizations under Articles 5.1 and 5.1(II) of the Share Purchase Agreement and the authorization document shall
automatically terminate and the Transferor shall not bear any liabilities for breach of contract.
Transferor's Liabilities for Breach of Contract . If (i) the Transferor fails to refund the Phase I Consideration and the
interest in accordance with the provisions Article 4.1(I)(2) of this Agreement, or (ii) the Parties fail to complete the
closing of the Overseas Target Shares in accordance with provisions of Articles 4.1(II) and 4.1(IV) of this Agreement
due to the Transferor's failure to confirm the closing and timely notify and cooperate with the Company in handling the
procedures for updating the Company's Register of Shareholders in accordance with the provisions of Articles 4.1(II)
and 4.1(IV) of this Agreement, or (iii) the shareholders' meeting of Phoenix TV disapproves this Agreement and the
matters hereunder after deliberation for reasons which the Transferor or its affiliate can control, or (iv) the Transferor
fails to perform the obligations related to the authorization arrangement according to the provisions of Article 5 of this
Agreement, which constitutes a major breach of the Transferor, the Transferee shall have the right to terminate the Share
Purchase Agreement, this Agreement and this Transaction immediately without limiting other obligations of the
Transferor under this Agreement and the applicable law, and the Transferor shall bear the following compensation
liabilities to the Transferee: (a) returning the Phase I Consideration, the Remaining Price, the deposit and the Deposit of
Remaining Price paid by the Transferee or its Designated Party as well as the Interest on Deposit, and the Interest on
Deposit of Remaining Price , and (b) the liquidated damages calculated at an annualized simple interest of 15% with
respect to the amount paid by the Transferee until the date of actual payment or actual performance, and (c) the
liquidated damages equivalent to the Deposit of Remaining Price of US$ 50 million. At the same time, if the Parties fail
to complete the Phase II Closing in accordance with provisions of Article 4.1(IV) of this Agreement due to the
Transferor's failure to confirm the closing and timely notify and cooperate with the Company in handling the procedures
for updating the Company's Register of Shareholders in accordance with the provisions of Article 4.1(IV) of this
Agreement, the Transferor shall irrevocably grant the Transferee all the shareholder’s rights corresponding to the Shares
for Phase II Closing in the form of Annex 2 (Power of Attorney), except for economic rights, until the date when the
Phase II Closing is actually completed and the Company completes the change of the corresponding Register of
Shareholders. If the above agreed compensation for breach of contract is not sufficient to make up for the losses suffered
by the Transferee due to the breach of the Transferor, the Transferor shall make full compensation to the Transferee.
6
Article 5 Authorization Arrangement
The Parties agree that unless otherwise expressly specified in this Agreement, the transitional authorization arrangement specified in Article
5.1 (Authorization Arrangement) of the Share Purchase Agreement shall continue to be valid. The Parties further confirm that unless
otherwise expressly specified in this Agreement, the authorization of the shareholder’s rights to the Shares for Phase II Closing held by the
Transferor under the transitional authorization arrangement specified in Article 5.1 (Authorization Arrangement) of the Share Purchase
Agreement shall continue to be valid from the date when the Phase I Closing is completed and the Company completes the change of the
corresponding Register of Shareholders, the authorization of other shareholder’s rights shall automatically lapse, the authorization of the
director’s rights shall still be determined in accordance with the Share Purchase Agreement, and the Provision on Concerted Action specified
in Paragraph 2 of this Article shall be complied with. The authorization of the shareholder’s rights under the transitional authorization
arrangement specified in Article 5.1 (Authorization Arrangement) of the Share Purchase Agreement shall automatically lapse from the date
when the Phase II Closing is completed and the Company completes the change of the corresponding Register of Shareholders. The
authorization arrangement for the director’s rights shall lapse on the date when the 2 directors nominated by the Transferee are appointed as
directors.
From the date of execution of this Agreement to the date of occurrence of any of the following events (whichever occurs earlier), the
Transferee or its Designated Party shall notify the Transferor in writing in advance and reach an agreement with the Transferor before the
Transferee or its Designated Party exercises the relevant rights (including shareholder’s rights and director’s rights) and the shareholder’s
voting rights under the authorization document. If the Parties fail to reach an agreement, the opinions of the Transferor shall prevail (the
"Provision on Concerted Action"): (a) the Transferee or its Designated Party shall pay the Transferor all the Remaining Price within 3 months
(in any case not later than 6 months) after the Phase I Consideration is fully paid; (b) the Transferee or other investors subscribes/subscribe
for the newly-issued shares of the Company on the condition that the Company's pre-investment valuation is not less than US$ 1.1 billion and
with an investment amount of US$ 200 million and signs/sign subscription agreements (the "New Share Issue") within 2 months after the
Phase I Consideration is fully paid, and shall pay the investment amount of US$ 200 million within 3 months after the Phase I Consideration
is paid; or (c) the Transferee or its Designated Party shall pay an additional Deposit of Remaining Price of US$ 30 million on the basis of the
Deposit of Remaining Price of US$ 50 million specified in Article 4.1(I)(2). If none of the events specified in Items (a), (b) and (c) above
have occurred, the Provision on Concerted Action shall continue to be valid. If any of the above events specified in Items (a), (b) and (c)
above occurs, the Provision on Concerted Action shall be rescinded on the date of occurrence of any of the above events, the Transferee shall
have full shareholder’s rights with respect to the Company's shares held by it, and the authorization of the shareholder’s rights and director’s
rights to the Company's shares held by the Transferor shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of the Share Purchase Agreement
and of Paragraph 1 of this Article 5. The Parties further agree that on the Phase I Closing Date, the Transferee shall deliver to the Transferor
the original power of attorney (the "Power of Attorney") duly signed in the form and with the contents as described in Annex I to this
Agreement. If the Transferee or its Designated Party fails to pay the Remaining Price in accordance with this Agreement, the Transferee shall
irrevocably grant all shareholders’ rights (except for economic rights) corresponding to the Shares for Phase I Closing to the Transferor in
accordance with the above Power of Attorney described in Annex 1 signed by the Transferee.
7
6.1
Each Party hereby represents and warrants to the other Parties as follows:
Article 6 Representations and Warranties
7.1
7.2
7.3
8.1
8.2
6.1.1.
6 .1. 2 .
It is a company duly incorporated and validly existing under the law of the place where it is incorporated or
established, and has full right, power and ability to sign this Agreement and fully perform its obligations and
responsibilities hereunder.
Its execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement are within its power, authorization and capacity, and have
obtained all necessary company actions for approval. After it signs and delivers this Agreement, this Agreement will
constitute its legal, effective and binding obligation and can be enforced against it according to the terms of this
Agreement.
Article 7 Taking Effect and Termination
This Agreement shall be formed after the Parties affix their signature hereon and take effect after the Transferor receives the First
Phase I Consideration paid by the Transferee. This Agreement shall constitute an integral part of and have the same legal effect as
the Share Purchase Agreement. Matters not covered herein shall be subject to the provisions of the Share Purchase Agreement
(including but not limited to Article 8 (Termination) and Article 10.2 (Confidentiality)). In case of any inconsistency between the
Share Purchase Agreement and this Agreement, this Agreement shall prevail.
The Parties agree that this Agreement may be terminated upon the unanimous written consent of the Parties.
If this Agreement is terminated, this Agreement shall become null and void, however, the validity of any terms which will take
effect or shall continue to be valid at or after the occurrence of such termination as expressly specified in this Agreement or in
accordance with presumption shall not be affected thereby, nor shall the liabilities arising from the breach of either Party before
the rescission or termination of this Agreement be affected thereby.
Article 8 Applicable Law and Dispute Resolution
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Hong Kong, excluding its conflict of laws
rules.
Any dispute, controversy or claim arising from or in connection with this Agreement, including the validity, invalidity, breach or
termination of this Agreement, shall be submitted to Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre to be arbitrated in Hong Kong
in accordance with the HKIAC Administered Arbitration Rules in effect at the time of submission of the notice of arbitration.
The number of arbitrators shall be three. One arbitrator shall be selected by the current disputing party, one arbitrator shall be
selected by the other disputing party, and the third arbitrator shall be selected by the above two arbitrators. The arbitration
proceedings shall be conducted in Chinese. Any arbitration award shall be final and enforceable by any court with jurisdiction.
The arbitration award shall stipulate the bearing of the arbitration fees. The Parties shall properly and punctually perform their
respective obligations hereunder until the arbitration award is made. Notwithstanding the other provisions of this Agreement, this
Article 8.2 shall not exclude the right of either Party to seek specific performance, injunctive relief and/or temporary relief from
the competent court in order to provide assistance in arbitration or when the arbitration tribunal has not been established or the
arbitration tribunal has not made a decision on the dispute, controversy or claim.
8
9.1
9.2
9.3
9.4
This Agreement is written in Chinese.
Article 9 Miscellaneous
The Parties agree that any amendment, addition, supplement or deletion to and of this Agreement shall not be valid unless signed
by the Parties in writing.
This Agreement may be signed by the Parties in any number of counterparts and on separate counterparts, each of which when so
executed shall be deemed an original but all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument.
The headings in this Agreement are for reference only and do not constitute a part of this Agreement, and shall not affect the
construction and interpretation of this Agreement.
[The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank. The signature page is attached]
9
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused their respective duly authorized representatives to sign this Agreement as of the date
written above.
TRANSFEROR:
PHOENIX NEW MEDIA LIMITED
By: _______________________________
Name:_______________________________
Title: Director
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused their respective duly authorized representatives to sign this Agreement as of the date
written above.
TRANSFEREE:
Run Liang Tai Management Limited
By: _______________________________
Name: _______________________________
Title: Director
Exhibit 4.59B
This Agreement (this “ Agreement ”) is made on January 20, 2020 by and among:
Agreement
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(A)
PHOENIX NEW MEDIA LIMITED , an exempted company legally established and validly existing under the laws of the
Cayman Islands with its registered address at the offices of Codan Trust Company (Cayman) Limited, Cricket Square, Hutchins
Drive, P.O. Box 2681, Grand Cayman, KY1-1111, Cayman Islands (“ PHOENIX ”);
Run Liang Tai Management Limited , a company legally established and validly existing under the laws of Hong Kong with its
registered addresses at Room D 10/F Tower A, Billion Centre, 1 Wang Kwong Road, Kowloon Bay, KL, HK(" Run Liang Ta i";
unless otherwise specified in this Agreement, "Run Liang Tai" means Run Liang Tai or its designated entity. For the avoidance of
doubt, such designated entity shall confirm in writing to bear all rights and obligations of Run Liang Tai hereunder);
Long De Holdings (Hong Kong) Co., Limited , a company legally established and validly existing under the laws of Hong Kong
with its registered address at RM 3402-4, 34/F WEST TOWER, SHUN TAK CTR 200 CONNAUGHT RD, CENTRAL, HONG
KONG (" Long De Hong Kong "); and
Long De Cheng Zhang (Tianjin) Investment Management Center (Limited Partnership) , a partnership legally established
and validly existing under the laws of China with its registered address at 1-1604-49, Kuangshi International Building, Tianjin
Pilot Free Trade Zone (Central Business District), China (" Long De Cheng Zhang "; Long De Cheng Zhang and Long De Hong
Kong are collectively referred to as “ Long De ”).
In this Agreement, PHOENIX, Run Liang Tai, Long De Hong Kong and Long De Cheng Zhang shall hereinafter be referred to
collectively as the " Parties " and individually as a " Party ".
WHEREAS
PHOENIX and Run Liang Tai signed the Share Purchase Agreement on Particle Inc. (the " Company " or " Yidian Cayman ")
(the “ Share Purchase Agreement ”) on March 22, 2019, and signed the Supplementary Agreement of the Share Purchase
Agreement on PARTICLE INC. (the " Supplementary Agreement ") on July 23, 2019. According to the Share Purchase
Agreement and the Supplementary Agreement, (i) PHOENIX intends to transfer to Run Liang Tai 212,358,165 preferred shares
(including 27,639,580 Series B Preferred Shares, 183,767,856 Series C Preferred Shares and 950,729 Series D1 Preferred Shares)
held by PHOENIX in Yidian Cayman for a consideration of US$ 448 million; (ii) PHOENIX designates the Domestic Transferor
to sell the 37.169% of equities of Beijing Yidian Wangju Technology Co., Ltd. (representing a registered capital of RMB 3.719167
million) held by PHOENIX as a shareholder to Run Liang Tai’s designated party (" Transfer of PHOENIX’s Equities ").
(B)
According to the Notice Letter sent by Long De Hong Kong and Long De Cheng Zhang Culture Communication (Tianjin) Co.,
Ltd. (" Long De Notifying Entities ") to PHOENIX on August 5, 2019, Long De Notifying Entities claim to exercise the
1
(C)
(D)
co-sale right s . According to the Notice Letter (collectively referred to as the " Co-sale Notice " together with the foregoing
Notice Letter) issued by Long De Notifying Entities to PHOENIX on October 21, 2019, Long De Notifying Entities claim to
exercise the co-sale right s in accordance with the provisions of the Shareholders Agreement and the existing Articles of
Association with respect to PHOENIX ’s transfer of equities to Run Liang Tai , with a total sale consideration of US$
20,663,933.72.
According to the Share Option Transfer Contract and the Loan Transfer Contract jointly signed by Long De Cheng Zhang Culture
Communication (Tianjin) Co., Ltd., Long De Cheng Zhang, Yidian Cayman, Beijing Yidian Wangju Information Technology Co.,
Ltd. and Beijing Yidian Wangju Technology Co., Ltd. on August 24, 2019, Long De Cheng Zhang Culture Communication
(Tianjin) Co., Ltd. has transferred the warrant of Series E Preferred Shares held by it in the Company and all rights and obligations
under such warrant to Long De Cheng Zhang.
Notwithstanding the previous dispute among the Parties over matters related to Long De's exercise of the co-sale rights (the "
Dispute over Long De's Co-sale Rights "), now the Parties unanimously agree to enter into this Agreement, waive any claims
and rights related to the Dispute over Long De's Co-sale Rights other than those stipulated in this Agreement, and exercise and
perform their respective rights and obligations in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, through friendly consultation, the Parties, intending to be mutually bound, enter into this Agreement with
respect to the relevant matters.
Unless otherwise stated herein, the relevant terms, definitions and abbreviations used in this Agreement shall have the meanings or directions
given to them in the Share Purchase Agreement and the Supplementary Agreement.
Article 1
Shares for Co-sale and Consideration for Sale Thereof
Long De agrees that notwithstanding the other claims in the Co-sale Notice, Long De now agrees to exercise the co-sale rights under the
Shareholders Agreement and the existing Articles of Association to sell to Run Liang Tai 9,794,989 Series D1 Preferred Shares held by Long
De Hong Kong in Yidian Cayman (the " Long De's Shares for Co-sale ") for a total consideration of US$20,663,933.72.
Article 2
Target Shares and Adjustment of Purchase Price
PHOENIX and Run Liang Tai agree to make the following adjustments to the relevant contents of the Share Purchase Agreement and the
Supplementary Agreement on the premise that Long De exercises the co-sale rights in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement:
(1)
PHOENIX sells 29.19% of shares of the Company held by PHOENIX (which reflected the completion of the issuance of
additional shares under ESOP) to Run Liang Tai, corresponding to 202,563,176 preferred shares of the Company, including
27,639,580 Series B Preferred Shares and 174,923,596 Series C Preferred Shares (the " Number of PHOENIX's Shares for
Closing " or " Overseas Target Shares "), of which the shares corresponding to the First Closing are 94,802,752 preferred shares,
including 27,639,580 Series B Preferred Shares and 67,163,172 Series C Preferred Shares (the " PHOENIX's Shares for the
First Closing "), and the shares
2
corresponding to the Phase II Closing are 107,760,424 Series C Preferred Shares (the " PHOENIX 's Shares for the Phase II
Closing "). After the completion of the Phase II Closing, PHOENIX holds a total of 32,488,351 preferred shares of the Company,
including 8,844,260 Series C Preferred Shares and 23,644,091 Series D1 Preferred Shares ( the " Number of PHOENIX ’s
Remaining Shares after Closing ").
PHOENIX designates the Domestic Transferor to sell to Run Liang Tai’s designated party 39.53% of the equities of Yidian
Technology (representing Yidian Technology's registered capital of RMB 3.95532 million; the "Domestic Target Shares") held by
PHOENIX as the shareholder of Yidian Technology.
The purchase price to be paid by Run Liang Tai to PHOENIX for the Overseas Target Shares to be transferred by PHOENIX is
US$427,336,067 (the " Purchase Price for Overseas Target Shares "), and the purchase price for the Domestic Target Shares is
RMB 3,955,320 (the “ Purchase Price for Domestic Target Shares ”; PHOENIX should cause Yidian Information to provide
Run Liang Tai with the Borrowing equal to the Purchase Price for Domestic Target Shares).
(2)
(3)
The Parties acknowledge that this Agreement and the matters hereunder, including but not limited to the Overseas Target Shares, the
Domestic Target Shares, adjustments of the Purchase Price for Overseas Target Shares and the Purchase Price for Domestic Target Shares,
and the Borrowing, are subject to the approval by the shareholders' meeting of Phoenix Media Investment (Holdings) Limited (" Phoenix TV
"). PHOENIX agrees that it will use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the aforesaid matters such as the Overseas Target Shares, the
Domestic Target Shares, adjustments of the Purchase Price for Overseas Target Shares and the Purchase Price for Domestic Target Shares,
and the Borrowing to be approved by the shareholders' meeting of Phoenix TV.
Article 3
Closing Arrangement for Long De's Shares for Co-sale
3.1
First Closing of Long De's Co-sale
Long De Hong Kong agrees to transfer 4,584,209 Series D1 Preferred Shares held by it in Yidian Cayman (the " Long De’s
Shares for the First Closing ") to Run Liang Tai for a consideration of US$ 9,671,045.96 (the " Consideration for Long De's
First Closing ").
Run Liang Tai agrees to pay the Consideration for Long De's First Closing to Long De Hong Kong in full and purchase the Long
De's Shares for the First Closing within five working days after it receives the Borrowing (as defined below) provided by
PHOENIX in full in the manner agreed in this Agreement and all closing conditions for Long De's co-sale stipulated in Article 5.1
hereof are met (the First Closing for Long De's co-sale does not need the fulfillment of the condition stipulated in Article 5.1 (4))
or are exempted in writing by Run Liang Tai (the closing conditions stipulated in Article 5.1 (1) hereof shall not be exempted).
Long De Hong Kong agrees to use its commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with the Company in providing Run Liang Tai
or its designated party with the Share Certificate which is certified by the Company's Cayman Agent as true and states the
3
number of the Long De 's Shares for the First Closing and the updated Register of Shareholders (original or scanned) of the
Company within five working days after receiving the Consideration for Long De 's First Closing, so as to complete the First
Closing of Long De 's co-sale (the " First Closing of Long De 's Co-sale "). If Long De fails to complete the First Closing of
Long De 's Co-sale in accordance with the above provision, causing losses to Run Liang Tai , Long De shall compensate Run
Liang Tai for such losses.
The Parties agree that if the First Closing of Long De's Co-sale is not completed within three months from the date of signing this
Agreement or within other period agreed upon through consultation and confirmed in writing by the Parties due to Long De's
breach of the provisions of this Agreement, it shall be deemed that Long De voluntarily waives the co-sale rights, and this
Agreement will no longer be performed; if the First Closing of Long De's Co-sale is not completed within three months from the
date of signing this Agreement or within other period agreed upon through consultation and confirmed in writing by the Parties for
reason other than Long De's breach of the provisions of this Agreement, Long De shall still have the right to claim and exercise
relevant rights according to the Shareholders Agreement, the existing Articles of Association and this Agreement, and under the
premise of meeting applicable laws and listing rules, PHOENIX and Long De shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to
cause the Parties to jointly negotiate another alternative scheme to realize Long De's co-sale rights hereunder.
3.2
Phase II Closing
At the same time of PHOENIX’s Phase II Closing, Long De Hong Kong agrees to transfer 5,210,780 Series D1 Preferred Shares
held by it in the Company (the " Long De’s Shares for the Phase II Closing ") to Run Liang Tai for a consideration of
US$10,992,887.76 (the " Consideration for Long De’s Phase II Closing ").
Run Liang Tai agrees that: (1) on the premise that the First Closing for Long De’s Co-sale is completed and the closing conditions
for Long De’s co-sale listed in Article 5.1 hereof are fully met or exempted in writing by Run Liang Tai (the closing conditions
listed in Article 5.1 (1) hereof shall not be exempted), Run Liang Tai will pay in full the Consideration for Long De’s Phase II
Closing to Long De Hong Kong and purchase the Long De’s Shares for the Phase II Closing within 10 working days from the date
of completion of PHOENIX's Phase II Closing or within other period agreed in writing by the Parties (the " Latest Payment Date
"). If Long De suffers losses due to Run Liang Tai's delay in paying the above the Consideration for Long De’s Phase II Closing,
Run Liang Tai shall compensate Long De for such losses; (2) the remaining price shall be paid to PHOENIX in accordance with
the provisions of the Share Purchase Agreement and the Supplementary Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, on the premise
that Run Liang Tai and Long De continuously abide by this Agreement, the remaining price under the Supplementary Agreement
shall be adjusted
4
as follows: the remaining price is equal to US $ 448 million minus the Consideration for the First Closing, the Deposit and the
interest thereon, the Deposit of Remaining Price and the interest thereon, and the Consideration for Long De 's Phase II Closing.
Upon completion of the payment of the above remaining price, the Borrowing (as defined below) of US$ 9,671,045.96 owed by
Run Liang Tai to PHOENIX will be fully repaid. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of this Article 3.2 shall not affect the
obligations and responsibilities related to the payment of the remaining price stipulated in the Supplementary Agreement.
Long De Hong Kong agrees to use its commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with the Company in providing Run Liang Tai
or its designated party with the Share Certificate which is certified by the Company's Cayman Agent as true and states the number
of the Long De's Shares for the Phase II Closing and the updated Register of Shareholders (original or scanned) of the Company
within five working days after receiving the Consideration for Long De's Phase II Closing, so as to complete the Phase II Closing
of Long De's Co-sale (the " Phase II Closing of Long De's Co-sale "). If the Long De fails to complete the Phase II Closing of
Long De's Co-sale in accordance with the above provision, causing losses to Run Liang Tai, Long De shall compensate Run Liang
Tai for such losses.
Article 4
Borrowing and Share Pledge
4.1
On the premise that Long De and Run Liang Tai continuously abide by the Share Purchase Agreement, the Supplementary
Agreement and this Agreement (if applicable), PHOENIX agrees to provide Run Liang Tai with an interest-free (i.e. the
borrowing interest rate is zero) borrowing totaling US$9,671,045.96 (the “ Borrowing ”) within 5 working days after this
Agreement and the share transfer documents to be signed by Run Liang Tai and Long De Hong Kong with respect to the transfer
of the Long De’s Shares for the First Closing (the " Documents of Transfer of the Long De’s Shares for the First Closing ") are
effectively signed (if necessary) and all the following conditions are met: (1) the shareholders' meeting of Phoenix TV has
approved the matters related to the transaction hereunder; (2) the closing conditions for Long De’s co-sale agreed in Article 5.1 are
all met (but the closing condition listed in Item (4) of Article 5.1 does not need to be met) or exempted in writing by Run Liang
Tai (the closing condition listed in Item (1) of Article 5.1 hereof shall not be exempted). The aforesaid Borrowing shall be remitted
to Long De Hong Kong's bank account confirmed by Long De Hong Kong (such bank account shall be provided to PHOENIX
and Run Liang Tai in writing at least 5 working days in advance). For the above remittance, it shall be deemed that Run Liang Tai
has received in full the Borrowing provided by PHOENIX, and the Borrowing shall be used to pay in full the Consideration for
Long De's First Closing to Long De Hong Kong in accordance with Article 3.1 hereof. The borrowing period shall commence on
the date of borrowing and end on August 10, 2020 (the " Borrowing Period "). PHOENIX shall issue a
5
4.2
4.3
remittance voucher to Long De and Run Liang Tai immediately after remittance. Long De undertakes to send a remittance receipt
confirmation to PHOENIX and Run Liang Tai immediately after receiving the remittance. Run Liang Tai and Long De Hong
Kong agree that the closing conditions under the Documents of Transfer of the Long De ’s Shares for the First Closing (if any)
shall be exactly the same as the closing conditions for Long De co-sale agreed in Article 5.1 hereof.
For the avoidance of doubt, if PHOENIX fails to provide the Borrowing to Run Liang Tai in accordance with the foregoing
provisions, Run Liang Tai shall have no obligation to perform the payment obligation for the shares for co-sale agreed in this
Agreement and shall not assume any responsibilities arising therefrom.
If PHOENIX fails to provide the Borrowing to Run Liang Tai in accordance with the aforesaid provisions, as a result of which
Long De cannot complete the First Closing of Long De Co-sale, PHOENIX shall pay the compensation for loss to Long De, which
shall be calculated at the annualized interest rate of 15% based on the Consideration for Long De's First Closing (the “
Compensation for Long De’s Loss ”).
Run Liang Tai agrees that within 10 working days after the completion of the First Closing of Long De’s Co-sale or within other
period agreed by PHOENIX in writing, Run Liang Tai will (1) pledge all Long De’s Shares for the First Closing (i.e. 4,584,209
Series D1 Preferred Shares, the " Pledged Shares ") obtained by it or its designated party to and in favour of PHOENIX to
guarantee repayment of the Borrowing, and assist the Company in completing all company registration procedures related to such
Pledged Shares; and (2) ensure that Run Liang Tai or its designated party will sign a transfer agreement with PHOENIX as shown
in Annex I. Run Liang Tai further agrees that it will not, and ensures that its designated party will not transfer, pledge or otherwise
dispose of the Pledged Shares within the agreed pledge period without PHOENIX's consent. If Run Liang Tai breaches the
provisions of this Article 4.3, PHOENIX shall have the right to announce the immediate maturity of the Borrowing and require the
Pledged Shares agreed in this Article 4.3 to be owned by PHOENIX. Run Liang Tai and its designated party shall cooperate with
the Company in completing all procedures related to the transfer of such Pledged Shares. If Run Liang Tai breaches the provisions
of this Article 4.3, causing the fact that PHOENIX cannot obtain the Pledged Shares, PHOENIX shall have the right to require
Run Liang Tai to repay all the Borrowing as soon as possible, and Run Liang Tai shall return the Borrowing within five working
days after PHOENIX's written notice. PHOENIX agrees to cooperate with the Company in releasing the pledge within 10 working
days after PHOENIX receives the remaining price and PHOENIX’s Phase II Closing is completed.
4.4
Run Liang Tai further agrees that unless otherwise agreed in Article 4.3, if it fails to return all the Borrowing on the expiration
date of the Borrowing Period as agreed by this Agreement, PHOENIX shall have the right to require the Pledged Shares agreed in
6
Article 4.3 hereof to be owned by PHOENIX , and Run Liang Tai and its designated party shall cooperate with the Company in
completing all procedures related to the transfer of such Pledged Shares. Except for the preceding paragraph, Run Liang Tai shall
not assume any other repayment responsibility for the breach of this Article 4.4, and Long De and PHOENIX shall not have the
right to hold Run Liang Tai accountable for any liability other than the preceding paragraph according to this Agreement.
Article 5
Closing Conditions for Long De's Shares for Co-sale
5.1
Unless exempted by Run Liang Tai in writing, Run Liang Tai's performance of the obligation to pay the Consideration for Long
De’s First Closing and the Consideration for Long De's Phase II Closing shall be subject to the full fulfillment of the following
preconditions (the " Closing Conditions for Long De's Co-sale "):
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
The shareholders' meeting of Phoenix TV has approved the matters related to the transaction hereunder;
Long De has obtained the deliberations and approvals of its board of directors, board of shareholders and other necessary
decision-making procedures with respect to the matters related to the transfer of Long De’s Shares for Co-sale and its
signing and performance of this Agreement, and such transfer, signing and performance do not violate any legal
documents, government instructions and judicial decisions binding on Long De;
Only for Run Liang Tai’s performance of the obligation to pay the Consideration for Long De's First Closing, Long De has
caused the Company to provide Run Liang Tai or its designated party with the Share Certificate prepared by the Company's
Cayman Agent stating the number of the Long De's Shares for the First Closing and the scanned draft of the updated
Register of Shareholders of the Company.
Only for Run Liang Tai’s performance of the obligation to pay the Consideration for Long De’s Phase II Closing, the Phase
II Closing corresponding to PHOENIX’s Shares for the Phase II Closing has been completed, and Long De has caused the
Company to provide Run Liang Tai or its designated party with the Share Certificate prepared by the Company's Cayman
Agent stating the number of the Long De's Shares for the Phase II Closing and the scanned draft of the updated Register of
Shareholders of the Company.
Long De does not breach its representations and warranties hereunder;
Long De has issued a Closing Confirmation Letter to Run Liang Tai (for the avoidance of doubt, if there is evidence
proving that the matters listed in the Closing Confirmation Letter have not been met, Run Liang Tai will not be obligated to
perform the obligation to pay the Consideration for Long De’s First
7
Closing and /or the Consideration for Long De ’s Phase II Closing).
Article 6
Representations and Warranties
6.1
Each Party hereby represents and warrants to the other Parties as follows:
6.1.1.
6.1.2.
It is a company/partnership duly incorporated and validly existing under the law of the place where it is incorporated or
established, and has full right, power and ability to sign this Agreement and fully perform its obligations and
responsibilities hereunder.
Unless otherwise agreed in this Agreement, its execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement are within its
power, authorization and capacity, and have obtained all necessary company actions for approval. After it signs and
delivers this Agreement, this Agreement will constitute its legal, effective and binding obligation and can be enforced
against it according to the terms of this Agreement.
6.2
7.1
Long De undertakes that it has complete and unrestricted legal ownership of the Long De’s Shares for Co-sale, and the Long De’s
Shares for Co-sale are free and clear of any other effective pledge, entrusted shareholding, supervision, judicial seizure or any
other encumbrance, unless otherwise agreed in this Agreement.
Article 7
Confirmation and Undertakings
Long De confirms that this Agreement shall constitute an entire and sole agreement for Long De to exercise its special co-sale
rights under the Shareholders Agreement and the existing Articles of Association with respect to the share transfer transaction
under the Share Purchase Agreement and the Supplementary Agreement (the " Share Transfer Transaction "), and replace all
Long De's claims on such matters. For the Share Transfer Transaction, Long De agrees to exercise its co-sale rights under the
Shareholders Agreement and the existing Articles of Association in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, and will
not claim any other rights. Unless otherwise agreed in this Agreement, if Long De fails to complete the First Closing of Long De’s
Co-sale and the Phase II Closing of Long De’s Co-sale in accordance with this Agreement, Long De shall still have the right to
claim and exercise relevant rights in accordance with the Shareholders Agreement, the existing Articles of Association and this
Agreement. However, if Long De fails to complete the First Closing of Long De's Co-sale and/or the Phase II Closing of Long
De's Co-sale due to its breach of the provisions of this Agreement, Long De has no right to claim and exercise the co-sale rights
and other related rights according to the Shareholders Agreement, the existing Articles of Association and this Agreement.
8
7.2
On the premise that Long De can complete the First Closing of Long De 's Co-sale and the Phase II Closing of Long De 's Co-sale
according to this Agreement:
a)
Long De confirms and agrees that PHOENIX and Run Liang Tai will complete the First Closing and the Phase II Closing in
accordance with the Share Purchase Agreement, the Supplementary Agreement and this Agreement.
7.3
b)
c)
For the Share Transfer Transaction hereunder, Long De confirms and approves any and all actions of PHOENIX in such
transaction (provided that PHOENIX's actions shall conform to the provisions of this Agreement), and will not make any
claims for breach of contract or compensation against PHOENIX with respect to its co-sale rights and the rights related
thereto.
Long De further agrees to use its best efforts to take and implement (or cause to take and implement) further measures to
cooperate with PHOENIX and Run Liang Tai in completing all transactions under the Share Purchase Agreement, the
Supplementary Agreement and this Agreement, including but not limited to signing and delivering all other agreements,
certificates, documents and documentations.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Parties hereby confirm that the Phase II Closing of Long De's Co-sale shall be subject to the
payment of the remaining price to PHOENIX by Run Liang Tai in accordance with the Supplementary Agreement and this
Agreement; if PHOENIX does not receive any remaining price, the Phase II Closing of Long De's Co-sale will not be made, and
PHOENIX shall not bear any responsibility for such failure, and Long De shall not make any other claims against PHOENIX with
respect to the Phase II Closing of Long De's Co-sale in exercising its co-sale rights with respect to the Share Transfer Transaction;
if PHOENIX fails to receive the remaining price in full, the Consideration for Long De’s Phase II Closing and the Long De’s
Shares for the Phase II Closing shall be adjusted accordingly (for the avoidance of doubt, the adjusted Number of Long De’s
Shares for the Phase II Closing at that time = the Number of PHOENIX’s Shares for the Phase II Closing actually delivered * (the
Number of Long De’s Shares for the Phase II Closing defined hereunder/the Number of PHOENIX’s Shares for the Phase II
Closing defined hereunder); at that time, the Consideration for Long De's Phase II Closing shall also be adjusted accordingly), and
Long De shall, according to the provisions of Article 3.2 hereof, still have the right to receive the corresponding proportion of the
Consideration for Long De's Phase II Closing calculated in accordance with Article 7.3 hereof within 10 working days after the
actual closing of PHOENIX is completed. In case of any inconsistency between other provisions of this Agreement and this
Article 7.3, this Article 7.3 shall prevail. If Long De fails to receive in full the corresponding proportion of the Consideration for
Long De's Phase II Closing on time, PHOENIX and Long De shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Parties
to jointly negotiate another alternative scheme to realize Long De's co-sale rights hereunder.
9
8.1
9.1
9.2
9.3
10.1
10.2
Article 8
Liabilities for Breach of Contract
PHOENIX’s Liabilities for Breach of Contract. If PHOENIX fails to provide the Borrowing to Run Liang Tai in accordance with
the provisions of Article 4.1 hereof on the premise of meeting the conditions for providing the Borrowing, PHOENIX shall pay
the Compensation for Long De’s Loss to Long De in accordance with provisions of Article 4.1 hereof. Unless otherwise agreed in
the Share Purchase Agreement and the Supplementary Agreement, Run Liang Tai will not bear any liability for breach of contract
for the above breach of PHOENIX.
Article 9
Taking Effect and Termination
This Agreement shall be formed and come into force immediately after being signed by the Parties and shall be binding on each
Party, its successors and assignees. However, no Party may transfer, delegate or otherwise transfer its rights and obligations
hereunder without the consent of the other Parties. For transactions related to the transfer of PHOENIX’s equities, matters not
covered herein shall be subject to the provisions of the Share Purchase Agreement and the Supplementary Agreement; if the Share
Purchase Agreement and the Supplementary Agreement are inconsistent with this Agreement, this Agreement shall prevail.
The Parties agree that this Agreement may be terminated upon the unanimous written consent of the Parties.
If this Agreement is terminated, this Agreement shall become null and void, however, the validity of any terms which will take
effect or shall continue to be valid at or after the occurrence of such termination as expressly specified in this Agreement or in
accordance with presumption shall not be affected thereby, nor shall the liabilities arising from the breach of either Party before
the rescission or termination of this Agreement be affected thereby.
Article 10
Applicable Law and Dispute Resolution
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Hong Kong, excluding its conflict of laws
rules.
Any dispute, controversy or claim arising from or in connection with this Agreement, including the validity, invalidity, breach or
termination of this Agreement, shall be submitted to Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre to be arbitrated in Hong Kong in
accordance with the HKIAC Administered Arbitration Rules in effect at the time of submission of the notice of arbitration. The
number of arbitrators shall be three. One arbitrator shall be selected by the current disputing party, one arbitrator shall be selected
by the other disputing party, and the third arbitrator shall be selected by the above two arbitrators. The arbitration proceedings
shall be conducted in Chinese. Any arbitration award shall be final and enforceable by any court with jurisdiction. The arbitration
award shall stipulate the bearing of the arbitration fees. The Parties shall
10
11.1
11.2
11.3
11.4
11.5
properly and punctually perform their respective obligations hereunder until the arbitration award is made. Notwithstanding the
other provisions of this Agreement, this Article 10.2 shall not exclude the right of either Party to seek specific performance,
injunctive relief and/or temporary relief from the competent court in order to provide assistance in arbitration or when the
arbitration tribunal has not been established or the arbitration tribunal has not made a decision on the dispute, controversy or
claim.
This Agreement is written in Chinese.
Article 11
Miscellaneous
The Parties agree that any amendment, addition, supplement or deletion to and of this Agreement shall not be valid unless signed
by the Parties in writing.
Each Party shall (and shall cause each of its affiliated parties to) use its best efforts to ensure that its respective senior management
personnel, directors, employees, auditors, lawyers, consultants and agents keep confidential all confidential documents and
information related to this transaction, unless the disclosure is required by applicable laws and regulations or required by The
Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited or its listing rules, except for the information which (i) is obtained without confidentiality
obligation; (ii) becomes publicly known through no fault of the disclosing party; (iii) is disclosed to any of its related parties,
advisers, investors (including fund managers, limited partners and advisers of investors); and (iv) is disclosed according to the
mandatory requirements of government departments or other government agencies having jurisdiction over either Party. Before
either Party discloses the above confidential information according to laws and/or mandatory requirements of government
departments or other government agencies with jurisdiction over such Party, the Parties shall reasonably negotiate the scope and
manner of disclosure.
Unless otherwise agreed in this Agreement, each Party shall pay all of its expenses and fees that may occur due to negotiation and
drafting of this Agreement and any other relevant agreements proposed in this Agreement, performance of such agreements and
compliance with the conditions contained therein, including all fees, expenses and expenditures for any lawyers and/or
accountants that it may engage.
Any waiver by either Party of its rights under any provision of this Agreement shall not be effective unless made in writing and
signed by such Party. A waiver by either Party of a breach of this Agreement by another Party shall not mean or be construed as a
waiver by such either Party of any previous or subsequent breach of such another Party. Failure on the part of either Party to
exercise any rights or privileges under this Agreement shall not be deemed as a waiver thereof or a waiver of exercise of such
rights or privileges by such Party at any later time.
11
11.6
All notices, claims, certificates, requests, requirements and other communications issued hereunder shall be in writing and
delivered to the following addresse s by e-mail, personal delivery or fax or by prepaid overnight courier service with good
reputation. A notice send by e-mail or personal delivery shall be deemed as actually delivered at the time when it is sent or
serviced by personal delivery. A notice send by fax shall be deemed as actually delivered at the time of the receipt of the
confirmation of the completion of the transmission. A notice send by overnight courier service shall be deemed as actually
delivered on the second (2) working day after delivery or collection by the courier service provider.
PHOENIX:
Contact Person: LIU SHUANG
Address: Floor 16, Zhongqing Building, 4 Wangjing Qiyang Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Run Liang Tai(cid:0)
Contact Person: WANG NAN
Address: Room 1006, Floor 10, Block A, 868 Yinghua Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
Long De(cid:0)
Contact Person: YANG LIWEI
Address: Floor 4, Building 1, Yonghe Hangxingyuan, Yi No.1 Dongbinhe Road, Andingmen, Dongcheng District, Beijing
12
11.7
11.8
11.9
If any terms or other provisions of this Agreement are invalid, illegal or unenforceable according to any applicable law or public
policy, and the economic or legal substance of the transaction proposed in this Agreement is not affected in any form and is not
seriously adverse to either Party, all other terms and provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. After any
terms or other provisions of this Agreement are held invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith to
amend this Agreement to achieve the original intention of the Parties as far as possible and to complete the transaction proposed in
this Agreement as far as possible according to the original intention of this Agreement in an acceptable manner .
This Agreement may be signed by the Parties in any number of counterparts and on separate counterparts, each of which when so
executed shall be deemed an original but all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument.
The headings in this Agreement are for reference only and do not constitute a part of this Agreement, and shall not affect the
construction and interpretation of this Agreement.
[The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank. The signature page is attached]
13
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused their respective duly authorized representatives to sign this Agreement as of the date
written above.
PHOENIX NEW MEDIA LIMITED
By:
Name:
Title: Director
Agreement-Annex
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused their respective duly authorized representatives to sign this Agreement as of the date
written above.
Run Liang Tai Management Limited
By:
Name:
Title: Director
Agreement-Annex
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused their respective duly authorized representatives to sign this Agreement as of the date
written above.
Long De Holdings (Hong Kong) Co., Limited
By:
Name: YANG LIWEI(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)
Title: Director
Agreement-Annex
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused their respective duly authorized representatives to sign this Agreement as of the date
written above.
Long De Cheng Zhang (Tianjin) Investment Management Center (Limited Partnership) (Seal)
By:
Name: HUA CHUNWEI, Yang LIWEI
Title: Representative Appointed by the Managing Partner
Agreement-Annex
List of Significant Subsidiaries of the Registrant (as of December 31, 2019)
Subsidiaries
Name of Entity
Phoenix Satellite Television Information Limited
Phoenix New Media (Hong Kong) Company Limited
Phoenix New Media (Hong Kong) Information Technology Company Limited
Fread Limited
I Game (Hong Kong) Company Limited
Fenghuang On-line (Beijing) Information Technology Co., Ltd.
Beijing Fenghuang Yutian Software Technology Co., Ltd.
Fenghuang Feiyang (Beijing) New Media Information Technology Co., Ltd.
Beijing Fenghuang Borui Software Technology Co., Ltd.
Qieyiyou (Beijing) Information Technology Co., Ltd.
Beijing Fenghuang Tianbo Network Technology Co., Ltd.
Beijing Yitian Xindong Network Technology Co., Ltd.
Affiliated consolidated entities
Name of Entity
Yifeng Lianhe (Beijing) Technology Co., Ltd.
Beijing Tianying Jiuzhou Network Technology Co., Ltd.
Beijing Chenhuan Technology Co., Ltd.
Subsidiaries of affiliated consolidated entity
Name of Entity
Beijing Tianying Chuangzhi Advertising Co., Ltd.
Tianjin Fenghuang Mingdao Culture Communication Co., Ltd.
Beijing Fengyu Network Technology Co., Ltd.
Beijing Fengyue Culture Technology Co., Ltd.
Fengqingyang (Beijing) Culture Transmission Co., Ltd.
Beijing Huanyou Tianxia Technology Co., Ltd.
Shanghai Meowpaw Info&Tech Co., Ltd.
Tianjin Fengying Hongda Culture Communication Co., Ltd.
BVI
Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Cayman Islands
Hong Kong
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
Exhibit 8.1
Jurisdiction of Incorporation
Jurisdiction of Incorporation
Jurisdiction of Incorporation
I, Shuang Liu, certify that:
Certification by the Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 12.1
1.
2.
3.
4.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Phoenix New Media Limited (the “Company”);
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to
make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period
covered by this report;
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material
respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
The Company’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as
defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act
Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Company and have:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our
supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to
us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed
under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of
financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
Evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions
about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such
evaluation; and
Disclosed in this report any change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period
covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal
control over financial reporting; and
5.
The Company’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial
reporting, to the Company’s auditors and the audit committee of the Company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent
functions):
(a)
(b)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which
are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Company’s
internal control over financial reporting.
Date: April 28, 2020
/s/ Shuang Liu
By:
Name:Shuang Liu
Title: Chief Executive Officer
I, Edward Lu, certify that:
Certification by the Chief Financial Officer
Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 12.2
1.
2.
3.
4.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Phoenix New Media Limited (the “Company”);
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to
make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period
covered by this report;
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material
respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
The Company’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as
defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act
Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Company and have:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our
supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to
us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed
under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of
financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
Evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions
about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such
evaluation; and
Disclosed in this report any change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period
covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal
control over financial reporting; and
5.
The Company’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial
reporting, to the Company’s auditors and the audit committee of the Company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent
functions):
(a)
(b)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which
are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Company’s
internal control over financial reporting.
Date: April 28, 2020
/s/ Edward Lu
By:
Name:Edward Lu
Title: Chief Financial Officer
Certification by the Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 13.1
In connection with the annual report of Phoenix New Media Limited (the “Company”) on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2019 as
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Shuang Liu, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify,
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:
(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the
Company.
Date: April 28, 2020
By:
Name:
Title:
/s/ Shuang Liu
Shuang Liu
Chief Executive Officer
Certification by the Chief Financial Officer
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 13.2
In connection with the annual report of Phoenix New Media Limited (the “Company”) on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2019 as
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Edward Lu, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify,
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:
(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the
Company.
Date: April 28, 2020
By:
Name:
Title:
/s/ Edward Lu
Edward Lu
Chief Financial Officer
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (No.333-225976, No.333-217490, No.333-200630,
No.333-191177 and No.333-177810) of Phoenix New Media Limited of our report dated April 28, 2020 relating to the consolidated financial statements
and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in this Form 20-F.
Exhibit 15.1
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian LLP
PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian LLP
Beijing, the People’s Republic of China
April 28, 2020
Exhibit 15.2
April 28, 2020
Phoenix New Media Limited
Sinolight Plaza, Floor 16, No. 4, Qiyang Road
Wangjing, Chaoyang District
Beijing 100102
People’s Republic of China
Dear Sir/Madam:
We consent to the reference to our firm under the headings of “Risk Factors” and “Regulatory Matters” in Phoenix New Media Limited’s Annual Report on
Form 20-F for year ended December 31, 2019, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). We also consent to the filing
with the SEC of this consent letter as an exhibit to the Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2019.
In giving such consent, we do not hereby admit that we come within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities
Act of 1933, or under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, in each case, as amended, or the regulations promulgated thereunder.
Yours faithfully,
/s/ Zhong Lun Law Firm
Zhong Lun Law Firm