As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 25, 2014
Registration No. 333-194996
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
AMENDMENT NO. 2
TO
FORM F-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
Cheetah Mobile Inc.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Not Applicable
(Translation of Registrants name into English)
Cayman Islands | 7372 | Not Applicable | ||
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) |
12/F, Fosun International Center Tower
No. 237 Chaoyang North Road
Chaoyang District, Beijing 100022
Peoples Republic of China
Tel: +86-10-6292-7779
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of Registrants principal executive offices)
Law Debenture Corporate Services Inc.
4 th Floor, 400 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10017
(212) 750-6474
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
Copies to:
Z. Julie Gao, Esq. Edward Lam, Esq. Will H. Cai, Esq. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP c/o 42/F, Edinburgh Tower The Landmark 15 Queens Road Central Hong Kong +852-3740-4700 |
James C. Lin, Esq. Li He, Esq. Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP c/o 18th Floor, The Hong Kong Club Building 3A Chater Road Hong Kong +852-2533-3300 |
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: as soon as practicable after the effective date of this registration statement.
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box. ¨
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ¨
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ¨
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ¨
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
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Title of each class of securities to be registered |
Amount of
shares to be
|
Proposed maximum
per share (2) |
Proposed maximum
offering price (2)(3) |
Amount of registration fee |
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Class A ordinary shares, par value US$0.000025 per share (1) |
138,000,000 |
US$1.45 |
US$200,100,000 | US$25,772.88 (4) | ||||
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(1) | American depositary shares issuable upon the deposit of the ordinary shares registered hereby have been registered under a separate registration statement on Form F-6 (Registration No. 333 -195489). Each American depositary share represents ten Class A ordinary shares. |
(2) | Estimated solely for the purpose of determining the amount of registration fee in accordance with Rule 457(a) under the Securities Act of 1933. |
(3) | Includes 1,800,000 Class A ordinary shares that may be purchased by the underwriters pursuant to an over-allotment option. Also includes Class A ordinary shares initially offered and sold outside the United States that may be resold from time to time in the United States either as part of their distribution or within 40 days after the later of the effective date of this registration statement and the date the shares are first bona fide offered to the public. These Class A ordinary shares are not being registered for the purpose of sales outside the United States. |
(4) | Previously paid. |
The Registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to such Section 8(a), may determine.
The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where such offer or sale is not permitted.
PROSPECTUS (Subject to Completion)
Issued April 25, 2014
12,000,000 American Depositary Shares
Cheetah Mobile Inc.
REPRESENTING 120,000,000 CLASS A ORDINARY SHARES
Cheetah Mobile Inc., formerly known as Kingsoft Internet Software Holdings Limited, is offering 12,000,000 American depositary shares, or ADSs. Each ADS represents ten of our Class A ordinary shares, par value US$0.000025 per share. This is our initial public offering and no public market exists for the ADSs or our shares. We anticipate that the initial public offering price will be between US$12.50 and US$14.50 per ADS.
Upon the completion of this offering, our outstanding share capital will consist of Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares. Holders of Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares have the same rights except for voting and conversion rights. Each Class A ordinary share is entitled to one vote, and each Class B ordinary share is entitled to ten votes and 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. The Class B ordinary shares outstanding immediately after the completion of this offering will constitute approximately 88.6% of our total outstanding shares and 98.8% of the voting power, assuming the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional ADSs. Immediately after the completion of this offering, Kingsoft Corporation Limited will continue to be our controlling shareholder and will hold 7,407,407 Class A ordinary shares and 662,806,049 Class B ordinary shares, which together represent 53.6% of our aggregate voting rights, assuming the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional ADSs. We will be a controlled company as defined in the New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual. Our other existing shareholders, including our directors and executive officers and their affiliates, as well as our investors, TCH Copper Limited and Matrix Partners Funds, will hold a total of 562,650,603 Class B ordinary shares.
We are an emerging growth company under applicable U.S. federal securities laws and are eligible for reduced public company reporting requirements.
We have applied to list the ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange, or the NYSE, under the symbol CMCM.
Investing in the ADSs involves risks. See Risk Factors beginning on page 17.
PRICE $ AN ADS
Price to Public |
Underwriting
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Proceeds to
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Per ADS |
$ | $ | $ | |||||||||
Total |
$ | $ | $ |
We have granted the underwriters the right to purchase up to an additional 1,800,000 ADSs to cover over-allotments at the initial public offering price less the underwriting discount.
The Securities and Exchange Commission and state securities regulators have not approved or disapproved these securities, or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The underwriters expect to deliver the ADSs to purchasers on or about , 2014.
MORGAN STANLEY | J.P. MORGAN | CREDIT SUISSE | ||
MACQUARIE CAPITAL | OPPENHEIMER & CO. |
, 2014.
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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND INDUSTRY DATA |
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MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS |
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F-1 |
You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus or in any related free-writing prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information different from that contained in this prospectus or in any related free writing prospectus. We are offering to sell, and seeking offers to buy, the ADSs only in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted. The information contained in this prospectus is current only as of the date of this prospectus, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or of any sale of the ADSs.
We have not taken any action to permit a public offering of the ADSs outside the United States or to permit the possession or distribution of this prospectus outside the United States. Persons outside the United States who come into possession of this prospectus must inform themselves about and observe any restrictions relating to the offering of the ADSs and the distribution of the prospectus outside the United States.
Dealer Prospectus Delivery Obligation
Until , 2014 (the 25 th day after the date of this prospectus), all dealers that buy, sell or trade ADS, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to the dealers obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as underwriters and with respect to their unsold allotments or subscriptions.
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The following summary is qualified in its entirety by, and should be read in conjunction with, the more detailed information and financial statements and the related notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. In addition to this summary, we urge you to read the entire prospectus carefully, especially the risks of investing in the ADSs discussed under Risk Factors, before deciding whether to buy the ADSs.
Overview
Our mission is to make the internet and mobile experience speedier, simpler and safer for users worldwide. To achieve this mission, we have developed a platform that offers mission critical applications for our users and global content distribution channels for our business partners, both of which are powered by our proprietary cloud-based data analytics engines.
For our users, our diversified suite of mission critical applications optimizes internet and mobile system performance and provides real time protection against known and unknown security threats. We had 340.7 million monthly active users for all of our applications in February 2014. Our mobile applications attracted 222.5 million monthly active users in March 2014. Our applications have been installed on 502.1 million mobile devices as of March 31, 2014. See Conventions Which Apply To This Prospectus for the definition of monthly active users.
Set forth below is a brief description of our core applications for users.
| Clean Master, which is a junk file cleaning, memory boosting and privacy protection application, had 237.3 million installations as of March 31, 2014, and 139.9 million monthly active users and 72.9 million average daily active users in March 2014. See Conventions Which Apply To This Prospectus for the definition of average daily active users. According to App Annie Limited, or App Annie, an app store analytics and market intelligence provider, Clean Master was the No.1 application in the Tools category on Google Play by worldwide monthly downloads in March 2014. It was also the No. 3 mobile utility application in China in terms of monthly active users in February 2014, according to iResearch, a third party market research firm. |
| CM Security, which is an anti-virus and security application for mobile devices on the Android platform, had 25.6 million installations as of March 31, 2014, and 23.0 million monthly active users and 11.5 million daily active users in March 2014. According to App Annie, CM Security was the No. 2 application in the Tools category on Google Play by worldwide monthly downloads in March 2014. |
| Battery Doctor, which is a power optimization application, had 201.7 million installations as of March 31, 2014, and 58.6 million monthly active users and 26.2 million average daily active users in March 2014. It was the fifth most downloaded productivity application on Google Play in March 2014, according to App Annie. It was also the No. 1 mobile utility application in China in terms of monthly active users in February 2014, according to iResearch. |
| Duba Anti-virus, which is an internet security application, had 124.1 million monthly active users and 48.4 million average daily active users in February 2014. We are the second largest provider of internet security applications in China in terms of monthly active users in February 2014, according to iUser Tracker of iResearch. |
| Cheetah Browser, which is our safe internet browser launched in June 2012 for PCs and June 2013 for mobile devices, had 46.3 million monthly active users and 15.6 million average daily active users in February 2014. |
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| Photo Grid, which is a popular photo collage application, had 62.7 million installations as of March 31, 2014, and 25.2 million monthly active users and 3.3 million average daily active users in March 31, 2014. It ranked No. 1 in the Photography category on Google Play by monthly downloads in the United States in March 2014, according to App Annie. |
For our business partners, our platform provides them multiple user traffic entry points and global content distribution channels capable of delivering targeted content to hundreds of millions of people. Our business partners share revenues with us and promote our products and services. We have benefited significantly from our cooperation with over 380 online marketing business partners in 2013, including major Chinese internet companies Alibaba, Baidu and Tencent.
Set forth below is a brief description of our core platform products for business partners.
| Duba.com personal start page, which aggregates popular online resources and provides users quick access to most of their online destinations, had 51.7 million monthly active users in February 2014, according to iResearch. |
| Cheetah personalized recommendation engine, which recommends targeted content and services for users of our Cheetah Browser, had 46.3 million monthly active users in February 2014. |
| Game centers, through which we have published over 570 games as of March 31, 2014. |
| Mobile app stores, which include our Mobile Assistant application stores in China and other in-app application stores, have offered approximately one million third party mobile applications as of March 31, 2014. |
| Kingmobi mobile advertising network, which helps advertisers effectively reach their target audience through our mobile applications. |
Our proprietary cloud-based data analytics engines are the core of our platform. For our users, the data analytics engines perform real time analysis of mobile applications, program files and websites on their devices for behavior that may impair system performance or impose security risks. For our business partners, the data analytics engines help create user interest graphs according to a number of dimensions such as online shopping, gaming and frequently used applications, thus facilitating targeted content delivery.
Although substantially all of our applications are free to our users, our massive user base has created ample monetization opportunities for us and our business partners. We generate revenues from our online marketing services by referring traffic from our platform to e-commerce companies and search engine providers and by selling advertisements. We generated 73.8% and 81.7% of our revenues from online marketing services in 2012 and 2013, respectively. We also generate revenues by providing internet value-added services, or IVAS, currently mainly from online games.
We have achieved significant growth in recent years. Our revenues increased from RMB140.1 million in 2011 to RMB287.9 million in 2012, representing a 105.6% growth, and to RMB749.9 million (US$123.9 million) in 2013, representing a 160.5% growth. Our net income was RMB62.0 million (US$10.2 million) in 2013, a 530.0% increase over our net income of RMB9.8 million in 2012, compared to a net loss of RMB30.2 million in 2011.
Our Strengths
We believe the following competitive strengths have contributed to our growth and created significant barriers to entry for our competitors:
| massive, highly engaged and fast-growing global user base; |
| diversified suite of mission critical applications for users; |
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| continuous R&D and innovation focused on optimizing user experience; |
| cloud-based data analytics engines enhancing platform performance; |
| proven monetization model driven by platform products and extensive network of business partners; and |
| experienced management team with strategic vision and a proven execution track record. |
Our Strategies
We aim to make the internet and mobile experience speedier, simpler and safer for users worldwide. To achieve this mission, we intend to:
| further grow our mobile user base; |
| deepen our global penetration; |
| enhance monetization capabilities; and |
| pursue strategic investment and acquisition opportunities. |
Our Industry
The global mobile internet industry is developing rapidly with the continuous enhancement of infrastructure, and the increasing use of smartphones and other mobile devices which have become more affordable. According to IDC, an independent market research firm, global mobile internet users totaled approximately 1.0 billion in 2012, representing a 36.5% increase over the user base in 2009, and are expected to reach approximately 2.3 billion in 2017, representing a five-year CAGR of 15.8%. The Android operating system has become the worlds most commonly used operating system for smartphones. According to IDC, Android-based smartphones are expected to have approximately 78.6% market share of global smartphone shipments in 2013, compared with 15.2% market share for iOS-based smartphones and other mobile devices, and are well positioned to maintain a strong leadership position for the foreseeable future.
Mobile apps have become a popular means of engaging end users and delivering digital content and services. According to App Annie, there were more than 1.1 million apps available on Google Play worldwide and 1.0 million apps available in the Apple App Store as of December 31, 2013. This massive amount of mobile apps creates a challenge for efficient application discovery and distribution in app stores. The lack of application discovery capability calls for an industry wide solution, and gradually alternative application discovery and distribution channels emerge and become popular, including recommendation engines of super apps and mobile browsers. There are only eight non-game applications with over 50 million cumulative downloads on Google Play worldwide in the second half of 2013, including Facebook, WhatsApp and Clean Master. Such applications are commonly referred to as super apps. Super apps are ideal channels for application distribution because they have a combination of critical factors that enable an application to identify its potential audience in a targeted way. We believe the global mobile internet industry is still at an early stage and is poised for significant growth and monetization opportunities.
In China, the numbers of internet users is expected to continue to grow in the foreseeable future. According to the China Internet Network Information Center, or CNNIC, a not-for-profit organization, the number of internet users in China reached 618 million as of December 31, 2013, making China the largest internet market in the world based on the number of users. According to iResearch, the number of internet users in China is expected to increase to approximately 850 million in 2017. Meanwhile, the mobile internet population in China has grown substantially. According to CNNIC, the number of mobile internet users in China reached 500 million as of December 31, 2013 and is expected to increase to 745 million in 2017, representing a four-year CAGR of
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10.5%. As Chinese users have continued to embrace the internet, mobile devices and internet and mobile applications, they have encountered an increasingly complex internet experience. As a result, the internet security and system optimization market in China has grown significantly over the past five years, reaching 493 million users, or 80% of the online population in 2013.
Established internet companies are likely to benefit from the increasing user traffic migration from internet to mobile internet due to multiple competitive advantages in establishing and growing their mobile internet presence, including recognized brand names, large and loyal user base, robust technology infrastructure, as well as proven monetization capabilities and strong connections with other business partners. Therefore, established internet companies are well positioned to offer their products services on both internet and mobile internet platforms to serve their large and loyal user base and monetize their user base.
Our Challenges
Our ability to achieve our goal and execute our strategies is subject to risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those relating to our ability to:
| retain or continue to grow our user base and maintain our level of user engagement; |
| achieve continued growth in, or successful monetization of, our mobile business operations; |
| maintain our relationships with our significant business partners; |
| compete effectively in various aspects of our business; and |
| successfully penetrate international markets. |
In addition, we face risks and uncertainties related to our compliance with applicable PRC regulations and policies, particularly those risks and uncertainties associated with our control over our variable interest entities, which is based on contractual arrangements rather than equity ownership.
Please see Risk Factors and other information included in this prospectus for a detailed discussion of the above and other challenges and risks.
Corporate Information
Our principal executive offices are located at 12/F, Fosun International Center Tower, No. 237 Chaoyang North Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100022, Peoples Republic of China. Our telephone number at this address is +86-10-6292-7779. Our registered office in the Cayman Islands is located at the offices of Maples Corporate Services Limited at PO Box 309, Ugland House, Grand Cayman, KY1-1104, Cayman Islands. Our agent for service of process in the United States is Law Debenture Corporate Services Inc., of 4th Floor, 400 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10017.
Investors should contact us for any inquiries through the address and telephone number of our principal executive offices. Our website is http://www.ijinshan.com. The information contained on our website is not a part of this prospectus.
Corporate History and Structure
Our company was incorporated in Cayman Islands in July 2009 by Kingsoft Corporation Limited, or Kingsoft Corporation, a company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (Stock Code: 3888). In August 2009, we established our wholly owned subsidiary in Hong Kong, Kingsoft Internet Security Software Corporation Limited, and renamed it as Cheetah Technology Corporation Limited, or Cheetah Technology, in September 2012. Subsequent to our incorporation, Kingsoft Corporation initiated a series of restructuring transactions in
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2009 and 2010. As a result of this restructuring, Zhuhai Juntian Electronic Technology Co., Ltd., or Zhuhai Juntian, an entity previously wholly owned by Kingsoft Corporation that was incorporated in China, became wholly and directly owned by Cheetah Technology in December 2009. Beijing Kingsoft Internet Security Software Co., Ltd., or Beijing Security, was incorporated in November 2009 in China as a wholly and directly owned subsidiary of Zhuhai Juntian.
Beike Internet (Beijing) Security Technology Co., Ltd, or Beike Internet, was incorporated in April 2009 and subsequently became a subsidiary of a variable interest entity of Kingsoft Corporation in August 2010. Beike Internet became one of our VIEs in January 2011 through restructuring.
In October 2010, we acquired 100% equity interest in Conew.com Corporation, which was incorporated in the British Virgin Islands. As part of the acquisition, we acquired 100% equity interest in Conew Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd., or Conew Network, and obtained effective control over Beijing Conew Technology Development Co., Ltd., or Beijing Conew, one of our VIEs, through contractual arrangements. Conew Network was incorporated in China in March 2009, and Beijing Conew was incorporated in China in December 2005. Beijing Conew offered internet security services starting in May 2010 but has been dormant since our acquisition of Conew.com corporation.
Our other three VIEs, namely, Beijing Kingsoft Network Technology Co., Ltd., or Beijing Network, Beijing Antutu Technology Co., Ltd., or Beijing Antutu, and Guangzhou Kingsoft Network Technology Co., Ltd., or Guangzhou Network, were incorporated in China in July 2012, June 2013, and September 2013, respectively. Suzhou Jiangduoduo Technology Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Beike Internet, was incorporated in China in January 2014.
Due to certain restrictions under PRC laws on foreign ownership and investment in value-added telecommunications services in China, we conduct our operations in China principally through contractual arrangements with our VIEs in China and their respective shareholders. Each of our VIEs and their respective shareholders entered into contractual arrangements with either Beijing Security or Conew Network, our wholly owned subsidiaries. See Corporate History and StructureCorporate StructureContractual Arrangements with Our VIEs for details. The VIEs contributed 16.2%, 65.3% and 91.0% of our total consolidated revenues for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively.
Our contractual arrangements with each of our VIEs and their shareholders enable us to:
| exercise effective control over our VIEs; |
| receive substantially all of the economic benefits of our VIEs in consideration for the services provided by Beijing Security and Conew Network, our wholly owned subsidiaries in China ; and |
| have an exclusive option to purchase all of the equity interests in our VIEs, when and to the extent permitted under PRC law, regulations or legal proceedings. |
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The following diagram illustrates our corporate structure as of the date of this prospectus:
Notes: (1) | See Principal Shareholders for the other beneficial owners of our company. |
(2) | We exercise effective control over Beijing Network through contractual arrangements with Beijing Network and Mr. Ming Xu and Mr. Wei Liu , who own 50% and 50% of the equity interest in Beijing Network, respectively. |
(3) | We exercise effective control over Beijing Conew through contractual arrangements with Beijing Conew and Mr. Sheng Fu and Mr. Ming Xu, who own 62.73% and 37.27% of the equity interest in Beijing Conew, respectively. Beijing Conew has remained dormant since October 2010. |
(4) | We exercise effective control over Beijing Antutu through contractual arrangements with Beijing Antutu and Mr. Ming Xu and Mr. Wei Liu, who own 50% and 50% of the equity interest in Beijing Antutu, respectively. |
(5) | We exercise effective control over Beike Internet through contractual arrangements with Beike Internet and Mr. Sheng Fu and Ms. Weiqin Qiu, who own 35% and 65% of the equity interest in Beike Internet, respectively. |
(6) | We exercise effective control over Guangzhou Network through contractual arrangements with Guangzhou Network and Mr. Ming Xu and Ms. Weiqin Qiu, who own 50% and 50% of the equity interest in Guangzhou Network, respectively. |
* | Formerly known as Kingsoft Internet Software Holdings Limited. |
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Our Dual Class Share Structure
Upon completion of this offering, we will have a dual class ordinary share structure. Our ordinary shares will be divided into Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares. All of our outstanding ordinary shares prior to this offering will be re-designated as Class B ordinary shares and all of our outstanding preferred shares will be automatically converted into Class B ordinary shares immediately prior to the completion of this offering. All share-based compensation awards, including restricted shares, regardless of grant dates, will entitle holders to purchase Class A ordinary shares once the vesting and exercise conditions on such share-based compensation awards are met. Holders of Class A and Class B ordinary shares will have the same rights, including dividend rights, except that holders of Class A ordinary shares will be entitled to one vote per share, while holders of Class B ordinary shares will be entitled to ten votes per share, and Class B ordinary shares may be converted into the same number of Class A ordinary shares by the holders thereof at any time, while Class A ordinary shares cannot be converted into Class B ordinary shares under any circumstances. Upon the transfer of any Class B ordinary share, such Class B ordinary share will be automatically and immediately converted into one Class A ordinary share. Each ADS being sold in this offering represents ten Class A ordinary shares. See Description of Share CapitalOrdinary Shares for more details regarding our Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares.
After the completion of this offering, Kingsoft Corporation will continue to retain a majority of our aggregate voting rights due to its equity interests in our company and our dual-class share structure. Kingsoft Corporation will hold 7,407,407 Class A ordinary shares and 662,806,049 Class B ordinary shares, representing 53.5% of our aggregate voting rights, immediately after the completion of this offering, assuming (i) the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional ADSs and (ii) we will issue and sell a total of 37,037,037 Class A ordinary shares through the Concurrent Private Placement, which number of shares has been calculated based on the mid-point of the estimated initial public offering price range shown on the front cover page of this prospectus. Our directors are not subject to a term of office and hold office until such time as they resign or are removed from office by ordinary resolutions or the unanimous written consent of all shareholders. After the completion of this offering, we will be a controlled company as defined in the NYSE Listed Company Manual, and we intend to rely on the controlled company exemption from the corporate governance requirements of NYSE.
Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company
As a company with less than US$1.0 billion in revenue for our last fiscal year, we qualify as an emerging growth company pursuant to the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or the JOBS Act. An emerging growth company may take advantage of specified reduced reporting and other requirements that are otherwise applicable generally to public companies. These provisions include exemption from the auditor attestation requirement under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or Section 404, in the assessment of the emerging growth companys internal control over financial reporting. The JOBS Act also provides that an emerging growth company does not need to comply with any new or revised financial accounting standards until such date that a private company is otherwise required to comply with such new or revised accounting standards. However, we have elected to opt out of this provision and, as a result, we will comply with new or revised accounting standards as required when they are adopted for public companies. This decision to opt out of the extended transition period under the JOBS Act is irrevocable.
We will remain an emerging growth company until the earliest of (a) the last day of our fiscal year during which we have total annual gross revenues of at least US$1.0 billion; (b) the last day of our fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the completion of this offering; (c) the date on which we have, during the previous three-year period, issued more than US$1.0 billion in non-convertible debt; or (d) the date on which we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, which would occur if the market value of the ADSs that are held by non-affiliates exceeds US$700 million as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter. Once we cease to be an emerging growth company, we will not be entitled to the exemptions provided in the JOBS Act discussed above.
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The following information assumes that the underwriters will not exercise their option to purchase additional ADSs in the offering, unless otherwise indicated.
Offering price |
We currently estimate that the initial public offering price will be between US$12.50 and US$14.50 per ADS. | |
ADSs offered by us |
12,000,000 ADSs | |
Over-allotment option |
We have granted to the underwriters an option, which is exercisable within 30 days from the date of this prospectus, to purchase up to 1,800,000 additional ADSs. | |
Concurrent Private Placement |
Concurrently with, and subject to, the completion of this offering, we will issue and sell to Kingsoft Corporation Limited, Xiaomi Ventures Limited and Baidu Holdings Limited US$10 million, US$20 million and US$20 million of our Class A ordinary shares, respectively, at a price per share equal to the initial public offering price adjusted to reflect the ADS-to-ordinary share ratio (the Concurrent Private Placement). Our proposed Concurrent Private Placement is being made pursuant to an exemption from registration with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act. Under the subscription agreement executed on April 25, 2014, the completion of this offering is the only substantive closing condition precedent for this private placement. Each of Kingsoft Corporation Limited, Xiaomi Ventures Limited and Baidu Holdings Limited has agreed with the underwriters not to, directly or indirectly, sell, transfer or dispose of any Class A ordinary shares acquired in the private placement for a period of 180 days after the date of this prospectus, subject to certain exceptions. | |
Ordinary shares outstanding immediately after this offering |
1,382,493,689 ordinary shares (or 1,400,493,689 ordinary shares if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full) will be outstanding immediately upon the completion of this offering, comprised of (i) 157,037,037 Class A ordinary shares, par value US$0.000025 per share (or 175,037,037 Class A ordinary shares in total if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full to purchase additional ADSs), assuming that we will | |
issue and sell a total of 37,037,037 Class A ordinary shares through the Concurrent Private Placements, which number of shares has been calculated based on an initial public offering price of US$13.50 per ADS, |
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the mid-point of the estimated initial public offering price range shown on the front cover page of this prospectus and (ii) 1,225,456,652 Class B ordinary shares, par value US$0.000025 per share. The 157,037,037 Class A ordinary shares and 1,225,456,652 Class B ordinary shares outstanding immediately after the completion of this offering will represent 11.4% and 88.6% of our total outstanding shares, respectively, and 1.3% and 98.7% of our total voting power, respectively. | ||
ADSs outstanding immediately after this offering |
12,000,000 ADSs (or 13,800,000 ADSs if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full) | |
The ADSs |
Each ADS represents 10 Class A ordinary shares, par value US$0.000025 per share. The ADSs may be evidenced by ADRs. | |
The depositary will hold the Class A ordinary shares underlying your ADSs. You will have rights as provided in the deposit agreement. If we declare dividends on our ordinary shares, the depositary will pay you the cash dividends and other distributions it receives on our Class A ordinary shares, after deducting its fees and expenses. | ||
You may turn in your ADSs to the depositary in exchange for Class A ordinary shares. The depositary will charge you fees for such an exchange. | ||
We may amend or terminate the deposit agreement for any reason without your consent. If you continue to hold your ADSs, you agree to be bound by the deposit agreement as amended. | ||
To better understand the terms of the ADSs, you should carefully read the section in this prospectus entitled Description of American Depositary Shares. You should also read the deposit agreement entered into among us, the depositary and all registered holders and indirect holders and beneficial owners of ADSs, which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement that includes this prospectus. | ||
Depositary |
The Bank of New York Mellon | |
Use of proceeds |
We plan to use the net proceeds we receive from this offering and the Concurrent Private Placement to penetrate selected international markets, invest in technology, infrastructure and research and development capabilities, expand and strengthen our sales and marketing activities, and for other general corporate purposes, including working capital needs and potential acquisitions. |
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See Use of Proceeds for additional information. |
Dividend policy |
We declared a special dividend of RMB17.7 million to Kingsoft Corporation in November 2009, which was fully paid in 2013. In addition, we declared a special dividend of RMB43.1 million in August 2011 to Kingsoft Corporation, which was fully paid in 2011. We currently have no plan to declare or pay any dividends in the near future on our shares. We currently intend to retain most, if not all, of our available funds and any future earnings to operate and expand our business. | |
Lock-up |
We, all of our directors and executive officers, our existing shareholders and certain holders of our restricted shares have agreed with the underwriters, subject to certain exceptions, not to sell, transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any of our ordinary shares or ADSs representing our ordinary shares or securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for the ADSs or our ordinary shares for a period of 180 days after the date of this prospectus. See Underwriting for more information. | |
NYSE symbol |
We have applied to list the ADSs on the NYSE under the symbol CMCM. | |
Payment and settlement |
The underwriters expect to deliver the ADSs against payment therefor through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company, or DTC, on , 2014. | |
Directed share program |
At our request, the underwriters have reserved for sale, at the initial public offering price, up to 1,000,000 ADSs offered by this prospectus to some of our directors, officers, employees, business associates and related persons. | |
Risk factors |
See Risk Factors and other information included in this prospectus for a discussion of risks that you should carefully consider before investing in the ADSs. |
The number of ordinary shares that will be outstanding immediately after this offering:
| assumes re-designation or conversion of all our outstanding ordinary shares and preferred shares as of the date of this prospectus into 1,225,456,652 Class B ordinary shares immediately upon the completion of this offering; |
| assumes no exercise of the underwriters over-allotment option; |
| excludes 187,043,383 Class A ordinary shares reserved for future issuance under our 2013 equity incentive plan and 2014 restricted shares plan; and |
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| excludes ADSs and Class A ordinary shares that Kingsoft Corporation intends to provide to its eligible shareholders to meet the assured entitlement requirement pursuant to Practice Note 15 which Kingsoft Corporation is subject to. |
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SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The following summary consolidated statements of comprehensive income data for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013 and the summary consolidated balance sheets data as of December 31, 2012 and 2013 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. Our consolidated financial statements are prepared and presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or U.S. GAAP. Our historical results for any period are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for any future period. You should read the following summary financial information in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements, the related notes and the information under Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included elsewhere in this prospectus.
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2012 | 2013 | ||||||||||||||
RMB | RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||
(in thousands, except for number of shares) | ||||||||||||||||
Summary Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) Data: |
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Revenues |
140,054 | 287,927 | 749,911 | 123,876 | ||||||||||||
Online marketing services |
23,916 | 212,443 | 612,565 | 101,189 | ||||||||||||
IVAS |
| 2,354 | 83,155 | 13,736 | ||||||||||||
Internet security services and others |
116,138 | 73,130 | 54,191 | 8,951 | ||||||||||||
Cost of revenues (1) |
(53,737 | ) | (71,560 | ) | (140,526 | ) | (23,213 | ) | ||||||||
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Gross profit |
86,317 | 216,367 | 609,385 | 100,663 | ||||||||||||
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Operating expenses: |
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Research and development (1) |
(79,105 | ) | (114,329 | ) | (217,846 | ) | (35,986 | ) | ||||||||
Selling and marketing (1) |
(28,810 | ) | (57,167 | ) | (201,504 | ) | (33,286 | ) | ||||||||
General and administrative (1) |
(15,301 | ) | (34,408 | ) | (97,817 | ) | (16,158 | ) | ||||||||
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Total operating expenses |
(123,216 | ) | (205,904 | ) | (517,167 | ) | (85,430 | ) | ||||||||
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Operating profit/(loss) |
(36,899 | ) | 10,463 | 92,218 | 15,233 | |||||||||||
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Income/(loss) before taxes |
(32,832 | ) | 14,759 | 110,688 | 18,285 | |||||||||||
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Income tax benefit/(expense) |
2,597 | (4,915 | ) | (48,670 | ) | (8,040 | ) | |||||||||
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Net income/(loss) |
(30,235 | ) | 9,844 | 62,018 | 10,245 | |||||||||||
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Earnings/(loss) per share: |
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Basic |
(0.0345 | ) | 0.0097 | 0.0567 | 0.0094 | |||||||||||
Diluted |
(0.0345 | ) | 0.0094 | 0.0538 | 0.0089 | |||||||||||
Weighted average number of shares used in computation: |
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Basic |
875,944,795 | 908,457,367 | 929,119,153 | 929,119,153 | ||||||||||||
Diluted |
875,944,795 | 1,046,982,205 | 1,135,982,953 | 1,135,982,953 |
(1) | The amount of share-based compensation costs for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2012 and 2013 are as follows: |
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2012 | 2013 | ||||||||||||||
RMB | RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Cost of revenues |
94 | 21 | 10 | 2 | ||||||||||||
Research and development expenses |
4,313 | 6,663 | 14,520 | 2,399 | ||||||||||||
Selling and marketing expenses |
47 | 609 | 2,835 | 468 | ||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses |
1,381 | 12,994 | 20,031 | 3,309 | ||||||||||||
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Total |
5,835 | 20,287 | 37,396 | 6,178 | ||||||||||||
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As of December 31, | ||||||||||||
2012 | 2013 | |||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||
Summary Consolidated Balance Sheets Data: |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
134,376 | 530,536 | 87,638 | |||||||||
Short-term investments |
40,376 | 55,780 | 9,214 | |||||||||
Total assets |
316,995 | 909,593 | 150,253 | |||||||||
Total current liabilities |
152,062 | 263,968 | 43,603 | |||||||||
Total liabilities |
156,869 | 315,525 | 52,119 | |||||||||
Total mezzanine equity |
119,976 | 441,941 | 73,004 | |||||||||
Total shareholders equity |
40,150 | 152,127 | 25,130 |
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The following is a summary of our selected unaudited financial data for the three months ended March 31, 2014.
Revenues . Our total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2014 were RMB315.7 million (US$50.8 million). Our total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2014 comprised revenues from online marketing services of RMB232.2 million (US$37.4 million), revenues from IVAS of RMB71.8 million (US$11.6 million) and revenues from internet security services and others of RMB11.7 million (US$1.8 million). Our mobile revenues as a percentage of our total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2014 were 17%.
Gross profit . Our gross profit for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was RMB245.3 million (US$39.5 million).
Operating profit . Our estimated operating profit for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was RMB22.4 million (US$3.6 million). Our operating profit for the three months ended March 31, 2014 reflects estimated share-based compensation expenses of RMB10.9 million (US$1.8 million).
Net profit . Our estimated net profit for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was RMB21.9 million (US$3.5 million). Our net profit for the three months ended March 31, 2014 reflects estimated share-based compensation expenses of RMB10.9 million (US$1.8 million).
Translations from Renminbi to U.S. dollar in this Recent Developments section were made at a rate of RMB6.2164 to US$1.00, the rate in effect as of March 31, 2014 certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
Our selected unaudited financial data for the three months ended March 31, 2014 may not be indicative of our results for future periods. Please refer to Risk FactorsRisks Relating to Our Business and IndustryOur results of operations are subject to seasonal fluctuations due to a number of factors, any of which could adversely affect our business and operating results and Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsSelected Quarterly Results of Operations for information regarding trends and other factors that may affect our results of operations.
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CONVENTIONS WHICH APPLY TO THIS PROSPECTUS
Except where the context otherwise requires and for purposes of this prospectus only:
| Cheetah Mobile Inc., we, us, our company and our refer to Cheetah Mobile Inc., formerly known as Kingsoft Internet Software Holdings Limited, its subsidiaries and, in the context of describing our operations and consolidated financial data, also include our variable interest entities, Beijing Antutu, Beike Internet, Guangzhou Network, Beijing Network, and Beijing Conew; |
| ADSs refers to American depositary shares, each of which represents ten of our Class A ordinary shares; |
| China or the PRC refers to the Peoples Republic of China, excluding, for the purposes of this prospectus, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan; |
| Ordinary shares prior to the completion of this offering refers to our ordinary shares, par value US$0.000025 per share and, upon the completion of this offering, to our Class A and Class B ordinary shares, par value US$0.000025 per share; |
| RMB and Renminbi refer to the legal currency of China; |
| US$, U.S. dollars, $, and dollars refer to the legal currency of the United States; |
| Assured entitlement distribution refers to the distribution of ADSs or Class A ordinary shares by Kingsoft Corporation to its eligible shareholders pursuant to the requirements of Practice Note 15 of the Hong Kong Listing Rules; |
| Number of daily active users, in reference to all of our products, refers to the number of computers, tablets or smartphones on which one or more of our products have been installed or downloaded and that accessed the internet at least once during a given day; and number of daily active users, in reference to an individual product, refers to the number of computers, tablets or smartphones on which such product has been installed or downloaded and that accessed the internet at least once during a given day. A single device with multiple applications installed is counted as one user. A single person with applications installed on multiple devices is counted as multiple users. Multiple persons using a single device are counted as one user. We derive the number of daily active users for our products by combining (i) the number of active users of our mobile applications, which is based on our internal statistics, and (ii) the number of active users of our PC based applications, which is provided by iResearch. The number of daily active users for our products does not include the number of daily active users of CM Security on the Android platform; |
| Number of monthly active users, in reference to all of our products, refers to the number of computers, tablets or smartphones on which one or more of our products have been installed or downloaded and that accessed the internet at least once during the relevant month; and number of monthly active users, in reference to an individual product, refers to the number of computers, tablets or smartphone on which such product has been installed or downloaded and that accessed the internet at least once during the relevant month. A single device with multiple applications installed is counted as one user. A single person with applications installed on multiple devices is counted as multiple users. Multiple persons using a single device are counted as one user. We derive the number of monthly active users for our products by combining (i) the number of active users of our mobile applications, which is based on our internal statistics, and (ii) the number of active users of our PC based applications, which is provided by iResearch. The number of monthly active users for our products does not include the number of monthly active users of CM Security on the Android platform; |
| Number of installations of an application or number of applications that have been installed, as of a specified date, refers to the cumulative number of installations of that application from the products launch date to the date specified. The total number of installations of our applications on mobile devices does not include the number of installations of CM Security on the Android platform; and |
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| Hong Kong Listing Rules refers to the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited; and |
| Variable interest entities, or VIEs, refers to those entities incorporated in PRC consolidated in our financial statements and over which our subsidiaries exercise effective control through a series of contractual arrangements. |
Unless the context indicates otherwise, all information in this prospectus assumes no exercise by the underwriters of their over-allotment option.
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An investment in the ADSs involves significant risks. You should carefully consider all of the information in this prospectus, including the risks and uncertainties described below, before making an investment in the ADSs. Any of the following risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In any such case, the market price of the ADSs could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.
Risks Relating to Our Business and Industry
If we fail to retain or grow our user base, or if our users decrease their engagement with our mission critical applications, our business, financial condition and results of operations would be materially and adversely affected.
The size of our user base and our users level of engagement are critical to our success. Our business and financial performance have been and will continue to be significantly determined by our success in adding, retaining, and engaging active users. We have been consistently anticipating user demand and developing innovative products and services in an effort to attract and retain users. However, the internet and mobile industries are characterized by constant and rapid technological changes. As a result, users may switch from one set of products to others more quickly than in other sectors. To the extent our user growth rate slows, our success will become increasingly dependent on our ability to increase levels of user engagement and monetization. Our user growth and engagement could be adversely affected if:
| we fail to maintain the popularity of our existing mission critical applications among users; |
| we are unsuccessful in launching new, compelling applications in a cost-effective manner to further diversify our product offerings; |
| technical or other problems prevent us from delivering our products or services in a rapid and reliable manner or otherwise affect the user experience; |
| there are user concerns related to privacy and communication, safety, security or other factors; |
| there are adverse changes in our products or services that are mandated by, or that we elect to make to address, legislation, regulatory authorities or litigation, including settlements or consent decrees; |
| we fail to provide adequate customer service to users; or |
| we do not maintain our brand image or our reputation is damaged. |
Our efforts to avoid or address any of these events could require us to incur substantial expenditures to modify or adapt our products, services, or infrastructure. If we fail to retain or continue to grow our user base, or if our users decrease their engagement with our mission critical applications, our business, financial condition and results of operations would be materially and adversely affected.
We only began to offer and monetize our mission critical mobile applications recently, and there is uncertainty as to whether we can achieve continued growth in, or successful monetization of, our mobile business operations.
A substantial majority of our revenues have been derived from our PC based applications. Although our mobile applications have proven to be highly popular, we have a short operating history and limited experience in the mobile internet industry. We launched our first mobile application, Battery Doctor, in July 2011. Our Clean Master mobile applications were introduced in 2012, and we acquired the Photo Grid mobile application in 2013. We launched our CM Security mobile application on the Android platform in January 2014. The mobile internet industry is characterized by constant change, including but not limited to rapid technological evolution, shifting user demands, frequent introduction of new products and services and constant emergence of new
17
industry standards, operating systems and practices. We received and may continue to receive complaints from users regarding our mobile applications primarily regarding privacy settings and certain third-party website promotion activities on our mobile applications. We have not incurred any material costs to address the complaints. If we are unable to address user complaints timely or at all, our reputation may be harmed and our user base may decline. As a result of these factors and our limited mobile internet industry experience, we may not be able to sustain the popularity of our existing mobile applications or introduce new mobile applications that meet the expectations of our users and business partners.
Even if we succeed in continuing to attract a growing user base for our mobile applications, we may not be able to monetize our mobile operations successfully. The mobile internet industry only began to experience rapid growth in recent years, and there are relatively few proven monetization models for us to monetize our mobile traffic. We are currently exploring a number of monetization models for our mobile business. We generate our mobile revenues primarily through mobile advertising and mobile game publishing services. If the mobile advertising and mobile game publishing industries fail to grow as we expect, or if we fail to introduce effective monetization models for our mobile applications, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
Because a small number of business partners contribute to a significant portion of our revenues, our revenues and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected if we were to lose a significant business partner or a significant portion of its business.
Currently, a small number of business partners contribute a significant portion of our revenues. In 2013, our five largest business partners in aggregate contributed approximately 65% of our revenues, with Alibaba, Baidu and Tencent accounting for 25%, 19% and 14% of our total revenues, respectively. We expect that our top five business partners will continue to contribute a significant portion of our revenues in the near future. If we lose any of these business partners, or if a significant business partner substantially reduces its spending with us, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
We rely on online marketing for the majority of our revenues, and our profitability and financial prospects may be affected by the revenue sharing and fee arrangement with our business partners.
We generated 17.1%, 73.8% and 81.7% of our revenues, respectively, from online marketing services in 2011, 2012 and 2013. We generate revenues from our online marketing services by referring traffic from our platform to e-commerce companies and search engine providers and by selling advertisements. The revenue sharing and fee arrangement with these business partners are subject to change. For example, our fee arrangement with one of our significant business partners was changed from a pay per click and pay per sale model to pay per sale only model for certain traffic we refer to them, which affected our revenues in 2013. If our business partners reduce or discontinue their advertising spending with us, we fail to attract new advertising customers or the fees we receive for the traffic we refer to our business partners significantly decrease, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
If we fail to compete effectively, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
We face intense competition in our businesses. In the internet space, we mainly compete with Qihoo 360 in Chinas internet security and anti-virus market. In the mobile space, we compete with other mobile application developers, including those developers offer products purported to perform similar functions as Clean Master and Battery Doctor. In addition, we compete with all major internet companies for user attention and advertising spend.
Some of our competitors have longer operating histories and significantly greater financial, technological and marketing resources than we do and, in turn, have an advantage in attracting and retaining users, advertisers and other business partners. If we are not able to effectively compete in any aspect of our business or if our
18
reputation is harmed by negative publicity relating to us, our products and services or our key management, our overall user base may decrease, which could make us less attractive to advertisers and other business partners, and our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
If our mission critical applications fail to address security threats and optimize system performance or otherwise do not work properly, we may lose users and our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
Our users rely on our mission critical applications to optimize internet and mobile system performance and provide real time protection against security threats. Our applications are highly technical and complex and, when deployed, may contain defects or security vulnerabilities. Some errors in our products may only be discovered after a product has been installed and used by our users.
Our mission critical applications for users rely on our cloud-based data analytics engines to optimize system performance and protect against security threats. The data analytics engines include our most up-to-date security threats library and application behavior library in the cloud and our mission critical applications only include a subset of these libraries on the users end devices. If our data analytics engines do not function properly, or if the infrastructure supporting the data analytics engine malfunctions, our mission critical applications may not achieve optimal results.
Our cloud-based analytics engines employ a heuristic, or experience-based, approach to detect unknown security threats and behavior of unknown mobile applications. However, new malware and malicious applications are continuously appearing and evolving, and our detection technologies may not detect all forms of security threats or malicious applications encountered by our users.
In addition, our mission critical applications may not work properly with the Windows, Android or iOS operating systems if we cannot promptly upgrade our applications following any changes or updates to these operating systems. We previously experienced system disruption due to compatibility issues resulting from an update to the Windows operating system.
Any of these defects, vulnerabilities or failures may cause security breaches and suboptimal internet and mobile system performance, which could result in damage to our reputation, decrease in our user base and loss of advertising customers, and our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
If any system failure, interruption or downtime occurs, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
Although we seek to reduce the possibility of disruptions and other outages, our mission critical mobile and PC applications may be disrupted by problems with our own cloud-based technology and system, such as malfunctions in our software or other facilities or network overload. Our systems may be vulnerable to damage or interruption caused by telecommunication failures, power loss, human error, computer attacks or viruses, earthquakes, floods, fires, terrorist attacks and similar events. While we locate our servers in multiple data centers across China, as well as in the United States, Hong Kong and Singapore, our system are not fully redundant or backed up, and our disaster recovery planning may not be sufficient for all eventualities. Despite any precautions we may take, the occurrence of natural disasters or other unanticipated problems at our hosting facilities could result in interruptions in the availability of our products and services. Any interruption in the ability of our users to use our applications could damage our reputation, reduce our future revenues, harm our future profits, subject us to regulatory scrutiny and lead users to seek alternative internet mobile products.
Our servers may experience downtime from time to time, which may adversely affect our brands and user perception of the reliability of our systems. Any scheduled or unscheduled interruption in the ability of users to use our servers could result in an immediate, and possibly substantial, loss of revenues.
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If major mobile application distribution channels change their standard terms and conditions in a manner that is detrimental to us, or terminate their existing relationship with us, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
We rely on third party mobile application distribution channels such as Google Play and iOS App Store to distribute most of our mobile applications to users. In China, where Google Play is not available, we collaborate with similar local distribution channels to distribute our mobile applications. We expect a substantial number of downloads of our mobile applications will continue to be derived from these distribution channels. As such, the promotion, distribution and operation of our applications are subject to such distribution platforms standard terms and policies for application developers, which are subject to the interpretation of, and frequent changes by, these distribution channels. If Google Play, iOS App Store or any of the major distribution channels change their standard terms and conditions in a manner that is detrimental to us, or terminate their existing relationship with us, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
As most of our mobile applications are created for Android devices, a decrease in the popularity of the Android ecosystem may materially and adversely affect our mobile business.
Most of our mobile applications are created for Android devices. Any significant downturn in the overall popularity of the Android ecosystem or the use of Android devices could materially and adversely affect the demand for and revenues generated from our mobile applications. Although the Android ecosystem has grown rapidly in recent years, it is uncertain whether it will continue to grow at a similar rate in the future. In addition, due to the constantly evolving nature of the mobile industry, another operating system for mobile devices may eclipse Android and decrease its popularity. To the extent that our mobile applications continue to mainly support Android devices, our mobile business would be vulnerable to any decline in popularity of the Android operating system.
If we fail to source suitable third party products, such as online games, on reasonable terms, our IVAS revenues may be materially and adversely affected.
We derive a portion of our revenues from IVAS, which mainly include game publishing services. The success of our IVAS business depends on our ability to source suitable third party products on reasonable terms. For example, we have exclusive publishing or joint operating arrangements for games we publish on our platform. We may not be able to identify popular and profitable games and license such games on acceptable terms. We may incur significant expenses in exclusive game publishing arrangements with game developers if their products prove to be unpopular. Game developers with popular games may discontinue their cooperation with us. In addition, increased competition in Chinas game publishing market may negatively impact the fee sharing between game developers and us. Should any of these occur, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
We have a limited operating history in international markets. If we fail to meet the challenges presented by our increasingly globalized operations, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
Our business has rapidly expanded internationally since we released our Clean Master overseas version in September 2012 and established KS Mobile Inc. in the U.S. in the fourth quarter of 2012. In March 2014, approximately 37% of our mobile monthly active users were from China, while the remainder were from overseas markets, mostly the United States, Asia (excluding China) and Europe. One of our key growth strategies is to continue our global expansion, which exposes us to a number of risks, including:
| challenges in formulating effective local sales and marketing strategies targeting internet and mobile users from various jurisdictions and cultures, who have a diverse range of preferences and demands; |
| challenges in identifying appropriate local third party business partners and establishing and maintaining good working relationships with them; |
| challenges in selecting suitable geographical regions for global expansion; |
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| fluctuations in currency exchange rates; |
| compliance with applicable foreign laws and regulations, including but not limited to internet content requirements, foreign exchange controls, cash repatriation restrictions, intellectual property protection rules and data privacy requirements; and |
| increased costs associated with doing business in foreign jurisdictions. |
Our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected by these and other risks associated with our increasingly globalized operations.
Furthermore, Kingsoft Japan Inc., or Kingsoft Japan, a subsidiary of Kingsoft Corporation, currently operates an information security software business in Japan. We do not control, and do not consolidate the financial results of, Kingsoft Japan. Pursuant to the shareholders agreement of Kingsoft Japan, to which Kingsoft Corporation is a party, Kingsoft Corporation agreed that it and its subsidiaries, including us, may not compete with Kingsoft Japan in the area of internet security software within Japan. In addition, if Kingsoft Japan were to suffer reputational damage in Japan in connection with its operations, such damage could adversely affect our reputation and business.
We may not be able to prevent unauthorized use of our intellectual property, which could harm our business and competitive position.
We regard our trademarks, service marks, patents, domain names, trade secrets, proprietary technologies know-how and similar intellectual property as critical to our success, and we rely on trademark and patent law, trade secret protection and confidentiality and invention assignment agreements with our employees and third parties to protect our proprietary rights. As of March 31, 2014, within China, we had registered 135 domain names, including www.ijinshan.com and www.duba.com , 96 copyrights, eight patents and 41 trademarks. In addition, we have filed 489 trademark applications and 445 patent applications in China. We have one registered trademark in the U.S. and have filed a total of 329 trademark applications overseas. There can be no assurance that any of our pending patent, trademark or other intellectual property applications will issue or be registered. Any intellectual property rights we have obtained or may obtain in the future may not be sufficient to provide us with a competitive advantage, and could be challenged, invalidated, circumvented, infringed or misappropriated. Given the potential cost, effort, risks and disadvantages of obtaining patent protection, we have not and do not plan to apply for patents or other forms of intellectual property protection for certain of our key technologies. If some of these technologies are later proven to be important to our business and are used by third parties without our authorization, especially for commercial purposes, our business and competitive position may be harmed.
Monitoring for infringement or other unauthorized use of our intellectual property rights is difficult and costly, and we cannot be certain that we can effectively prevent such infringement or unauthorized use of our intellectual property, particularly in countries where laws may not protect our proprietary rights to the same extent as in the United States. From time to time, we may need to resort to litigation or other proceedings to enforce our intellectual property rights, which could result in substantial cost and diversion of resources. Our efforts to enforce or protect our intellectual property rights may be ineffective and could result in the invalidation or narrowing of the scope of our intellectual property or expose us to counterclaims from third parties, any of which may adversely affect our business and operating results.
In addition, it is often difficult to create and enforce intellectual property rights in China and other countries outside of the United States. Even where adequate, relevant laws exist in China and other countries outside of the United States, it may not be possible to obtain swift and equitable enforcement of such laws, or to enforce court judgments or arbitration awards delivered in another jurisdiction. Accordingly, we may not be able to effectively protect our intellectual property rights in such countries. Additional uncertainty may result from changes to intellectual property laws enacted in the jurisdictions in which we operate, and from interpretations of intellectual property laws by applicable courts and government bodies.
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Our confidentiality and invention assignment agreements with our employees and third parties, such as consultants and contractors, may not effectively prevent unauthorized use or disclosure of our confidential information, intellectual property or technology and may not provide an adequate remedy in the event of such unauthorized use or disclosure. Trade secrets and know-how are difficult to protect, and our trade secrets may be disclosed, become known or be independently discovered by others. Despite our efforts to protect our proprietary rights, unauthorized parties may attempt to copy aspects of our website features, software and functionality or obtain and use information that we consider confidential and proprietary. If we are not able to adequately protect our trade secrets, know-how and other confidential information, intellectual property or technology, our business and operating results may be adversely affected.
We may be subject to intellectual property infringement lawsuits which could result in our payment of substantial damages or license fees or adversely affect our product and service offerings.
Third parties may own technology patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets and internet content, which they may use to assert claims against us. Our internal procedures and licensing practices may not be effective in completely preventing the unauthorized use of copyrighted materials or the infringement of other rights of third parties by us or our users. The validity, enforceability and scope of protection of intellectual property rights in internet-related industries, particularly in China, is uncertain and still evolving. For example, as we face increasing competition and as litigation becomes a more common way to resolve disputes in China, we face a higher risk of being the subject of intellectual property infringement claims.
Although we have not been subject to claims or lawsuits outside China, we cannot assure you that we will not become subject to intellectual property laws in other jurisdictions, such as the United States. If a claim of infringement brought against us in the United States or another jurisdiction is successful, we may be required to pay substantial penalties or other damages and fines, enter into license agreements which may not be available on commercially reasonable terms or at all or be subject to injunction or court orders. Even if allegations or claims lack merit, defending against them could be both costly and time consuming and could significantly divert the efforts and resources of our management and other personnel.
Competitors and other third parties may claim that our officers or employees have infringed, misappropriated or otherwise violated their software, confidential information, trade secrets or other proprietary technology in the course of their employment with us. Although we take steps to prevent the unauthorized use or disclosure of such third-party information, intellectual property or technology by our officers and employees, we cannot guarantee that any policies or contractual provisions that we have implemented or may implement will be effective. If a claim of infringement, misappropriation or violation is brought against us or one of our officers or employees, we may suffer reputational harm and may be required to pay substantial damages, subject to injunction or court orders or required to redesign our products or technology, any of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Further, we license and use technologies from third parties in our applications. These third-party technology licenses may not continue to be available to us on acceptable terms or at all, and may expose us to liability. Any such liability, or our inability to use any of these third-party technologies, could result in disruptions to our business that could materially and adversely affect our operating and financial results.
Some of our applications contain open source software, which may pose increased risk to our proprietary software.
We use open source software in some of our applications, including our Cheetah Browser, which incorporates Chromium browser technology, and will use open source software in the future. In addition, we regularly contribute source code to open source software projects and release internal software projects under open source licenses, and anticipate doing so in the future. The terms of many open source licenses to which we are subject have not been interpreted by U.S. or foreign courts, and there is a risk that such licenses could be construed in a manner that imposes unanticipated conditions or restrictions on our ability to sell or distribute our applications. Additionally, we may from time to time face threats or claims from third parties claiming ownership
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of, or demanding release of, the alleged open source software or derivative works we developed using such software, which could include our proprietary source code, or otherwise seeking to enforce the terms of the applicable open source license. These threats or claims could result in litigation and could require us to make our source code freely available, purchase a costly license or cease offering the implicated applications unless and until we can re-engineer them to avoid infringement. Such a re-engineering process could require significant additional research and development resources, and we may not be able to complete it successfully. In addition to risks related to license requirements, our use of certain open source software may lead to greater risks than use of third party commercial software, as open source licensors generally do not provide warranties or controls on the origin of the software. Additionally, because any software source code we contribute to open source projects is publicly available, our ability to protect our intellectual property rights with respect to such software source code may be limited or lost entirely, and we are unable to prevent our competitors or others from using such contributed software source code. Any of these risks could be difficult to eliminate or manage and, if not addressed, could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our business depends substantially on the continuing efforts of our management team, key employees and skilled personnel, and our business operations may be severely disrupted if we lose their services.
Our future success depends substantially on the continued efforts of our management team and key employeesin particular, Mr. Sheng Fu, our chief executive officer and Mr. Ming Xu, our chief technology officer. The loss of Mr. Fu, Mr. Xu or any of our management team members could harm our business. In addition, if our key employees were unable or unwilling to continue their services with us, we might not be able to replace them easily, in a timely manner, or at all, which could result in significant disruptions to our business. The integration of any replacement personnel could be time-consuming, expensive and cause additional disruption to our business. If any of our core management team members or key employees joins a competitor or forms a competing company, we may lose customers, know-how and staff.
Each of our executive officers and key employees has agreed to non-competition obligations. However, these agreements may not be enforceable in China, where our executives and key employees reside, in light of uncertainties relating to Chinas legal system. See Risks Relating to Doing Business in ChinaUncertainties in the interpretation and enforcement of Chinese laws and regulations could limit the legal protections available to you and us. In addition, if one or more of our executives or other key personnel do not act in the best interests of our company when a conflict of interest arises, our business, prospects and reputation may be harmed.
Allegations or lawsuits against us or our management may harm our reputation and have a material and adverse impact on our business, results of operations and cash flows.
We have been, and may become, subject to allegations or lawsuits brought by our competitors, customers or other individuals or entities, including claims of breach of contract or unfair competition. Any such allegation or lawsuits, with or without merit, or any perceived unfair, unethical, fraudulent or inappropriate business practice by us or perceived malfeasance by our management could harm our reputation and user base and distract our management from our daily operations. We cannot assure you that neither we nor our management will be subject to allegations or lawsuits in the future. Allegations or lawsuits against us may also generate negative publicity that significantly harms our reputation, which may materially and adversely affect our user base and our ability to attract advertisers. In addition to the related cost, managing and defending litigation and related indemnity obligations can significantly divert managements attention. We may also need to pay damages or settle the litigation with a substantial amount of cash. All of these could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operation and cash flows.
Our chief executive officer, Mr. Sheng Fu, is named in a lawsuit filed by Qihoo 360 Technology Co. Ltd. in Hong Kong; there is uncertainty as to the outcome of this lawsuit and its impact on us.
In September 2011, Mr. Sheng Fu, our chief executive officer, was named as a defendant in a lawsuit filed by Qihoo 360 Technology Co. Ltd., or Qihoo, in the High Court of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The complaint was subsequently amended in May 2012, July 2012 and January 2014. The amended complaint alleges
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that Mr. Fu has breached his contractual obligations of confidentiality, non-competition, non-solicitation and non-disparagement under the agreements Mr. Fu had entered into with a subsidiary of Qihoo prior to his resignation from the subsidiary in August 2008. The complaint asserts that Mr. Fu was a product manager of Qihoo and was responsible for, and participated in, product design and research of certain anti-virus products, including 360 Anti-virus and 360 Safe Guard, and had access to the related confidential information, trade secret, technology and know-how.
In connection with the above claims, the complaint specifically alleges that Mr. Fu: (i) used confidential information of Qihoo to develop, by himself or through Beijing Conew Technology Development Co. Ltd., or Beijing Conew, and Conew Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd., or Conew Network, an anti-virus product released around May 2010 that was allegedly substantially similar to Qihoos 360 Anti-virus and 360 Safe Guard and infringed upon the confidential information, trade secrets and other rights of Qihoo; (ii) engaged in or dealt with businesses and products that directly competed with the businesses and/or products of Qihoo within the 18-month restricted period; (iii) employed employees of Qihoo within the 18-month restricted period, including Mr. Ming Xu, our chief technology officer, who was the then director of technology of 360 Safe Guard, a division of Qihoo; and (iv) publicly made certain negative statements about Qihoo.
Qihoo is seeking a court declaration that Qihoos repurchase of its shares previously granted to Mr. Fu under Qihoos share incentive plan at a nominal value was valid, a court order that Mr. Fu cease to use any confidential information or know-how of Qihoo, damages for disparagement, and a court order that Mr. Fu account to Qihoo for any profits that he earned as a result of the alleged breach.
Mr. Fu joined us in October 2010 when we acquired Conew.com Corporation for which Mr. Fu served as the chief executive officer prior to the acquisition. Our product offerings do not include, and are not derived from, the anti-virus products referenced in the complaint. Mr. Fu believes that Qihoos allegations are without merit and intends to contest them vigorously. However, it is inherently difficult to predict the length, process and outcome of any court proceedings. Any litigation, regardless of the merits, can be time consuming and can divert Mr. Fus attention away from our business. Should Qihoo prevail in the lawsuit against Mr. Fu, Mr. Fus reputation may be harmed and he may be ordered to cease using such confidential information. Moreover, although neither we nor Mr. Ming Xu have been named as a defendant in the lawsuit, we cannot guarantee that Qihoo will not initiate proceedings against us or Mr. Ming Xu, in the future, which could adversely affect our reputation, business and results of operations.
Future strategic investments or acquisitions may not be successful and may have a material and adverse effect on our business, reputation and results of operations.
We intend to continue to pursue strategic investments or acquisitions to expand our business. These transactions could subject us to a number of risks, including risks associated with sharing proprietary information, non-performance by third parties and increased expenses in integrating new businesses and personnel, any of which may materially and adversely affect our business, reputation and results of operations. We may fail to select appropriate acquisition targets, negotiate acceptable arrangements (including arrangements to finance acquisitions) or integrate the acquired businesses and their personnel into our own. Likewise, we may have limited ability to monitor or control the actions of our strategic partners and, to the extent any such strategic partner suffers negative publicity or harm to its reputation from events relating to its own business, we may also suffer negative publicity or harm to our reputation by association.
In addition, if appropriate opportunities arise, we may acquire additional assets, products, technologies or businesses that are complementary to our existing business. Future acquisitions and the subsequent integration of new assets and businesses into our own could require significant management attention and could result in a diversion of resources away from our existing business, which in turn could have an adverse effect on our business operations. Acquired assets or businesses may not generate the financial results we expect. Acquisitions could result in the use of substantial amounts of cash, increased leverage, potentially dilutive issuances of equity securities, goodwill impairment charges, amortization expenses for other intangible assets and exposure to potential unknown liabilities of the acquired business. Moreover, the costs of identifying and consummating
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acquisitions may be significant. In addition to possible shareholders approval, we may also have to obtain approvals and licenses from relevant government authorities for the acquisitions and comply with applicable laws and regulations, which could result in increased costs and delays.
If we fail to effectively manage our growth, our business and operating results could be harmed.
Our revenues and net income have grown significantly in recent years. Our revenues increased from RMB140.1 million in 2011 to RMB287.9 million in 2012, representing a 105.6% growth, and further to RMB749.9 million (US$123.9 million) in 2013, representing a 160.5% growth. Our net income was RMB62.0 million (US$10.2 million) in 2013, a 530.0% increase over our net income of RMB9.8 million in 2012, compared to a loss of RMB30.2 million in 2011.
In recent years, we have reoriented our business model, expanded our product offerings to include a wide array of mission critical applications and rapidly established our market position in China and globally. While we expect our user base for mobile applications to continue to grow, we do not expect our user base for PC based applications will show a similar trend. Accordingly, the growth and successful monetization of our mobile business and the continued monetization of our internet user base are critical for the continued growth of our business. In addition, our ability to grow our online game business will be limited by a non-competition agreement we will enter into with Kingsoft Corporation. For more information, see Related Party TransactionsTransactions and Agreements with Kingsoft Corporation and its SubsidiariesNon-compete undertaking. To manage the further expansion of our business and the growth of our operations and personnel, we need to continuously improve our operational and financial systems, procedures and controls, and expand, train, manage and maintain good relations with our growing employee base. In addition, we must maintain and expand our relationships with a growing number of users and business partners. We operate in a dynamic and rapidly evolving market and investors should not rely on our past results as an indication of our future operating performance.
We rely on certain assumptions to calculate our active user figures, and real or perceived inaccuracies may harm our reputation and adversely affect our business.
We derive the number of daily active users and monthly active users of our applications using a combination of our internal statistics and data provide by a third-party research firm. Our internal statistics have not been independently verified. While we believe third-party data we use are reliable, we have not independently verified such data. Furthermore, there are inherent challenges in measuring usage across our large user base. For example, we calculate number of active users of our mobile applications based on the number of unique devices. We count each device on which one or more of our mobile applications have been installed as a single user. As such, a single individual using our applications on multiple devices is counted as multiple users, while multiple individuals sharing a device on which our applications are installed is counted as a single user. We do not include the number of daily active users and monthly active users of CM Security on the Android platform in our number of daily active users and monthly active users, respectively, of our products. CM Security on the Android platform identifies devices by Android ID, while our other mobile applications for the Android platform identify devices by Device ID. While each Device ID or Android ID identifies a unique device, under certain circumstances, such as a factory reset, the Android ID associated with a given device may change. We are unable to match Device IDs with Android IDs and therefore unable to adjust for double-counting of devices on which CM Security together with one or more of our other mobile applications are installed. Thus, the number of our daily active users and monthly active users may not accurately reflect the actual number of users of our applications.
In addition, the third-party data on which we rely for our daily active user and monthly active user statistics regarding our PC based applications is not yet available for March 2014. Accordingly, while we present daily active user and monthly active user figures for our mobile applications as of March 2014, we present daily active user and monthly active user figures for our PC based applications and total daily active user and monthly active user figures as of February 2014.
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Our measures of user base and user activity may differ from estimates published by third parties or from similarly titled metrics used by our competitors due to differences in methodology. If customers, business partners or investors do not perceive our user metrics to be accurate representations of our user base or user activity, or if we discover material inaccuracies in our user metrics, our reputation may be harmed and business partners may be less willing to allocate their spending or resources to us, which could negatively affect our business and operating results.
Our results of operations are subject to seasonal fluctuations due to a number of factors, any of which could adversely affect our business and operating results.
We are subject to seasonality and other fluctuations in our business. Revenues from online marketing services are typically higher in the fourth quarter due to peak shopping season and increased marketing campaigns during the period. We generally experience weaker demands for online marketing services in the first quarter of each year due to the Chinese New Year holidays. Thus, our operating results in one or more future quarters or years may fluctuate substantially or fall below the expectations of securities analysts and investors. In such event, the trading price of the ADSs may fluctuate significantly.
If we fail to build, maintain and enhance our brands, incur excessive expenses in this effort or if there is confusion in the market between our brands and that of Kingsoft Corporation, our business, results of operations and prospects may be materially and adversely affected.
We believe that building, maintaining and enhancing our brands are critical to the success of our business and our ability to compete. Well-recognized brands are important to increasing our number of users and expanding our online marketing business.
Many factors, some of which are beyond our control, are important to maintaining and enhancing our brands and may negatively impact our brands and reputation if not properly managed, such as:
| our ability to provide a convenient and reliable user experience as user preferences evolve and we expand into new applications; |
| our ability to increase brand awareness among existing and potential users, advertisers and business partners through various marketing and promotional activities; |
| our ability to adopt new technologies or adapt our applications to meet user needs or the expectations of our advertisers and other business partners; |
| our ability to maintain and enhance our brands in the face of potential challenges from third parties; |
| actions by the business partners, through whom we collect revenues and perform other business functions, that may affect our reputation; |
| actions by Kingsoft Corporation, from whom we license the name Kingsoft, that may affect the Kingsoft brand; and |
| our ability to differentiate our brands and products from those of Kingsoft Corporation. |
In addition, we recently changed our corporate name and company logo as part of our corporate re-branding efforts. The change of our corporate name and logo is to better align our corporate name with the products we offer, and we will continue our efforts to strengthen our key brand assets, including Clean Master, Battery Doctor and Duba Antivirus. However, there is no assurance that we will be able to achieve the same or similar name recognition or status under our new corporate brand as that we have enjoyed. If our customers and business partners do not accept our new brand, our sales, performance and business relationships could be adversely affected.
As we expand, we may conduct various marketing and brand promotion activities. We cannot assure you, however, that these activities will be successful or that we will be able to achieve the outcomes we expect. In addition, any negative publicity in relation to our mission critical applications, regardless of its veracity, could harm our brands and reputation.
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Non-compliance on the part of third parties with whom we conduct business could disrupt our business and adversely affect our results of operations.
Our business partners, including our game developers, may be subject to regulatory penalties or punishments because of their regulatory compliance failures, which may disrupt our business. Any legal liabilities of, or regulatory actions against, our business partners may affect our business activities and reputation and, in turn, our results of operations. For example, we cooperate with online game developers to publish their games through our mission critical applications. The online game industry is highly regulated in China and many other jurisdictions, and online game operators are generally required to obtain licenses and permits, to complete filing procedures for specific mobile games and to comply with various requirements when conducting business. We require our partners in the online game industry to provide their licenses, permits or filing documents relating to the relevant online games before entering into cooperation arrangements with them, but we cannot assure you that such commercial partners or other developers will continue to maintain all applicable permits and approvals, and any noncompliance on their part may cause potential liabilities to us and disrupt our operations.
If we fail to obtain and maintain the requisite licenses and approvals required under the complex regulatory environment applicable to our businesses in China, or if we are required to take actions that are time-consuming or costly, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
The internet and mobile industries in China are highly regulated, as is the online game industry. Our VIEs are required to obtain and maintain applicable licenses and approvals from different regulatory authorities in order to provide their current services. Under the current PRC regulatory scheme, a number of regulatory agencies, including but not limited to the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, or SARFT, the Ministry of Culture, or MOC, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, or MIIT, and the State Council Information Office, or SCIO, jointly regulate all major aspects of the internet industry, including the mobile internet and online games businesses. Operators must obtain various government approvals and licenses for relevant internet or mobile business.
We have obtained Internet Content Provider Licenses, or ICP licenses, for provision of internet information services, Online Culture Operating Licenses for operation of online games and Computer Information System Security Products Sales Licenses for our internet and mobile security applications. These licenses are essential to the operation of our business and are generally subject to regular government review or renewal. However, we cannot assure you that we can successfully renew these licenses in a timely manner or that these licenses are sufficient to conduct all of our present or future business.
We are also required to obtain an Online Culture Operating License from the MOC and an Internet Publishing License from SARFT in order to operate and distribute games through the internet and mobile networks. Each online game is also required to be approved by SARFT prior to the commencement of its operations in China. For domestic online games, within 30 days after the commencement of operation, the operator must finish the registration process with the MOC. Furthermore, an online game operator is required to obtain approval from the MOC in order to distribute virtual currencies for online games such as prepaid value cards, prepaid money or game points. While we endeavor to comply with the registration requirements, some of the developers of the games we publish, who have contractual obligations to procure such approval from SARFT, have not obtained such approval, and certain of the games we published were not registered within 30 days of their commencement of operations. We cannot assure you that we, or our game developers, will be able to obtain all the required permits, approvals or licenses in a timely manner, or at all.
In addition, we recently entered into an agreement to purchase certain assets relating to an online lottery business. After the closing of this transaction, we intend to use the assets acquired to engage in certain online lottery business. Under the Tentative Administrative Measures on Internet Lottery Sale promulgated by the PRC Ministry of Finance, or MOF, on September 26, 2010, an approval from the MOF is required for conducting online lottery business. Moreover, on January 18, 2012, the Implementation Rules of the Lottery Administration Regulations, or the Lottery Implementation Rules, were jointly issued by the MOF, the PRC Ministry of Civil Affairs and the State General Administration of Sport. The Lottery Implementation Rules became effective as of March 1, 2012 and explicitly stipulate that the welfare lotteries and sports lotteries sold without the Ministry of
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Finances approval and the Lottery Issuing Authoritys and Lottery Sales Offices commission may be categorized as illegal lotteries. Therefore, in addition to MOFs approval, the Lottery Implementation Rules further request the online lottery sales agency to obtain proper authorization from the Lottery Issuing Authority and the Lottery Sales Office to conduct lottery business. In December 2012, the MOF issued the Lottery Distribution and Sale Administration Measures, which became effective on January 1, 2013. These new measures expressly allow Internet lottery sales after obtaining an approval from the MOF. However, there are no associated implementation rules. We currently do not have such an approval, and our online lottery business may be suspended by relevant governmental authorities. We plan to apply for this approval if we are required to do so under newly issued rules or regulations or by relevant government authorities. However, if we fail to obtain this approval if and when we are required to do so, we may be subject to regulatory penalties for lack of such approval, our reputation may be harmed and our business may be adversely affected.
Considerable uncertainties exist regarding the interpretation and implementation of existing and future laws and regulations governing our business activities. We cannot assure you that we will not be found in violation of any future laws and regulations or any of the laws and regulations currently in effect due to changes in the relevant authorities interpretation of these laws and regulations. If we fail to complete, obtain or maintain any of the required licenses or approvals or make the necessary filings, we may be subject to various penalties, such as confiscation of the net revenues that were generated through the unlicensed internet or mobile activities, the imposition of fines and the discontinuation or restriction of our operations. Any such penalties may disrupt our business operations and materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Failure to comply with data privacy and protection laws and regulations could damage our reputation, deter current and potential users from using our applications and subject us to fines and damages, which could have material adverse effects on our business and results of operations.
We are subject to the data privacy and protection laws and regulations adopted by PRC and foreign governmental agencies. Data privacy laws restrict our storage, use, processing, disclosure, transfer and protection of non-public personal information provided to us by our users. In December 2012 and July 2013, new laws and regulations were issued by the standing committee of the PRC National Peoples Congress and MIIT to enhance the legal protection of information security and privacy on the internet. The laws and regulations also require internet operators to take measures to ensure confidentiality of user information. In addition, we are also subject to regulation under U.S. state law regarding the publication and dissemination of our privacy policy with respect to user data. It is possible that we may become subject to additional U.S. state or federal legislation or other foreign governments rules and regulations regarding the use of personal information or privacy-related matters, which may conflict with, or be more stringent than, the regulations to which we are currently subject. Complying with any additional or new regulatory requirements could force us to incur substantial costs or require us to change our business practices.
While we strive to protect our users privacy and comply with all applicable data protection laws and regulations, any failure or perceived failure to do so may result in proceedings or actions against us by government entities or others, and could damage our reputation, deter current and potential users from using our applications and subject us to fines and damages. User and regulatory attitudes towards privacy are evolving, and future regulatory or user concerns about the extent to which personal information is used by, accessible to or shared with advertisers or others may adversely affect our ability to share certain data with advertisers, which may limit certain methods of targeted advertising. Concerns regarding the collection, use or disclosure of personal information or other data privacy-related matters, even if unfounded, could damage our reputation and results of operations. Negative publicity in relation to our applications regardless of its veracity, could seriously harm our reputation, which in turn may deter current and potential users from using our applications, which could have material adverse effects on our business and results of operations.
The successful operation of our business depends upon the performance and reliability of the internet infrastructure in China and the safety of our network and infrastructure.
Our business depends on the performance and reliability of the internet infrastructure in China. Almost all access to the internet is maintained through state-owned telecommunication operators under the administrative
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control and regulatory supervision of the MIIT. A more sophisticated internet infrastructure may not be developed in China. We may not have access to alternative networks in the event of disruptions, failures or other problems with Chinas internet infrastructure. In addition, the internet infrastructure in China may not support the demands associated with continued growth in internet usage. Although we believe we have sufficient controls in place to prevent intentional disruptions, we expect our network and infrastructure may experience attacks specifically designed to impede the performance of our products and services, misappropriate proprietary information or harm our reputation. Because the techniques used by hackers to access or sabotage networks change frequently and may not be recognized until launched against a target, we may be unable to anticipate them effectively. The theft, unauthorized use or publication of our trade secrets and other confidential business information as a result of such an event could adversely affect our competitive position, brand reputation and user base, and our users and customers may assert claims against us related to resulting losses arising from security breaches. Our business could be subject to significant disruption and our results of operations may be affected.
Security breaches or hacking incidents could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business prospects and results of operations.
Any significant breach of the security of our computer systems could significantly harm our business, reputation and results of operations and expose us to lawsuits brought by our users and business partners and to sanctions by governmental authorities in the jurisdictions in which we operate and may result in significant damage to our internet security brand. We cannot assure you that our IT systems will be completely secure from future security breaches or hacking incidents. Anyone who is able to circumvent our security measures could misappropriate proprietary information, including the personal information of our users, obtain users names and passwords and enable hackers to access users other online and mobile accounts, if those users use identical user names and passwords. They could also misappropriate other information, including financial information, uploaded by our users in a secure environment. These circumventions may cause interruptions in our operations or damage our brand image and reputation. Our servers may be vulnerable to computer viruses, physical or electronic break-ins and similar disruptions, which could cause system interruptions, website slowdown or unavailability, delays in communication or transactions, or loss of data. We may be required to incur significant additional costs to protect against security breaches or to alleviate problems caused by such breaches. Any significant security breach or attack on our system could result in a material adverse impact on our reputation, business prospects and results of operations.
We may incur net losses and experience negative cash flow from operating activities in the future and may not be able to obtain additional capital in a timely manner or on acceptable terms, or at all.
We have incurred net losses in the past and we may incur net losses in the future as we grow our business. In the first quarter of 2014, we granted a total of 57,148,631 restricted shares to our executive officers and employees pursuant to our 2011 share award scheme, or the 2011 Plan, and our 2013 equity incentive plan, or 2013 Plan, and we expect to incur share-based compensation expenses in an aggregate estimated amount of US$52.2 million over four to five years. In April 2014, we granted an additional 8,165,000 restricted shares in aggregate to certain of our employees and consultants pursuant to our 2011 Plan and 2013 Plan. In addition, we experienced negative cash flow from operating activities of RMB7.2 million in 2011. Although we generated positive cash flow from operating activities in the amount of RMB45.8 million in 2012 and RMB198.2 million (US$32.7 million) in 2013, we may experience negative cash flows again in the future.
We may not be able to achieve or sustain profitability or positive cash flow from operating activities and, if we achieve positive operating cash flow, it may not be sufficient to satisfy our anticipated capital expenditures and other cash needs. Further, we may not be able to fund our operating expenses and expenditures and may be unable to fulfill our financial obligations as they become due, which may result in voluntary or involuntary dissolution or liquidation proceedings and a total loss of your investment.
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We have granted, and may continue to grant, options, restricted shares and other types of awards under our share incentive plans, which may result in increased share-based compensation expenses.
We adopted a share award scheme in May 2011, or the 2011 Plan, and a 2013 equity incentive plan in January 2014, or the 2013 Plan. Under the 2011 Plan, as amended in September 2013, we are authorized to grant restricted share awards for issuance of up to a maximum of 100,000,000 ordinary shares. Under the 2013 Plan, we are authorized to grant options or other types of awards for issuance of up to a maximum of 64,497,718 ordinary shares. In addition, in April 2014, we adopted a 2014 restricted shares plan, or the 2014 Plan, pursuant to which we are authorized to issue up to 122,545,665 Class A ordinary shares for the grant of restricted shares and restricted share units. See ManagementShare Incentive Plans for a detailed discussion. In 2011, 2012 and 2013, we recorded RMB5.8 million, RMB20.3 million and RMB37.4 million, respectively, in share-based compensation expenses. The amount of these expenses is based on the fair value of the share-based compensation awards we granted, and the recognition of unrecognized share-based compensation cost will depend on the forfeiture rate of our unvested restricted shares. In the first quarter of 2014, we granted a total of 57,148,631 restricted shares to our executive officers and employees, and we expect to incur share-based compensation expenses in an aggregate estimated amount of US$52.2 million in connection with the first quarter grants over four to five years. In April 2014, we granted an additional 8,165,000 restricted shares in aggregate to certain of our employees and consultants pursuant to our 2011 Plan and 2013 Plan. Expenses associated with share-based compensation have affected our net income and may reduce our net income in the future, and any additional securities issued under share-based compensation schemes will dilute the ownership interests of our shareholders, including holders of the ADSs. We believe the granting of share-based compensation is of significant importance to our ability to attract and retain key personnel, employees and consultants, and we will continue to grant share-based compensation in the future. As a result, our expenses associated with share-based compensation may increase, which may have an adverse effect on our results of operations.
We are a controlled company within the meaning of the rules of NYSE Listed Company Manual as well as a foreign private issuer. As a result, we expect to qualify for, and intend to rely on, exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements. You will not have the same protections afforded to shareholders of companies that are subject to such requirements.
After the completion of this offering, Kingsoft Corporation will own 53.5% of the total voting rights in our company, assuming the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional ADSs and we will issue and sell a total of 37,037,037 Class A ordinary shares through the Concurrent Private Placement, which number of shares has been calculated based on the mid-point of the estimated initial public offering price range shown on the front cover page of this prospectus. As a result, we will be a controlled company under Section 303A of the NYSE Listed Company Manual. As a controlled company, we intend to rely on certain exemptions that are available to controlled companies from the NYSE corporate governance requirements, including the requirements that:
| a majority of our board of directors consist of independent directors; |
| our compensation committee be composed entirely of independent directors; and |
| our nominating and corporate governance committee be composed entirely of independent directors. |
We are not required to and will not voluntarily meet these requirements. As a result of our use of the controlled company exemption, our investors will not have the same protection as they would if we were not a controlled company.
In addition, because Kingsoft Corporation will own 53.5% of the total voting rights in our company, assuming the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional ADSs, it will have decisive influence in determining the outcome of any corporate transaction or other matter submitted to the shareholders
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for approval, including mergers, consolidations and the sale of all or substantially all of our assets, election of directors and other significant corporate actions. Without the consent of Kingsoft Corporation, we may be prevented from entering into transactions that could be beneficial to us. The interests of Kingsoft Corporation and our other large shareholders may differ from the interests of our other shareholders.
Furthermore, because we qualify as a foreign private issuer under the Exchange Act, we will be exempt from certain provisions of the Exchange Act that are applicable to U.S. public companies, 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. As a result, you may not be provided with the same benefits as a shareholder of a U.S. issuer.
We may have conflicts of interest with Kingsoft Corporation and, because of Kingsoft Corporations controlling voting interest in our company, we may not be able to resolve such conflicts on favorable terms for us.
Conflicts of interest may arise between Kingsoft Corporation 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:
Cooperation framework agreement. Historically, we have entered into various transactions from time to time with Kingsoft Corporation and its subsidiaries. For the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2012 and 2013, we recognized aggregate fees of RMB21.3 million, RMB16.3 million and RMB14.4 million (US$2.4 million), respectively, to Kingsoft Corporation and its subsidiaries for certain promotion services, licensing services, leasing and miscellaneous services they provided to us. For the same aforementioned periods, we recognized aggregate revenue of RMB5.3 million, RMB2.9 million and RMB4.4 million (US$727,000), respectively, from Kingsoft Corporation and its subsidiaries for certain licensing services and technology support services that we provided to Kingsoft Corporation and its subsidiaries. On December 27, 2013, we entered into a cooperation framework agreement with Kingsoft Corporation for the period from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2016 with respect to such ongoing transactions. So long as Kingsoft Corporation continues to control us, we may not be able to bring a legal claim against them in the event of contractual breach, notwithstanding our contractual rights under the cooperation framework agreement described above and other inter-company agreements entered into from time to time.
Sale of shares in our company. Kingsoft Corporation may decide to sell all or a portion of our shares that it holds 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 our public shareholders.
Our board members or executive officers may have conflicts of interest. Our company has certain common directors and officers with Kingsoft Corporation. Mr. Jun Lei, the chairman of our board of directors, also currently serves as the chairman and non-executive director of Kingsoft Corporation. Mr. Hongjiang Zhang, one of our board directors, is currently also the chief executive officer and director of Kingsoft Corporation. Mr. Yuk Keung Ng, one of our board directors, is currently also the chief financial officer and director of Kingsoft Corporation. Mr. Wei Liu, one of our board directors, is also a vice president of Kingsoft Corporation. Mr. Sheng Fu, our chief executive officer and director, also serves as a senior vice president at Kingsoft Corporation. A number of our directors and executive officers also own shares and/or options to purchase shares in Kingsoft Corporation. Kingsoft Corporation may continue to grant incentive share compensation to our board members and executive officers from time to time. These relationships could create perceived or actual conflicts of interest when these persons are faced with decisions with potentially different implications for Kingsoft Corporation and us.
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Allocation of business opportunities. Business opportunities may arise that both we and Kingsoft Corporation find attractive, and which would complement or expand our respective businesses. Subject to the non-compete agreement to be entered into between Kingsoft Corporation and us on the date of completion of this offering, Kingsoft Corporation may decide to take the opportunities itself, which would prevent us from taking advantage of the opportunity ourselves.
Developing business relationships with Kingsoft Corporations competitors. So long as Kingsoft Corporation remains as our controlling shareholder, we may be limited in our ability to do business with its competitors, such as other Internet based software developers, distributors and service providers in China. This may limit the effectiveness of our online advertisement and not be in the best interests of our company and our other shareholders.
Although our company is a standalone entity, we expect to operate, for as long as Kingsoft Corporation is our controlling shareholder, as part of Kingsoft Group. Kingsoft Corporation may from time to time make strategic decisions that it believes are in the best interests of the Kingsoft Group as a whole. These decisions may be different from the decisions that we would have made on our own. Kingsoft Corporations decisions with respect to us or our business may be resolved in ways that favor Kingsoft Corporation and therefore Kingsoft Corporations 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 an unaffiliated 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.
We may be the subject of anti-competitive, harassing or other detrimental conduct that could harm our reputation and cause us to lose users and customers and adversely affect the price of the ADSs.
In the future we may be the target of anti-competitive, harassing, or other detrimental conduct by third parties. Allegations, directly or indirectly against us or any of our executive officers, may be posted in internet chat-rooms or on blogs or websites by anyone, whether or not related to us, on an anonymous basis. The availability of information on social media platforms and devices is virtually immediate, as is its impact. Social media platforms and devices immediately publish the content their subscribers and participants post, often without filters or checks on the accuracy of the content posted. Information posted may be inaccurate and adverse to us, and it may harm our business, prospectus or financial performance. The harm may be immediate without affording us an opportunity for redress or correction. In addition, such conduct may include complaints, anonymous or otherwise, to regulatory agencies. We may be subject to regulatory or internal investigation as a result of such third-party conduct and may be required to expend significant time and incur substantial costs to address such third-party conduct, and there is no assurance that we will be able to conclusively refute each of the allegations within a reasonable period of time, or at all. Additionally, our reputation could be harmed as a result of the public dissemination of anonymous allegations or malicious statements about our business, which in turn may cause us to lose users and customers and adversely affect the price of the ADSs.
If we fail to implement and maintain an effective system of internal control, we may be unable to accurately report our results of operations, meet our reporting obligations or prevent fraud.
Prior to this offering, we were a private company with limited accounting personnel and other resources with which to address our internal controls and procedures. Our independent registered public accounting firm has not conducted an audit of our internal control over financial reporting. In connection with the preparation and external audit of our consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, we and Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, noted a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting. The material weakness identified was our lack of financial reporting personnel with the requisite U.S. GAAP and SEC financial reporting expertise. We have implemented and are continuing to implement a number of measures to address the material weakness. For example, we have recently appointed a chief financial officer, hired a number of financial reporting and internal control personnel with U.S. GAAP and SEC financial reporting expertise, and have established an internal audit
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function. We also plan to hire additional personnel with U.S. GAAP and SEC financial reporting expertise. We have not incurred any material costs to date but we are not able to estimate with reasonable certainty the costs that we will need to incur to remediate the material weakness and improve our internal control over financial reporting in the future. For details about this material weakness, and the steps we have taken and plan to take to remediate this material weakness, see Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsInternal Control Over Financial Reporting. We intend to remediate this material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting by the end of the first full year after the completion of this offering. However, we cannot assure you that we will be able to continue implementing these measures in the future, or that we will not identify additional material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in the future.
Neither we nor our independent registered public accounting firm undertook a comprehensive assessment of our internal control for the purposes of identifying and reporting material weaknesses, significant deficiencies and control deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting. It is possible that, had we performed a formal assessment of our internal control over financial reporting or had our independent registered public accounting firm performed an audit of our internal control over financial reporting, additional material weaknesses or significant deficiencies may have been identified.
Upon the completion of this offering, we will become a public company in the United States and will be subject to Section 404 and the applicable rules and regulations thereunder. Section 404 requires that we include a report of management on our internal control over financial reporting in our annual report on Form 20-F beginning with our annual report for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2015. In addition, once we cease to be an emerging growth company as such term is defined in the JOBS Act, our independent registered public accounting firm must attest to and report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Our failure to achieve and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could result in the loss of investor confidence in the reliability of our financial statements, which in turn could harm our business and negatively impact the market price of the ADSs.
We have limited business insurance coverage. Any interruption of our business may result in substantial costs to us and the diversion of our resources, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Insurance products available in China currently are not as extensive as those offered in more developed economies. Consistent with customary industry practice in China, our business insurance is limited and we do not carry real property or business interruption insurance to cover our operations. We have determined that the costs of insuring for related risks and the difficulties associated with acquiring such insurance on commercially reasonable terms make it impractical for us to have such insurance. Any uninsured damage to our systems or disruption of our business operations could require us to incur substantial costs and divert our resources, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Our business, financial condition and results of operations, as well as our ability to obtain financing, may be adversely affected by a downturn in the global or Chinese economy.
The global financial markets have experienced significant disruptions since 2008 and the United States, Europe and other economies have experienced recession. The recovery from the lows of 2008 and 2009 has been uneven and is facing new challenges, including the escalation of the European sovereign debt crisis since 2011 and the slowdown of the Chinese economy in 2012. It is unclear whether the Chinese economy will resume its high growth rate. There is considerable uncertainty over the long-term effects of the expansionary monetary and fiscal policies adopted by the central banks and financial authorities of some of the worlds leading economies, including Chinas. There have also been concerns over unrest in the Middle East and Africa, which have resulted in volatility in oil and other markets. There have also been concerns about the economic effect of the tensions in Japans relationship with China. The internet industry may be affected by economic downturns. A prolonged slowdown in the global or Chinese economy, may lead to a reduced amount of internet advertising, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
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Moreover, a slowdown or disruption in the global or Chinese economy may have a material and adverse impact on the financing available to us. The weakness in the economy could erode investor confidence, which constitutes the basis of the credit market. The recent financial turmoil affecting the financial markets and banking system may significantly restrict our ability to obtain financing in the capital markets or from financial institutions on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. Although we are uncertain about the extent to which the recent global financial and economic crisis and slowdown of Chinese economy may impact our business in the short-term and long-term, there is a risk that our business, results of operations and prospects would be materially and adversely affected by any global economic downturn or disruption or slowdown of Chinese economy.
Any catastrophe, including natural catastrophes, outbreaks of health pandemics or other extraordinary events, could disrupt our business operations.
Our operations may be vulnerable to interruption and damage from natural or other catastrophes, including earthquakes, fire, floods, hail, windstorms, severe winter weather (including snow, freezing water, ice storms and blizzards), environmental accidents, power loss, communications failures, explosions, man-made events such as terrorist attacks and similar events. We cannot predict the incidence, timing and severity of such events. If any catastrophe or extraordinary event occurs in the future, our ability to operate our business could be seriously impaired. Such events could make it difficult or impossible for us to deliver our services and products to our users and could decrease demand for our products. Because we do not carry property insurance and significant time could be required to resume our operations, our financial position and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected in the event of any major catastrophic event.
In addition, our business could be adversely affected by the outbreak of health pandemics, including influenza A, such as H7N9, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) or other pandemics. Any occurrence of these pandemic diseases or other adverse public health developments in China or elsewhere could severely disrupt our staffing or the staffing of our business partners and otherwise reduce the activity levels of our work force and the work force of our business partners, causing a material and adverse effect on our business operations.
Risks Relating to Our Corporate Structure
If the PRC government finds that the structure we have adopted for our business operations does not comply with PRC governmental restrictions on foreign investment in internet and mobile businesses, or if these laws or regulations or interpretations of existing laws or regulations change in the future, we could be subject to severe penalties, including the shutting down of our platform and our business operations.
Foreign ownership of internet-based and mobile-based businesses is subject to significant restrictions under current PRC laws and regulations. The PRC government regulates internet access, distribution of online information, online advertising, distribution and operation of online games through strict business licensing requirements and other government regulations. These laws and regulations also limit foreign ownership of PRC companies that provide internet information services. Specifically, foreign ownership of an internet information provider may not exceed 50%. In addition, according to the Several Opinions on the Introduction of Foreign Investment in the Cultural Industry promulgated by the MOC, the SARFT, the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Commerce, or the MOFCOM, in July 2005, foreign investors are prohibited from investing in or operating, among other things, any internet cultural operating entities. Companies providing mobile internet services such as ours are governed by these rules and regulations on internet companies in China.
We are a Cayman Islands company and we conduct our operations in China primarily through our VIEs, including Beijing Antutu, Beike Internet, Guangzhou Network, Beijing Network, and Beijing Conew. We exercise effective control over our VIEs through a series of contractual arrangements that those entities and/or their shareholders signed with two of our wholly-owned PRC subsidiaries, namely, Beijing Security and Conew Network. Our contractual arrangements with our VIEs and their shareholders enable us to exercise effective control over our VIEs and give us the obligation to absorb losses and the right to receive benefits of the VIEs,
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requiring us to treat them as our consolidated affiliated entities and to consolidate their operating results. For a detailed description of these contractual arrangements, see Corporate History and Structure.
On September 28, 2009, the General Administration of Press and Publication, or the GAPP, which later integrated with the State Administration for Radio, Film and Television to become SARFT effective from March 22, 2013, the National Copyright Administration and the Office of National Work Group for Combating Pornography and Illegal Publications jointly issued a Notice on Implementing the Provisions of the State Council on Three Determinations and the Relevant Explanations of the State Commission Office for Public Sector Reform and Further Strengthening the Administration of the Pre-approval of Online Games and Examination and Approval of Imported Online Games, or Circular 13. Circular 13 restates that foreign investors are not permitted to invest in online game-operating businesses in China via wholly-owned, equity joint venture or cooperative joint venture investments and expressly prohibits foreign investors from gaining control over or participating in domestic mobile game operators through indirect ways such as establishing other joint venture companies or entering into contractual or technical arrangements such as the variable interest entity structural arrangements we adopted. As no detailed interpretation of Circular 13 has been issued to date, it is not clear how Circular 13 will be implemented. We are not aware of any companies that have adopted a corporate structure that is the same as or similar to ours having been penalized or having had their arrangements terminated under Circular 13 since the effective date of the circular. Furthermore, as some other primary government regulators, such as the MOFCOM, the MOC, and the MIIT, did not join in issuing Circular 13, the scope of the implementation and enforcement of Circular 13 remains uncertain. In the event that we, our PRC subsidiaries or our VIEs are found to be in violation of the prohibition under Circular 13, the SARFT, in conjunction with the relevant regulatory authorities in charge, may impose applicable penalties, which may include suspension or revocation of relevant licenses and registrations.
Based on the advice of our PRC legal counsel, Han Kun Law Offices, the contractual arrangements among our PRC subsidiaries, our VIEs, their shareholders and us, as described in this prospectus, are valid, legal and binding on each of the above-mentioned parties thereto in accordance with the terms of respective contractual arrangements. However, we were further advised by Han Kun Law Offices that there are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of current or future PRC laws and regulations, and that these laws or regulations or interpretations of these laws or regulations may change in the future. Furthermore, the relevant government authorities have broad discretion in interpreting these laws and regulations. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that PRC government authorities will not ultimately take a view contrary to that of our PRC legal counsel.
If our corporate structure, contractual arrangements and businesses of our company, our PRC subsidiaries or our VIEs are found to be in violation of any existing or future PRC laws or regulations, the relevant governmental authorities would have broad discretion in dealing with such violation, including
| levying fines or confiscating our income or the income of our PRC subsidiaries or our VIEs; |
| revoking or suspending the business licenses or operating licenses of our PRC subsidiaries or our VIEs; |
| shutting down our servers or blocking our platform, discontinuing or placing restrictions or onerous conditions on our operations; |
| requiring us to discontinue or restrict our operations; |
| requiring us to undergo a costly and disruptive restructuring, restricting or prohibiting our use of proceeds from this offering to finance our business and operations in China; and |
| taking other regulatory or enforcement actions that could be harmful to our business. |
Any of these actions could cause significant disruption to our business operations and severely damage our reputation, which would in turn materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Our VIEs contributed most of our consolidated net revenues in the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013. If the imposition of any of the above penalties were to cause us to lose the rights to direct the activities
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of our VIEs or our right to receive their economic benefits, we would no longer be able to consolidate such entities.
We rely on contractual arrangements with our VIEs and their shareholders for the operation of our business, which may not be as effective as direct ownership.
Because of PRC restrictions on foreign ownership of internet businesses in China, we depend on contractual arrangements with our VIEs, in which we have no ownership interest, to conduct our business. These contractual arrangements are intended to provide us with effective control over these entities and allow us to obtain economic benefits from them. Our VIEs are owned directly by Messrs. Sheng Fu, Ming Xu and Wei Liu, who are also our core management and/or director, as well as Ms. Weiqin Qiu, an affiliate of our company. For additional details on these ownership interests, see Corporate History and Structure. However, these contractual arrangements may not be as effective in providing control as direct ownership. For example, our VIEs and their shareholders could breach their contractual arrangements with us by, among other things, failing to operate our business in an acceptable manner or taking other actions that are detrimental to our interests. If we were the controlling shareholder of these VIEs with direct ownership, we would be able to exercise our rights as shareholders to effect changes to their board of directors, which in turn could implement changes at the management and operational level. However, under the current contractual arrangements, as a legal matter, if our VIEs or their shareholders fail to perform their obligations under these contractual arrangements, we may have to incur substantial costs to enforce such arrangements, and rely on legal remedies under PRC law, including contract remedies, which may be time-consuming, unpredictable and expensive. If we are unable to enforce these contractual arrangements, or if we suffer significant delay or other obstacles in the process of enforcing them, our business and operations could be severely disrupted, which could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and damage our reputation. See Risks Relating to Doing Business in ChinaUncertainties in the interpretation and enforcement of Chinese laws and regulations could limit the legal protections available to you and us.
Our contractual arrangements with our VIEs may result in adverse tax consequences to us.
As a result of our corporate structure and the contractual arrangements among our PRC subsidiaries, our VIEs, their shareholders and us, we are effectively subject to PRC value-added tax and related surcharges on revenues generated by our subsidiaries from our contractual arrangements with our VIEs. The PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law requires every enterprise in China to submit its annual enterprise income tax return together with a report on transactions with its affiliates or related parties to the relevant tax authorities. These transactions may be subject to audit or challenge by the PRC tax authorities within ten years after the taxable year during which the transactions are conducted. We may be subject to adverse tax consequences if the PRC tax authorities were to determine that the contracts between us and our VIEs were not on an arms length basis and therefore constituted improper transfer pricing arrangements. If this occurs, the PRC tax authorities could request that our VIEs and any of their respective subsidiaries adjust their taxable income upward for PRC tax purposes. Such a pricing adjustment could adversely affect us by reducing expense deductions recorded by such VIEs and thereby increasing these entities tax liabilities, which could subject these entities to late payment fees and other penalties for the underpayment of taxes. Our consolidated net income may be materially and adversely affected if our VIEs tax liabilities increase or if they become subject to late payment fees or other penalties.
The shareholders of our VIEs may have potential conflicts of interest with us, which may materially and adversely affect our business.
The shareholders of our VIEs include Messrs. Sheng Fu, Ming Xu and Wei Liu, who are also our core management and/or director, as well as Ms. Weiqin Qiu, an affiliate of our company. Conflicts of interest may arise between the roles of Messrs. Sheng Fu, Ming Xu and Wei Liu as shareholders, directors or officers of our company and as shareholders of our VIEs. We rely on these individuals to abide by the laws of the Cayman Islands, which provide that directors and officers owe a fiduciary duty to our company to act in good faith and in the best interest of our company and not to use their positions for personal gain. The shareholders of our VIEs
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have executed shareholder voting proxy agreements to appoint our applicable PRC subsidiary or a person designated by such PRC subsidiary to vote on their behalf and exercise voting rights as shareholders of the VIEs. We cannot assure you that when conflicts arise, shareholders of our VIEs will act in the best interest of our company or that conflicts will be resolved in our favor. If we cannot resolve any conflicts of interest or disputes between us and these shareholders, we would have to rely on legal proceedings, which may be expensive, time-consuming and disruptive to our operations. There is also substantial uncertainty as to the outcome of any such legal proceedings.
We may rely on dividends paid by our PRC subsidiaries to fund any cash and financing requirements we may have. 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 and to pay dividends to holders of the ADSs and our ordinary shares.
We are a holding company, and we may rely on dividends to be paid by our wholly-owned PRC subsidiaries for our cash and financing requirements, including the funds necessary to pay dividends and other cash distributions to the holders of the ADSs and our ordinary shares and service any debt we may incur. If our wholly owned PRC subsidiaries incur debt on their own behalf in the future, the instruments governing the debt may restrict their ability to pay dividends or make other distributions to us.
Under PRC laws and regulations, wholly foreign-owned enterprises in the PRC, such as Conew Network and Zhuhai Juntian, may pay dividends only out of its accumulated profits as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. In addition, a wholly foreign-owned enterprise is required to set aside at least 10% of its after-tax profits each year, after making up previous years accumulated losses, if any, to fund certain statutory reserve funds, until the aggregate amount of such a fund reaches 50% of its registered capital. At the discretion of the board of director of the wholly foreign-owned enterprise, it may allocate a portion of its after-tax profits based on PRC accounting standards to staff welfare and bonus funds. These reserve funds and staff welfare and bonus funds are not distributable as cash dividends. Any limitation on the ability of our wholly-owned PRC subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other distributions to us could materially and adversely limit our ability to grow, make investments or acquisitions that could be beneficial to our business, pay dividends, or otherwise fund and conduct our business.
Our existing shareholders have substantial influence over our company and their interests may not be aligned with the interests of our other shareholders, which may discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of our company and could deprive our shareholders of an opportunity to receive a premium for their securities.
Currently, our parent company Kingsoft Corporation, and FaX Vision Corporation, which is a company jointly owned by our founders, Mr. Sheng Fu and Mr. Ming Xu, together beneficially own an aggregate of 67.6% of our outstanding shares. Upon the completion of this offering and the Concurrent Private Placement, they will beneficially own an aggregate of 827,806,049 of our Class B ordinary shares and 7,407,407 of our Class A ordinary shares, or 60.4% of our then outstanding shares, and 66.8% of the then total voting power, assuming the underwriters do not exercise their over-allotment option to purchase additional ADSs. This concentration of ownership may discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of our company, which could deprive our shareholders of an opportunity to receive a premium for their shares as part of any contemplated sale of our company and may reduce the price of the ADSs.
In addition, if any of our core management team members violates the terms of their non-competition or other employment agreements with us, or their legal duties by diverting business opportunities from us, it will result in our loss of corporate opportunities. These actions may take place even if they are opposed by our other shareholders, including those who purchase ADSs in this offering. Although, after the completion of this offering, we will adopt a code of business conduct and ethics to help restrict conflicts of interest involving directors and officers, any violation of this code by our existing officers or directors may materially and adversely affect our business operations. For more information regarding the beneficial ownership of our company by our principal shareholders, see Principal Shareholders.
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We may lose the ability to use and enjoy vital assets held by our VIEs if such entities go bankrupt or become subject to a dissolution or liquidation proceeding.
Some of our VIEs hold certain assets, such as patent applications and software copyrights for the proprietary technology that are essential to the operations of our platform and important to the operation of our business. If any of these VIEs goes bankrupt and 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 results of operations. If any of such VIEs undergoes a voluntary or involuntary liquidation proceeding, the 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, financial condition and results of operations.
Risks Relating to Doing Business in China
Uncertainties in the interpretation and enforcement of Chinese laws and regulations could limit the legal protections available to you and us.
The PRC legal system is based on written statutes and prior court decisions have limited value as precedents. Since these laws and regulations are relatively new and 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 involves uncertainties.
From time to time, we may have to resort to administrative and court proceedings to enforce our legal rights. However, since PRC administrative and court authorities have significant discretion in interpreting and implementing statutory and contractual terms, it may be more difficult to predict the outcome of administrative and court proceedings and the level of legal protection we enjoy than in more developed legal systems. Furthermore, the PRC legal system is based in part on government policies and internal rules (some of which are not published in a timely manner or at all) that may have retroactive effect. As a result, we may not be aware of any violation of these policies and rules until after such violation. Such unpredictability, including uncertainty as to the scope and effect of our contractual, property (including intellectual property) and procedural rights, could materially and adversely affect our business and impede our ability to continue our operations.
Changes in Chinas economic, political or social conditions or government policies could have a material adverse effect on our business and operations.
Substantially all of our assets are located in China and a significant number of our users, advertisers, suppliers and business partners are from China. Accordingly, our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may be influenced to a significant degree by political, economic and social conditions in China generally, and by continued economic growth in China as a whole.
The Chinese economy differs from the economies of most developed countries in many respects, including the level of government involvement, level of development, growth rate, control of foreign exchange and allocation of resources. Although the Chinese government has implemented measures since the late 1970s 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 Chinese government. In addition, the Chinese government continues to play a significant role in regulating industrial development through industrial policies. The Chinese government also exercises significant control over the Chinese 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 experienced significant growth in recent decades, growth has been uneven, both geographically and among various sectors of the economy. The Chinese government has implemented
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various measures to encourage 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 us. The Chinese government has implemented certain measures, including interest rate increases, to control the pace of economic growth. These measures may cause decreased economic activity in China and, since 2012, Chinese economic growth has slowed. Any prolonged slowdown in the Chinese economy may reduce the demand for our applications and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may be adversely affected by the complexity of, and uncertainties and changes in, PRC regulation on internet and mobile internet businesses and companies.
The PRC government extensively regulates the internet industry, including foreign ownership of, and the licensing and permit requirements pertaining to, companies in the internet industry, including mobile internet companies. These internet-related laws and regulations are relatively new and evolving, and their interpretation and enforcement involve significant uncertainty. As a result, in certain circumstances it may be difficult to determine what actions or omissions may be deemed to be in violations of applicable laws and regulations. Issues, risks and uncertainties relating to PRC regulation of the internet business include, but are not limited to, the following:
| There is uncertainty related to the regulation of internet business in China, including evolving licensing practices and the requirement for real-name registrations. Permits, licenses or operations at some of our subsidiaries and our VIEs may be subject to challenge, or we may fail to obtain permits or licenses that may be deemed necessary for our operations or we may not be able to obtain or renew certain permits or licenses. See Risks Relating to Our Business and IndustryIf we fail to obtain and maintain the requisite licenses and approvals required under the complex regulatory environment applicable to our businesses in China, or if we are required to take actions that are time-consuming or costly, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected and PRC Regulation. Except for the bulletin board system services and online game operations that we provide in support of our applications, we are currently not required by PRC law to ask users for their real name and personal information when they register for a user account. We cannot assure you that PRC regulators would not require us to implement compulsory real-name registration in the future. |
| The evolving PRC regulatory system for the internet industry may lead to the establishment of new regulatory agencies. For example, in May 2011, the State Council announced the establishment of a new department, the State Internet Information Office (with the involvement of the SCIO, the MIIT and the Ministry of Public Security). The primary role of this new agency is to facilitate the policy-making and legislative development in this field to direct and coordinate with the relevant departments in connection with online content administration and to deal with cross-ministry regulatory matters in relation to the internet industry. We are unable to determine what policies this new agency or any new agencies to be established in the future may have or how they may interpret existing laws, regulations and policies and how they may affect us. Further, new laws, regulations or policies may be promulgated or announced that will regulate internet activities, including internet publication and online advertising businesses. If these new laws, regulations or policies are promulgated, additional licenses may be required for our operations. If our operations do not comply with these new regulations after they become effective, or if we fail to obtain any licenses required under these new laws and regulations, we could be subject to penalties. |
In July 13, 2006, the MIIT issued the Circular of the Ministry of Information Industry on Strengthening the Administration of Foreign Investment in Value-added Telecommunications Services. This circular prohibits domestic telecommunication service providers from leasing, transferring or selling telecommunication business operating licenses to any foreign investor in any form, or providing any resources, sites or facilities to any foreign investor for their illegal operation of a telecommunication business in China. According to this circular, either the holder of a value-added telecommunication business operating license or its shareholders must directly own the domain names and trademarks used by such license holders in their provision of value-added
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telecommunication services. The circular also requires each license holder to have the necessary facilities, including servers, for its approved business operations and to maintain such facilities in the regions covered by its license.
The interpretation and application of existing PRC laws, regulations and policies and possible new laws, regulations or policies relating to the internet industry have created substantial uncertainties regarding the legality of existing and future foreign investments in, and the businesses and activities of, internet and mobile internet businesses in China, including our business. There are also risks that we may be found to have violated existing or future laws and regulations given the uncertainty and complexity of Chinas regulation of internet business.
If any of our online games business activities is deemed to be in violation of law, we may have to cease or modify our online game operations, which could have a material and adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
All online games currently offered on our platform are licensed by and operated with game developers. Except for an Internet Publishing License, we have obtained licenses which we believe are sufficient for our online game offerings. However, the MOC or other competent government authorities may reinterpret existing laws, regulations or policies or promulgate and implement new ones, which may require us to cease or modify our online games business. Any such modification to our online games business may result in disruption of our business, diversion of management attention and the incurrence of substantial costs. In addition, we have requested our online game business partners to obtain and maintain all necessary licenses. However, we cannot assure you that all of our business partners have obtained or updated all necessary licenses, permits or registrations, from or with relevant governmental authorities. If any of such business partners fails to do so, we may not be able to continue to operate the affected online games, which may adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Content posted or displayed on our mobile and PC platforms and applications such as duba.com and 9724.com, including advertisements, may be found objectionable by PRC regulatory authorities and may subject us to penalties and other severe consequences.
The PRC government has adopted regulations governing internet and wireless access and the distribution of information over the internet and wireless telecommunication networks. Under these regulations, internet content providers and internet publishers are prohibited from posting or displaying over the internet or wireless networks content that, among other things, violates PRC laws and regulations, impairs the national dignity of China or the public interest, or is obscene, superstitious, fraudulent or defamatory. Furthermore, internet content providers are also prohibited from displaying content that may be deemed by relevant government authorities as socially destabilizing or leaking state secrets of the PRC. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the revocation of licenses to provide internet content or other licenses, the closure of the concerned platforms and reputational harm. The operator may also be held liable for any censored information displayed on or linked to their platform. For a detailed discussion, see PRC Regulation.
Since our inception, we have worked to monitor the content on our platforms and applications and to make the utmost effort to comply with relevant laws and regulations. However, it may not be possible to determine in all cases the types of content that could result in our liability as a distributor of such content and, if any of the content posted or displayed on our mobile and PC platforms and applications is deemed by the PRC government to violate any content restrictions, we would not be able to continue to display such content and could become subject to penalties, including confiscation of income, fines, suspension of business and revocation of required licenses, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may also be subject to potential liability for any unlawful actions by our users or third party service providers on our platform. It may be difficult to determine the type of content or actions that may result in
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liability to us and, if we are found to be liable, we may be prevented from operating our business in China. Moreover, the costs of compliance with these regulations may continue to increase as a result of more content being made available by an increasing number of users and third party business parties on our mobile and PC platforms and applications, which may adversely affect our results of operations. Although we have adopted internal procedures to monitor content and to remove offending content once we become aware of any potential or alleged violation, we may not be able to identify all the content that may violate relevant laws and regulations or third party intellectual property rights. Even if we manage to identify and remove offending third party content, we may still be held liable.
In addition, under PRC advertising laws and regulations, we are obligated to monitor the advertising content shown on our platforms and applications 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 internet posting, such as advertisements relating to pharmaceuticals, medical instruments, agrochemicals and veterinary pharmaceuticals, we are obligated to confirm that such review has been performed and approval has been obtained. 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 publish an announcement correcting the misleading information. In circumstances involving serious violations by us, PRC governmental authorities may force us to terminate our advertising operations or revoke our licenses.
While we have made significant efforts to ensure that the advertisements shown on our PC and mobile platforms and applications are in full compliance with applicable PRC laws and regulations, we cannot assure you that all the content contained in such advertisements or offers is true and accurate as required by the advertising laws and regulations, especially given the uncertainty in the interpretation of these PRC laws and regulations. If we are found to be in violation of applicable PRC advertising laws and regulations, 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, results of operations and prospects.
Under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, we may be classified as a PRC resident enterprise, which could result in unfavorable tax consequences to us and our shareholders and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and the value of your investment.
Under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, or the EIT Law, which became effective on January 1, 2008, an enterprise established outside the PRC with de facto management bodies within the PRC is considered a resident enterprise for PRC enterprise income tax purposes and is generally subject to a uniform 25% enterprise income tax rate on its worldwide income. On April 22, 2009, the State Administration of Taxation, or the SAT, issued the Notice Regarding the Determination of Chinese-Controlled Overseas Incorporated Enterprises as PRC Tax Resident Enterprise on the Basis of De Facto Management Bodies, or SAT 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. Further to SAT Circular 82, on July 27, 2011, the SAT issued the Administrative Measures for Enterprise Income Tax of Chinese-Controlled Offshore Incorporated Resident Enterprises (Trial), or SAT Bulletin 45, to provide more guidance on the implementation of SAT Circular 82; the bulletin became effective on September 1, 2011. SAT Bulletin 45 clarified certain issues in the areas of resident status determination, post-determination administration and competent tax authorities procedures.
According to SAT Circular 82, an offshore incorporated enterprise controlled by a PRC enterprise or a PRC enterprise group will be considered as a PRC tax resident enterprise by virtue of having its de facto management body in China and will be subject to PRC enterprise income tax on its worldwide income only if all of the following conditions are met: (a) the senior management and core management departments in charge of its daily operations function have their presence mainly in the PRC; (b) its financial and human resources decisions are subject to determination or approval by persons or bodies in the PRC; (c) its major assets, accounting books, company seals, and minutes and files of its board and shareholders meetings are located or kept in the PRC; and
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(d) more than half of the enterprises directors or senior management with voting rights habitually reside in the PRC. SAT Bulletin 45 specifies that when provided with a copy of Chinese tax resident determination certificate from a resident Chinese controlled offshore incorporated enterprise, the payer should not withhold 10% income tax when paying the Chinese-sourced dividends, interest, royalties, etc. to the Chinese controlled offshore incorporated enterprise.
Although SAT Circular 82 and SAT Bulletin 45 only apply to offshore incorporated enterprises controlled by PRC enterprises or PRC enterprise groups and not those controlled by PRC individuals or foreigners, the determination criteria set forth therein may reflect the SATs general position on how the term de facto management body could be applied in determining the tax resident status of offshore enterprises, regardless of whether they are controlled by PRC enterprises, individuals or foreigners.
If the PRC tax authorities determine that the Company or any of its non-PRC subsidiaries is a PRC resident enterprise for PRC enterprise income tax purposes, then the Company or any such non-PRC subsidiary could be subject to PRC tax at a rate of 25% on its world-wide income, which could materially reduce our net income. In addition, we will also be subject to PRC enterprise income tax reporting obligations.
In that case, although dividends paid by one PRC tax resident to another PRC tax resident should qualify as tax-exempt income under the EIT Law, we cannot assure you that dividends by our PRC subsidiaries to our non-PRC holding companies will not be subject to a 10% withholding tax, as the PRC foreign exchange control authorities and the PRC tax authorities have not yet issued guidance with respect to the processing of outbound remittances to entities that are treated as resident enterprises for PRC enterprise income tax purposes.
If the PRC tax authorities determine that the Company is a PRC resident enterprise for PRC enterprise income tax purposes, dividends paid by us to non-PRC holders may be subject to PRC withholding tax, and gains realized on the sale or other disposition of ADSs or ordinary shares may be subject to PRC tax, at a rate of 10% in the case of non-PRC enterprises or 20% in the case of non-PRC individuals (in each case, subject to the provisions of any applicable tax treaty), if such dividends or gains are deemed to be from PRC sources. Any such tax may reduce the returns on your investment in the ADSs.
We face uncertainty with respect to indirect transfer of equity interests in PRC resident enterprises by their non-PRC holding companies.
We face uncertainties regarding the reporting on and consequences of previous private equity financing transactions involving the transfer and exchange of shares in our company by non-resident investors. According to the Notice on Strengthening Administration of Enterprise Income Tax for Share Transfers by Non-PRC Resident Enterprises issued by the PRC State Administration of Taxation on December 10, 2009, with retroactive effect from January 1, 2008, or SAT Circular 698, where a non-resident enterprise transfers the equity interests in a PRC resident enterprise indirectly through a disposition of equity interests in an overseas holding company (other than a purchase and sale of shares issued by a PRC resident enterprise in public securities market), or an Indirect Transfer, and such overseas holding company is located in a tax jurisdiction that: (a) has an effective tax rate less than 12.5% or (b) does not tax foreign income of its residents, the non-resident enterprise, as the seller, shall report such Indirect Transfer to the competent tax authority of the PRC resident enterprise within 30 days of execution of the equity transfer agreement for such Indirect Transfer. The PRC tax authority will examine the true nature of the Indirect Transfer, and if the tax authority considers that the foreign investor has adopted an abusive arrangement without reasonable commercial purposes and for the purpose of avoiding or reducing PRC tax, they will disregard the existence of the overseas holding company that is used for tax planning purposes and re-characterize the Indirect Transfer. As a result, gains derived from such Indirect Transfer may be subject to PRC withholding tax at the rate of up to 10%. SAT Circular 698 also points out that when a non-resident enterprise transfers its equity interests in a PRC resident enterprise to its related parties at a price lower than the fair market value, the competent tax authorities have the power to make a reasonable adjustment on the taxable income of the transaction.
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If our preferential tax treatments are revoked, become unavailable or if the calculation of our tax liability is successfully challenged by the PRC tax authorities, we may be required to pay tax, interest and penalties in excess of our tax provisions, and our results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
The Chinese government has provided various tax incentives to our subsidiaries in China. These incentives include reduced enterprise income tax rates. For example, under the EIT Law and its implementation rules, the statutory enterprise income tax rate is 25%. However, enterprises which obtained the certificate of new software enterprise were entitled to an exemption of enterprise income tax for the first two years and a 50% reduction of enterprise income tax for the subsequent three years, commencing from the first profit-making year. Zhuhai Juntian and Beijing Security became qualified for this benefit starting in 2010. As a result, Zhuhai Juntian was eligible for a 12.5% preferential tax rate from 2011 to 2013. Beijing Security was eligible for a 0% preferential tax rate from 2010 to 2011, followed by a 12.5% preferential tax rate from 2012 to 2014. Each of Beike Internet, Beijing Network and Conew Network has obtained a new software enterprise certification, and, subject to the approval of competent tax authorities in Beijing, will be entitled to a preferential tax rate. Any increase in the enterprise income tax rate applicable to our PRC subsidiaries or VIEs in China, or any discontinuation or retroactive or future reduction of any of the preferential tax treatments currently enjoyed by our PRC subsidiaries or VIEs in China, could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, in the ordinary course of our business, we are subject to complex income tax and other tax regulations and significant judgment is required in the determination of a provision for income taxes. Although we believe our tax provisions are reasonable, if the PRC tax authorities successfully challenge our position and we are required to pay tax, interest and penalties in excess of our tax provisions, our financial condition and results of operations would be materially and adversely affected.
Chinas M&A Rules and certain other PRC regulations establish complex procedures for some acquisitions of Chinese companies by foreign investors, which could make it more difficult for us to pursue growth through acquisitions in China.
The Regulations on Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors, or the M&A Rules, and other recently adopted regulations and rules concerning mergers and acquisitions established additional procedures and requirements that could make merger and acquisition activities by foreign investors more time consuming and complex. For example, the M&A Rules require that MOFCOM be notified in advance of any change-of-control transaction in which a foreign investor takes control of a PRC domestic enterprise, if (i) any important industry is concerned, (ii) such transaction involves factors that impact or may impact national economic security, or (iii) such transaction will lead to a change in control of a domestic enterprise which holds a famous trademark or PRC time-honored brand. Moreover, the Anti-Monopoly Law promulgated by the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress on August 30, 2007 and effective as of August 1, 2008 requires that transactions which are deemed concentrations and involve parties with specified turnover thresholds (i.e., during the previous fiscal year, (i) the total global turnover of all operators participating in the transaction exceeds RMB10 billion and at least two of these operators each had a turnover of more than RMB400 million within China, or (ii) the total turnover within China of all the operators participating in the concentration exceeded RMB2 billion, and at least two of these operators each had a turnover of more than RMB400 million within China) must be cleared by MOFCOM before they can be completed. In addition, on February 3, 2011, the General Office of the State Council promulgated a Notice on Establishing the Security Review System for Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors, or the Circular 6, which officially established a security review system for mergers and acquisitions of domestic enterprises by foreign investors. Further, on August 25, 2011, MOFCOM promulgated the Regulations on Implementation of Security Review System for the Merger and Acquisition of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors, or the MOFCOM Security Review Regulations, which became effective on September 1, 2011, to implement the Circular 6. Under Circular 6, 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 with national security concerns. Under the MOFCOM Security Review Regulations, MOFCOM will focus on the substance and actual impact of the transaction when deciding whether
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a specific merger or acquisition is subject to security review. If MOFCOM decides that a specific merger or acquisition is subject to security review, it will submit it to the Inter-Ministerial Panel, an authority established under the Circular 6 led by the National Development and Reform Commission, or NDRC, and MOFCOM under the leadership of the State Council, to carry out security review. The regulations prohibit foreign investors from bypassing the security review by structuring transactions through trusts, indirect investments, leases, loans, control through contractual arrangements or offshore transactions. There is no explicit provision or official interpretation stating that the merging or acquisition of a company engaged in the mobile games business requires security review, and there is no requirement that acquisitions completed prior to the promulgation of the Security Review Circular are subject to MOFCOM review.
In the future, we may grow our business by acquiring complementary businesses. Complying with the requirements of the above-mentioned regulations and other relevant rules to complete such transactions could be time consuming, and any required approval processes, including obtaining approval from the MOFCOM or its local counterparts may delay or inhibit our ability to complete such transactions. It is unclear whether our business would be deemed to be in an industry that raises national defense and security or national security concerns. However, MOFCOM or other government agencies may publish explanations in the future determining that our business is in an industry subject to the security review, in which case our future acquisitions in the PRC, including those by way of entering into contractual control arrangements with target entities, may be closely scrutinized or prohibited. Our ability to expand our business or maintain or expand our market share through future acquisitions would as such be materially and adversely affected.
The approval of the China Securities Regulatory Commission may be required in connection with this offering and, if required, we cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain it.
On August 8, 2006, six PRC regulatory agencies, namely, the MOC, the State Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, SAT, the State Administration for Industry and Commerce, the CSRC and SAFE, jointly adopted the 2006 M&A Rules, which became effective on September 8, 2006, and were amended on June 22, 2009. The 2006 M&A Rules purport to require, among other things, offshore special purpose vehicles, or SPVs, formed for the purpose of seeking a public listing on an overseas stock exchange through acquisitions of PRC domestic companies or assets and controlled by PRC companies or individuals, to obtain the approval of the CSRC prior to publicly listing their securities on an overseas stock exchange.
Our PRC counsel has advised that the 2006 M&A Rules do not require us to obtain prior CSRC approval for the listing and trading of the ADSs on the NYSE, given that:
| the CSRC approval requirement applies to SPVs that acquired equity interests of any PRC company that are held by PRC companies or individuals controlling such SPV and seek overseas listing; and |
| our PRC subsidiaries were incorporated as wholly foreign-owned enterprises by means of direct investment rather than by merger or acquisition by our company of the equity interest 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 our company, our PRC subsidiaries and any of our consolidated affiliated entities, either by each agreement itself or taken as a whole, as a type of acquisition transaction falling under the 2006 M&A Rules. |
However, there are uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of PRC law, and there can be no assurance that the PRC government will ultimately take a view that is not contrary to that of our PRC legal counsel. If it is determined that CSRC approval is required for this offering, we may face sanctions by CSRC or other PRC regulatory agencies for failure to seek the CSRC approval for this offering. These sanctions may include fines and penalties on our operations in the PRC although, to our knowledge, no definitive rules or interpretations have been issued to determine or quantify such fines or penalties, delays or restrictions on the repatriation of the proceeds from this offering into the PRC, restrictions on or prohibition of the payments or remittance of dividends by our PRC subsidiaries, or other actions that may have a material adverse effect on our
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business and the trading price of the ADSs. CSRC or other PRC regulatory agencies may also take actions requiring us, or making it advisable to us, to halt this offering before the settlement and delivery of the ADSs that we are offering. Consequently, if you engage in market trading or other activities in anticipation of and prior to the settlement and delivery of the ADSs we are offering, you would be doing so at the risk that settlement and delivery may not occur.
PRC regulations relating to offshore investment activities by PRC residents may limit our PRC subsidiaries ability to increase their registered capital or distribute profits to us or otherwise expose us to liability and penalties under PRC law.
The SAFE promulgated the Notice on Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Administration for PRC Residents Engaging in Financing and Roundtrip Investments via Overseas Special Purpose Vehicles, or SAFE Circular 75, and other related regulations in October 2005 that require PRC citizens or residents to register with SAFE or its local branch in connection with their establishment or control of an offshore entity established for the purpose of overseas equity financing involving a roundtrip investment whereby the offshore entity acquires or controls onshore assets or equity interests held by the PRC citizens or residents. In addition, such PRC citizens or residents must update their SAFE registrations when the offshore SPV undergoes material events relating to increases or decreases in investment amount, transfers or exchanges of shares, mergers or divisions, long-term equity or debt investments, external guarantees, or other material events that do not involve roundtrip investments. Subsequent regulations further clarified that PRC subsidiaries of an offshore company governed by the SAFE regulations are required to coordinate and supervise the filing of SAFE registrations in a timely manner by the offshore holding companys shareholders who are PRC citizens or residents. If these shareholders fail to comply, the PRC subsidiaries are required to report to the local SAFE branches. If our shareholders who are PRC citizens or residents do not complete their registration with the local SAFE branches, our PRC subsidiaries may be prohibited from distributing their profits and proceeds from any reduction in capital, share transfer or liquidation to us, and we may be restricted in our ability to contribute additional capital to our PRC subsidiaries. Moreover, failure to comply with the SAFE registration and amendment requirements described above could result in liability under PRC laws for evasion of applicable foreign exchange restrictions.
Mr. Jun Lei, Mr. Sheng Fu and Mr. Ming Xu have completed foreign exchange registration in connection with our financings and share transfer that were completed before the end of 2013. However, we may not be fully informed of the identities of all our beneficial owners who are PRC citizens or residents, and we cannot compel our beneficial owners to comply with SAFE registration requirements. As a result, we cannot assure you that all of our shareholders or beneficial owners who are PRC citizens or residents have complied with, and will in the future make or obtain any applicable registrations or approvals required by, SAFE regulations. Failure by such shareholders or beneficial owners to comply with SAFE regulations, or failure by us to amend the foreign exchange registrations of our PRC subsidiary, could subject us to fines or legal sanctions, restrict our overseas or cross-border investment activities, limit our subsidiaries ability to make distributions or pay dividends or affect our ownership structure, which could adversely affect our business and prospects.
Failure to comply with PRC regulations regarding the registration requirements for employee stock ownership plans or share option plans may subject the PRC plan participants or us to fines and other legal or administrative sanctions.
On February 15, 2012, SAFE promulgated the Notices on Issues Concerning the Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Individuals Participating in Stock Incentive Plans of Overseas Publicly-Listed Companies, or the Stock Option Rules, which replaced the Application Procedures of Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Individuals Participating in Employee Stock Ownership Plans or Stock Option Plans of Overseas Publicly-Listed Companies issued by SAFE on March 28, 2007. Under the Stock Option Rules and other relevant rules and regulations, PRC residents who participate in stock incentive plan in an overseas publicly-listed company are required to register with SAFE or its local branches and complete certain other procedures. Participants of a stock incentive plan who are PRC residents must retain a qualified PRC agent,
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which could be a PRC subsidiary of such overseas publicly listed company or another qualified institution selected by such PRC subsidiary, to conduct the SAFE registration and other procedures with respect to the stock incentive plan on behalf of its participants. Such participants must also retain an overseas entrusted institution to handle matters in connection with their exercise of stock options, the purchase and sale of corresponding stocks or interests and fund transfers. In addition, the PRC agent is required to amend the SAFE registration with respect to the stock incentive plan if there is any material change to the stock incentive plan, the PRC agent or the overseas entrusted institution or other material changes. We and our PRC employees who have been granted stock options will be subject to these regulations upon the completion of this offering. Failure of our PRC stock option holders to complete their SAFE registrations may subject these PRC residents to fines and legal sanctions and may also limit our ability to contribute additional capital into our PRC subsidiaries, limit our PRC subsidiaries ability to distribute dividends to us, or otherwise materially adversely affect our business.
PRC regulation of loans to, and direct investment in, PRC entities by offshore holding companies and governmental control of currency conversion may restrict or prevent us from using the proceeds of our initial public offering to make loans to our PRC subsidiaries and VIEs or to make additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries, which may materially and adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business.
We are an offshore holding company conducting our operations in China through our PRC subsidiaries and VIEs. We may make loans to our PRC subsidiaries and VIEs, or we may make additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries, or we may establish new PRC subsidiaries and make capital contributions to these new PRC subsidiaries, or we may acquire offshore entities with business operations in China in an offshore transaction.
Most of these uses are subject to PRC regulations and approvals. For example, loans by us to our wholly owned PRC subsidiaries to finance their activities cannot exceed statutory limits and must be registered with the local counterpart of SAFE. If we decide to finance our wholly owned PRC subsidiaries by means of capital contributions, these capital contributions must be approved by the MOC or its local counterpart. Due to the restrictions imposed on loans in foreign currencies extended to any PRC domestic companies, we are not likely to make such loans to our VIEs, which are PRC domestic companies. Further, we are not likely to finance the activities of our VIEs by means of capital contributions due to regulatory restrictions relating to foreign investment in PRC domestic enterprises engaged in mobile internet services, online advertising, online games and related businesses.
On August 29, 2008, SAFE promulgated 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, regulating the conversion by a foreign-invested enterprise of foreign currency registered capital into Renminbi by restricting how the converted Renminbi may be used. SAFE Circular 142 provides that Renminbi capital converted from foreign currency registered capital of a foreign-invested enterprise may only be used for purposes within the business scope approved by the applicable governmental authority and may not be used for equity investments within the PRC. In addition, SAFE strengthened its oversight of the flow and use of the Renminbi capital converted from the foreign currency registered capital of a foreign-invested company. The use of such Renminbi capital may not be altered without SAFE approval, and such Renminbi capital may not in any case be used to repay Renminbi loans if the proceeds of such loans have not been used. Violations of SAFE Circular 142 could result in severe monetary or other penalties. Furthermore, SAFE promulgated a circular on November 9, 2010, known as Circular No. 59, which tightens the examination of the authenticity of settlement of net proceeds from our initial public offering. SAFE further promulgated the Circular on Further Clarification and Regulation of the Issues Concerning the Administration of Certain Capital Account Foreign Exchange Businesses, or Circular 45, on November 9, 2011, which expressly prohibits foreign-invested enterprises from using registered capital settled in Renminbi converted from foreign currencies to grant loans through entrustment arrangements with a bank, repay inter-company loans or repay bank loans that have been transferred to a third party. Circular 142, Circular 59 and
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Circular 45 may significantly limit our ability to transfer the net proceeds from this offering to our PRC subsidiaries and to convert such proceeds into Renminbi, which may adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business in the PRC.
In light of the various requirements imposed by PRC regulations on loans to and direct investment in PRC entities by offshore holding companies, including SAFE Circular 142, we cannot assure you that we will be able to complete the necessary government registrations or obtain the necessary government approvals on a timely basis, for at all, with respect to future loans by us to our PRC subsidiaries or with respect to future capital contributions by us to our PRC subsidiaries. If we fail to complete such registrations or obtain such approvals, our ability to use the proceeds we received from our initial public offering and to capitalize or otherwise fund our PRC operations may be negatively affected, which could materially and adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business.
Our PRC subsidiaries and VIEs are subject to restrictions on paying dividends or making other payments to us, which may restrict our ability to satisfy our liquidity requirements.
We are a holding company registered in the Cayman Islands. We rely principally on dividends and other distributions from our PRC subsidiaries for our cash and financing requirements, such as the funds necessary to pay dividends and other cash distributions to our shareholders, including holders of the ADSs, and service any debt we may incur. Current PRC regulations permit our PRC subsidiaries to pay dividends to us only out of their accumulated profits, if any, determined in accordance with Chinese accounting standards and regulations. In addition, each of our PRC subsidiaries is required to set aside at least 10% of its after-tax profits after making up previous years accumulated losses each year, if any, to fund certain reserve funds until the total amount set aside reaches 50% of its registered capital. These reserves are not distributable as cash dividends. Furthermore, if our PRC subsidiaries incur debt on their own behalf in the future, the instruments governing the debt may restrict their ability to pay dividends or make other payments to us, which may restrict our ability to satisfy our liquidity requirements.
In addition, the EIT Law and its implementation rules provide that withholding tax rate of 10% will be applicable to dividends payable by Chinese companies to non-PRC-resident enterprises unless otherwise exempted or reduced according to treaties or arrangements between the PRC central government and governments of other countries or regions where the non-PRC-resident enterprises are incorporated.
Fluctuations in exchange rates could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and the value of your investment.
The value of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar and other currencies is affected by, among other things, changes in Chinas political and economic conditions and Chinas foreign exchange policies. On July 21, 2005, the PRC government changed its decade-old policy of pegging the value of the Renminbi to the U.S. dollar, and the Renminbi appreciated more than 20% against the U.S. dollar over the following three years. During the period between July 2008 and June 2010, the exchange rate between the Renminbi and the U.S. dollar had been stable and traded within a narrow band. However, the Renminbi fluctuated significantly during that period against other freely traded currencies, in tandem with the U.S. dollar. Since June 2010, the Renminbi has generally appreciated against the U.S. dollar, but there have also been periods, most recently beginning in February 2014, when it depreciated against the U.S. dollar. It is difficult to predict how long the current situation may last and when and how this relationship between the Renminbi and the U.S. dollar may change again. However, the Peoples Bank of China regularly intervenes in the foreign exchange market to limit fluctuations in Renminbi exchange rates and achieve policy goals.
There remains significant international pressure on the Chinese government to adopt a flexible currency policy to allow the Renminbi to appreciate against the U.S. dollar. Significant revaluation of the Renminbi may have a material adverse effect on your investment. The majority of our revenues and costs are denominated in
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Renminbi. Any significant revaluation of Renminbi may materially and adversely affect our revenues, earnings and financial position, and the value of, and any dividends payable on, the ADSs in U.S. dollars. For example, to the extent that we need to convert U.S. dollars we receive from this initial public offering into Renminbi to pay our operating expenses, 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, a significant depreciation of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar may significantly reduce the U.S. dollar equivalent of our earnings, which in turn could adversely affect the price of the ADSs.
Very limited hedging options are available in China to reduce our exposure to exchange rate fluctuations. To date, we have not entered into any hedging transactions in an effort to reduce our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk. While we may decide to enter into hedging transactions in the future, the availability and effectiveness of these hedges may be limited and we may not be able to adequately hedge our exposure or at all. In addition, our currency exchange losses may be magnified by PRC exchange control regulations that restrict our ability to convert Renminbi into foreign currency. As a result, fluctuations in exchange rates may have a material adverse effect on your investment.
Governmental control of currency conversion may limit our ability to utilize our cash balance effectively and affect the value of your investment.
The PRC government imposes control on the convertibility of the Renminbi into foreign currencies and, in certain cases, the remittance of currency out of China. We receive a substantial portion of our revenues in Renminbi. Under existing PRC foreign exchange regulations, payments of current account items, including profit distributions, and trade and service-related foreign exchange transactions, can be made in foreign currencies without prior SAFE approval by complying with certain procedural requirements. Therefore, our PRC subsidiaries are able to pay dividends in foreign currencies to us without prior approval from SAFE. However, approval from or registration with appropriate government authorities 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 to foreign currencies for current account transactions in the future. If the foreign exchange control system prevents us from obtaining sufficient foreign currencies to satisfy our foreign currency demands, we may not be able to pay dividends in foreign currencies to our shareholders, including holders of the ADSs.
Proceedings instituted recently by the SEC against five 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 Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act.
In December 2012, the SEC instituted administrative proceedings under Rule 102(e)(1)(iii) of the SECs Rules of Practice against five PRC-based accounting firms, including our independent registered public accounting firm, alleging that these firms had violated U.S. securities laws and the SECs rules and regulations thereunder by failing to provide to the SEC the firms work papers related to their audits of certain PRC-based companies that are publicly traded in the United States. Rule 102(e)(1)(iii) authorizes the SEC to deny any person, temporarily or permanently, the ability to practice before the SEC if found by the SEC, after notice and opportunity for a hearing, to have willfully violated any such laws or rules and regulations. On January 22, 2014, an initial administrative law decision was issued, sanctioning four of these accounting firms and suspending them from practicing before the SEC for a period of six months. On February 12, 2014, these four PRC-based accounting firms appealed to the SEC against this sanction. Accordingly, the sanction will not become effective until after a full appeal process is concluded and a final decision is issued by the SEC. If the SECs final decision is decided against the accounting firms, the accounting firms can then further appeal the final decision in the federal appellate courts. While we cannot predict the outcome of these proceedings, if the accounting firms, including our independent registered public accounting firm, were denied, temporarily or permanently, the ability to practice before the SEC, and we are unable to timely find another registered public accounting firm which can
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audit and issue a report on our financial statements, our financial statements could be determined to not be in compliance with the requirements for financial statements in connection with this offering under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, or those of public companies registered under the Exchange Act after our completion of this offering. Such a determination could ultimately lead to the delay or abandonment of this offering, or, after the completion of this offering, delisting of the ADSs from the NYSE or deregistration from the SEC, or both, which would substantially reduce or effectively terminate the trading of the ADSs in the United States.
Increases in labor costs in the PRC may adversely affect our business and our profitability.
The Chinese has experienced increases in labor costs in recent years. Chinas overall economy and the average wage in China are expected to continue to grow. The average wage level for our employees has also increased in recent years.
In addition, we have been subject to stricter regulatory requirements in terms of entering into labor contracts with our employees and paying various statutory employee benefits, including pensions, housing allowance, medical insurance, work-related injury insurance, unemployment insurance and maternity insurance to designated government agencies for the benefit of our employees. Pursuant to the PRC Labor Contract Law, or the Labor Contract Law, which became effective in January 2008 and its implementation rules effective as of September 2008, employers are subject to stricter requirements in terms of signing labor contracts, minimum wages, paying remuneration, determining the term of employees probation and unilaterally terminating labor contracts. In the event that we decide to terminate some of our employees or otherwise change our employment or labor practices, the Labor Contract Law and its implementation rules may limit our ability to effect those changes in a desirable or cost-effective manner, which could adversely affect our business and results of operations. On October 28, 2010, the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress promulgated the PRC Social Insurance Law, or the Social Insurance Law, which became effective on July 1, 2011. According to the Social Insurance Law, employees must participate in pension insurance, work-related injury insurance, medical insurance, unemployment insurance and maternity insurance and the employers must, together with their employees or separately, pay the social insurance premiums for such employees.
We expect that our labor costs, including wages and employee benefits, will continue to increase. Unless we are able to pass on these increased labor costs to our users by increasing prices for our products or services, our profitability and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected. Also, as the interpretation and implementation of labor-related laws and regulations are still evolving, we cannot assure you that our employment practices do not and will not violate labor-related laws and regulations in China, which may subject us to labor disputes or government investigations. If we are deemed to have violated relevant labor laws and regulations, we could be required to provide additional compensation to our employees, and our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
If the custodians or authorized users of controlling non-tangible assets of our company, including our corporate chops and seals, fail to fulfill their responsibilities, or misappropriate or misuse these assets, our business and operations could be materially and adversely affected.
Under PRC law, legal documents for corporate transactions are executed using the chops or seals of the signing entity, or with the signature of a legal representative whose designation is registered and filed with the relevant branch of the SAIC.
Although we usually utilize chops to enter into contracts, the designated legal representatives of each of our PRC subsidiaries and VIEs have the apparent authority to enter into contracts on behalf of such entities without chops and bind such entities. Some designated legal representatives of our PRC subsidiaries and VIEs are members of our senior management team who have signed employment undertaking letters with us or our PRC subsidiaries and VIEs under which they agree to abide by various duties they owe to us. In order to maintain the
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physical security of our chops and the chops of our PRC entities, we generally store these items in secured locations accessible only by the authorized personnel of each of our subsidiaries and VIEs. Although we monitor such authorized personnel, there is no assurance such procedures will prevent all instances of abuse or negligence. Accordingly, if any of our authorized personnel misuse or misappropriate our corporate chops or seals, we could encounter difficulties in maintaining control over the relevant entities and experience significant disruption to our operations. If a designated legal representative obtains control of the chops in an effort to obtain control over any of our PRC subsidiaries or VIEs, we, our PRC subsidiaries or VIEs would need to pass a new shareholder or board resolution to designate a new legal representative and we would need to take legal action to seek the return of the chops, apply for new chops with the relevant authorities, or otherwise seek legal redress for the violation of the representatives fiduciary duties to us, which could involve significant time and resources and divert management attention away from our regular business. In addition, the affected entity may not be able to recover corporate assets that are sold or transferred out of our control in the event of such a misappropriation if a transferee relies on the apparent authority of the representative and acts in good faith.
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, as such, investors may be deprived of the benefits of such inspection.
Our independent registered public accounting firm that issued the audit reports included in this prospectus filed with the SEC, 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 required by the laws of the United States to undergo regular inspections by PCAOB to assess its compliance with the laws of the United States and professional standards. Because our auditor is located in China, a jurisdiction where PCAOB is currently unable to conduct inspections without the approval of the PRC authorities, our auditor, like other independent registered public accounting firms operating in China, is currently not inspected by PCAOB.
Inspections of other firms that PCAOB has conducted outside of China have identified deficiencies in those firms audit procedures and quality control procedures, which may be addressed as part of the inspection process to improve future audit quality. The inability of PCAOB to conduct inspections of independent registered public accounting firms operating in China makes it more difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of our auditors audit procedures or quality control procedures. As a result, investors may be deprived of the benefits of PCAOB inspections and lose confidence in our reported financial information and procedures and the quality of our financial statements.
Risks Relating to the ADSs and this Offering
An active trading market for our shares or the ADSs may not develop and the trading price for the ADSs may fluctuate significantly.
We have applied to list the ADSs on the NYSE. Prior to the completion of this offering, there has been no public market for the ADSs or our ordinary shares underlying the ADSs, and we cannot assure you that a liquid public market for the ADSs will develop. If an active public market for the ADSs does not develop following the completion of this offering, the market price and liquidity of the ADSs may be materially and adversely affected. Even if an active public market for our ordinary shares or the ADSs develops, we cannot assure you that it will continue. The initial public offering price for the ADSs will be determined by negotiation between us and the underwriters based upon several factors, and we can provide no assurance that the trading price of the ADSs after this offering will not decline below the initial public offering price. As a result, investors in the ADSs may experience a significant decrease in the value of their ADSs.
The trading price of the ADSs is likely to be volatile, which could result in substantial losses to investors.
The trading price of the ADSs is likely to be volatile and could fluctuate widely due to factors beyond our control. This may happen because of broad market and industry factors, like the performance and fluctuation in
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the market prices or the underperformance or deteriorating financial results of other similarly situated companies in China that have listed their securities in the United States in recent years. The securities of some of these companies have experienced significant volatility since their initial public offerings, including, in some cases, substantial declines in trading price. The trading performance of these Chinese companies securities after their offerings, including the securities of companies in the internet and mobile internet businesses, may affect the attitudes of investors toward Chinese companies listed in the United States, which consequently may impact the trading performance of the ADSs, regardless of our actual operating performance. In addition, any negative news or perceptions about inadequate corporate governance practices or fraudulent accounting or other practices at other Chinese companies may also negatively affect the attitudes of investors towards Chinese companies in general, including us, regardless of whether we have engaged in such practices. In addition, securities markets may from time to time experience significant price and volume fluctuations that are not related to our operating performance, such as the large decline in share prices in the United States, China and other jurisdictions in late 2008, early 2009, the third quarter of 2011 and the second quarter of 2012, which may have a material adverse effect on the market price of the ADSs.
In addition to market and industry factors, the price and trading volume for the ADSs may be highly volatile due to factors specific to our own operations, including the following:
| variations in our net revenues, earnings and cash flow; |
| announcements of new investments, acquisitions, strategic partnerships, or joint ventures by us or our competitors; |
| announcements of new services and expansions by us or our competitors; |
| changes in financial estimates by securities analysts; |
| fluctuations in our user or other operating metrics; |
| fluctuations in the stock price of our parent company, Kingsoft Corporation; |
| failure on our part to realize monetization opportunities as expected; |
| changes in revenues generated from our significant business partners; |
| additions or departures of key personnel; |
| release of lock-up or other transfer restrictions on our outstanding equity securities or sales of additional equity securities; |
| detrimental negative publicity about us, our management, our competitors or our industry; |
| regulatory developments affecting us or our industry; and |
| potential litigation or regulatory investigations. |
Any of these factors may result in large and sudden changes in the trading volume and price of the ADSs.
We are an emerging growth company within the meaning of the Securities Act and may take advantage of certain reduced reporting requirements.
We are an emerging growth company, as defined in the JOBS Act, and we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various requirements applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies including, most significantly, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 for so long as we are an emerging growth company until the fifth anniversary from the date of our initial listing.
The JOBS Act also provides that an emerging growth company does not need to comply with any new or revised financial accounting standards until such date that a private company is otherwise required to comply
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with such new or revised accounting standards. If we elect not to comply with the abovementioned auditor attestation requirements or to comply with new or revised accounting standards, our investors may not have access to certain information they may deem important.
If securities or industry analysts cease to publish research or reports about our business, or if they adversely change their recommendations regarding the ADSs, the market price for the ADSs and trading volume could decline.
The trading market for the ADSs will be influenced by research or reports that industry or securities analysts publish about our business. If one or more analysts who cover us downgrade the ADSs, the market price for the ADSs would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts cease to cover us or fail to regularly publish reports on us, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which, in turn, could cause the market price or trading volume for the ADSs to decline.
The sale or availability for sale, or perceived sale or availability for sale, of substantial amounts of our ordinary shares could adversely affect their market price.
Sales of substantial amounts of our ordinary shares in the public market after the completion of this offering, whether directly or represented by ADSs, or the perception that these sales could occur, could adversely affect the market price of the ADSs and could materially impair our ability to raise capital through equity offerings in the future. There will be 1,382,493,689 ordinary shares outstanding immediately after this offering, or 1,400,493,689 ordinary shares if the underwriters exercise their options to purchase additional ADSs in full. The ADSs sold in this offering will be freely tradable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and ordinary shares held by our existing shareholders may also be sold in the public market in the future subject to the restrictions in Rule 144 and Rule 701 under the Securities Act and the applicable lock-up agreements. In connection with this offering, we and our officers, directors and our shareholders have agreed not to sell any shares or ADSs for 180 days after the date of this prospectus without the prior written consent of the underwriters. However, the underwriters may release the securities subject to lock-up agreements from the lock-up restrictions at any time, subject to applicable regulations of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. In addition, 44,790,000 Class A ordinary shares underlying our outstanding restricted shares as of the closing of this offering will become eligible for sale in the public market to the extent permitted by the provisions of various vesting agreements, the lock-up agreements and Rules 144 and 701 under the Securities Act. We may also issue additional options, restricted shares or other share-based awards in the future which may be exercised for additional Class A ordinary shares. 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 the ADSs. In addition, in connection with the Concurrent Private Placement, we will enter into a registration rights agreement with Kingsoft Corporation, Xiaomi Ventures Limited and Baidu Holdings Limited, pursuant to which we will grant them Form F-3 registration rights and the piggyback registration rights. Registration of these shares under the Securities Act may result in these shares becoming freely tradable without restriction under the Securities Act immediately upon the effectiveness of the registration. Sales of these registered shares in the public market, or the perception that such sales could occur, could cause the price of our ADSs to decline. See Underwriting and Shares Eligible for Future Sale for a more detailed description of the restrictions on selling our securities after this offering.
Because the initial public offering price is substantially higher than the pro forma net tangible book value per share, you will experience immediate and substantial dilution.
If you purchase ADSs in this offering, you will pay more for each ADS than the corresponding amount paid by existing shareholders for their Class A ordinary shares. As a result, you will experience immediate and substantial dilution of approximately US$11.50 per ADS (assuming that no outstanding options or other share-based awards to acquire Class A ordinary shares are exercised). This number represents the difference between our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per ADS of US$0.20 as of December 31, 2013, after giving effect to this offering and the assumed initial public offering price of US$13.50 per ADS, the mid-point of the estimated initial public offering price range set forth on the front cover of this prospectus. See Dilution for a
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more complete description of how the value of your investment in the ADSs will be diluted upon the completion of this offering.
Our articles of association contain anti-takeover provisions that could have a material adverse effect on the rights of holders of our ordinary shares and ADSs.
We will adopt our fourth amended and restated articles of association that will become effective immediately upon completion of this offering. Our new articles of association contain provisions to limit the ability of others to acquire control of our company 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 our company in a tender offer or similar transaction. For example, our board of directors has the authority, without further action by our shareholders, to issue preferred shares in one or more series and to fix their designations, powers, preferences, privileges, and relative participating, optional or special rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions, 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, in the form of ADS or otherwise. Preferred shares could be issued quickly with terms calculated to delay or prevent a change in control of our company or make removal of management more difficult. If our board of directors decides to issue preferred shares, the price of the ADSs may fall and the voting and other rights of the holders of our ordinary shares and the ADSs may be materially and adversely affected.
You may face difficulties in protecting your interests, and your ability to protect your rights through U.S. courts may be limited, because we are incorporated under Cayman Islands law.
We are an exempted company limited by shares incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands. Our corporate affairs are governed by our memorandum and articles of association, the Companies Law (2013 Revision) of the Cayman Islands 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 the common law of England, the decisions of whose courts are of persuasive authority, but are not binding, 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. Some U.S. states, such as Delaware, have more fully developed and judicially interpreted bodies of corporate law than the Cayman Islands. In addition, Cayman Islands companies may not have standing to initiate a shareholder derivative action in a federal court of the United States.
Shareholders of Cayman Islands exempted companies like us have no general rights under Cayman Islands law to inspect corporate records or to obtain copies of lists of shareholders of these companies. Our directors have discretion under our existing articles of association to determine whether or not, and under what conditions, our corporate records may be inspected by our shareholders, but are not obliged to make them available to our shareholders. This may make it more difficult for you to obtain the information needed to establish any facts necessary for a shareholder motion or to solicit proxies from other shareholders in connection with a proxy contest.
Certain corporate governance practices in the Cayman Islands, which is our home country, differ significantly from requirements for companies incorporated in other jurisdictions such as the U.S. Currently, we do not plan to rely on home country practice with respect to any corporate governance matter. However, if we choose to follow home country practice in the future, our shareholders may be afforded less protection than they otherwise would under rules and regulations applicable to U.S. domestic issuers.
As a result of all of the above, public shareholders may have more difficulty in protecting their interests in the face of actions taken by management, members of the board of directors or controlling shareholders than they
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would as public shareholders of a company incorporated in the United States. For a discussion of significant differences between the provisions of the Companies Law of the Cayman Islands and the laws applicable to companies incorporated in the United States and their shareholders, see Description of Share CapitalDifferences in Corporate Law.
Judgments obtained against us by our shareholders may not be enforceable in our home jurisdiction.
We are a Cayman Islands company and a substantial majority of our assets are located outside of the United States. A significant percentage of our current operations are conducted in China. In addition, a significant majority of our current directors and officers are nationals and residents of countries other than the United States. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for you to bring an action against us or against these individuals in the United States in the event that you believe that your rights have been infringed under the United States federal securities laws or otherwise. Even if you are successful in bringing an action of this kind, the laws of the Cayman Islands and of China may render you unable to enforce a judgment against our assets or the assets of our directors and officers.
There are uncertainties as to whether Cayman Islands courts would:
| recognize or enforce against us judgments of courts of the United States based on certain civil liability provisions of U.S. securities laws; and |
| impose liabilities against us, in original actions brought in the Cayman Islands, based on certain civil liability provisions of U.S. securities laws that are penal in nature. |
There is no statutory recognition in the Cayman Islands of judgments obtained in the United States, although the courts of the Cayman Islands will in certain circumstances recognize and enforce a non-penal judgment of a foreign court of competent jurisdiction without retrial on the merits. For more information regarding the relevant laws of the Cayman Islands and China, see Enforceability of Civil Liabilities.
We have not determined a specific use for a portion of the net proceeds from this offering and the Concurrent Private Placement, and we may use these proceeds in ways with which you may not agree, and such use may not produce income or increase our ADS price.
We have not determined a specific use for a portion of the net proceeds of this offering, and our management will have considerable discretion in deciding how to apply them. You will not have the opportunity to assess whether the proceeds are being used appropriately before you make your investment decision. You must rely on the judgment of our management regarding the application of the net proceeds of this offering. We cannot assure you that the net proceeds will be used in a manner that would improve our results of operations or increase the ADS price, or that these net proceeds will be placed only in investments that generate income or appreciate in value.
The voting rights of holders of ADSs are limited by the terms of the deposit agreement, and you may not be able to exercise your right to vote your Class A ordinary shares.
As a holder of the ADSs, you will only be able to exercise the voting rights with respect to the underlying Class A ordinary shares in accordance with the provisions of the deposit agreement. Under the deposit agreement, you must vote by giving voting instructions to the depositary. Upon receipt of your voting instructions, the depositary will endeavor to vote the underlying Class A ordinary shares in accordance with those instructions. You will not be able to directly exercise your right to vote with respect to the underlying shares unless you withdraw the shares. Under our fourth amended and restated memorandum and articles of association which will be effective immediately prior to the completion of this offering, the minimum notice period required for convening a general meeting is 14 calendar days. When a general meeting is convened, you may not receive sufficient advance notice to withdraw the shares underlying your ADSs to allow you to vote with respect to any
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specific matter. If we ask for your instructions, the depositary will notify you of the upcoming vote and will arrange to deliver our voting materials to you. We cannot assure you that you will receive the voting materials in time to ensure that you can instruct the depositary to vote your shares. In addition, the depositary and its agents are not responsible for failing to carry out voting instructions or for their manner of carrying out your voting instructions. This means that you may not be able to exercise your right to vote and you may have no legal remedy if the shares underlying your ADSs are not voted as you requested.
The depositary for the ADSs will give us a discretionary proxy to vote our Class A 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, if you do not vote, the depositary will give us a discretionary proxy to vote our Class A ordinary shares underlying your ADSs at shareholders meetings unless:
| we have failed to timely provide the depositary with 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; |
| a matter to be voted on at the meeting would have a material adverse impact on shareholders; or |
| the voting at the meeting is to be made on a show of hands. |
The effect of this discretionary proxy is that if you do not vote at shareholders meetings, you cannot prevent our Class A ordinary shares underlying your ADSs from being voted, except under the circumstances described above. This may make it more difficult for shareholders to influence the management of our company. Holders of our Class A ordinary shares are not subject to this discretionary proxy.
Because we do not expect to pay dividends in the foreseeable future after this offering, you must rely on price appreciation of the ADSs for return on your investment.
We currently intend to retain most, if not all, of our available funds and any future earnings after this offering to fund the development and growth of our business. As a result, we do not expect to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Therefore, you should not rely on an investment in the ADSs as a source for any future dividend income.
Our board of directors has discretion as to whether to distribute dividends, subject to applicable laws. Even if our board of directors decides to declare and pay dividends, the timing, amount and form of future dividends, if any, will depend on, among other things, our future results of operations and cash flow, our capital requirements and surplus, the amount of distributions, if any, received by us from our subsidiary, our financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors. Accordingly, the return on your investment in the ADSs will likely depend entirely upon any future price appreciation of the ADSs. There is no guarantee that the ADSs will appreciate in value after this offering or even maintain the price at which you purchased the ADSs. You may not realize a return on your investment in the ADSs and you may even lose your entire investment in the ADSs.
You may not receive dividends or other distributions on our Class A ordinary shares and you may not receive any value for them, if it is illegal or impractical to make them available to you.
The depositary of the ADSs has agreed to pay to you the cash dividends or other distributions it or the custodian receives on Class A ordinary shares or other deposited securities underlying the ADSs, after deducting its fees and expenses. You will receive these distributions in proportion to the number of Class A ordinary shares your ADSs represent. However, the depositary is not responsible if it decides that it is unlawful or impractical to
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make a distribution available to any holders of ADSs. For example, it would be unlawful to make a distribution to a holder of ADSs if it consists of securities that require registration under the Securities Act but that are not properly registered or distributed under an applicable exemption from registration. The depositary may also determine that it is not feasible to distribute certain property through the mail. Additionally, the value of certain distributions may be less than the cost of mailing them. In these cases, the depositary may determine not to distribute such property. We have no obligation to register under U.S. securities laws any ADSs, ordinary shares, rights or other securities received through such distributions. We also have no obligation to take any other action to permit the distribution of ADSs, ordinary shares, rights or anything else to holders of ADSs. This means that you may not receive distributions we make on our Class A ordinary shares or any value for them if it is illegal or impractical for us to make them available to you. These restrictions may cause a material decline in the value of the ADSs.
You may not be able to participate in rights offerings and may experience dilution of your holdings.
We may, from time to time, distribute rights to our shareholders, including rights to acquire securities. Under the deposit agreement, the depositary will not distribute rights to holders of ADSs unless the distribution and sale of rights and the securities to which these rights relate are either exempt from registration under the Securities Act with respect to all holders of ADSs, or are registered under the provisions of the Securities Act. The depositary may, but is not required to, attempt to sell these undistributed rights to third parties, and may allow the rights to lapse. We may be unable to establish an exemption from registration under the Securities Act, and we are under no obligation to file a registration statement with respect to these rights or underlying securities or to endeavor to have a registration statement declared effective. Accordingly, holders of ADSs may be unable to participate in our rights offerings and may experience dilution of their holdings as a result.
Our proposed dual-class voting structure will limit your ability to influence corporate matters, and could discourage others from pursuing any change of control transactions that holders of our Class A ordinary shares and the ADSs may view as beneficial.
Our ordinary shares will be divided into Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares immediately prior to the completion of this offering. Holders of Class A ordinary shares will be entitled to one vote per share, while holders of Class B ordinary shares will be entitled to ten votes per share. We will issue Class A ordinary shares represented by the ADSs in this offering. All of our outstanding ordinary shares and preferred shares as of the date of this prospectus will be automatically re-designated or converted into Class B ordinary shares immediately prior to the completion of this offering. We intend to maintain the dual-class voting structure after the completion of this offering. Each Class B ordinary share 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. Upon any transfer of Class B ordinary shares by a holder thereof to any person or entity which is not an affiliate of such holder, such Class B ordinary shares shall be automatically and immediately converted into the equal number of Class A ordinary shares.
Due to the disparate voting powers attached to these two classes of ordinary shares, our existing shareholders will collectively own approximately 98.8% of the voting power of our outstanding shares immediately after this offering and will have considerable influence over matters requiring shareholders approval, including election of directors and significant corporate transactions, such as a merger or sale of our company or our assets. In particular, our parent company Kingsoft Corporation, and FaX Vision Corporation, a company jointly owned by Mr. Sheng Fu and Mr. Ming Xu, our founders and core management, will beneficially own approximately 48.5% and 11.9% of our total outstanding shares, respectively, representing 53.5% and 13.3% of our total voting power immediately after this offering, respectively. This concentrated control will limit your ability to influence corporate matters and 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.
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You may be subject to limitations on transfer of your ADSs.
Your ADSs are transferable on the books of the depositary. However, the depositary may close its books at any time or from time to time when it deems expedient in connection with the performance of its duties. The depositary may close its books from time to time for a number of reasons, including in connection with corporate events such as a rights offering, during which time the depositary needs to maintain an exact number of ADSs on its books for a specified period. The depositary may also close its books in emergencies, and on weekends and public holidays. The depositary may refuse to deliver, transfer or register transfers of ADSs generally when our share register or the books of the depositary are closed, or at any time if we or the depositary thinks that it is 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 in accordance with the terms of the deposit agreement. As a result, you may be unable to transfer your ADSs when you wish to.
We will incur increased costs as a result of being a public company, particularly after we cease to qualify as an emerging growth company.
Upon completion of this offering, we will become a public company and expect to incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses that we did not incur as a private company. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as well as rules subsequently implemented by the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, and NYSE, impose various requirements on the corporate governance practices of public companies. As a company with less than US$1.0 billion in revenues for our last fiscal year, we qualify as an emerging growth company pursuant to the JOBS Act. An emerging growth company may take advantage of specified reduced reporting and other requirements that are otherwise applicable generally to public companies. These provisions include exemption from the auditor attestation requirement under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or Section 404, in the assessment of the emerging growth companys internal control over financial reporting and permission to delay adopting new or revised accounting standards until such time as those standards apply to private companies. However, we have elected to opt out of this provision and, as a result, we will comply with new or revised accounting standards as required when they are adopted for public companies. This decision to opt out of the extended transition period under the JOBS Act is irrevocable.
We expect these rules and regulations to increase our legal and financial compliance costs and to make some corporate activities more time-consuming and costly. After we are no longer an emerging growth company, we expect to incur significant expenses and devote substantial management effort toward ensuring compliance with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the other rules and regulations of the SEC. For example, as a result of becoming a public company, we will need to increase the number of independent directors and adopt policies regarding internal controls and disclosure controls and procedures. We also expect that operating as a public company will make it more difficult and more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance, and we may be required to accept reduced policy limits and coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain the same or similar coverage. In addition, we will incur additional costs associated with our public company reporting requirements. It may also be more difficult for us to find qualified persons to serve on our board of directors or as executive officers. We are currently evaluating and monitoring developments with respect to these rules and regulations, and we cannot predict or estimate with any degree of certainty the amount of additional costs we may incur or the timing of such costs.
In the past, shareholders of a public company often brought securities class action suits against the company following periods of instability in the market price of that companys securities. If we were involved in a class action suit, it could divert a significant amount of our managements attention and other resources from our business and operations, which could harm our results of operations and require us to incur significant expenses to defend the suit. Any such class action suit, whether or not successful, could harm our reputation and restrict our ability to raise capital in the future. In addition, if a claim is successfully made against us, we may be required to pay significant damages, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
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There can be no assurance that we will not be passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, for United States federal income tax purposes for any taxable year, which could subject United States investors in the ADSs or our Class A ordinary shares to significant adverse United States income tax consequences.
We will be a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, if, in the case of any particular taxable year, either (a) 75% or more of our gross income for such year consists of certain types of passive income or (b) 50% or more of the average quarterly value of our assets (as determined on the basis of fair market value) during such year produce or are held for the production of passive income (the asset test). Although the law in this regard is unclear, we treat our VIEs as being owned by us for United States federal income tax purposes, not only because we exercise effective control over the operation of such entities but also because we are entitled to substantially all of their economic benefits, and, as a result, we consolidate their results of operations in our consolidated financial statements. Assuming that we are the owner of our VIEs for United States federal income tax purposes, and based upon our current and expected income and assets (taking into account the expected proceeds from this offering) and projections as to the value of the ADSs and our Class A ordinary shares following the offering, we do not presently expect to be a PFIC for the current taxable year or the foreseeable future.
While we do not expect to become a PFIC, because the value of our assets for purposes of the asset test may be determined by reference to the market price of the ADSs or our Class A ordinary shares, fluctuations in the market price of the ADSs or our Class A ordinary shares may cause us to become a PFIC for the current or subsequent taxable years. The determination of whether we will be or become a PFIC will also depend, in part, on the composition of our income and assets, which may be affected by how, and how quickly, we use our liquid assets and the cash raised in this offering. Under circumstances where we determine not to deploy significant amounts of cash for active purposes or if we were treated as not owning our VIEs for United States federal income tax purposes, our risk of being a PFIC may substantially increase. Because there are uncertainties in the application of the relevant rules and PFIC status is a factual determination made annually after the close of each taxable year, there can be no assurance that we will not be a PFIC for the current taxable year or any future taxable year.
If we are a PFIC in any taxable year, a U.S. holder (as defined in TaxationUnited States Federal Income Tax Considerations) may incur significantly increased United States income tax on gain recognized on the sale or other disposition of the ADSs or Class A ordinary shares and on the receipt of distributions on the ADSs or Class A ordinary shares to the extent such gain or distribution is treated as an excess distribution under the United States federal income tax rules and such holders may be subject to burdensome reporting requirements. Further, if we are a PFIC for any year during which a U.S. holder holds the ADSs or our Class A ordinary shares, we generally will continue to be treated as a PFIC for all succeeding years during which such U.S. holder holds the ADSs or our Class A ordinary shares. For more information see TaxationUnited States Federal Income Tax ConsiderationsPassive Foreign Investment Company Considerations.
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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND INDUSTRY DATA
This prospectus 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 may, could, should, would, will, expect, anticipate, aim, estimate, intend, plan, believe, likely to, project, continue, potential, 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, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about:
| our growth strategies; |
| our ability to retain and increase our user base and business partners and expand our product and service offerings; |
| our ability to monetize our platform; |
| our future business development, results of operations and financial condition; |
| expected changes in our revenues and certain cost or expense items; |
| our expectation regarding the use of proceeds from this offering; |
| competition in our industry; |
| relevant government policies and regulations relating to our industry; |
| general economic and business condition globally and in China; and |
| assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. |
You should read thoroughly this prospectus and the documents that we refer to in this prospectus with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from and worse than what we expect. Other sections of this prospectus include additional factors which 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. We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.
You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
This prospectus also contains statistical data and estimates that we obtained from industry publications and reports generated by third parties, including industry data from iResearch, App Annie and IDC. All industry publications and reports referred to in this prospectus generally indicate that the information contained therein was obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but such publications and reports do not guarantee the accuracy and completeness of such information. Although we believe that the publications and reports are reliable, we have not independently verified such data.
The forward-looking statements made in this prospectus relate only to events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this prospectus. Although we will become a public company after this offering and have ongoing disclosure obligations under United States federal securities laws, we do not intend to update or otherwise revise the forward-looking statements in this prospectus, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
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We estimate that we will receive net proceeds from this offering of approximately US$147.4 million, or approximately US$170.0 million if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional ADSs in full, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and the estimated offering expenses payable by us. A US$1.00 change in the assumed initial public offering price of US$13.50 per ADS would, in the case of an increase, increase and, in the case of a decrease, decrease the net proceeds of this offering by US$11.2 million, or approximately US$12.8 million if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional ADSs in full, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and the estimated offering expenses payable by us. In addition, we expect to receive US$50 million in the Concurrent Private Placement.
The primary purposes of this offering are to create a public market for our shares for the benefit of all shareholders, to retain talented employees by providing liquidity to their equity incentives and to obtain additional capital. We plan to use the net proceeds we receive from this offering and the Concurrent Private Placement as follows:
| US$50 million to penetrate selected international markets; |
| US$35 million to expand and strengthen our sales and marketing efforts; |
| US$35 million to invest in technology, infrastructure and research and development capabilities; and |
| the balance for other general corporate purposes, including working capital needs and potential acquisitions. |
The foregoing represents our current intentions based upon our present plans and business conditions. Our management, however, will have significant flexibility and discretion to apply the net proceeds from this offering. If an unforeseen event occurs or business conditions change, we may use the net proceeds differently than as described in this prospectus.
In utilizing the proceeds from this offering, we are permitted under PRC laws and regulations to provide funding to our PRC subsidiaries only through loans or capital contributions, and only if we satisfy the applicable government registration and approval requirements. We cannot assure you that we will be able to meet these requirements on a timely basis, if at all. See Risk FactorsRisks Relating to Doing Business in ChinaPRC regulation of loans to, and direct investment in, PRC entities by offshore holding companies and governmental control of currency conversion may restrict or prevent us from using the proceeds of our initial public offering to make loans to our PRC subsidiaries and VIEs or to make additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries, which may materially and adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business. We will apply to obtain approval from the Ministry of Commerce or its local counterparts for such increase and register the changes with the State Administration for Industry and Commerce and the SAFE or their local counterparts. Zhuhai Juntian and Conew Network can then convert the increased registered capital in foreign currencies into Renminbi and use the Renminbi within their respective approved business scope. We may keep a portion of the net proceeds offshore for our foreign currency needs. Due to PRC legal restrictions on loans in foreign currencies extended to any PRC domestic companies, and because our VIEs are generally able to conduct business with revenues generated from their own daily operations, we do not intend to finance the activities of our VIEs with the net proceeds of this offering.
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We declared a special dividend of RMB17.7 million to Kingsoft Corporation in November 2009, which was fully paid in 2013. In addition, we declared a special dividend of RMB43.1 million in August 2011 to Kingsoft Corporation, which was fully paid in 2011. We currently have no plan to declare or pay any dividends in the near future on our shares or ADSs. We currently intend to retain most, if not all, of our available funds and any future earnings to operate and expand our business.
We are a holding company incorporated in the Cayman Islands. We rely principally on dividends from our PRC subsidiaries for our cash requirements, including any payment of dividends to our shareholders. PRC regulations may restrict the ability of our PRC subsidiaries to pay dividends to us. See Risk FactorsRisks Relating to Doing Business in ChinaOur PRC subsidiaries and VIEs are subject to restrictions on paying dividends or making other payments to us, which may restrict our ability to satisfy our liquidity requirements. and PRC RegulationRegulation of Foreign Currency Exchange and Dividend Distribution.
Our board of directors has discretion as to whether to distribute dividends, subject to applicable laws. In addition, our shareholders may by ordinary resolution declare a dividend, but no dividend may exceed the amount recommended by our directors. Under Cayman Islands law, a Cayman Islands company may pay a dividend on its shares out of either profit or share premium amount, provided that in no circumstances may a dividend be paid if this would result in the company being unable to pay its debts due in the ordinary course of business. 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 the board of directors may deem relevant. If we pay any dividends, we will pay our ADS holders to the same extent as holders of our ordinary shares, subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, including the fees and expenses payable thereunder. See Description of American Depositary Shares. Cash dividends on our ordinary shares, if any, will be paid in U.S. dollars.
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The following table sets forth our capitalization as of December 31, 2013:
| on an actual basis; |
| on a pro forma basis to reflect the automatic conversion of all of our outstanding preferred shares into 224,905,170 Class B ordinary shares immediately prior to the completion of this offering; and |
| on a pro forma as adjusted basis to reflect (a) the automatic conversion of all of our outstanding preferred shares into 224,905,170 Class B ordinary shares immediately upon the completion of this offering, (b) the sale of 120,000,000 Class A ordinary shares in the form of ADSs by us in this offering at an assumed initial public offering price of US$13.50 per ADS, the mid-point of the estimated range of the initial public offering price shown on the front cover of this prospectus after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us (assuming the over-allotment option is not exercised) and (c) a total of 37,037,037 Class A ordinary shares we will offer and sell through the Concurrent Private Placement, which number of shares has been calculated based on the mid-point of the estimated initial public offering price range shown on the front cover page of this prospectus. |
You should read this table together with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus and the information under Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
As of December 31, 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Actual | Pro Forma |
Pro Forma
as Adjusted (1) |
||||||||||||||||||||||
RMB | US$ | RMB | US$ | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Convertible preferred shares |
441,941 | 73,004 | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Shareholders equity: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ordinary shares (Class B ordinary shares issued and outstanding on a pro forma basis and Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares issued and outstanding on a pro forma as adjusted basis; US$0.000025 par value; 1,775,094,830 shares authorized, 1,000,551,482 shares issued and 900,551,482 outstanding on an actual basis (2) ) |
150 | 25 | 184 | 30 | 208 | 34 | ||||||||||||||||||
Additional paid-in capital (3) |
63,919 | 10,559 | 505,826 | 83,558 | 1,679,840 | 277,491 | ||||||||||||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
13,239 | 2,187 | 13,239 | 2,187 | 13,239 | 2,187 | ||||||||||||||||||
Retained earnings |
74,819 | 12,359 | 74,819 | 12,359 | 74,819 | 12,359 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total shareholders equity (3) |
152,127 | 25,130 | 594,068 | 98,134 | 1,768,106 | 292,071 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total capitalization (3) |
594,068 | 98,134 | 594,068 | 98,134 | 1,768,106 | 292,071 |
(1) | The pro forma as adjusted information discussed above is illustrative only. Our additional paid-in capital, total shareholders equity and total capitalization following the completion of this offering are subject to adjustment based on the actual initial public offering price and other terms of this offering determined at pricing. |
(2) | Excluded 100,000,000 ordinary shares held by the trustee pursuant to our 2011 share award scheme and a trust deed dated May 26, 2011. |
(3) | Assuming the number of ADSs offered by us as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus remains the same, and after deduction of underwriting discounts and commissions and the estimated offering expenses payable by us, a US$1.00 change in the assumed initial public offering price of US$13.50 per ADS would, in the case of an increase, increase and, in the case of a decrease, decrease each of additional paid-in capital, total shareholders equity and total capitalization by US$11.2 million. |
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If you invest in the ADSs, your interest will be diluted to the extent of the difference between the initial public offering price per ADS and our net tangible book value per ADS after this offering. Dilution results from the fact that the initial public offering price per ordinary share is substantially in excess of the book value per ordinary share attributable to the existing shareholders for our presently outstanding ordinary shares and holders of our outstanding preferred shares which will automatically convert into our Class B ordinary shares upon the completion of this offering.
Our net tangible book value as of December 31, 2013 was approximately US$0.08 per ordinary share and US$0.80 per ADS. Net tangible book value per ordinary share represents the amount of total assets, minus the amount of total liabilities, intangible assets and goodwill, divided by the total number of ordinary shares outstanding. Dilution is determined by subtracting net tangible book value per ordinary share from the assumed public offering price per ordinary share. Because our Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares have the same dividend and other rights, except for voting and conversion rights, the dilution is presented here based on all ordinary shares, including Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares.
Without taking into account any other changes in such net tangible book value after December 31, 2013, other than to give effect to (i) the conversion of all of our preferred shares into Class B ordinary shares, which will occur automatically upon the completion of this offering, (ii) our issuance and sale of 12,000,000 ADSs in this offering, at an assumed initial public offering price of US$13.50 per ADS, the mid-point of the estimated public offering price range, and after deduction of underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us (assuming the over-allotment option is not exercised) and (iii) a total of 37,037,037 Class A ordinary shares we will offer and sell through the Concurrent Private Placement, which number of shares has been calculated based on an initial public offering price of US$13.50 per ADS, the mid-point of the estimated initial public offering price range shown on the front cover page of this prospectus, our pro forma net tangible book value at December 31, 2013 would have been US$0.20 per outstanding ordinary share, including Class A ordinary shares underlying our outstanding ADSs, or US$2.00 per ADS. This represents an immediate increase in net tangible book value of US$0.13 per ordinary share, or US$1.30 per ADS, to existing shareholders and an immediate dilution in net tangible book value of US$1.15 per ordinary share, or US$11.50 per ADS, to purchasers of ADSs in this offering.
The following table illustrates the dilution on a per ordinary share basis assuming that the initial public offering price per Class A ordinary share is US$1.35 and all ADSs are exchanged for ordinary shares:
Assumed initial public offering price per Class A ordinary share |
US$ | 1.35 | ||
Net tangible book value per ordinary share as of December 31, 2013 |
0.08 | |||
Pro forma net tangible book value per ordinary share after giving effect to the automatic conversion of all of our outstanding preferred shares as of December 31, 2013 |
0.07 | |||
Pro forma net tangible book value per ordinary share as adjusted to give effect to the automatic conversion of all of our outstanding preferred shares, this offering and the Concurrent Private Placement |
0.20 | |||
Amount of dilution in net tangible book value per ordinary share to new investors in the offering |
1.15 | |||
Amount of dilution in net tangible book value per ADS to new investors in the offering |
11.50 |
A US$1.00 change in the assumed public offering price of US$13.50 per ADS would, in the case of an increase, increase and, in the case of a decrease, decrease our pro forma net tangible book value after giving effect to the offering by US$11.2 million, the pro forma net tangible book value per ordinary share and per ADS after giving effect to this offering by US$0.01 per ordinary share and US$0.10 per ADS and the dilution in pro forma net tangible book value per ordinary share and per ADS to new investors in this offering by US$0.09 per ordinary share and US$0.90 per ADS, assuming no change to the number of ADSs offered by us as set forth on
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the cover page of this prospectus, and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses. The pro forma information discussed above is illustrative only. Our net tangible book value following the completion of this offering is subject to adjustment based on the actual initial public offering price of the ADSs and other terms of this offering determined at pricing.
The following table summarizes, on a pro forma basis as of December 31, 2013, the differences between the shareholders as of December 31, 2013, including holders of our preferred shares that will be automatically converted into Class B ordinary shares upon the completion of this offering, and the new investors with respect to the number of ordinary shares purchased from us in this offering and the Concurrent Private Placement, the total consideration paid and the average price per ordinary share paid at an assumed initial public offering price of US$13.50 per ADS before deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses. The total number of ordinary shares does not include Class A ordinary shares underlying the ADSs issuable upon the exercise of the option to purchase additional ADSs granted to the underwriters.
Ordinary Shares Purchased | Total Consideration |
Average
Price Per Ordinary Share |
Average
Price Per ADS |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Number | Percent | Amount | Percent | |||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Existing shareholders |
1,225,456,652 | 89 | % | 76,384 | 26 | % | 0.06 | 0.60 | ||||||||||||||||
New investors |
157,037,037 | 11 | % | 212,000 | 74 | % | 1.35 | 13.50 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Total |
1,382,493,689 | 100 | % | 288,384 | 100 | % | 0.21 | 2.10 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
If the underwriters were to fully exercise the over-allotment option to purchase additional Class A ordinary shares from us, the percentage of our ordinary shares held by existing shareholders would be 88%, and the percentage of our ordinary shares held by new investors would be 12%.
A US$1.00 change in the assumed public offering price of US$13.50 per ADS would, in the case of an increase, increase and, in the case of a decrease, decrease total consideration paid by new investors, total consideration paid by all shareholders, average price per ordinary share and average price per ADS paid by all shareholders by US$12.0 million, US$12.0 million, US$0.10 and US$1.00, respectively, assuming the sale of ADSs at US$13.50, the mid-point of the range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, and before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
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Our reporting currency is the Renminbi because a significant portion of our business is primarily conducted in China and a majority of our revenues are denominated in Renminbi. This prospectus contains translations of Renminbi amounts into U.S. dollars at specific rates solely for the convenience of the reader. The conversion of Renminbi into U.S. dollars in this prospectus is based on the rate certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Translations from Renminbi to U.S. dollars and from U.S. dollars to Renminbi in this prospectus were made at a rate of RMB6.0537 to US$1.00, the rate in effect as of December 31, 2013. We make no representation that any Renminbi or U.S. dollar amounts could have been, or could be, converted into U.S. dollars or Renminbi, as the case may be, at any particular rate, the rates stated below, or at all. The PRC government imposes control over its foreign currency reserves in part through direct regulation of the conversion of Renminbi into foreign exchange and through restrictions on foreign trade. On April 18, 2014, the rate was RMB6.2240 to US$1.00.
The following table sets forth information concerning exchange rates between the Renminbi and the U.S. dollar for the periods indicated. These rates are provided solely for your convenience and are not necessarily the exchange rates that we used in this prospectus or will use in the preparation of our periodic reports or any other information to be provided to you.
Certified Exchange Rate | ||||||||||||||||
Period |
Period End | Average (1) | Low | High | ||||||||||||
(RMB per US$1.00) | ||||||||||||||||
Year ended: |
||||||||||||||||
2011 |
6.2939 | 6.4475 | 6.6364 | 6.2939 | ||||||||||||
2012 |
6.2301 | 6.2990 | 6.3879 | 6.2221 | ||||||||||||
2013 |
6.0537 | 6.1412 | 6.2438 | 6.0537 | ||||||||||||
Month ended: |
||||||||||||||||
2013 |
||||||||||||||||
October |
6.0943 | 6.1032 | 6.1209 | 6.0815 | ||||||||||||
November |
6.0922 | 6.0929 | 6.0993 | 6.0903 | ||||||||||||
December |
6.0537 | 6.0738 | 6.0927 | 6.0537 | ||||||||||||
2014 |
||||||||||||||||
January |
6.0590 | 6.0509 | 6.0402 | 6.0600 | ||||||||||||
February |
6.1448 | 6.0816 | 6.1448 | 6.0591 | ||||||||||||
March |
6.2164 | 6.1729 | 6.2273 | 6.1183 | ||||||||||||
April (through April 18) |
6.2240 | 6.2121 | 6.2240 | 6.1966 |
(1) | Annual averages were calculated by using the average of the exchange rates on the last day of each month during the relevant year. Monthly averages are calculated by using the average of the daily rates during the relevant month. |
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ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES
We are incorporated in the Cayman Islands to take advantage of certain benefits associated with being a Cayman Islands exempted company, such as:
| political and economic stability; |
| a favorable tax system; |
| the absence of exchange control or currency restrictions; and |
| the availability of professional and support services. |
However, certain disadvantages accompany incorporation in the Cayman Islands. These disadvantages include, but are not limited to, the following:
| the Cayman Islands has a less developed body of securities laws as compared to the United States and these securities laws provide significantly less protection to investors as compared to the United States; and |
| Cayman Islands companies may not have standing to sue before the federal courts of the United States. |
Our constituent documents do not contain provisions requiring that disputes, including those arising under the securities laws of the United States, between us, our officers, directors and shareholders, be arbitrated. Under the deposit agreement with our depositary, The Bank of New York Mellon, the federal or state courts in the City of New York shall have non-exclusive jurisdiction over any suit, action, proceeding or dispute that may arise out of or in connection with the deposit agreement, and with regard to any claim or dispute arising from the relationship created by the deposit agreement, the depositary, in its sole discretion, is entitled to refer such dispute or difference for final settlement by arbitration, with the seat and place of the arbitration being New York, New York. Moreover, under the contractual arrangements that we entered into with Beijing Antutu, Beike Internet, Guangzhou Network, Beijing Network, Beijing Conew and their respective shareholders, any disputes arising from those contracts that cannot be resolved through friendly negotiations will be resolved through arbitration conducted through China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission.
Our PRC legal counsel, Han Kun Law Offices, has advised us that in the event that a shareholder originates an action against a company in China for disputes related to contracts or other property interests, the PRC court may accept a course of action based on the laws or the parties express mutual agreement in contracts choosing PRC courts for dispute resolution if (a) the contract is signed and/or performed within the PRC, (b) the subject of the action is located within the PRC, (c) the company (as defendant) has seizable properties within the PRC, (d) the company has a representative organization within the PRC, or (e) other circumstances prescribed under the PRC law. The action may be initiated by a shareholder through filing a complaint with the PRC court. The PRC court will determine whether to accept the complaint in accordance with the PRC Civil Procedure Law. The shareholder may participate in the action by itself or entrust any other person or PRC legal counsel to participate on its behalf. Foreign citizens and companies will have the same rights as PRC citizens and companies in an action unless the home jurisdiction of such foreign citizens or companies restricts the rights of PRC citizens and companies.
Maples and Calder, our legal counsel as to Cayman Islands law, has also advised us that a shareholder may, in limited circumstances, commence an action against persons who have allegedly wronged the company, where the company itself has failed to enforce such claim against such persons directly. Such action is brought on the basis of a primary right of the company, but is asserted by a shareholder on behalf of the company commonly known as a derivative action. Generally, claims against a company by its shareholders must be based on the general laws of contract or tort applicable in the Cayman Islands or their individual rights as shareholders as established by the companys articles of association. Civil proceedings are generally commenced by originating process (by writ or originating summons). A shareholder may commence proceedings in the Cayman Islands and may instruct an attorney to act on the shareholders behalf. Service of proceedings on the company is effected
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through the delivery of the originating process at the registered office of the company. There are no particular formalities that a non-resident shareholder must comply with to initiate and commence proceedings in the Cayman Islands.
Any judgment of United States courts will not be directly enforced in Hong Kong. There are currently no treaties or other arrangements providing for reciprocal enforcement of foreign judgments between Hong Kong and the United States. However, subject to certain conditions, including but not limited to when the judgment is for a liquidated amount in a civil matter and not in respect of taxes, fines, penalties or similar charges, the judgment is final and conclusive and has not been stayed or satisfied in full, the proceedings in which the judgment was obtained were not contrary to natural justice and the enforcement of the judgment is not contrary to public policy of Hong Kong, Hong Kong courts may accept such judgment obtained from a United States court as a debt due under the rules of common law enforcement. However, a separate legal action for debt must be commenced in Hong Kong in order to recover such debt from the judgment debtor.
The United States and the British Virgin Islands do not have a treaty providing for reciprocal recognition and enforcement of judgments of courts of the United States in civil and commercial matters and that a final judgment for the payment of money rendered by any general or state court in the United States based on civil liability, whether or not predicated solely upon the U.S. federal securities laws, would not be automatically enforceable in the British Virgin Islands. We have also been advised by Maples and Calder that a final and conclusive monetary judgment obtained against a British Virgin Islands company in the courts of the United States for a definite sum may be treated by the courts of the British Virgin Islands as a cause of action in itself so that no retrial of the issues would be necessary provided that in respect of the foreign judgment:
(a) | the foreign court issuing the judgment had jurisdiction in the matter and the British Virgin Islands company either submitted to such jurisdiction or was resident or carrying on business within such jurisdiction and was duly served with process; |
(b) | the judgment given by the foreign court was not in respect of penalties, taxes, fines or similar fiscal or revenue obligations of the company; |
(c) | in obtaining judgment there was no fraud on the part of the person in whose favor judgment was given or on the part of the court; |
(d) | recognition or enforcement of the judgment in the British Virgin Islands would not be contrary to public policy; and |
(e) | the proceedings pursuant to which judgment was obtained were not contrary to natural justice. |
All of our operations are substantially conducted outside the United States, and substantially all of our assets are located outside the United States. A significant majority of our directors and officers are nationals or residents of jurisdictions other than the United States and a substantial portion of their assets are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for a shareholder to effect service of process within the United States upon these persons, or to enforce against us or them judgments obtained in United States courts, including judgments predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state in the United States. It may also be difficult for you to enforce in Cayman Islands courts judgments obtained in United States courts based on the civil liability provisions of the United States federal securities laws against us and our officers and directors.
We have appointed Law Debenture Corporate Services Inc. as our agent upon whom process may be served in any action brought against us under the securities laws of the United States.
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Maples and Calder, our legal counsel as to Cayman Islands law, and Han Kun Law Offices, our legal counsel as to PRC law, have advised us, respectively, that there is uncertainty as to whether the courts of the Cayman Islands and China, respectively, would:
| recognize or enforce judgments of United States courts obtained against us or our directors or officers predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state in the United States; or |
| entertain original actions brought in each respective jurisdiction against us or our directors or officers predicated upon the securities laws of the United States or any state in the United States. |
There is uncertainty with regard to Cayman Islands law relates to whether a judgment obtained from the United States courts under civil liability provisions of the securities laws will be determined by the courts of the Cayman Islands as penal or punitive in nature. If such a determination is made, the courts of the Cayman Islands will not recognize or enforce the judgment against a Cayman company. Because the courts of the Cayman Islands have yet to rule on whether such judgments are penal or punitive in nature, it is uncertain whether they would be enforceable in the Cayman Islands. Maples and Calder has advised us that although there is no statutory enforcement in the Cayman Islands of judgments obtained in the federal or state courts of the United States, a judgment obtained in such jurisdiction will be recognized and enforced in the courts of the Cayman Islands at common law, without any re-examination of the merits of the underlying dispute, by an action commenced on the foreign judgment debt in the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands, provided such judgment:
(a) | is given by a foreign court of competent jurisdiction; |
(b) | imposes on the judgment debtor a liability to pay a liquidated sum for which the judgment has been given; |
(c) | is final; |
(d) | is not in respect of taxes, a fine or a penalty; and |
(e) | was not obtained in a manner and is not of a kind the enforcement of which is contrary to natural justice or the public policy of the Cayman Islands. |
Han Kun Law Offices has further advised us that the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments are provided for under PRC Civil Procedure Law. PRC courts may recognize and enforce foreign judgments in accordance with the requirements of PRC Civil Procedure Law based either on treaties between China and the country where the judgment is rendered or on reciprocity between the jurisdictions. China does not have any treaties or other form of reciprocity with the United States or the Cayman Islands that provide for the reciprocal recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments in connection with civil liabilities. In addition, according to the PRC Civil Procedure Law, courts in the PRC will not enforce a foreign judgment against us or our directors and officers if they decide that the judgment violates the basic principles of PRC law or national sovereignty, security or public interest. A judgment that does not violate the basic principles of PRC law or national sovereignty, security or public interest may be recognized and enforced by a PRC court base on treaties between China and the country where the judgment is made or on principles of reciprocity between jurisdictions. However, as of the date of this prospectus, no treaty or other form of reciprocity exists between China and the United States or the Cayman Islands governing the recognition and enforcement of judgments. As a result, it is uncertain whether and on what basis a PRC court would enforce a judgment rendered by a court in the United States or the Cayman Islands.
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CORPORATE HISTORY AND STRUCTURE
Corporate History
Our company is a holding company incorporated in the Cayman Islands in July 2009. At the time of incorporation, our company was directly and wholly owned by Kingsoft Corporation Limited, or Kingsoft Corporation, a Cayman Islands company which ordinary shares have been listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange since October 2007. We changed our name from Kingsoft Internet Security Software Holdings Limited to Kingsoft Internet Software Holdings Limited on June 13, 2013, and then to our current name Cheetah Mobile Inc. on March 25, 2014.
In August 2009, we established our wholly owned Hong Kong subsidiary, Kingsoft Internet Security Software Corporation Limited, and renamed it as Cheetah Technology Corporation Limited, or Cheetah Technology, in September 2012.
Subsequent to our incorporation in 2009, Kingsoft Corporation initiated a series of restructuring transactions in 2009 and 2010. As a result of this restructuring, Zhuhai Juntian, which was originally a wholly owned subsidiary of Kingsoft Corporation, became wholly and directly owned by Cheetah Technology in December 2009. Zhuhai Juntian was incorporated in China and is engaged in the research and development and provision of internet security services. Beijing Security was incorporated in November 2009 in China as a wholly and directly owned subsidiary of Zhuhai Juntian, and it conducted sales and operation of internet security software.
Beike Internet was incorporated in April 2009 and subsequently became a subsidiary of a variable interest entity of Kingsoft Corporation in August 2010. Upon restructuring and establishment of VIE contractual arrangements in January 2011, Beike Internet became our VIE that we effectively control through a series of contractual arrangements among Beijing Security, Beike Internet and its shareholders. See Corporate StructureContractual Arrangements with Our VIEs.
In October 2010, we acquired 100% equity interest in Conew.com Corporation, which was incorporated in the British Virgin Islands in October 2008. As part of the acquisition, we acquired 100% equity interest in Conew Network and obtained effective control over Beijing Conew through contractual arrangements among Conew Network, Beijing Conew and its shareholders. Conew Network was incorporated in China in March 2009, and Beijing Conew was incorporated in China in December 2005. Beijing Conew offered internet security services starting in May 2010 but has been dormant since our acquisition of Conew.com Corporation.
Our other three VIEs, namely, Beijing Network, Beijing Antutu, and Guangzhou Network, were incorporated in China in July 2012, June 2013, and September 2013, respectively. Each of them and their shareholders respectively entered into contractual arrangements with either Beijing Security or Conew Network, our wholly owned subsidiaries. See Corporate StructureContractual Arrangements with Our VIEs for details. Suzhou Jiangduoduo Technology Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Beike Internet, was incorporated in China in January 2014.
In March 2014, we entered into an agreement to purchase certain assets relating to an online lottery business from Suzhou Le Ying Technologies Co., Ltd., an unrelated party. The purchase consideration was RMB54.0 million (US$8.9 million) in cash, of which 50% is due upon the completion of the acquisition and the amount of the remaining consideration is subject to performance targets for the next two years after the acquisition. We intend to use the assets acquired to engage in certain online lottery business.
Corporate Structure
Pursuant to the latest version of Catalogue for the Guidance of Foreign Investment Industries, Zhuhai Juntian is currently engaged in the business of (i) development of system software, which is an encouraged foreign investment industry, and (ii) sale of system software, which is a permitted foreign investment industry.
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Beijing Security is currently engaged in the business of technology promotion, technology development, technology service and technology consultancy, sale of computers, software, auxiliary devices and electronic products, computer animation design, investment consultancy and advertisement design, production, agency and publication, all of which are permitted foreign investment industries under the latest version of Catalogue for the Guidance of Foreign Investment Industries.
Conew Network is currently engaged in the business of research and development of digital technology, telecommunication technology and relevant products, self-technology transfer, technology service, technology consultancy and computer technology training, sale of self-developed products, graphic design, business consultancy and investment consultancy, all of which are permitted foreign investment industries under the latest version of Catalogue for the Guidance of Foreign Investment Industries.
According to the Administrative Rules for Foreign Investments in Telecommunications Enterprises, which were issued on December 11, 2001 by the State Council and became effective on January 1, 2002, a foreign investor is currently prohibited from owning more than 50% of the equity interest in a Chinese entity that provides value-added telecommunications services. Internet content provision services, or ICP services, are classified as value-added telecommunications businesses, and a commercial operator of such services must obtain an ICP license from the appropriate telecommunications authorities in order to carry on any commercial internet content provision operations in China. In July 2006, the Ministry of Information and Industry of China issued a notice which prohibits ICP license holders from leasing, transferring or selling a telecommunications business operating license to any foreign investors in any form, or providing any resource, sites or facilities to any foreign investors for their illegal operation of telecommunications businesses in China. The notice also requires that ICP license holders and their shareholders directly own the domain names and trademarks used by such ICP license holders in their daily operations.
As a Cayman Islands exempted company, we are deemed a foreign legal person under PRC laws. Therefore, in order for us to be able to carry on our business in China, we conduct our operations in China primarily through our VIEs, namely, Beijing Antutu, Beike Internet, Guangzhou Network, Beijing Network, and Beijing Conew (collectively, VIEs). Each of Beike Internet (which is owned as to 35% by Mr. Sheng Fu and 65% by Ms. Weiqin Qiu) and Beijing Network (which is owned as to 50% by Mr. Ming Xu and 50% by Mr. Wei Liu) holds the requisite ICP licenses. We have been and are expected to continue to be dependent on our VIEs to operate our business if the then PRC law does not allow us to directly operate such business in China. We believe that under these contractual arrangements, we have sufficient control over our VIEs and their respective shareholders to renew, revise or enter into new contractual arrangements prior to the expiration of the current arrangements on terms that would enable us to continue to operate our business in China after the expiration of the current arrangements, or pursuant to certain amendments and changes of the current applicable PRC laws, regulations and rules on terms that would enable us to continue to operate our business in China validly and legally.
Our contractual arrangements with each of our VIEs and their shareholders enable us to:
| exercise effective control over our VIEs; |
| receive substantially all of the economic benefits of our VIEs in consideration for the services provided by Beijing Security and Conew Network, our wholly owned subsidiaries in China ; and |
| have an exclusive option to purchase all of the equity interests in our VIEs, when and to the extent permitted under PRC law, regulations or legal proceedings. |
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The following diagram illustrates our corporate structure as of the date of this prospectus:
Notes: (1) | See Principal Shareholders for the other beneficial owners of our company. |
(2) | We exercise effective control over Beijing Network through contractual arrangements with Beijing Network and Mr. Ming Xu and Mr. Wei Liu, who owns 50% and 50% of equity interests in Beijing Network, respectively. |
(3) | We exercise effective control over Beijing Conew through contractual arrangements with Beijing Conew and Mr. Sheng Fu and Mr. Ming Xu, who owns 62.73% and 37.27% of equity interests in Beijing Conew, respectively. Beijing Conew has remained dormant since October 2010. |
(4) | We exercise effective control over Beijing Antutu through contractual arrangements with Beijing Antutu and Mr. Ming Xu and Mr. Wei Liu, who owns 50% and 50% of equity interests in Beijing Antutu, respectively. |
(5) | We exercise effective control over Beike Internet through contractual arrangements with Beike Internet and Mr. Sheng Fu and Ms. Weiqin Qiu, who owns 35% and 65% of equity interests in Beike Internet, respectively. |
(6) | We exercise effective control over Guangzhou Network through contractual arrangements with Guangzhou Network and Mr. Ming Xu and Ms. Weiqin Qiu, who owns 50% and 50% of equity interests in Guangzhou Network, respectively. |
* | Formerly known as Kingsoft Internet Software Holdings Limited. |
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Contractual Arrangements with Our VIEs
The following is a summary of the currently effective contracts among our subsidiary Beijing Security, our VIE Beike Internet, and the shareholders of Beike Internet. We have entered into substantially similar contractual arrangements as described above with three other VIEs, including Beijing Antutu, Guangzhou Network, and Beijing Network.
Agreements that provide us with effective control over Beike Internet
Business operation agreement. Pursuant to the business operation agreement by and among Beijing Security, Beike Internet and its shareholders, Beike Internet and its shareholders agreed to accept and follow Beijing Securitys suggestions on their daily operations and financial management. The shareholders of Beike Internet must appoint candidates designated by Beijing Security to its board of directors and appoint candidates designated by Beijing Security as senior executives of Beike Internet. In addition, the shareholders of Beike Internet confirm, agree and jointly guarantee that Beike Internet shall not engage in any transaction that may materially affect its assets, business, employment, obligations, rights or operations without the prior written consent of Beijing Security. The shareholders of Beike Internet also agree to unconditionally pay or transfer to Beijing Security any bonus, dividends, or any other profits or interests (in whatever form) that they are entitled to as shareholders of Beike Internet, and waives any consideration connected therewith. The agreement has a term of ten years, unless terminated at an earlier date by Beijing Security. Neither Beike Internet nor its shareholders may terminate this agreement.
Shareholder voting proxy agreement. Under the shareholder voting proxy agreement by and among Beijing Security, Beike Internet and its shareholders, each of Beike Internets shareholders irrevocably nominates, appoints and constitutes any person designated by Beijing Security as its attorney-in-fact to exercise on such shareholders behalf any and all rights that such shareholder has in respect of its equity interests in Beike Internet (including but not limited to the voting rights and the right to nominate executive directors of Beike Internet). This proxy agreement has a term of ten years unless terminated at an earlier date by a written agreement among the signing parties. Unless Beijing Security notifies the other parties to this agreement not to renew this agreement, the term of this agreement will automatically extend on a yearly basis.
Equity pledge agreement. Under the equity pledge agreement between Beijing Security, Beike Internet and its shareholders, the shareholders of Beike Internet have pledged all of their respective equity interests in Beike Internet to Beijing Security to guarantee (i) the performance of all the contractual obligations of Beike Internet and its shareholders under this agreement, the exclusive technology development, support and consultancy agreement, business operation agreement, loan agreement, exclusive equity option agreement, and the shareholder voting proxy agreement, and (ii) the repayment of all liabilities that may be incurred under all of the aforementioned agreements. Beijing Security has the absolute right to appoint any attorney-in-fact to exercise its rights and powers under this agreement. In the event of default, Beijing Security has the first priority to be compensated through the sale or auction of the equity interests pledged. The shareholders of Beike Internet agreed to waive their dividend rights in relation to all of the equity interests pledged until such pledge has been lawfully discharged. This pledge will remain effective until all the guaranteed obligations have been performed or all the guaranteed liabilities have been repaid. We have completed the registration of equity pledge relating to each of our VIEs with the relevant government authorities in China.
Agreement that transfers economic benefits to us
Exclusive technology development, support and consultancy agreement. Under the exclusive technology development, support and consultancy agreement between Beijing Security and Beike Internet, Beijing Security has the exclusive right to provide Beike Internet with services related to Beike Internets business, including but not limited to technology development, support and consulting services. Beijing Security has the sole right to determine the service fees and settlement cycle, and the service fees shall in no event be less than 30% of the
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pre-tax revenue of Beike Internet in relation to the relevant service. Beijing Security will exclusively own any intellectual property arising from the performance of this agreement. This agreement will be effective unless terminated according to the terms of the agreement or otherwise terminated by mutual agreement of the signing parties.
Agreements that provide us with the option to purchase the equity interest in Beike Internet
Loan agreement s . Under the loan agreements by and among Beijing Security and the shareholders of Beike Internet, Beijing Security will make interest-free loans in an aggregate amount of RMB7.2 million to the two individual shareholders of Beike Internet, for the sole purpose of contributing to the registered capital of Beike Internet. The loans have no definite maturity date. Beijing Security may request repayment at any time, and either shareholder of Beike Internet may offer to repay part or all of the loan at any time. The shareholders of Beike Internet shall, subject to the PRC laws, repay the loans by transferring the equity interest they hold in Beike Internet to Beijing Security or a third party that it designates.
Exclusive equity option agreement. Under the exclusive equity option agreement by and among Beijing Security, Beike Internet and its shareholders, Beijing Security was granted an irrevocable exclusive option to acquire, or designate a third party to acquire, all or part of the equity interest owned by the shareholders in Beike Internet at any time at an exercise price that is equal to the minimum price permitted under the PRC laws. Any amount in excess of the corresponding loan amount shall be refunded by the shareholders of Beike Internet to Beijing Security, or Beijing Security may deduct the excess amount from the consideration to be paid. The agreement will remain effective until all the equity interests in Beike Internet has been lawfully transferred to Beijing Security or a designated third party pursuant to the terms of this agreement.
Financial support undertaking letter. Beijing Security has executed a financial support undertaking letter addressed to Beike Internet, pursuant to which Beijing Security irrevocably undertakes to provide unlimited financial support to Beike Internet to the extent permissible under the applicable PRC laws and regulations, regardless of whether Beike Internet has incurred an operational loss. The form of financial support includes but is not limited to cash, entrusted loans and borrowings. Beijing Security will not request repayment of any outstanding loans or borrowings from Beike Internet if Beike Internet or its shareholders do not have sufficient funds or are unable to repay such loans or borrowings. The letter is effective from the date of full execution of the other agreements in connection with the VIE structure until the earlier of (i) the date on which all of the equity interests of Beike Internet have been acquired by Beijing Security or its designated representative(s), and (ii) the date on which Beijing Security in its sole and absolute discretion unilaterally terminates this letter.
In addition to the above contracts, the spouses of certain shareholders of our VIEs have executed spousal consent letters. Pursuant to the spousal consent letters, the spouses of certain shareholders of our VIEs acknowledged that certain equity interests in the respective VIEs held by and registered in the name of his or her spouse will be disposed of pursuant to relevant arrangements under the shareholder voting proxy agreement, the exclusive equity option agreement, the equity pledge agreement and the loan agreement. These spouses undertake not to take any action to interfere with the disposition of such equity interests, including, without limitation, claiming that such equity interests constitute communal marital property.
As a result of these contractual arrangements, we are considered the primary beneficiary of the VIEs as we have the power to direct activities of these entities and can receive substantially all economic interests in these entities even though we do not necessarily receive all of the VIEs revenues. Accordingly, we treat them as our VIEs under U.S. GAAP and have consolidated the results of operation of the VIEs and their subsidiaries in our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The VIEs contributed 16.2%, 65.3% and 91.0% of our revenues for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2012 and 2013, respectively.
In the opinion of our PRC legal counsel:
| the corporate structure of our PRC subsidiaries and VIEs does not and will not result in any violation of all existing PRC laws and regulations; |
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| each of the VIE agreements among either Beijing Security or Conew Network, each of our VIEs and its respective shareholders (as the case may be) governed by PRC law are valid and binding, and do not result in any violation of PRC laws or regulations currently in effect; and |
| each of our PRC subsidiaries and each of our VIEs has all necessary corporate power and authority to conduct its business as described in its business scope under its business license. The business licenses of each of our PRC subsidiaries and each of our VIEs are in full force and effect. Each of our PRC subsidiaries and each of our VIEs is capable of suing and being sued and may be the subject of any legal proceedings in PRC courts. To the best of our PRC legal counsels knowledge after due inquiries, none of our PRC subsidiaries, our VIEs or their respective assets is entitled to any immunity, on the grounds of sovereignty, from any action, suit or other legal proceedings; or from enforcement, execution or attachment. |
We have been advised by our PRC legal counsel, however, that there are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of current and future PRC laws, regulations and rules. Accordingly, the PRC regulatory authorities may take a view that is contrary to the above opinion of our PRC legal counsel. We have been further advised by our PRC legal counsel that if the PRC government finds that the agreements that establish the structure for operating our business do not comply with PRC government restrictions on foreign investment in the aforesaid business we engage in, we could be subject to severe penalties including being prohibited from continuing operations. See Risk FactorsRisks Relating to Our Corporate StructureIf the PRC government finds that the structure we have adopted for our business operations does not comply with PRC governmental restrictions on foreign investment in internet and mobile businesses, or if these laws or regulations or interpretations of existing laws or regulations change in the future, we could be subject to severe penalties, including the shutting down of our platform and our business operations.
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SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The following selected consolidated statements of comprehensive income data for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013 and the selected consolidated balance sheets data as of December 31, 2012 and 2013 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. Our consolidated financial statements are prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Our historical results for any period are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for any future period. You should read the following selected financial information in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes and the information under Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included elsewhere in this prospectus.
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2012 | 2013 | ||||||||||||||
RMB | RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||
(in thousands, except for number of shares) | ||||||||||||||||
Selected Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) Data: |
||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
140,054 | 287,927 | 749,911 | 123,876 | ||||||||||||
Online marketing services |
23,916 | 212,443 | 612,565 | 101,189 | ||||||||||||
IVAS |
| 2,354 | 83,155 | 13,736 | ||||||||||||
Internet security services and others |
116,138 | 73,130 | 54,191 | 8,951 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Cost of revenues (1) |
(53,737 | ) | (71,560 | ) | (140,526 | ) | (23,213 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Gross profit |
86,317 | 216,367 | 609,385 | 100,663 | ||||||||||||
Operating expenses: |
||||||||||||||||
Research and development (1) |
(79,105 | ) | (114,329 | ) | (217,846 | ) | (35,986 | ) | ||||||||
Selling and marketing (1) |
(28,810 | ) | (57,167 | ) | (201,504 | ) | (33,286 | ) | ||||||||
General and administrative (1) |
(15,301 | ) | (34,408 | ) | (97,817 | ) | (16,158 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total operating expenses |
(123,216 | ) | (205,904 | ) | (517,167 | ) | (85,430 | ) | ||||||||
Operating profit/(loss) |
(36,899 | ) | 10,463 | 92,218 | 15,233 | |||||||||||
Other income/(expenses): |
||||||||||||||||
Interest income |
3,475 | 3,263 | 7,077 | 1,169 | ||||||||||||
Changes in fair value of redemption right granted to a non-controlling shareholder |
| | 11,146 | 1,841 | ||||||||||||
Changes in fair value of contingent consideration |
(496 | ) | (297 | ) | (1,067 | ) | (176 | ) | ||||||||
Foreign exchange gain (loss), net |
551 | 47 | 920 | 152 | ||||||||||||
Other income, net |
537 | 1,283 | 2,243 | 371 | ||||||||||||
Losses from equity method investments |
| | (1,849 | ) | (305 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Income/(loss) before taxes |
(32,832 | ) | 14,759 | 110,688 | 18,285 | |||||||||||
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Income tax benefit/(expense) |
2,597 | (4,915 | ) | (48,670 | ) | (8,040 | ) | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Net income/(loss) |
(30,235 | ) | 9,844 | 62,018 | 10,245 | |||||||||||
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Earnings/(loss) per share: |
||||||||||||||||
Basic |
(0.0345 | ) | 0.0097 | 0.0567 | 0.0094 | |||||||||||
Diluted |
(0.0345 | ) | 0.0094 | 0.0538 | 0.0089 | |||||||||||
Weighted average number of shares used in computation: |
||||||||||||||||
Basic |
875,944,795 | 908,457,367 | 929,119,153 | 929,119,153 | ||||||||||||
Diluted |
875,944,795 | 1,046,982,205 | 1,135,982,953 | 1,135,982,953 |
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(1) | The amount of share-based compensation costs for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2012 and 2013 is as follows: |
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2012 | 2013 | ||||||||||||||
RMB | RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||
( in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Cost of revenues |
94 | 21 | 10 | 2 | ||||||||||||
Research and development expenses |
4,313 | 6,663 | 14,520 | 2,399 | ||||||||||||
Selling and marketing expenses |
47 | 609 | 2,835 | 468 | ||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses |
1,381 | 12,994 | 20,031 | 3,309 | ||||||||||||
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|
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Total |
5,835 | 20,287 | 37,396 | 6,178 | ||||||||||||
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|
As of December 31, | ||||||||||||
2012 | 2013 | |||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||
Selected Consolidated Balance Sheets Data: |
||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
134,376 | 530,536 | 87,638 | |||||||||
Short-term investments |
40,376 | 55,780 | 9,214 | |||||||||
Total assets |
316,995 | 909,593 | 150,253 | |||||||||
Total current liabilities |
152,062 | 263,968 | 43,603 | |||||||||
Total liabilities |
156,869 | 315,525 | 52,119 | |||||||||
Total mezzanine equity |
119,976 | 441,941 | 73,004 | |||||||||
Total shareholders equity |
40,150 | 152,127 | 25,130 |
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MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations in conjunction with the section headed Selected Consolidated Financial Data and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results and the timing of selected events could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those set forth under Risk Factors and elsewhere in this prospectus.
Overview
Our mission is to make the internet and mobile experience speedier, simpler and safer for users worldwide. To achieve this mission, we have developed a platform that offers mission critical applications for our users and global content distribution channels for our business partners, both of which are powered by our proprietary cloud-based data analytics engines.
For our users, our diversified suite of mission critical applications optimizes internet and mobile system performance and provides real time protection against known and unknown security threats. We had 340.7 million monthly active users for all of our applications in February 2014. Our mobile applications attracted 222.5 million monthly active users in March 2014. Our applications have been installed on 502.1 million mobile devices as of March 31, 2014.
For our business partners, our platform provides them multiple user traffic entry points and global content distribution channels capable of delivering targeted content to hundreds of millions of people. Our business partners share revenues with us and promote our products and services. We have benefited significantly from our cooperation with over 380 online marketing business partners in 2013, including the major Chinese internet companies Alibaba, Baidu and Tencent.
At the core of our platform are our proprietary cloud-based data analytics engines. For our users, the data analytics engines perform real time analysis of mobile applications, program files and websites on their devices for behavior that may impair system performance or impose security risks. For our business partners, the data analytics engines help create user interest graphs according to a number of dimensions such as online shopping, gaming and frequently used applications, thus facilitating targeted content delivery.
Although substantially all of our applications are free to our users, we have a proven monetization model driven by platform products and extensive network of business partners. We generate revenues from our online marketing services by referring traffic from our platform to e-commerce companies and search engine providers and by selling advertisements. We generated 73.8% and 81.7% of our revenues from online marketing services in 2012 and 2013, respectively. We also generate revenues by providing IVAS, currently mainly from online games.
We believe mobile presents massive opportunities and we have made significant investments in mobile internet to capitalize on these opportunities. Our mobile user base has grown rapidly since we launched our first mobile application, Battery Doctor, in July 2011. Our mobile applications attracted 222.5 million monthly active users in March 2014. Our mobile strategy has been focusing on the development of applications for the Android platform. As of March 31, 2014, we have created 18 mobile applications for Android, compared to 11 for iOS. Accordingly, the popularity of the Android ecosystem and the use of Android devices have, and will continue to have, material impacts on our overall results of operations. We are still in the early stage of monetizing our mobile applications and the revenues generated from our mobile applications accounted for only approximately 2% and 7% of our total revenues in 2012 and 2013, respectively. As we further develop additional forms of advertising on our mobile applications and further grow our mobile game publishing capabilities, we expect that mobile revenues will contribute an increasing percentage of our total revenues.
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Our business has rapidly expanded internationally since we released our Clean Master overseas version in September 2012. As of March 31, 2014, approximately 63% of our mobile monthly active users were from overseas markets, mostly the United States, Asia (excluding China) and Europe. However, as we have yet to fully develop and monetize our international operations, revenues from overseas markets only contributed a small percentage of our total revenues in 2012 and 2013. As we continue to deepen our global penetration and enhance our monetization capabilities, we expect that the revenue contributed by overseas markets will increase over time, but the China market will likely constitute the majority of our revenues for the foreseeable future.
We have achieved significant growth in recent years. Our revenues increased from RMB140.1 million in 2011 to RMB287.9 million in 2012, representing a 105.6% growth, and to RMB749.9 million (US$123.9 million) in 2013, representing a 160.5% growth. Our net income was RMB62.0 million (US$10.2 million) in 2013, a 530.0% increase over our net income of RMB9.8 million in 2012, compared to a net loss of RMB30.2 million in 2011.
Selected Statement of Operations Items
Revenues
We generate revenues from online marketing services, internet value-added services, or IVAS, and internet security services and others. The following table sets forth the principal components of our revenues by amount and as a percentage of our revenues for the periods presented.
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2012 | 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
RMB |
% of
Revenues |
RMB |
% of
Revenues |
RMB | US$ |
% of
Revenues |
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(in thousands, except percentages) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Online marketing services |
23,916 | 17.1 | 212,443 | 73.8 | 612,565 | 101,189 | 81.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||
IVAS |
| | 2,354 | 0.8 | 83,155 | 13,736 | 11.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Internet security services and others |
116,138 | 82.9 | 73,130 | 25.4 | 54,191 | 8,951 | 7.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Revenues |
140,054 | 100.0 | 287,927 | 100.0 | 749,911 | 123,876 | 100.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Online Marketing Services
Revenues from our online marketing services accounted for 17.1%, 73.8% and 81.7% of our revenues in 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively. We generate online marketing revenues by referring traffic from our platform to e-commerce companies and search engine providers and by selling advertisements. The fee arrangements generally include cost per time, cost per click or cost per sale for actions that originate from our platform. We believe that the most significant factors affecting revenues from online marketing services include:
| User base and user engagement. We believe a large, loyal and engaged user base would help us retain existing business partners and attract more business partners seeking online marketing services and at the same time gives us more pricing power. It also results in more user impressions, clicks, sales or other actions that generate more fees for performance-based marketing. |
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Revenue sharing and fee arrangements with our significant business partners. A small number of business partners have contributed a majority of our online marketing service revenues. Changes in the revenue sharing or fee arrangements with these significant business partners may materially affect our online marketing services revenues. For example, changes from pay per click to pay per sale arrangements may result in a smaller percentage of revenue-generating traffic. Likewise, changes in the fee rate we receive per click or per sale may affect our online marketing services revenues. Although |
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changes in the revenue sharing and fee arrangements with our individual customers may affect our revenues positively or negatively, our array of choices helps to increase our overall customer base and our ability to tailor fee arrangements to the needs of our customers. |
| Ability to increase the number of business partners. We had over 380 business partners in 2013. We plan to attract more business partners with increased marketing spending on our platform. Our ability to further increase the number of business partners primarily depends on whether we can provide integrated marketing services and help them more precisely reach their targeted audience. |
| Optimal utilization of advertising inventory. Certain categories of business partners are willing to offer higher rates for our online marketing services due to the high return on investment they can achieve on our platform. Our ability to source high quality business partners within the appropriate categories that our users are interested in and our ability to optimize the allocation of our advertising inventory to these business partners can help improve our online marketing services revenues. |
IVAS
Revenues from IVAS accounted for nil, 0.8% and 11.1% of our revenues in 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively. IVAS in these periods mainly include publishing online games.
We believe that the most significant factors affecting our IVAS revenues include:
| Games on our platform. We began publishing games in the third quarter of 2012 and had more than 400 games in our game centers as of December 31, 2013. Our revenues from game publishing depend on our ability to select and publish popular and engaging games. The popularity of the games we publish directly affects the number of users we attract and the revenues generated from such games. |
| Game publishing arrangements. We have two types of game publishing arrangements. Under a joint operating arrangement, we jointly operate games with game developers and publishers without paying license fees or incurring significant promotional expenses. We share user payments with game developers. As of December 31, 2013, almost all of the games on our platform were under joint operating arrangements. However, we expect the number of games operated in exclusive publishing arrangement to increase in future. Under an exclusive publishing arrangement, we pay royalty fees and upfront license fees to developers and promote and operate the games at our own costs. The popularity of the games has a larger impact in exclusive publishing arrangement as we bear higher risks and potentially receive higher rewards under this arrangement. |
| Number of paying users for games. Games published on our platform are free to play and we generate revenues from users purchase of in-game virtual items. Since we started publishing games, the number of monthly paying users has grown significantly. We calculate the number of paying users during a given period as the cumulative number of gaming user accounts that have purchased virtual items at least once during the relevant period. We expect the number of monthly paying users to continue to grow as we publish more popular games, especially mobile games, on our platform and further strengthen our game distribution capabilities through our mobile applications. Since the launch of our game publishing business in the third quarter of 2012, our number of monthly paying users has steadily increased to 50,115 in December 2013. |
| Other services. Capitalizing on our large user base, we plan to launch new value added services for new revenue opportunities on our platform. |
Internet Security Services and Others
Revenues from internet security services and others accounted for 82.9%, 25.4% and 7.2% of our revenues in 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively. Internet security services and others revenues mainly include subscription services such as game acceleration and instant data recovery for our paying members, and license fees from
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Kingsoft Japan, one of Kingsoft Corporations subsidiaries. In 2011, 2012 and 2013, this revenue item included revenues from enterprise security services that were subsequently transferred from our company to an equity investee. We expect revenues from internet security services to decline as we continue to move to a free model.
Cost of Revenues
Historically, cost of revenues primarily consists of bandwidth costs and internet data center, or IDC, costs, personnel costs, and VAT, business tax, and related surcharges.
Bandwidth and IDC costs consist of fees that we pay to telecommunication carriers and other service providers for hosting our servers at their internet data centers and purchasing bandwidth. We expect our bandwidth and IDC costs to increase as our user traffic continue to grow.
Personnel costs include salaries and benefits, including share-based compensation, for our employees involved in the operation of our personal start page and applications. We expect personnel costs to increase as we hire additional operational employees in line with the expansion of our business.
We were subject to business tax at a rate of 5% and related surcharges on our service revenue, and our other sales revenues were subject to value added tax at a rate of 17% and related surcharges in 2011 and early 2012. As a result of pilot programs introduced by the Ministry of Finance and the SAT, we were required to pay VAT and related surcharges instead of business tax for service revenue starting in September 2012. The VAT rate was 6% for most of our PRC subsidiaries. In 2012, certain of our PRC subsidiaries and VIEs were subject to VAT at 3%.
Going forward, as mobile game publishing services are expected to contribute an increasing amount of IVAS revenues, we expect that licensing fees, royalty fees and channel fees associated with the mobile games business will become important components of our cost of revenues and our gross margins will decrease due to the increasing revenue contribution from mobile games.
Operating Expenses
Our operating expenses consist of (i) research and development expenses, (ii) selling and marketing expenses and (iii) general and administrative expenses. The following table sets forth the components of our operating expenses for the periods indicated, both in absolute amounts and as percentages of our revenues.
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2012 | 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
RMB |
% of
revenues |
RMB |
% of
revenues |
RMB | US$ |
% of
revenues |
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(in thousands, except percentages) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses: |
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Research and development |
79,105 | 56.5 | 114,329 | 39.7 | 217,846 | 35,986 | 29.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Selling and marketing |
28,810 | 20.6 | 57,167 | 19.9 | 201,504 | 33,286 | 26.9 | |||||||||||||||||||||
General and administrative |
15,301 | 10.9 | 34,408 | 12.0 | 97,817 | 16,158 | 13.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Total operating expenses |
123,216 | 88.0 | 205,904 | 71.6 | 517,167 | 85,430 | 68.9 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Research and Development Expenses . Research and development expenses consist primarily of salaries and benefits, including share-based compensation expenses, for our research and development employees. These expenditures are generally expensed as incurred. We expect our research and development expenses to increase as we continue to expand our research and development team to develop new products, in particular mobile applications, for our users and business partners.
Selling and Marketing Expenses . Selling and marketing expenses consist primarily of salaries and benefits, including share-based compensation expenses, related to personnel involved in our selling and marketing efforts and general marketing and promotion expenses. We expect our selling and marketing expenses to increase as we plan to expand our mobile business and deepen our global penetration.
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General and Administrative Expenses . General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries and benefits, including share-based compensation expenses, related to our general and administrative personnel, professional service fees, and other administrative expenses. We expect our general and administrative expenses to increase as our business grows and as we incur increased expenses related to complying with our reporting obligations under the U.S. securities laws as a public company.
Taxation
Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands currently levies no taxes on individuals or corporations based upon profits, income, gains or appreciation and there is no taxation in the nature of inheritance tax or estate duty. There are no other taxes likely to be material to us levied by the government of the Cayman Islands except for stamp duties which may be applicable on instruments executed in, or after execution brought within the jurisdiction of, the Cayman Islands. There are no exchange control regulations or currency restrictions in the Cayman Islands. Additionally, upon payments of dividends by our company to its shareholders, no Cayman Islands withholding tax will be imposed.
British Virgin Islands
A BVI business company subject to the provisions of the BVI Business Companies Act, 2004 (as amended) is exempt from all provisions of the Income Tax Ordinance of the BVI (including with respect to all dividends, interests, rents, royalties, compensation and other amounts payable by such company to persons who are not persons resident in the BVI).
Capital gains realized with respect to any shares, debt obligations or other securities of a company by persons who are not persons resident in the BVI are also exempt from all provisions of the Income Tax Ordinance of the BVI.
No estate, inheritance, succession or gift tax, rate, duty, levy or other charge is payable by persons who are not persons resident in the BVI with respect to any shares, debt obligations or other securities of a company, save for interest payable to or for the benefit of an individual resident in the European Union.
Hong Kong
Cheetah Technology is incorporated in Hong Kong and is subject to Hong Kong profits tax at a rate of 16.5%. No provision for Hong Kong profits tax has been made as it had no assessable profits for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013.
PRC
Our subsidiaries in the PRC and the VIEs are subject to the statutory rate of 25% in accordance with the EIT Law, with exceptions for certain preferential tax treatments. Under relevant government policies, enterprises qualified as new software enterprise is entitled to a two-year exemption and three-year 50% reduction on enterprise income tax commencing from the first profit-making year. Zhuhai Juntian and Beijing Security were qualified as new software development enterprise in 2010. As a result, Zhuhai Juntian was eligible for a 12.5% preferential tax rate effective from 2011 to 2013 (having received the approval after the end of its financial year), and Beijing Security was exempted from enterprise income tax from 2010 to 2011 and is eligible for a 12.5% preferential tax rate from 2012 to 2014.
Conew Network, Beijing Conew and Beike Internet were subject to enterprise income tax at a rate of 25% for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013. Beijing Network was subject to enterprise income tax at a rate of 25% for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013.
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Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
In connection with the preparation and external audit of our consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, we and Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, noted a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting. The material weakness identified was lack of financial reporting personnel with the requisite U.S. GAAP and the SEC financial reporting expertise. Neither we nor our independent registered public accounting firm undertook a comprehensive assessment of our internal control for purposes of identifying and reporting material weaknesses, significant deficiencies and control deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting. It is possible that, had we performed a formal assessment of our internal control over financial reporting or had our independent registered public accounting firm performed an audit of our internal control over financial reporting, additional material weaknesses or significant deficiencies may have been identified.
We intend to remediate the material weakness identified in our internal control over financial reporting by the end of the first full year after the completion of this offering. In addition, upon the completion of this offering, we will become a public company in the United States and will be subject to Section 404 and applicable rules and regulations thereunder. Section 404 requires that we include a report of management on our internal control over financial reporting in our annual report on Form 20-F beginning with our annual report for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2015. In addition, once we cease to be an emerging growth company as such term is defined in the JOBS Act, our independent registered public accounting firm must attest to and report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Our failure to achieve and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could result in the loss of investor confidence in the reliability of our financial statements, which in turn could harm our business and negatively impact the market price of the ADSs.
We have implemented several measures since the second half of 2013 to remediate the above mentioned material weakness :
| In December 2013, we established an internal audit department. |
| In January 2014, we appointed a chief financial officer with financial expertise to lead our accounting and financial reporting department. |
| Since the second half of 2013, we have hired six financial reporting and internal control personnel with U.S. GAAP and SEC financial reporting expertise and we currently plan to hire several additional personnel with financial and accounting expertise over the next 12 months. |
| We are in the process of preparing a U.S. GAAP accounting manual, which specifies the accounting policy regarding routine transactions and the criteria for an accounting memo for non-routine and complex transactions. We expect to complete and adopt the manual by the end of June 2014. |
| We are in the process of preparing a U.S. GAAP review checklist for period-end close processes and expect to complete and adopt the checklist by the end of June 2014. |
| We have been providing regular training programs to our financial and reporting personnel to update their knowledge of accounting and reporting requirements under the U.S. GAAP and SEC rules and regulations and plan to continue to do so. |
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Results of Operations
The following table sets forth a summary of our consolidated results of operations for the periods indicated. We believe that period-to-period comparisons of results of operations should not be relied upon as indicative of future performance.
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2012 | 2013 | ||||||||||||||
RMB | RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
140,054 | 287,927 | 749,911 | 123,876 | ||||||||||||
Online marketing services |
23,916 | 212,443 | 612,565 | 101,189 | ||||||||||||
IVAS |
| 2,354 | 83,155 | 13,736 | ||||||||||||
Internet security services and others |
116,138 | 73,130 | 54,191 | 8,951 | ||||||||||||
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Cost of revenues (1) |
(53,737 | ) | (71,560 | ) | (140,526 | ) | (23,213 | ) | ||||||||
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Gross profit |
86,317 | 216,367 | 609,385 | 100,663 | ||||||||||||
Operating expenses: |
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Research and development (1) |
(79,105 | ) | (114,329 | ) | (217,846 | ) | (35,986 | ) | ||||||||
Selling and marketing (1) |
(28,810 | ) | (57,167 | ) | (201,504 | ) | (33,286 | ) | ||||||||
General and administrative (1) |
(15,301 | ) | (34,408 | ) | (97,817 | ) | (16,158 | ) | ||||||||
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Total operating expenses |
(123,216 | ) | (205,904 | ) | (517,167 | ) | (85,430 | ) | ||||||||
Operating profit/(loss) |
(36,899 | ) | 10,463 | 92,218 | 15,233 | |||||||||||
Other income/(expenses): |
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Interest income |
3,475 | 3,263 | 7,077 | 1,169 | ||||||||||||
Changes in fair value of redemption right granted to a non-controlling shareholder |
| | 11,146 | 1,841 | ||||||||||||
Changes in fair value of contingent consideration |
(496 | ) | (297 | ) | (1,067 | ) | (176 | ) | ||||||||
Foreign exchange gain (loss), net |
551 | 47 | 920 | 152 | ||||||||||||
Other income, net |
537 | 1,283 | 2,243 | 371 | ||||||||||||
Losses from equity method investments |
| | (1,849 | ) | (305 | ) | ||||||||||
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Income/(loss) before taxes |
(32,832 | ) | 14,759 | 110,688 | 18,285 | |||||||||||
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Income tax benefit/(expense) |
2,597 | (4,915 | ) | (48,670 | ) | (8,040 | ) | |||||||||
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Net income/(loss) |
(30,235 | ) | 9,844 | 62,018 | 10,245 | |||||||||||
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(1) | The amount of share-based compensation costs for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013 are as follows: |
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2012 | 2013 | ||||||||||||||
RMB | RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Cost of revenues |
94 | 21 | 10 | 2 | ||||||||||||
Research and development expenses |
4,313 | 6,663 | 14,520 | 2,399 | ||||||||||||
Selling and marketing expenses |
47 | 609 | 2,835 | 468 | ||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses |
1,381 | 12,994 | 20,031 | 3,309 | ||||||||||||
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Total |
5,835 | 20,287 | 37,396 | 6,178 | ||||||||||||
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Year Ended December 31, 2013 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2012
Revenues. Our revenues increased by 160.5% from RMB287.9 million in 2012 to RMB749.9 million (US$123.9 million) in 2013. This increase was primarily due to the increase in revenues from online marketing services and IVAS, partially offset by decrease in internet security services and others. Our revenues generated
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from our mobile business increased from RMB6.3 million in 2012 to RMB55.3 million (US$9.1 million) in 2013, resulted from the increased acceptance of our mobile marketing services and the growth of our mobile gaming services.
Online marketing services. Revenues from online marketing services increased by 188.3% from RMB212.4 million 2012 to RMB612.6 million (US$101.2 million) in 2013. This increase was mainly driven by an increase in online marketing revenues from our top ten online marketing end customers from RMB171.4 million in 2012 to RMB476.2 million (US$78.7 million) in 2013, and to a lesser extent, an increase in the total number of our online marketing business partners from 199 in 2012 to 387 in 2013. The significant increase in revenues from our top ten online marketing end customers was primarily due to the significant growth of our user traffic, our broader and deeper cooperation with these customers who are also our significant business partners, and the resulting more favorable pricing terms from these customers. In addition, we began to generate mobile marketing revenues in 2012 and 2013 was the first full year in which we had mobile marketing revenues.
IVAS. Revenues from IVAS was RMB83.2 million (US$13.7 million) in 2013, a significant increase from RMB2.4 million in 2012. We launched our game publishing business in the third quarter of 2012 and significantly increased the number of PC and mobile games we published in 2013. As a result, the number of our monthly paying users grew to 50,115 in December 2013.
Internet security services and others. Revenues from internet security services and others decreased by 25.9% from RMB73.1 million in 2012 to RMB54.2 million (US$9.0 million) in 2013. This decrease was primarily due to our ceasing to promote subscriptions services to paying users in a strategic reorientation resulting in a decrease in the number of paying customers.
Cost of revenues. Our cost of revenues increased by 96.4% from RMB71.6 million in 2012 to RMB140.5 million (US$23.2 million) in 2013. The increase in our cost of revenues was mainly driven by an increase in taxes and surcharges, bandwidth and IDC costs and personnel costs. Our bandwidth and IDC costs increased as a result of our growing user traffic and our personnel costs increased primarily due to increased headcount and level of compensation.
Gross profit. Our gross profit increased by 181.6% from RMB216.4 million in 2012 to RMB609.4 million (US$100.7 million) in 2013.
Gross margin. Our gross margin was 75.1% for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to 81.3% for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Operating expenses . Our operating expenses increased by 151.2% from RMB205.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 to RMB517.2 million (US$85.4 million) for the year ended December 31, 2013, primarily due to increase in research and development expenses, selling and marketing expenses and general and administrative expenses.
Research and development expenses. Our research and development expenses increased by 90.5% from RMB114.3 million in 2012 to RMB217.8 million (US$36.0 million) in 2013. This increase was primarily due to our expanded team of research and development personnel, increasing from 506 as of December 31, 2012 to 842 as of December 31, 2013 mainly to further develop our mobile business and cloud-based analytics engines. The increase is also due to increased salary levels and investments in our mobile products business. Our research and development expenses included share-based compensation expenses of RMB6.7 million and RMB14.5 million (US$2.4 million) in the year ended December 31, 2012 and 2013, respectively.
Selling and marketing expenses. Our selling and marketing expenses increased from RMB57.2 million in 2012 to RMB201.5 million (US$33.3 million) in 2013. The increase was primarily due to expenses incurred in further promoting our mobile applications, in particular Clean Master and Battery Doctor and our brand awareness.
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General and administrative expenses. Our general and administrative expenses increased by 184.3% from RMB34.4 million in 2012 to RMB97.8 million (US$16.2 million) in 2013. This increase was primarily due to an increase in our general and administrative staff, from 40 as of December 31, 2012 to 79 as of December 31, 2013, increased salary levels and an increase in professional service fees. Our general and administrative expenses included share-based compensation of RMB13.0 million and RMB20.0 million (US$3.3 million) in 2012 and 2013, respectively.
Operating profit. Our operating profit increased from RMB10.5 million in 2012 to RMB92.2 million (US$15.2 million) in 2013.
Operating margin. Our operating margin increased from 3.6% in 2012 to 12.3% in 2013.
Income tax expense. Our income tax expense increased from RMB4.9 million in 2012 to RMB48.7 million (US$8.0 million) in 2013, primarily as a result of increased income and the outside basis difference arising from unremitted retained earnings and reserves of our VIEs.
Net income. As a result of the foregoing, our net income increased from RMB9.8 million to RMB62.0 million (US$10.2 million) in 2013.
Year Ended December 31, 2012 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2011
Revenues. Our revenues increased by 105.6% from RMB140.1 million in 2011 to RMB287.9 million in 2012. This increase was primarily due to a significant increase in revenues from online marketing services, partially offset by the decline in those from internet security services and others.
Online marketing services. Revenues from online marketing services increased by 788.3% from RMB23.9 million in 2011 to RMB212.4 million in 2012 primarily because we started offering online marketing services in late 2011 and the significant growth in our user traffic during the period.
IVAS. Revenues from IVAS were RMB2.4 million in 2012, compared to nil in 2011. We launched our game publishing business in the third quarter of 2012.
Internet security services and others. Revenues from internet security services and others decreased by 37.0% from RMB116.1 million in 2011 to RMB73.1 million in 2012. This decrease was primarily due to our ceasing to promote subscriptions services to paying users in a strategic reorientation resulting in a decrease in the number of paying customers.
Cost of revenues. Our cost of revenues increased by 33.2% from RMB53.7 million in 2011 to RMB71.6 million in 2012. The increase in our cost of revenues was mainly driven by an increase in taxes and surcharges, bandwidth and IDC costs and personnel costs. The bandwidth and IDC costs increased as a result of our growing user traffic. Personnel costs increased primarily due to increased headcount and level of compensation. Business tax, VAT and related surcharges increased as a result of our overall increased revenues.
Gross profit. Our gross profit increased by 150.7% from RMB86.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 to RMB216.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.
Gross margin. Our gross margin was 61.6% for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to 75.1% for the year ended December 31, 2012.
Operating expenses. Our operating expenses increased by 67.1% from RMB123.2 million in 2011 to RMB205.9 million in 2012, primarily due to increase in research and development expenses, selling and marketing expenses and general and administrative expenses.
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Research and development expenses. Our research and development expenses increased by 44.5% from RMB79.1 million in 2011 to RMB114.3 million in 2012. This increase was primarily due to our expanded team of research and development personnel, increasing from 449 as of December 31, 2011 to 506 as of December 31, 2012, to expand products, and the increased salary levels. Our research and development expenses included share based compensation of RMB4.3 million and RMB6.7 million in 2011 and 2012, respectively.
Selling and marketing expenses . Our selling and marketing expenses increased by 98.4% from RMB28.8 million in 2011 to RMB57.2 million in 2012. The increase was primarily due to expenses incurred in promoting our mobile applications, in particular Battery Doctor, in China.
General and administrative expenses . Our general and administrative expenses increased by 124.9% from RMB15.3 million in 2011 to RMB34.4 million in 2012. This increase was primarily due to an increase in professional service fees and personnel costs. Our general and administrative expenses included share-based compensation of RMB1.4 million and RMB13.0 million in 2011 and 2012, respectively.
Operating profit/(loss). We had an operating loss of RMB36.9 million and an operating profit of RMB10.5 million for 2011 and 2012 respectively.
Operating margin. Our operating margin was 3.6% for year ended December 31, 2012.
Income tax benefit/(expense). We had an income tax benefit of RMB2.6 million in 2011 and an income tax expense of RMB4.9 million in 2012. The income tax expense for 2012 resulted from the operating profit and the effect of the preferential tax change. The income tax benefit for 2011 was due to the deferred tax asset related to our operating loss, which can be carried forward to offset taxable income.
Net income/(loss). As a result of the foregoing, we recorded a net income of RMB9.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to a net loss of RMB30.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.
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Selected Quarterly Results of Operations
The following table sets forth our unaudited condensed consolidated quarterly results of operations for each of the eight quarters in the period from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2013. You should read the following table in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. The unaudited condensed consolidated quarterly results of operations includes all adjustments that we consider necessary for a fair presentation of our operating results for the quarters indicated. Our historical results for any particular quarter are not necessarily indicative of our future results.
For the Three Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
March 31,
2012 |
June 30,
2012 |
September 30,
2012 |
December 31,
2012 |
March 31,
2013 |
June 30,
2013 |
September 30,
2013 |
December 31,
2013 |
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RMB | RMB | RMB | RMB | RMB | RMB | RMB | RMB | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(unaudited, in thousands) |
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Revenues |
38,247 | 54,196 | 73,650 | 121,834 | 136,311 | 158,931 | 185,490 | 269,179 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Online marketing services |
15,962 | 34,225 | 57,150 | 105,106 | 117,767 | 133,568 | 148,698 | 212,532 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
IVAS |
| | | 2,354 | 4,395 | 12,596 | 24,160 | 42,004 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Internet security services and others |
22,285 | 19,971 | 16,500 | 14,374 | 14,149 | 12,767 | 12,632 | 14,643 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of revenues (1) |
(15,331 | ) | (14,951 | ) | (17,101 | ) | (24,177 | ) | (23,179 | ) | (29,442 | ) | (37,275 | ) | (50,630 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
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Gross profit |
22,916 | 39,245 | 56,549 | 97,657 | 113,132 | 129,489 | 148,215 | 218,549 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses: |
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Research and development (1) |
(24,003 | ) | (26,171 | ) | (30,751 | ) | (33,404 | ) | (38,684 | ) | (53,313 | ) | (67,635 | ) | (58,214 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Selling and marketing (1) |
(8,193 | ) | (8,307 | ) | (15,794 | ) | (24,873 | ) | (38,891 | ) | (28,463 | ) | (47,138 | ) | (87,012 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
General and administrative (1) |
(6,619 | ) | (7,536 | ) | (8,579 | ) | (11,674 | ) | (13,266 | ) | (36,431 | ) | (25,025 | ) | (23,095 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
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Total operating expenses |
(38,815 | ) | (42,014 | ) | (55,124 | ) | (69,951 | ) | (90,841 | ) | (118,207 | ) | (139,798 | ) | (168,321 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Operating profit (loss) |
(15,899 | ) | (2,769 | ) | 1,425 | 27,706 | 22,291 | 11,282 | 8,417 | 50,228 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) before taxes |
(14,804 | ) | (2,344 | ) | 3,381 | 28,526 | 25,732 | 12,236 | 13,236 | 59,484 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Income tax (expense) benefit |
845 | (544 | ) | 3,113 | (8,329 | ) | 3,421 | (10,863 | ) | (7,738 | ) | (33,490 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
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Net income (loss) |
(13,959 | ) | (2,888 | ) | 6,494 | 20,197 | 29,153 | 1,373 | 5,498 | 25,994 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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(1) | The amount of share-based compensation costs for each of the eight quarters ended December 31, 2013 is as follows: |
For the Three Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
March 31,
2012 |
June 30,
2012 |
September 30,
2012 |
December 31,
2012 |
March 31,
2013 |
June 30,
2013 |
September 30,
2013 |
December 31,
2013 |
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RMB | RMB | RMB | RMB | RMB | RMB | RMB | RMB | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(unaudited, in thousands) |
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Cost of revenues |
4 | 4 | 4 | 9 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Research and development |
1,218 | 1,299 | 1,773 | 2,373 | 2,030 | 3,722 | 4,336 | 4,432 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Selling and marketing |
81 | 129 | 148 | 251 | 122 | 108 | 206 | 2,399 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
General and administrative |
3,302 | 3,344 | 3,425 | 2,923 | 3,128 | 11,076 | 3,052 | 2,775 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Total |
4,605 | 4,776 | 5,350 | 5,556 | 5,284 | 14,909 | 7,595 | 9,608 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The following table presents our revenues generated from our PC-based and mobile applications for periods indicated:
For the Three Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
March 31,
2012 |
June 30,
2012 |
September 30,
2012 |
December 31,
2012 |
March 31,
2013 |
June 30,
2013 |
September 30,
2013 |
December 31,
2013 |
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RMB | RMB | RMB | RMB | RMB | RMB | RMB | RMB | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(unaudited, in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
PC |
38,067 | 53,367 | 71,110 | 119,126 | 134,175 | 152,594 | 169,965 | 237,906 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mobile |
180 | 829 | 2,540 | 2,708 | 2,136 | 6,337 | 15,525 | 31,273 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Total |
38,247 | 54,196 | 73,650 | 121,834 | 136,311 | 158,931 | 185,490 | 269,179 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Our quarterly revenues increased sequentially in each of the eight quarters ended December 31, 2013. Revenues from online marketing services, our largest business segment, have grown steadily over the eight quarters ended December 31, 2013. In addition, our mobile revenue as a percentage of our overall revenue has grown over the eight quarters ended December 31, 2013, resulted from the increased acceptance of our mobile marketing services and the growth of our mobile gaming services. Our cost of revenues generally increased, mainly as a result of increased bandwidth and IDC costs and personnel costs, which were primarily due to our growing user traffic and increased headcount and compensation. In the first quarter of 2014, we granted a total of 57,148,631 restricted shares to our executive officers and employees, and we expect to incur share-based compensation expenses in an aggregate estimated amount of US$52.2 million over four to five years, which will likely result in a net loss for this quarter. Our quarterly revenues and operating results are subject to change and may experience fluctuations in the future due to various factors. See Risk FactorsRisks Relating to Our Business and IndustryOur results of operations are subject to seasonal fluctuations due to a number of factors, any of which could adversely affect our business and operating results.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flows and Working Capital
To date, we have financed our operations from our operating income and private issuances and sales of preferred and ordinary shares to our shareholders. See Description of Share CapitalHistory of Securities Issuances. As of December 31, 2013, we had RMB530.5 million in cash and cash equivalents. We believe that our cash and the anticipated cash flow from operations will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash needs for the next 12 months. However, we may require additional cash resources due to changing business conditions or other future developments, including any investments or acquisitions we may decide to selectively pursue. If our existing cash resources are insufficient to meet our requirements, we may seek to sell equity or equity-linked securities, debt securities or borrow from banks.
Our PRC subsidiaries and VIEs, in the aggregate, held RMB68.0 million, RMB109.4 million and RMB237.1 million (US$39.2 million) in cash as of December 31, 2011 and 2012 and 2013, respectively. For information regarding restrictions and potential tax liabilities on profit distribution from these entities, see Risk FactorsRisks Relating to Doing Business in ChinaUnder the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, we may be classified as a PRC resident enterprise, which could result in unfavorable tax consequences to us and our shareholders and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and the value of your investment and PRC regulations relating to offshore investment activities by PRC residents may limit our PRC subsidiaries ability to increase their registered capital or distribute profits to us or otherwise expose us to liability and penalties under PRC law. Our PRC subsidiaries are categorized as foreign-invested enterprises pursuant to applicable PRC laws, and accordingly their dividend remittances to foreign investors are conducted through the following four steps:
| making up any losses incurred during the current year and past years and paying enterprise income taxes; |
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| appropriating no less than 10% of the accumulative after-tax profits as a statutory reserve fund until the aggregate amount of such reserve fund reaches 50% of each PRC subsidiarys respective registered capital; |
| reserving a certain amount for the employee welfare funds at the discretion of the PRC subsidiary; and |
| distributing all or some of the remaining profits to the PRC subsidiarys direct foreign shareholders as dividends. In accordance with the EIT Law and its implementation rules, dividends generated after January 1, 2008 and distributed to our overseas holding company by our PRC subsidiaries are subject to withholding tax at a rate of 10%, or such lower withholding tax rate applicable based on tax treaties signed with certain jurisdictions. |
Under PRC law, each of our PRC subsidiaries must set aside at least 10% of its after-tax profits each year, if any, to fund a statutory reserve until such reserve reaches 50% of its registered capital. Each of our PRC subsidiaries must also set aside a portion of its after-tax profits to fund an employee welfare fund at the discretion of the board. Although the statutory reserves can be used, among other ways, to increase the registered capital and eliminate future losses in excess of retained earnings of the respective companies, companies may not distribute the reserve funds as cash dividends except upon a liquidation of these subsidiaries. In addition, dividend payments from our PRC subsidiaries could be delayed as we may only distribute such dividends upon completion of annual audits of the subsidiaries. Furthermore, if our PRC subsidiaries incur debt on their own behalf in the future, the instruments governing the debt may restrict their ability to pay dividends or make other payments to us, which may restrict our ability to satisfy our liquidity requirements. In addition, the EIT Law and its implementation rules provide that withholding tax rate of 10% will be applicable to dividends payable by Chinese companies to non-PRC resident enterprises unless otherwise exempted or reduced according to treaties or arrangements between the PRC central government and governments of other countries or regions where the non-PRC resident enterprises are incorporated. See Risk FactorsRisks Relating to Our Corporate StructureWe may rely on dividends paid by our PRC subsidiaries to fund any cash and financing requirements we may have. 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 and to pay dividends to holders of the ADSs and our ordinary shares. and Risk FactorsRisks Relating to Doing Business in ChinaOur PRC subsidiaries and VIEs are subject to restrictions on paying dividends or making other payments to us, which may restrict our ability to satisfy our liquidity requirements.
The PRC government imposes certain controls on the conversion of the Renminbi into foreign currencies and the remittance thereof outside of the PRC. To the extent that (i) loans are arranged between our non-PRC entities and our PRC entities or (ii) we declare and pay dividends from our PRC entities to our non-PRC entities in the future, such cash flows may be limited, or may not be able to be processed on a timely basis, due to SAFE regulations or restrictions on the availability of foreign currencies. Such restrictions could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity and our ability to settle intercompany transactions or fund dividend payments to our shareholders. See Risk FactorsRisks Related to Doing Business in ChinaGovernmental control of currency conversion may limit our ability to utilize our cash balance effectively and affect the value of your investment.
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The table below sets forth our cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2011 and 2012 and 2013:
As of December 31, | ||||||||||||
2011 | 2012 | 2013 | ||||||||||
(in thousands of RMB) | ||||||||||||
Cash located outside of the PRC |
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- in US dollars |
6,532 | 1,935 | 287,698 | |||||||||
- in RMB |
60,877 | 21,247 | 4,795 | |||||||||
- in HK dollars |
3,975 | 1,810 | 965 | |||||||||
Cash located in the PRC |
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- held by WFOE in RMB |
60,114 | 60,647 | 95,293 | |||||||||
- held by WFOE in Japanese yen |
1,814 | | | |||||||||
- held by VIEs in RMB |
6,037 | 48,737 | 140,474 | |||||||||
- held by VIEs in US dollars |
| | 1,311 | |||||||||
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Total cash and cash equivalents |
139,349 | 134,376 | 530,536 | |||||||||
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Loans by us to our wholly owned PRC subsidiaries to finance their activities cannot exceed statutory limits, which is the difference between the registered capital of such PRC subsidiary and the amount of total investment as approved by the MOC or its local counterparts, and must be registered with the local counterpart of SAFE. In addition, if we decide to finance our wholly owned PRC subsidiaries by means of capital contributions, these capital contributions must be approved by the MOC or its local counterpart. We may not be able to obtain these government registrations or approvals on a timely basis, if at all. If we fail to receive such registrations or approvals, our ability to use the proceeds we received from our initial public offering by providing loans or capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries may be negatively affected, which could adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business. See Risk FactorsRisks Related to Doing Business in ChinaPRC regulation of loans to, and direct investment in, PRC entities by offshore holding companies and governmental control of currency conversion may restrict or prevent us from using the proceeds of our initial public offering to make loans to our PRC subsidiaries and VIEs or to make additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries, which may materially and adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business.
Under PRC regulations, the Renminbi is freely convertible for current account items subject to certain rules and procedures, including the distribution of dividends, and trade- and service-related foreign exchange transactions, but not for capital account items, such as direct investments, loans, repatriation of investments and investments in securities outside of China, unless the prior approval of the SAFE is obtained and prior registration with the SAFE is made. If the foreign exchange control system prevents us from obtaining sufficient foreign currencies to satisfy our foreign currency demands, we may not be able to pay dividends in foreign currencies to our shareholders, including holders of the ADSs.
The economic benefits of our VIEs are mainly transferred to Beijing Security and Conew Network, or our WFOEs, through payment of service fees under the exclusive technology development, support and consultancy agreement entered into between each of our WFOEs and our VIEs, which are subject to the sales tax and related surcharges. Upon receipt of such service fees, they will become a portion of our WFOEs revenues and can be remitted to their respective parent company through the four-step process above.
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The following table sets forth a summary of our cash flows for the periods indicated:
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2012 | 2013 | ||||||||||||||
RMB | RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by/(used for) operating activities |
(7,153 | ) | 45,788 | 198,181 | 32,738 | |||||||||||
Net cash used for investing activities |
(28,763 | ) | (51,238 | ) | (100,787 | ) | (16,650 | ) | ||||||||
Net cash provided by financing activities |
93,274 | 628 | 304,272 | 50,262 | ||||||||||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash |
(2,273 | ) | (151 | ) | (5,506 | ) | (911 | ) | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of year |
84,264 | 139,349 | 134,376 | 22,199 | ||||||||||||
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
55,085 | (4,973 | ) | 396,160 | 65,439 | |||||||||||
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Cash and cash equivalents at the end of year |
139,349 | 134,376 | 530,536 | 87,638 |
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2013 was RMB198.2 million (US$32.7 million). This amount was primarily attributable to net income of RMB62.0 million (US$10.2 million), (i) adjusted for certain non-cash expenses, primarily share-based compensation costs of RMB37.4 million (US$6.2 million), deferred income tax expense of RMB33.9 million (US$5.6 million), deemed employee compensation attributable to redemption right granted to a non-controlling shareholder of RMB14.7 million (US$2.4 million) and amortization of intangible assets of RMB14.2 million (US$2.3 million), (ii) adjusted for changes in operating assets and liabilities that positively affected operating cash flow, primarily an increase in accrued expenses and other current liabilities of RMB97.1 million (US$16.0 million), and (iii) partially offset by changes in operating assets and liabilities that negatively affected operating cash flow, primarily an increase in prepayments and other current assets of RMB45.4 million (US$7.5 million). The deferred income tax expenses mainly resulted from the outside basis difference arising from the retained earnings in Beike Internet, our VIE, and the deferred tax liability related to the non-deductible share-based compensation expense, which primarily resulted from the difference between PRC tax regulations and their practical implementation by PRC tax authorities. The increase in accrued expenses and other current liabilities was mainly attributable to (i) the increase in accrued advertising, marketing and promotional expenses, which primarily resulted from unpaid expenses incurred in promoting our mobile applications, and (ii) increase in labor and welfare payable relating to our increased headcount and increased salary levels. The increase in prepayments and other current assets was mainly attributable to receivable from employees related to the individual income tax arising from the vested restricted shares of our company.
Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2012 was RMB45.8 million. This amount was primarily attributable to net income of RMB9.8 million, (i) adjusted for certain non-cash expenses, primarily share-based compensation costs of RMB20.3 million, (ii) adjusted for changes in operating assets and liabilities that positively affected operating cash flow, primarily an increase in accrued expenses and other current liabilities of RMB38.3 million, and (iii) partially offset by changes in operating assets and liabilities that negatively affected operating cash flow, primarily an increase in accounts receivable of RMB23.4 million and an increase in due from related party of RMB11.1 million. The increase in accrued expenses and other current liabilities was mainly attributable to (i) the increase in labor and welfare payable relating to our increased headcount and increased salary levels and (ii) increase in accrued advertising, marketing and promotional expenses, which primarily resulted from unpaid expenses incurred in promoting our mobile applications. The increase in accounts receivable was in line with our business growth. The increase in due from related parties was primarily due to the outstanding receivable from a shareholders affiliated company.
Net cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2011 was RMB7.2 million. This amount was primarily attributable to net loss of RMB30.2 million, (a) adjusted for certain non-cash expenses, primarily amortization of intangible assets of RMB11.7 million, (b) adjusted for changes in operating assets and liabilities that positively affected operating cash flow, primarily an increase in payment due to related parties of
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RMB26.0 million, and (c) partially offset by changes in operating assets and liabilities that negatively affected operating cash flow, primarily an increase in accounts receivable of RMB12.8 million. The increase in payment due to related parties was mainly due to the unpaid license fee in relation to Duba Anti-virus owed to Kingsoft Corporation. The increase in accounts receivable was in line with our business growth.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities was RMB100.8 million (US$16.7 million) for the year ended December 31, 2013, primarily attributable to payments to purchase short-term investments of RMB141.6 million (US$23.4 million), payments for acquisition of business (net of cash acquired) RMB52.8 million (US$8.7 million), purchase of property and equipment of RMB27.6 million (US$4.6 million), entrusted loan to investors of an investee of RMB14.0 million (US$2.3 million), partially offset by sales and maturity of short-term investments of RMB145.4 million (US$24.0 million).
Net cash used in investing activities was RMB51.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, primarily attributable to payments to purchase short-term investments of RMB95.4 million, purchase of property and equipment of RMB12.3 million, partially offset by sales and maturity of short-term investments of RMB71.0 million.
Net cash used in investing activities was RMB28.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, primarily attributable to payments to purchase short-term investments of RMB16.0 million and payments for acquisition of business net of cash acquired RMB12.0 million.
Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities was RMB304.3 million (US$50.3 million) for the year ended December 31, 2013, primarily attributable to proceeds from issuance of series B preferred shares (net of issuance costs) of RMB322.0 million (US$53.2 million), partially offset by payment of dividend of RMB17.7 million (US$2.9 million).
Net cash provided by financing activities was RMB0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from proceeds from issuance of ordinary shares.
Net cash provided by financing activities was RMB93.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2011, primarily attributable to proceeds from issuance of series A preferred shares (net of issuance costs) of RMB120.0 million and ordinary shares of RMB16.4 million, partially offset by distribution to a shareholder of RMB43.1 million.
Capital Expenditures
We incurred capital expenditures of RMB8.8 million, RMB17.9 million and RMB30.0 million (US$5.0 million) in 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively. Our capital expenditures are primarily used to purchase computers, servers and other equipment. As our business expands, we may purchase new servers and other equipment in the future.
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Contractual Obligations and Capital Commitments
The following table sets forth our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2013:
Payment Due by Period | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total |
Less than
1 year |
1-2 years | 2-3 years |
More than
3 years |
||||||||||||||||
RMB | RMB | RMB | RMB | RMB | ||||||||||||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Operating lease obligations (1) |
43.0 | 32.6 | 10.1 | 0.3 | | |||||||||||||||
Line of credit commitment (2) |
22.0 | 22.0 | | | ||||||||||||||||
Capital commitment (3) |
2.0 | 2.0 | | | | |||||||||||||||
License fees commitment (4) |
20.7 | 10.2 | 8.4 | 2.1 | |
(1) | Mainly include operating lease for our office building and bandwidth and internet data center. |
(2) | Include line of credit we provided to Beijing Kingsoft Security Management System Technology Co., Ltd., or Beijing Security System Technology, and a shareholder of Wuhan Antian Information Technology Co., Ltd., or Wuhan Antian. We own 40% equity interests in each of Beijing Security System Technology and Wuhan Antian. |
(3) | For the acquisition of an equity method investment. |
(4) | For technology license fees payable to subsidiaries of Kingsoft Corporation and other third parties. |
Off-Balance Sheet Commitments and Arrangements
We have not entered into any financial guarantees or other commitments to guarantee the payment obligations of any third parties. We have not entered into any derivative contracts that are indexed to our shares and classified as shareholders equity or that are not reflected in our consolidated financial statements. Furthermore, we do not have any retained or contingent interest in assets transferred to an unconsolidated entity that serves as credit, liquidity or market risk support to such entity. We do not have any variable interest in any unconsolidated entity that provides financing, liquidity, market risk or credit support to us or engages in leasing, hedging or product development services with us.
Inflation
Since our inception, inflation in China has not materially impacted our results of operations. According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, the consumer price index in China increased by 5.4% and 2.6% in 2011 and 2012, respectively. Although we have not in the past been materially affected by inflation since our inception, we can provide no assurance that we will not be affected in the future by higher rates of inflation in China or elsewhere in the world.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk
Foreign Exchange Risk
The majority of revenues and expenses of our subsidiaries and VIEs are generally denominated in Renminbi and their assets and liabilities are denominated in Renminbi. Our financing activities are denominated in U.S. dollars.
To date, we have not entered into hedging transactions in an effort to reduce our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk. Although our exposure to foreign exchange risks is generally limited, the value of your investment in the ADSs will be affected by the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Renminbi because the value of our business is effectively denominated in Renminbi, while the ADSs will be traded in U.S. dollars.
The Renminbi is not freely convertible into foreign currencies. Remittances of foreign currencies into the PRC and exchange of foreign currencies into Renminbi require approval by foreign exchange administrative authorities and certain supporting documentation. The State Administration for Foreign Exchange, under the authority of the Peoples Bank of China, controls the conversion of Renminbi into other currencies.
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The value of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar and other currencies may fluctuate and is affected by, among other things, changes in Chinas political and economic conditions. The conversion of Renminbi into foreign currencies, including U.S. dollars, has been based on rates set by the Peoples Bank of China. On July 21, 2005, the PRC government changed its decade-old policy of pegging the value of the Renminbi to the U.S. dollar. Under the revised policy, the Renminbi is permitted to fluctuate within a narrow and managed band against a basket of certain foreign currencies. This change in policy resulted in a more than 20% appreciation of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar in the following three years. During the period between July 2008 and June 2010, the exchange rate between the Renminbi and the U.S. dollar had been stable and traded within a narrow band. However, the Renminbi fluctuated significantly during that period against other freely traded currencies, in tandem with the U.S. dollar. On June 20, 2010, the Peoples Bank of China announced that the PRC government would further reform the Renminbi exchange rate regime and increase the flexibility of the exchange rate. Since then, the Renminbi has started to slowly appreciate against the U.S. dollar, though there have been periods recently when the U.S. dollar has appreciated against the Renminbi. It is difficult to predict how long the current situation may last and when and how this relationship between the Renminbi and the U.S. dollar may change again. To the extent that we need to convert U.S. dollars we receive from this offering into Renminbi for our operations, appreciation of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar would have an adverse effect on the Renminbi amount we receive from the conversion. Conversely, if we decide to convert the Renminbi into U.S. dollars for the purpose of making payments for dividends on our ordinary shares or ADSs or for other business purposes, appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the Renminbi would have a negative effect on the U.S. dollar amounts available to us.
Interest Risk
Our exposure to interest rate risk primarily relates to the interest income generated by excess cash, which is mostly held in interest-bearing bank deposits. Interest-earning instruments carry a degree of interest rate risk. We have not been exposed to, nor do we 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.
Critical Accounting Policies
Revenue recognition
We generate revenues primarily through online marketing services, internet value-added services, and internet security services and others. We recognize revenues when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured.
Online marketing services
We generate revenues from online marketing services by referring traffic from our platform to e-commerce companies and search engine providers and selling advertisements. Online marketing services contributed 73.8% and 81.7% of our revenues in 2012 and 2013, respectively. The online marketing services are provided through our online platform, such as text links, banners, and other forms of graphical advertisement which link to our customers websites or PC based applications. We have two general pricing models for advertising links: cost over a time period and cost for performance basis (including cost per click and cost per sale). For advertising contracts over a time period, we generally recognize revenues ratably over the period the advertising is provided. For contracts that are charged on the cost for performance basis, we charge an agreed-upon fee to our customers determined based on the effectiveness of advertising links, which is typically measured by user registrations, clicks, transactions and other actions originating from our online platform. Online marketing services revenue charged on the cost for performance basis is generally recognized upon receiving monthly statements from our customers either in the current month or in the following month in which the service is provided.
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We also direct search traffic to search engines through our default search boxes placed on the our online platform, and earn a pre-determined fee from our search engine customers based on the number of searches originating from our online platform. Search revenues are recognized upon receiving monthly confirmations from our search engine customers confirming the amount for traffic in the month in which the service is provided.
We occasionally engage in nonmonetary transactions to allow one of our shareholders to advertise and co-market our security products with a related partys software products. Revenues and expenses are recognized at fair value when such fair value of the services surrendered in the transaction is determinable based on our own historical practice of receiving cash, marketable securities, or other consideration that is readily convertible to a known amount of cash for similar services from customers unrelated to the counterparty in the barter transaction. No revenues or expenses are recognized if the fair value of the nonmonetary transactions is not determinable.
IVAS
We enter into agreements with online and mobile game developers to provide online and mobile distribution and payment collection services, in order for game players to purchase and recharge virtual currencies used in the online and mobile games. All games are developed and hosted by game developers, and accessed by game players through links on our online or mobile platform or third-party mobile platforms. The payment collection services are mainly provided through third-party professional payment and settlement institutions. We generally charge commission as a percentage of the gross proceeds or collection amount from the settlement institutions, and pay the remaining proceeds to the game developers. We act as an agent to the game developers in these arrangements and therefore recognize revenue net of remittances to the developer as they are considered the primary obligor. We estimate revenues based on our internal system, which is confirmed with the respective settlement institutions, and recognized periodically when accepted by the game developer.
For certain mobile games that we believe we act as the principal in the arrangements, we are considered the primary obligor and take fulfillment responsibilities of game operations, including determining distribution and promotion, providing customer services, setting up game and services specifications, and pricing of in-game virtual currencies and virtual items. We record such mobile game revenues on a gross basis. Commission fees paid to the third-party mobile platform and royalty fees paid to third party game developers are recorded as cost of revenues. We have determined that an implied obligation exists to the paying players over their estimated average playing life, and accordingly, recognizes the revenues ratably over the estimated average paying player life, i.e. from the time when the players accounts are first recharged with in-game virtual currency to when the players becoming inactive when all other revenue recognition criteria are met. The average paying player life is estimated based on the historical data of paying players behavior. While we believe the estimate to be reasonable based on available game player information, we may revise such estimates in the future as more game data become available and playing patterns of the paying players of the game change. Any adjustments arising from changes in the estimates of the average paying player life are applied prospectively on the basis that such changes are caused by new information indicating a change in game player behavior patterns.
Purchases of in-game currency are not refundable after they have been sold.
Internet security services and others
We market and distribute our off-the-shelf anti-virus security solutions to enterprise and individual users. The enterprise solutions are distributed through re-sellers. The individual solutions are directly sold to the individual end-users.
Upon the customers initial purchase of the enterprise solutions, the arrangements include multiple elements, generally comprising of software and post-contract customer services, or PCS. When vendor-specific objective evidence, or VSOE, of the fair value of the PCS exists, we allocate and defer revenues for the PCS
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based the fair value, and recognize the difference between the total arrangement fee and the amount deferred as software license revenues. When VSOE of the fair value of the PCS does not exist, the entire arrangement fee is recognized ratably over the PCS period. The arrangement fee of the PCS purchased on a stand-alone basis is recognized into revenues ratably over the PCS period.
The software, including unspecified upgrades, for the individual solutions are provided to users free of charge via downloads from our online platform at any time. We also provide the individual users the option to purchase additional value added services, which are non-essential to the functionality of the software, either concurrent with the download of software, or separately as a renewal. The value added services are provided over the period of time as determined and purchased by the respective users. The fees for value-added services are recognized into revenues ratably over the term of such services.
We occasionally engage in nonmonetary transactions to provide free internet security services to the major Chinese internet companies to promote a more secured internet environment in China. No revenues derived from these nonmonetary transactions were recognized.
Consolidation of VIEs
PRC law currently restricts foreign ownership of internet-based and mobile-based businesses and regulates internet access, distribution of online information, online advertising, distribution of operation of online games through strict business licensing requirements and other government regulations. We are a Cayman Islands company and to comply with these foreign ownership restrictions, we operate our website and conduct substantially the majority of our online advertising and the distribution and operation of internet value-added services and internet security services businesses in the PRC through the VIEs.
Beike Internet and Beijing Network hold the requisite ICP licenses required to operate our internet and mobile-based businesses in China. We have been and are expected to continue to be dependent on our VIEs to operate our business if PRC laws do not allow us to directly operate such business in China. Beijing Security and Conew Network, our wholly-owned subsidiaries, as the case may be, have entered into a series of contractual arrangements with the VIEs and their respect shareholders. Despite the lack of technical majority ownership, there exists a parent-subsidiary relationship between our wholly-owned subsidiaries and the VIEs through the irrevocable shareholder voting proxy agreements, whereby the shareholders of the VIEs effectively assign all of the voting rights underlying their equity interest in the VIEs to our wholly-owned subsidiaries. Furthermore, pursuant to the exclusive equity option agreements, which include a substantive kick-out right, our wholly-owned subsidiaries have the power to control the shareholders of the VIEs, and therefore, the power to govern the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIEs. In addition, through the contractual arrangements, our wholly-owned subsidiaries demonstrate their ability and intention to continue to exercise the ability to absorb substantially all of the expected losses and the majority of the profits of the VIEs, and therefore, have the rights to the economic benefits of the VIEs. As a result of these contractual arrangements, we consolidate the VIEs as required by ASC 810-10 , Consolidation: Overall.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the amounts assigned to the fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed of an acquired business. In accordance with ASC 350, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, recorded goodwill amounts are not amortized, but rather are tested for impairment annually or more frequently if there are indicators of impairment present.
We adopted Accounting Standards Update 2011-08, or ASU 2011-08, Testing Goodwill for Impairment, to test goodwill for impairment by performing a qualitative assessment before calculating the fair value of a reporting unit in step one of the goodwill impairment test. If we determine, on the basis of qualitative factors, that the fair value of a reporting unit is more likely than not less than the carrying amount, a two-step impairment test
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is required. Otherwise, further testing is not needed. We have an unconditional option to bypass the qualitative assessment in any period and proceed directly to performing the first step of the goodwill impairment test. We may resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period. Under the two-step impairment test, the first step of the impairment test involves comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. Fair value is primarily determined by computing the future discounted cash flows expected to be generated by the reporting unit. If the reporting units carrying value exceeds its fair value, goodwill may be impaired. If this occurs, we perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test to determine the amount of impairment loss.
The fair value of the reporting unit is allocated to its assets and liabilities in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation in order to determine the implied fair value of the reporting units goodwill. If the implied goodwill fair value is less than its carrying value, the difference is recognized as an impairment loss.
If we reorganize its reporting structure in a manner that changes the composition of one or more of its reporting units, goodwill is reassigned based on the relative fair value of each of the affected reporting units. We have one reporting unit and use the discounted cash flow method to derive enterprise value as a basis of our impairment test.
Business Combinations
We account for its business combinations using the purchase method of accounting in accordance with ASC topic 805, or ASC 805: Business Combinations. The purchase method of accounting requires that the consideration transferred to be allocated to the assets, including separately identifiable assets and liabilities the Company acquired, based on their estimated fair values. The consideration transferred of an acquisition is measured as the aggregate of the fair values at the date of exchange of the assets given, liabilities incurred, and equity instruments issued as well as the contingent considerations and all contractual contingencies as of the acquisition date. The costs directly attributable to the acquisition are expensed as incurred. Identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities acquired or assumed are measured separately at their fair value as of the acquisition date, irrespective of the extent of any noncontrolling interests. The excess of (i) the total of cost 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 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 earnings.
The determination and allocation of fair values to the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed is based on various assumptions and valuation methodologies requiring considerable judgment from management. The most significant variables in these valuations are discount rates, terminal values, the number of years on which to base the cash flow projections, as well as the assumptions and estimates used to determine the cash inflows and outflows. We determine discount rates to be used based on the risk inherent in the related activitys current business model and industry comparisons. Terminal values are based on the expected life of assets, forecasted life cycle and forecasted cash flows over that period.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Intangibles
We evaluate our long-lived assets or asset group, including intangible assets with finite lives, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances (such as a significant adverse change to market conditions that will impact the future use of the assets) indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or a group of long-lived assets may not be recoverable. When these events occur, we evaluate impairment by comparing the carrying amount of the assets to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to result from the use of the assets and their eventual disposition. If the sum of the expected undiscounted cash flow is less than the carrying amount of the assets, we would recognize an impairment loss based on the excess of the carrying amount of the asset group over its fair value.
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Share-based Compensation
In May 2011, we adopted the 2011 Plan, which was amended in September 2013. Our board of directors authorized the issuance of up to 100,000,000 ordinary shares under the 2011 Plan to our directors and employees. On May 26, 2011, pursuant to the 2011 Plan and a trust deed, we allotted to Core Pacific-Yamaichi International (H.K.) Nominees Limited, as trustee for the 2011 Plan, 100,000,000 ordinary shares on trust for the benefit of participants in the 2011 Plan.
In January 2014, we adopted the 2013 Plan. The 2013 Plan provides for the grant of ordinary shares, restricted shares, share options and share appreciation rights to the employees, directors or consultants of our company and its affiliates. The maximum aggregate number of shares which may be issued pursuant to all awards under the 2013 Plan is 64,497,718 ordinary shares.
Immediately prior to the completion of this offering, all restricted shares previously granted will be re-designated as Class B ordinary shares.
We account for share-based compensation following the provision of ASC 718, or ASC 718, Compensation Stock Compensation, under which we determine whether an award should be classified and accounted for as a liability award or equity award. All grants of share-based awards to employees classified as equity awards are recognized in the consolidated financial statements based on their grant date fair values and the related cost is recognized over the period the employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award, which generally is the vesting period. All grants of share-based awards to employees classified as liability awards are recognized in the consolidated financial statements based on their grant date fair values and re-measured to fair value at the end of each reporting period. The liability recorded considers the fair value of the award and the number of awards that have vested to date. Re-measurement of the fair value of the liability awards is recorded as share-based compensation costs. We have no liability awards for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013 and issued restricted shares with redemption features to two employees that are considered tandem awards, having both equity and liability components, for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
We have elected to recognize share-based compensation using the accelerated method, for all share-based awards granted with graded vesting based on service conditions. Forfeiture rates are estimated based on historical experience and future expectations of employee turnover rates and are periodically reviewed. If required vesting conditions are not met resulting in the forfeiture of the share-based awards, previously recognized compensation expense related to those awards are reversed. ASC 718 requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in the subsequent period if actual forfeitures differ from initial estimates. To the extent we revise these estimates in the future, the share-based payments could be materially impacted in the period of revision, as well as in following periods. Share-based compensation expense is recorded net of estimated forfeitures such that expense is recorded only for those share-based awards that are expected to vest. We have determined the fair value of share-based awards with the assistance of an independent third party valuation firm.
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We have granted the following restricted shares to certain of our employees (including executive officers) and directors under the 2011 Plan:
Grant Date |
Number of Restricted
Shares |
Fair value of the Underlying Ordinary
Shares (US$) |
||||||
June 1, 2011 |
48,020,000 | 0.0474 | ||||||
September 1, 2011 |
400,000 | 0.1308 | ||||||
January 1, 2012 |
21,270,000 | 0.1750 | ||||||
February 1, 2012 |
80,000 | 0.1750 | ||||||
March 1, 2012 |
900,000 | 0.1772 | ||||||
May 1, 2012 |
190,000 | 0.1833 | ||||||
June 1, 2012 |
800,000 | 0.1833 | ||||||
July 1, 2012 |
3,000,000 | 0.1874 | ||||||
September 1, 2012 |
2,570,000 | 0.1935 | ||||||
December 4, 2012 |
40,000 | 0.3283 | ||||||
December 21, 2012 |
200,000 | 0.3283 | ||||||
January 1, 2013 |
2,100,000 | 0.3283 | ||||||
March 1, 2013 |
1,000,000 | 0.3698 | ||||||
March 21, 2013 |
25,000 | 0.3865 | ||||||
April 1, 2013 |
862,500 | 0.3865 | ||||||
April 17, 2013 |
2,750,000 | 0.3865 | ||||||
June 1, 2013 |
4,420,000 | 0.4077 | ||||||
July 1, 2013 |
950,000 | 0.4096 | ||||||
September 1, 2013 |
250,000 | 0.4483 | ||||||
October 1, 2013 |
2,670,000 | 0.4653 | ||||||
November 1, 2013 |
100,000 | 0.4653 | ||||||
January 1, 2014 |
4,150,000 | 0.6316 | ||||||
March 21, 2014 |
7,322,500 | 1.3560 |
We have granted the following restricted shares with a purchase price of US$0.34 to certain of our employees (including executive officers) and directors under the 2013 Plan.
Grant Date |
Number of Restricted
Shares |
Fair value of the Underlying Ordinary
Shares (US$) |
||||||
January 2, 2014 |
14,300,000 | 0.6282 | ||||||
March 21, 2014 |
31,376,131 | 1.3560 |
On April 8, 2014, we granted 580,000 restricted shares to certain employees under the 2011 Plan. On the same date, we granted 6,810,000 and 775,000 restricted shares with an option feature at a purchase price of US$0.34 per share to certain employees and non-employee consultants, respectively, under the 2013 Plan. As we are approaching the launch of this offering, we plan to use the mid-point of the estimated offering range indicated on the front cover of this prospectus as the fair value per share as of April 8, 2014.
For the grants on January 1, 2014 and January 2, 2014 under our 2011 Plan and 2013 Plan, the fair values of our ordinary shares at the grant dates were US$0.6316 per share and US$0.6282 per share, respectively, and the total estimated share-based compensation to be recognized over the vesting period of ranging from four to five years is approximately US$8.0 million. For the grant in March 2014 under our 2011 Plan and 2013 Plan, the fair value of our ordinary shares at the grant date was US$1.3560 per share and the total estimated share-based compensation to be recognized over the vesting period of five years is approximately US$44.2 million.
Fair Value of Our Ordinary Shares
In determining the estimated fair value of restricted shares granted to executive officers and certain employees, we have considered the guidance prescribed by the AICPA Audit and Accounting Practice Aid,
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Valuation of Privately-Held-Company Equity Securities Issued as Compensation , or the Practice Aid, which sets forth the preferred types of valuation that should be used. We have followed the Level B recommendation, and established the fair value of our ordinary shares at the dates of grant using a retrospective valuation with the assistance of an independent appraiser. We obtained a retrospective valuation instead of contemporaneous valuation because our financial and managerial resources were limited before 2014. We are ultimately responsible for all the fair value measurements in relation to the ordinary shares.
In determining the fair value of our ordinary shares, we followed a two-step process. In the first step, the equity value of our company was determined by taking into consideration the income approach, or the discounted cash flow method. Due to lack of consistencies in the guideline companies valuation ratios, we did not apply any weight for the market approach to arrive at the equity value of our company. Instead, the market approach is only used to corroborate the valuation results based on the income approach.
In estimating the total equity value of our ordinary shares, we considered the discounted cash flow, or DCF, method, which incorporates the projected cash flow of our managements best estimation as of each measurement date. The projected cash flow estimation includes, among others, analysis of projected revenue growth, gross margins and terminal value. The assumptions used in deriving the fair value of ordinary shares are consistent with our business plan.
The key assumptions used in developing the cash flow forecasts include: (i) compounded annualized growth rates of revenue range from 12% to 50% over the forecasted period ; (ii) gross margin forecast to improve with increasing economies of scale; and (iii) a terminal growth rate after the projection period.
The DCF method of the income approach involves applying appropriate weighted average cost of capital, or WACC, to discount the future cash flows forecast to present value. WACC comprises a required rate of return on equity plus the current tax-effected rate of return on debt, weighted by the relative percentages of equity and debt in the capital structure of comparable public companies whose business operations are similar to that of ours. The required rates of return on equity were based on an estimation of the market required rate of return for investing in business similar to ours, which were derived by using the capital asset pricing model, or CAPM. Under CAPM, the discount rate was determined with consideration of the risk-free rate, industry-average correlated relative volatility coefficient beta, equity risk premium, size of our company, the scale of our business and our ability in achieving forecasted projections.
The risks associated with achieving the forecasts were assessed in selecting the appropriate WACC, which had been determined to range from 17.5% to 20.5%.
In estimating the fair value of our ordinary shares by the DCF method, our management does not think there would be disproportionate returns of cash flows to different shareholders. That is, we do not think the controlling shareholders would receive greater returns than the non-controlling shareholders through their control of business decisions or participation in the daily operations of the business. Therefore, neither control premium nor a lack of control discount was considered in our valuations.
We also applied a discount for lack of marketability, or DLOM, ranging from 40% to 11%, to reflect the fact that there is no ready market for shares in a closely-held company like us. When determining the DLOM, the Black-Scholes option pricing model was used. Under this option-pricing method, the cost of the put option, which can hedge the price change before the privately held shares can be sold, was considered as a basis to determine the discount for lack of marketability. This option pricing method was used because it takes into account certain company-specific factors, including the timing of the expected initial public offering and the volatility of the share price of the guideline companies engaged in the same industry.
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The above assumptions used in determining the fair values were consistent with our business plan and major milestones we achieved. We also applied general assumptions, including the following:
| there will be no major changes in the existing political, legal, fiscal and economic conditions in countries in which we will carry on our business; |
| there will be no major changes in the current taxation law in countries in which we operates, that the rates of tax payable remain unchanged and that all applicable laws and regulations will be complied with; |
| exchange rates and interest rates will not differ materially from those presently prevailing; |
| the availability of financing will not be a constraint on the future growth of our operation; |
| we will retain and have competent management, key personnel, and technical staff to support our ongoing operation; and |
| industry trends and market conditions for related industries will not deviate significantly from economic forecasts. |
In the second step, since our capital structure comprised convertible preferred shares and ordinary shares at each grant date, we allocated our equity value among each class of equity securities using the option-pricing method. The option-pricing method treats ordinary shares and preferred shares as call options on our companys equity value and liquidation preference of the preferred shares.
The increase in the fair value of our ordinary shares from US$0.0474 per share as of June 1, 2011 to US$0.1308 per share as of September 1, 2011 was primarily attributable to the following factor:
| We completed series A financing through the issuance of preferred shares to certain investors, including an affiliate of Tencent, in July 2011. We believe the completion of this round of financing not only provided additional funding for our expansion, but also established our strategic relationship with Tencent. Therefore, we made upward adjustments to our long-term estimated revenues and earnings when preparing financial forecast for valuation as of September 1, 2011. |
The increase in the fair value of our ordinary shares from US$0.1308 per share as of September 1, 2011 to US$0.1750 per share as of January 1, 2012 and February 1, 2012 was primarily attributable to the following factor:
| We reoriented our business model and our user base grew rapidly over the period. We expected that we would be able to monetize the expanded user base in 2012 and hence made upward adjustments to our forecasted revenues and earnings when preparing financial forecast for valuation as of January 1, 2012 and February 1, 2012. |
The increase in the fair value of our ordinary shares from US$0.1750 per share as of February 1, 2012 to US$0.1935 per share as of September 1, 2012 was primarily attributable to organic growth of our business.
The increase in the fair value of our ordinary shares from US$0.1935 per share as of September 1, 2012 to US$0.3283 as of December 4, 2012 and US$0.3698 as of March 1, 2013 was primarily attributable to the following factor:
| During this period, we experienced significant improvement in profitability and started generating profit. Our revenues increased by 106% from 2011 to 2012. Therefore, we made upward adjustments to our forecasted revenues and earnings when preparing financial forecast for valuation as of December 4, 2012 and March 1, 2013. |
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The increase in the fair value of our ordinary shares from US$0.3698 per share as of March 1, 2013 to US$0.4096 as of July 1, 2013 was primarily attributable to the following factor:
| We completed series B financing in June 2013 and raised additional funds from certain investors including Tencent. The financing not only strengthened our financial status and resources, but also indicated an increase in investors confidence in our business prospect. In addition, DLOM decreased from 30% as of January 1, 2013 to 20% as of July 1, 2013 to reflect the increase in liquidity of our shares. |
The increase in the fair value of our ordinary shares from US$0.4096 as of July 1, 2013 to US$0.4653 as of October 1, 2013 and November 1, 2013 was primarily attributable to the following factor:
| We started the preparation of this filing in the fourth quarter of 2013. As we progressed toward the initial public offering, the liquidity of our shares increased and the discount for lack of marketability decreased from 20% as of July 1, 2013 to 16% as of November 1, 2013. |
The increase in the fair value of our ordinary shares from US$0.4653 as of November 1, 2013 to US$0.6316 as of January 1, 2014 was primarily attributable to the following factor:
| Our actual revenue for the full year exceeded our previous estimate. In view of the above, we revised our financial forecast upward for valuation as of January 1, 2014. |
The decrease in fair value of our ordinary shares from US$0.6316 as of January 1, 2014 to US$0.6282 as of January 2, 2014 was attributable to the potential dilution effect from purchase of 14,300,000 outstanding in-the-money restricted shares granted under our 2013 plan, by increasing equity value based on pro-forma proceeds as if those restricted shares were purchased and increasing number of common shares for allocation purpose.
The increase in the fair value of our ordinary shares from US$0.6282 as of January 2, 2014 to US$1.3560 as of March 21, 2014 was primarily attributable to the following factors:
| We experienced rapid growth and our actual performance exceeded our previous estimate. Monthly active users of our mobile applications increased significantly in the first quarter of 2014. We believe the increase in mobile internet service users will contribute to our revenue growth in the future. |
| During this period, Internet companies listed in the U.S. market continued to be robust and many companies had their record high stock trading prices in recent years. |
| With consideration of the above, we adjusted our financial forecast upward for valuation as of March 21, 2014. |
| Our discount rate decreased from 20.5% as of January 2, 2014 to 19.5% as of March 21, 2014 as a result of the increase in the size of our business and the decrease in small size risk premium, which is a component of our estimated cost of capital. |
| We made our confidential submissions of the draft registration statement with respect to this offering to the Securities and Exchange Commission in the first quarter of 2014, and hence the probability of a successful offering increased, resulting in a decrease of the discount for lack of marketability from 16% as of January 2, 2014 to 11% as of March 21, 2014. |
In determining the fair value of restricted shares with an option feature granted on January 2, March 21 and April 8, 2014, we use the binomial tree model for an option pricing applied. As the grantees were required to pay purchase price for their restricted shares, the restricted shares are treated as an option for the purpose of determining the fair value of such restricted shares. The key assumptions used to determine the fair value of the restricted shares with the option feature at the relevant grant dates in 2014 were as follows. Changes in these assumptions could significantly affect the fair value of the restricted shares and hence the amount of share-based compensation expense we recognize in our consolidated financial statements.
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The following table presents the assumptions used to estimate the fair values of the restricted shares with the option feature granted in the periods presented:
2014 | ||||
Risk-free interest rates (1) |
2.78%~3.07 | % | ||
Expected volatility range (2) |
55 | % | ||
Contractual term (years) |
10 | |||
Expected dividend yield (3) |
0 | % | ||
Expected exercise multiple (4) |
2.8 |
(1) | The risk-free interest rate for periods within the contractual life of the restricted shares with the option feature is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for a term consistent with the expected term of the awards. |
(2) | Expected volatility is estimated based on the historical volatility ordinary shares of several comparable companies in the same industry. |
(3) | The dividend yield was estimated based on our expected dividend policy over the expected term of the restricted shares with the option feature. |
(4) | The expected exercise multiple was based on research study regarding exercise pattern and historical statistic data. |
If factors change and we employ different assumptions for estimating share-based compensation expenses in future periods or if we decide to use a different valuation model, our share-based compensation expenses in future periods may differ significantly from what we have recorded in prior periods and could materially affect our operating income, net income and net income per share.
As a private company with no quoted market in our ordinary shares, we need to estimate the fair value of our ordinary shares at the relevant grant dates for employee restricted shares and at each reporting date for non-employee options. The determination of the fair value of our ordinary shares requires complex and subjective judgments to be made regarding our projected financial and operating results, our unique business risks, the liquidity of our shares and our operating history and prospects at the time of each grant.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In March 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU No. 2013-05, Parents Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity, which specifies that a cumulative translation adjustment, or CTA, should be released into earnings when an entity ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets within a consolidated foreign entity and the sale or transfer results in the complete or substantially complete liquidation of the foreign entity. For sales of an equity method investment that is a foreign entity, a pro rata portion of CTA attributable to the investment would be recognized in earnings when the investment is sold. When an entity sells either a part or all of its investment in a consolidated foreign entity, CTA would be recognized in earnings only if the sale results in the parent no longer having a controlling financial interest in the foreign entity. In addition, CTA should be recognized in earnings in a business combination achieved in stages. For public entities, ASU 2013-05 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013, with early adoption permitted. We have adopted ASU 2013-05 on January 1, 2014 and do not expect the adoption to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740), or ASU 2013-11, to provide guidance on the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carry forward, similar tax loss, or tax credit carry forward exists. This ASU requires an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, to be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carry forward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carry forward, with certain exceptions. The modifications to ASC Topic 740 resulting from the issuance of ASU 2013-11 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2013 and interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted. We have adopted ASU 2013-11 on January 1, 2011. Starting January 1, 2011, we have presented an unrecognized tax benefit or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit as deduction of deferred tax assets if applicable.
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Global Mobile Internet Industry
Overview
The global mobile internet industry is developing rapidly with the continuous enhancement of infrastructure, and the increasing use of smartphones and other mobile devices which have become more affordable. According to IDC, global mobile internet users totaled approximately 1.0 billion in 2012, representing a 36.5% increase over the user base in 2009, and are expected to reach approximately 2.3 billion in 2017, representing a five-year CAGR of 15.8%. Mobile devices now drive over 20% of global internet traffic with the proportion continuing to grow, according to StatCounter.
Smartphone Penetration
The increase in smartphone penetration is driving global mobile internet growth. According to IDC, global smartphone shipments are expected to increase from approximately 725.3 million units in 2012 to 1.7 billion units by 2017, representing a five-year CAGR of 18.4%, with the market share of smartphone increasing from approximately 41.7% to 74.7% over the same period. The emergence of high-performance, affordable Android-based smartphones is a key catalyst in driving smartphone adoption. Some successful regional smartphone brands, such as Xiaomi and Lenovo in China and Micromax in India, are gaining market share with phones typically priced in the range of US$150-300, representing significant cost benefits to users as compared to iPhone.
Android Operating System
As a result, the Android operating system has become the worlds most commonly used operating system for smartphones. According to IDC, Android-based smartphones are expected to have approximately 78.6% market share of global smartphone shipments in 2013, compared with 15.2% market share for iOS-based smartphones and other mobile devices, and are well positioned to maintain a strong leadership position for the foreseeable future.
Despite its market leading position, the Android operating system faces various challenges including more security breaches and the lack of effective computing power and storage management solution, as Android is an open-source operating system that does not have as stringent requirements for apps developed by third parties. There are certain apps designed specifically to address these challenges and to make the Android operating system work more efficiently, which are often referred to as mission critical apps.
Beneficiary of Mobile Internet Growth
Established global internet companies are likely to benefit from this wave of strong mobile internet growth. Compared with pure-play mobile internet companies, established internet companies enjoy multiple competitive advantages in establishing and growing their mobile internet presence, including widely recognized brand names, large and loyal user base, robust technology infrastructure, as well as strong connections with other business partners, especially those internet companies that are also aggressively expanding into mobile internet. Therefore, established global internet companies are well positioned to offer their products services on both internet and mobile internet platforms to serve their large and loyal user base.
Mobile Apps Distribution
Mobile apps are distributed through various means, including app stores, super apps and mobile browsers.
App Stores
According to App Annie, there were more than 1.1 million apps available on Google Play worldwide, and 1.0 million apps available in the Apple App Store as of December 31, 2013 with cumulative downloads reaching
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over 50 billion in 2013. This massive amount of mobile apps offer a rich user experience while, at the same time, creating a challenge for efficient application discovery and distribution within app stores, which focuses on a small number of top-rated applications. The distribution of apps customized for individual users is generally less developed. As a result, it is challenging for users to discover new apps and for developers to distribute their new apps.
In some countries, the app store market is highly fragmented. In China, for example, as Google Play does not have a local content publishing license, the Android app store market includes several local players, such as Tencent, 91wireless, 360 Mobile Assistant, and Wandoujia.
Super Apps
The lack of application discovery capability calls for an industry wide solution, and gradually alternative application discovery and distribution channels emerge and become popular, such as recommendation engines of super apps and mobile browsers.
Three of the key categories for Google Play app downloads in 2013 were social, communication, and tools. Collectively, they accounted for 19% of Google Play downloads including games in 2013, according to App Annie. Furthermore, there are only eight non-game applications with over 50 million cumulative downloads on Google Play worldwide in the second half of 2013, including Facebook, WhatsApp and Clean Master. Such applications are commonly referred to as super apps.
Top 10 Apps by Monthly Downloads Excluding Games (Google Play March 2014)
Rank |
Application |
Publisher |
Headquarters |
Category |
||||
1 |
United States | Social | ||||||
2 |
WhatsApp Messenger | United States | Communication | |||||
3 |
Facebook Messenger | United States | Communication | |||||
4 |
Clean Master | Kingsoft Internet Software* | China | Tools | ||||
5 |
United States | Social | ||||||
6 |
Skype | Microsoft | United States | Communication | ||||
7 |
Viber |
Rakuten |
Japan |
Communication | ||||
8 |
LINE | LINE | Japan | Communication | ||||
9 |
CM Security | Kingsoft Internet Software* | China | Tools | ||||
10 |
United States | Social |
Source: App Annie
Note: | Similar versions of the same app with different names (e.g., Skype for iPhone and Skype for iPad) are unified and ranked as a single app. Applications are reported under their parent companies as of March 31, 2014. |
* | Our company underwent a corporate name change from Kingsoft Internet Software Holdings Limited to Cheetah Mobile Inc. on March 25, 2014. |
Super apps are ideal channels for application distribution because they have a combination of critical factors that enable an application to identify its potential audience in a targeted way:
| Most super apps have a massive and engaged user base and, as a result, can provide effective reach to a vast audience. |
| Tools apps, in particular, have a high retention rate and user engagement, such as high frequency of user interactions, which result in deep user insights through data analytics. |
| Such insights, together with proprietary commercial product solutions, enable targeted advertising, application recommendation and distribution capabilities. |
Some super apps have incorporated in-app promotion and achieved significant success. For example, LINE, a communication application in Japan, has built its own game center and become a major mobile game distribution channel in Japan. Application developers are increasingly using super apps as a key promotion channel.
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Mobile Browser
In addition to app stores and super apps, mobile browsers are also gradually evolving into an application delivery platform. The development of HTML5 technology, combined with the emergence of in-app search and light-app technology, make the browser uniquely suited to the distribution of long-tail apps.
Mobile Apps Monetization
There are three proven mobile apps monetization, including advertising, value-added service (mostly mobile games) and paid download.
Mobile Advertising
The global advertising industry continues to experience a macro shift in advertising spending from offline channels, such as print, television and radio, to online channels, with mobile representing an increasing share of the online advertising spending. The growth in mobile advertising has been fueled by several factors, namely (i) the increasing amount of time users spend on mobile devices, (ii) strong targeting characteristics, allowing advertisers to glean meaningful aggregated information about mobile users, and (iii) real-time interaction with users, such as users providing timely ratings to products and services through their mobile devices.
According to IDC, the mobile advertising market is expected to surge from $10.0 billion in 2012 to $52.2 billion in 2017, representing a five-year CAGR of 39.2%. Over the same period, IDC expects other forms of advertising, such as online search, online advertising and online video advertising, to grow by 6.5%, 7.8% and 21.5% respectively.
Mobile advertising spending has been primarily driven by developed markets such as North America, Western Europe and Japan. In 2012, North America had the highest mobile advertising spending, at $4.7 billion, and is expected to remain the top advertising market with US$27.0 billion spending in 2017, representing a five-year CAGR of 41.9%, according to IDC. Western Europe, Japan, and the rest of the worlds mobile advertising spending is expected to grow from US$1.1 billion, US$1.8 billion and US$2.4 billion in 2012 to US$10.0 billion, US$3.6 billion and US$11.6 billion in 2017.
Mobile Games
Mobile games represent a disruptive opportunity as compared with console and PC games as they have a larger addressable audience and can be played anytime anywhere. Most mobile games monetize through in-game purchase of virtual items. According to IDC, the revenue generated from mobile digital game downloads globally is expected to grow from $6.3 billion in 2012 to $14.5 billion in 2017, representing a five-year CAGR of 18.3%.
Paid Download
Payment for downloading an application is a traditional form of monetization for mobile applications. However, paid applications are facing competition from free apps. According to App Annie, paid applications are estimated to constitute approximately 3.3% of total application downloads including games through 2013.
Internet and Mobile Internet Market in China
Overview
The number of internet users in China is expected to continue to grow in the foreseeable future. According to the China Internet Network Information Center, or CNNIC, a not-for-profit organization, the number of internet users in China reached 618 million as of December 31, 2013, making China the largest internet market in the world based on the number of users. According to iResearch, the number of internet users in China is expected to increase to approximately 850 million in 2017.
The mobile internet population in China has grown substantially due to the rapid development of mobile internet, technological and network enhancement and increasing affordability of a variety of smartphones,
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including successful regional smartphone brands, such as Xiaomi and Lenovo, promotions by mobile carriers and improving quality and variety of mobile content. On December 4, 2013, Chinas Ministry of Industry and Information Technology started to issue 4G licenses and mobile carriers are expected to quickly build out 4G base stations across China. The continued rollout of 3G and 4G networks and related mobile infrastructure as well as the increasing smartphone penetration is expected to drive rapid growth of mobile internet users in China. According to CNNIC, the number of mobile internet users in China reached 500 million as of December 31, 2013. According to iResearch, it is expected to increase to 745 million in 2017, representing a four-year CAGR of 10.5%.
Mission Critical Applications for Security and Performance Optimization
With more content consumption, social interaction and transactions moving from offline to online, the concern regarding the level of trust they should place in their online engagements increases. Internet-based threats have evolved from virus software to malware, phishing sites and personal data leakage. The insufficiency of traditional anti-virus application packages in the face of these new threats has led to demand for a solution that can not only protect against viruses, but can also protect user privacy and optimize system performance.
As a result, the internet security and system optimization market in China has grown significantly over the past five years, reaching 498 million users, or 81% of the online population in December 2013. The number of users of mobile internet security products reached 148 million users with a 30% penetration rate in December 2013, according to iResearch. The top five mobile security products covered approximately 91% of total users in 2013, according to iResearch, namely 360 Mobile Safe, Tencent Mobile Manager, LBE Safety Master, KIS Mobile Defender and SECUREit.
Monetization Models
There are three proven monetization models in Chinas internet and mobile market, namely online advertising, online games and e-commerce. According to iResearch:
Online Advertising
From 2012 to 2017, the Chinese online advertising market is projected to increase from RMB75.3 billion to RMB282.5 billion, representing a five year CAGR of 30.3%. The online advertising market primarily includes search marketing, advertising, video advertising and others. Search marketing is the main form of online advertising. From 2012 to 2017, the internet search market in China is projected to increase from RMB28.1 billion to RMB96.3 billion, representing a five year CAGR of 28.0 %.
Online Games
From 2012 to 2017, the online game market in China is projected to increase from RMB67.1 billion to RMB224.6 billion, representing a five-year CAGR of 27.3%. Online games are comprised of three main types: PC-based client-end games, web games and mobile games, with web games and mobile games expected to outgrow the overall online game market. The web game market is expected to increase from RMB9.8 billion in 2012 to RMB40.6 billion in 2017, representing a CAGR of 32.9%, and the mobile game market is expected to increase from RMB8.8 billion to RMB70.6 billion during the same period, representing a CAGR of 51.7%.
E-Commerce
From 2012 to 2017, the broad e-commerce market in China, including B2B, online shopping, online travel and offline-to-online social commerce, is projected to increase from RMB8.2 trillion to RMB21.6 trillion, representing a five-year CAGR of 21.3%. The growth in e-commerce is primarily driven by the continued growth of Chinas internet and mobile internet market, the migration of commerce from offline to online, and the substantial improvement and continuing development of the e-commerce infrastructure including payment and logistics systems.
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Overview
Our mission is to make the internet and mobile experience speedier, simpler and safer for users worldwide. To achieve this mission, we have developed a platform that offers mission critical applications for our users and global content distribution channels for our business partners, both of which are powered by our proprietary cloud-based data analytics engines.
For our users, our diversified suite of mission critical applications optimizes internet and mobile system performance and provides real time protection against known and unknown security threats. We had 340.7 million monthly active users for all of our applications in February 2014. Our mobile applications attracted 222.5 million monthly active users in March 2014. Our applications have been installed on 502.1 million mobile devices as of March 31, 2014.
Set forth below is a brief description of our core applications for users.
| Clean Master, which is a junk file cleaning, memory boosting and privacy protection application, had 237.3 million installations as of March 31, 2014, and 139.9 million monthly active users and 72.9 million average daily active users in March 2014. According to App Annie, Clean Master was the No.1 application in the Tools category on Google Play by worldwide monthly downloads in March 2014. It was also the No. 3 mobile utility application in China in terms of monthly active users in February 2014, according to iResearch. |
| CM Security, which is an anti-virus and security application for mobile devices on the Android platform, had 25.6 million installations as of March 31, 2014, and 23.0 million monthly active users and 11.5 million daily active users in March 2014. According to App Annie, CM Security was the No. 2 application in the Tools category on Google Play by worldwide monthly downloads in March 2014. |
| Battery Doctor, which is a power optimization application, had 201.7 million installations as of March 31, 2014, and 58.6 million monthly active users and 26.2 million average daily active users in March 2014. It was the fifth most downloaded productivity application on Google Play in March 2014, according to App Annie. It was also the No. 1 mobile utility application in China in terms of monthly active users in February 2014, according to iResearch. |
| Duba Anti-virus, which is an internet security application, had 124.1 million monthly active users and 48.4 million average daily active users in February 2014. We are the second largest provider of internet security applications in China in terms of monthly active users in February 2014, according to iUser Tracker of iResearch. |
| Cheetah Browser, which is our safe internet browser launched in June 2012 for PCs and in June 2013 for mobile devices, had 46.3 million monthly active users and 15.6 million average daily active users in February 2014. |
| Photo Grid, which is a popular photo collage application, had 62.7 million installations as of March 31, 2014, and 25.2 million monthly active users and 3.3 million average daily active users in March 2014. It ranked No. 1 in the Photography category on Google Play by monthly downloads in the United States in March 2014, according to App Annie. |
For our business partners, our platform provides them multiple user traffic entry points and global content distribution channels capable of delivering targeted content to hundreds of millions of people. Our business partners share revenues with us and promote our products and services. We have benefited significantly from our cooperation with over 380 online marketing business partners in 2013, including the major Chinese internet companies Alibaba, Baidu and Tencent.
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Set forth below is a brief description of our core platform products for business partners.
| Duba.com personal start page, which aggregates popular online resources and provides users quick access to most of their online destinations, had 51.7 million monthly active users in February 2014, according to iResearch. |
| Cheetah personalized recommendation engine, which recommends targeted content and services to our Cheetah Browser users, had 46.3 million monthly active users in February 2014. |
| Game centers, through which we have published over 570 games as of March 31, 2014. |
| Mobile app stores, which include our Mobile Assistant application stores in China and other in-app application stores, have offered approximately one million third party mobile applications as of March 31, 2014. |
| Kingmobi mobile advertising network, which helps advertisers effectively reach their target audience through our mobile applications. |
Our proprietary cloud-based data analytics engines are the core of our platform. For our users, the data analytics engines perform real time analysis of mobile applications, program files and websites on their devices for behavior that may impair system performance or impose security risks. For our business partners, the data analytics engines help create user interest graphs according to a number of dimensions such as online shopping, gaming and frequently used applications, thus facilitating targeted content delivery.
Although substantially all of our applications are free to our users, our massive user base has created ample monetization opportunities for us and our business partners. We generate revenues from our online marketing services by referring traffic from our platform to e-commerce companies and search engine providers and by selling advertisements. We generated 73.8% and 81.7% of our revenues from online marketing services in 2012 and 2013, respectively. We also generate revenues by providing internet value-added services, or IVAS, currently mainly from online games.
We have achieved significant growth in recent years. Our revenues increased from RMB140.1 million in 2011 to RMB287.9 million in 2012, representing a 105.6% growth, and to RMB749.9 million (US$123.9 million) in 2013, representing a 160.5% growth. Our net income was RMB62.0 million (US$10.2 million) in 2013, a 530.0% increase over our net income of RMB9.8 million in 2012, compared to a loss of RMB30.2 million in 2011.
Our Strengths
We believe the following competitive strengths have contributed to our growth and created significant barriers to entry for our competitors.
Massive, Highly Engaged and Fast-growing Global User Base
We have amassed a massive, highly engaged and fast-growing global user base for our diversified suite of mission critical applications. Our applications attracted 340.7 million monthly active users in February 2014. The following chart shows monthly active users for all of our applications in each of the months indicated.
Sources: Internal records for mobile applications and iResearch for PC based applications.
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We believe mobile is a large opportunity and more users will transition from PCs to mobile devices for internet access and usage and we have invested significantly in research and development for mobile users. According to App Annie, Clean Master, one of our core applications, was the No.1 application in the Tools category on Google Play by worldwide monthly downloads in March 2014. Our mobile user base has grown rapidly since we launched our first mobile application, Battery Doctor, in July 2011. Our mobile applications attracted 222.5 million monthly active users in March 2014. The following chart shows monthly active users for our mobile applications in each of the months indicated.
Source: Internal records
In March 2014, approximately 37% of our mobile monthly active users were from China, while the remainder were from overseas markets. Approximately 8%, 25%, 16% and 14%, respectively, of our monthly active users for mobile applications were from the United States, Asia (excluding China), Europe and other overseas markets in March 2014. Substantially all of our overseas users are users of our mobile applications. To serve our global user base, our applications are available in multiple languages, with Clean Master being available in 32 languages.
Diversified suite of mission critical applications for users
A strength of our platform is our diversified suite of mission critical applications that optimize mobile system and internet performance and provide real time protection against known and unknown security threats. These free applications have been developed from the ground up based on users fundamental needs and further fine-tuned based on feedback from millions of users. They have become an important part of our users digital lives and have a high level of stickiness, as users frequently use them to perform a broad range of essential tasks. As a result, our applications, including the following, have quickly gained popularity among users worldwide.
| Clean Master, a junk file cleaning, memory boosting and privacy protection application we launched in September 2012 for mobile devices, removes junk files on mobile devices that cause degraded system performance and frees up storage to install new applications. |
| CM Security, an anti-virus and security application for mobile devices we launched on the Android platform in January 2014, scans the applications and file system on mobile devices to protect from viruses, Trojans, system vulnerabilities, adware and spyware, and provides call blocking and safe browsing features. |
| Battery Doctor, a power optimization application we launched in July 2011 for mobile devices, significantly extends battery life by intelligently managing the power consumption of all installed applications. |
|
Duba Anti-virus, an internet security application for individual users, provides anti-virus, anti-phishing and secure online shopping functions and protects our users against known and unknown security threats. Duba Anti-virus was launched for PCs by Kingsoft Corporation in November 2000, and we later launched its cloud-based version and Android-based application in August 2011 and August 2012, respectively. In a March 2014 test performed by the AV-TEST Institute, an independent IT security |
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testing facility, we achieved 100% detection rate against a representative set of malicious applications discovered in the previous four weeks period, compared with an industry average of 95.3% out of the 31 mobile security products for the Android system tested. |
| Cheetah Browser, a safe internet browser launched in June 2012 for PCs and in June 2013 for mobile devices, seamlessly integrates our Duba Anti-virus security features and provides highly secure internet browsing experience. |
| Photo Grid, a popular photo collage mobile application we acquired in May 2013, allows users to quickly create professional looking collages of photos through intuitive interface. |
Continuous R&D and innovation focused on optimizing user experience
We are proud of our user-centric culture, which drives our R&D and innovation. From our line engineers to our chief executive officer, everyone involved in our interactive product development process focuses on developing and enhancing products and services to anticipate, meet and exceed our users expectations. Through various channels such as pre-release trial events among our fans in various countries, feedback from closed beta testing, and user comments and ratings on application distribution platforms, our massive global user base provides us with an invaluable source of information regarding our products and services and the evolution of the mobile industry.
Feedback regarding our Clean Master mobile application is an example of our interaction with our large, active user community. Approximately 7.8 million users have provided ratings of Clean Master and approximately 1.9 million users have provided ratings of CM Security as of March 31, 2014, voicing their support as well as proposing new ideas on product features. Our four million followers on Weixin, the largest mobile social platform in China, are also a source of insightful comments and suggestions. We listen to our users and make relentless efforts to improve our products in response to users feedback. As a result, we often release new versions in a matter of days.
Our users appreciate our focus on their needs. Clean Master and CM Security each rated 4.7 out of 5 stars on Google Play as of March 31, 2014. Battery Doctor was rated 4.5 out of 5 stars on Google Play as of the same day, also a testament to our high user satisfaction level.
Cloud-based data analytics engines enhancing platform performance
Our proprietary cloud-based data analytics engines enhance the performance of our platform for both our users and business partners. For our users, our data analytics engines enable applications installed on users end devices to utilize the most up-to-date security threat library and application behavior library in the cloud to optimize system performance and protect against security threats.
| In addition to our security threat library that includes large number of blacklisted and whitelisted program files and websites, we have developed a mobile application behavior library that includes approximately 4.0 million mobile applications as of March 31, 2014. We are able to identify application behavior or security threats on our users end devices through these cloud-based libraries in fractions of a second. |
| Using a heuristic, or experience-based, approach executed by our cloud-based analytics engines, we are able to learn from large number of known samples and automatically identify abnormal behavior of unknown applications or security threats on our users end devices with minimal false rate. |
For our business partners, our data analytics engines enable us to distribute targeted advertising or games to our users devices. We have developed a Face Mark system that maps our users interests according to a number of dimensions such as online shopping, online games and frequently used applications. We can help our business partners promote their brands, products and services to relevant audiences across multi-screens, regardless what devices or operating systems their audience may use, as long as they run our applications.
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Proven monetization model driven by platform products and extensive network of business partners
We have a proven monetization model. Our platform products, such as our duba.com personal start page, Cheetah browser and Mobile Assistant application stores enable our more than 380 online marketing business partners to offer their products and services on our platform and to reach our massive user base. We generated 73.8% and 81.7% of our revenues from online marketing services in 2012 and 2013, respectively. We generate revenues from our online marketing services by referring traffic from our platform to e-commerce companies and search engine providers and by selling advertisements. Our Kingmobi mobile advertising network helps advertisers effectively reach their audience through our mobile applications in a targeted and precise manner. In addition, as an important game publisher in China, we have published more than 570 games through our game centers as of March 31, 2014.
With our platform products, we are an integral part of a thriving business ecosystem. We believe our users have made our duba.com personal start page one of the top sources of third party search traffic to Baidu and Sogou (through the Soso search engine, which was owned by Tencent prior to its merger into Sogou in September 2013), and major e-commerce companies such as Alibaba. These business partners share revenues with us and promote our products and services on their platforms. We also supply our blacklisted and whitelisted website address libraries to Baidu and Tencent to help them filter out malicious websites from their search results. As a result, our growth has benefited significantly from the cooperation with our business partners.
Experienced management team with strategic vision and a proven execution track record
Our management team has a proven track record of transforming mission critical utility functions into widely popular free applications, amassing a large number of users onto a global distribution platform and achieving significant financial success. Each of the members of our core management team has more than ten years of experience in the development and marketing of internet utility applications.
By leveraging our managements deep understanding of forces shaping the mobile internet landscape, we have identified and successfully pursued opportunities to acquire and integrate promising early stage businesses with technology, products and teams that advance our strategic vision. For example, in April 2013, we acquired Antutu, a mobile system performance benchmarking application. It has helped us understand the configuration and performance of almost all existing or newly released Android smartphones on the market, which gives us a significant advantage in the development of other mission critical applications on our platform. In May 2013, we acquired Photo Grid, a photo collage application, which has complemented our other products and services and expanded our presence in the U.S. market as its user base grew rapidly in the U.S. after the acquisition.
Our Strategies
We aim to make the internet and mobile experience speedier, simpler and safer for users worldwide. To achieve this mission, we intend to:
Further grow our mobile user base
Mobile is a tremendous opportunity, and we are developing a large, active and loyal mobile user base essential to our continued growth and success. We intend to further grow our mobile user base by increasing our marketing efforts and continuing to refine and enhance our products and services.
| Increase our marketing efforts. We intend to increase our marketing efforts primarily by promoting our brand through social media and online marketing. We have been particularly active in social media, with our Facebook page generating over 2.4 million likes and our Weixin account having over four million followers as of March 31, 2014. In addition, we have created a series of online videos promoting our products and these videos have been viewed approximately 26.0 million times as of March 31, 2014. We will continue these marketing efforts to enhance brand recognition of our company as a global mobile internet platform company and broaden awareness of our mobile products. |
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| Continue to refine and enhance our products and services. We intend to continue investing in R&D and taking advantage of our proven interactive product development process to refine and optimize our products and services. For our user applications, we plan to add more features and functions to our mission critical applications to improve their utility and enhance user engagement. For our platform products for business partners, we will enhance our Face Mark system and cross delivery capability in an effort to more precisely distribute relevant advertising or games to our users devices. We plan to continue to enhance the capability of our cloud-based data analytics engines to better serve our mission critical applications for users and platform products for business partners. |
Deepen our global penetration
We intend to deepen our global penetration, especially in our key markets such as the United States, Japan and Europe, to grow our user base, expand our product and service offerings and strengthen our brand recognition.
We plan to establish local operations and acquire talent in our key markets to tailor our products and services to local preferences and interests and to conduct business development and sales and marketing activities. For example, we are in the process of expanding our Silicon Valley operations to accelerate our business development in the United States. In addition, we plan to enter into arrangements with local distributors to promote our products and services in other major global markets.
To execute our global strategy, we also intend to develop strategic relations with leading global technology and internet companies as well as leading local players to replicate our successful cooperation with business partners in China. In addition, we plan to explore collaboration opportunities with smartphone makers, especially those covering the overseas markets, to pre-install our applications on their phones to grow our global user base.
Enhance monetization capabilities
We plan to leverage our massive user base to enhance our monetization capabilities. We plan to develop additional forms of advertising on our mobile applications to increase our advertising inventory and effectiveness in reaching the targeted audience. We will plan to utilize our Kingmobi mobile advertising network to better manage our advertising inventory and broaden our global distribution capabilities.
We also intend to further grow our game publishing capabilities, featuring more popular games developed by our creative game developer partners. By capitalizing on the distribution capability of our platform, we intend to become a global game publishing platform, especially for games developed by Chinese developers, to reach our vast global user base. We plan to explore additional monetization opportunities by launching new value added services for our users and business partners.
Pursue strategic investment and acquisition opportunities
We have made a series of successful synergistic investments and acquisitions that have contributed to our rapid growth, including our acquisitions of Antutu and Photo Grid. We plan to leverage our deep understanding of the industry and our senior managements strategic vision to selectively pursue new investment and acquisition opportunities and to integrate acquired businesses and teams into our business operations in the most efficient and effective manner. We believe successful investments and acquisitions can help us expand our user base and products and services, as well as enhance our monetization capabilities.
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Our Mission Critical Applications for Users
The table below sets forth some basic information of our core mission critical applications.
Name |
Platforms / Date of Launch or
|
Monthly Active
Users in March 2014 (million) |
Average Daily
Active Users in March 2014 (million) |
Google Play
Rating on March 31, 2014 |
Number of
languages available as of March 31, 2014 |
|||||||||||||
Clean Master |
Android / September 2012 (L) iOS / January 2014 (L) |
139.9 | 72.9 | 4.7 | 32 | |||||||||||||
CM Security |
Android/January 2014 (L) |
23.0 | 11.5 | 4.7 | 25 | |||||||||||||
Battery Doctor |
iOS / July 2011 (L) Android / September 2011 (L) |
58.6 | 26.2 | 4.5 | 27 | |||||||||||||
Duba Anti-virus |
Windows / November 2000 (L) Android /August 2012 (L) |
124.1 | (F) | 48.4 | (F) | 4.4 | 1 | |||||||||||
Cheetah Browser |
Windows / June 2012 (L) Android / June 2013 (L) iOS / June 2013 (L) |
46.3 | (F) | 15.6 | (F) | N/A | 2 | |||||||||||
Photo Grid |
Android / May 2013 (A) iOS / May 2013 (A) |
|
25.2
|
|
|
3.3
|
|
4.5 | 27 |
L: date of launch; A: date of acquisition; F: February 2014 data.
Clean Master |
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Clean Master is a powerful junk file cleaning, memory boosting and privacy protection tool we launched in September 2012 for mobile devices. Clean Master also features application management functions. |
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Junk file cleaning . Clean Master helps users identify and safely remove junk files at the touch of a button. Mobile applications create a large amount of junk files during normal operations, including those cached by the operating system and various applications and downloaded installation packages. These unnecessary files gradually clutter up valuable storage space on mobile devices, resulting in reduced performance and preventing users from installing new applications. Junk file cleaning is a pressing need for most mobile users. |
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The proliferation of new mobile applications has made junk file cleaning challenging. Each application, upon new release, creates its own unique type of junk files and the risk is high that an application may not function if the junk file associated with the application is not removed properly. |
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Clean Master solves this problem by utilizing our cloud-based application behavior library to identify junk files associated with the applications installed on users end devices. Our application behavior library includes approximately 4.0 million mobile applications as of March 31, 2014. Our data analytics engine can also identify junk files generated by unknown applications, which allow Clean Master to effectively clean these junk files. |
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As our cloud-based data analytics engines continue to evolve, Clean Master becomes more precise in identifying and cleaning junk files. |
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Memory Boosting . Clean Masters memory boosting function allows one-touch termination of non-essential running processes and selective termination of other running processes, thereby freeing up CPU resources and memory usage and improving system response speed. |
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Privacy Protection . Clean Masters privacy protection function provides for easy cleaning of SMS and MMS records, call logs, browsers search history, cookies and saved login information. |
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Application Management . Clean Master provides an easy-to-use interface and batch processing capability to back up and remove applications installed on a users mobile device without leaving residual files and data, which is more convenient and efficient than the application management functionality built into the Android operating systems. |
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Since its launch in September 2012, Clean Master rapidly gained popularity. Its worldwide ranking on Google Play by monthly downloads excluding games improved from No. 48 in March 2013 to No. 16 in June 2013, No. 8 in September 2013, No. 6 in December 2013 and finally to No. 4 in March 2014, according to App Annie. |
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CM Security
|
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CM Security , which we launched in January 2014 on the Android platform, is an anti-virus and security application for mobile devices. It also features junk file cleanup and unwanted call blocking functions.
App and System Scan. CM Security provides a one-touch application and system scan capability to rapidly scan the installed applications and file system on users mobile devices to detect and protect users from viruses, Trojans, system vulnerabilities, adware and spyware. CM Security also automatically scans newly installed applications and updates to actively prevent threats to users mobile devices.
Call Blocking. CM Security includes call blocking functionality to automatically screen, block and log unwanted phone calls based on user-defined parameters.
Safe Browsing. CM Security also provides safe browsing functionality by integrating with our cloud security system to block counterfeit, phishing and other websites and webpages containing Trojans and viruses.
Powered by the dual-mode local and cloud-based application behavior library, which included approximately 4.0 million mobile applications as of March 31, 2014, and our security threats library, CM Security achieved a 100% detection rate in a March 2014 test performed by the AV-TEST Institute, an independent IT security testing facility. CM Security is also able to efficiently identify junk files and threats installed on users mobile devices. Our data analytics engines also enable CM Security to identify threats not previously indexed in our application behavior and security threats libraries. |
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Battery Doctor
|
||
|
Battery Doctor is a power optimization tool for mobile devices we launched in July 2011.
Longer Battery Life. Battery Doctor provides one-touch battery saving capability by analyzing the power usage of the applications and tasks running on users mobile devices and automatically tailoring the corresponding power saving settings. In addition, it creates custom power saving profiles and switches between them depending on the time of day and charge remaining in a devices battery. These settings allow users to extend their battery life without noticeably impacting device performance.
System Dashboard . Battery Doctor provides a convenient graphical interface that allows users to better manage their mobile devices. For example, it can estimate the remaining battery time, giving users a more accurate indication of when they need to recharge. It also ranks power consumption of individual applications and lets users selectively terminate applications that drain battery. It provides on-off switches for background tasks such as WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS and data services to avoid unnecessary battery consumption.
Battery Doctor optimizes battery usage by utilizing our cloud-based application behavior library that contains power consumption characteristics of approximately 4.0 million mobile applications as of March 31, 2014. Our data analytics engine can also identify power consumption characteristics of unknown applications, which allows Battery Doctor to effectively manage the power settings for these applications. |
|
Duba Anti-virus
|
||
|
Duba Anti-virus is an internet security application for both PC and mobile devices. The PC edition of Duba Anti-virus was initially introduced as a paid subscription service, which we changed to a free service in November 2010. We launched the mobile edition in August 2012. We are the second largest provider of internet security applications in China in terms of the number of monthly active users in February 2014, according to iUser Tracker of iResearch. It incorporates anti-virus, anti-malware, anti-phishing, malicious website blocking and secure online shopping in a single lightweight installation package and leverages the power of our cloud-based data analytics engines to protect our users against known and unknown security threats and malicious applications. |
|
Anti-virus and anti-malware . Duba Anti-virus can perform periodic or on-demand scan of program files and processes present on our users devices and test them against our cloud-based whitelisted and blacklisted security threats library, which contains approximately 264.4 million sample program files as of March 31, 2014. Program files that match the blacklist will be removed or quarantined automatically by Duba Anti-virus. |
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Program files that do not match any of the samples included in the cloud-based security threats library will be further analyzed using our cloud-based data analytics engines which can effectively identify unknown threats by employing a heuristic, or experience-based, approach to analyze the code and behavior of the unknown program files. By functioning as a sensor for our cloud-based data analytics engines, Duba Anti-virus can leverage the discovery of an unknown security threat on a single users device to protect the devices of our entire user community.
K+ defense. Duba Anti-virus includes a K+ defense system that integrates with our analytic engines and provides multi-layer comprehensive protection against a broad range of security threats to users computers.
System protection . The K+ defense system protects against malicious alteration of system configurations, prevents remote intrusion by hackers, blocks malicious websites, automatically scans downloaded files for malwares and protects web browsers from unauthorized alternation. |
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Online shopping protection. The K+ defense system blocks phishing and malicious shopping websites, prevents online shopping webpages from being altered or login information being intercepted by Trojan horses installed on users computers and provides security module plug-in to enhance browser security. Critical processes such as online payments can be conducted in a secure virtual environment free of interference by malware.
Vulnerability fixing. Duba Anti-virus provides a one-click solution to scan and fix vulnerabilities in computer configurations that could create an elevated risk level of system intrusions.
Duba Anti-virus Mobile Edition . Duba Anti-virus mobile edition can detect and uninstall malicious mobile applications from users mobile devices. In a March 2014 test performed by the AV-TEST Institute, an independent IT security testing facility, we achieved 100% detection rate against a representative set of malicious applications discovered in the previous four weeks period, compared with an industry average of 95.3% out of 31 mobile security products for the Android system.
Duba Anti-virus mobile edition can also identify and terminate abnormal battery draining applications, blocks harassing or spam calls and otherwise fix mobile system vulnerability. In addition, it can block harassing advertisements contained in many free mobile applications without impacting the normal operations of such applications. |
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Cheetah Browser
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Cheetah Browser is our high speed, safe web browser available for both PCs and mobile devices. We launched the PC edition in June 2012 and the mobile edition in June 2013. Cheetah Browser PC edition is a dual-core web browser, integrating the functionality of both the Chromium open-source rendering engine and the Internet Explorer rendering engine. The integrated Internet Explorer rendering engine provides maximum compatibility with pages across the internet, while the Chromium browser kernel operates at higher speeds. Cheetahs intelligent core switching engine analyzes each web page visited and selects the fastest and most compatible rendering engine for that page.
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Our Platform Products for Our Business Partners
Duba.com personal start page
A large number of users of our mission critical applications become loyal users of our duba.com personal start page, which provides a convenient starting point for their online experience. Duba.com aggregates a large collection of popular online resources and provides users quick access to most of their online destinations such as
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online shopping, video, online game, travel and local information. It also incorporates search functions provided by our business partners who are also our advertisers. Our large user base has turned our duba.com personal start page into one of the top sources of third party search traffic to Baidu and Sogou (through the Soso search engine), and major e-commerce companies such as Alibaba.
Users can click links on the duba.com start page to access our advertisers websites or search information using their selected search engine. We charge fees to our advertisers based on different criteria such as cost per time, cost per click and cost per sale for transactions or other activities that originate from our duba.com start page. The unit price is subject to negotiation based on the traffic we bring to the advertisers.
Game publishing
We have become an increasingly important game publisher in China. Through our PC game centers and mobile applications, we have published more than 570 games in the web game as of March 31, 2014, client-based game and mobile game categories and a wide array of genres such as MMORPGs, first person shooters, action, adventure, sports, puzzle and childrens games. Substantially all of these games are free to play and we generate revenues from game players purchase and recharge of virtual currencies used in online games through our user account management system.
We have two types of game publishing arrangements. Under a joint operating arrangement, we jointly operate games with game developers and publishers without paying license fees or incurring significant promotional expenses. We share user payments with game developers. As of March 31, 2014, almost all of the games on our platform were under joint operating arrangements. However, we expect the number of games operated in exclusive publishing arrangement to increase in future. Under an exclusive publishing arrangement, we pay royalty fees and upfront license fees to developers and promote and operate the games at our own costs. The popularity of the games has a larger impact in exclusive publishing arrangement as we bear higher risks and potentially receive higher rewards under this arrangement.
Utilizing the distribution capability of our suite of applications, we can quickly promote games to a large number of our users through multiple channels such as our duba.com start page, Mobile Assistant application, Cheetah Browser, Clean Master and Battery Doctor. Our mobile applications with a large number of active users have become increasingly effective distribution channels for mobile games. For example, we have successfully published four third-party mobile games through Battery Doctor on the iOS platform in China since late 2013, and three of these four games were still among the top 50 grossing games on iOS in China as at March 31, 2014.
Cheetah personalized recommendation engine
Cheetah Browser has an embedded personalized recommendation engine that recommends targeted third-party content and services to users based on their user interest graph created by our Face Mark system. For example, a user who has shopped on an e-commerce site recently may find promotions from the same e-commerce company for relevant products when the user opens Cheetah Browser. As we have full control of Cheetah Browser as opposed to other third party browsers, we have more flexibility to deliver recommendations to our users through different formats such as information bar, advertisement and pop-up message.
Kingsoft mobile assistant and other in-app application stores
Kingsoft Mobile Assistant is a mobile application store in China. It provides mobile users easy access to approximately 600,000 applications as of March 31, 2014, covering a wide variety of categories. Kingsoft Mobile Assistant helps a large number of our PC based users become users of our mobile applications by enabling users of the PC edition of Duba Anti-virus to install our mobile applications in a seamless way.
Some of our mobile applications in China include an in-app application store offering popular applications and games that can be conveniently downloaded to mobile devices.
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Case Study: Battery Doctor as an app discovery channel
Our mobile applications, with their large number of active users, have become increasingly effective distribution channels. This is illustrated by a promotion campaign we conducted for our Love Chinese Odyssey mobile game through Battery Doctor in November 2013. Battery Doctor was the No. 1 utility application in China in terms of monthly active users in November and December 2013 according to iResearch. Love Chinese Odyssey is a mobile role-playing game we released in November 2013. We promoted the game using the following advertising spaces within Battery Doctor:
| Start screen . Every time a user launches Battery Doctor, the user sees a full page advertisement for the game that directs him to Battery Doctors message center. The advertisement on the start screen had approximately five million average daily impressions during the campaign period. |
| In-app application store promotion . Additional promotions in Battery Doctors in-app application store include banner advertisements, daily recommendations, limited time offers and our proprietary rankings. |
| Message center . The message center provides a more detailed description of the promotion. |
| Banner advertisements . User can also see a banner advertisement for the same promotion at the bottom of Battery Doctors screen. |
With our promotion efforts, Love Chinese Odyssey ranked No. 5 on free chart and No. 6 on gross chart in Apples App Store in China within 3 and 8 days of its launch, respectively.
Kingmobi mobile advertising network
We launched our Kingmobi mobile advertising network in December 2013, through which we aggregate advertisements and deliver them to advertising spaces in mobile applications in a targeted and precise manner. Mobile applications that are enabled to receive advertisements from Kingmobi mobile advertising network can receive and publish the advertisements, including those developed by ourselves and third parties. Our advertising network allows advertisers to track the performance of their advertisements and allows mobile application publishers to manage their inventory of advertising spaces.
Our Cloud-Based Data Analytics Engines
Our cloud-based data analytics engines are a key competitive advantage for the development and enhancement of our mission critical applications serving users and our platform products serving our business partners.
Data analytics engines powering mission critical applications for users
For our users, our data analytics engines enable our applications to access our most up-to-date security threat and application behavior libraries in the cloud to optimize system performance and to protect against both known and unknown security threats.
| Our security threat library contains 264.4 million blacklisted and whitelisted sample program files and 14.8 million blacklisted and whitelisted sample website addresses as of March 31, 2014, with the number of samples continuing to grow rapidly. |
| We have developed a mobile application behavior library that includes approximately 4.0 million mobile applications as of March 31, 2014. A wide range of application behavior such as junk file creation, power usage and invasion of privacy is collected in the library. |
| We can perform an automatic or on-demand scan to identify known security threats or behavior of known applications on users devices in a fraction of a second. |
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| We can automatically identify abnormal behavior of unknown applications or security threats with a minimal false identification rate, through performing a heuristic, or experience-based, analysis with our data analytics engines. |
Data analytics engines powering our platform products for business partners
Using cloud-based big data analytics, we have created our proprietary Face Mark system to graph our users interests according to a number of dimensions such as online shopping, gaming and frequently used applications. We have also developed Cross-over delivery technology that can identify audience groups across multi-screens, regardless of what devices or operating systems these audience groups may use, as long as they have installed any of our applications. With the Face Mark system and Cross-over delivery technology, we can more precisely help our advertisers promote their own brands, products and services to targeted audiences and achieve a higher return on investments.
Evolution of our data analytics engines
Our security threats and application behavior libraries continuously expand with new samples exchanged with other security services providers and collected by search spiders. In addition, every device with our applications installed acts as a sensor for our cloud-based data analytics engines. The behavior of every new third party application installed on these devices is analyzed to establish a risk profile and enrich our security threats library.
Our Face Mark and Cross-over delivery technologies become more valuable with the expansion of our user base as they help populate our user interest graph to create larger audience groups for targeted content delivery. This creates a powerful network effect. The more users install and use our applications, the more information our analytics engines are able to obtain to benefit both our users and business partners.
Our Customers
Our customers primarily comprise customers for our online marketing services, including e-commerce companies and search engines, who pay us for referring traffic from our platform to them, and advertisers who pay us for displaying advertisements on our platforms. In 2011, 2012 and 2013, we had 123, 199 and 387 customers for our online marketing services, respectively.
Alibaba accounted for 22% and 25% of our revenues in 2012 and 2013, respectively. We provide online marketing services to Alibabas users through online accounts created with Alibabas online advertising exchange platform under its Taobao Alliance Program. The online marketing services include traffic referrals through searches and links displayed on our mobile and PC platforms. Our partnership with Alibaba and our transactions with Alibabas users are subject to standard terms and conditions stipulated by Alibaba for the platform, which are publicly available online and are subject to amendments at the sole discretion of Alibaba. We are subject to such standard terms and conditions so long as we continue to provide online marketing services to Alibabas users through the Taobao Alliance Program. Pursuant to the terms and conditions, unless otherwise agreed, we share revenues of transactions completed through our platforms within 15 days after a purchasers click on our promotional link or searched products. The share of revenues is pre-determined by merchants on Alibabas platform to which we provide our services.
Baidu accounted for 8% and 19% of our revenues in 2012 and 2013, respectively. We enter into agreements with Baidu to promote Baidus mobile and PC products through promotional activities and advertising such as search traffic referral and display of links and graphics on our mobile and PC platforms. Pursuant to agreements under which we provide search traffic referral services, we have become a member of Baidu Union, which is a network of third-party websites affiliated with Baidu, and those agreements with Baidu are subject to a Baidu Union member registration agreement that regulates, among others, the contents of websites and software
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registered with Baidu Union. Our service fees are calculated based on either a revenue sharing model or at a pre-determined fixed fee rate. The fees are settled on a monthly basis. The contracts have a term varying from three months to two years, and terminate on the expiration date unless both parties agree to a renewal. Two of our existing contracts with Baidu that generated approximately 14% in aggregate of our total revenues in 2013 have a term of two years, with one expiring on February 28, 2015 and the other expiring on April 30, 2015.
Tencent accounted for 24% and 14% of our revenues in 2012 and 2013, respectively. We enter into business contracts with Tencent from time to time, pursuant to which we provide various online marketing services, including traffic referral and advertising Tencents products on our PC and mobile platforms. We calculate service fees based either on time or performance, such as pay per installation or pay per retained installation. The fees are generally settled on a monthly basis. Tencent has the right to terminate certain of the performance-based contracts if the effectiveness of our marketing services falls below a stipulated level. The term of the cooperation agreement is from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2015. See also Related Party TransactionTransactions with Other AffiliatesTransactions with Tencent Shenzhen. While we used to generate a significant portion of our revenues from Tencent through online marketing services promoting Tencents Soso search engine, the Soso search engine was merged into Sogou in September 2013. As a result, the revenues contributed by Tencent dropped significantly from 24% in 2012 to 14% in 2013.
See Risk FactorsRisks Relating to Our Business and IndustryBecause a small number of business partners contribute to a significant portion of our revenues, our revenues and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected if we were to lose a significant business partner or a significant portion of its business.
Research and Development
We seek to be at the forefront of our industry by meeting and exceeding user needs through the development of innovative products and services. We have been able to consistently anticipate market demand and release products that have achieved wide acceptance within a short period of time. For example, based on our understanding of the challenges associated with battery life and limited storage space, we launched cloud-based Battery Doctor and Clean Master in July 2011 and September 2012 respectively, and quickly amassed 58.6 million and 139.9 million monthly active users, respectively, in March 2014.
Our R&D and innovation are driven by our user centric culture. From our line engineers to our chief executive officer, everyone involved in our interactive product development process focuses on developing and enhancing products and services to anticipate, meet and exceed our users expectations. Through various channels such as pre-release trial events among our fans in various countries, feedback from closed beta testing and user comments and ratings on application distribution platforms, our massive global user base provides us with an invaluable source of information regarding our products and services and the evolution of the mobile industry. We then feed the ideas back into our development processes to innovate and enhance our products and services.
The widely popular Clean Master is an example of this virtuous cycle of product development. Approximately 7.8 million users have provided ratings as of March 31, 2014, voicing their support as well as proposing ideas for new features. Our approximately four million followers on Weixin, the largest mobile social platform in China, also regularly provide insightful comments and suggestions. We listen to our users and relentlessly seek to improve this product in response to users feedback. As a result, we often release new versions in a matter of days. Clean Master received a rating of 4.7 out of 5 on Google Play, indicating a high user satisfaction level.
As of December 31, 2013, our engineering team consisted of 842 employees, approximately 76.4% of whom hold bachelors or more advanced degrees. In addition, we have a dedicated customer service team capable of operating in over 30 languages that interacts with users and receives users input and advice regarding further product development.
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Marketing
We promote our brand, products and services primarily through social media and online marketing. We believe that our strong social media presence allows our users to become our brand advocates, which creates a strong viral marketing effect. We have a large number of followers on leading social platforms such as Facebook, Weibo and Weixin. We released a series of promotional online short films on video sharing sites such as Youku and Youtube and have received a large number of views and positive comments.
We also market our products and services through cross promotion. Users of any of our applications are provided with easy access to our complementary products. For example, users of Duba Anti-virus will be offered the opportunity to install Mobile Assistant, and a mobile device connected to the PC with Mobile Assistant installed will be offered the opportunity to install Clean Master, Battery Doctor and the mobile edition of Duba Anti-virus. We recommend users of Cheetah Browser to use our duba.com start page as the default home page.
In addition, we have successfully used other innovative marking strategies to promote our products and services.
| We created a media buzz before the 2013 Chinese New Year holiday by releasing a new feature for Cheetah Browser enabling our users to have a higher chance to successfully buy train tickets online for travel during the extremely busy holiday travel season. As a large number of people travel on trains during this period and it is very difficult to buy tickets, Cheetah Browser received extensive media coverage and gained an instant jump in market share. |
| To promote the security feature of our Duba Anti-virus, we were the first in the industry to provide free insurance coverage on online shopping by users of Duba Anti-virus. Users are eligible to receive a cash payment of up to RMB2,000 per purchase for losses caused by viruses, phishing websites or Trojan horses when using the secured online shopping feature of Duba Anti-virus for covered purchases. |
Competition
We face intense competition in all lines of our business. In the mobile internet space, we generally compete with other mobile application developers, including those developers that offer products claiming to perform similar functions as Clean Master and Battery Doctor. In the internet space, we mainly compete with Qihoo 360 in Chinas internet security and anti-virus market. In addition, we compete with all major internet companies for user attention and advertising spend.
Intellectual Property
Our trademarks, patents, copyrights, domain names, proprietary technology, know-how and other intellectual property are vital to the success of our business. We protect our intellectual property rights through patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret protection laws in the PRC, Hong Kong, Japan, the United States and other jurisdictions. In addition, we enter into confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements with our employees and business partners. The agreements we enter into with our employees also provide that all software, inventions, developments, works of authorship and trade secrets created by them during the course of their employment are our property.
Our intellectual property rights are essential to the operation of our platform and important for our business. As of March 31, 2014, we have eight patents in the PRC relating to our software and other proprietary technology. Seven of the eight patents are either independently held by Zhuhai Juntian or jointly held by Zhuhai Juntian, Beijing Security and Conew Network, and one patent is jointly held by Beike Internet, Beijing Security and Conew Network. All eight patents will expire between November 2025 and August 2032, 20 years after their respective dates of application. We have registered 135 domain names, including www.duba.com, www.ijinshan.com, liebao.cn and 9724.com , 96 copyrights (including 93 software copyrights and 3 artwork copyrights), and 41 trademarks within China. In addition, we have filed 489 trademark applications and 445 patent applications in China. Our VIEs, Beijing Antutu, Beike Internet, Beijing Network and Guangzhou Network, have independently filed 140 patent applications and have jointly filed an additional 192 patent
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applications together with Zhuhai Juntian, Beijing Security or Conew Network, our wholly owned PRC subsidiaries, in relation to the proprietary technologies that are essential to the operations of our platform and important for our business. The dates of these patent applications ranged from January 2010 to March 2014. All the patents that the four VIEs are currently applying for have a duration of 20 years starting from the date of application. In addition, the four VIEs independently own 21 software copyrights, and jointly own an additional 43 software copyrights together with Zhuhai Juntian, Beijing Security or Conew Network. All the software copyrights owned by the four VIEs have been published between September 2009 and March 2014. Software copyrights are protected until the end of the 50th calendar year starting from the date of first publication, and no protection will be offered if the software has not been published within 50 years after the date of completion of development. See Risk FactorsRisks Relating to Our Corporate StructureWe may lose the ability to use and enjoy vital assets held by our VIEs if such entities go bankrupt or become subject to a dissolution or liquidation proceeding. We have one registered trademark in the U.S. and have filed a total of 329 trademark applications overseas.
As we were a subsidiary of Kingsoft Corporation, a number of patents, copyrights and trademarks used in our business were applied for and held by Kingsoft Corporation. Pursuant to the authorization and licensing agreement dated January 14, 2011, as amended, we licensed a total of 42 approved and pending patents, 34 software copyrights and 268 registered and pending trademarks from Kingsoft Corporation, including Kingsoft and , which are important to the marketing of our applications. This licensing agreement was terminated and superseded by the intellectual property transfer and license framework agreement that we entered into with Kingsoft Corporation on April 1, 2014. Pursuant to the framework agreement, Kingsoft Corporation transferred and licensed to us certain intellectual property, including software copyrights, registered and pending trademarks and approved and pending patents. See Related Party TransactionsTransactions and Agreements with Kingsoft Corporation and its SubsidiariesIntellectual Property Licensing Arrangements. We also license related internet security products from third parties.
We have established policies and procedures to monitor certain key patents and trademarks for infringement or other unauthorized use, and a team of dedicated employees from the intellectual property, legal and marketing groups conduct daily searches and monitor our patents, as well as third party patents and distribution platforms, for infringing technology and software. See Risk FactorsRisks Relating to our Business and IndustryWe may not be able to prevent unauthorized use of our intellectual property, which could harm our business and competitive position and Risk FactorsRisks Relating to our Business and IndustryWe may be subject to intellectual property infringement lawsuits which could result in our payment of substantial damages or license fees or adversely affect our product and service offerings.
Employees
We had 615, 692 and 1,178 employees as of December 31, 2011 and 2012 and 2013, respectively. The following table sets forth the number of our employees, categorized by function, as of December 31, 2013:
Function |
Number of Employees | |||
Operations |
176 | |||
Research and development |
842 | |||
Sales and marketing |
81 | |||
General and administrative |
79 | |||
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Total |
1,178 | |||
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Facilities
Our principal executive offices are located on leased premises comprising approximately 8,235 square meters in Beijing, China. This facility currently accommodates our management headquarters, principal development, engineering, legal, finance and administrative activities. We also have research and development centers in Zhuhai, Guangzhou, Zhengzhou and Hangzhou, China, and an office in Silicon Valley.
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Our servers are hosted in leased internet data centers in different areas of China. These data centers are owned and maintained by third party data center operators. We believe that our existing facilities are sufficient for our current needs and we will obtain additional facilities, principally through leasing, to accommodate our future expansion plans.
Legal Proceedings
We are subject to legal proceedings and claims in our ordinary course of business from time to time. We are currently not a party to, and are not aware of any threat of, any legal, arbitration or administrative proceedings that, in the opinion of our management, are likely to have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. For a description of certain legal proceedings and arbitration that we are currently involved in, see Note 17. Commitments and ContingenciesLitigation to our consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013 included in this prospectus.
In September 2011, Mr. Sheng Fu, our chief executive officer, was named as a defendant in a lawsuit filed by Qihoo in the High Court of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The complaint was subsequently amended in May 2012, July 2012 and January 2014. The amended complaint alleges that Mr. Fu has breached his contractual obligations of confidentiality, non-competition, non-solicitation and non-disparagement under the agreements Mr. Fu had entered into with a subsidiary of Qihoo prior to his resignation from the subsidiary in August 2008. The complaint asserts that Mr. Fu was a product manager of Qihoo and was responsible for, and participated in, product design and research of certain antivirus products, including 360 Anti-virus and 360 Safe Guard and had access to the related confidential information, trade secret, technology and know-how.
In connection with the above claims, the complaint specifically alleges that Mr. Fu: (i) used confidential information of Qihoo to develop, by himself or through Beijing Conew and Conew Network, an anti-virus product released around May 2010 that was substantially similar to Qihoos 360 Anti-virus and 360 Safe Guard and infringed upon the confidential information, trade secrets and other rights of Qihoo; (ii) engaged in or dealt with businesses and products that directly competed with the businesses and/or products of Qihoo within the 18-month restricted period; (iii) employed employees of Qihoo within the 18-month restricted period, including Mr. Ming Xu, our chief technology officer, who was the then director of technology of 360 Safe Guard, a division of Qihoo; and (iv) made certain negative statements publicly about Qihoo.
Qihoo is seeking a court declaration that Qihoos repurchase of its shares previously granted to Mr. Fu under Qihoos share incentive plan at a nominal value was valid, a court order that Mr. Fu cease to use any confidential information or know-how of Qihoo, damages for disparagement, and a court order that Mr. Fu account to Qihoo for any profits that he earned as a result of the alleged breach.
Mr. Fu joined us in October 2010 when we acquired Conew.com Corporation, for which Mr. Fu served as the chief executive officer prior to the acquisition. Our product offerings do not include, and are not derived from, the anti-virus products referenced in the complaint.
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Certain areas related to the internet, such as telecommunications, internet information services, connections to the international information networks, internet information security and censorship and online games (including online PC and mobile games) operations and online lottery, are covered extensively by a number of existing laws and regulations issued by various PRC governmental authorities, including:
| the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, or the MIIT (formerly the Ministry of Information Industry); |
| the Ministry of Culture, or the MOC; |
| the State Administration of Press and Publication, Radio, Film and Television, or the SARFT, established as a result of institutional reform integrating the General Administration of Press and Publication, or the GAPP, and the State Administration for Radio, Film and Television, effective from March 22, 2013; |
| the National Copyright Administration, or the NCA; |
| the State Administration for Industry and Commerce, or the SAIC; |
| the State Council Information Office, or the SCIO; |
| the Ministry of Commerce, or the MOFCOM; |
| the Office of National Work Group for Combating Pornography and Illegal Publications; |
| the Ministry of Education; |
| the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security; |
| the Bureau of Protection of State Secrets; |
| the Ministry of Finance, or the MOF; |
| the Ministry of Civil Affairs; |
| the State General Administration of Sports; |
| the Ministry of Public Security, or the MPS; and |
| the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, or the SAFE. |
As the internet and mobile industries are still at an early stage of development in China, new laws and regulations may be adopted from time to time to require new licenses and permits in addition to those we currently have. There are substantial uncertainties on the interpretation and implementation of any current and future Chinese laws and regulations, including those applicable to the online game (including online PC and mobile games) and internet security industries. See Risk FactorsRisks Relating to Doing Business in ChinaUncertainties in the interpretation and enforcement of Chinese laws and regulations could limit the legal protections available to you and us. And this section sets forth the most important laws and regulations that govern our current business activities in China and that affect the dividends payment to our shareholders.
Regulation on Telecommunications Services and Foreign Ownership Restrictions
The Telecommunications Regulations, which became effective on September 25, 2000, are the core regulations on telecommunications services in China. The Telecommunications Regulations set out basic guidelines on different types of telecommunications business activities, including the distinction between basic telecommunications services and value-added telecommunications services. According to the Catalog of Telecommunications Business (2003 Amendment), implemented on April 1, 2003 and attached to the Telecommunications Regulations, internet information services are deemed a type of value-added telecommunications services. The Telecommunications Regulations require the operators of value-added telecommunications services to obtain value-added telecommunications business operation licenses from MIIT or its provincial delegates prior to the commencement of such services.
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The Regulations on the Administration of Foreign-Invested Telecommunications Enterprises, or the FITE Regulations, which took effect on January 1, 2002 and were amended on September 10, 2008, are the major rules on foreign investment in telecommunications companies in China. The FITE Regulations stipulate that the foreign investor of a telecommunications enterprise is prohibited from holding more than 50% of the equity interest in a foreign-invested enterprise that provides value-added telecommunications services, including internet information services. Moreover, such foreign investor shall demonstrate a good track record and experience in operating value-added telecommunications services when applying for the value-added telecommunications business operation license from the MIIT.
On July 13, 2006, the MIIT issued the Circular on Strengthening the Administration of Foreign Investment in Value-added Telecommunications Services, or the MIIT Circular 2006, which requires that (a) foreign investors can only operate a telecommunications business in China through establishing a telecommunications enterprise with a valid telecommunications business operation license; (b) domestic license holders are prohibited from leasing, transferring or selling telecommunications business operation licenses to foreign investors in any form, or providing any resources, sites or facilities to foreign investors to facilitate the unlicensed operation of telecommunications business in China; (c) value-added telecommunications service providers or their shareholders must directly own the domain names and registered trademarks they use in their daily operations; (d) each value-added telecommunications service provider must have the necessary facilities for its approved business operations and maintain such facilities in the geographic regions covered by its license; and (e) all value-added telecommunications service providers should improve network and information security, enact relevant information safety administration regulations and set up emergency plans to ensure network and information safety. The provincial communications administration bureaus, as local authorities in charge of regulating telecommunications services, (a) are required to ensure that existing qualified value-added telecommunications service providers will conduct a self-assessment of their compliance with the MIIT Circular 2006 and submit status reports to the MIIT before November 1, 2006; and (b) may revoke the value-added telecommunications business operation licenses of those that fail to comply with the above requirements or fail to rectify such non-compliance within specified time limits. Due to the lack of any additional interpretation from the regulatory authorities, it remains unclear what impact MIIT Circular 2006 will have on us or the other PRC internet companies with similar corporate and contractual structures.
To comply with such foreign ownership restrictions, we operate our businesses in China through Beijing Antutu, Beike Internet, Guangzhou Network, Beijing Network and Beijing Conew, all of which are owned by PRC citizens. These entities are all controlled by Beijing Security and Conew Network, our wholly-owned subsidiaries, through a series of contractual arrangements. See Corporate History and Structure. Based on our PRC legal counsel, Han Kun Law Offices understanding of the current PRC laws, rules and regulations, our corporate structure complies with all applicable PRC laws, and does not violate, breach, contravene or circumvent or otherwise conflict with any applicable PRC laws. However, we were further advised by our PRC legal counsel that there are substantial uncertainties with respect to the interpretation and application of existing or future PRC laws and regulations and thus there is no assurance that Chinese governmental authorities would take a view consistent with the opinions of our PRC legal counsel.
Internet Information Services
The Administrative Measures on Internet Information Services, or the ICP Measures, issued by the State Council on September 25, 2000 and amended on January 8, 2011, regulate the provision of internet information services. According to the ICP Measures, internet information services refer to services that provide internet information to online users, and are categorized as either commercial services or non-commercial services. Pursuant to the ICP Measures, internet information commercial service providers shall obtain an ICP license, a sub-category of the value-added telecommunications business operation license, from the relevant local authorities before engaging in the provision of any commercial internet information services in China. In addition, if the internet information services involve provision of news, publication, education, medicine, health, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment and other services that statutorily require approvals from other additional governmental authorities, such approvals must be obtained before applying for the ICP license.
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We currently, through Beike Internet and Beijing Network, our VIEs, hold valid ICP licenses, covering the provision of internet information services, issued by the Beijing branch of the MIIT. Besides, the ICP Measures and other relevant measures also ban the internet activities that constitute publication of any content that propagates obscenity, pornography, gambling and violence, incite the commission of crimes or infringe upon the lawful rights and interests of third parties, among others. If an internet information service provider detects information transmitted on their system that falls within the specifically prohibited scope, such provider must terminate such transmission, delete such information immediately, keep records and report to the governmental authorities in charge. Any providers violation of these prescriptions will lead to the revocation of its ICP license and, in serious cases, the shutting down of its internet systems.
Internet Publication and Cultural Activities
The Tentative Measures for Internet Publication Administration, or Internet Publication Measures, were jointly promulgated by the GAPP and the MIIT on June 27, 2002 and became effective on August 1, 2002. The Internet Publication Measures imposed a license requirement for any company that engages in internet publishing, which means any act by an internet information service provider to select, edit and process works (including books, newspaper, magazines, audio-video products, or edited literature, art or works on natural science, social science, engineering etc.) produced by such provider or others, and make such works publicly available on the internet or send such works to the end users through internet, so that the public can browse, read, use or download such works. The Internet Publication Measures also require the professional editorial personnel of an Internet publishing entity to examine the published content to ensure that it complies with applicable laws. Failure to do so may subject us to fines and other penalties. The provision of online games is deemed an internet publication activity; therefore, an online game operator must (i) obtain an Internet Publishing License so that it can directly offer its online games to the public in the PRC, or (ii) publish its online games through a qualified press entity by entering into an entrustment agreement.
The Rules for the Administration of Electronic Publication, or the Electronic Publication Rules, was issued by the GAPP on February 21, 2008 and became effective on April 15, 2008. Under the Electronic Publication Rules and other regulations issued by the GAPP, online games are classified as a kind of electronic publication, and publishing of online games is required to be conducted by licensed electronic publishing entities that have been issued standard publication codes.
In order to comply with these rules and regulations, we are in the process of applying for Internet Publishing Licenses for the publication of online games on PC and mobile internet.
On May 10, 2003, the MOC promulgated the Tentative Measures for the Administration of Online Culture, or the Online Cultural Measures, which became effective on July 1, 2003 and subsequently amended on July 1, 2004 and on April 1, 2011 respectively. According to the Online Cultural Measures, internet information services providers engaging in online cultural activities, which include the dissemination and operation of gaming products, shall either obtain a license from the provincial branches of the MOC if such activities are commercial, or complete a filing of records with the provincial branches of the MOC if such activities are non-commercial. Specifically, entities are required to obtain online cultural operating licenses from the provincial branches of the MOC if they intend to commercially engage in any of the following activities: (a) production, duplication, import, publishing or broadcasting of online cultural products; (b) publishing of online cultural products on the internet or transmission thereof via the internet or mobile telecommunication networks to computers, fixed-line or mobile phones, television sets, gaming consoles or Internet café for online users to browse, review, use or download such products; or (c) exhibitions or contests related to online cultural products. If internet information services providers engage in commercial online cultural activities but fail to obtain online cultural operating licenses, they may be ordered to shut down their websites and subject to fines and penalties of confiscating illegal gain. On February 15, 2007, the MOC, the Peoples Bank of China and other relevant government authorities jointly issued the Notice on Internet Cafes. The Notice on Internet Cafes authorizes the Peoples Bank
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of China to strengthen the administration of virtual currency in web games in order to avoid any adverse impact on the economy and financial system. This notice strictly limits the total amount of virtual currency that a web game operator can issue and an individual game player can purchase. It also distinguishes virtual transactions from real transactions through electronic commerce and that specifies virtual currency should only be used to purchase virtual items.
We, through Beike Internet and Beijing Network, have obtained the Internet Culture Operation Licenses from the Beijing branch of the MOC, which collectively cover the business scope of operating gaming products through internet (including the issuance of virtual currency).
Regulation on Online Games and Foreign Ownership Restrictions
On June 3, 2010, the MOC promulgated the Provisional Administration Measures of Online Games, or the Online Game Measures, which came into effect on August 1, 2010. The Online Game Measures governs the research, development and operation of online games. It specifies that the MOC is responsible for the censorship of imported online games and the filing of records of domestic online games. The procedures for the filing of records of domestic online games must be conducted with the MOC within 30 days after the commencement date of the online operation of such online games or the occurrence date of any material alteration of such online games.
All operators of online games, or Online Game Business Operators, are required by the Online Game Measures to obtain Internet Culture Operation Licenses. An Internet Culture Operation License is valid for three years and in case of renewal, the renewal application should be submitted 30 days prior to the expiry date of such license. An Online Game Business Operator should request the valid identity certificate of game users for registration, and notify the public 60 days ahead of the termination of any online game operations or the transfer of online game operational rights. Online Game Business Operators are also prohibited from (a) setting compulsory combat in the online games without game users consent; (b) advertising or promoting the online games in a way that contains prohibited content, such as anything that compromises state security or divulges state secrets; and (c) inducing game users to input legal currencies or virtual currencies to gain online game products or services, by way of random draw or other incidental means. Pursuant to the Online Game Measures, the service agreements between the Online Game Business Operators and users shall contain all the clauses of a standard online game service agreement, which was issued by MOC on July 29, 2010, with no conflicts with the rest of clauses in such service agreements. We, through Beike Internet and Beijing Network, have obtained Internet Culture Operation Licenses from the Beijing branch of the MOC, which collectively cover the business scope of operating gaming products through internet (including the issuance of virtual currency).
On July 11, 2008, the General Office of the State Council promulgated the Regulation on Main Functions, Internal Organization and Staffing of the GAPP, or the Regulation on Three Provisions. On September 7, 2009, the Central Organization Establishment Commission issued the corresponding interpretations, or the Interpretations on Three Provisions. The Regulation on Three Provisions stipulates that the MOC is authorized to regulate the online game industry, while the SARFT is authorized to approve the publication of online games before their launch on the internet. The Interpretation on Three Provisions further provides that once an online game is launched on the internet, it will be completely under the administration of the MOC, and that if an online game is launched on the internet without obtaining prior approval from the SARFT, the MOC, instead of the SARFT, is directly responsible for investigation and punishment. On July 11, 2013, the General Office of the State Council promulgated the Provisions on the Main Responsibilities, Internal Institutions and Staffing of GAPP, or the Three-Decision Provisions, which reiterates the restrictions stipulated in the Regulation on Three Provisions.
On September 28, 2009, the GAPP, the NCA and the Office of the National Working Group for Combating Pornography and Illegal Publications jointly issued a Notice on Implementing the Provisions of the State Council on Three Determinations and the Relevant Explanations of the State Commission Office for Public Sector
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Reform and Further Strengthening the Administration of the Pre-approval of Online Games and Examination and Approval of Imported Online Games, or Circular 13. Circular 13 explicitly prohibits foreign investors from directly or indirectly engaging in online gaming business in China, including through variable interest entity structures, or VIE Structures. Foreign investors are not allowed to indirectly control or participate in PRC operating companies online games (including online PC and mobile games) operations, whether (a) by establishing other joint ventures, entering into contractual arrangements or providing technical support for such operating companies; or (b) in a disguised form such as by incorporating or directing user registration, user account management or game card consumption into online gaming platforms that are ultimately controlled or owned by foreign companies. Violations of Circular 13 will result in severe penalties. However, it is uncertain whether the above prohibitions imposed by SARFT are within its authorization as stipulated in the Regulation on Three Provisions and its interpretations. For detailed analysis, see Risk FactorsRisks Relating to Doing Business in ChinaWe may be adversely affected by the complexity of, and uncertainties and changes in, PRC regulation on internet and mobile internet businesses and companies.
Anti-fatigue Compliance System and Real-name Registration System
On April 15, 2007, in order to curb addictive online game-playing by minors, eight PRC government authorities, including the GAPP, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Public Security and the MIIT, jointly issued a circular requiring the implementation of an anti-fatigue compliance system and a real-name registration system by all PRC online games (including online PC and mobile games) operators. Under the anti-fatigue compliance system, three hours or less of continuous playing by minors, defined as game players under 18 years of age, is considered to be healthy, three to five hours is deemed fatiguing, and five hours or more is deemed unhealthy. Game operators are required to reduce the value of in-game benefits to a game player by half if it discovers that the amount of a time a game player spends online has reached the fatiguing level, and to zero in the case of the unhealthy level.
To identify whether a game player is a minor and thus subject to the anti-fatigue compliance system, a real-name registration system should be adopted to require online games (including online PC and mobile games) players to register their real identity information before playing online games. Pursuant to the Notice on the Commencement of Anti-fatigue and Real-name Registration of Online Games, issued by the relevant eight government authorities on July 1, 2011, which came into effect on October 1, 2011, online games (including online PC and mobile games) operators must submit the identity information of game players to the National Citizen Identity Information Center, a subordinate public institution of the Ministry of Public Security, for verification.
Except for our bulletin board system services and online game operations, we are currently not required by PRC law to ask users for their real name and personal information when they register for a user account. We cannot assure you that PRC regulators would not require us to implement compulsory real-name registration in the future. See Risk FactorsRisks Relating to Doing Business in ChinaWe may be adversely affected by the complexity of, and uncertainties and changes in, PRC regulation of internet and mobile internet businesses and companies. In addition, we require our PC and mobile game developer to comply with the requirements under the PRC law, but we cannot assure you that such commercial partners will effectively implement the anti-fatigue rules, and any noncompliance on the part of such commercial partners may cause potential liabilities to us and in turn disrupt our operations. See Risk FactorsRisks Relating to Our Business and IndustryNon-compliance on the part of third parties with whom we conduct business could disrupt our business and adversely affect our results of operations.
Regulations on Computer Information System Security Special Products
Pursuant to the Provisions for Security Protection of Computer Information Systems promulgated by the State Council on February 18, 1994, and the Measures for Administration of Detection and Sales Permits for Computer Information System Security Special Products promulgated by the MPS on December 12, 1997, producers of security special products, including hardware and software products, shall have such products
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detected and recognized by qualified institutions, and obtain a sales license. A new sales license is required if an approved security product has any functional changes. Security special products refers to special hardware and software that is used for protecting the security of computer information system. The valid term of each sales permit is two years and the extension application shall be submitted to the competent branches of the Ministry of Public Security 30 days prior to the expiration of such term.
We believe that we have obtained the applicable permits for offering Duba Anti-virus for download. However, as the upgrades of our software become more frequent and such examination and approval by the MPS may be time consuming, we may not be able to obtain such permits for all upgrades in a timely manner, which may subject us to various penalties and adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Regulation on Advertising Business
The SAIC is the primary governmental authority regulating advertising activities in China. Regulations that apply to advertising business and foreign ownership in advertisement business primarily include:
| Foreign Investment Industrial Guidance Catalog. issued by the former National Development and Reform Commission and other departments in on June 20, 1995, and amended on October 31, 2007 and December 24, 2011; |
| Advertisement Law of the Peoples Republic of China, promulgated by the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress on October 27, 1994 and effective since February 1, 1995; |
| Administrative Regulations for Advertising, promulgated by the State Council on October 26, 1987 and effective since December 1, 1987; and |
| Implementation Rules for the Administrative Regulations for Advertising, promulgated by the State Council on January 9, 1988 and amended on December 3, 1998, December 1, 2000 and November 30, 2004, respectively. |
According to the above regulations, companies that engage in advertising activities must each obtain, from the SAIC or its local branches, a business license which specifically includes operating an advertising business in its business scope. An enterprise engaging in advertising business within the specifications in its business scope does not need to apply for an advertising operation license, provided that such enterprise is not a radio station, television station, newspaper or magazine publisher or any other entity otherwise specified in the relevant laws or administrative regulations. Enterprises conducting advertising activities without such a license may be subject to penalties, including fines, confiscation of advertising income and orders to cease advertising operations. The business license of an advertising company is valid for the duration of its existence, unless the license is suspended or revoked due to a violation of any relevant laws or regulations.
PRC advertising laws and regulations set certain content requirements for advertisements in China, 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 complete compliance with applicable laws. In providing advertising services, advertising operators and advertising distributors must review the supporting documents provided by advertisers for 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. Violation of these regulations may result in penalties, including fines, confiscation of advertising income, orders to cease dissemination of the advertisements and orders to publish an advertisement correcting the misleading information. Where serious violations occur, the SAIC or its local branches may revoke such offenders licenses or permits for their advertising business operations.
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Intellectual Property Rights
Software Registration
The State Council and the NCA have promulgated various rules and regulations and rules relating to protection of software in China, including the Regulations on Protection of Computer Software promulgated by State Council on January 30, 2013 and effective since March 1, 2013, and the Measures for Registration of Copyright of Computer Software promulgated by SARFT on February 20, 2002 and effective since the same date. According to these rules and regulations, software owners, licensees and transferees may register their rights in software with the NCA or its local branches and obtain software copyright registration certificates. Although such registration is not mandatory under PRC law, software owners, licensees and transferees are encouraged to go through the registration process and registered software rights may be entitled to better protections. As of March 31, 2014, we had registered copyrights to 93 software programs in China.
Patents
The National Peoples Congress adopted the Patent Law of the Peoples Republic of China in 1984 and amended it in 1992, 2000 and 2008, respectively. A patentable invention, utility model or design must meet three conditions: novelty, inventiveness and practical applicability. Patents cannot be granted for scientific discoveries, rules and methods for intellectual activities, methods used to diagnose or treat diseases, animal and plant breeds or substances obtained by means of nuclear transformation. The Patent Office under the State Intellectual Property Office is responsible for receiving, examining and approving patent applications. A patent is valid for a twenty-year term for an invention and a ten-year term for a utility model or design, starting from the application date. Except under certain specific circumstances provided by law, any third party user must obtain consent or a proper license from the patent owner to use the patent, or else the use will constitute an infringement of the rights of the patent holder.
As of March 31, 2014, we had obtained eight patents granted from and have filed an additional 445 patent applications with the State Intellectual Property Office of the PRC.
Copyright Law
The Copyright Law of the Peoples Republic of China, promulgated in 1990 and amended in 2001 and 2010, or the Copyright Law, and its related implementing regulations, promulgated in 1991 and amended in 2013 are the principal laws and regulations governing the copyright related matters. The amended Copyright Law covers internet activities, products disseminated over the internet and software products, among the subjects entitled to copyright protections. Registration of copyright is voluntary, and is administrated by the China Copyright Protection Center.
On December 20, 2001, the State Council promulgated the new Regulations on Computer Software Protection, effective from January 1, 2002, which are intended to protect the rights and interests of the computer software copyright holders and encourage the development of software industry and information economy. In the PRC, software developed by PRC citizens, legal persons or other organizations is automatically copyright protected immediately after its development, without an application or approval. Software copyright may be registered with the designated agency and if registered, the certificate of registration issued by the software registration agency will be the primary evidence of the ownership of the copyright and other registered matters. On February 20, 2002, the National Copyright Administration of the PRC introduced the Measures on Computer Software Copyright Registration, which outline the operational procedures for registration of software copyright, as well as registration of software copyright license and transfer contracts. The Copyright Protection Center of China is mandated as the software registration agency under the regulations.
To address the problem of copyright infringement related to content posted or transmitted on the internet, the NCA and the MIIT jointly promulgated the Measures for Administrative Protection of Copyright Related to
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Internet on April 29, 2005. These measures, which became effective on May 30, 2005, apply to acts of automatically providing services such as uploading, storing, linking or searching works, audio or video products, or other contents through the internet based on the instructions of internet users who publish contents on the internet, or the Internet Content Providers, without editing, amending or selecting any stored or transmitted content.
On May 18, 2006, the State Council issued the Regulations on Protection of the Right of Communication through Information Network, which took effect on July 1, 2006 and was amended on January 30, 2013.
Since 2005, the NCA, together with certain other PRC governmental authorities, have jointly launched annual campaigns specifically aimed to crack down on internet copyright infringement and piracy in China; these campaigns normally last for three to four months every year. According to the Notice of 2013 Campaign to Crack Down on Internet Infringement and Piracy promulgated by the NCA, the Ministry of Public Security and the MIIT on July 19, 2013, the 2013 campaign mainly targeted key internet publications such as literature, music, movies and TV series, games, cartoons, software in key areas, to strengthen the supervision of audio and video websites and e-commerce platforms and strictly crack down all kinds of internet piracy. The campaign started from June 20 and lasted for four months.
Domain Name
In September 2002, the CNNIC issued the Implementing Rules for Domain Name Registration setting forth detailed rules for registration of domain names, which were amended on May 29, 2012. On November 5, 2004, the MIIT promulgated the Measures for Administration of Domain Names for the Chinese Internet, or the Domain Name Measures. The Domain Name Measures regulate the registration of domain names, such as the first tier domain name .cn. In February 2006, the CNNIC issued the Measures on Domain Name Dispute Resolution and relevant implementing rules, pursuant to which the CNNIC can authorize a domain name dispute resolution institution to decide disputes. As of March 31, 2014, we had registered 135 domain names, including www.duba.com , www.liebao.cn , and www.ksmobile.com.
Trademark
The PRC Trademark Law, adopted in 1982 and amended in 1993, 2001 and 2013, with its implementation rules adopted in 2002, protects registered trademarks. The Trademark Office of the SAIC handles trademark registrations and grants a protection term of ten years to registered trademarks. Trademark license agreements must be filed with the Trademark Office for record. As of March 31, 2014, we had registered 41 trademarks and service marks and had filed 489 trademark applications in China.
Internet Infringement
On December 26, 2009, the Standing Committee of National Peoples Congress promulgated the Tort Law of the Peoples Republic of China, or the Tort Law, which became effective on July 1, 2010. Under the Tort Law, an internet user or an internet service provider that infringes upon the civil rights or interests of others through using the internet assumes tort liability. If an internet user infringes upon the civil rights or interests of another through using the internet, the person being infringed upon has the right to notify and request the internet service provider whose internet services are facilitating the infringement to take necessary measures including the deletion, blocking or disconnection of an internet link. If, after being notified, the internet service provider fails to take necessary measures in a timely manner to end the infringement, it will be jointly and severally liable for any additional harm caused by its failure to act. According to the Tort Law, civil rights and interests include the personal rights and rights of property, such as the right to life, right to health, right to name, right to reputation, right to honor, right of portraiture, right of privacy, right of marital autonomy, right of guardianship, right to ownership, right to usufruct, right to security interests, copyright, patent right, exclusive right to use trademarks, right to discovery, right to equity interests and right of heritage, among others.
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Regulation of Internet Content
The PRC government has promulgated measures relating to internet content through a number of governmental agencies, including the MIIT, the MOC and the SARFT. These measures specifically prohibit internet activities, such as the operation of online games, that result in the publication of any content which is found to contain, among others, propagate obscenity, gambling or violence, instigate crimes, undermine public morality or the cultural traditions of the PRC, or compromise state security or secrets. If an ICP license holder violates these measures, its ICP license may be revoked and its websites may be shut down by the relevant government agencies.
Information Security and Censorship
Internet content in China is regulated and restricted from a state security standpoint. Internet companies in China are required to complete security filing procedures and regularly update information security and censorship systems for their websites with local public security bureau. The PRC Law on Preservation of State Secrets, which became effective on October 1, 2010 requires an internet information services providers to immediately stop disseminating any information that may be deemed to be leaked state secrets and to report such incidents in a timely manner to the state security and public security authorities. Failure to do so in a timely and adequate manner may subject the internet information services providers to liability and certain penalties given by the Ministry of State Security, the Ministry of Public Security and/or the MIIT or their respective local branches.
On December 13, 2005, the Ministry of Public Security promulgated Provisions on Technological Measures for Internet Security Protection, or the Internet Protection Measures, which took effect on March 1, 2006. The Internet Protection Measures require all internet information services operators to take proper measures including anti-virus, data back-up and other related measures, and keep records of certain information about their users (including user registration information, log-in and log-out time, IP address, content and time of posts by users) for at least 60 days and submit the above information as required by laws and regulations.
The National Peoples Congress, Chinas national legislative body, enacted the Decisions on the Maintenance of Internet Security on December 28, 2000, pursuant to which the following types of conduct may subject persons to criminal liabilities in China: (a) conduct that may pose a threat to security of internet, including gaining improper entry into a computer or system of strategic importance, or disseminate virus and similar destructive programs; (b) conduct that may adversely affect national security and social stability, including disseminate politically disruptive information and leaking state secrets; (c) conduct that may disrupt economic and social administrative order, including spreading false commercial information and infringing upon intellectual property rights; and (d) conduct that may violate the legal interests of any other person, including infringing upon privacy.
On December 11, 1997, the State Council approved the Measures for Administration of Security Protection of Internet and Computer Information Network, and the measures took effect on December 30, 1997. The measures require internet service providers to provide a monthly report of certain user information to the public security authority and assist the public security authority in investigating incidents involving breach of laws and regulations on the Internet security. In 1997, the Ministry of Public Security issued the Administration Measures on the Security Protection of Computer Information Network with Internationally Connections, which prohibits using the internet in ways which, among others, result in a leakage of state secrets or a spread of socially destabilizing content. The Ministry of Public Security has supervision and inspection powers in this regard, and relevant local security bureaus may also have jurisdiction. If an ICP license holder violates these measures, the PRC government may revoke its ICP license and shut down its websites.
To comply with the above laws and regulations, we have implemented measures and regularly updated our information security and content-filtering systems with newly issued content restrictions as required by the relevant laws and regulations.
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Privacy Protection
On July 16, 2013, the MIIT promulgated the Regulations of Protection of Personal Information of Telecommunication Users and Internet Users, which came into effect on September 1, 2013. The regulations do not prohibit internet content providers from collecting and analyzing their users personal information if appropriate authorizations are obtained and if in a way that is legal, reasonable and necessary. We require our users to accept a user agreement whereby they agree to provide certain personal information to us. PRC laws and regulations prohibit internet content providers from disclosing any information transmitted by users through their networks to any third parties without the users authorization unless otherwise permitted by law. If an internet content provider violates these regulations, the MIIT or its local bureaus may impose penalties and the internet content provider may be liable for damages caused to its users.
Regulation of Foreign Currency Exchange and Dividend Distribution
Foreign Currency Exchange. The core regulations governing foreign currency exchange in China are the Foreign Exchange Administration Regulations, as amended in August 2008, or the FEA Regulations. Under the FEA Regulations, the Renminbi is freely convertible for current account items subject to certain rules and procedures, including the distribution of dividends, and trade- and service-related foreign exchange transactions, but not for capital account items, such as direct investments, loans, repatriation of investments and investments in securities outside of China, unless the prior approval of the SAFE is obtained and prior registration with the SAFE is made.
On August 29, 2008, SAFE promulgated 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 Circular 142, to regulate the conversion of foreign currency into Renminbi by a foreign-invested enterprise by restricting the ways in which the converted Renminbi may be used. Circular 142 stipulates that the registered capital of a foreign-invested enterprise that has been settled in Renminbi converted from foreign currencies may only be used for purposes within the business scope approved by the applicable governmental authority and cannot be used for equity investments within the PRC. Meanwhile, the SAFE strengthened its oversight of the flow and use of the registered capital of a foreign-invested enterprise settled in Renminbi converted from foreign currencies. The use of such Renminbi capital may not be changed without the SAFEs approval, and may not in any case be repayment of Renminbi loans if the proceeds of such loans have not been used. Violations of Circular 142 may lead to severe penalties including heavy fines. On November 9, 2010, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Relevant Issues Concerning the Strengthening the Administration of Foreign Exchange Operations, or Circular No. 59, which tightens the examination of the authenticity of settlement of net proceeds from our initial public offering and requires that the settlement of net proceeds shall be in accordance with the description in the prospectus in connection with our initial public offering. SAFE further promulgated the Circular on Further Clarification and Regulation of the Issues Concerning the Administration of Certain Capital Account Foreign Exchange Businesses, or Circular 45, on November 9, 2011, which expressly prohibits foreign-invested enterprises from using registered capital settled in Renminbi converted from foreign currencies to grant loans through entrustment arrangements with a bank, to repay inter-company loans or repay bank loans that have been transferred to a third party. As a result, Circular 142, Circular 59 and Circular 45 may significantly limit our ability to transfer the net proceeds from this offering to our other PRC subsidiaries through Beijing Kingsoft and Conew Network, our wholly owned subsidiaries in China, and thus may adversely affect our business expansion in China. We may not be able to convert the net proceeds into Renminbi to invest in or acquire any other PRC companies, or establish other VIEs in the PRC.
Dividend Distribution. The Foreign Invested Enterprise Law, promulgated in 1986 and amended in 2000, and the Implementation Rules of the Foreign Invested Enterprise Law, promulgated in 1990 and amended in 2001, are the key regulations governing distribution of dividends of foreign-invested enterprises.
Under these regulations, a wholly foreign-invested enterprise in China, or a WFOE, may pay dividends only out of its accumulated profits, if any, determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations.
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In addition, a WFOE is required to allocate at least 10% of its accumulated profits each year, if any, to statutory reserve funds unless its reserves have reached 50% of the registered capital of the enterprises. These reserves are not distributable as cash dividends. The proportional ratio for withdrawal of rewards and welfare funds for employees shall be determined at the discretion of the WFOE. Profits of a WFOE shall not be distributed before the losses thereof before the previous accounting years have been made up. Any undistributed profit for the previous accounting years may be distributed together with the distributable profit for the current accounting year.
Circular 75. The SAFE issued Circular on Several Issues concerning Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Residents to Engage in Financing and in Return Investments via Overseas Special Purpose Companies, or Circular No. 75, on October 21, 2005, which became effective on November 1, 2005. Under Circular 75, prior registration with the local SAFE branch is required for PRC residents to establish or to control an offshore company for the purposes of financing that offshore company with assets or equity interests in an onshore enterprise located in the PRC. An amendment to registration or filing with the local SAFE branch by such PRC resident is also required for the injection of equity interests or assets of an onshore enterprise in the offshore company or overseas funds raised by such offshore company, or any other material change involving a change in the capital of the offshore company.
Circular 75 applies retroactively. PRC residents who have established or acquired control of offshore companies that have made onshore investments in the PRC in the past were required to complete the relevant registration procedures with the local SAFE branch by March 31, 2006. Under the relevant rules, failure to comply with the registration procedures set forth in Circular 75 may lead to restrictions being imposed on the foreign exchange activities of the relevant onshore company, including the increase of its registered capital, the payment of dividends and other distributions to its offshore parent or affiliate and the capital inflow from the offshore entity, and may also subject relevant PRC residents to penalties under PRC foreign exchange administration regulations. PRC residents who control our company from time to time are required to register with the SAFE in relation to their investments in us.
We have completed the foreign exchange registration of PRC resident shareholders of Mr. Jun Lei, Mr. Sheng Fu and Mr. Ming Xu for our financings and share transfer that were completed before December 2013.
Stock Option Rules. The Administration Measures on Individual Foreign Exchange Control were promulgated by the Peoples Bank of China on December 25, 2006, and their Implementation Rules, issued by the SAFE on January 5, 2007, became effective on February 1, 2007. Under these regulations, all foreign exchange matters involved in employee stock ownership plans and stock option plans participated in by onshore individuals, among others, require approval from the SAFE or its authorized branch. Furthermore, the Notices on Issues concerning the Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Individuals Participating in Stock Incentive Plans of Overseas Publicly-Listed Companies, or the Stock Option Rules, were promulgated by SAFE on February 15, 2012, that replaced the Application Procedures of Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Individuals Participating in Employee Stock Ownership Plans or Stock Option Plans of Overseas Publicly-Listed Companies issued by SAFE on March 28, 2007. Pursuant to the Stock Option Rules, PRC residents who are granted shares or stock options by companies listed on overseas stock exchanges based on the stock incentive plans are required to register with SAFE or its local branches, and PRC residents participating in the stock incentive plans of overseas listed companies shall retain a qualified PRC agent, which could be a PRC subsidiary of such overseas publicly-listed company or another qualified institution selected by such PRC subsidiary, to conduct the SAFE registration and other procedures with respect to the stock incentive plans on behalf of these participants. Such participants must also retain an overseas entrusted institution to handle matters in connection with their exercise of stock options, purchase and sale of corresponding stocks or interests, and fund transfer. In addition, the PRC agents are required to amend the SAFE registration with respect to the stock incentive plan if there is any material change to the stock incentive plan, the PRC agents or the overseas entrusted institution or other material changes. The PRC agents shall, on behalf of the PRC residents who have
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the right to exercise the employee share options, apply to SAFE or its local branches for an annual quota for the payment of foreign currencies in connection with the PRC residents exercise of the employee share options. The foreign exchange proceeds received by the PRC residents from the sale of shares under the stock incentive plans granted and dividends distributed by the overseas listed companies must be remitted into the bank accounts in the PRC opened by the PRC agents before distribution to such PRC residents. In addition, the PRC agents shall file each quarter the form for record-filing of information of the Domestic Individuals Participating in the Stock Incentive Plans of Overseas Listed Companies with SAFE or its local branches.
We and our PRC citizen employees who have been granted share options, or PRC optionees, will be subject to the Stock Option Rules when our company becomes an overseas listed company upon the completion of this offering. If we or our PRC optionees fail to comply with the Individual Foreign Exchange Rule and the Stock Option Rules, we and/or our PRC optionees may be subject to fines and other legal sanctions. See Risk FactorsRisks Relating to Doing Business in ChinaPRC regulations relating to offshore investment activities by PRC residents may limit our PRC subsidiaries ability to increase their registered capital or distribute profits to us or otherwise expose us to liability and penalties under PRC law.
In addition, the State Administration for Taxation has issued circulars concerning employee share options, under which our employees working in the PRC who exercise share options will be subject to PRC individual income tax. Our PRC subsidiaries have obligations to file documents related to employee share options with relevant tax authorities and to withhold individual income taxes of those employees who exercise their share options. If our employees fail to pay or if we fail to withhold their income taxes as required by relevant laws and regulations, we may face sanctions imposed by the PRC tax authorities or other PRC government authorities.
Regulation on Tax
PRC Enterprise Income Tax
The PRC enterprise income tax is calculated based on the taxable income determined under the applicable Enterprise Income Tax Law, or the EIT Law and its implementation rules. On March 16, 2007, the National Peoples Congress of China enacted the EIT Law, which became effective on January 1, 2008. On December 6, 2007, the State Council promulgated the implementation rules to the EIT Law, which also became effective on January 1, 2008. The EIT Law imposes a uniform enterprise income tax rate of 25% on all resident enterprises in China, including foreign-invested enterprises and domestic enterprises, unless they qualify for certain exceptions, and terminates most of the tax exemptions, reductions and preferential treatment available under the previous tax laws and regulations. According to the EIT Law and relevant regulations, subject to the approval of competent tax authorities, the income tax of an enterprise that has been determined to be a high and new technology enterprise shall be reduced to a preferential rate of 15%.
Moreover, under the EIT Law, enterprises organized under the laws of jurisdictions outside China with their de facto management bodies located within China may be considered PRC resident enterprises and are therefore subject to PRC enterprise income tax at the rate of 25% on their worldwide income. Though the implementation rules of the EIT Law define de facto management bodies as establishments that carry out substantial and overall management and control over the manufacturing and business operations, personnel, accounting, properties, etc. of an enterprise, the only detailed guidance currently available for the definition of de facto management body as well as the determination of offshore incorporated PRC tax resident status and its administration are set forth in the Notice Regarding the Determination of Chinese-Controlled Overseas Incorporated Enterprises as PRC Tax Resident Enterprise on the Basis of De Facto Management Bodies, or Circular 82, and the Administrative Measures for Enterprise Income Tax of Chinese-Controlled Offshore Incorporated Resident Enterprises (Trial) or SAT Bulletin No. 45, both issued by the SAT, which provide guidance on the administration as well as determination of the tax residency status of a Chinese-controlled offshore-incorporated enterprise, defined as an enterprise that is incorporated under the law of a foreign country or territory and that has a PRC company or PRC corporate group as its primary controlling shareholder.
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According to Circular 82, a Chinese-controlled offshore-incorporated enterprise 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 set forth in Circular 82 are met:
| the primary location of the day-to-day operational management and the places where they perform their duties are in the PRC; |
| decisions relating to the enterprises financial and human resource matters are made or are subject to approval of organizations or personnel in the PRC; |
| the enterprises primary assets, accounting books and records, company seals and board and shareholder resolutions are located or maintained in the PRC; and |
| 50% or more of voting board members or senior executives habitually reside in the PRC. |
In addition, Bulletin No. 45 provides clarification on the resident status determination, post-determination administration, and competent tax authorities. It also specifies that when provided with a copy of PRC resident determination certificate from a resident Chinese-controlled offshore-incorporated enterprise, the payer should not withhold 10% income tax when paying certain PRC-sourced income such as dividends, interest and royalties to the Chinese-controlled offshore-incorporated enterprise.
In the event that we are considered a PRC resident enterprise, we would be subject to the PRC enterprise income tax at the rate of 25% on our worldwide income.
In addition, although the EIT Law provides that dividend income between qualified resident enterprises is exempted income, and the implementation rules refer to qualified resident enterprises as enterprises with direct equity interest, it is unclear whether dividends we receive from our PRC subsidiaries are eligible for exemption.
In accordance with the Notice on Strengthening Administration of Enterprise Income Tax for Share Transfers by Non-PRC Resident Enterprises, or Circular 698, if a non-resident enterprise transfers the equity interests of a PRC resident enterprise indirectly by disposition of the equity interests of an overseas holding company (other than a purchase and sale of shares issued by a PRC resident enterprise in public securities market), or Indirect Transfer, and such overseas holding company is located in a tax jurisdiction that: (i) has an effective tax rate of less than 12.5%, or (ii) does not tax foreign income of its residents, the non-resident enterprise, being the transferor, shall report to the PRC competent tax authority of the PRC resident enterprise this Indirect Transfer within 30 days from the date when the equity transfer agreement was made. Using a substance over form principle, the PRC tax authority may disregard the existence of the overseas holding company if it lacks a reasonable commercial purpose and was established for the purpose of reducing, avoiding, or deferring PRC tax. As a result, gains derived from such Indirect Transfer may be subject to PRC withholding tax at a rate of up to 10%. Circular 698 also provides that, where a non-PRC resident enterprise transfers its equity interests in a PRC resident enterprise to its related parties at a price lower than the fair market value, the relevant tax authority has the power to make a reasonable adjustment to the taxable income of the transaction. Circular 698 is retroactively effective on January 1, 2008. There is uncertainty as to the application of Circular 698. Circular 698 may be determined by the tax authorities to be applicable to our private equity financing transactions where non-resident investors were involved, if any of such transactions were determined by the tax authorities to lack reasonable commercial purpose. As a result, we and our non-resident investors in such transactions may become at risk of being taxed under Circular 698 and we may be required to expend valuable resources to comply with Circular 698 or to establish that we should not be taxed under the general anti-avoidance rule of the EIT Law, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations or such non-resident investors investments in us. See Risk FactorsRisks Relating to Doing Business in ChinaWe face uncertainty with respect to indirect transfer of equity interests in PRC resident enterprises by their non-PRC holding companies.
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PRC Business Tax
Pursuant to applicable PRC tax regulations, any entity or individual conducting business in the service industry is generally required to pay a business tax at the rate of 5% on the revenues generated from providing such services. However, if the services provided are related to technology development and transfer, such business tax may be exempted subject to the approval of relevant tax authorities. In addition, certain businesses, such as PC and mobile game, are subject to 3% business tax and surcharges pursuant to applicable PRC tax regulations.
Value Added Tax
On January 1, 2012, the Chinese State Council officially launched a pilot value-added tax (VAT) reform program, or Pilot Program, applicable to businesses in selected industries. Businesses in the Pilot Program would pay VAT instead of business tax. The Pilot Industries in Shanghai included industries involving the leasing of tangible movable property, transportation services, research and development and technical services, information technology services, cultural and creative services, logistics and ancillary services, certification and consulting services. Revenues generated by advertising services, a type of cultural and creative services, are subject to the VAT tax rate of 6%. According to official announcements made by competent authorities in Beijing and Guangdong province, Beijing launched the same Pilot Program on September 1, 2012, and Guangdong province launched it on November 1, 2012. On May 24, 2013, the Ministry of Finance and the State Administration of Taxation issued the Circular on Tax Policies in the Nationwide Pilot Collection of Value Added Tax in Lieu of Business Tax in the Transportation Industry and Certain Modern Services Industries, or the Pilot Collection Circular. The scope of certain modern services industries under the Pilot Collection Circular extends to the inclusion of radio and television services. On August 1, 2013, the Pilot Program was implemented throughout China. We currently pay the pilot VAT instead of business taxes for our advertising activities, and for any other parts of our business that are deemed by the local tax authorities to belong to the applicable industries.
Cultural Development Fee
According to applicable PRC tax regulations or rules, advertising service providers are generally required to pay a cultural development fee at the rate of 3% on the revenues (a) which are generated from providing advertising services and (b) which are also subject to the business tax or value-added tax after the Pilot Program.
Dividends Withholding Tax
Under the old EIT Law that was effective prior to January 1, 2008, dividends paid to foreign investors by foreign-invested enterprises, such as dividends paid to us by Beijing Kingsoft and Conew Network, our PRC subsidiaries, were exempt from PRC withholding tax. We are a Cayman Islands holding company and substantially all of our income may come from dividends we receive from our subsidiaries located in the PRC. Pursuant to the EIT Law and its implementation rules, dividends from income generated after January 1, 2008 and distributed to us by our PRC subsidiaries are subject to withholding tax at a rate of 10%.
As uncertainties remain regarding the interpretation and implementation of the EIT Law and its implementation rules, we cannot assure you that, if we are deemed a PRC resident enterprise, any dividends to be distributed by us to our non-PRC shareholders and ADS holders would not be subject to any PRC withholding tax. See Risk FactorsRisks Relating to Doing Business in ChinaUnder the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, we may be classified as a PRC resident enterprise, which could result in unfavorable tax consequences to us and our shareholders and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and the value of your investment.
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Labor Laws and Social Insurance
The principle laws that govern employment include:
| Labor Law of the Peoples Republic of China, promulgated by the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress on July 5, 1994, effective since January 1, 1995 and amended on August 27, 2009; |
| Labor Contract Law of the Peoples Republic of China, promulgated by the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress on June 29, 2007 and effective since January 1, 2008 and amended on December 28, 2012; |
| Implementation Rules of the PRC Labor Contract Law, promulgated by the State Council on September 18, 2008 and effective since September 18, 2008; |
| Work-related Injury Insurance Regulations, promulgated by the State Council on April 27, 2003 and effective since January 1, 2004 and amended on December 20, 2010; |
| Interim Provisions on Registration of Social Insurance, promulgated by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (formerly the Ministry of Labor and Social Security) on March 19, 1999 and effective since March 19, 1999; |
| Interim Regulations on the Collection and Payment of Social Insurance Fees, promulgated by the State Council on January 22, 1999 and effective since January 22, 1999; and |
| Social Insurance Law promulgated by the National Peoples Congress on October 28, 2010, effective since July 1, 2011. |
According to the Labor Law and Labor Contract Law, employers must execute written labor contracts with full-time employees. All employers must compensate their employees with wages equal to at least the local minimum wage standards. All employers are required to establish a system for labor safety and workplace sanitation, strictly comply with state rules and standards and provide employees with workplace safety training. Violations of the PRC Labor Contract Law and the PRC Labor Law may result in the imposition of fines and other administrative penalties. For serious violations, criminal liability may arise.
In addition, pursuant to the Social Insurance Law promulgated by the National Peoples Congress on October 28, 2010, which came into effect on July 1, 2011, employers in China are required to provide employees with welfare schemes covering pension insurance, unemployment insurance, maternity insurance, work-related injury insurance, medical insurance and housing funds.
M&A Regulations and Overseas Listings
On August 8, 2006, six PRC governmental agencies jointly promulgated the Regulations on Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors, or the 2006 M&A Rules, which became effective on September 8, 2006 and amended on June 22, 2009. The 2006 M&A Rules require offshore special purpose vehicles formed to pursue overseas listing of equity interests in PRC companies and controlled directly or indirectly by PRC companies or individuals to obtain the approval of the Chinese Securities Regulatory Commission, or the CSRC, prior to the listing and trading of such special purpose vehicles securities on any stock exchange overseas.
The application of the 2006 M&A Rules remains unclear. Based on the understanding on the current PRC laws, rules and regulations and the 2006 M&A Rules of our PRC Legal Counsel, Han Kun Law Offices, prior approval from the CSRC is not required under the 2006 M&A Rules for the listing and trading of the ADSs on NYSE because the CSRC approval requirement applies to SPVs that acquired equity interests of any PRC company that are held by PRC companies or individuals controlling such SPV and seek overseas listing, and our PRC subsidiaries were incorporated as wholly foreign-owned enterprises by means of direct investment rather than by merger or acquisition by our company of the equity interest 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
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arrangements between our company, our PRC subsidiaries and any of our consolidated affiliated entities, either by each agreement itself or taken as a whole, as a type of acquisition transaction falling under the 2006 M&A Rules. However, as there has been no official interpretation or clarification of the 2006 M&A Rules, there is uncertainty as to how this regulation will be interpreted or implemented.
Considering the uncertainties that exist with respect to the issuance of new laws, regulations or interpretation and implementing rules, the opinion of Han Kun Law Offices, summarized above, is subject to change. 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. For more information and discussion on this, see Risk FactorsRisks Relating to Doing Business in ChinaThe approval of the China Securities Regulatory Commission may be required in connection with this offering and, if required, we cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain it.
Regulations on Online Lottery Business
The major rules and regulations currently in effect and applicable to online lottery services include Regulation on Administration of Lottery, promulgated by the State Council on May 4, 2009 and effective as of July 1, 2009, or the Lottery Regulation, and the Tentative Administration Measures on Internet Lottery Sale, promulgated by the MOF on September 26, 2010, or the Lottery Measures, and effective upon the promulgation. On January 18, 2012, the MOF, the Ministry of Civil Affairs and the State General Administration of Sports jointly promulgated the Implementation Rules of the Lottery Administration Regulations, which became effective on March 1, 2012. In December 2012, the MOF issued the Lottery Distribution and Sale Administration Measures, which became effective on January 1, 2013. Under currently effective rules and regulations, only qualified service providers approved by the MOF may engage in online lottery sales. Such qualified service providers will act as agencies for the relevant lottery administration centers and must enter into lottery agency agreements with the competent lottery administration centers before engaging in lottery sales on their behalf.
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Directors and Executive Officers
The following table sets forth information regarding our executive officers and directors as of the date of this prospectus.
Directors and Executive Officers |
Age |
Position/Title |
||||
Jun Lei |
44 |
Chairman of Board of Directors |
||||
Sheng Fu |
36 |
Chief Executive Officer and Director |
||||
Hongjiang Zhang |
53 |
Director |
||||
Yuk Keung Ng |
49 |
Director |
||||
David Ying Zhang |
40 |
Independent Director |
||||
Ke Ding |
41 |
Director |
||||
Zhijian Peng |
43 |
Director |
||||
Wei Liu |
37 |
Director |
||||
Richard Weidong Ji* |
46 |
Independent Director Appointee |
||||
Ming Xu |
35 |
Chief Technology Officer |
||||
Ka Wai Andy Yeung |
41 |
Chief Financial Officer |
||||
Xinhua Liu |
40 |
Chief Marketing Officer |
||||
Jie Xiao |
39 |
Vice President |
||||
Yong Chen |
35 |
Vice President |
* | Mr. Richard Weidong Ji has accepted an appointment as our independent director, effective upon the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. |
Jun Lei has been our director since October 2010 and the chairman of our board since July 2011. Mr. Lei was appointed to be a director of our company by Kingsoft Corporation, a company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (Stock Code: 3888). Mr. Lei is a co-founder and is currently the chairman of Kingsoft Corporation. From October 1998 to December 2007, Mr. Lei served as the chief executive officer of Kingsoft Corporation. In 2010, Mr. Lei co-founded and has since then served as the chairman of Xiaomi Corporation, a smartphone and mobile internet company in China. From April 2000 to March 2005, Mr. Lei co-founded and served as the chairman of Joyo.com, which was later acquired by Amazon.com, Inc. in 2004 and became Amazon China. Mr. Lei also served as the chairman of YY Inc. (NASDAQ: YY), which is a rich communication social platform. In addition, Mr. Lei is an active private equity investor and currently serves as a director or advisor in several privately held companies that he founded or invested in. Mr. Lei received his bachelors degree in computer science from Wuhan University in China in 1991.
Sheng Fu has been our chief executive officer and director since November 2010. Mr. Fu has also been a senior vice president of Kingsoft Corporation since March 2011. Since September 2009, Mr. Fu has been the chief executive officer and chairman of Conew Network. Prior to that, Mr. Fu was the vice president of Matrix Partners China from November 2008. Between November 2005 and August 2008, Mr. Fu worked at Qihoo 360 serving various management roles at its 360 department, a division then in charge of developing 360 products. From March 2003 to October 2005, Mr. Fu was the product manager of 3721 Internet Real Name and 3721 Internet Assistant. Mr. Fu received a bachelors degree in economics from Shandong Institute of Business and Technology in China in 1999.
Hongjiang Zhang has been our director since December 2011. Dr. Zhang was appointed to be our director by Kingsoft Corporation, at which Dr. Zhang currently serves as an executive director and the chief executive
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officer. Prior to joining Kingsoft Corporation in October 2011, since January 2004, Dr. Zhang was the chief technology officer of Microsoft Asia-Pacific Research and Development Group and the managing director of the Microsoft Advanced Technology Center and a Distinguished Scientist. In his dual role, Dr. Zhang led Microsofts research and development initiatives in China, including strategy and planning, research and development, as well as incubation of products, services and solutions. Dr. Zhang was also a member of the executive management committee of Microsoft (China) Limited. Dr. Zhang was the deputy managing director and a founding member of Microsoft Research Asia. Dr. Zhang has authored four books, over 400 scientific papers and holds over 102 US patents. Dr. Zhang received a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the Technical University of Denmark in 1991, and a bachelor of science degree from Zhengzhou University, China, in 1982.
Yuk Keung Ng has been our director since July 2012. Mr. Ng was appointed to be our director by Kingsoft Corporation, at which Mr. Ng serves as an executive director and the chief financial officer. Mr. Ng has more than twenty years of experience in financial management, corporate finance and merger and acquisition. Before joining Kingsoft Corporation, from 2006 to 2012, Mr. Ng was the chief financial officer of two companies listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, including China NT Pharma Group Company Limited (Stock Code: 1011) and China Huiyuan Juice Group Ltd. (Stock Code: 1886). Prior to that, Mr. Ng had worked for over 12 years with PricewaterhouseCoopers from 1988 to 2001. Mr. Ng is currently an independent director of various companies listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, including Sany Heavy Equipment International Holdings Company Limited (Stock Code: 631), Beijing Capital Land Limited (Stock Code: 2868), Winsway Coking Coal Holdings Limited (Stock Code: 1733) and Zhongsheng Group Holdings Limited (Stock Code: 881). Mr. Ng is a professional accountant and a fellow member of both the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. Mr. Ng obtained a masters degree in global business management and e-commerce in 2002 and graduated from the University of Hong Kong with a bachelors degree in social sciences in 1988.
David Ying Zhang has been our director since October 2010. Mr. Zhang was appointed to be our director by Matrix Partners China, one of our shareholders and such appointment right will automatically terminate upon the closing of this offering. Our board of directors has determined that Mr. Zhang meets the independence standards under Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act and applicable NYSE corporate governance rules. Mr. Zhang is a founding managing partner of Matrix Partners China, where he oversees all of private equity investment firms operations. Mr. Zhang is currently also a director of Sungy Mobile Limited (NASDAQ: GOMO). Prior to joining us, since 2002, Mr. Zhang established and expanded WI Harper Groups Beijing operations and co-managed its China portfolios. Prior to joining WI Harper Group, Mr. Zhang worked at Salomon Smith Barney, where he was responsible for analyzing, structuring and marketing companies in the internet, software and semiconductor sectors. Before then, Mr. Zhang worked at ABN AMRO Capital as a senior venture associate. Mr. Zhang received a master of science degree in biotechnology and business from Northwestern University in 1999 and a bachelor of science degree in clinical science with minor in chemistry from California State University in 1997.
Ke Ding has been our director since June 2013. Mr. Ding was appointed to be our director by TCH Copper Limited, an affiliate of Tencent and one of our major shareholders. Since March 2011, Mr. Ding has been the vice president in charge of mobile internet business at Tencent. Prior to that, Mr. Ding had been the general manager in charge of Tencents 3G products center since May 2009. Mr. Ding received a masters degree in theoretical and applied automated control from Lanzhou University of Technology, China, in 1997, and a bachelors degree of science from Xidian University, China, in 1994.
Zhijian Peng has been our director since July 2013. Mr. Peng was appointed to be a director of our company by TCH Copper Limited, one of our major shareholders. Mr. Peng joined Tencent in 2008 and is currently the vice president of Tencents corporate development and managing director of Tencents industry collaboration fund, heading investment and acquisition initiatives of Tencent. Prior to joining Tencent, Mr. Peng was a principal orchestrating corporate development at Google Inc. (Google, NASDAQ: GOOG), and was in charge of Googles investment and acquisition activities in the greater China area. Prior to that, between 2004 and 2005, Mr. Peng was a global strategist at Samsung Group in Seoul, Korea. Mr. Peng received an MBA degree from the
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Wharton School of Business of the University of Pennsylvania in 2003, a masters degree in economics from Peking University, China, in 1998, and a bachelors degree in mechanical engineering from Tsinghua University, China, in 1993.
Wei Liu has been our director since May 2013. Mr. Liu was appointed to be our director by Kingsoft Corporation, at which Mr. Liu serves as a vice president. Mr. Liu joined Kingsoft Corporation in 2000 as a manager, and was promoted to be the director of human resources in 2007, an assistant president in April 2012 and then the current position of vice president. Mr. Liu graduated from China University of Mining and Technology in 1999 with a bachelors degree in economics.
Richard Weidong Ji will serve as our independent director immediately upon the effectiveness of our registration statement on Form F-1, of which this prospectus is a part. Our board of directors has determined that Mr. Ji meets the independence standards under Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act and applicable NYSE corporate governance rules. Mr. Ji is the founding partner of All-Star Investment Limited, which aims to invest in internet technology leaders and consumer brands that help enhance the lives of Chinese consumers. Mr. Ji is also an independent director and a member of the audit committee of the boards of the NASDAQ-listed YY Inc and the NYSE-listed 58.com Inc. Mr. Ji served as managing director and head of Asia-Pacific internet/media investment research at Morgan Stanley Asia Limited from 2005 to 2012, during which period he had won recognitions from publications and research groups such as Institutional Investor, Greenwich Associates, Asiamoney and Financial Times. Mr. Ji holds a doctor of science degree in biological science from Harvard University, an MBA from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Science from Fudan University in China.
Ming Xu has been our chief technology officer since October 2010. Mr. Xu has more than ten years of experience in the research and development of anti-virus and internet security. Prior to joining us, between September 2008 and October 2010, Mr. Xu served as the chief technology officer of Conew.com Corporation. Between 2005 and August 2008, Mr. Xu worked at Qihoo 360, where he was the technical director of 360 department, a division then in charge of developing 360 products. Between 2003 and 2005, Mr. Xu worked in various Internet companies, including Yahoo! Inc. and Beijing 3721 Technology Co., Ltd. as a software engineer. Mr. Xu received a masters degree and a bachelors degree in engineering from Harbin Institute of Technology, China, in 2002 and 1999, respectively.
Ka Wai Andy Yeung has been our chief financial officer since January 2014. Prior to joining us, from 2009 to 2013, Mr. Yeung worked at Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. as director, executive director, and then managing director, responsible for research coverage of Chinas internet and media sectors. Between 2004 and 2009, Mr. Yeung was an associate in equity research at Thomas Weisel Partners. Prior to that position, Mr. Yeung was a senior consultant at Wells Fargo Bank. From 1999 to 2002, he was an associate and then senior associate at Mitchell Madison Group and Silver Oak Partners. Mr. Yeung has been a Chartered Financial Analyst charterholder since 2001. He received his MBA degree from Yale University in 1999 and his bachelors degrees in mechanical engineering and applied mathematics from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1995.
Xinhua Liu has been our chief marketing officer since November 2011. Mr. Liu is currently in charge of our global sales and marketing, business operation, strategic business development, as well as legal and public affairs. Mr. Liu has over 16 years of working in marketing and public relations. Prior to joining us, between October 2007 and October 2011, Mr. Liu served as the chief strategy officer of Shunya Communications Group, where he was responsible for strategic account management, business development, partner sourcing, as well as strengthening the groups digital capabilities in branding strategy, among others. Between 2005 to 2007, Mr. Liu was a national technology practice leader at Burson-Marsteller, where he was in charge of clientele sourcing in the technology industry in greater China. Mr. Liu received an MBA degree from the Beijing International MBA program of Peking University, China, in 2003 and a bachelors degree in international economics from the University of International Relations, China, in 1996.
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Jie Xiao has been our vice president since October 2010 and is in charge of business development, marketing, and commercial products. From 2008 to 2010, she was a senior manager at the enterprise marketing department of Baidu, Inc. (NASDAQ: BIDU), focusing on public relations. Prior to that, she worked as a public relations director at Qihoo 360 Technology Co., Ltd. and a communications manager for Yahoo! China. She received a bachelors degree in accounting from Renmin University in 1999.
Yong Chen has been our vice president since October 2010 and is in charge of the development of Duba Anti-virus, our core anti-virus product, and some other products. Between 2001 and 2010, Mr. Chen held various positions at Kingsoft Corporations subsidiaries responsible for research and development, including the development of Duba Anti-virus. Mr. Chen has won several awards for innovation and is the inventor of five issued patents. He received a bachelor of engineering degree from Jingdezhen Ceramic Institute, China, in 2001.
Employment Agreements
We have entered into employment agreements with our senior executive officers. We may terminate a senior executive officers employment for cause at any time without remuneration for certain acts of the officer, such as being convicted of or pleads guilty to a felony or to an act of fraud, misappropriation or embezzlement, any negligence or dishonest acts to the detriment of our company, or any misconduct or failure to perform his/her duties after afforded a reasonable opportunity to cure such failure. We may also terminate a senior executive officers employment without cause at any time by giving one months prior written notice , and we shall provide severance payments to the officer as expressly required by the applicable law of the jurisdiction where the officer is based. A senior executive officer may terminate his or her employment at any time by giving one months prior written notice.
In connection with the employment agreement, each senior executive officer has agreed to hold all proprietary or confidential information of our company and our affiliates or the respective clients, customers or partners, including, without limitation, all software and computer formulae, designs, specifications, drawings, data, manuals and instructions and all customer and supplier lists, sales and financial information, business plans and forecasts, all technical solutions and the trade secrets of our company, in strict confidence perpetually. Each officer also agrees that we shall own all the intellectual property developed by such officer during his or her employment.
Board of Directors
Our board of directors currently consists of eight directors. A director is not required to hold any shares in our company to qualify to serve as a director. A director may vote with respect to any contract or transaction in which he or she is interested provided the nature of the interest is disclosed prior to its consideration and any vote thereon. Subject to our fourth amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, which will become effective immediately prior to the completion of this offering, a director may exercise all the powers of our company to borrow money, mortgage or charge our undertaking, property and uncalled capital, and to issue debentures, debenture stock and other securities whether outright or as security for any debt, liability or obligation of our company or of any third party.
Committees of the Board of Directors
Prior to the completion of this offering, we intend to establish an audit committee, a compensation committee and a nominating and corporate governance committee under the board of directors. We intend to adopt a charter for each of the three committees prior to the completion of this offering. Each committees members and functions are described below.
Audit Committee. Our audit committee will consist of Richard Weidong Ji and Yuk Keung Ng, and will be chaired by Richard Weidong Ji. Our board of directors has determined that Richard Weidong Ji meets the independence requirements of NYSE and the independence standards under Rule 10A-3 under the Securities
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Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We have determined that Richard Weidong Ji qualifies as an audit committee financial expert. We intend to appoint a new independent director to our board of directors and audit committee within 90 days after our registration statement on Form F-1, of which this prospectus is a part, becomes effective. The audit committee will oversee our accounting and financial reporting processes and the audits of the financial statements of our company. The audit committee will be responsible for, among other things:
| selecting the independent registered public accounting firm and pre-approving all auditing and non-auditing services permitted to be performed by the independent registered public accounting firm; |
| reviewing with the independent registered public accounting firm any audit problems or difficulties and managements 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 registered public accounting firm; |
| reviewing major issues as to the adequacy of our internal controls and any special audit steps adopted in light of any material control deficiencies; |
| annually reviewing and reassessing the adequacy of our audit committee charter; |
| meeting separately and periodically with management and the independent registered public accounting firm; and |
| reporting regularly to the board. |
Compensation Committee. Our compensation committee will consist of Jun Lei, Richard Weidong Ji and David Ying Zhang. Our board of directors has determined that David Ying Zhang and Richard Weidong Ji both satisfy the independence standards under applicable NYSE corporate governance rules. The compensation committee will assist 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 upon. The compensation committee will be responsible for, among other things:
| reviewing and approving, or recommending to the board for its approval, the compensation for our chief executive officer and other executive officers; |
| reviewing and recommending to the board for determination with respect to the compensation of our non-employee directors; |
| reviewing periodically and approving any incentive compensation or equity plans, programs or similar arrangements; and |
| selecting compensation consultant, legal counsel or other adviser only after taking into consideration all factors relevant to that persons independence from management. |
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Our nominating and corporate governance committee will consist of Jun Lei, Sheng Fu and David Ying Zhang. Our board of directors has determined that David Ying Zhang satisfies the independence standards under applicable NYSE corporate governance rules. We intend to rely on the controlled company exemption available under applicable NYSE corporate governance rules with respect to the composition of our nominating and corporate governance committee. The committee will assist the board in selecting individuals qualified to become our directors and in determining the composition of the board and its committees. The committee will be responsible for, among other things:
| recommending nominees to the board for election or re-election to the board, or for appointment to fill any vacancy on the board; |
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| reviewing annually with the board the current composition of the board with regard to characteristics such as independence, skills, experience, expertise, diversity, and availability of service to us; |
| selecting and recommending to the board the directors to serve as members of each standing committee of the board; and |
| developing and reviewing periodically the corporate governance principles adopted by the board to ensure appropriateness and compliance with the requirements of the NYSE, and to recommend any desirable changes to the board. |
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 owe to our 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. 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. You should refer to Description of Share CapitalDifferences in Corporate Law for additional information on our standard of corporate governance under Cayman Islands law.
Terms of Directors and Officers
Our officers are elected by and serve at the discretion of the board. Our directors are not subject to a term of office and hold office until such time as they resign or are removed from office by ordinary resolution or the unanimous written resolution of all shareholders. A director will be removed from office automatically if, among other things, the director (1) becomes bankrupt or makes any arrangement or composition with his creditors; (2) dies or is found to be or becomes of unsound mind; or (3) without special leave of absence from the board of directors, is absent from meetings of the board for three consecutive meetings and the board resolves that his office be vacated.
Compensation of Directors and Executive Officers
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, we paid an aggregate of approximately RMB5.7 million (US$947,000) in cash to our executive officers, including our executive director, and we did not pay any cash compensation to our non-executive directors. Our PRC subsidiaries and VIEs are required by law to make contributions equal to certain percentages of each employees salary for his or her retirement benefit, medical insurance benefits, housing funds, unemployment and other statutory benefits. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, we contributed an aggregate of approximately RMB374,000 (US$62,000) for pension, retirement benefits or other similar benefits for our executive officers, including our executive director. For details on the share incentive grants to our officers and directors, see Share Incentive Plans.
Share Incentive Plans
We adopted a share award scheme in May 2011, as amended in September 2013 (the 2011 Plan), a 2013 equity incentive plan in January 2014 (the 2013 Plan) and a 2014 restricted shares plan (the 2014 Plan). The purpose of our share incentive plans is to recruit and retain key employees, directors or consultants of outstanding ability and to motivate them to deliver the best performance for the benefit of our company.
The 2011 Plan
Under the 2011 Plan, as amended, the maximum number of shares in respect of which awards that may be granted is 100,000,000 ordinary shares of our company as at the date of such grant, excluding any shares
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awarded that have lapsed or have been forfeited. On May 26, 2011, pursuant to the 2011 Plan and a trust deed, we allotted to Core Pacific-Yamaichi International (H.K.) Nominees Limited, as trustee for the 2011 Plan, 100,000,000 ordinary shares on trust for the benefit of participating employees in the 2011 Plan.
The following paragraphs summarize the terms of the as amended 2011 Plan.
Types of Awards. The 2011 Plan provides for the award of our ordinary shares subject to certain terms and conditions that our board of directors may determine in its absolute discretion.
Plan Administration. Our board or a committee of our board duly authorized for the purpose of the 2011 Plan shall administer the 2011 Plan. The plan administrator will determine in its absolute discretion the employees to receive the awards, the number of awards to be granted to each selected grantee, and the terms and conditions of each award grant. We have set up a trust pursuant to a trust deed to facilitate the administration of the 2011 Plan.
Award Notice. Share awards granted under the 2011 Plan are evidenced by an award notice that sets forth the terms and conditions for each grant, which relate to vesting, forfeiture or lapse of unvested awarded shares, and repurchase of vested awarded shares.
Eligibility. We may grant awards to any employee of our company, including without limitation an employee who is also a director of our company or subsidiaries.
Lapse of the Awards. An award will lapse if (i) the grantee of an award ceases to be an employee of our company or subsidiaries, (ii) the company which employs the selected employee ceases to be a subsidiary of our company, or (iii) there is an ordinary for involuntary wind-up of our company or a resolution is passed for the voluntary wind-up of our company, save for the purposes of an amalgamation, reconstruction or scheme of arrangement).
Vesting Schedule. The plan administrator determines the vesting schedule, which is set forth in the award notice.
Transfer Restrictions. Each award granted under the 2011 Plan are personal to respective grantees and may not be sold, transferred, assigned, charged, mortgaged, or encumbered with any interests in favor of any other third party.
Termination. The 2011 Plan will terminate in May 2021, unless terminated at an earlier date by our board of directors.
The 2013 Plan
Under the 2013 Plan, the maximum number of our ordinary shares that may be issued is 64,497,718 ordinary shares.
The following is a summary of the terms of the 2013 Plan.
Types of Awards. The 2013 Plan provides for the grant of share options and share appreciation rights, in addition to the grant or sale of other share-based awards, such as our ordinary shares, restricted shares and awards that are valued in whole or in part by reference to or based on the fair market value of our ordinary shares.
Plan Administration. Our board, our compensation committee, or a subcommittee thereof duly authorized for the purpose of the Plan will be the plan administrator of our 2013 Plan. The plan administrator has the sole discretion to determine the participants to receive the awards, the number and types of awards to be granted to each participant, and the terms and conditions of each award grant.
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Award Agreement. Awards under the 2013 Plan are evidenced by an award agreement that sets forth the terms and conditions for each grant.
Exercise Price. The exercise price, grant price, or purchase price of any award shall be determined by the plan administrator at its sole discretion.
Eligibility. We may grant awards to the employees, director or consultant of our company, Kingsoft Corporation or its affiliates.
Term of Awards. The term of options and share appreciation rights awarded under the 2013 Plan shall be determined by the plan administrator, subject to a maximum term of ten years after the date of grant. The term of other share-based awards shall be determined by the plan administrator.
Lapse of Option Awards. An option award will lapse if (i) the option has expired, (ii) the participants relationship or employment with our company and/or affiliates has been terminated with or without cause pursuant to any applicable laws or under the participants service contract with our company and/or affiliates, (ii) winding-up of our company has been commenced, or (iii) otherwise provided for in the award agreement.
Vesting Schedule. The plan administrator determines the vesting schedule, which is set forth in the award agreement.
Transfer Restrictions. An award may not be transferred or assigned by the participant in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, unless otherwise determined by the plan administrator.
Termination. The 2013 Plan will terminate automatically in January 2024, unless terminated at an earlier date by a resolution of our shareholders.
The 2014 Plan
In April 2014, we adopted a 2014 restricted shares plan, or the 2014 Plan. The maximum aggregate number of shares which may be issued pursuant to all awards under the 2014 Plan is 122,545,665 Class A ordinary shares as of the date of its approval. As of the date of this prospectus, no awards have been granted under the 2014 Plan.
The following is a summary of the terms of the 2014 Plan.
Types of Awards. The 2014 Plan permits the awards of restricted shares and restricted share units.
Plan Administration. Our board, our compensation committee, or a subcommittee thereof duly authorized for the purpose of the Plan will be the plan administrator of our 2014 Plan. The plan administrator has the sole discretion to determine the participants to receive the awards, the number and types of awards to be granted to each participant, and the terms and conditions of each award grant.
Award Agreement. Awards granted under the 2014 Plan are evidenced by an award agreement that sets forth terms, conditions and limitations for each award, which may include the term of the award, the provisions applicable in the event of the grantees employment or service terminates, and our authority to unilaterally or bilaterally amend, modify, suspend, cancel or rescind the award.
Eligibility. We may grant awards to our employees, directors and consultants of our company.
Acceleration of Awards upon Change in Control. If a change in control of our company occurs, the plan administrator may, in its sole discretion, provide for (i) all awards outstanding to terminate at a specific time in the future and give each participant the right to exercise the vested portion of such awards during a specific
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period of time, or (ii) the purchase of any award for an amount of cash equal to the amount that could have been attained upon the exercise of such award, or (iii) the replacement of such award with other rights or property selected by the plan administrator in its sole discretion, or (iv) payment of award in cash based on the value of ordinary shares on the date of the change-in-control transaction plus reasonable interest.
Vesting Schedule. In general, the plan administrator determines the vesting schedule, which is specified in the relevant award agreement.
Transfer Restrictions. Awards may not be transferred in any manner by the recipient other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, except as otherwise provided by the plan administrator.
Termination of the 2014 Plan. Unless terminated earlier, the 2014 Plan will terminate automatically in 2024. Our board of directors has the authority to amend or terminate the plan subject to shareholder approval or home country practice.
The following table summarizes, as of the date of this prospectus, the number of restricted shares granted in aggregate under our 2011 Plan to our executive officers, directors and other individuals as a group.
Number of Restricted Shares
Awarded |
||
Sheng Fu |
4,881,667 | |
Ming Xu |
2,440,833 | |
Ka Wai Andy Yeung |
* | |
Xinhua Liu |
* | |
Yong Chen |
* | |
Jie Xiao |
* | |
Other individuals as a group |
70,827,500 | |
|
||
Total** |
104,650,000 | |
|
* | The aggregate number of restricted shares granted to this individual is less than 1% of our total outstanding shares. |
** | Includes a total of 6,050,000 restricted shares that have been forfeited as of the date of this prospectus. |
The following table summarizes, as of the date of this prospectus, the number of restricted shares granted in aggregate under our 2013 Plan to our executive officers, directors and all the grantees as a group.
Number of
Restricted Shares Awarded |
Purchase Price
(US$/Share) |
|||||||
Sheng Fu |
20,917,421 | 0.34 | ||||||
Ming Xu |
10,458,710 | 0.34 | ||||||
Ka Wai Andy Yeung |
* | 0.34 | ||||||
Total |
53,261,131 | 0.34 |
* | The aggregate number of restricted shares granted to this individual is less than 1% of our total outstanding shares. |
As of the date of this prospectus, no awards have been granted under the 2014 Plan.
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Except as specifically noted, the following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our ordinary shares as of the date of this prospectus and the voting power after this offering held by:
| each of our directors and executive officers; and |
| each person known to us to beneficially own more than 5% of our ordinary shares. |
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. These rules generally provide that a person is the beneficial owner of securities if such person has or shares the power to vote or direct the voting of securities, or to dispose or direct the disposition of securities or has the right to acquire such powers within 60 days. 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, including through the exercise of any option, warrant or other right or the conversion of any other security, in both the numerator and the denominator. These shares, however, are not included in the computation of the percentage ownership of any other person. Such treatment of these shares qualifies all our footnotes to the table below relating to the calculation of percentage of beneficial ownership.
Ordinary shares
beneficially owned prior to this offering |
Class A
ordinary shares beneficially owned after this offering |
Class B
ordinary shares beneficially owned after this offering |
Voting
power after this offering |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Number | % (1) | Number | % (3) | Number | % (4) | % (5) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Directors and executive officers:** |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jun Lei (6) |
| | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Sheng Fu (7) |
163,749,513 | 13.4 | | | 110,004,513 | 9.0 | 8.9 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Hongjiang Zhang (8) |
| | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Yuk Keung Ng (9) |
| | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
David Ying Zhang (10) |
77,168,675 | 6.3 | | | 77,168,675 | 6.3 | 6.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Ke Ding (11) |
| | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Zhijian Peng (12) |
| | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wei Liu (13) |
| | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Richard Weidong Ji (14) |
| | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Ming Xu (15) |
54,995,487 | 4.5 | | | 54,995,487 | 4.5 | 4.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Ka Wai Andy Yeung |
| | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Xinhua Liu |
* | * | | | * | * | * | |||||||||||||||||||||
Jie Xiao |
* | * | | | * | * | * | |||||||||||||||||||||
Yong Chen |
* | * | | | * | * | * | |||||||||||||||||||||
All directors and executive officers as a group |
310,913,675 | 25.4 | | | 257,168,675 | 21.0 | 20.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Principal shareholders : |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Kingsoft Corporation Limited (16) |
662,806,049 | 54.1 | 7,407,407 | 4.7 | 662,806,049 | 54.1 | 53.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||
TCH Copper Limited (17) |
220,481,928 | 18.0 | | | 220,481,928 | 18.0 | 17.8 | |||||||||||||||||||||
FaX Vision Corporation (18) |
165,000,000 | 13.5 | | | 165,000,000 | 13.5 | 13.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Core Pacific-Yamachi International (H.K.) Nominees Limited (19) |
100,000,000 | 8.2 | | | 100,000,000 | 8.2 | 8.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Matrix Partners Funds (20) |
77,168,675 | 6.3 | | | 77,168,675 | 6.3 | 6.2 |
* | Indicates beneficial ownership of less than 1% of the class of shares. |
** | Unless otherwise indicated, the business address for our directors and officers is 12/F, Fosun International Center Tower, No. 237 Chaoyang North Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100022, Peoples Republic of China. |
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(1) | The percentage calculations in this column assume that there are 1,225,456,652 ordinary shares outstanding immediately prior to the completion of this offering, including (i) 1,000,551,482 ordinary shares outstanding, and (ii) 224,905,170 ordinary shares convertible from our outstanding preferred shares based on the initial conversion ratio of 1-for-1. |
(2) | For each person and group included in this column, percentage ownership is calculated by dividing the number of Class A ordinary shares to converted, re-designated and sold by such person or group at the time of this offering, by the sum of , being the total number of Class A ordinary shares to be sold by us in this offering, assuming the underwriters do not exercise their over-allotment option. |
(3) | The percentage calculations in this column are based on 157,037,037 Class A ordinary shares outstanding upon the completion of this offering, including (i) 120,000,000 ordinary shares underlying ADSs that are being sold in this offering to the underwriters, assuming the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional ADSs and (ii) 37,037,037 shares to be issued and sold in a concurrent private placement to Kingsoft Corporation, Xiaomi Ventures Limited and Baidu Holdings Limited, based on the midpoint of our estimated price range shown on the front cover of this prospectus. |
(4) | The percentage calculations in this column are based on Class B ordinary shares outstanding immediately after the completion of this offering. |
(5) | For each person or group included in this column, percentage of total voting power represents voting power based on both Class A and Class B ordinary shares held by such person or group with respect to the sum of all outstanding shares of our Class A and Class B ordinary shares. Upon the completion of this offering, our outstanding share capital will consist of Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares. Holders of Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares have the same rights except for voting and conversion rights. Each holder of Class A ordinary shares is entitled to one vote per Class A ordinary share. Each holder of our Class B ordinary shares is entitled to votes per Class B ordinary share. Our Class B ordinary shares are convertible at any time by the holder into Class A ordinary shares. Class A ordinary shares are not convertible into Class B ordinary shares under any circumstances. |
(6) | The business address of Mr. Lei is c/o Kingsoft Corporation Limited, Kingsoft Tower, No.33, Xiaoying West Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100085, Peoples Republic of China. |
(7) | Represents (i) 110,004,513, or 66.7% of the 165,000,000 ordinary shares held by FaX Vision Corporation, and (ii) 53,745,000 ordinary shares for which Mr. Fu is a beneficial owner under a trust agreement signed between Mr. Fu and each of the participants of the 2011 Plan, pursuant to which the participants irrevocably grants Mr. Fu and any individual designated in writing by Mr. Fu the voting power underlying their vested shares. The trust agreement will terminate automatically upon the completion of this offering. FaX Vision Corporation is a BVI company that is 66.7% owned by Sheng Global Limited, a BVI company wholly owned by Mr. Sheng Fu, and 33.3% owned by XaDvision Global Limited, a BVI company wholly owned by Mr. Ming Xu. Mr. Fu and Mr. Xu are co-directors of FaX Vision Corporation. |
(8) | The business address of Mr. Zhang is c/o Kingsoft Corporation Limited, Kingsoft Tower, No.33, Xiaoying West Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100085, Peoples Republic of China. |
(9) | The business address of Mr. Ng is c/o Kingsoft Corporation Limited, Kingsoft Tower, No.33, Xiaoying West Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100085, Peoples Republic of China. |
(10) | Represents the total number of shares beneficially owned by Matrix Partner Funds. See footnote 20 below for details. Mr. Zhang is the managing partner of Matrix Partner Funds and therefore deemed a beneficial owner of the shares owned by Matrix Partner Funds. The business address of Mr. Zhang is Suite 2601, Taikang Financial Tower, Yard No. 38, 3 rd East Ring Road North, Chaoyang District, Beijing, Peoples Republic of China. |
(11) | The business address of Mr. Ding is c/o Tencent Holdings Limited, Tencent Building, Kejizhongyi Avenue, Hi-tech Park, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518057, Peoples Republic of China. |
(12) | The business address of Mr. Peng is c/o Tencent Holdings Limited, Tencent Building, Kejizhongyi Avenue, Hi-tech Park, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518057, Peoples Republic of China. |
(13) | The business address of Mr. Liu is c/o Kingsoft Corporation Limited, Kingsoft Tower, No.33, Xiaoying West Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100085, Peoples Republic of China. |
(14) | The business address of Mr. Ji is Suite 2103 21/F, Two Exchange Square, 8 Connaught Place, Central, Hong Kong. |
(15) | Represents 54,995,487 ordinary shares, or 33.3% of the 165,000,000 ordinary shares held by FaX Vision Corporation. XaDvision Global Limited, a BVI company wholly owned by Mr. Xu, holds 33.3% equity interest in FaX Vision Corporation. The remaining 66.7% equity interest in FaX Vision Corporation is owned by Sheng Global Limited, a BVI company wholly owned by Mr. Sheng Fu. Mr. Fu and Mr. Xu are co-directors of FaX Vision Corporation. |
(16) | Represents (i) 650,551,482 ordinary shares, (ii) 12,254,567 ordinary shares issuable upon the conversion of series B preferred shares held by Kingsoft Corporation Limited and (iii) 7,407,407 Class A ordinary shares to be issued and sold to Kingsoft Corporation in a private placement concurrently with this offering. Kingsoft Corporation Limited is a company incorporated in Cayman Islands listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (Stock Code: 3888). Its business address is Kingsoft Tower, No. 33, Xiaoying West Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100085, Peoples Republic of China. |
(17) | Represents (i) 15,000,000 ordinary shares, (ii) 95,240,964 Class A ordinary shares issuable upon the conversion of series A preferred shares, and (iii) 110,240,964 Class B ordinary shares issuable upon the conversion of series B preferred shares held by TCH Copper Limited. TCH Copper Limited is a company incorporated in British Virgin Islands, and is wholly owned by Tencent Holdings Limited, a Cayman Islands company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (Stock Code: 700). The business address of TCH Copper Limited is c/o Tencent Holdings Limited 29/F, Three Pacific Place, No.1 Queens Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong. |
(18) | Represents 165,000,000 ordinary shares held by FaX Vision Corporation. FaX Vision Corporation is a company incorporated in British Virgin Islands. FaX Vision Corporation is 66.7% owned by Sheng Global Limited, a BVI company wholly owned by Mr. Sheng Fu, and 33.3% owned by XaDvision Global Limited, a BVI company wholly owned by Mr. Ming Xu. Its registered address is Trinity Chambers, P.O. Box 4301, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. |
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(19) | Represents 100,000,000 ordinary shares held by Core Pacific-Yamachi International (H.K.) Nominees Limited as our trustee for the benefit of all the eligible participants under our 2011 Plan and the participants with vested shares, where applicable. The business address of Core Pacific-Yamachi International (H.K.) Nominees Limited is 36 th Floor, Cosco Tower, Grand Millennium Plaza, 183 Queens Road Central, Hong Kong. These shares have yet to be registered with SAFE, and we plan to complete the registration upon the completion of this offering in accordance with the Stock Option Rules and other relevant rules and regulations. |
(20) | Represents an aggregate of (i) 70,000,000 ordinary shares, and (ii) 7,168,675 Class A ordinary shares issuable upon the conversion of series A preferred shares held by Matrix Partner China I, L.P. and Matrix Partner China I-A, L.P. (collectively, Matrix Partners Funds). Each of the Matrix Partners Funds is an exempted limited partnership formed under the laws of Cayman Islands. None of the investors in Matrix Partners Funds owns more than 10% of funds. The registered office of both funds is at the offices of M&C Corporate Services Limited, P.O. Box 309, Ugland House, South Church Street, George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. |
As of the date of this prospectus, none of our outstanding ordinary shares are held by record holders in the United States. None of our shareholders has informed us that he or she is affiliated with a registered broker-dealer or is in the business of underwriting securities. Except in connection with the reclassification of our ordinary shares, we are not aware of any arrangement that may, at a subsequent date, result in a change of control of our company. See Description of Share CapitalHistory of Securities Issuances for a description of issuances of our ordinary shares and preferred shares that have resulted in significant changes in ownership held by our major shareholders.
Assured Entitlement Distribution
Pursuant to Practice Note 15, in connection with this offering, Kingsoft Corporation must make available to its eligible shareholders an assured entitlement to a certain portion of the ordinary shares in our company owned by Kingsoft Corporation. As our ordinary shares are not expected to be listed on any stock exchange, Kingsoft Corporation will satisfy the assured entitlement requirement by providing our ADSs, except that affiliates of our company who are eligible shareholders of Kingsoft Corporation will receive Class A ordinary shares, as United States federal securities laws do not permit such affiliates to hold ADSs. Such affiliates consist of Mr. Jun Lei (the Chairman of our Board of Directors), Color Link Management Limited (a company controlled by Mr. Jun Lei) and Tencent Holdings Limited (the holding company of TCH Copper Limited). Eligible shareholders are those shareholders that hold a minimum of 1,000 ordinary shares of Kingsoft Corporation and who resided in Hong Kong or China, in each case at the applicable record date.
Kingsoft Corporation intends to provide an assured entitlement with an aggregate value of approximately US$6.9 million, assuming no exercise of the over-allotment option and an offer price of US$13.50 per ADS. The distribution will be made without consideration from eligible shareholders of Kingsoft Corporation, who may choose to receive ADSs or cash in lieu of ADSs. The assured entitlement distribution is expected to occur within one month of the date of this offering, and given that all Class B ordinary shares held by Kingsoft Corporation will automatically be converted to Class A ordinary shares upon their transfer by Kingsoft Corporation, Mr. Jun Lei, Color Link and Tencent Holdings Limited will receive Class A ordinary shares pursuant to the assured entitlement distribution.
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Contractual Arrangements with VIEs
Due to certain restrictions under PRC law on foreign ownership and investment in value-added telecommunications services in China, we conduct our operations in China principally through contractual arrangements with our VIEs in China and their respective shareholders. For a description of these contractual arrangements, see Corporate History and Structure.
Transactions and Agreements with Kingsoft Corporation and its Subsidiaries
Immediately after the completion of this offering, Kingsoft Corporation will continue to be our controlling shareholder, with beneficial ownership and voting power of 48.5% and 53.5%, respectively, of our outstanding ordinary shares, assuming (i) the underwriters do not exercise their over-allotment option and (ii) we will issue and sell a total of 37,037,037 Class A ordinary shares through the Concurrent Private Placement, which number of shares has been calculated based on the midpoint of the estimated initial public offering price range shown on the front cover page of this prospectus. If the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full, then upon the completion on this offering, Kingsoft Corporation will have beneficial ownership and voting power of 47.9% and 53.4%, respectively, of our outstanding ordinary shares. Following the completion of this offering, Kingsoft Corporation will continue to have the power acting alone to approve any action requiring a vote of the majority of our ordinary shares.
Our company has certain common directors and officers with Kingsoft Corporation. As of the date of this prospectus, Mr. Jun Lei, the chairman of our board of directors, also currently serves as the chairman and non-executive director of Kingsoft Corporation. Mr. Hongjiang Zhang, one of our directors, is also the chief executive officer and director of Kingsoft Corporation. Mr. Yuk Keung Ng, one of our directors, is also the chief financial officer and director of Kingsoft Corporation. Mr. Wei Liu, one of our directors, is also a vice president of Kingsoft Corporation. Mr. Sheng Fu, our chief executive officer and director, also serves as a senior vice president at Kingsoft Corporation as of the date of this prospectus.
Kingsoft Corporation is a company whose shares are listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, and is accordingly subject to the requirements of the Hong Kong Listing Rules. Under the Hong Kong Listing Rules, we are a connected person of Kingsoft Corporation. Accordingly, transactions between us, our subsidiaries, or our VIEs, on the one hand, and Kingsoft Corporation or any of its subsidiaries (excluding us and our subsidiaries and VIEs), on the other hand, are connected transactions. Under the Hong Kong Listing Rules, all connected transactions must be carried out on normal commercial terms, and if the value of a connected transaction exceeds the applicable thresholds, it is subject to the approval of the independent shareholders of Kingsoft Corporation.
Non-compete undertaking
We expect to enter into a non-compete undertaking with Kingsoft Corporation on these terms:
| We will not develop games and will only operate games that have been developed by third party developers, except that we may acquire a majority interest in a third party game developer if Kingsoft Corporation chooses not to acquire such interest following our referral of the opportunity to it. We may operate games developed by Kingsoft Corporation and its remaining subsidiaries subject to complying with the relevant requirements under Chapter 14A of the Hong Kong Listing Rules, which governs connected transactions. |
| Kingsoft Corporation and its remaining subsidiaries will use their best efforts to limit their revenue from the operation of third party-developed games through dedicated websites and platforms to less than 5% of their total revenue derived from the operation of self-developed and third party-developed games. If this threshold is exceeded in any financial year, Kingsoft Corporation is required to refer to us certain new opportunities relating to the operation of third party-developed games in the next financial year. |
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| We will agree to refer all new opportunities relating to the development of games to Kingsoft Corporation and its remaining subsidiaries, except that we may continue to acquire minority interests ( i.e. , less than 50% interest) in third party game developers. If, following the acquisition of a minority interest in a games developer, we are able to acquire additional interests in such developer such that it will have an aggregate interest exceeding 50%, we will first offer the right to acquire such additional interests to Kingsoft Corporation. If Kingsoft Corporation chooses not to take up such right, we may do so. |
| All decisions by Kingsoft Corporation with respect to whether to take up the right of first offer will be made by the directors of Kingsoft Corporation that do not hold positions at our Company or its subsidiaries. |
| Kingsoft Corporation and its remaining subsidiaries will agree to refer all new opportunities relating to information security software, web browsers, the provision of information security service across devices and the provision of online advertising services relating to the information security software business (other than an opportunity relating to such business in Japan) to us. If we choose not to take up such opportunities, Kingsoft Corporation and its remaining subsidiaries may do so. |
Cooperation framework agreement
Historically, we have entered into various transactions from time to time with Kingsoft Corporation and its subsidiaries. For the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2012 and 2013, we recognized aggregate fees of RMB21.3 million, RMB16.3 million and RMB14.4 million (US$2.4 million), respectively, to Kingsoft Corporation and its subsidiaries for certain promotion services, licensing services, leasing and miscellaneous services they provided to us. For the same aforementioned periods, we recognized aggregate revenue of RMB5.3 million, RMB2.9 million and RMB4.4 million (US$727,000), respectively, from Kingsoft Corporation and its subsidiaries for certain licensing services and technology support services that we provided to Kingsoft Corporation and its subsidiaries.
In order to regulate such ongoing transactions, we entered into a cooperation framework agreement with Kingsoft Corporation on December 27, 2013, which became effective from January 1, 2014 and will expire on December 31, 2016. The agreement was amended on April 1, 2014. Until its expiration date, this framework agreement governs the following transactions between our company and Kingsoft Corporation:
| Promotion services. We and Kingsoft Corporation will mutually provide promotion services through their own products and websites for the sale of the other partys products, including but not limited to, pre-installation, bundle promotion, joint operation and publishing on-line advertisement; |
| Licensing services. We and Kingsoft Corporation will grant licenses to each other to use, among others, certain technologies, trademarks and software products; |
| Leasing transactions. Kingsoft Corporation will provide property leasing and asset leasing to our company; and |
| Miscellaneous services. Kingsoft Corporation will provide miscellaneous services to our company, including but not limited to, administration assistance services and technology support services. |
We and Kingsoft Corporation may enter into individual contracts from time to time when necessary according to the principles and scope provided for under the framework agreement. Pursuant to the framework agreement, the transactions between us and Kingsoft Corporation will be priced based on: (i) the prevailing fair market pricing rules adopted in the same industry; (ii) a price calculated based on costs plus reasonable profit margin; or (iii) a price with reference to the price or reasonable profit margin of an independent third party.
Exclusive technologies licensing agreement and framework licensing agreement
On December 1, 2009, Beijing Security entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with Kingsoft Japan Inc., or Kingsoft Japan, one of Kingsoft Corporations subsidiaries, pursuant to which Beijing Security granted
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Kingsoft Japan the exclusive right to use certain internet security software within Japan and to sub-license such software to original equipment manufacturers in Japan for the sole purposes of self-use and selling Japanese version of products and services rendered based on the sub-license. Pursuant to this agreement, which was later amended in March 2012, Beijing Security will charge 12% of the revenues (net of cost of sales such as agents and distributors commission) derived from the sale and manufacture of products and services. This agreement will expire on November 30, 2015.
On November 12, 2013, our company, in our own capacity and on behalf of Beijing Security, entered into a framework licensing agreement with Kingsoft Japan, which supplies detailed provisions to the exclusive licensing agreement dated December 1, 2009. Pursuant to this framework agreement, with regard to software on mobile products, our company shall develop and provide continuous technology upgrade services. As a consideration, Kingsoft Japan agreed to raise the share of revenue by our company from 12% to 33%, unless otherwise agreed based on fair and customary commercial terms. The increased share of revenue is retroactively effective from January 1, 2013. With respect to Duba Anti-virus on PCs, our company will provide upgrade and service maintenance to Kingsoft Japan effective from January 1, 2014. As a consideration, Kingsoft Japan agreed to raise the share of revenue by our company from 12% to 20%, and to 33% of revenue derived from Duba Anti-virus on PCs that surpasses a stipulated threshold.
For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, we recognized aggregate revenue of RMB1.7 million, RMB1.9 million and RMB3.4 million (US$559,000), respectively, from Kingsoft Japan pursuant to the exclusive licensing agreement dated December 1, 2009, as amended, and the framework licensing agreement.
Intellectual Property Licensing Arrangements
On January 14, 2011, Beijing Security, Zhuhai Juntian and Conew Network (collectively, the Licensees) entered into an authorization and licensing agreement (the Authorization and Licensing Agreement) with Beijing Kingsoft Digital Entertainment Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing Kingsoft Software Co., Ltd., and Zhuhai Kingsoft Software Co., Ltd. (collectively, the Licensors), which are subsidiaries of Kingsoft Corporation. The agreement was further amended on February 14, 2011 and December 3, 2012 and took effect retroactively from October 1, 2010. According to the agreement, as amended, the Licensors grants to the Licensees, for a consideration of RMB42.0 million, a global license (except in Japan) to use for a duration of five years certain approved or pending software copyrights, patents and trademarks (the Products), a right to redevelop the Products, and a right to sub-license all those Products to its affiliates without additional consideration. Any rights and interests redeveloped by the Licensees based on the Products belong to the Licensees. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, we incurred aggregate license fees of RMB8.4 million, RMB8.4 million and RMB8.4 million (US$1.4 million) pursuant to the authorization and licensing agreement. This authorization and licensing agreement has been terminated and superseded by the intellectual property transfer and license framework agreement (the Transfer and License Agreement) on April 1, 2014, the date on which the Transfer and License Agreement took effect. The total licensing fee payable under the Authorization and Licensing Agreement shall be calculated pro-rata based on the actual term performed.
On April 1, 2014, we entered into the Transfer and License Agreement with Kingsoft Corporation, pursuant to which Kingsoft Corporation agreed to transfer and license to us certain intellectual property it owns that is related to our business, for a total consideration of RMB13.6 million (US$2.2 million), tax inclusive. The intellectual property transferred includes software copyrights, registered and pending trademarks and approved and pending patents. In addition, we agreed to grant Kingsoft Corporation the right to use the patents and trademarks it transferred to us to promote Kingsoft Corporation and our company, for an aggregate consideration of RMB0.4 million (US$0.1 million), tax inclusive. Kingsoft Corporation also agreed to license our use of certain patents and trademarks it did not transfer to us that are related to our business. However, these licenses do not allow us to use such patents and trademarks in Japan or to promote lines of business in competition with Kingsoft Corporation. These licenses will terminate upon expiration or rejection of application of the relevant patents and trademarks, and will terminate automatically when Kingsoft Corporation ceases to be our major shareholder (as defined in the Hong Kong Listing Rules).
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Purchase of Equity Interest in Kingsoft Japan
On March 18, 2014, our Hong Kong subsidiary Cheetah Technology entered into an equity transfer agreement with Kingsoft Corporation, pursuant to which we agreed to purchase 20% equity interest in Kingsoft Japan in consideration of JPY614,040,000, which was equivalent to RMB37.0 million translated based on the exchange rate prevailing on the transaction date.
Loan framework contract
On January 14, 2011, our company, as borrower, certain of our subsidiaries, as guarantors, entered into a loan framework contract with Kingsoft Corporation, as lender. Pursuant to this agreement, Kingsoft Corporation shall provide us with the necessary funding in an aggregate amount not exceeding RMB110 million for our daily operation and other purposes. The interest rate payable on the loan will be 90% of the interest rate as promulgated by the Peoples Bank of China for loans of the same class and for the same period or other fair market loan interest rate. Since the execution of the loan framework contract, we have not drawn down any loan from Kingsoft Corporation pursuant to the contract. The contract took effect from October 1, 2010 and any loan borrowed thereunder will have to be repaid in full by our company prior to the earlier of (i) the completion of our initial public offering, or (ii) the date of full repayment of the loan and related interest.
Transfer of Assets and Intellectual Property to and from Kingsoft Corporations Subsidiaries
In 2012, pursuant to three agreements dated May 10, 2012, certain subsidiaries and VIEs of our company agreed to sell and transfer certain fixed assets, including internet equipment, servers, and hard drives, as well as copyright and all proprietary interests relating to one of our software products to certain subsidiaries of Kingsoft Corporation. For the year ended December 31, 2012, we received a total of RMB2.0 million from such sales.
In September 2013, we entered into an agreement to purchase certain fixed assets from a subsidiary of Kingsoft Corporation. For the year ended December 31, 2013, we paid RMB2.0 million (US$330,000) as consideration for this transaction.
In the future, for so long as Kingsoft Corporation remains our controlling shareholder, we intend to enter into new agreements, or make amendments to existing agreements, between us and Kingsoft Corporation that involve significant expenditures or commitments with reference to the terms of similar agreements between unrelated third parties. We will also submit such agreements and amendments for review by the audit committee of our board of directors, which will assess such agreements and amendments for potential conflicts of interest in accordance with NYSE rules and seek to ensure that terms of such agreements and amendments are no less favorable than would be comparable agreements between us and an unaffiliated third party. In assessing a related party transaction, the audit committee will be required to consider such factors as (i) the benefits to us of the transaction; (ii) whether such transaction is on terms no less favorable than terms generally available to an unaffiliated third party under the same or similar circumstances; (iii) the materiality of the transaction to us; and (iv) the extent of the related partys interest in the transaction.
Transactions with Other Affiliates
Transactions with Tencent Shenzhen
On September 27, 2012, we entered into a framework agreement with Shenzhen Tencent Computer Systems Company Limited, or Tencent Shenzhen, a subsidiary of Tencent Holdings Limited. Tencent Shenzhen is a related party of our company because it is wholly owned by Tencent Holdings Limited, which also wholly owns TCH Copper Limited, a major shareholder of our company that beneficially owns approximately 18.0% of our issued and outstanding shares immediately prior to the completion of this offering. Pursuant to the framework agreement, we would provide various forms of promotion services to Tencent Holdings Limited and its controlled affiliates, or collectively, the Tencent Group, through our platforms to promote Tencent Groups internet services and products. The price will be based on (i) the prevailing fair market price, (ii) the actual cost incurred plus a reasonable profit margin, or (iii) a price with reference to the price or reasonable profit margin of an independent third party conducting the similar transactions. The term of the framework agreement commenced from January 1, 2011 until December 31, 2013, with proposed annual caps for each of 2012 and 2013 to be RMB120 million and RMB200 million, respectively.
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On December 27, 2013, we entered into a strategic cooperation agreement with Tencent Shenzhen to continue to promote various types of products of the Tencent Group through various forms of promotion services on our PC and mobile applications and platforms. The pricing principles are the same the framework agreement dated September 27, 2012. The term of the cooperation agreement is from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2015, and the total consideration of all the transactions subject to this cooperation agreement shall not exceed RMB22 million and RMB33 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2015, respectively.
Pursuant to the aforementioned agreements, for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, we recognized total revenue from the Tencent Group of RMB7.0 million, RMB69.8 million and RMB104.1 million (US$17.2 million), respectively.
In addition, we conducted a number of barter transactions with Tencent Group since the third quarter of 2010. In these transactions, we and Tencent Group exchanged advertising inventory. We recognized neither revenue nor expense for any of these transactions because the fair value of advertising surrendered was not determinable.
Transactions with Beijing Xiaomi
In 2013, we entered into various agreements with Beijing Xiaomi Technology Co., Ltd., or Beijing Xiaomi, a subsidiary of Xiaomi Corporation, a Cayman Islands company which is controlled by Mr. Jun Lei, our chairman of board of directors. Accordingly, Beijing Xiaomi is a related party of our company. Pursuant to the agreements, we provide online advertising services to Beijing Xiaomi at the prevailing fair market price in the same industry for similar transactions. For the year ended December 31, 2013, we recognized total revenue of RMB2.7 million (US$452,000) from Beijing Xiaomi pursuant to the agreements. In addition, from time to time we purchase smartphones and other consumables from Beijing Xiaomi at standard market prices. For the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2012, and 2013, we purchased a total of nil, RMB2.1 million and RMB1.2 million (US$194,000) worth of consumables from Beijing Xiaomi.
Transactions with Beijing Security System Technology and Wuhan Antian
In October 2013, we entered into an agreement to purchase certain software products from Beijing Security System Technology. For the year ended December 31, 2013, we paid RMB1.9 million (US$314,000) as consideration for this transaction.
In October 2013, we entered into an agreement with Wuhan Antian to receive research and development services from Wuhan Antian. For the year ended December 31, 2013, we recognized RMB1.3 million (US$220,000) as research and development expenses for the services provided.
Shareholders Agreement
In connection with the issuance of our series B preferred shares in June 2013, we entered into a second amended and restated shareholders agreement on June 23, 2013 with our shareholders and relevant parties therein. Pursuant to this second amended and restated shareholders agreement, we have provided rights to our shareholders to appoint directors to our board. Kingsoft Corporation has the right to appoint four directors to our board of directors as long as it holds more than 50% of our issued and outstanding shares. If Kingsoft Corporation holds less than 50% of our issued and outstanding shares, it would instead have the right to appoint three directors to our board. Matrix Partners China I, L.P. and Matrix Partners China I-A, L.P. is entitled to jointly appoint one director to our board. FaX Vision Corporation is entitled to appoint one director to our board. TCH Copper Limited, an affiliate of Tencent, is entitled to appoint two directors to our board, provided however, if TCH Copper Limited holds less than 164,385,542 preferred shares, it shall be entitled to appoint only one director to our board. These shareholders right to appoint directors will automatically terminate upon the completion of this offering.
In addition, pursuant to the second amended and restated shareholders agreement, certain of our series A and series B preferred shareholders are entitled to certain preferential rights, including right of first refusal, co-sale right, and information right. In particular, as long as TCH Copper Limited holds no less than 123,289,157
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preferred shares, TCH Copper Limited is entitled to (i) right of first offer, right of first negotiation and right of first refusal with respect to any of our intellectual property that we intend to transfer, sell or assign to any person other than Kingsoft Corporation, our subsidiaries and our VIEs, and (ii) within 48 months following July 6, 2011, cooperation notice and a priority right to cooperate with our company on certain specific business areas, such as internet security products. All preferred shareholders rights, including the aforementioned special rights conferred on TCH Copper Limited, will automatically terminate upon the completion of this offering.
Management Rights Letter
In connection with the issuance of our series B preferred shares in June 2013, we entered into a management rights letter with each of Kingsoft Corporation and TCH Copper Limited, pursuant to which we granted to those parties certain contractual management rights in addition to certain non-public financial information, inspection rights and other rights specifically provided to them under our second amended and restated shareholders agreement. The management rights letter provides that, to the extent that Kingsoft Corporation or TCH Copper Limited are not represented on our board of directors and subject to certain conditions, the unrepresented party shall have the right to select one representative to consult with and advise on the management of our company, inspect our books and records and facilities, as well as to attend our board meetings as a non-voting observer. Such management rights will automatically terminate upon the completion of this offering.
Subscription Agreement
On April 25, 2014, we entered into a subscription agreement with Kingsoft Corporation, Xiaomi Ventures Limited and Baidu Holdings Limited, pursuant to which Kingsoft Corporation, Xiaomi Ventures Limited and Baidu Holdings Limited have agreed to purchase from us our Class A ordinary shares, in an amount not to exceed US$20 million, US$30 million and US$30 million, respectively, with the exact amount to be determined by us in our discretion. We have decided to issue and sell US$10 million, US$20 million and US$20 million, respectively, of our Class A ordinary shares, to Kingsoft Corporation, Xiaomi Ventures Limited and Baidu Holdings Limited, respectively, and have informed them of our decision. The price per share will equal to the initial public offering price adjusted to reflect the ADS-to ordinary share ratio. Each of Kingsoft Corporation Limited, Xiaomi Ventures Limited and Baidu Holdings Limited has agreed with the underwriters not to, directly or indirectly, sell, transfer or dispose of any Class A ordinary shares acquired in the private placement for a period of 180 days after the date of this prospectus, subject to certain exceptions.
Registration Rights Agreement
In connection with the Concurrent Private Placement, we will enter into a registration rights agreement with Kingsoft Corporation, Xiaomi Ventures Limited and Baidu Holdings Limited, pursuant to which we will grant them Form F-3 registration rights and the piggyback registration rights. In addition, we will agree to pay expenses relating to their exercise of Form F-3 registration rights and piggyback registration rights, except for underwriting discounts and commissions relating to the sale of securities, unless, subject to a few exceptions, a registration request is subsequently withdrawn at the request of a majority-in-interest of the holders requesting such registration.
Private Placements
See Description of Share CapitalHistory of Securities Issuances.
Employment Agreements
See ManagementEmployment Agreements.
Share Incentive Plans
See ManagementShare Incentive Plans.
Other Transactions with Certain Directors and Affiliates
See ManagementCompensation of Directors and Executive Officers.
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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 and the Companies Law (2013 Revision) of the Cayman Islands, which is referred to as the Companies Law below.
As of the date hereof, our authorized share capital is US$50,000 divided into (i) 1,775,094,830 ordinary shares (ii) 102,409,639 series A preferred shares, and (iii) 122,495,531 series B preferred shares, all with a par value of US$0.000025 each. As of the date of this prospectus, there are (i) 1,000,551,482 ordinary shares (ii) 102,409,639 series A preferred shares, and (iii) 122,495,531 series B preferred shares issued and outstanding. All our issued and outstanding ordinary shares and preferred shares are fully paid.
We will adopt a dual class ordinary share structure immediately upon the completion of this offering. All of our issued and outstanding ordinary shares will be re-designated as 1,000,551,482 Class B ordinary shares, and all of our issued and outstanding preferred shares will automatically convert into 224,905,170 Class B ordinary shares immediately upon the completion of this initial public offering. Immediately after the completion of this offering, there will be 1,225,456,652 Class B ordinary shares outstanding, representing 88.6% of the total outstanding share capital and 98.7% of the total voting power (assuming (i) the underwriters do not exercise the over-allotment option and (ii) we will issue and sell a total of 37,037,037 Class A ordinary shares through the Concurrent Private Placement, which number of shares has been calculated based on the midpoint of the estimated initial public offering price range shown on the front cover page of this prospectus). In particular, Kingsoft Corporation will own approximately 47.9% of our outstanding ordinary shares, representing 53.6% of our total voting power after this offering.
We had conditionally adopted the fourth amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, which will become effective immediately upon completion of this offering and will replace our pre-offering third amended and restated memorandum and articles of association in its entirety. The following are summaries of material provisions of our fourth amended and restated memorandum and articles of association and the Companies Law insofar as they relate to the material terms of our ordinary shares. You should read the form of our fourth amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, which have been filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.
Ordinary Shares
General
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 vote their ordinary shares. Our company will issue only non-negotiable shares, and will not issue bearer or negotiable shares.
Register of Members
Under Cayman Islands law, we must keep a register of members and there should be entered therein:
(a) the names and addresses of the members, a statement of the shares held by each member, and of the amount paid or agreed to be considered as paid, on the shares of each member;
(b) the date on which the name of any person was entered on the register as a member; and
(c) the date on which any person ceased to be a member.
Under Cayman Islands law, the register of members of our company is prima facie evidence of the matters set out therein (i.e. the register of members will raise a presumption of fact on the matters referred to above unless rebutted) and a member registered in the register of members should be deemed as a matter of Cayman Islands law to have legal title to the shares as set against its name in the register of members. Upon the closing of this public offering, the register of members should be immediately updated to record and give effect to the issue
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of shares by us to the depositary (or its nominee). Once our register of members has been updated, the shareholders recorded in the register of members should be deemed to have legal title to the shares set against their name.
If the name of any person is incorrectly entered in or omitted from our register of members, or if there is any default or unnecessary delay in entering on the register the fact of any person having ceased to be a member of our company, the person or member aggrieved (or any member of our company or our company itself) may apply to the Cayman Islands Grand Court for an order that the register be rectified, and the Court may either refuse such application or it may, if satisfied of the justice of the case, make an order for the rectification of the register.
Dividends
The holders of our ordinary shares are entitled to such dividends as may be declared by our board of directors (provided always that dividends may be declared and paid only out of funds legally available therefor, namely out of either profit or our share premium account).
Conversion
Class B ordinary shares may be converted into the same number of Class A ordinary shares by the holders thereof at any time, while Class A ordinary shares cannot be converted into Class B ordinary shares under any circumstances.
Voting Rights
On a show of hands each shareholder is entitled to one vote or, on a poll, each holder of Class A ordinary shares is entitled to one vote, while each holder of Class B ordinary shares is entitled to ten votes, voting together as one class on all matters that require a shareholders vote. Voting at any meeting of shareholders is by show of hands unless a poll is demanded. A poll may be demanded by the chairman of such meeting or any one shareholder present in person or by proxy.
Maples and Calder, our counsel as to Cayman Islands law, has advised that such voting structure is in compliance with current Cayman Islands law as in general terms, a company and its shareholders are free to provide in the articles of association for such rights as they consider appropriate, subject to such rights not being contrary to any provision of the Companies Law and not inconsistent with common law. Maples and Calder has confirmed that the inclusion in the articles of provisions giving weighted voting rights to specific shareholders generally or on specific resolutions is not prohibited by the Companies Law. Further, weighted voting provisions have been held to be valid as a matter of English common law and therefore it is expected that such would be upheld by a Cayman Islands court.
An ordinary resolution to be passed by the shareholders requires the affirmative vote of a simple majority of votes attached to the ordinary shares cast in a general meeting, while a special resolution requires the affirmative vote of no less than two-thirds of votes cast attached to the ordinary shares. Both ordinary resolutions and special resolutions may also be passed by a unanimous written resolution signed by all the shareholders of our company, as permitted by the Companies Law and our memorandum and articles of association. 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.
Transfer of 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.
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However, 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 our company has 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 shares; |
| the instrument of transfer is properly stamped, if required; |
| the ordinary shares transferred are free of any lien in favor of us; |
| any fee related to the transfer has been paid to us; and |
| in the case of a transfer to joint holders, the transfer is not to more than four joint holders. |
If our directors refuse to register a transfer they are required, within three months after the date on which the instrument of transfer was lodged, to send to each of the transferor and the transferee notice of such refusal.
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 will 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. We are a limited liability company incorporated under the Companies Law, and under the Companies Law, the liability of our members is limited to the amount, if any, unpaid on the shares respectively held by them. Our memorandum of association contains a declaration that the liability of our members is so limited.
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. The ordinary shares that have been called upon and remain unpaid are subject to forfeiture.
Redemption, Repurchase and Surrender of Ordinary Shares
We may issue shares on terms that such shares are subject to redemption, at our option or at the option of the holders thereof, on such terms and in such manner as may be determined, before the issue of such shares, by our board of directors or by a special resolution of our shareholders. Our company may also repurchase any of our shares provided that the manner and terms of such purchase have been approved by our board of directors or by ordinary resolution of our shareholders, or are otherwise authorized by our memorandum and articles of association. Under the Companies Law, the redemption or repurchase of any share may be paid out of our companys profits or out of the proceeds of a fresh issue of shares made for the purpose of such redemption or repurchase, or out of capital (including share premium account and capital redemption reserve) if the company can, immediately following such payment, pay its debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of business. In addition, under the Companies Law no such share may be redeemed or repurchased (a) unless it is fully paid up, (b) if such redemption or repurchase would result in there being no shares outstanding, or (c) if the company has commenced liquidation. In addition, our company may accept the surrender of any fully paid share for no consideration.
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Variations of Rights of Shares
If at any time, our share capital is divided into different classes of shares, all or any of the special rights attached to any class of shares may be varied with the consent in writing of the holders of three-fourths of the issued shares of that class or with the sanction of a special resolution passed at a separate meeting of the holders of the shares of that class. Consequently, the rights of any class of shares cannot be detrimentally altered without a majority of two-thirds of the 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 will 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.
General Meetings of Shareholders
Shareholders meetings may be convened by a majority of our board of directors or our chairman. Additionally, on the requisition of shareholders representing not less than one-tenth of the votes entitled to be cast at general meetings, the board shall convene an extraordinary general meeting. Advance notice of at least fourteen calendar days is required for the convening of our annual general shareholders meeting and any other general meeting of our shareholders. A quorum required for a meeting of shareholders consists of at least two shareholders present in person or by proxy, representing not less than one-third in aggregate voting power of all shares in issue and entitled to vote.
Election and Removal of Directors
Unless otherwise determined by our company in general meeting, our articles provide that our board will consist of not less than three directors. There are no provisions relating to retirement of directors upon reaching any age limit.
The directors have the power to appoint any person as a director either to fill a casual vacancy on the board or as an addition to the existing board. An appointment of a director may be on terms that the director will hold office until the expiration or termination of the directors term as provided in the written agreement relating to the term, if any, or until the directors successor shall have been elected or appointed.
Our articles provide that persons standing for election as directors at a duly constituted general meeting with requisite quorum are appointed by shareholders by way of ordinary resolution.
A director may be removed with or without cause by ordinary resolution. The notice must contain a statement of the intention to remove the director and must be served on the director not less than ten calendar days before the meeting. The director is entitled to attend the meeting and be heard on the motion for his removal.
Proceedings of Board of Directors
Our articles provide that our business is to be managed and conducted by our board of directors. The quorum necessary for board meetings may be fixed by the board and, unless so fixed at another number, will be a majority of the directors then in office.
Our articles provide that the board may from time to time at its discretion exercise all powers of our company to raise or borrow money, to mortgage or charge all or any part of the undertaking, property and assets (present and future) and uncalled capital of our company and issue debentures, bonds and other securities of our company, whether outright or as collateral security for any debt, liability or obligation of our company or of any third party.
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Inspection of Books and Records
Holders of our ordinary shares will 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 in our articles provide our shareholders with the right to inspect our list of shareholders and to receive annual audited financial statements. See Where You Can Find Additional Information.
Changes in Capital
Our shareholders may from time to time by ordinary resolution:
| increase our share capital by such sum, to be divided into shares of such classes and amount, as the resolution shall prescribe; |
| consolidate and divide all or any of our share capital into shares of a larger amount than our existing shares; |
| convert all or any of our paid up shares into stock and reconvert that stock into paid up shares of any denomination; |
| sub-divide our existing shares, or any of them into shares of a smaller amount, provided that in the subdivision the proportion between the amount paid and the amount, if any, unpaid on each reduced share shall be the same as it was in case of the share from which the reduced share is derived; or |
| cancel any shares which, at the date of the passing of the resolution, have not been taken or agreed to be taken by any person and diminish the amount of our share capital by the amount of the shares so cancelled. |
We may by special resolution, subject to confirmation by the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands on an application by our company for an order confirming such reduction, reduce our share capital or any capital redemption reserve in any manner permitted by law.
Exempted Company
We are an exempted company with limited liability under the Companies Law of the Cayman Islands. The Companies Law in the Cayman Islands 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 for the exemptions and privileges listed below:
| an exempted company does not have to file an annual return of its shareholders with the Registrar of Companies; |
| an exempted companys register of members is not required to be open to inspection; |
| an exempted company does not have to hold an annual general meeting; |
| an exempted company may issue no par value, negotiable or bearer shares; |
| an exempted company may obtain an undertaking against the imposition of any future taxation (such undertakings are usually given for 20 years in the first instance); |
| an exempted company may register by way of continuation in another jurisdiction and be deregistered in the Cayman Islands; |
| an exempted company may register as a limited duration company; and |
| an exempted company may register as a segregated portfolio company. |
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Limited liability means that the liability of each shareholder is limited to the amount unpaid by the shareholder on the shares of the company. Upon the closing of this offering, we will be subject to reporting and other informational requirements of the Exchange Act, as applicable to foreign private issuers. Except as otherwise disclosed in this prospectus, we currently intend to comply with the NYSE rules in lieu of following home country practice after the closing of this offering.
Differences in Corporate Law
The Companies Law is derived, to a large extent, from the older Companies Acts of England but does not follow recent United Kingdom statutory enactments, and accordingly there are significant differences between the Companies Law and the current Companies Act of England. 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 United States and their shareholders.
Mergers and Similar Arrangements
The Companies Law permits mergers and consolidations between Cayman Islands companies and between Cayman Islands companies and non-Cayman Islands companies. For these purposes, (a) merger means the merging of two or more constituent companies and the vesting of their undertaking, property and liabilities in one of such companies as the surviving company and (b) a consolidation means the combination of two or more constituent companies into a combined company and the vesting of the undertaking, property and liabilities of such companies to the consolidated company. In order to effect such a merger or consolidation, the directors of each constituent company must approve a written plan of merger or consolidation, which must then be authorized by (a) a special resolution of the shareholders of each constituent company, and (b) such other authorization, if any, as may be specified in such constituent companys articles of association. The written plan of merger or consolidation must be filed with the Registrar of Companies together with a declaration as to the solvency of the consolidated or surviving company, a declaration as to the assets and liabilities of each constituent company and an undertaking that a copy of the certificate of merger or consolidation will be given to the members and creditors of each constituent company and that notification of the merger or consolidation will be published in the Cayman Islands Gazette. Dissenting shareholders have the right to be paid the fair value of their shares (which, if not agreed between the parties, will be determined by the Cayman Islands court) if they follow the required procedures, subject to certain exceptions. Court approval is not required for a merger or consolidation which is effected in compliance with these statutory procedures.
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 or 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 minority 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. |
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When a takeover offer is made and accepted by holders of 90% of the shares affected 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
Cayman Islands law does not limit the extent to which a companys 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 provide that our directors and officers shall be indemnified against all actions, proceedings, costs, charges, expenses, losses, damages or liabilities incurred or sustained by such director or officer, other than by reason of such persons own dishonesty, willful default or fraud, in or about the conduct of our companys business or affairs (including as a result of any mistake of judgment) or in the execution or discharge of his duties, powers, authorities or discretions, including without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, any costs, expenses, losses or liabilities incurred by such director or officer in defending (whether successfully or otherwise) any civil proceedings concerning our company or its affairs in any court whether in the Cayman Islands or elsewhere. This standard of conduct is generally the same as permitted under the Delaware General Corporation Law for a Delaware corporation. In addition, we intend to enter into indemnification agreements with our directors and senior executive officers that will provide such persons with additional indemnification beyond that provided in our 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 SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.
Anti-Takeover Provisions in the Memorandum and Articles of Association
Some provisions of our memorandum and articles of association may discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of our company or management that shareholders may consider favorable, including provisions that authorize our board of directors to issue preference shares in one or more series and to designate the price, rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions of such preference shares without any further vote or action by our shareholders.
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However, under Cayman Islands law, our directors may only exercise the rights and powers granted to them under our memorandum and articles of association, as amended and restated from time to time, for a proper purpose and for what they believe in good faith to be in the best interests of our company.
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 act in a manner he or she reasonably believes to be in the best interests of the corporation. He or she must not use his or her 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, a 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 companya duty to act in good faith in the best interests of the company, a duty not to make a personal profit based on his or her position as director (unless the company permits him to do so), a duty not to put himself in a position where the interests of the company conflict with his or her personal interest or his or her duty to a third party and a duty to exercise powers for the purpose for which such powers were intended. 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 or her duties a greater degree of skill than may reasonably be expected from a person of his or her 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.
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. The Delaware General Corporation Law does not provide shareholders an express right to put any proposal before the annual meeting of shareholders, but in keeping with common law, Delaware corporations generally afford shareholders an opportunity to make proposals and nominations provided that they comply with the notice provisions in the certificate of incorporation or bylaws. 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.
Cayman Islands law provides shareholders with only limited rights to requisition a general meeting, and does not provide shareholders with any right to put any proposal before a general meeting. However, these rights may be provided in a companys articles of association. Our memorandum and articles of association provides that, on the requisition of shareholders representing not less than one-tenth of the votes entitled to be cast at general meetings, the board shall convene an extraordinary general meeting. However, our memorandum and articles of association do not provide our shareholders with any right to put any proposals before annual general meetings or extraordinary general meetings not called by such shareholders. As an exempted Cayman Islands
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company, we are not obliged by law to call shareholders annual general meetings. However, our articles of association provide that we may, but are not obliged to, in each year hold a general meeting as our annual general meeting.
Cumulative Voting
Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, cumulative voting for elections of directors is not permitted unless the corporations 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 shareholders voting power with respect to electing such director. As permitted under Cayman Islands law, our 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, directors may be removed by ordinary resolution of the company.
Transactions with Interested Shareholders
The Delaware General Corporation Law contains a business combination statute applicable to Delaware public corporations whereby, unless the corporation has specifically elected not to be governed by such statute by amendment to its certificate of incorporation or bylaws that is approved by its shareholders, 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 targets outstanding voting stock or who or which is an affiliate or associate of the corporation and owned 15% or more of the corporations 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 targets 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 a 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 corporations 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.
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Under the Companies Law of the Cayman Islands and our memorandum and articles of association, our company may be dissolved, liquidated or wound up by a special resolution, or by an ordinary resolution on the basis that our company is unable to pay its debts as they fall due.
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 articles of association, if our share capital is divided into more than one class of shares, we may vary the rights attached to any class only with the written consent of the holders of three-fourths of the issued shares of that class or with the sanction of a special resolution passed at a separate meeting of the holders of the shares of that class.
Amendment of Governing Documents
Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, a corporations certificate of incorporation may be amended only if adopted and declared advisable by the board of directors and approved by a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote and the bylaws may be amended with the approval of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote and may, if so provided in the certificate of incorporation, also be amended by the board of directors. Under the Cayman Islands law, our memorandum and articles of association may only be amended by special resolution of our shareholders.
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.
Directors Power to Issue Shares
Subject to applicable law, our board of directors is empowered to issue or allot shares or grant options and warrants with or without preferred, deferred, qualified or other special rights or restrictions.
History of Securities Issuances
The following is a summary of our securities issuances in the past three years:
Ordinary Shares
Pursuant to a restricted share purchase agreement dated March 8, 2011, as amended in June 2013, we issued 100,000,000 ordinary shares to FaX Vision Corporation, a BVI company jointly owned by Mr. Sheng Fu and Mr. Ming Xu, for an aggregate consideration of US$2,499,000, or US$0.02499 per share. Pursuant to the agreement, as amended, we have an irrevocable and exclusive option to repurchase the issued and sold ordinary shares from FaX Vision Corporation if the employment of Mr. Sheng Fu with our company (including our subsidiaries and the VIEs) is terminated voluntarily by himself or by us for cause. Twenty percent of the issued and sold shares was released from the repurchase option upon closing of the share sale, and 20% of the issued and sold shares will be released from the repurchase option on each anniversary following the date of closing until all shares have been released on the fourth anniversary. The repurchase price per share shall be equal to the lesser of the consideration price under this agreement or the fair market value of any of our ordinary shares which have not yet been released from the repurchase option. The repurchase option shall terminate upon the exercise in full of the repurchase option, or the termination of Mr. Sheng Fus employment by our company without cause.
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Private Placement of our Series A Preferred Shares
Pursuant to the series A share purchase agreement dated July 6, 2011, we issued and sold 95,240,964, 6,509,157 and 659,518 series A preferred shares to TCH Copper Limited, Matrix Partners China I, L.P. and Matrix Partners China I-A, L.P. at a consideration of US$17,278,688.07, US$1,180,896.21 and US$119,650.26, respectively.
Private Placement of our Series B Preferred Shares
Pursuant to the series B share purchase agreement dated June 23, 2013 entered into by and among our company, Kingsoft Corporation, TCH Copper Limited, Mr. Sheng Fu, Mr. Ming Xu and FaX Vision Corporation, we issued and sold an aggregate of 110,240,964 and 12,254,567 series B preferred shares to TCH Copper Limited and Kingsoft Corporation for a cash consideration of US$46,980,000 and US$5,222,374, respectively. In addition, pursuant to the same agreement, we granted to FaX Vision Corporation, a BVI company co-owned by Mr. Sheng Fu and Mr. Ming Xu, a redeem option to sell to us 24,264,042 ordinary shares of our company at the purchase price of US$0.38354164 per share for an aggregate price of US$9,306,270.46 within 24 months after closing of our issuance and sale of series B preferred shares. We shall cancel all the ordinary shares repurchased in such manner.
Issuance of Ordinary Shares to Trustee under 2011 Plan
On May 26, 2011, pursuant to our 2011 Plan and a trust deed dated May 26, 2011, we issued 100,000,000 ordinary shares of our company at par value to Core Pacific-Yamachi International (H.K.) Nominees Limited, which acts as our trustee for all of such issued shares for the purpose of administering our 2011 Plan and holding restricted shares awarded to the employees before they vest and are transferred to the relevant employees pursuant to the 2011 Plan. The trustee neither possesses the voting rights nor owns any equity interest in the shares held under trust.
Grant of Restricted Shares
We have granted restricted shares to certain of our directors, executive officers, employees and consultants under our 2011 Plan and 2013 Plan, for their past and future services. See ManagementShare Incentive Plans.
Registration Rights
In connection with the Concurrent Private Placement, we will enter into a registration rights agreement with Kingsoft Corporation, Xiaomi Ventures Limited and Baidu Holdings Limited, pursuant to which we will grant them Form F-3 registration rights and the piggyback registration rights. In addition, we will agree to pay expenses relating to their exercise of Form F-3 registration rights and piggyback registration rights, except for underwriting discounts and commissions relating to the sale of securities, unless, subject to a few exceptions, a registration request is subsequently withdrawn at the request of a majority-in-interest of the holders requesting such registration.
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DESCRIPTION OF AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES
American Depositary Shares
The Bank of New York Mellon, as depositary, will register and deliver American Depositary Shares, also referred to as ADSs. Each ADS will represent ten Class A ordinary shares (or a right to receive ten Class A ordinary shares) deposited with the principal Hong Kong office of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, as custodian for the depositary. Each ADS will also represent any other securities, cash or other property which may be held by the depositary. The depositarys corporate trust office at which the ADSs will be administered is located at 101 Barclay Street, New York, New York 10286. The Bank of New York Mellons principal executive office is located at One Wall Street, New York, New York 10286.
You may hold ADSs either (A) directly (i) by having an American Depositary Receipt, also referred to as an ADR, which is a certificate evidencing a specific number of ADSs, registered in your name, or (ii) by having ADSs registered in your name in the Direct Registration System, or (B) indirectly by holding a security entitlement in ADSs through your broker or other financial institution. If you hold ADSs directly, you are a registered ADS holder, also referred to as an ADS holder. This description assumes you are an ADS holder. If you hold the ADSs indirectly, you must rely on the procedures of your broker or other financial institution to assert the rights of ADS holders described in this section. You should consult with your broker or financial institution to find out what those procedures are.
The Direct Registration System, also referred to as DRS, is a system administered by The Depository Trust Company, also referred to DTC, under which the depositary may register the ownership of uncertificated ADSs, which ownership is confirmed by periodic statements sent by the depositary to the registered holders of uncertificated ADSs.
As an ADS holder, we will not treat you as one of our shareholders and you will not have shareholder rights. Cayman Islands law governs shareholder rights. The depositary will be the holder of the shares underlying your ADSs. As a registered holder of ADSs, you will have ADS holder rights. A deposit agreement among us, the depositary, ADS holders and all other persons indirectly or beneficially holding ADSs sets out ADS holder rights as well as the rights and obligations of the depositary. New York law governs 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 ADR. See Where You Can Find Additional Information for directions on how to obtain copies of those documents.
Dividends and Other Distributions
How will you receive dividends and other distributions on the shares?
The depositary has agreed to pay to ADS holders the cash dividends or other distributions it or the custodian receives on shares or other deposited securities, after deducting its fees and expenses. You will receive these distributions in proportion to the number of Shares your ADSs represent.
| Cash . The depositary will convert any cash dividend or other cash distribution we pay on the shares into U.S. dollars, if it can do so on a reasonable basis and can transfer the U.S. dollars to the United States. If that is not possible or if any government approval is needed and can not be obtained, the deposit agreement allows the depositary to distribute the foreign currency only to those ADS holders to whom it is possible to do so. It will hold the foreign currency it cannot convert for the account of the ADS holders who have not been paid. It will not invest the foreign currency and it will not be liable for any interest. |
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Before making a distribution, any withholding taxes, or other governmental charges that must be paid will be deducted. See Taxation. It will distribute only whole U.S. dollars and cents and will round fractional cents to the nearest whole cent. If the exchange rates fluctuate during a time when the depositary cannot convert the foreign currency, you may lose some or all of the value of the distribution.
| Shares . The depositary may distribute additional ADSs representing any shares we distribute as a dividend or free distribution. The depositary will only distribute whole ADSs. It will sell shares which would require it to deliver a fractional ADS and distribute the net proceeds in the same way as it does with cash. If the depositary does not distribute additional ADSs, the outstanding ADSs will also represent the new shares. The depositary may sell a portion of the distributed shares sufficient to pay its fees and expenses in connection with that distribution. |
| Rights to purchase additional shares . If we offer holders of our securities any rights to subscribe for additional shares or any other rights, the depositary may make these rights available to ADS holders. If the depositary decides it is not legal and practical to make the rights available but that it is practical to sell the rights, the depositary will use reasonable efforts to sell the rights and distribute the proceeds in the same way as it does with cash. The depositary will allow rights that are not distributed or sold to lapse. In that case, you will receive no value for them. |
If the depositary makes rights available to ADS holders, it will exercise the rights and purchase the shares on your behalf. The depositary will then deposit the shares and deliver ADSs to the persons entitled to them. It will only exercise rights if you pay it the exercise price and any other charges the rights require you to pay.
U.S. securities laws may restrict transfers and cancellation of the ADSs represented by shares purchased upon exercise of rights. For example, you may not be able to trade these ADSs freely in the United States. In this case, the depositary may deliver restricted depositary shares that have the same terms as the ADSs described in this section except for changes needed to put the necessary restrictions in place.
| Other Distributions . The depositary will send to ADS holders anything else we distribute on deposited securities by any means it thinks is legal, fair and practical. If it cannot make the distribution in that way, the depositary has a choice. It may decide to sell what we distributed and distribute the net proceeds, in the same way as it does with cash. Or, it may decide to hold what we distributed, in which case ADSs will also represent the newly distributed property. However, the depositary is not required to distribute any securities (other than ADSs) to ADS holders unless it receives satisfactory evidence from us that it is legal to make that distribution. The depositary may sell a portion of the distributed securities or property sufficient to pay its fees and expenses in connection with that distribution. |
The depositary is not responsible if it decides that it is unlawful or impractical to make a distribution available to any ADS holders. We have no obligation to register ADSs, shares, rights or other securities under the Securities Act. We also have no obligation to take any other action to permit the distribution of ADSs, shares, rights or anything else to ADS holders. This means that you may not receive the distributions we make on our shares or any value for them if it is illegal or impractical for us to make them available to you .
Deposit, Withdrawal and Cancellation
How are ADSs issued?
The depositary will deliver ADSs if you or your broker deposit shares or evidence of rights to receive shares with the custodian. Upon payment of its fees and expenses and of any taxes or charges, such as stamp taxes or stock transfer taxes or fees, the depositary will register the appropriate number of ADSs in the names you request and will deliver the ADSs to or upon the order of the person or persons that made the deposit.
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How can ADS holders withdraw the deposited securities?
You may surrender your ADSs at the depositarys corporate trust office. Upon payment of its fees and expenses and of any taxes or charges, such as stamp taxes or stock transfer taxes or fees, the depositary will deliver the shares and any other deposited securities underlying the ADSs to the ADS holder or a person the ADS holder designates at the office of the custodian. Or, at your request, risk and expense, the depositary will deliver the deposited securities at its corporate trust office, if feasible.
How do ADS holders interchange between certificated ADSs and uncertificated ADSs?
You may surrender your ADR to the depositary for the purpose of exchanging your ADR for uncertificated ADSs. The depositary will cancel that ADR and will send to the ADS holder a statement confirming that the ADS holder is the registered holder of uncertificated ADSs. Alternatively, upon receipt by the depositary of a proper instruction from a registered holder of uncertificated ADSs requesting the exchange of uncertificated ADSs for certificated ADSs, the depositary will execute and deliver to the ADS holder an ADR evidencing those ADSs.
Voting Rights
How do you vote?
ADS holders may instruct the depositary how to vote the number of deposited shares their ADSs represent. The depositary will notify ADS holders of shareholders meetings and arrange to deliver our voting materials to them if we ask it to. Those materials will describe the matters to be voted on and explain how ADS holders may instruct the depositary how to vote. For instructions to be valid, they much reach the depositary by a date set by the depositary.
Otherwise, you wont be able to exercise your right to vote unless you withdraw the shares. However, you may not know about the meeting enough in advance to withdraw the shares.
The depositary will try, as far as practical, subject to the laws of the Cayman Islands and of our articles of association or similar documents, to vote or to have its agents vote the shares or other deposited securities as instructed by ADS holders. The depositary will only vote or attempt to vote as instructed.
If we timely ask the depositary to solicit your voting instructions but the depositary does not receive your instructions by the date set by the depositary, the depositary will give a discretionary proxy to a person designated by us to vote the shares represented by your ADSs with respect to each matter to be voted on, unless we notify the depositary that (i) we do not wish to receive that proxy, (ii) substantial opposition exists to the particular question or (iii) the particular matter would materially and adversely affect the rights of holders of our shares.
We can not assure you that you will receive the voting materials in time to ensure that you can instruct the depositary to vote your shares. In addition, the depositary and its agents are not responsible for failing to carry out voting instructions or for the manner of carrying out voting instructions. This means that you may not be able to exercise your right to vote and there may be nothing you can do if your shares are not voted as you requested.
In order to give you a reasonable opportunity to instruct the Depositary as to the exercise of voting rights relating to Deposited Securities, if we request the Depositary to act, we agree to give the Depositary notice of any such meeting and details concerning the matters to be voted upon at least 30 days in advance of the meeting date.
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Fees and Expenses
Persons depositing or withdrawing shares or ADS holders must pay: |
For: |
|
$5.00 (or less) per 100 ADSs (or portion of 100 ADSs) |
Issuance of ADSs, including issuances resulting from a distribution of shares or rights or other property
Cancellation of ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal, including if the deposit agreement terminates |
|
$.05 (or less) per ADS |
Any cash distribution to ADS holders |
|
A fee equivalent to the fee that would be payable if securities distributed to you had been shares and the shares had been deposited for issuance of ADSs |
Distribution of securities distributed to holders of deposited securities which are distributed by the depositary to ADS holders |
|
$.05 (or less) per ADSs per calendar year |
Depositary services |
|
Registration or transfer fees |
Transfer and registration of shares on our share register to or from the name of the depositary or its agent when you deposit or withdraw shares |
|
Expenses of the depositary |
Cable, telex and facsimile transmissions (when expressly provided in the deposit agreement)
converting foreign currency to U.S. dollars |
|
Taxes and other governmental charges the depositary or the custodian has to pay on any ADSs or shares underlying ADSs, such as stock transfer taxes, stamp duty or withholding taxes |
As necessary |
|
Any charges incurred by the depositary or its agents for servicing the deposited securities |
As necessary |
The depositary collects its fees for delivery and surrender of ADSs directly from investors depositing 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 may collect any of its fees by deduction from any cash distribution payable to ADS holders that are obligated to pay those fees. The depositary may generally refuse to provide fee-attracting services until its fees for those services are paid.
From time to time, the depositary may make payments to us to reimburse and / or share revenue from the fees collected from ADS holders, or waive fees and expenses for services provided, generally relating to costs and expenses arising out of establishment and maintenance of the ADS program. In performing its duties under the deposit agreement, the depositary may use brokers, dealers or other service providers that are affiliates of the depositary and that may earn or share fees or commissions.
Payment of Taxes
You will be responsible for any taxes or other governmental charges payable on your ADSs or on the deposited securities represented by any of your ADSs. The depositary may refuse to register any transfer of your ADSs or allow you to withdraw the deposited securities represented by your ADSs until such taxes or other
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charges are paid. It may apply payments owed to you or sell deposited securities represented by your American Depositary Shares to pay any taxes owed and you will remain liable for any deficiency. If the depositary sells deposited securities, it will, if appropriate, reduce the number of ADSs to reflect the sale and pay to ADS holders any proceeds, or send to ADS holders any property, remaining after it has paid the taxes.
Reclassifications, Recapitalizations and Mergers
If we: |
Then: |
|
Change the nominal or par value of our shares |
The cash, shares or other securities received by the depositary will become deposited securities. Each ADS will automatically represent its equal share of the new deposited securities. | |
Reclassify, split up or consolidate any of the deposited securities |
||
Distribute securities on the shares that are not distributed to you |
The depositary may distribute new ADSs representing the new deposited securities or ask you to surrender your outstanding ADRs in exchange for new ADRs identifying the new deposited securities. | |
Recapitalize, reorganize, merge, liquidate, sell all or substantially all of our assets, or take any similar action |
Amendment and Termination
How may the deposit agreement be amended?
We may agree with the depositary to amend the deposit agreement and the ADRs without your consent for any reason. If an amendment adds or increases fees or charges, except for taxes and other governmental charges or expenses of the depositary for registration fees, facsimile costs, delivery charges or similar items, or prejudices a substantial right of ADS holders, it will not become effective for outstanding ADSs until 30 days after the depositary notifies ADS holders of the amendment. At the time an amendment becomes effective, you are considered, by continuing to hold your ADSs, to agree to the amendment and to be bound by the ADRs and the deposit agreement as amended .
How may the deposit agreement be terminated?
The depositary will terminate the deposit agreement at our direction by mailing notice of termination to the ADS holders then outstanding at least 30 days prior to the date fixed in such notice for such termination. The depositary may also terminate the deposit agreement by mailing notice of termination to us and the ADS holders if 60 days have passed since the depositary told us it wants to resign but a successor depositary has not been appointed and accepted its appointment.
After termination, the depositary and its agents will do the following under the deposit agreement but nothing else: collect distributions on the deposited securities, sell rights and other property, and deliver shares and other deposited securities upon cancellation of ADSs. Four months after termination, the depositary may sell any remaining deposited securities by public or private sale. After that, the depositary will hold the money it received on the sale, as well as any other cash it is holding under the deposit agreement for the pro rata benefit of the ADS holders that have not surrendered their ADSs. It will not invest the money and has no liability for interest. The depositarys only obligations will be to account for the money and other cash. After termination our only obligations will be to indemnify the depositary and to pay fees and expenses of the depositary that we agreed to pay.
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Limitations on Obligations and Liability
Limits on our Obligations and the Obligations of the Depositary; Limits on Liability to Holders of ADSs
The deposit agreement expressly limits our obligations and the obligations of the depositary. It also limits our liability and the liability of the depositary. We and the depositary:
| are only obligated to take the actions specifically set forth in the deposit agreement without negligence or bad faith; |
| are not liable if we are or it is prevented or delayed by law or circumstances beyond our control from performing our or its obligations under the deposit agreement; |
| are not liable if we or it exercises discretion permitted under the deposit agreement; |
| are not liable for the inability of any holder of ADSs to benefit from any distribution on deposited securities that is not made available to holders of ADSs under the terms of the deposit agreement, or for any special, consequential or punitive damages for any breach of the terms of the deposit agreement; |
| have no obligation to become involved in a lawsuit or other proceeding related to the ADSs or the deposit agreement on your behalf or on behalf of any other person; |
| are not liable for the acts or omissions of any securities depository, clearing agency or settlement system; and |
| may rely upon any documents we believe or it believes in good faith to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper person. |
In the deposit agreement, we and the depositary agree to indemnify each other under certain circumstances.
Requirements for Depositary Actions
Before the depositary will deliver or register a transfer of an ADS, make a distribution on an ADS, or permit withdrawal of shares, the depositary may require:
| payment of stock transfer or other taxes or other governmental charges and transfer or registration fees charged by third parties for the transfer of any shares or other deposited securities; |
| satisfactory proof of the identity and genuineness of any signature or other information it deems necessary; and |
| compliance with regulations it may establish, from time to time, consistent with the deposit agreement, including presentation of transfer documents. |
The depositary may refuse to deliver ADSs or register transfers of ADSs when the transfer books of the depositary or our transfer books are closed or at any time if the depositary or we think it advisable to do so.
Your Right to Receive the Shares Underlying your ADSs
ADS holders have the right to cancel their ADSs and withdraw the underlying shares at any time except:
| When temporary delays arise because: (i) the depositary has closed its transfer books or we have closed our transfer books; (ii) the transfer of shares is blocked to permit voting at a shareholders meeting; or (iii) we are paying a dividend on our shares. |
| When you owe money to pay fees, taxes and similar charges. |
| When it is necessary to prohibit withdrawals in order to comply with any laws or governmental regulations that apply to ADSs or to the withdrawal of shares or other deposited securities. |
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This right of withdrawal may not be limited by any other provision of the deposit agreement.
Pre-release of ADSs
The deposit agreement permits the depositary to deliver ADSs before deposit of the underlying shares. This is called a pre-release of the ADSs. The depositary may also deliver shares upon cancellation of pre-released ADSs (even if the ADSs are canceled before the pre-release transaction has been closed out). A pre-release is closed out as soon as the underlying shares are delivered to the depositary. The depositary may receive ADSs instead of shares to close out a pre-release. The depositary may pre-release ADSs only under the following conditions: (1) before or at the time of the pre-release, the person to whom the pre-release is being made represents to the depositary in writing that it or its customer owns the shares or ADSs to be deposited; (2) the pre-release is fully collateralized with cash or other collateral that the depositary considers appropriate; and (3) the depositary must be able to close out the pre-release on not more than five business days notice. In addition, the depositary will normally limit the number of shares represented by ADSs that may be outstanding at any time as a result of pre-release to no more than 30% of the amount of shares on deposit, although the depositary may change or disregard the limit from time to time if it thinks it is appropriate to do so.
Direct Registration System
In the deposit agreement, all parties to the deposit agreement acknowledge that the DRS and Profile Modification System, or Profile, will apply to uncertificated ADSs upon acceptance thereof to DRS by DTC. DRS is the system administered by DTC under which the depositary may register the ownership of uncertificated ADSs, which ownership will be confirmed by periodic statements sent by the depositary to the registered holders of uncertificated ADSs. Profile is a required feature of DRS that allows a DTC participant, claiming to act on behalf of a registered holder of ADSs, to direct the depositary to register a transfer of those ADSs to DTC or its nominee and to deliver those ADSs to the DTC account of that DTC participant without receipt by the depositary of prior authorization from the ADS holder to register that transfer.
In connection with and in accordance with the arrangements and procedures relating to DRS/Profile, the parties to the deposit agreement understand that the depositary will not determine whether the DTC participant that is claiming to be acting on behalf of an ADS holder in requesting registration of transfer and delivery described in the paragraph above has the actual authority to act on behalf of the ADS holder (notwithstanding any requirements under the Uniform Commercial Code). In the deposit agreement, the parties agree that the depositarys reliance on and compliance with instructions received by the depositary through the DRS/Profile System and in accordance with the deposit agreement will not constitute negligence or bad faith on the part of the depositary.
Shareholder communications; inspection of register of holders of ADSs
The depositary will make available for your inspection at its office all communications that it receives from us as a holder of deposited securities that we make generally available to holders of deposited securities. The depositary will send you copies of those communications if we ask it to. You have a right to inspect the register of holders of ADSs, but not for the purpose of contacting those holders about a matter unrelated to our business or the ADSs.
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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
Immediately following the completion of this offering, we will have 15,703,703 ADSs outstanding, representing 157,037,037 Class A ordinary shares, or approximately 11.4% of our outstanding ordinary shares, assuming (i) the underwriters do not exercise their over-allotment option to purchase additional ADSs and (ii) we will issue and sell a total of 37,037,037 Class A ordinary shares through the Concurrent Private Placement, which number of shares has been calculated based on the midpoint of the estimated initial public offering price range shown on the front cover page of this prospectus. All of the ADSs sold in this offering will be freely transferable by persons other than our affiliates without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act. Sales of substantial amounts of the ADSs in the public market could adversely affect prevailing market prices of the ADSs. Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our Class A ordinary shares or the ADSs, and while application has been made for the ADSs to be listed on NYSE, we cannot assure you that a regular trading market will develop in the ADSs. We do not expect that a trading market will develop for our ordinary shares not represented by the ADSs.
Lock-Up Agreements
Our directors, executive officers, existing shareholders and certain holders of our restricted shares have agreed, subject to some exceptions, not to transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any of our ordinary shares, in the form of ADSs or otherwise, or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for our ordinary shares, in the form of ADSs or otherwise, for a period of 180 days after the date of this prospectus. After the expiration of the 180-day period, the ordinary shares or ADSs held by our directors, executive officers and our existing shareholders may be sold subject to the restrictions under Rule 144 under the Securities Act or by means of registered public offerings.
Rule 144
All of or ordinary shares outstanding prior to this offering are restricted shares as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act and may be sold publicly in the United States only if they are subject to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act or pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements. Under Rule 144 as currently in effect, a person who has beneficially owned our restricted shares for at least six months is generally entitled to sell the restricted securities without registration under the Securities Act beginning 90 days after the date of this prospectus, subject to certain additional restrictions.
Our affiliates may sell within any three-month period a number of restricted shares that does not exceed the greater of the following:
| 1% of the then Class A outstanding ordinary shares, in the form of ADSs or otherwise, which will equal approximately 15,703,703 Class A ordinary shares immediately after this offering; or |
| the average weekly trading volume of our ordinary shares in the form of ADSs or otherwise, on NYSE, during the four calendar weeks preceding the date on which notice of the sale is filed with the SEC. |
Affiliates who sell restricted securities under Rule 144 may not solicit orders or arrange for the solicitation of orders, and they are also subject to notice requirements and the availability of current public information about us.
Persons who are not our affiliates are only subject to one of these additional restrictions, the requirement of the availability of current public information about us, and this additional restriction does not apply if they have beneficially owned our restricted shares for more than one year.
Rule 701
In general, under Rule 701 of the Securities Act as currently in effect, each of our employees, consultants or advisors who purchases our ordinary shares from us in connection with a compensatory stock or option plan or other written agreement relating to compensation is eligible to resell such ordinary shares 90 days after we become a reporting company under the Exchange Act in reliance on Rule 144, but without compliance with some of the restrictions, including the holding period, contained in Rule 144.
Registration Rights
Upon the completion of this offering, certain holders of our ordinary shares or their transferees will be entitled to request that we register their shares under the Securities Act, following the expiration of the lock-up agreements described above. See Description of Share CapitalRegistration Rights.
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The following summary of material Cayman Islands, PRC and United States federal income tax consequences of an investment in the ADSs or our Class A ordinary shares is based upon laws and relevant interpretations thereof in effect as of the date of this prospectus, all of which are subject to change. This summary does not deal with all possible tax consequences relating to an investment in the ADSs or our Class A ordinary shares, such as all possible tax consequences under U.S. state, local and other tax laws. To the extent that the discussion relates to matters of Cayman Islands tax law, it represents the opinion of Maples and Calder, our Cayman Islands counsel. To the extent that the discussion relates to matters of PRC tax law, it represents the opinion of Han Kun Law Offices, our PRC legal counsel. To the extent that the discussion states definitive legal conclusions under United States federal income tax law as to the material United States federal income tax consequences of an investment in the ADSs or our Class A ordinary shares, and subject to the qualifications herein, it represents the opinion of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, our special United States counsel.
Cayman Islands Taxation
The Cayman Islands currently levies no taxes on individuals or corporations based upon profits, income, gains or appreciation and there is no taxation in the nature of inheritance tax or estate duty. There are no other taxes likely to be material to us levied by the government of the Cayman Islands except for stamp duties which may be applicable on instruments executed in, or after execution brought within the jurisdiction of, the Cayman Islands. There are no exchange control regulations or currency restrictions in the Cayman Islands.
Peoples Republic of China Taxation
Under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, or the EIT Law, which became effective on January 1, 2008, an enterprise established outside the PRC with de facto management bodies within the PRC is considered a resident enterprise for PRC enterprise income tax purposes and is generally subject to a uniform 25% enterprise income tax rate on its worldwide income.
On April 22, 2009, the State Administration of Taxation, or the SAT, issued the Notice Regarding the Determination of Chinese-Controlled Overseas Incorporated Enterprises as PRC Tax Resident Enterprise on the Basis of De Facto Management Bodies, or SAT 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. Further to SAT Circular 82, on July 27, 2011, the SAT issued the Administrative Measures for Enterprise Income Tax of Chinese-Controlled Offshore Incorporated Resident Enterprises (Trial), or SAT Bulletin 45, to provide more guidance on the implementation of SAT Circular 82; the bulletin became effective on September 1, 2011. SAT Bulletin 45 clarified certain issues in the areas of resident status determination, post-determination administration and competent tax authorities procedures. According to SAT Circular 82, an offshore incorporated enterprise controlled by a PRC enterprise or a PRC enterprise group will be considered as a PRC tax resident enterprise by virtue of having its de facto management body in China only if all of the following conditions are met: (a) the senior management and core management departments in charge of its daily operations function have their presence mainly in the PRC; (b) its financial and human resources decisions are subject to determination or approval by persons or bodies in the PRC; (c) its major assets, accounting books, company seals, and minutes and files of its board and shareholders meetings are located or kept in the PRC; and (d) more than half of the enterprises directors or senior management with voting rights habitually reside in the PRC. Although SAT Circular 82 and SAT Bulletin 45 only apply to offshore incorporated enterprises controlled by PRC enterprises or PRC enterprise groups and not those controlled by PRC individuals or foreigners, the determination criteria set forth therein may reflect the SATs general position on how the term de facto management body could be applied in determining the tax resident status of offshore enterprises, regardless of whether they are controlled by PRC enterprises, individuals or foreigners.
We do not believe Cheetah Mobile Inc. meets all of the criteria described above. We believe that none of Cheetah Mobile Inc. and its subsidiaries outside of China is a PRC tax resident enterprise, because none of them
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is controlled by a PRC enterprise or PRC enterprise group, and because their records (including the resolutions of its board of directors and the resolutions of shareholders) are maintained outside the PRC. However, as the tax resident status of an enterprise is subject to determination by the PRC tax authorities and uncertainties remain with respect to the interpretation of the term de facto management body when applied to our offshore entities, we may be considered as a resident enterprise and may therefore be subject to PRC enterprise income tax at 25% on our global income. In addition, if the PRC tax authorities determine that the Company is a PRC resident enterprise for PRC enterprise income tax purposes, dividends paid by us to non-PRC holders may be subject to PRC withholding tax, and gains realized on the sale or other disposition of ADSs or ordinary shares may be subject to PRC tax, at a rate of 10% in the case of non-PRC enterprises or 20% in the case of non-PRC individuals (in each case, subject to the provisions of any applicable tax treaty), if such dividends or gains are deemed to be from PRC sources. Any such tax may reduce the returns on your investment in the ADSs.
If we are considered a non-resident enterprise by the PRC tax authorities, the dividends paid to us by our PRC subsidiaries will be subject to a 10% withholding tax. The EIT Law also imposes a withholding income tax of 10% on dividends distributed by an foreign invested enterprise to its immediate holding company outside of China, if such immediate holding company is considered as a non-resident enterprise without any establishment or place within China or if the received dividends have no connection with the establishment or place of such immediate holding company within China, unless such immediate holding companys jurisdiction of incorporation has a tax treaty with China that provides for a different withholding arrangement. The Cayman Islands, where our Company is incorporated, and the British Virgin Islands, where our subsidiary Conew.com Corporation was incorporated, do not have such tax treaties with China. Our US subsidiary is not an immediate holding company of any of our PRC Subsidiaries. Under the Arrangement Between the PRC and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on the Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income and Capital, the dividend withholding tax rate may be reduced to 5%, if a Hong Kong resident enterprise that receives a dividend is considered a non-PRC tax resident enterprise and holds at least 25% of the equity interests in the PRC enterprise distributing the dividends, subject to approval of the PRC local tax authority. However, if the Hong Kong resident enterprise is not considered to be the beneficial owner of such dividends under applicable PRC tax regulations, such dividends may remain subject to withholding tax at a rate of 10%. Accordingly, Cheetah Technology Corporation Limited may be able to enjoy the 5% withholding tax rate for the dividends it receives from our PRC subsidiaries if it satisfies the relevant conditions under tax rules and regulations, and obtains the approvals as required.
United States Federal Income Tax Considerations
The following discussion is a summary of United States federal income tax considerations relating to the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of the ADSs or our Class A ordinary shares by a U.S. holder (as defined below) that acquires the ADSs in this offering and holds the ADSs or our 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). This discussion is based upon existing United States federal income tax law, which is subject to differing interpretations or change, possibly with retroactive effect. No ruling has been sought from the Internal Revenue Service (the IRS) with respect to any United States federal income tax consequences described below, and there can be no assurance that the IRS or a court will not take a contrary position. This discussion does not address all aspects of United States federal income taxation that may be important to particular investors in light of their individual circumstances, including investors subject to special tax rules (for example, certain financial institutions, insurance companies, broker-dealers, traders in securities that have elected the mark-to-market method of accounting for their securities, partnerships and their partners, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, and tax-exempt organizations (including private foundations)), investors who are not U.S. holders, investors who own (directly, indirectly, or constructively) 10% or more of our voting stock, investors that will hold their ADSs or Class A ordinary shares as part of a straddle, hedge, conversion, constructive sale, or other integrated transaction for United States federal income tax purposes, or investors that have a functional currency other than the United States dollar, all of whom may be subject to tax rules that differ significantly from those summarized below. In addition, except to the extent
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described below, this discussion does not discuss any non-United States, alternative minimum tax, state, or local tax considerations, or the Medicare tax. Each U.S. holder is urged to consult its tax advisors regarding the United States federal, state, local, and non-United States income and other tax considerations of an investment in the ADSs or our Class A ordinary shares.
General
For purposes of this discussion, a U.S. holder is a beneficial owner of the ADSs or our Class A ordinary shares that is, for United States federal income tax purposes, (i) an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation (or other entity treated as a corporation for United States federal income tax purposes) created in, or organized under the laws of, the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia, (iii) an estate the income of which is includible in gross income for United States federal income tax purposes regardless of its source, or (iv) a trust (A) the administration of which is subject to the primary supervision of a United States court and which has one or more United States persons who have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (B) that has otherwise elected to be treated as a United States person under the Code.
If a partnership (or other entity treated as a partnership for United States federal income tax purposes) is a beneficial owner of the ADSs or our Class A ordinary shares, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Partnerships holding the ADSs or our Class A ordinary shares and partners in such partnerships are urged to consult their tax advisors as to the particular United States federal income tax consequences of an investment in the ADSs or our Class A ordinary shares.
For United States federal income tax purposes, a U.S. holder of ADSs will generally be treated as the beneficial owner of the underlying shares represented by the ADSs. Accordingly, deposits or withdrawals of Class A ordinary shares for ADSs will generally not be subject to United States federal income tax. The United States Treasury has expressed concerns that parties to whom American depositary shares are released before shares are delivered to the depositary (a pre-release transaction), or intermediaries in the chain of ownership between holders of American depositary shares and the issuer of the security underlying the American depositary shares, may be taking actions that are inconsistent with the claiming of foreign tax credits by holders of American depositary shares. These actions would also be inconsistent with the claiming of the reduced rate of tax, described below, applicable to dividends received by certain non-corporate holders. Accordingly, the creditability of any PRC taxes, and the availability of the reduced tax rate for dividends received by certain non-corporate U.S. holders, each described below, could be affected by actions taken by such parties or intermediaries in respect of a pre-release transaction.
Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations
A non-United States corporation, such as our company, will be a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, for United States federal income tax purposes, if, in the case of any particular taxable year, either (i) 75% or more of its gross income for such year consists of certain types of passive income or (ii) 50% or more of the average quarterly value of its assets (as determined on the basis of fair market value) during such year produce or are held for the production of passive income. For this purpose, cash is categorized as a passive asset and the companys unbooked intangibles associated with active business activities may generally be classified as active assets. Passive income generally includes, among other things, dividends, interest, rents, royalties, and gains from the disposition of passive assets. We will be treated as owning a proportionate share of the assets and earning a proportionate share of the income of any other corporation in which we own, directly or indirectly, more than 25% (by value) of the stock.
Although the law in this regard is unclear, we treat our VIEs as being owned by us for United States federal income tax purposes, not only because we exercise effective control over the operation of such entities but also
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because we are entitled to substantially all of their economic benefits, and, as a result, we consolidate their results of operations in our consolidated financial statements. Assuming that we are the owner of our VIEs for United States federal income tax purposes, and based upon our current and expected income and assets (taking into account the expected proceeds from this offering) and projections as to the value of the ADSs and our Class A ordinary shares immediately following the offering, we do not presently expect to be a PFIC for the current taxable year or the foreseeable future.
While we do not expect to become a PFIC in the current or future taxable years, the determination of whether we will be or become a PFIC will depend in part upon the value of our goodwill and other unbooked intangibles (which will depend upon the market value of the ADSs or our Class A ordinary shares from time-to-time, which may be volatile). In estimating the value of our goodwill and other unbooked intangibles, we have taken into account our anticipated market capitalization immediately following the close of this offering. Among other matters, if our market capitalization is less than anticipated or subsequently declines, we may be or become a PFIC for the current or future taxable years. It is also possible that the IRS may challenge our classification or valuation of our goodwill and other unbooked intangibles, which may result in our company being, or becoming a PFIC for the current or one or more future taxable years.
The determination of whether we will be or become a PFIC will also depend, in part, on the composition of our income and assets, which may be affected by how, and how quickly, we use our liquid assets and the cash raised in this offering. Under circumstances where we determine not to deploy significant amounts of cash for active purposes or if we were treated as not owning our VIEs for United States federal income tax purposes, our risk of being classified as a PFIC may substantially increase. Because our PFIC status for any taxable year is a factual determination that can be made only after the close of a taxable year, there can be no assurance that we will not be a PFIC for the current taxable year or any future taxable year. Because PFIC status is determined annually based on the facts at the relevant time, our special United States counsel expresses no opinion with respect to our PFIC status for any taxable year and also expresses no opinion with respect to our expectations regarding our PFIC status. If we were a PFIC for any year during which a U.S. holder held the ADSs or our Class A ordinary shares, we generally would continue to be treated as a PFIC for all succeeding years during which such U.S. holder held the ADSs or our Class A ordinary shares.
The discussion below under Dividends and Sale or Other Disposition of ADSs or Ordinary Shares is written on the basis that we will not be a PFIC for United States federal income tax purposes. The United States federal income tax rules that apply if we are a PFIC for the current taxable year or any subsequent taxable year are generally discussed below under Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules.
Dividends
Subject to the PFIC rules discussed below, any cash distributions (including the amount of any tax withheld) paid on the ADSs or our Class A ordinary shares out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under United States federal income tax principles, will generally be includible in the gross income of a U.S. holder as dividend income on the day actually or constructively received by the U.S. holder, in the case of Class A ordinary shares, or by the depositary, in the case of ADSs. Because we do not intend to determine our earnings and profits on the basis of United States federal income tax principles, any distribution paid will generally be reported as a dividend for United States federal income tax purposes. A non-corporate recipient of dividend income will generally be subject to tax on dividend income from a qualified foreign corporation at a reduced United States federal tax rate rather than the marginal tax rates generally applicable to ordinary income provided that certain holding period requirements are met.
A non-United States corporation (other than a corporation that is a PFIC for the taxable year in which the dividend is paid or the preceding taxable year) will generally be considered to be a qualified foreign corporation (a) if it is eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive tax treaty with the United States which the Secretary of Treasury of the United States determines is satisfactory for purposes of this provision and which includes an
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exchange of information program, or (b) with respect to any dividend it pays on stock (or ADSs in respect of such stock) which is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States. We have applied to list the ADSs on the NYSE. Provided the listing is approved, we believe that the ADSs will be readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States and that we will be a qualified foreign corporation with respect to dividends paid on the ADSs. Since we do not expect that our Class A ordinary shares will be listed on established securities markets, it is unclear whether dividends that we pay on our Class A ordinary shares that are not backed by ADSs currently meet the conditions required for the reduced tax rate. There can be no assurance that the ADSs will continue to be considered readily tradable on an established securities market in later years. In the event we are deemed to be a resident enterprise under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, we may be eligible for the benefits of the United States-PRC income tax treaty (which the U.S. Treasury Department has determined is satisfactory for this purpose) and in that case we would be treated as a qualified foreign corporation with respect to dividends paid on our Class A ordinary shares or ADSs. Each non-corporate U.S. holder is advised to consult its tax advisors regarding the availability of the reduced tax rate applicable to qualified dividend income for any dividends we pay with respect to the ADSs or our Class A ordinary shares. Dividends received on the ADSs or Class A ordinary shares will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction allowed to corporations.
Dividends will generally be treated as income from foreign sources for United States foreign tax credit purposes and will generally constitute passive category income. In the event that we are deemed to be a PRC resident enterprise under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, a U.S. holder may be subject to PRC withholding taxes on dividends paid on the ADSs or our Class A ordinary shares. (See Peoples Republic of China Taxation) A U.S. holder may be eligible, subject to a number of complex limitations, to claim a foreign tax credit in respect of any foreign withholding taxes imposed on dividends received on ADSs or Class A ordinary shares. A U.S. holder who does not elect to claim a foreign tax credit for foreign tax withheld may instead claim a deduction, for United States federal income tax purposes, in respect of such withholdings, but only for a year in which such U.S. holder elects to do so for all creditable foreign income taxes. The rules governing the foreign tax credit are complex. U.S. holders are advised to consult their tax advisors regarding the availability of the foreign tax credit under their particular circumstances.
Sale or Other Disposition of ADSs or Ordinary Shares
Subject to the PFIC rules discussed below, a U.S. holder will generally recognize capital gain or loss upon the sale or other disposition of ADSs or ordinary shares in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized upon the disposition and the U.S. holders adjusted tax basis in such ADSs or Class A ordinary shares. Any capital gain or loss will be long-term if the ADSs or Class A ordinary shares have been held for more than one year and will generally be United States source gain or loss for United States foreign tax credit purposes. Long-term capital gain of non-corporate U.S. holders is generally eligible for a reduced rate of taxation. The deductibility of a capital loss may be subject to limitations. In the event that we are treated as a PRC resident enterprise under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law and gain from the disposition of the ADSs or Class A ordinary shares is subject to tax in the PRC, a U.S. holder that is eligible for the benefits of the income tax treaty between the United States and the PRC may elect to treat the gain as PRC source income. U.S. holders are advised to consult its tax advisors regarding the tax consequences if a foreign tax is imposed on a disposition of the ADSs or our Class A ordinary shares, including the availability of the foreign tax credit under their particular circumstances.
Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules
If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. holder holds the ADSs or our Class A ordinary shares, and unless the U.S. holder makes a mark-to-market election (as described below), the U.S. holder will generally be subject to special tax rules that have a penalizing effect, regardless of whether we remain a PFIC, for subsequent taxable years, on (i) any excess distribution that we make to the U.S. holder (which generally means any distribution paid during a taxable year to a U.S. holder that is greater than 125% of the average annual
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distributions paid in the three preceding taxable years or, if shorter, the U.S. holders holding period for the ADSs or Class A ordinary shares), and (ii) any gain realized on the sale or other disposition, including, under certain circumstances, a pledge, of ADSs or Class A ordinary shares. Under the PFIC rules:
| such excess distribution and/or gain will be allocated ratably over the U.S. holders holding period for the ADSs or Class A ordinary shares; |
| such amount allocated to the current taxable year and any taxable years in the U.S. holders holding period prior to the first taxable year in which we are a PFIC, or pre-PFIC year, will be taxable as ordinary income; |
| such amount allocated to each prior taxable year, other than a pre-PFIC year, will be subject to tax at the highest tax rate in effect applicable to the U.S. holder for that year; and |
| an interest charge generally applicable to underpayments of tax will be imposed on the tax attributable to each prior taxable year, other than a pre-PFIC year. |
If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. holder holds the ADSs or our Class A ordinary shares and any of our non-United States subsidiaries is also a PFIC, such U.S. 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. U.S. holders are advised to consult their tax advisors regarding the application of the PFIC rules to any of our subsidiaries.
As an alternative to the foregoing rules, a U.S. holder of marketable stock in a PFIC may make a mark-to-market election with respect to the ADSs, provided that the ADSs are regularly traded on NYSE. If a mark-to-market election is made, the U.S. holder will generally (i) include as ordinary income for each taxable year that we are a PFIC the excess, if any, of the fair market value of ADSs held at the end of the taxable year over the adjusted tax basis of such ADSs and (ii) deduct as an ordinary loss the excess, if any, of the adjusted tax basis of the ADSs over the fair market value of such ADSs held at the end of the taxable year, but only to the extent of the net amount previously included in income as a result of the mark-to-market election. The U.S. holders adjusted tax basis in the ADSs would be adjusted to reflect any income or loss resulting from the mark-to-market election. If a U.S. holder makes an effective mark-to-market election, in each year that we are a PFIC any gain recognized upon the sale or other disposition of the ADSs will be treated as ordinary income and 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.
If a U.S. holder makes a mark-to-market election in respect of a PFIC and such corporation ceases to be a PFIC, the U.S. holder will not be required to take into account the mark-to-market gain or loss described above during any period that such corporation is not a PFIC.
Because a mark-to-market election cannot be made for any lower-tier PFICs that a PFIC may own, a U.S. holder who makes a mark-to-market election with respect to the ADSs may continue to be subject to the general PFIC rules with respect to such U.S. holders indirect interest in any of our non-United States subsidiaries if any of them is a PFIC.
We do not intend to provide information necessary for U.S. holders to make qualified electing fund elections, which, if available, would result in tax treatment different from the general tax treatment for PFICs described above.
As discussed above under Dividends, dividends that we pay on the ADSs or our Class A ordinary shares will not be eligible for the reduced tax rate that applies to qualified dividend income if we are a PFIC for the taxable year in which the dividend is paid or the preceding taxable year. In addition, if a U.S. holder owns the ADSs or our Class A ordinary shares during any taxable year that we are a PFIC, such holder would generally be required to file an annual IRS Form 8621. Each U.S. holder is advised to consult its tax advisors regarding the potential tax consequences to such holder if we are or become a PFIC, including the possibility of making a mark-to-market election.
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Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
Certain individual U.S. holders (and under proposed Treasury Regulations, certain entities) may be required to report information to the IRS and backup withholding relating to an interest in specified foreign financial assets, including shares issued by a non-United States corporation, for any year in which the aggregate value of all specified foreign financial assets exceeds US$50,000 (or a higher dollar amount prescribed by the IRS), subject to certain exceptions (including an exception for shares held in custodial accounts maintained with a United States financial institution). These rules also impose penalties if a U.S. holder is required to submit such information to the IRS and fails to do so.
In addition, U.S. holders may be subject to information reporting to the IRS and backup withholding with respect to dividends on and proceeds from the sale or other disposition of the ADSs or our Class A ordinary shares. Each U.S. holder is advised to consult with its tax advisor regarding the application of the United States information reporting rules to their particular circumstances.
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Under the terms and subject to the conditions contained in an underwriting agreement dated the date of this prospectus, the underwriters named below, for whom Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC are acting as representatives, have severally agreed to purchase, and we have agreed to sell to them, severally, the number of ADSs indicated below:
Name |
Number of
ADSs |
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Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc |
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J.P. Morgan Securities LLC |
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Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC |
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Macquarie Capital (USA) Inc. |
||||
Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. |
||||
|
|
|||
Total |
12,000,000 | |||
|
|
The underwriters and the representatives are collectively referred to as the underwriters and the representatives, respectively. The underwriters are offering the ADSs subject to their acceptance of the ADSs from us and subject to prior sale. The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the several underwriters to pay for and accept delivery of the ADSs offered by this prospectus are subject to the approval of certain legal matters by their counsel and to certain other conditions, including the absence of any material adverse change in our business and the receipt of certain certificates, opinions and letters from us, our counsel and the independent accountants. The underwriters are obligated, severally and not jointly, to take and pay for all of the ADSs offered by this prospectus if any such ADSs are taken. The underwriters are not required, however, to take or pay for the ADSs covered by the underwriters over-allotment option to purchase additional ADSs described below. Any offers or sales the ADSs in the United States will be conducted by registered broker-dealers in the United States.
The underwriters initially propose to offer part of the ADSs directly to the public at the initial public offering price listed on the cover page of this prospectus and part to certain dealers at a price that represents a concession not in excess of US$ per ADS under the initial public offering price. After the initial offering of the ADSs, the offering price and other selling terms may from time to time be varied by the representatives.
We have granted to the underwriters an option, exercisable for 30 days from the date of this prospectus, to purchase up to an aggregate of 1,800,000 additional ADSs at the public offering price listed on the cover page of this prospectus less underwriting discounts and commissions. The underwriters may exercise this option solely for the purpose of covering over-allotments, if any, made in connection with the offering of the ADSs offered by this prospectus. To the extent the option is exercised, each underwriter will become obligated, subject to certain conditions, to purchase about the same percentage of the additional ADSs as the number listed next to the underwriters name in the preceding table bears to the total number of ADSs listed in the preceding table. If the underwriters option is exercised in full, the total price to the public would be US$ , the total underwriters discounts and commissions would be US$ and the total proceeds to us (before expenses) would be US$ .
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The table below shows the per ADS and total underwriting discounts and commissions that we will pay to the underwriters. The underwriting discounts and commissions are determined by negotiations among us and the underwriters and are a percentage of the offering price to the public. Among the factors considered in determining the discounts and commissions are the size of the offering, the nature of the security to be offered and the discounts and commissions charged in comparable transactions.
These amounts are shown assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriters option to purchase up to an additional 1,800,000 ADSs.
Underwriting Discounts and Commissions |
No Exercise | Full Exercise | ||||||
Per ADS |
US$ | US$ | ||||||
Total by us. |
US$ | US$ |
The underwriters have informed us that they do not intend sales to discretionary accounts to exceed five percent of the total number of ADSs offered by them.
The total expenses of the offering payable by us, excluding underwriting discounts and commissions, will be approximately US$3.2 million. Expenses include the SEC and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or FINRA, filing fees, the NYSE listing fee, and printing, legal, accounting and miscellaneous expenses.
We have applied to list the ADSs on NYSE under the symbol CMCM.
We have agreed that, without the prior written consent of the representatives, subject to certain exceptions, we and they will not, during the period ending 180 days after the date of this prospectus:
| offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any ordinary shares or ADSs or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for ordinary shares or ADSs; |
| enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the ordinary shares or ADSs; or |
| file any registration statement with the SEC relating to the offering of any ordinary shares, ADSs or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for ordinary shares or ADSs (other than a registration statement on Form S-8), |
whether any such transaction described above is to be settled by delivery of ordinary shares, ADSs, or such other securities, in cash or otherwise.
Our directors, executive officers, existing shareholders and certain holders of restricted shares have agreed that, without the prior written consent of the representatives, such director, officer, shareholder or certain holder of restricted shares subject to certain exceptions (including the assured entitlement distribution) will not, during the period ending 180 days after the date of this prospectus:
| offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any ordinary shares or ADSs or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for ordinary shares or ADSs; or |
| enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the ordinary shares or ADSs, |
whether any such transaction described above is to be settled by delivery of ordinary shares, ADSs, or such other securities, in cash or otherwise.
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Each of the representatives, in its sole discretion, may release the ADSs and other securities subject to the lock-up agreements described above in whole or in part at any time.
In addition, we will instruct The Bank of New York Mellon, as depositary, not to accept any deposit of any ordinary shares or issue any ADSs for 180 days after the date of this prospectus (other than in connection with this offering or the assured entitlement distribution), unless we instruct the depositary otherwise.
Concurrently with, and subject to, the completion of this offering, we will issue and sell to Kingsoft Corporation Limited, Xiaomi Ventures Limited and Baidu Holdings Limited US$10 million, US$20 million and US$20 million, respectively, of our Class A ordinary shares at a price per share equal to the initial public offering price adjusted to reflect the ADS-to ordinary share ratio. Assuming the mid-point of the estimated initial public offering price range shown on the front cover page of this prospectus, Kingsoft Corporation Limited, Xiaomi Ventures Limited and Baidu Holdings Limited will purchase a total of 37,037,037 Class A ordinary shares from us. Our proposed issuance and sale of Class A ordinary shares to Kingsoft Corporation Limited, Xiaomi Ventures Limited and Baidu Holdings Limited is being made through a private placement pursuant to an exemption from registration with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act. Under the subscription agreement executed on April 25, 2014, the completion of this offering is the only substantive closing condition precedent for this private placement. If this offering is completed, this private placement will be completed at the same time as the completion of this offering. Each of Kingsoft Corporation Limited, Xiaomi Ventures Limited and Baidu Holdings Limited has agreed with the underwriters not to, directly or indirectly, sell, transfer or dispose of any Class A ordinary shares acquired in the private placement for a period of 180 days after the date of this prospectus, subject to certain exceptions.
To facilitate this offering of the ADSs, the underwriters may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the ADSs. Specifically, the underwriters may sell more ADSs than they are obligated to purchase under the underwriting agreement, creating a short position. A short sale is covered if the short position is no greater than the number of ADSs available for purchase by the underwriters under the over- allotment option. The underwriters can close out a covered short sale by exercising the over-allotment option or purchasing ADSs in the open market. In determining the source of ADSs to close out a covered short sale, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the open market price of ADSs compared to the price available under the over-allotment option. The underwriters may also sell ADSs in excess of the over-allotment option, creating a naked short position. The underwriters must close out any naked short position by purchasing ADSs in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of the ADSs in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in this offering. In addition, to stabilize the price of the ADSs, the underwriters may bid for, and purchase, ADSs in the open market. Finally, the underwriting syndicate may reclaim selling concessions allowed to an underwriter or a dealer for distributing the ADSs in this offering, if the syndicate repurchases previously distributed ADSs to cover syndicate short positions or to stabilize the price of the ADSs. Any of these activities may raise or maintain the market price of the ADSs above independent market levels or prevent or retard a decline in the market price of the ADSs. The underwriters are not required to engage in these activities, and may end any of these activities at any time.
From time to time, the underwriters may have provided, and may continue to provide, investment banking and other financial advisory services to us, our officers or our directors for which they have received or will receive customary fees and commissions. In addition, from time to time, certain of the underwriters and their affiliates may effect transactions for their own account or the account of customers, and hold on behalf of themselves or their customers, long or short positions in our debt or equity securities or loans, and may do so in the future.
We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act and liabilities incurred in connection with the directed share program referred to below. If we are
188
unable to provide this indemnification, we will contribute to payments that the underwriters may be required to make for these liabilities.
At our request, the underwriters have reserved for sale, at the initial public offering price, up to ADSs offered by this prospectus to our directors, officers, employees, business associates and related persons. We will pay all fees and disbursements of counsel incurred by the underwriters in connection with offering the ADSs to such persons. Any sales to these persons will be made through a directed share program. The number of ADSs available for sale to the general public will be reduced to the extent such persons purchase such reserved ADSs. Any reserved ADSs not so purchased will be offered by the underwriters to the general public on the same basis as the other ADSs offered by this prospectus.
The address of Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc is 25 Cabot Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 4QA, United Kingdom. The address of J.P. Morgan Securities LLC is 383 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10179, United States of America.
Electronic Offer, Sale and Distribution of ADSs
A prospectus in electronic format may be made available on websites maintained by one or more underwriters, or selling group members, if any, participating in this offering. The representatives may agree to allocate a number of ADSs to underwriters for sale to their online brokerage account holders. Internet distributions will be allocated by the representatives to underwriters that may make Internet distributions on the same basis as other allocations. In addition, ADSs may be sold by the underwriters to securities dealers who resell ADSs to online brokerage account holders. Other than the prospectus in electronic format, the information on any underwriters or selling group members website and any information contained in any other website maintained by any underwriter or selling group member is not part of the prospectus or the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, has not been approved and/or endorsed by us or any underwriter or selling group member in its capacity as underwriter or selling group member and should not be relied upon by investors.
Pricing of the Offering
Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for the ordinary shares or ADSs. The initial public offering price is determined by negotiations between us and the representatives. Among the factors considered in determining the initial public offering price are our future prospects and those of our industry in general, our sales, earnings, certain other financial and operating information in recent periods, the price-earnings ratios, price-sales ratios and market prices of securities and certain financial and operating information of companies engaged in activities similar to ours, the general condition of the securities markets at the time of this offering, the recent market prices of, and demand for, publicly traded ordinary share of generally comparable companies, and other factors deemed relevant by the representatives and us. Neither we nor the underwriters can assure investors that an active trading market will develop for the ADSs, or that the ADSs will trade in the public market at or above the initial public offering price.
Selling Restrictions
No action has been taken in any jurisdiction (except in the United States) that would permit a public offering of the ADSs, or the possession, circulation or distribution of this prospectus or any other material relating to us or the ADSs in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required. Accordingly, the ADSs may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, and neither this prospectus nor any other offering material relating to the ADSs may be distributed or published, in or from any jurisdiction except under circumstances that will result in compliance with the applicable laws and regulations thereof.
Australia. This prospectus is not a formal disclosure document and has not been, nor will be, lodged with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. It does not purport to contain all information that an
189
investor or their professional advisers would expect to find in a prospectus or other disclosure document (as defined in the Corporations Act 2001 (Australia)) for the purposes of Part 6D.2 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Australia) or in a product disclosure statement for the purposes of Part 7.9 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Australia), in either case, in relation to the ADSs.
The ADSs are not being offered in Australia to retail clients as defined in sections 761G and 761GA of the Corporations Act 2001 (Australia). This offering is being made in Australia solely to wholesale clients for the purposes of section 761G of the Corporations Act 2001 (Australia) and, as such, no prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document in relation to the ADSs has been, or will be, prepared.
This prospectus does not constitute an offer in Australia other than to wholesale clients. By submitting an application for the ADSs, you represent and warrant to us that you are a wholesale client for the purposes of section 761G of the Corporations Act 2001 (Australia). If any recipient of this prospectus is not a wholesale client, no offer of, or invitation to apply for, the ADSs shall be deemed to be made to such recipient and no applications for the ADSs will be accepted from such recipient. Any offer to a recipient in Australia, and any agreement arising from acceptance of such offer, is personal and may only be accepted by the recipient. In addition, by applying for the ADSs you undertake to us that, for a period of 12 months from the date of issue of the ADSs, you will not transfer any interest in the ADSs to any person in Australia other than to a wholesale client.
Cayman Islands. This prospectus does not constitute a public offer of the ADSs or ordinary shares, whether by way of sale or subscription, in the Cayman Islands. Each underwriter has represented and agreed that it has not offered or sold, and will not offer or sell, directly or indirectly, any ADSs or ordinary shares in the Cayman Islands.
European Economic Area. In relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area which has implemented the Prospectus Directive (each, a Relevant Member State) an offer to the public of any ADS may not be made in that Relevant Member State, except that an offer to the public in that Relevant Member State of any ADS may be made at any time under the following exemptions under the Prospectus Directive, if they have been implemented in that Relevant Member State:
(a) to any legal entity which is a qualified investor as defined in the Prospectus Directive;
(b) to fewer than 100 or, if the Relevant Member State has implemented the relevant provision of the 2010 PD Amending Directive, 150, natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined in the Prospectus Directive), as permitted under the Prospectus Directive, subject to obtaining the prior consent of the representatives for any such offer; or
(c) in any other circumstances falling within Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive, provided that no such offer of ADS shall result in a requirement for the publication by us or any underwriter of a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive.
For the purposes of this provision, the expression an offer of ADSs to the public in relation to any ADS in any Relevant Member State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and any ADS to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase any ADS, as the same may be varied in that Member State by any measure implementing the Prospectus Directive in that Member State, the expression Prospectus Directive means Directive 2003/71/EC (and amendments thereto, including the 2010 PD Amending Directive, to the extent implemented in the Relevant Member State), and includes any relevant implementing measure in the Relevant Member State, and the expression 2010 PD Amending Directive means Directive 2010/73/EU.
Japan. The underwriters will not offer or sell any of the ADSs directly or indirectly in Japan or to, or for the benefit of any Japanese person or to others, for re-offering or re-sale directly or indirectly in Japan or to any Japanese person, except in each case pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of, and otherwise in compliance with, the Securities and Exchange Law of Japan and any other applicable laws and
190
regulations of Japan. For purposes of this paragraph, Japanese person means any person resident in Japan, including any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan.
Hong Kong. The underwriters and each of their affiliates have not (i) offered or sold, and will not offer or sell, in Hong Kong, by means of any document, the ADSs other than (a) to professional investors as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) of Hong Kong and any rules made under that Ordinance or (b) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a prospectus as defined in the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 32 of Hong Kong or which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of that Ordinance or (ii) issued or had in its possession for the purposes of issue, and will not issue or have in its possession for the purposes of issue, whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere any advertisement, invitation or document relating to the ADSs which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public in Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the securities laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to the ADSs which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to professional investors as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance or any rules made under that Ordinance.
Singapore. This prospectus or any other offering material relating to the ADSs has not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore under the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore, or the SFA. Accordingly, the underwriters have severally represented, warranted and agreed that (a) they have not offered or sold any of the ADSs or caused the ADSs to be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase and it will not offer or sell any of the ADSs or cause the ADSs to be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, and (b) they have not circulated or distributed, and they will not circulate or distribute, this prospectus and any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of the ADSs, whether directly or indirectly, to the public or any member of the public in Singapore other than (i) to an institutional investor as specified in Section 274 of the SFA, (ii) to a relevant person (as defined in Section 275 of the SFA) and in accordance with the conditions specified in Section 275 of the SFA or (iii) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA.
United Kingdom . Each underwriter has represented and agreed that:
(a) it has only communicated or caused to be communicated and will only communicate or cause to be communicated an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of Section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA) received by it in connection with the issue or sale of the ADSs in circumstances in which Section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply to us; and
(b) it has complied and will comply with all applicable provisions of the FSMA with respect to anything done by it in relation to the ADSs in, from or otherwise involving the United Kingdom.
Peoples Republic of China . This prospectus may not be circulated or distributed in the PRC and the ADSs may not be offered or sold, and will not offer or sell to any person for re-offering or resale directly or indirectly to any resident of the PRC except pursuant to applicable laws and regulations of the PRC.
191
EXPENSES RELATING TO THIS OFFERING
Set forth below is an itemization of the total expenses, excluding underwriting discounts and commissions, that we expect to incur in connection with this offering. With the exception of the SEC registration fee, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or FINRA, filing fee and the NYSE listing fee, all amounts are estimates.
(in US$) | ||||
SEC registration fee |
$ | 38,640 | ||
NYSE listing fee |
250,000 | |||
FINRA filing fee |
45,500 | |||
Printing and engraving expenses |
288,000 | |||
Legal fees and expenses |
1,879,000 | |||
Accounting fees and expenses |
570,000 | |||
Miscellaneous |
139,133 | |||
|
|
|||
Total |
$ | 3,210,273 | ||
|
|
We will bear the expenses, including underwriting discounts and commissions incurred in connection with this offering.
192
The validity of the ADSs and certain other legal matters with respect to U.S. federal and New York State law in connection with this offering will be passed upon for us by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP. Certain legal matters with respect to U.S. federal and New York State law in connection with this offering will be passed upon for the underwriters by Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP. The validity of the Class A ordinary shares represented by the ADSs offered in this offering and other certain legal matters as to Cayman Islands law will be passed upon for us by Maples and Calder. Legal matters as to PRC law will be passed upon for us by Han Kun Law Offices and for the underwriters by Jun He Law Office. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP may rely upon Maples and Calder with respect to matters governed by Cayman Islands law and Han Kun Law Offices with respect to matters governed by PRC law. Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP may rely upon Jun He Law Office with respect to matters governed by PRC law.
193
Our consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2012 and 2013 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013 have been included herein and in this registration statement in reliance upon the report of Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, appearing elsewhere herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
The offices of Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP are located at Level 16, Ernst & Young Tower, Oriental Plaza, No. 1 East Chang An Avenue, Dong Cheng District, Beijing 100738, Peoples Republic of China.
194
WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form F-1, including relevant exhibits and securities under the Securities Act with respect to the underlying Class A ordinary shares represented by the ADSs, to be sold in this offering. We have also filed with the SEC a related registration statement on F-6 to register the ADSs. This prospectus, which constitutes a part of the registration statement, does not contain all of the information contained in the registration statement. You should read our registration statements and their exhibits and schedules for further information with respect to us and the ADSs.
The agreements included as exhibits to the registration statement on Form F-1 contain representations and warranties by each of the parties to the applicable agreement. These representations and warranties were made solely for the benefit of the other parties to the applicable agreement and (a) were not intended to be treated as categorical statements of fact, but rather as a way of allocating the risk to one of the parties if those statements prove to be inaccurate; (b) may have been qualified in such agreement by disclosures that were made to the other party in connection with the negotiation of the applicable agreement; (c) may apply contract standards of materiality that are different from materiality under the applicable securities laws; and (d) were made only as of the date of the applicable agreement or such other date or dates as may be specified in the agreement.
Immediately up effectiveness of the registration statement to which this prospectus is a part we will become subject to periodic reporting and other informational requirements of the Exchange Act as applicable to foreign private issuers. Accordingly, we will be required to file reports, including annual reports on Form 20-F, and other information with the SEC. As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from the rules of the Exchange Act prescribing the furnishing and content of proxy statements to shareholders, and Section 16 short swing profit reporting for our officers and directors and for holders of more than 10% of our ordinary shares. All information filed with the SEC can be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You can request copies of these documents, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by writing to the SEC. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the public reference rooms. You may also obtain additional information over the internet at the SECs website at www.sec.gov.
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INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
F-1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Kingsoft Internet Software Holdings Limited
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Kingsoft Internet Software Holdings Limited (the Company) as of December 31, 2012 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of comprehensive income, cash flows and changes in shareholders equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Companys internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company at December 31, 2012 and 2013, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP
Beijing, the Peoples Republic of China
March 6, 2014
F-2
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$), except for number of shares and per share data)
F-3
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (CONTINUED)
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$), except for number of shares and per share data)
As of December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Notes | 2012 | 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited Pro forma) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(note 2) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mezzanine equity |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Series A convertible preferred shares (Series A Preferred Shares) (par value of US$0.000025 per share, 102,409,639 shares authorized, issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2012 and 2013) |
18 | 119,976 | 119,976 | 19,819 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Series B convertible preferred shares (Series B Preferred Shares) (par value of US$0.000025 per share, 122,495,531 shares authorized, issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2013) |
18 | | 321,965 | 53,185 | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Total mezzanine equity |
119,976 | 441,941 | 73,004 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Shareholders equity |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ordinary shares (par value of US$0.000025 per share; 1,897,590,361 and 1,775,094,830 shares authorized as of December 31, 2012 and 2013; 1,000,551,482 shares issued as of December 31, 2012 and 2013; 900,551,482 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2012 and 2013) |
19 | 150 | 150 | 25 | 184 | 30 | ||||||||||||||||||
Additional paid-in capital |
28,802 | 63,919 | 10,559 | 505,826 | 83,558 | |||||||||||||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) |
19 | (1,603 | ) | 13,239 | 2,187 | 13,239 | 2,187 | |||||||||||||||||
Retained earnings |
19 | 12,801 | 74,819 | 12,359 | 74,819 | 12,359 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Total shareholders equity |
40,150 | 152,127 | 25,130 | 594,068 | 98,134 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Total liabilities, mezzanine equity and shareholders equity |
316,995 | 909,593 | 150,253 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-4
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$), except for number of shares and per share data)
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
Notes | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | |||||||||||||||||
RMB | RMB |
RMB |
US$ | |||||||||||||||||
Revenues (1) |
13 | 140,054 | 287,927 | 749,911 | 123,876 | |||||||||||||||
Cost of revenues (1) |
(53,737 | ) | (71,560 | ) | (140,526 | ) | (23,213 | ) | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Gross profit |
86,317 | 216,367 | 609,385 | 100,663 | ||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses (1) |
||||||||||||||||||||
Research and development |
(79,105 | ) | (114,329 | ) | (217,846 | ) | (35,986 | ) | ||||||||||||
Selling and marketing |
(28,810 | ) | (57,167 | ) | (201,504 | ) | (33,286 | ) | ||||||||||||
General and administrative |
(15,301 | ) | (34,408 | ) | (97,817 | ) | (16,158 | ) | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Total operating expenses |
(123,216 | ) | (205,904 | ) | (517,167 | ) | (85,430 | ) | ||||||||||||
Operating profit (loss) |
(36,899 | ) | 10,463 | 92,218 | 15,233 | |||||||||||||||
Other income (expenses) |
||||||||||||||||||||
Interest income |
3,475 | 3,263 | 7,077 | 1,169 | ||||||||||||||||
Change in fair value of redemption right granted to a non-controlling shareholder |
11 | | | 11,146 | 1,841 | |||||||||||||||
Changes in fair value of contingent consideration |
(496 | ) | (297 | ) | (1,067 | ) | (176 | ) | ||||||||||||
Foreign exchange gain, net |
551 | 47 | 920 | 152 | ||||||||||||||||
Other income, net (1) |
537 | 1,283 | 2,243 | 371 | ||||||||||||||||
Losses from equity method investments |
| | (1,849 | ) | (305 | ) | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Income (loss) before taxes |
(32,832 | ) | 14,759 | 110,688 | 18,285 | |||||||||||||||
Income tax benefit/(expenses) |
14 | 2,597 | (4,915 | ) | (48,670 | ) | (8,040 | ) | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Net (loss) income |
(30,235 | ) | 9,844 | 62,018 | 10,245 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Earnings (loss) per share |
||||||||||||||||||||
Basic |
20 | (0.0345 | ) | 0.0097 | 0.0567 | 0.0094 | ||||||||||||||
Diluted |
20 | (0.0345 | ) | 0.0094 | 0.0538 | 0.0089 | ||||||||||||||
Weighted average number of shares used in computation |
||||||||||||||||||||
Basic |
20 | 875,944,795 | 908,457,367 | 929,119,153 | 929,119,153 | |||||||||||||||
Diluted |
20 | 875,944,795 | 1,046,982,205 | 1,135,982,953 | 1,135,982,953 | |||||||||||||||
Unaudited pro forma earnings per share (note 2): |
||||||||||||||||||||
Basic |
20 | 0.0567 | 0.0094 | |||||||||||||||||
Diluted |
20 | 0.0538 | 0.0089 | |||||||||||||||||
Weighted average number of shares used in calculating unaudited pro forma earnings per share: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Basic |
20 | 1,093,615,568 | 1,093,615,568 | |||||||||||||||||
Diluted |
20 | 1,135,982,953 | 1,135,982,953 | |||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax |
||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustments |
(2,341 | ) | (260 | ) | (6,087 | ) | (1,006 | ) | ||||||||||||
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale
|
| | 20,929 | 3,457 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) |
(2,341 | ) | (260 | ) | 14,842 | 2,451 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Comprehensive income (loss) |
(32,576 | ) | 9,584 | 76,860 | 12,696 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-5
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (CONTINUED)
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$), except for number of shares and per share data)
(1) | The amount of transactions with related parties recorded in revenue, cost of revenues, operating expenses and other income, net are as follows: |
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2012 | 2013 | ||||||||||||||
RMB | RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||
Revenues |
12,298 | 72,651 | 111,218 | 18,371 | ||||||||||||
Cost of revenues |
(14,328 | ) | (11,189 | ) | (9,296 | ) | (1,536 | ) | ||||||||
Research and development |
(5,422 | ) | (4,705 | ) | (4,174 | ) | (689 | ) | ||||||||
Selling and marketing |
(1,216 | ) | (312 | ) | (256 | ) | (42 | ) | ||||||||
General and administrative |
(296 | ) | (91 | ) | (2,021 | ) | (334 | ) | ||||||||
Other income, net |
| 1,185 | |
|
|
|
Details of the related parties transactions are set out in note 15(b) to the financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-6
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$), except for number of shares and per share data)
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2012 | 2013 | ||||||||||||||
RMB | RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||
Cash flows from operating activities |
||||||||||||||||
Net (loss) income |
(30,235 | ) | 9,844 | 62,018 | 10,245 | |||||||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash from operating activities |
||||||||||||||||
Depreciation of property and equipment |
3,349 | 5,575 | 11,702 | 1,933 | ||||||||||||
Amortization of intangible assets |
11,688 | 5,280 | 14,178 | 2,342 | ||||||||||||
Deemed disposal gain of intangible assets |
| | (3,600 | ) | (595 | ) | ||||||||||
Changes in fair value of contingent consideration |
496 | 297 | 1,067 | 176 | ||||||||||||
Change in fair value of redemption right granted to a non-controlling shareholder |
| | (11,146 | ) | (1,841 | ) | ||||||||||
Impairment loss on receivables |
| | 11,232 | 1,855 | ||||||||||||
Share-based compensation |
5,835 | 20,287 | 37,396 | 6,178 | ||||||||||||
Deemed employee compensation attributable to redemption right granted to a non-controlling shareholder |
| | 14,697 | 2,428 | ||||||||||||
Losses on equity method investments |
| | 1,849 | 305 | ||||||||||||
Deferred income tax (benefits) expenses |
(3,531 | ) | 2,402 | 33,910 | 5,602 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
(12,398 | ) | 43,685 | 173,303 | 28,628 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities |
||||||||||||||||
Accounts receivable |
(12,810 | ) | (23,391 | ) | (55,867 | ) | (9,229 | ) | ||||||||
Prepayments and other current assets |
(793 | ) | (1,905 | ) | (45,433 | ) | (7,505 | ) | ||||||||
Other non-current assets |
121 | (541 | ) | (1,665 | ) | (275 | ) | |||||||||
Deferred revenue |
(5,140 | ) | (935 | ) | (4,258 | ) | (703 | ) | ||||||||
Accounts payable |
(7,127 | ) | 1,418 | 12,487 | 2,063 | |||||||||||
Accrued expense and other current liabilities |
4,952 | 38,332 | 97,115 | 16,042 | ||||||||||||
Other non-current liabilities |
182 | 782 | 872 | 144 | ||||||||||||
Due from related parties |
(727 | ) | (11,086 | ) | 4,630 | 765 | ||||||||||
Due to related parties |
25,995 | (2,131 | ) | 5,023 | 830 | |||||||||||
Income tax payable |
592 | 1,560 | 11,974 | 1,978 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Net cash (used for) provided by operating activities |
(7,153 | ) | 45,788 | 198,181 | 32,738 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Cash flows from investing activities |
||||||||||||||||
Purchase of property and equipment |
(8,606 | ) | (12,315 | ) | (27,641 | ) | (4,566 | ) | ||||||||
Purchase of intangible assets |
(157 | ) | (5,547 | ) | (2,359 | ) | (390 | ) | ||||||||
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired |
(12,000 | ) | | (52,785 | ) | (8,719 | ) | |||||||||
Investment in equity method investments |
| | (4,400 | ) | (727 | ) | ||||||||||
Entrusted loan to a third party |
| (8,000 | ) | | | |||||||||||
Repayment of entrusted loans from a third party |
| 2,000 | | | ||||||||||||
Entrusted loan to an investor of an equity investee |
| | (14,000 | ) | (2,313 | ) | ||||||||||
Repayment of entrusted loans from an investor of an equity investee |
| | 5,060 | 836 | ||||||||||||
Advance of loans to investors of an equity investee |
| | (5,530 | ) | (913 | ) | ||||||||||
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment |
| | 74 | 12 | ||||||||||||
Purchase of other investments |
(16,000 | ) | (95,376 | ) | (141,582 | ) | (23,388 | ) | ||||||||
Sales and maturity of short-term investments |
8,000 | 71,000 | 145,376 | 24,014 | ||||||||||||
Settlement of contingent consideration |
| (3,000 | ) | (3,000 | ) | (496 | ) | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Net cash used for investing activities |
(28,763 | ) | (51,238 | ) | (100,787 | ) | (16,650 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-7
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$), except for number of shares and per share data)
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2012 | 2013 | ||||||||||||||
RMB | RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||
Cash flows from financing activities |
||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from issuance of ordinary shares |
16,431 | 628 | | | ||||||||||||
Proceeds from issuance of Series A Preferred Shares, net of issuance costs |
119,976 | | | | ||||||||||||
Proceeds from issuance of Series B Preferred Shares, net of issuance costs |
| | 321,965 | 53,185 | ||||||||||||
Distribution to a shareholder (note 1) |
(43,133 | ) | | (17,693 | ) | (2,923 | ) | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Net cash provided by financing activities |
93,274 | 628 | 304,272 | 50,262 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash |
(2,273 | ) | (151 | ) | (5,506 | ) | (911 | ) | ||||||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
55,085 | (4,973 | ) | 396,160 | 65,439 | |||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year |
84,264 | 139,349 | 134,376 | 22,199 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year |
139,349 | 134,376 | 530,536 | 87,638 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Supplemental disclosures |
||||||||||||||||
Income taxes paid |
(159 | ) | (173 | ) | (3,329 | ) | (550 | ) | ||||||||
Non-cash investing and financing activities: |
||||||||||||||||
Capital injections to an equity investee by intangible assets |
| | 3,600 | 595 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-8
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$), except for number of shares and per share data)
Ordinary shares |
Additional
paid-in capital |
Accumulated
other comprehensive income/(loss) |
Retained
earnings |
Total
shareholders equity |
||||||||||||||||||||
Number of Shares | RMB | RMB | RMB | RMB | RMB | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2011 |
800,000,000 | 134 | 30,587 | 998 | 33,192 | 64,911 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net loss |
| | | | (30,235 | ) | (30,235 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss |
| | | (2,341 | ) | | (2,341 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Distribution to shareholders |
| | (43,677 | ) | | | (43,677 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Issuance of ordinary shares |
100,000,000 | 16 | 16,415 | | | 16,431 | ||||||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation |
| | 4,453 | | | 4,453 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2011 |
900,000,000 | * | 150 | 7,778 | (1,343 | ) | 2,957 | 9,542 | ||||||||||||||||
Net income |
| | | | 9,844 | 9,844 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss |
| | | (260 | ) | | (260 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Issuance of ordinary shares |
551,482 | | 628 | | | 628 | ||||||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation |
| | 20,396 | | | 20,396 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2012 |
900,551,482 | * | 150 | 28,802 | (1,603 | ) | 12,801 | 40,150 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Net income |
| | | | 62,018 | 62,018 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income |
| | | 14,842 | | 14,842 | ||||||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation |
| | 35,117 | | | 35,117 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2013 |
900,551,482 | * | 150 | 63,919 | 13,239 | 74,819 | 152,127 | |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2013, in US$ |
25 | 10,559 | 2,187 | 12,359 | 25,130 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* | Excluded the number of shares held by the Share Award Scheme Trust of 100,000,000 shares as at December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013 as they are issued but not outstanding as they are not yet transferred to the grantees (note 2). |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-9
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
1. ORGANIZATION AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES
Kingsoft Internet Software Holdings Limited (formerly known as Kingsoft Internet Security Software Holdings Limited) (the Company) is a limited company incorporated in the Cayman Islands under the laws of Cayman Islands on July 30, 2009. The Company and its consolidated subsidiaries and variable interest entities (VIEs) (collectively referred to the Group) are principally engaged in the provision of online marketing services, internet value-added services and internet security services and others in the Peoples Republic of China (the PRC). The immediate holding company and the ultimate holding company of the Company is Kingsoft Corporation Limited (Kingsoft), a company listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited.
Details of the Companys subsidiaries, its VIEs and its equity investees as of December 31, 2013 are as follows:
Company |
Date of
incorporation/ registration |
Place of
incorporation/ registration |
Percentage of
ownership |
Principal activities |
||||||||
Subsidiaries of the Company: |
|
|||||||||||
Cheetah Technology Corporation Limited (Cheetah Technology) |
August 26, 2009 | Hong Kong | 100 | % | Investment holding and operations of online marketing | |||||||
Zhuhai Juntian Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. (Zhuhai Juntian) |
September 28, 2000 | The PRC | 100 | % | Investment holding, research and development and provision of internet security services | |||||||
Beijing Kingsoft Internet Security Software Co., Ltd. (Beijing Security) |
November 30, 2009 | The PRC | 100 | % | Provision of internet security services and research and development of online applications | |||||||
Conew.com Corporation (Conew) |
October 6, 2008 |
British Virgin
Islands (BVI) |
100 | % | Investment holding | |||||||
Conew Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (Conew Network) |
March 19, 2009 | The PRC | 100 | % | Research and development of mobile applications and provision of online marketing services | |||||||
KS Mobile Inc. (KS Mobile) |
November 28, 2012 | United States | 100 | % |
Provision of mobile marketing and value-added services |
|||||||
VIEs |
||||||||||||
Beijing Conew Technology Development Co., Ltd. (Beijing Conew) |
December 22, 2005 | The PRC | Nil | Dormant | ||||||||
Beike Internet (Beijing) Security Technology Co., Ltd. (Beike Internet) |
April 15, 2009 | The PRC | Nil | Provision of online marketing services | ||||||||
Beijing Kingsoft Network Technology Co., Ltd. (Beijing Network) |
July 18, 2012 | The PRC | Nil | Provision of internet value-added services |
F-10
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
Company |
Date of
incorporation/ registration |
Place of
incorporation/ registration |
Percentage of
ownership |
Principal activities |
||||||||
Beijing Antutu Technology Co., Ltd. (Beijing Antutu) |
June 14, 2013 | The PRC | Nil | Research and development of mobile applications | ||||||||
Guangzhou Kingsoft Network Technology Co. Ltd. (Guangzhou Kingsoft) |
September 1, 2013 | The PRC | Nil | Research and development of mobile applications | ||||||||
Equity investees |
||||||||||||
Beijing Kingsoft Security Management System Technology Co., Ltd. (Beijing Security System Technology) |
March 13, 2013 | The PRC | 40 | % | Sales and distribution of internet security software and provision of internet security services | |||||||
Wuhan Antian Information Technology Co., Ltd. (Wuhan Antian) |
April 8, 2010 | The PRC | 40 | % | Research and development of mobile security software |
History of the Group and corporate reorganization
In 2009, Kingsoft undertook a corporate reorganization to establish the Group, which started to specialize in internet security services on a stand-alone basis with separate management oversight distinct from Kingsoft. Subsequent to the reorganization in 2009, all revenues and costs generated by the internet security services, are reflected in the consolidated financial statements of the Group.
As part of the reorganization:
(i) On July 30, 2009, Kingsoft established the Company, which was incorporated in the Cayman Islands.
(ii) On August 26, 2009, the Company established a wholly-owned subsidiary, Cheetah Technology (formerly known as Kingsoft Internet Security Software Corporation Limited), incorporated in Hong Kong.
(iii) On November 23, 2009, Cheetah Technology entered into a share purchase agreement to acquire 100% equity interest in Zhuhai Juntian from one of Kingsofts wholly-owned subsidiaries at a consideration of HK$23,912 (equivalent to RMB21,067), based on the then book value of Zhuhai Juntians net assets comprised mainly of cash and short-term investments, and related party receivables and payables to other Kingsofts subsidiaries. The acquisition was completed in December 2009. Given the acquisition was conducted between entities under common control, the acquisition of Zhuhai Juntian was accounted for in a manner similar to the pooling of interest, with the assets and liabilities acquired stated at their historical amounts in the Groups consolidated financial statements. The purchase consideration was recorded as a payable to related parties, which was subsequently settled in cash in 2011.
(iv) On November 30, 2009, Zhuhai Juntian established a wholly-owned subsidiary, Beijing Security, incorporated in the PRC.
On October 1, 2010, the Company acquired all of the equity interests of Conew from independent third parties, which was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting (note 19). As part of the acquisition,
F-11
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
the Company acquired all of the equity interest in Conew Network through Conew and obtained effective control over Beijing Conew, one of the Groups VIEs, through contractual agreements. Since the acquisition, Beijing Conew has remained dormant.
On January 1, 2011, Beijing Security, through its respective nominee shareholders, acquired Beike Internet, a wholly-owned entity of Kingsoft incorporated on April 15, 2009, for RMB700. Concurrently, through a series of contractual agreements which provided effective control to the Group as further described below, Beike Internet became a consolidated VIE of the Group. Given the acquisition of the VIE was effectively conducted between entities under common control, it was accounted for in a manner similar to the pooling of interest, with the assets and liabilities acquired stated at their historical amounts in the Groups consolidated financial statements. The difference of RMB544 between the purchase consideration of RMB700 and the historical cost of net assets acquired of RMB156, which mainly comprised of cash and cash equivalents and loan payable to shareholders, was accounted for as a distribution to shareholders.
On August 26, 2011, the Company declared a cash dividend of RMB43,133 to Kingsoft to distribute the retained earnings of the Group as of September 30, 2010, which was subsequently settled in cash in 2011.
On July 18, 2012, Beijing Network was incorporated in the PRC, and through a series of contractual agreements, became a consolidated VIE of the Group.
On November 28, 2012, the Company incorporated a wholly-owned subsidiary, KS Mobile, in the United States.
On June 14, 2013 and September 1, 2013, Beijing Antutu and Guangzhou Network were incorporated in the PRC, respectively and became VIEs of the Group through contractual agreements.
The Groups consolidated financial statements reflect all material and significant costs of doing business related to its operations, including costs incurred by Kingsoft and its subsidiaries on behalf of the Group. Substantially all of these costs are covered by existing contractual arrangements with Kingsoft or its subsidiaries, which mainly comprised of licensing fees for intellectual property rights, corporate service fees, technical support service fees and leasing service fees (note 15). Management estimates that such costs approximated those that would have been on a stand-alone basis.
VIE arrangements
In order to comply with the PRC laws and regulations which prohibit foreign control of companies involved in online marketing and internet value-added business, the Group operates its website and conducts substantially the majority of its online marketing and the distribution and operation of its internet value-added services and internet security services businesses in the PRC through the VIEs and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Except for Beijing Conew, the registered capital of the VIEs was funded by Beijing Security and Conew Network (hereinafter referred to as the Primary Beneficiaries) through loans extended to the VIEs shareholders, Sheng Fu, Ming Xu, Wei Liu, who are executives and/or directors of the Group, as well as Ms. Weiqin Qiu, an affiliate of the Group. The effective control of the VIEs is held by the Primary Beneficiaries, through a series of contractual agreements (the Contractual Agreements). As a result of the Contractual Agreements, the Primary Beneficiaries have the power to direct the activity that most significantly impacts the economic performance of the VIEs and receive the economic benefits of the VIEs.
F-12
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
The following is a summary of the Contractual Agreements amongst the Primary Beneficiaries, Beike Internet, Beijing Network, Beijing Antutu, Guangzhou Network and their respective shareholder (Nominee Shareholders):
Exclusive technology development, support and consulting agreements
Pursuant to the exclusive technology development, support and consulting agreements entered into between the Primary Beneficiaries and the VIEs, the VIEs engaged the Primary Beneficiaries as their exclusive provider of management consulting services, technical development and support services in return for service fees of not less than 30% of the VIEs pre-tax revenue. The Primary Beneficiaries have the sole right to adjust the services fees upon written request and shall exclusively own any intellectual property arising from the performance of this agreement. The agreements will remain effective unless terminated upon mutual agreement by both parties. During the term of the agreement, the VIEs may not enter into any agreement with third parties for the provision of any technical or management consulting services without the consent of the Primary Beneficiaries.
Loan agreements
Pursuant to the loan agreements between the Primary Beneficiaries and the Nominee Shareholders, the Primary Beneficiaries granted interest free loans in an aggregate amount of RMB30,200 (US$4,989) to the Nominee Shareholders for their sole purpose of contributing to the registered capital of the VIEs. The loans have no definite maturity date. At the option of the Primary Beneficiaries, repayment may be requested at any time, which may be in the form of transferring the VIEs equity interest to the Primary Beneficiaries or its designees. The Nominee Shareholders may offer to repay part or the entire loan at any time, to the extent permitted by PRC laws, in the form of transferring the VIEs equity interest to the Primary Beneficiaries or its designees.
Exclusive equity option agreements
Pursuant to the exclusive equity option agreements entered into between the Primary Beneficiaries, the VIEs and the Nominee Shareholders, the Primary Beneficiaries were granted an exclusive and irrevocable option to purchase, or designate a third party to purchase, all or part of the equity interest of the VIEs held by the Nominee Shareholders. Without the prior written consent of the Primary Beneficiaries, the Nominee Shareholders shall not assign or transfer to any third party, or create or cause any security interest in whatsoever form to be created on, all or any part of the equity interest held in the VIEs. In addition, dividends and any form of distributions are not permitted without the prior consent of the Primary Beneficiaries. The exercise consideration should be equal to the corresponding loan amount as described above or the minimum consideration permitted under the PRC laws, whichever is higher. The consideration in excess of the corresponding loan amount shall be waived by the Nominee Shareholders. While in the exclusive equity option agreement with respect to Beike Internet, the exercise consideration is equal to the minimum price permitted under the PRC laws and any amount in excess of the corresponding loan amount shall be refunded by the Nominee Shareholders to Beijing Security or Beijing Security may deduct the excess amount upon payment of consideration. The Primary Beneficiaries or their designee(s) may exercise such option at any time until it has acquired all the equity interest of the VIEs. The agreements will remain effective until all the equity interests held by the Nominee Shareholders have been lawfully transferred to the Primary Beneficiaries or its designee(s) pursuant to the terms of the agreements.
F-13
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
Equity pledge agreements
Pursuant to the equity pledge agreements entered into between the Nominee Shareholders, the VIEs and the Primary Beneficiaries, the Nominee Shareholders pledged all of their equity interest in the VIEs to the Primary Beneficiaries as collateral for all of their payments due to the Primary Beneficiaries and to secure their obligations under the above agreements. Without the prior written consent of the Primary Beneficiaries, the Nominee Shareholders may not assign or transfer to any third party, or create or cause any security interest in whatsoever form to be created on, all or any part of the equity interest it holds in the VIEs. The Primary Beneficiaries are entitled to transfer or assign in full, or in part, the shares pledged. In the event of default, the Primary Beneficiaries as the pledgee, has first priority to be compensated through the sale or auction of the pledged equity interests. The Nominee Shareholders agree to waive their dividend rights in relation to all of the pledged equity interest until such pledge has been lawfully discharged. The equity pledge agreements will remain effective until all the obligations under these agreements have been satisfied in full or all of the guaranteed liabilities have been repaid.
Shareholder voting proxy agreements
Pursuant to the shareholder voting proxy agreements signed between the Nominee Shareholders, the VIEs and the Primary Beneficiaries, the Nominee Shareholders irrevocably nominates, appoints and constitutes any person designated by the Primary Beneficiaries as its attorney-in-fact to exercise on such shareholders behalf any and all rights that such shareholder has in respect of its equity interest in the VIE (including but not limited to the voting rights and the right to nominate executive directors of the VIE). The shareholder voting proxy agreements are effective for an initial ten years and will be automatically renewed on an annual basis thereafter if the Primary Beneficiaries do not provide notice of termination to the Nominee Shareholders thirty days prior to expiration.
Business operation agreements
Pursuant to the business operations agreements entered into between the Nominee Shareholders, the VIEs and the Primary Beneficiaries, the Nominee Shareholders must appoint candidates designated by the Primary Beneficiaries as its board of directors and the Primary Beneficiaries have the right to appoint senior executives of the VIEs. In addition, the VIEs agree not to engage in any transaction that may materially affect their assets, obligations, rights or operation without the prior written consent of the Primary Beneficiaries. The Nominee Shareholders also agree to unconditionally pay or transfer to the Primary Beneficiaries any bonus, dividends or any other profits or interest (in whatever form) that they are entitled to as shareholders of the VIEs, and waives any consideration connected therewith. The agreement has a term of ten years, unless otherwise terminated by the Primary Beneficiaries. Neither the VIEs nor the Nominee Shareholders may terminate this agreement.
Spousal consent letters
The spouses of certain shareholders of the VIEs have executed spousal consent letters. Pursuant to these letters, the spouses of certain shareholders of the VIEs acknowledged that certain equity interests in the respective VIEs held by and registered in the name of his or her spouse will be disposed pursuant to relevant arrangements under the shareholder voting proxy agreement, the exclusive equity option agreement, the equity pledge agreement and the loan agreement. These spouses undertake not to take any action to interfere with the disposition of such equity interests, including, without limitation, claiming that such equity interests constitute communal marital property.
F-14
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
On January 17, 2014, the Contractual Agreements were supplemented with financial support undertaking letters executed by the Primary Beneficiaries to memorialize the Primary Beneficiaries commitment to the VIEs and the commitment shall be retrospectively effective from the date the other contractual agreements were fully executed. Pursuant to the financial support undertaking letters, the Primary Beneficiaries commit to provide unlimited financial support to the VIEs to support their operations whether or not the VIEs incur any losses, and not request for repayment if the VIEs are unable to do so.
Despite the lack of technical majority ownership, there exists a parent-subsidiary relationship between the Primary Beneficiaries and the VIEs through the irrevocable shareholder voting proxy agreements, whereby the Nominee Shareholders effectively assigned all of the voting rights underlying their equity interest in the VIEs to the Primary Beneficiaries. Furthermore, pursuant to the exclusive equity option agreements, which include a substantive kick-out right, the Primary Beneficiaries have the power to control the Nominee Shareholders, and therefore the power to govern the activities that most significantly impacts the economic performance of the VIEs. In addition, through the Contractual Agreements, the Primary Beneficiaries demonstrate its ability and intention to continue to exercise the ability to absorb substantially all of the expected losses and the majority of the profits of the VIEs, and therefore have the rights to the economic benefits of the VIEs.
The shareholders of the VIEs elect and terminate the executive directors of the VIEs, approve the annual budget, financial statements and significant investing and financing activities of the VIEs. Pursuant to the shareholder voting proxy agreements, the shareholders of the VIEs have assigned all of their voting rights underlying the equity interest in the VIEs to any person nominated, appointed or designated by the Primary Beneficiaries. Senior management of the Company, all employees of the Primary Beneficiaries, are generally responsible for the review and approval of sales contracts, credit approval policies, pricing policies, significant marketing promotions, product development, research and development, bandwidth and traffic expenditures, as well as the appointments and terminations of personnel. Therefore, the Primary Beneficiaries have the power to direct the activities of the VIEs that most significantly impact their economic performance.
Thus, Beijing Security and Conew Network are considered the primary beneficiaries of the VIEs. As a result of the above, the Company, through the Primary Beneficiaries, consolidate the VIEs in accordance with SEC Regulation SX-3A-02 and Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 810-10 (ASC 810-10), Consolidation: Overall .
The Company, in consultation with its PRC legal counsel, believes that (i) the ownership structure of the Group, including its subsidiaries in the PRC and VIEs is in compliance with all existing PRC laws and regulations; (ii) each of the Contractual Agreements amongst the Primary Beneficiaries, the VIEs and the Nominee Shareholders governed by PRC laws, are legal, valid and binding, enforceable against such parties, and will not result in any violation of PRC laws or regulations currently in effect; and (iii) each of the Groups PRC subsidiaries and VIEs have the necessary corporate power and authority to conduct its business as described in its business scope under its business license, which is in full force and effect, and the Groups business operations in the PRC are in compliance with existing PRC laws and regulations.
However, uncertainties in the PRC legal system could cause the relevant regulatory authorities to find the current Contractual Agreements and businesses to be in violation of any existing or future PRC laws or regulations. If the Company, the Primary Beneficiaries or any of its current or future VIEs are found in violation of any existing or future laws or regulations, or fail to obtain or maintain any of the required permits or approvals, the relevant PRC regulatory authorities would have broad discretion in dealing with such violations, including levying fines,
F-15
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
confiscating the income of the Primary Beneficiaries, and the VIEs, revoking the business licenses or operating licenses of the Primary Beneficiaries, and VIEs, shutting down the Groups servers or blocking the Groups websites, discontinuing or placing restrictions or onerous conditions on the Groups operations, requiring the Group to undergo a costly and disruptive restructuring, restricting the Groups rights to use the proceeds from this offering to finance the Groups business and operations in PRC, or enforcement actions that could be harmful to the Groups business. Any of these actions could cause significant disruption to the Groups business operations and severely damage the Groups reputation, which would in turn materially and adversely affect the Groups business and results of operations. In addition, if the imposition of any of these penalties causes the Primary Beneficiaries to lose the rights to direct the activities of VIEs or the right to receive their economic benefits, the Company, through the Primary Beneficiaries, would no longer be able to consolidate the VIEs.
In addition, if the VIEs or the Nominee Shareholders fail to perform their obligations under the Contractual Agreements, the Group may have to incur substantial costs and expend resources to enforce the Primary Beneficiaries rights under the contracts. The Group may have to rely on legal remedies under PRC laws, including seeking specific performance or injunctive relief and claiming damages, which may not be effective. All of these Contractual Agreements are governed by PRC laws and provide for the resolution of disputes through arbitration in the PRC. Accordingly, these contracts would be interpreted in accordance with PRC laws and any disputes would be resolved in accordance with PRC legal procedures. The legal system in PRC is not as developed as in other jurisdictions, such as the United States. As a result, uncertainties in the PRC legal system could limit the Groups ability to enforce these contractual arrangements. Under PRC laws, rulings by arbitrators are final, parties cannot appeal the arbitration results in courts, and prevailing parties may only enforce the arbitration awards in PRC courts through arbitration award recognition proceedings, which would incur additional expenses and delay. In the event the Group is unable to enforce these Contractual Agreements, the Primary Beneficiaries may not be able to exert effective control over its VIEs, and the Groups ability to conduct its business may be negatively affected.
F-16
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
The carrying amounts and classifications of the assets and liabilities of the VIEs are as follows:
As of December 31, | ||||||||||||
2012 | 2013 | |||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
48,737 | 141,785 | 23,421 | |||||||||
Accounts receivable |
28,572 | 82,911 | 13,696 | |||||||||
Prepayments and other current assets |
5,817 | 23,949 | 3,956 | |||||||||
Due from related parities |
27,677 | 7,702 | 1,272 | |||||||||
Deferred tax assets |
| 63 | 10 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total current assets |
110,803 | 256,410 | 42,355 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Property and equipment , net |
4,539 | 21,114 | 3,488 | |||||||||
Intangible assets, net |
10,430 | 8,224 | 1,359 | |||||||||
Goodwill |
962 | 962 | 159 | |||||||||
Deferred tax assets |
| 306 | 51 | |||||||||
Other non-current assets |
| 693 | 114 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total non-current assets |
15,931 | 31,299 | 5,171 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total assets |
126,734 | 287,709 | 47,526 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Accounts payable |
1,166 | 17,997 | 2,973 | |||||||||
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
37,385 | 88,287 | 14,584 | |||||||||
Due to related parties (i) |
81,771 | 78,501 | 12,967 | |||||||||
Income tax payable |
| 700 | 116 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total current liabilities (i) |
120,322 | 185,485 | 30,640 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total liabilities |
120,322 | 185,485 | 30,640 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
(i) | As of December 31, 2012 and 2013, the current liabilities of the VIEs included amounts due to subsidiaries of the Group of RMB76,246 and RMB77,711 (US$12,837), respectively, which were eliminated upon consolidation by the Company. The balances due to related parties include the services fee payable to Beijing Security and Conew Network of RMB34,566 and RMB25,987 (US$4,293) as of December 31, 2012 and 2013, respectively. |
F-17
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
The financial performance and cash flows of the VIEs as follows:
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2012 | 2013 | ||||||||||||||
RMB | RMB |
RMB |
US$ | |||||||||||||
Revenues |
22,733 | 188,099 | 682,250 | 112,700 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Cost of revenues |
14,531 | 44,475 | 167,138 | 27,609 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Net income (loss) |
(7,798 | ) | (5,544 | ) | 77,207 | 12,754 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
17,997 | 37,958 | 102,861 | 16,991 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
12,125 | 5,730 | 22,814 | 3,769 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Net cash provided by financing activities |
156 | 16,500 | 13,000 | 2,147 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The revenue producing assets that are held by the VIEs comprise of leasehold improvements, servers, licensed software, network equipment, acquired trade name and acquired domain name. Substantially all of such assets are recognized in the Companys consolidated financial statements, except for certain Internet Content Provider Licenses, internally developed software, trademarks and patent applications which were not recorded on the Companys consolidated balance sheets as they do not meet all the capitalization criteria. The VIEs also hire assembled work force on sales, research and development and operations whose costs are expensed as incurred.
There was no pledge or collateralization of the VIEs assets and the Company has not provided any financial support that it was not previously contractually required to provide to the VIEs. Creditors of the VIEs have no recourse to the general credit of the Primary Beneficiaries.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of presentation
The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP).
Principles of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company, its subsidiaries, and VIEs for which certain subsidiaries of the Company are the primary beneficiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances between the Company, its subsidiaries and the VIEs are eliminated upon consolidation. Results of acquired subsidiaries and the VIEs are consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Company.
On May 26, 2011, the board of directors of the Company approved and adopted a share award scheme (the KIS Share Award Scheme) in which selected employees of the Group are entitled to participate. The Group has set up a trust (the Share Award Scheme Trust) for the purpose of administering the KIS Share Award Scheme and holding shares awarded to the employees before they vest and are transferred to the employees as instructed by employees. As the Group has the power to govern the financial and operating policies of the Share Award
F-18
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
Scheme Trust and derives benefits from the contributions of the employees who have been awarded the shares of the Company (Restricted Shares) through their continued employment with the Group, the assets and liabilities of the Share Award Scheme Trust are included in the consolidated balance sheets and any ungranted, unvested, and vested shares held by the Share Award Scheme Trust not transferred to grantees are not considered legally issued and outstanding ordinary shares of the Company.
Unaudited pro forma shareholders equity
If a qualified initial public offering is completed, pursuant to the Companys memorandum and articles of association, the convertible preferred shares will be automatically converted into ordinary shares.
The unaudited pro forma shareholders equity as of December 31, 2013, as adjusted for the reclassification of the related convertible preferred shares from mezzanine equity to shareholders equity, is set forth on the consolidated balance sheets.
Unaudited pro forma earnings per share
Pro forma basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share as of December 31, 2013 is computed by dividing net income attributable to holders of ordinary shares by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding for the year plus the weighted average number of additional ordinary shares resulting from the assumed conversion of the outstanding Series A Preferred Shares and Series B Preferred Shares upon the closing of the planned initial public offering occurred as of the original issuance dates.
Use of estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the year. Areas where management uses subjective judgment include, but are not limited to, estimating the useful lives of long-lived assets and intangible assets, assessing the contingent consideration and the initial valuation of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination and the subsequent impairment assessment of long-lived assets, intangible assets and goodwill, determining the provisions for accounts receivable and other receivables, determining the value-added tax (VAT) receivables, valuation allowance for deferred tax assets, uncertain tax positions, accounting for share-based compensation costs, determining the fair values of certain debt investments and redemption right liabilities, assessing loss contingencies and consolidation of VIEs. Changes in facts and circumstances may result in revised estimates. Actual results could differ from those estimates, and as such, differences may be material to the consolidated financial statements.
Foreign currency translation and transactions
The functional currency of the Company, Cheetah Technology, Conew and KS Mobile is the US$. The subsidiaries in the PRC and the VIEs determined their functional currency to be the Chinese Renminbi (RMB). The determination of the respective functional currency is based on the criteria of ASC 830, Foreign Currency Matters . The Group uses RMB as its reporting currency. The Group uses the monthly average exchange rate for
F-19
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
the year and the exchange rate at the balance sheet date to translate the operating results and financial position, respectively. Translation differences are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss, a component of shareholders equity.
Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are remeasured into the functional currency at the exchange rates prevailing on the transaction dates. Foreign currency denominated financial assets and liabilities are remeasured at the exchange rates prevailing at the balance sheet date. Exchange gains and losses are included in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Convenience translation
Amounts in US$ are presented for the convenience of the reader and are translated at the noon buying rate of RMB6.0537 to US$1.00 on December 31, 2013 in the City of New York for cable transfers of RMB as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. No representation is made that the RMB amounts could have been, or could be, converted into US$ at such rate.
Business combinations
The Group accounts for its business combinations using the purchase method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805 (ASC 805), Business Combinations . The purchase method of accounting requires that the consideration transferred to be allocated to the assets, including separately identifiable assets, and liabilities the Group acquired, based on their estimated fair values. The consideration transferred of an acquisition is measured as the aggregate of the fair values at the date of exchange of the assets given, liabilities incurred, and equity instruments issued as well as the contingent considerations and all contractual contingencies as of the acquisition date. The costs directly attributable to the acquisition are expensed as incurred. Identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities acquired or assumed are measured separately at their fair value as of the acquisition date, irrespective of the extent of any noncontrolling interests. The excess of (i) the total of cost 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 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 earnings.
The determination and allocation of fair values to the identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and noncontrolling interests is based on various assumptions and valuation methodologies requiring considerable judgment from management. The most significant variables in these valuations are discount rates, terminal values, the number of years on which to base the cash flow projections, as well as the assumptions and estimates used to determine the cash inflows and outflows. The Group determines discount rates to be used based on the risk inherent in the related activitys current business model and industry comparisons. Terminal values are based on the expected life of assets, forecasted life cycle and forecasted cash flows over that period.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and bank deposits, which are unrestricted as to withdrawal and use. All highly liquid investments with original stated maturity of three months or less are classified as cash equivalents.
F-20
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts
Accounts receivable are recognized and carried at original invoiced amount less an allowance for any potential uncollectible amounts. An estimate for doubtful debts is made when collection of the full amount is no longer probable. Bad debts are written off as incurred. The Group generally does not require collateral from its customers.
The Group maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the failure of customers to make payments on time. The Group reviews the accounts receivable on a periodic basis and makes general and specific allowances when there is doubt as to the collectability of individual balances. In evaluating the collectability of individual receivable balances, the Group considers many factors, including the age of the balance, the customers payment history, its current credit-worthiness and current economic trends.
Investments
All highly liquid investments with original maturities of greater than three months, but less than 12 months, are classified as short-term investments. Investments that are expected to be realized in cash during the next 12 months are also included in short-term investments. The Group accounts for its investments in debt and equity securities in accordance with ASC 320-10 (ASC 320-10), InvestmentsDebt and Equity Securities: Overall . The Group classifies the investments in debt and equity securities as held-to-maturity, trading or available-for-sale, whose classification determines the respective accounting methods stipulated by ASC 320-10. Dividend and interest income, including amortization of the premium and discount arising at acquisition, for all categories of investments in securities are included in earnings. Any realized gains or losses on the sale of the short-term investments are determined on a specific identification method, and such gains and losses are reflected in earnings during the period in which gains or losses are realized.
The securities that the Group has positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity securities and stated at amortized cost. For individual securities classified as held-to-maturity securities, the Group evaluates whether a decline in fair value below the amortized cost basis is other-than-temporary in accordance with the Groups policy and ASC 320-10. When the Group intends to sell an impaired debt security or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell prior to recovery of its amortized cost basis, an other-than-temporary impairment is deemed to have occurred. In these instances, the other-than-temporary impairment loss is recognized in earnings equal to the entire excess of the debt securitys amortized cost basis over its fair value at the balance sheet date of the reporting period for which the assessment is made. When the Group does not intend to sell an impaired debt security and it is more-likely-than-not that it will not be required to sell prior to recovery of its amortized cost basis, the Group must determine whether or not it will recover its amortized cost basis. If the Group concludes that it will not, an other-than-temporary impairment exists and that portion of the credit loss is recognized in earnings, while the portion of loss related to all other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income.
The securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term are classified as trading securities. Unrealized holding gains and losses for trading securities are included in earnings.
Investments not classified as trading or as held-to-maturity are classified as available-for-sale securities. Available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Realized gains or losses are charged to earnings during the period in which
F-21
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
the gain or loss is realized. An impairment loss on available-for-sale securities would be recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income when the decline in value is determined to be other-than-temporary.
The Group accounts for its investments in entities in which it can exercise significant influence but does not own a majority equity interest or control for using the equity method of accounting in accordance with ASC 323-10 (ASC 323-10), Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures: Overall . Under the equity method, the Group initially records its investment at cost and the difference between the cost of the equity investee and the fair value of the underlying equity in the net assets of the equity investee is recognized as equity method goodwill, which is included in the equity method investment on the consolidated balance sheets. The Group subsequently adjusts the carrying amount of the investment to recognize the Groups proportionate share of each equity investees net income or loss into earnings after the date of investment. The Group will discontinue applying the equity method if an investment (and additional financial supports to the investee, if any) has been reduced to zero. Under the conditions that the Group is not required to advance additional funds to an investee and the equity-method investment in ordinary shares is reduced to zero, if further investments are made that have a higher liquidation preference than ordinary shares, the Group would recognize the loss based on its percentage of the investment with the same liquidation preference, and the loss would be applied to those investments of a lower liquidation preference first before being further applied to the investments of a higher liquidation preference. The Group evaluates the equity method investments for impairment under ASC 323-10. An impairment loss on the equity method investments is recognized in earnings when the decline in value is determined to be other-than-temporary.
Fair Value Measurements of Financial Instruments
Accounting guidance defines fair value as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities required or permitted to be recorded at fair value, the Group considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact and it considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability.
Accounting guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. A financial instruments categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Accounting guidance establishes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:
Level 1Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets
Level 2Include other inputs that are directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace
Level 3Unobservable inputs which are supported by little or no market activity
The Groups financial instruments mainly include short-term investments and contingent consideration payable. The carrying values of those financial instruments approximate their fair values.
F-22
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost and are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, as follows:
Estimated useful life |
||
Electronic equipment |
3 years | |
Office equipment and fixtures |
5 years | |
Motor vehicles |
5 years | |
Leasehold improvements |
Lesser of term of the lease or the estimated useful lives of the assets |
Repair and maintenance costs are charged to expense as incurred, whereas the cost of renewals and betterment that extends the useful lives of plant and equipment are capitalized as additions to the related assets. Retirements, sales and disposals of assets are recorded by removing the cost and accumulated depreciation from the assets and accumulated depreciation accounts with any resulting gain or loss reflected in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the amounts assigned to the fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed of an acquired business. The Company, with the assistance of an independent third party valuation firm, determines the fair value of the identifiable tangible and intangible net assets of the acquired business to derive goodwill. In accordance with ASC 350, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets , recorded goodwill amounts are not amortized, but rather are tested for impairment annually or more frequently if there are indicators of impairment present.
There are several methods that can be used to determine the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. For intangible assets, the Company typically uses the income method. This method starts with a forecast of all of the expected future net cash flows associated with a particular intangible asset. These cash flows are then adjusted to present value by applying an appropriate discount rate that reflects the risk factors associated with the cash flow streams. Some of the more significant estimates and assumptions inherent in the income method or other methods include the amount and timing of projected future cash flows, the discount rate selected to measure the risks inherent in the future cash flows and the assessment of the assets economic life cycle and the competitive trends impacting the asset, including consideration of any technical, legal, regulatory or economic barriers to entry. Determining the useful life of an intangible asset also requires judgment, as different types of intangible assets will have different useful lives and certain assets may even be considered to have indefinite useful lives.
The Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2011-08, Testing Goodwill for Impairment , to test goodwill for impairment by performing a qualitative assessment before calculating the fair value of a reporting unit in step one of the goodwill impairment test. If the Company determines, on the basis of qualitative factors, that the fair value of a reporting unit is more likely than not less than the carrying amount, a two-step impairment test is required. Otherwise, further testing is not needed. The Company has elected its unconditional option to bypass the qualitative assessment in 2012 and 2013 and proceeded directly to performing the first step of the goodwill impairment test. The Company may resume performing the qualitative assessment in any
F-23
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
subsequent period. Under the two-step impairment test, the first step of the impairment test involves comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. Fair value is primarily determined by computing the future discounted cash flows expected to be generated by the reporting unit. If the reporting units carrying value exceeds its fair value, goodwill may be impaired. If this occurs, the Company performs the second step of the goodwill impairment test to compare the implied fair value of goodwill to the carrying value of a reporting units 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.
The Company currently has one reporting unit. Estimating fair value is performed by utilizing various valuation techniques, with the primary technique being the discounted cash flow method. As of December 31, 2012 and 2013, our fair value was substantially in excess of our carrying value and no impairment loss was recorded for any of the years presented.
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets are carried at cost less accumulated amortization and any recorded impairment. Intangible assets acquired in a business combination were recognized initially at fair value at the date of acquisition. Intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized using a straight-line method of amortization that reflects the estimated pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible asset are to be consumed. The estimated useful life for the intangible assets is as follows:
Estimated
useful life |
||||
Customer relationship |
1-2 years | |||
Trademark |
5 years | |||
Technology |
1-5 years | |||
Non-compete agreement |
5 years |
If an intangible asset is determined to have an indefinite life, it should not be amortized until its useful life is determined to be no longer indefinite. Trade name and domain names resulting from the acquisitions of Mydrivers Business are determined to have indefinite lives.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Intangibles
The Group evaluates its long-lived assets or asset group, including intangible assets with infinite and finite lives, for impairment. Intangible assets with infinite lives that are not subject to amortization are tested for impairment at least annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired. Such impairment test compares the fair values of assets with their carrying values with an impairment loss recognized when the carrying values exceed fair values. For long-lived assets and intangible assets with finite lives that are subject to depreciation and amortization are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances (such as a significant adverse change to market conditions that will impact the future use of the assets) indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or a group of long-lived assets may not be recoverable. When these events occur, the Group evaluates impairment by comparing the carrying amount of the assets to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to result from the use of the assets and their eventual
F-24
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
disposition. If the sum of the expected undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the assets, the Group would recognize an impairment loss based on the excess of the carrying amount of the asset group over its fair value. No impairment charge was recorded for any of the years presented.
Revenue recognition
The Group generates its revenues primarily through online marketing services, internet value-added services and internet security services and others. The Group recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured.
(1) Online marketing services
The Group provides online marketing services through its online platform, such as text links, banners, default search engine boxes, and other forms of graphical advertisement which link to its customers websites or online applications. The Group has two general pricing models for advertising links: cost over a time period and cost for performance basis. For advertising contracts over a time period, the Group generally recognizes revenue ratably over the period the advertising is provided. For contracts that are charged on the cost for performance basis, the Group charges an agreed-upon fee to its customers determined based on the effectiveness of advertising links, which is typically measured by user registrations, clicks, transactions and other actions originating from the Groups online platform. Online marketing services revenue charged on the cost for performance basis is generally recognized upon receiving monthly statements from its customers either in the current month or in the following month in which the service is provided.
Among the contracts that are charged on the cost for performance basis described above, the Group also has such contracts that direct search traffic to search engines through its default search boxes placed on the Groups online platform. The Group earns a pre-determined fee from its search engine customers based on the number of searches originating from the Groups online platform. Search revenue is generally recognized upon receiving monthly confirmations from its search engine customers confirming the amount for traffic in the month when the service is provided.
The Group occasionally engages in nonmonetary transactions to allow a shareholder of the Company to advertise and co-market the Groups security products with the shareholders software products. Revenue and expenses are recognized at fair value when such fair value of the services surrendered in the transaction is determinable based on the Groups own historical practice of receiving cash, marketable securities, or other consideration that is readily convertible to a known amount of cash for similar services from customers unrelated to the counterparty in the non-monetary transaction. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, the Group engaged in nonmonetary transactions for which the fair value was not determinable and therefore no revenues derived from these nonmonetary transactions were recognized.
(2) Internet value-added services
The Group enters into agreements with third party game developers to provide online and mobile distribution and payment collection services, in order for game players to purchase and recharge virtual currencies used in the games. All games are developed and hosted by third-party game developers, and accessed by game players through the Groups online and mobile platforms or a third-party mobile platform. The payment
F-25
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
collection services are mainly provided through third-party professional payment and settlement institutions. The Group generally charges commission as a percentage of the gross proceeds or collection amount from the settlement institutions, and pays the remaining proceeds to the game developers. When the settlement institutions directly remit the collection amount to the developers, the Group collects its commission from the developer. For games accessed by game players through the Groups online and mobile platforms, the Group believes it acts as an agent to the game developers in these arrangements as the Group is not considered the primary obligor, is not primarily responsible for fulfillment of services, does not incur significant upfront costs, generally does not have the discretion in establishing prices, and earns a fixed percentage of the collection amount from the settlement institutions. For games accessed by game players through the third-party mobile platform, the Group believes it also acts as an agent to the game developers in these arrangements as the Group is not considered the primary obligor, is not primarily responsible for fulfillment, does not incur significant upfront costs, and earns a fixed percentage of the collection amount from the settlement institutions. Revenue is estimated by the Group based on its internal system, which is confirmed with the respective settlement institutions in the same month in which the services are provided. In both cases, the Group recognizes the net commission it earns in revenue in the same month in which the services are provided. Purchases of in-game currency are not refundable after they have been sold unless there is unused in-game currency at the time a game is discontinued. Typically, a game will only be discontinued when the revenue generated by a game is insignificant. To date, the Group has never been required to pay significant cash refunds to game players or game developers as a result of the discontinuation of a game.
(3) Internet security services and others
The Group markets and distributes its off-the-shelf anti-virus security solutions to enterprise and individual users.
Upon the customers initial purchase of the enterprise solutions, the arrangements include multiple elements, generally comprising of software and post-contract customer services (PCS). When vendor-specific objective evidence (VSOE) of the fair value of the PCS exists, the Group allocates and defers revenue for the PCS based on its fair value, and recognizes the difference between the total arrangement fee and the amount deferred as software license revenue. When VSOE of the fair value of the PCS does not exist, the entire arrangement fee is recognized ratably over the PCS period. In 2011, 2012 and 2013, the Group concluded that VSOE of the fair value of the PCS does not exist, and recognized the entire arrangement fee ratably over the PCS period starting from the end-users activation of the software. The arrangement fee of the PCS purchased on a stand-alone basis is recognized into revenue ratably over the PCS period.
The software, including unspecified upgrades, for the individual solutions are provided to users free of charge via downloads from the Groups online platform at any time. However, the Group does provide the individual users the option to purchase additional value-added services, which are non-essential to the functionality of the software, either concurrent with the download of software, or separately as a renewal. The value-added services are provided over the period of time as determined and purchased by the respective users. The fees for value-added services are recognized into revenue ratably over the term of such services.
Other revenues consist of licensing fees from Kingsoft Japan Inc., a related party, for the right to use certain internet security software (note 15).
F-26
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
Deferred revenues
Deferred revenues primarily consist of payments received from customers in relation to the service to be provided by the Group, but for which not all of the revenue recognition criteria are met.
Cost of revenues
Cost of revenues primarily consists of cost of products sold, bandwidth costs, royalty fees, payment collection costs, salaries and benefits, depreciation of equipment, value-added tax (VAT), business tax and related surcharges.
The Groups business is subject to VAT, business taxes and surcharges levied on advertising related sales in China. Pursuant to ASC 605-45, Revenue RecognitionPrincipal Agent Considerations , all such VAT, business taxes and surcharges of RMB9,989, RMB18,123 and RMB48,355 (US$7,988) are presented as cost of revenues on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively. As of December 31, 2013, the Companys subsidiaries in the PRC and its VIEs are subject to VAT at 3%, 6% or 17%.
The Group provides a warranty for free to users of its Duba anti-virus software when shopping online. Users can claim up to RMB2 per covered purchase from the Group for demonstrated losses suffered caused by viruses, phishing websites, or Trojan horses while making purchases online using the secured online shopping feature of Duba anti-virus. The cost of provision for the warranty has been insignificant in all periods presented.
Advertising expenses
Advertising expenses are included in sales and marketing expenses in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income and are expenses when incurred. Advertising expenses for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013 were RMB15,202, RMB37,075 and RMB172,969 (US$28,572), respectively.
Research and development
Research and development consist primarily of employee costs related to personnel involved in the development and enhancement of the Groups service offerings on its websites. The Group expenses these costs as incurred, unless such costs qualify for capitalization as software development costs, including (i) preliminary project is completed, (ii) management has committed to funding the project and it is probable that the project will be completed and the software will be used to perform the function intended, and (iii) they result in significant additional functionality in the Groups products. No costs were capitalized during any years presented as the Group has not met all of the necessary capitalization requirements.
Government subsidies
Government subsidies primarily consist of financial subsidies received from provincial and local governments for operating a business in their jurisdictions and compliance with specific policies promoted by the local governments. There are no defined rules and regulations to govern the criteria necessary for companies to receive such benefits, and the amount of financial subsidy is determined at the discretion of the relevant government authorities. For the government subsidies with no further conditions to be met, the amounts are
F-27
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
recorded in Other income, net when received; whereas for the government subsidies related to research and development projects, the amounts are recorded in Deferred revenue when received and will be offset against Research and Development expenses over the project period when no further conditions are to be met.
Leases
Leases have been classified as either capital or operating leases at the inception date. Leases that transfer substantially all the benefits and risks incidental to the ownership of assets are accounted for as if there was an acquisition of an asset and incurrence of an obligation at the inception of the lease. All other leases are accounted for as operating leases wherein rental payments are expensed on a straight-line basis over the periods of their respective lease terms. The Group leases office space under operating lease agreements. Certain of the lease agreements contain rent holidays. Rent holidays are considered in determining the straight-line rent expense to be recorded over the lease term. The lease term begins on the date of initial possession of the lease property for purposes of recognizing lease expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.
The Company had no capital leases as of December 31, 2012 and 2013.
Comprehensive income
Comprehensive income is defined to include all changes in shareholders equity except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Among other disclosures, ASC 220-10 (ASC 220-10), Comprehensive Income: Overall requires that all items that are required to be recognized under current accounting standards as components of comprehensive income be reported in a financial statement that is displayed with the same prominence as other financial statements.
The Group adopted ASU No. 2011-05 (ASU 2011-05), Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income on January 1, 2012 by presenting items of net income and other comprehensive income in one continuous statement, the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Prior periods comprehensive information has been revised to conform to the presentation requirements of ASU 2011-05.
Income taxes
The Group accounts for income taxes using the liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates that will be in effect in the period in which the differences are expected to reverse. The Group records a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more-likely-than-not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
The Group applies ASC 740, Accounting for Income Taxes (ASC 740), to account for uncertainty in income taxes. ASC 740 prescribes a recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. The Group has recorded unrecognized tax benefits in the other liabilities line item in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Group has elected to classify interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits, if and when required, as part of income tax expense, in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
F-28
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
The Groups estimated liability for unrecognized tax benefits and the related interest and penalties are periodically assessed for adequacy and may be affected by changing interpretations of laws, rulings by tax authorities, changes and/or developments with respect to tax audits, and expiration of the statute of limitations. The actual benefits ultimately realized may differ from the Groups estimates. As each audit is concluded, adjustments, if any, are recorded in the Groups consolidated financial statements. Additionally, in future periods, changes in facts and circumstances, and new information may require the Group to adjust the recognition and measurement estimates with regard to individual tax positions. Changes in recognition and measurement estimates are recognized in the period in which they occur.
Share-based compensation
The Group accounts for share-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation: Overall (ASC 718).
In accordance with ASC 718, the Group determines whether an award should be classified and accounted for as a liability award or equity award. All grants of share-based awards to employees classified as equity awards are recognized in the financial statements based on their grant date fair values. An award subject to fixed price put option that is exercisable at the sole discretion of the employee would be accounted for as an award with liability and equity component similar to tandem award described in ASC 718-10-55-120 through 55-130 as an award with two or more components in which exercise of one part cancels the other(s). For the equity component, it would be recognized using the same method as other equity awards. For the liability component, fair value of the put option as of reporting date is used to recognize a liability with a corresponding share-based compensation. At the end of each reporting period, the liability would be re-measured and any corresponding adjustments to the liability would be charged to share-based compensation until the redemption right is exercised or it expires.
The Group has elected to recognize share-based compensation using the accelerated method, for all share-based awards granted with graded vesting based on service conditions. Forfeiture rates are estimated based on historical experience and future expectations of employee turnover rates and are periodically reviewed. If required vesting conditions are not met resulting in the forfeiture of the share-based awards, previously recognized compensation expense relating to those awards are reversed. ASC 718 requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in the subsequent period if actual forfeitures differ from initial estimates. To the extent the Group revises these estimates in the future, the share-based payments could be materially impacted in the period of revision, as well as in following periods. Share-based compensation expense was recorded net of estimated forfeitures such that expense was recorded only for those share-based awards that are expected to vest. The Group, with the assistance of an independent third party valuation firm, determined the fair value of share-based awards granted to employees. Determining the fair value of share-based awards of the Company required complex and subjective judgments regarding its projected financial and operating results, its unique business risks, the liquidity of its ordinary shares and its operating history and prospects at the time the grants were made.
Earnings (loss) per share
Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period. The convertible preferred shares (note 17) are participating securities. The Group computes earnings (loss) per ordinary share
F-29
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
using the two-class method. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary and dilutive ordinary equivalent shares outstanding during the period. Ordinary equivalent shares consist of shares issuable upon the conversion of the convertible preferred shares using the if-converted method and the vesting of Restricted Shares using the treasury stock method. Ordinary equivalent shares are not included in the denominator of the diluted earnings per share calculation when inclusion of such shares would be anti-dilutive.
Contingencies
The Group records accruals for certain of its outstanding legal proceedings or claims when it is probable that a liability will be incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. The Group evaluates, on a quarterly basis, developments in legal proceedings or claims that could affect the amount of any accrual, as well as any developments that would make a loss contingency both probable and reasonably estimable. The Group discloses the amount of the accrual if it is material.
When a loss contingency is not both probable and estimable, the Group does not record an accrued liability but discloses the nature and the amount of the claim, if material. However, if the loss (or an additional loss in excess of the accrual) is at least reasonably possible, then the Group discloses an estimate of the loss or range of loss, if such estimate can be made and material, or states that such estimate is immaterial if it can be estimated but immaterial, or discloses that an estimate cannot be made. The assessments of whether a loss is probable or reasonably possible, and whether the loss or a range of loss is estimable, often involve complex judgments about future events. Management is often unable to estimate the loss or a range of loss, particularly where (i) the damages sought are indeterminate, (ii) the proceedings are in the early stages, or (iii) there is a lack of clear or consistent interpretation of laws specific to the industry-specific complaints among different jurisdictions. In such cases, there is considerable uncertainty regarding the timing or ultimate resolution of such matters, including eventual loss, fine, penalty or business impact, if any.
Segment reporting
In accordance with ASC 280, Segment Reporting , the Companys chief operating decision maker, which is the Chief Executive Officer, reviews the consolidated results when making decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance of the Group as a whole and hence, the Group has only one operating segment. The Group operates and manages its business as a single segment. As the Groups long-lived assets are substantially all located in the PRC and substantially all the Groups revenues are derived from within the PRC, no geographical segments are presented.
Concentration of risks
Concentration of credit risk
Financial instruments that are potentially subject to credit risk consist of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and accounts receivable. The carrying amounts of these financial instruments represent the maximum amount of loss due to credit risk. Deposits held with financial institutions were not protected by statutory or commercial insurance. In the event of bankruptcy of one of these financial institutions, the Group may be unlikely to claim its deposits back in full. Management believes that these financial institutions are of high credit quality and continually monitors the credit worthiness of these financial institutions. The Group had RMB174,752 and RMB586,316 (US$96,852) in cash and cash equivalents and short-term time investments as of December 31, 2012 and 2013, respectively.
F-30
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
Accounts receivable are typically unsecured and are derived from revenue earned from customers. The risk is mitigated by credit evaluations the Group performs on its ongoing credit evaluations of its customers financial conditions and ongoing monitoring process of outstanding balances. The Group maintains reserves for estimated credit losses and these losses have generally been within expectations.
Business, customer, political, social and economic risks
The Group participates in a dynamic high technology industry and believes that changes in any of the following areas could have a material adverse effect on the Groups future financial position, results of operations or cash flows: changes in the overall demand for services and products; competitive pressures due to new entrants; advances and new trends in new technologies and industry standards; changes in bandwidth suppliers; changes in certain strategic relationships or customer relationships; regulatory considerations; copyright regulations; and risks associated with the Groups ability to attract and retain employees necessary to support its growth.
For the year ended December 31, 2011, none of the customers contributed more than 10% of the Groups total revenues on an individual basis. For the year ended December 31, 2012, approximately 22% and 24% of the Groups total revenue were derived from customer A and customer B, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2013, approximately 25%, 14% and 19% of the Groups total revenue were derived from customer A, customer B and customer C, respectively.
The Groups operations could be adversely affected by significant political, economic and social uncertainties in the PRC. Internet and advertising related businesses are subject to significant restrictions under current PRC laws and regulations. Specifically, foreign investors are not allowed to own more than a 50% equity interest in any Internet Content Provider (ICP) business.
Currency convertibility risk
The revenues and expenses of the Groups subsidiaries and VIEs in the PRC are generally denominated in RMB and their assets and liabilities are denominated in RMB. The Groups financing activities are denominated in US$. On January 1, 1994, the PRC government abolished the dual rate system and introduced a single rate of exchange as quoted daily by the Peoples Bank of PRC (the PBOC). However, the unification of the exchange rates does not imply that the RMB may be readily convertible into US$ or other foreign currencies. All foreign exchange transactions continue to take place either through the PBOC or other banks authorized to buy and sell foreign currencies at the exchange rates quoted by the PBOC. Approval of foreign currency payments by the PBOC or other institutions requires submitting a payment application form together with suppliers invoices, shipping documents and signed contracts.
Additionally, the value of the RMB is subject to changes in central government policies and international economic and political developments affecting supply and demand in the PRC foreign exchange trading system market.
Foreign currency exchange rate risk
The Companys exposure to foreign currency exchange rate risk primarily relates to cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments denominated in the US$. From July 21, 2005, the RMB is permitted to
F-31
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
fluctuate within a narrow and managed band against a basket of certain foreign currencies. On June 19, 2010, the Peoples Bank of China announced the end of the RMBs de facto peg to US$, a policy which was instituted in late 2008 in the face of the global financial crisis, to further reform the RMB exchange rate regime and to enhance the RMB exchange rate flexibility. The exchange rate floating bands will remain the same as previously announced in the inter-bank foreign exchange market. The appreciation of the RMB against US$ was approximately 5.11%, 0.25% and 3.09% in the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively. While the international reaction to the RMB appreciation has generally been positive, there remains significant international pressure on the PRC government to adopt an even more flexible currency policy, which could result in a further and more significant appreciation of the RMB against the US$.
Recently issued accounting pronouncements
In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-05 (ASU 2013-05), Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830):, Parents Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity , which specifies that foreign currency translation adjustments should be released into earnings when an entity ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets within a consolidated foreign entity and the sale or transfer results in the complete or substantially complete liquidation of the foreign entity. For sales of an equity method investment that is a foreign entity, a pro rata portion of CTA attributable to the investment would be recognized in earnings when the investment is sold. When an entity sells either a part or all of its investment in a consolidated foreign entity, CTA would be recognized in earnings only if the sale results in the parent no longer having a controlling financial interest in the foreign entity. In addition, CTA should be recognized in earnings in a business combination achieved in stages. For public entities, ASU 2013-05 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013, with early adoption permitted. The Group will adopt ASU 2013-05 on January 1, 2014 and does not expect the adoption to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11 (ASU 2013-11), Income Taxes (Topic 740) to provide guidance on the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, similar tax loss, or tax credit carryforward exists. This ASU requires an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, to be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, with certain exceptions. The modifications to ASC 740 resulting from the issuance of ASU 2013-11 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2013 and interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted. The Group has adopted ASU 2013-11 on January 1, 2011. Starting January 1, 2011, the Group has presented an unrecognized tax benefit or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit as deduction of deferred tax assets if applicable.
3. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
Acquisition of Mydrivers business
On January 24, 2011, Beike Internet acquired assets of the Drivers Genius software business and Mydrivers series websites (collectively known as the Mydrivers Business), which is accounted for as a business combination, from certain third parties (collectively known as the Sellers) for a contract amount of RMB12,000 of which RMB11,000 was the initial purchase consideration and RMB1,000 was the employees
F-32
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
compensation for future services. The contract amount was fully paid to the Sellers as of December 31, 2011. The acquisition allows the Group to provide synergies with the existing business.
A contingent consideration with an upper limit of RMB3,000 per year will be paid conditional upon the achievements of certain performance targets from February 2011 to January 2013 of the Mydrivers Business. The Group has estimated and recognized a liability for the contingent consideration at its fair value of RMB5,113 at the acquisition date. The fair value of the contingent consideration liability was recognized as RMB2,955 and RMB2,654 in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities and Non-current liabilities, respectively, in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2011 and RMB2,906 in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2012. A loss of RMB496, RMB297 and RMB94 (US$16) resulted from the change in fair value of the contingent consideration liability was recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively. RMB3,000 and RMB3,000 (US$496) of the contingent consideration was paid in 2012 and 2013, respectively.
The acquisition was recorded using the purchase method of accounting and, accordingly, the acquired assets and liabilities were recorded at their fair market value at the date of acquisition. The total purchase price of RMB16,113 was allocated as follows:
RMB | ||||
Property and equipment |
105 | |||
Intangible assets |
||||
Technology |
12,886 | |||
Trade name and domain names |
2,161 | |||
Goodwill |
961 | |||
|
|
|||
Total identifiable net assets acquired |
16,113 | |||
|
|
|||
Cash consideration |
11,000 | |||
Fair value of contingent consideration |
5,113 | |||
|
|
|||
Total purchase consideration |
16,113 | |||
|
|
The Group performed the valuation of intangible assets for the above acquisition with the assistance of an independent third party valuation firm. The valuation analysis utilized and considered the generally accepted valuation methodologies such as the income, market and cost approach. The Company has incorporated certain assumptions which include projected cash flows and replacement costs.
The goodwill is mainly attributable to intangible assets that cannot be recognized separately as identifiable assets under U.S. GAAP, and comprise (a) the assembled work force and (b) the expected but unidentifiable business growth of the Group as a result of the synergy resulting from the acquisition.
Under an acquisition of assets, the book basis recorded under the purchase method of accounting becomes its tax basis. As a result, no deferred taxes were recorded.
Pro forma results of operations of the Mydrivers Business were not presented as the results of operations of the Mydrivers Business were not material to the Groups consolidated financial statements.
F-33
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
Acquisition of Antutu business
On April 17, 2013, the Company acquired certain intellectual properties, customer relationship and key employees of Antutu Business (Antutu Business) from a third party for a cash consideration of RMB12,000, which was fully settled as of December 31, 2013. The acquisition is accounted for as a business combination. The acquisition allows the Group to enhance the mobile application and provides synergies with its existing business.
In addition, the Company granted 2,750,000 Restricted Shares, which was valued at US$0.39 per share by the Company with the assistance of an independent third party valuation firm, to the seller of Antutu Business who became the Groups key employee after the acquisition. Since the Restricted Shares are linked to continuing employment of the key employees, they are accounted for as share-based compensation costs. Any unvested Restricted Shares would be forfeited if the key employees cease their employment with the Group during the three years service period commencing from the employment commencement date (note 16).
RMB | ||||
Intangible assets: |
||||
Trademark |
150 | |||
Technology |
1,000 | |||
Customer relationship |
2,383 | |||
Goodwill |
8,467 | |||
|
|
|||
Total identifiable net assets acquired |
12,000 | |||
|
|
|||
Cash consideration |
12,000 | |||
|
|
|||
Total purchase consideration |
12,000 | |||
|
|
The Group performed the valuation of intangible assets for the above acquisition with the assistance of an independent third party valuation firm. The valuation analysis utilized and considered the generally accepted valuation methodologies such as the income, market and cost approach. The Group has incorporated certain assumptions which include projected cash flows and replacement costs.
The goodwill is mainly attributable to intangible assets that cannot be recognized separately as identifiable assets under U.S. GAAP, and comprise (a) the assembled work force and (b) the expected but unidentifiable business growth of the Group as a result of the synergy resulting from the acquisition.
Under an acquisition of assets, the book basis recorded under the purchase method of accounting becomes its tax basis. As a result, no deferred taxes were recorded.
Pro-forma results of operations of the Antutu Business were not presented as the results of operations of the Antutu Business were not material to the Groups consolidated financial statements.
Acquisition of Photo Grid business
On May 20, 2013, the Company acquired certain intellectual properties, customer relationship and key employees of Photo Grid Business (Photo Grid Business) from a third party for a cash consideration of
F-34
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
US$6,600, which was fully settled as of December 31, 2013. The acquisition is accounted for as a business combination. The acquisition allows the Group to enhance the mobile application and provides synergies with its existing business.
A contingent consideration with an upper limit of US$800 per year will be paid conditional upon the achievements of certain performance targets from June 2013 to May 2016 of the Photo Grid Business in accordance with the sales and purchase agreement. The Group has estimated and recognized a financial liability for the contingent consideration at its fair value of RMB4,265 (US$697) and RMB6,902 (US$1,128) at the acquisition date and recognized it in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities and Non-current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet, respectively. As of December 31, 2013, the fair value of the contingent consideration liability was recognized as RMB4,573 (US$755) and RMB7,401 (US$1,223) in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities and Non-current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet, respectively. A loss of RMB973 (US$161) resulted from the change in fair value of the contingent consideration liability was recognized as changes in fair value of contingent consideration in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2013.
In addition, the Company committed to grant 1,000,000 Restricted Shares to a selling shareholder who became the Groups key employee after the acquisition, at the first anniversary of the employment commencement date at terms to be determined at such time.
The acquisition was recorded using the purchase method of accounting and, accordingly, the acquired assets and liabilities were recorded at their fair market value at the date of acquisition. The total purchase price of US$8,407 was allocated as follows:
RMB | US$ | |||||||
Intangible assets: |
||||||||
Technology |
9,270 | 1,500 | ||||||
Customer relationship |
11,154 | 1,805 | ||||||
Goodwill |
31,528 | 5,102 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total identifiable net assets acquired |
51,952 | 8,407 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Cash consideration |
40,785 | 6,600 | ||||||
Fair value of contingent consideration |
11,167 | 1,807 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total purchase consideration |
51,952 | 8,407 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
The Group performed the valuation of intangible assets for the above acquisition with the assistance of an independent third party valuation firm. The valuation analysis utilized and considered the generally accepted valuation methodologies such as the income, market and cost approach. The Group has incorporated certain assumptions which include projected cash flows and replacement costs.
The goodwill is mainly attributable to intangible assets that cannot be recognized separately as identifiable assets under U.S. GAAP, and comprise (a) the assembled work force and (b) the expected but unidentifiable business growth of the Group as a result of the synergy resulting from the acquisition.
Under an acquisition of assets, the book basis recorded under the purchase method of accounting becomes its tax basis. As a result, no deferred taxes were recorded.
F-35
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
Pro-forma results of operations of the Photo Grid Business were not presented as the results of operations of the Photo Grid Business were not material to the Groups consolidated financial statements.
4. INVESTMENTS
(a) | Short-term investments |
As of December 31, 2012 and 2013, short-term investments include fixed-rate time deposits in commercial banks with a maturity of less than one year and available-for-sale equity security.
As of December 31, | ||||||||||||
2012 | 2013 | |||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
Fixed-rate time deposits |
40,376 | | | |||||||||
Available-for-sale equity security |
| 55,780 | 9,214 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total |
40,376 | 55,780 | 9,214 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
During the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, the Group recorded interest income of RMB400, RMB1,267 and RMB2,479 (US$410) in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income, respectively.
Available-for-sale equity security
On November 8, 2013, the Group purchased 2,673,796 Class A ordinary shares of Sungy Mobile Limited (Sungy), a company listed in NASDAQ, at a consideration of US$5,000.
The Group has agreed, subject to certain exceptions, not to transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any of Sungys ordinary shares, in the form of American Depositary Shares (ADSs) or otherwise, or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for Sungys ordinary shares, in the form of ADSs or otherwise, for a period of 180 days after November 21, 2013.
The Group recorded the investment in the ordinary shares of Sungy as an available-for-sale equity security which is subsequently measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income included in shareholders equity. The Group determined the fair value of the investment in the ordinary shares of Sungy to be RMB55,780 (US$9,214) as of December 31, 2013 with reference to the quoted market price. For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Group recorded an unrealized gain from the change in fair value of RMB25,297 (US$4,178) and deferred tax liabilities of RMB4,174 (US$689), in accumulated other comprehensive income.
F-36
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
(b) | Long-term investments |
As of December 31, 2012 and 2013, long-term investments consisted of the following:
As of December 31, | ||||||||||||
2012 | 2013 | |||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
Equity method investments |
| 6,151 | 1,016 | |||||||||
Available-for-sale debt security |
| 5,903 | 975 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total |
| 12,054 | 1,991 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity method investments
On April 18, 2013, the Group invested RMB3,600 cash and self-developed technologies with fair value of RMB6,000 and carrying value of nil in Beijing Security System Technology for its 40% equity interest. The Group performed the valuation with the assistance of an independent third party valuation firm. A partial deemed disposal gain on intangible asset of RMB3,600 (US$595) was recognized for the year ended December 31, 2013. The investment in Beijing Security System Technology was accounted for as an equity method investment since the Group has the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financing activities of Beijing Security System Technology.
On April 18, 2013, the Group invested RMB800 cash in Wuhan Antian Information Technology Co., Ltd. (Wuhan Antian) for its 40% equity interest. The investment in Wuhan Antian was accounted for as an equity method investment since the Group has the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financing activities of Wuhan Antian.
Available-for-sale debt security
On July 26, 2013, the Group acquired a convertible promissory note with principal amount of US$1,000 (the Convertible Note) from Trustlook Inc. (Trustlook), a private company in the United States, at a consideration of RMB6,148. The Convertible Note bears interests at 6% per annum with maturity of two years. The Convertible Note will be automatically converted into identical equity securities that will be issued upon the closing of an equity financing by Trustlook on or before the maturity date of the Convertible Note. If an equity financing does not occur on or before the maturity date, the Group has the option to convert the Convertible Note into common shares of Trustlook. The Group recorded the investment in the Convertible Note as an available-for-sale debt security. Subsequent to initial recognition, the available-for-sale debt security is measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss included in shareholders equity. The Group determined the fair value of Trustlook to be RMB5,903 (US$975) as of December 31, 2013 with the assistance of an independent third party valuation firm.
For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Group recorded an unrealized loss from the change in fair value of the available-for-sale security of RMB194 (US$32) in accumulated other comprehensive loss.
F-37
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
5. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, NET
As of December 31, | ||||||||||||
2012 | 2013 | |||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
Accounts receivable |
44,633 | 100,500 | 16,602 | |||||||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts |
| (72 | ) | (12 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
44,633 | 100,428 | 16,590 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2012 and 2013, all accounts receivable were due from third party customers. The following table presents movement of the allowance for doubtful receivables:
As of December 31, | ||||||||||||
2012 | 2013 | |||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
Balance at the beginning of the year |
| | | |||||||||
Additions charged to general and administrative expenses |
| 72 | 12 | |||||||||
Write-off during the year |
| | | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Balance at the end of the year |
| 72 | 12 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
6. PREPAYMENTS AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS
As of December 31, | ||||||||||||
2012 | 2013 | |||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
Value-added taxes receivable |
523 | | | |||||||||
Receivable from employees (i) |
6,284 | 31,060 | 5,131 | |||||||||
Prepaid deposits |
2,235 | 6,610 | 1,092 | |||||||||
Interests receivable |
827 | 957 | 158 | |||||||||
Entrusted loan to a third party (ii) |
6,000 | 1,000 | 165 | |||||||||
Loans to investors of an equity investee (iii) |
| 1,383 | 228 | |||||||||
Entrusted loan to an investor of an equity investee (iv) |
| 6,940 | 1,146 | |||||||||
Advances to employees |
2,882 | 7,658 | 1,265 | |||||||||
Advance to suppliers (ii) |
| 4,976 | 822 | |||||||||
Others |
1,691 | 2,453 | 406 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total |
20,442 | 63,037 | 10,413 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
(i) | The amount represents receivable from certain employees related to the individual income tax (IIT) arising from the vested Restricted Shares of the Company as of the end of the years presented. |
F-38
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
(ii) | The Group considered it will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the agreements, therefore, provision for doubtful debts of RMB5,000 (US$826) and RMB6,160 (US$1,018) were made against the entrusted loan to a third party and advance to suppliers, respectively, and charged to general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2013. The following table presents movement of the allowance for doubtful debts: |
As of December 31, | ||||||||||||
2012 | 2013 | |||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
Balance at the beginning of the year |
| | | |||||||||
Additions charged to general and administrative expenses |
| 11,160 | 1,844 | |||||||||
Write-off during the year |
| | | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Balance at the end of the year |
| 11,160 | 1,844 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
(iii) | Loans to investors of an equity investee amounting to RMB5,530 bear interest at rate reference to the market rate with 10% discount. The loans are repayable in four years. As of December 31, 2013, RMB4,147 (US$685) of the loans were included in Other non-current assets in the consolidated balance sheets. |
(iv) | Entrusted loan to an investor of an equity investee amounting to RMB4,000 bears interest at rate reference to the market rate with 10% discount and repayable in two years (June 2015) and RMB4,940 bears interest at a rate of 1% and repayable in one year (July 2014). As of December 31, 2013, RMB2,000 (US$330) of the entrusted loan was included in Other non-current assets in the consolidated balance sheets. |
7. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET
As of December 31, | ||||||||||||
2012 | 2013 | |||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
Electronic equipment |
21,402 | 41,066 | 6,784 | |||||||||
Office equipment and fixtures |
639 | 3,467 | 573 | |||||||||
Motor vehicles |
267 | 568 | 94 | |||||||||
Leasehold improvement |
3,421 | 7,344 | 1,213 | |||||||||
Less: Accumulated depreciation |
(10,268 | ) | (21,119 | ) | (3,489 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Property and equipment, net |
15,461 | 31,326 | 5,175 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation expense of property and equipment for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013 were RMB3,349, RMB5,575 and RMB11,702 (US$1,933), respectively.
8. INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET
Intangible assets and the related accumulated amortization are summarized as follows:
As of December 31, 2012 | ||||||||||||
Gross
carrying value |
Accumulated
amortization |
Net
carrying value |
||||||||||
RMB | RMB | RMB | ||||||||||
Indefinite-lived: |
||||||||||||
Trade name and domain names |
2,161 | | 2,161 | |||||||||
Finite-lived: |
||||||||||||
Technology |
27,076 | (9,297 | ) | 17,779 | ||||||||
Non-compete agreements |
1,610 | (533 | ) | 1,077 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
30,847 | (9,830 | ) | 21,017 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-39
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
As of December 31, 2013 | ||||||||||||||||
Gross
carrying value |
Accumulated
amortization |
Net carrying
value |
||||||||||||||
RMB | RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||
Indefinite-lived: |
||||||||||||||||
Trade name and domain names |
2,161 | | 2,161 | 357 | ||||||||||||
Finite-lived: |
||||||||||||||||
Technology |
39,546 | (16,689 | ) | 22,857 | 3,776 | |||||||||||
Trademark |
148 | (17 | ) | 131 | 21 | |||||||||||
Non-compete agreements |
1,610 | (769 | ) | 841 | 139 | |||||||||||
Customer relationship |
13,349 | (6,489 | ) | 6,860 | 1,133 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
56,814 | (23,964 | ) | 32,850 | 5,426 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization expense of intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013 were RMB11,688, RMB5,280 and RMB14,178 (US$2,342), respectively. Estimated amortization expense relating to the existing intangible assets with finite lives for each of next five years is as follows:
Years ended
December 31, |
||||||||
RMB | US$ | |||||||
2014 |
15,382 | 2,541 | ||||||
2015 |
7,427 | 1,227 | ||||||
2016 |
3,649 | 603 | ||||||
2017 |
2,848 | 470 | ||||||
2018 |
1,043 | 172 | ||||||
Thereafter |
340 | 56 |
9. GOODWILL
As of December 31, | ||||||||||||
2012 | 2013 | |||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
Balance at beginning of the year |
13,384 | 13,384 | 2,211 | |||||||||
Goodwill acquired in acquisitions of business |
| 39,995 | 6,607 | |||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustments |
| (560 | ) | (93 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Balance at end of the year |
13,384 | 52,819 | 8,725 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Goodwill acquired in acquisitions of businesses of RMB39,995 (US$6,607) in the year ended December 31, 2013, relating to the acquisition of the Photo Grid Business and the Antutu Business. The Group performs its annual impairment test for goodwill on December 31 of each year. Based on the results of the impairment test, there was no impairment of goodwill during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013, respectively.
F-40
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
10. ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES
As of December 31, | ||||||||||||
2012 | 2013 | |||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
Salary and welfare payable |
25,965 | 49,754 | 8,219 | |||||||||
Advances from customers |
4,040 | 4,849 | 801 | |||||||||
Other taxes payable |
22,365 | 54,525 | 9,007 | |||||||||
Accrued data center expenses |
9,900 | 5,553 | 917 | |||||||||
Accrued advertising, marketing and promotional expenses |
12,185 | 46,434 | 7,670 | |||||||||
Other accrued expenses |
4,076 | 13,622 | 2,250 | |||||||||
Payable for contingent consideration (note 3) |
2,906 | 4,573 | 755 | |||||||||
Others |
1,332 | 2,241 | 370 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total |
82,769 | 181,551 | 29,989 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
11. REDEMPTION RIGHT LIABILITIES
Redemption right granted to a non-controlling shareholder
On June 24, 2013, the Group granted a written put option to a non-controlling corporate shareholder wholly-owned by certain executive officers of the Company to put 24,264,042 ordinary shares of the Company at US$0.3835 per share within 24 months after the completion of the issuance of Series B Preferred Shares (note 18) (the put option). In accordance with ASC 480 Distinguishing Liabilities From Equity , the Group recorded the put option at fair value as determined on the day of issuance and subsequently adjusted to fair value at each reporting date. As of the date of issuance and December 31, 2013, the fair value of the put option was RMB14,697 and RMB3,551 (US$587), respectively, which were determined with the assistance of an independent third party valuation firm. The grant date fair value of RMB14,697 was recognized as deemed employee compensation expense in general and administrative expenses and a gain of RMB11,146 (US$1,841) resulting from the change in fair value of the put option was recognized as Change in fair value of redemption right granted to a non-controlling shareholder in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Redemption right granted to employees
In 2013, the Company granted an aggregate of 3,000,000 Restricted Shares to two employees pursuant to the KIS Share Award Scheme whereby the employees have the unilateral right to request the Company to repurchase their vested Restricted Shares at a fixed price (note 16). The Restricted Shares are accounted for as tandem awards as they provide the option to put the Restricted Shares back to the Company and therefore, have both an equity and liability component. The liability component is recorded at fair value and re-measured at the end of each reporting period until the earlier of (i) settlement in cash or (ii) when the redemption rights expire on May 26, 2021. The redemption right liability as of the grant date and December 31, 2013 were nil and RMB2,160 (US$357), respectively. The redemption right liability considers the fair value of the employees redemption right as of the end of a reporting period and the number of Restricted Shares underlying the put that have vested to date. Changes in the fair value of the redemption right liability are recorded as share-based compensation costs (note 16).
F-41
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
12. DEFERRED REVENUE
As of December 31, | ||||||||||||
2012 | 2013 | |||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
Deferred revenuecurrent: |
||||||||||||
Deferred revenue from customers |
10,268 | 7,840 | 1,295 | |||||||||
Deferred government subsidies |
1,950 | | | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total deferred revenuecurrent |
12,218 | 7,840 | 1,295 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Deferred revenuenon-current: |
||||||||||||
Deferred revenue from customers |
2,746 | 2,866 | 473 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total deferred revenuenon-current |
2,746 | 2,866 | 473 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total |
14,964 | 10,706 | 1,768 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
13. REVENUES
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2012 | 2013 | ||||||||||||||
RMB |
RMB |
RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||
Online marketing services |
23,916 | 212,443 | 612,565 | 101,189 | ||||||||||||
Internet value-added services |
| 2,354 | 83,155 | 13,736 | ||||||||||||
Internet security services and others |
116,138 | 73,130 |
|
54,191
|
|
8,951 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
140,054 | 287,927 | 749,911 | 123,876 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14. INCOME TAXES
The Company is incorporated in the Cayman Islands and conducts its primary business operations through the subsidiaries and VIEs in the PRC. It also has subsidiaries in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), United States and Hong Kong.
Cayman Islands
Under the current laws of the Cayman Islands, the Company is not subject to tax on income or capital gain arising in Cayman Islands. Additionally, upon payments of dividends by the Company to its shareholders, no Cayman Islands withholding tax will be imposed.
British Virgin Islands
Under the current laws of the British Virgin Islands (BVI), the Companys BVI incorporated subsidiaries are not subject to tax on income or capital gains arising in BVI. In addition, upon payments of dividends by these entities to their shareholders, no BVI withholding tax will be imposed.
F-42
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
United States
KS Mobile is incorporated in the United States and is subject to federal income tax rate of 35% for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013, respectively. No provision for federal income tax has been made in the consolidated financial statements as it had no assessable profits for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013.
Hong Kong
Cheetah Technology is incorporated in Hong Kong and is subject to Hong Kong profits tax rate of 16.5% for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively. No provision for Hong Kong profits tax has been made in the consolidated financial statements as it had no assessable profits for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2012. For the year ended December 31, 2013, Hong Kong profits tax has been provided at the rate of 16.5% on the assessable profits of Cheetah Technology arising in Hong Kong.
PRC
The Companys subsidiaries in the PRC and the VIEs are subject to the statutory rate of 25% for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013 in accordance with the Enterprise Income Tax law (the EIT Law), which was effective since January 1, 2008. Under the EIT Law, domestic enterprises and foreign invested enterprises are subject to a unified 25% enterprise income tax rate, except for certain entities that enjoy the tax holidays.
Pursuant to CaiShui [2008] No.1, qualified new software development enterprises are each entitled to a tax holiday of two-year full EIT exemption followed by three-year 50% EIT reduction (2+3 tax holiday) starting from their respective first profit-making year. Zhuhai Juntian and Beijing Security, being qualified new software development enterprises in year 2010, are each entitled to a 2+3 tax holiday and their first profit-making year was year 2009 and year 2010, respectively. Accordingly, Beijing Security was tax exempted for years 2010 and 2011 and subject to EIT at 12.5% from years 2012 to 2014. Zhuhai Juntians first profit-making year was 2009 but it did not receive the 2+3 tax holiday approval until November 2010, therefore, its 2+3 tax holiday is tax exempted only for year 2010 and subject to EIT at 12.5% from years 2011 to 2013. Without the tax holidays, the Groups income tax benefit would have increased by RMB5,017 for the year ended December 31, 2011 and income tax expenses would have increased by RMB4,201 and RMB4,430 for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013, respectively. The impact of the tax holidays on basic loss per ordinary share was a decrease of RMB0.0057 for the year ended December 31, 2011 and the basic earnings per ordinary share was a decrease of RMB0.0042 and RMB0.0041 for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013, respectively.
Conew Network, Beijing Conew, Beike Internet and Beijing Network were subject to EIT at a rate of 25% for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013.
Under the EIT Law, dividends paid by PRC enterprises out of profits earned post-2007 to non-PRC tax resident investors are subject to PRC withholding tax of 10%. A lower withholding tax rate may be applied based on applicable tax treaty with certain jurisdictions.
The EIT Law also provides that enterprises established under the laws of foreign countries or regions and whose place of effective management is located within the PRC are considered PRC tax resident enterprises and subject to PRC income tax at the rate of 25% on worldwide income. The definition of place of effective
F-43
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
management refers to an establishment that exercises, in substance, overall management and control over the production and business, personnel, accounting, properties and other aspects of an enterprise.
As of December 31, 2013, no detailed interpretation or guidance has been issued to define place of effective management for overseas entities whose ultimate holding companies are not PRC resident companies. Furthermore, as of December 31, 2013, the administrative practice associated with interpreting and applying the concept of place of effective management is unclear. If the Company, Cheetah Technology or KS Mobile is deemed as a PRC tax resident, it would be subject to PRC tax under the EIT Law. The Company has analyzed the applicability of this law and will continue to monitor the related development and application.
Income (loss) before income taxes consists of:
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2012 | 2013 | ||||||||||||||
RMB |
RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||
PRC |
(27,706 | ) | 37,021 | 161,550 | 26,687 | |||||||||||
Non-PRC |
(5,126 | ) | (22,262 | ) | (50,862 | ) | (8,402 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total |
(32,832 | ) | 14,759 | 110,688 | 18,285 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The current and deferred portions of income tax (benefit) expense included in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income are as follows:
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2012 | 2013 | ||||||||||||||
RMB | RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||
Current income tax expenses |
934 | 2,513 | 14,760 | 2,438 | ||||||||||||
Deferred income tax (benefit) expenses |
(3,531 | ) | 2,402 | 33,910 | 5,602 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Income tax (benefit) expenses for the year |
(2,597 | ) | 4,915 | 48,670 | 8,040 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A reconciliation of the differences between the statutory tax rate and the effective tax rate for enterprise income tax is as follows:
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2012 | 2013 | ||||||||||||||
RMB | RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||
(Loss) income before income tax |
(32,832 | ) | 14,759 | 110,688 | 18,285 | |||||||||||
Income tax expense computed at applicable tax rates (2011, 2012 and 2013: 25%) |
(8,208 | ) | 3,690 | 27,672 | 4,571 | |||||||||||
Effect of different tax rates in different jurisdictions |
1,280 | 5,222 | 11,699 | 1,934 | ||||||||||||
Effect of lower tax rate for certain subsidiaries |
9,020 | (4,124 | ) | (4,430 | ) | (732 | ) | |||||||||
Effect of preferential tax rate on deferred tax |
(4,003 | ) | (77 | ) | (455 | ) | (75 | ) | ||||||||
Tax incentives related to research and development |
(5,439 | ) | (9,307 | ) | (19,140 | ) | (3,164 | ) | ||||||||
Non-deductible expenses |
1,284 | 1,647 | 1,005 | 166 | ||||||||||||
Changes in uncertain tax position and late payment interest |
182 | 19 | 82 | 14 | ||||||||||||
Outside basis differences |
| | 33,910 | 5,602 | ||||||||||||
Withholding tax |
| | 109 | 18 | ||||||||||||
Changes in valuation allowance |
3,287 | 7,845 | (1,782 | ) | (294 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Income tax (benefit) expense |
(2,597 | ) | 4,915 | 48,670 | 8,040 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-44
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
Deferred taxes were measured using the enacted tax rates for the periods in which the temporary differences are expected to be reversed. The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to the deferred tax balances as of December 31, 2012 and 2013 are as follows:
As of December 31, | ||||||||||||
2012 | 2013 | |||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
Deferred tax assets, current portion: |
||||||||||||
Deferred revenue |
784 | 393 | 65 | |||||||||
Accrued expense |
154 | 296 | 49 | |||||||||
Revenue cut-off |
4,461 | | | |||||||||
Provision for doubtful debts |
| 2,202 | 364 | |||||||||
Unrealized gain from deemed disposal of intangible assets |
| 60 | 10 | |||||||||
Tax loss carry forward |
1,818 | 597 | 99 | |||||||||
Less: Valuation allowance |
(4,701 | ) | (1,635 | ) | (271 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Current deferred tax assets |
2,516 | 1,913 | 316 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Deferred tax assets, non-current portion: |
||||||||||||
Deferred revenue |
380 | 673 | 111 | |||||||||
Intangible assets and prepaid expense |
5,697 | 5,303 | 876 | |||||||||
Foreign tax credit |
332 | 659 | 109 | |||||||||
Unrealized gain from deemed disposal of intangible assets |
| 390 | 64 | |||||||||
Fixed assets depreciation |
| 156 | 26 | |||||||||
Tax loss carry forward |
7,570 | 8,959 | 1,479 | |||||||||
Less: Valuation allowance |
(7,678 | ) | (8,962 | ) | (1,479 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Non-current deferred tax assets |
6,301 | 7,178 | 1,186 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Deferred tax liabilities, non-current portion: |
||||||||||||
Long-lived assets arising from acquisitions |
848 | 1,122 | 185 | |||||||||
Unrealized gains from available-for-sale equity security |
| 4,174 | 689 | |||||||||
Outside basis difference |
| 33,910 | 5,602 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
848 | 39,206 | 6,476 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Group operates through several subsidiaries and VIEs and the valuation allowance is considered for each subsidiary and VIE on an individual basis. As of December 31, 2012 and 2013, the Groups total deferred tax assets before valuation allowances were RMB21,196 and RMB19,688 (US$3,252), respectively. As of December 31, 2012 and 2013, the Group recorded valuation allowances of RMB12,379 and RMB10,597 (US$1,750), respectively, on its deferred tax assets that are sufficient to reduce the deferred tax assets to the amounts that are more-likely-than-not to be realized.
A change in judgment related to the beginning-of-the-year balance of a valuation allowance of RMB12,016 (US$1,985) has resulted from a change in circumstances that causes a change in judgment about the realizability of the related deferred tax asset in future years.
Undistributed earnings of certain of the Companys PRC subsidiaries amounted to approximately RMB33,204 and RMB37,251 (US$6,153) at December 31, 2012 and 2013 respectively. Those earnings are considered to be indefinitely reinvested; accordingly, no provision for PRC withholding taxes has been provided thereon. Upon repatriation of those earnings in the form of dividends, the Company would be subject to PRC withholding taxes. Determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred income tax liability is not practicable.
F-45
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
Deferred tax liabilities of outside basis differences in the VIE arising from (i) aggregate undistributed earnings of Beike Internet, a VIE of the Group, that are available for distribution to Beijing Security, its PRC tax resident primary beneficiary company and (ii) the difference between the book basis and the tax basis in the investment in Beike Internet were nil and RMB84,776 (US$14,004) as of December 31, 2012 and 2013, respectively. The registered shareholders of Beike Internet are contractually required to remit dividends received from Beike Internet to Beijing Security. This distribution chain results in (i) taxable dividend from Beike Internet to its registered shareholders and (ii) a taxable contribution to Beijing Security when the proceeds are remitted to Beijing Security by the registered shareholders. The tax impact on the future cash distribution is recognized in deferred tax liabilities as an outside basis difference.
As of December 31, 2013, the Group had net operating losses of approximately RMB32,358 (US$5,345), which can be carried forward to offset taxable income. The net operating loss will start to expire in 2014 if not utilized.
As of December 31, 2013, the Group had foreign tax credit of approximately RMB659 (US$109), which can be carried forward to offset tax payable. The foreign tax credit will start to expire in 2016 if not utilized.
Unrecognized tax benefits
The Groups unrecognized tax benefits for the year ended December 31, 2013 were primarily related to the tax-deduction of share-based compensation expenses and other expenses. It is possible that the amount of unrecognized benefits will change in the next 12 months; however, an estimate of the range of the possible change cannot be made at this moment. As of December 31, 2012 and 2013 there are RMB1,285 and RMB2,660 (US$439) of unrecognized tax benefits that if recognized would impact the annual effective tax rate. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefit is as follows:
As of December 31, | ||||||||||||
2012 | 2013 | |||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
Balance at January 1 |
1,309 | 1,338 | 221 | |||||||||
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year |
29 | 1,322 | 218 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Balance at December 31 |
1,338 | 2,660 | 439 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Group recognizes interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expenses. During the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013, the Group recognized approximately RMB19 and RMB82 (US$14) in interest and nil in penalties. The Group had approximately RMB19 and RMB101 (US$17) for the payment of interest accrued at December 31, 2012 and 2013, respectively.
As of December 31, 2013, the tax years ended December 31, 2009 through 2013 for the Groups subsidiaries in the PRC and the VIEs are generally subject to examination by the PRC tax authorities.
F-46
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
15. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
a) Related parties
Name of related parties |
Relationship with the Group |
|
Kingsoft |
The ultimate holding company | |
Beijing Kingsoft Cloud Network Technology Corporation Limited (Beijing Kingsoft Cloud Network) |
An entity controlled by Kingsoft | |
Beijing Kingsoft Cloud Technology Corporation Limited (Beijing Kingsoft Cloud Technology) |
An entity controlled by Kingsoft | |
Beijing Kingsoft Digital Entertainment Corporation Limited (Beijing Kingsoft Digital Entertainment) |
An entity controlled by Kingsoft | |
Beijing Kingsoft Office Software Corporation Limited (Beijing Kingsoft Office Software) |
An entity controlled by Kingsoft | |
Beijing Kingsoft Software Corporation Limited (Beijing Kingsoft Software) |
An entity controlled by Kingsoft | |
Chengdu Kingsoft Digital Entertainment Technology Co., Ltd. (Chengdu Kingsoft Digital Entertainment) |
An entity controlled by Kingsoft | |
Chengdu Kingsoft Interactive Entertainment Corporation Limited (Chengdu Kingsoft Interactive Entertainment) |
An entity controlled by Kingsoft | |
Kingsoft Japan Inc. (Kingsoft Japan) |
An entity controlled by Kingsoft | |
Zhuhai Kingsoft Application Software Corporation Limited (Zhuhai Kingsoft Application) |
An entity controlled by Kingsoft | |
Zhuhai Kingsoft Software Corporation Limited (Zhuhai Kingsoft Software) |
An entity controlled by Kingsoft | |
Shenzhen Tencent Computer Systems Corporation Limited (Tencent Shenzhen) |
An entity controlled by a shareholder of the Company | |
Tencent Technology (Shenzhen) Company Limited (Tencent Technology) |
An entity controlled by a shareholder of the Company | |
Beijing Xiaomi Technology Company Limited (Xiaomi) |
An entity controlled by a director of the Company | |
Beijing Security System Technology |
An equity investee of the Group |
|
Wuhan Antian |
An equity investee of the Group |
b) The Group had the following related party transactions for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013:
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2012 | 2013 | ||||||||||||||
RMB | RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||
Corporate, technical support and leasing services received from: |
||||||||||||||||
Beijing Kingsoft Software |
2,229 | 545 | | | ||||||||||||
Zhuhai Kingsoft Application |
676 | | | | ||||||||||||
Chengdu Kingsoft Interactive Entertainment |
| | 631 | 104 | ||||||||||||
Beijing Kingsoft Digital Entertainment |
5,286 | 2,856 | 869 | 144 | ||||||||||||
Zhuhai Kingsoft Software |
4,671 | 4,496 | 4,257 | 703 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-47
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
During 2011, 2012 and 2013, the Group entered into agreements with Beijing Kingsoft Software, Zhuhai Kingsoft Software, Zhuhai Kingsoft Application, Chengdu Kingsoft Interactive Entertainment and Beijing Kingsoft Digital Entertainment, pursuant to which, these entities provided services including corporate and technology support services to the Group. The corporate service fee is charged based on employee headcount and the technical support fee is charged based on direct costs incurred plus a margin. In addition, the Group entered into agreements to rent properties and assets from Beijing Kingsoft Digital Entertainment and Zhuhai Kingsoft Software. The leasing service fee is charged based on employee headcount multiplied by a predetermined rate for assets and fixed monthly rate for properties. During the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, expenses related to corporate, technical support and leasing services of RMB12,862, RMB7,897 and RMB5,757 (US$951), respectively, were recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2012 | 2013 | ||||||||||||||
RMB | RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||
Licensing fees paid to: |
||||||||||||||||
Beijing Kingsoft Software |
2,520 | 2,520 | 2,520 | 416 | ||||||||||||
Zhuhai Kingsoft Software |
4,200 | 4,200 | 4,200 | 694 | ||||||||||||
Beijing Kingsoft Digital Entertainment |
1,680 | 1,680 | 1,680 | 278 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
On January 14, 2011, the Group entered into authorization and licensing agreements with Beijing Kingsoft Software, Zhuhai Kingsoft Software and Beijing Kingsoft Digital Entertainment to obtain rights to use, redevelop and sub-license certain internet security software copyrights, patents and trademarks for five years for a total consideration of RMB42,000. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, licensing fees of RMB8,400, RMB8,400 and RMB8,400 (US$1,388), respectively, were recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2012 | 2013 | ||||||||||||||
RMB | RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||
Sub-licensing revenue received from: |
||||||||||||||||
Kingsoft Japan |
1,696 | 1,920 | 3,381 | 559 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
On December 1, 2009, the Group entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with Kingsoft Japan, pursuant to which, Kingsoft Japan is granted the exclusive right to use certain internet security software within Japan until November 30, 2015. The sub-licensing fee was charged by the Group based on 12% of revenues generated from Kingsoft Japan, net of agents and distributors commissions. On November 12, 2013, the Company entered into a framework licensing agreement with Kingsoft Japan to supplement and amend provisions to the exclusive licensing agreement dated December 1, 2009. Pursuant to which, the revised share of revenue by the Company on the existing services and new services revised ranging from 20% to 33%. The legal terms and conditions related to share of revenue from mobile related licensing is retroactively effective from January 1, 2013. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, sub-licensing revenue of RMB1,696, RMB1,920 and RMB3,381 (US$559), respectively, were recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
F-48
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2012 | 2013 | ||||||||||||||
RMB | RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||
Software upgrade services provided to: |
||||||||||||||||
Beijing Kingsoft Software |
3,590 | 987 | 233 | 38 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
On December 1, 2009, the Group entered into an agreement with Beijing Kingsoft Software at the contract amount of RMB13,810, pursuant to which, the Group will provide upgrade services to the licensed software during the licensing period. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, software upgrade service revenue of RMB3,590, RMB987 and RMB233 (US$38), respectively, were recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2012 | 2013 | ||||||||||||||
RMB | RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||
Transfer of fixed assets and technology know-how to: |
||||||||||||||||
Beijing Kingsoft Cloud Network |
| 1,260 | | | ||||||||||||
Beijing Kingsoft Cloud Technology |
| 740 | | | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
On May 10, 2012, the Group entered into agreements to sell and transfer certain fixed assets, including internet equipment, servers and hard drives, as well as copyright and all proprietary interests related to one of its software products to Beijing Kingsoft Cloud Network and Beijing Kingsoft Cloud Technology. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, the Group received nil, RMB2,000 and nil (US$ nil), respectively, in cash from the transfers.
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2012 | 2013 | ||||||||||||||
RMB | RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||
Transfer of fixed assets and technology know-how from: |
||||||||||||||||
Beijing Security System Technology |
| | 1,900 | 314 | ||||||||||||
Zhuhai Kingsoft Application |
| | 2,000 | 330 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In 2013, the Group entered into agreements to purchase certain fixed assets and software products from Beijing Security System Technology and Zhuhai Kingsoft Application. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, the Group paid nil, nil and RMB3,900 (US$644), respectively, in cash from the transfers.
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2012 | 2013 | ||||||||||||||
RMB | RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||
Promotion services received from: |
||||||||||||||||
Beijing Kingsoft Digital Entertainment |
| | 114 | 19 | ||||||||||||
Beijing Kingsoft Office Software |
| | 143 | 24 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-49
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
In 2013, the Group entered into agreements with Beijing Kingsoft Digital Entertainment and Beijing Kingsoft Office Software for promotion services ranging from five months to one year. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, promotion service fees of nil, nil and RMB257 (US$43), respectively, were recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2012 | 2013 | ||||||||||||||
RMB | RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||
Online marketing services provided to: |
||||||||||||||||
An entity controlled by a shareholder of the Company |
7,012 | 69,744 | 104,078 | 17,192 | ||||||||||||
An entity controlled by a shareholder of the Company |
| 80 | | | ||||||||||||
An entity controlled by a director of the Company |
| | 2,737 | 452 | ||||||||||||
Chengdu Kingsoft Digital Entertainment |
| | 789 | 130 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
On September 27, 2012, the Group entered into a framework agreement with an entity controlled by a shareholder of the Company to provide various forms of online marketing services to this entity. The term of the framework agreement commenced from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2013. In 2012 and 2013, the Group entered into agreements with an entity controlled by a shareholder of the Company, an entity controlled by a director of the Company and Chengdu Kingsoft Digital Entertainment to provide online marketing services. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, online marketing revenue of RMB7,012, RMB69,824 and RMB107,604 (US$17,774), respectively, were recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2012 | 2013 | ||||||||||||||
RMB | RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||
Research and development received from: |
||||||||||||||||
Wuhan Antian |
| | 1,333 | 220 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In 2013, the Group entered into an agreement with Wuhan Antian for research and development services. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, research and development expenses of nil, nil and RMB1,333 (US$220), respectively, were recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2012 | 2013 | ||||||||||||||
RMB | RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||
Purchase of consumables from: |
||||||||||||||||
An entity controlled by a director of the Company |
| 2,076 | 1,173 | 194 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
During the year ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, the Group purchased smartphones and other consumables of nil, RMB2,076 and RMB1,173 (US$194), respectively, from an entity controlled by a director of the Company and recognized as property and equipment.
F-50
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
c) The balances between the Group and its related parties as at December 31, 2012 and 2013 are listed below:
(1) Amount due from related parties
As of December 31, | ||||||||||||
2012 | 2013 | |||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
Kingsoft |
3,276 | 6,931 | 1,145 | |||||||||
Chengdu Kingsoft Digital Entertainment |
277 | 577 | 95 | |||||||||
Kingsoft Japan |
518 | 672 | 111 | |||||||||
Beijing Kingsoft Cloud Technology |
520 | | | |||||||||
Tencent Shenzhen |
12,746 | 4,484 | 741 | |||||||||
Others |
161 | 204 | 33 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total |
17,498 | 12,868 | 2,125 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2) Amount due to related parties
As of December 31, | ||||||||||||
2012 | 2013 | |||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
Kingsoft |
379 | 368 | 61 | |||||||||
Beijing Kingsoft Digital Entertainment |
6,460 | 7,092 | 1,172 | |||||||||
Zhuhai Kingsoft Software |
14,187 | 13,887 | 2,294 | |||||||||
Beijing Kingsoft Software |
5,844 | 8,015 | 1,324 | |||||||||
Beijing Security System Technology |
| 1,900 | 314 | |||||||||
Chengdu Kingsoft Interactive Entertainment |
| 631 | 103 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total |
26,870 | 31,893 | 5,268 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
All the balances with related parties as of December 31, 2012 and 2013 were unsecured, non-interest bearing and repayable on demand.
(d) On January 14, 2011, the Group entered into a loan framework contract with Kingsoft, pursuant to which Kingsoft shall provide the Group with the necessary funding in an aggregate amount not exceeding RMB110,000. The interest rate payable on the loan is 90% of the interest rate as promulgated by the PBOC for loans of the same class and for the same period or other fair market loan interest rate. As of December 31, 2012 and 2013, the Group has not drawn any loan from Kingsoft.
16. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
KIS Share Award Scheme
On May 26, 2011, the board of directors of the Company approved and adopted the KIS Share Award Scheme, as amended in September 2013, to recognize the contributions of certain employees and to give incentives thereto in order to retain them for the continued operation and development of the Group. Under the KIS Share Award Scheme, the board of directors may grant Restricted Shares to its employees and directors to receive an aggregate of no more than 100,000,000 ordinary shares of the Company (excluding shares which have
F-51
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
lapsed or have been forfeited) as at the date of such grant. Unless early terminated by the board of directors of the Company, the KIS Share Award Scheme is valid and effective for a term of ten years commencing from its adoption.
Under the KIS Share Award Scheme, grantees have no dividend or voting rights until the Restricted Shares are vested. The Restricted Shares, unvested or vested, may not, at any time prior to being transferred to employees and the initial public offering of the Company, be assigned, alienated, pledged, attached, sold or otherwise transferred or encumbered. Upon the occurrence of certain contingent events which are considered outside the Companys control, the Company has the right to repurchase all of an employees vested Restricted Shares for an aggregate consideration of US$1.00 and any unvested shares would be forfeited.
The Group has set up the Share Award Scheme Trust for the purpose of administering the KIS Share Award Scheme and holding shares awarded to the employees before they vest. The Company has appointed Core Pacific-Yamichi International (H.K.) Nominees Limited, a company incorporated in Hong Kong, as the trustee. As at December 31, 2013, 12, 227,500 (2012: 25,255,000) forfeited and ungranted Restricted Shares are held by the Share Award Scheme Trust and available to be granted in the future.
For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, the Company granted 79,390,000 Restricted Shares to certain employees. These Restricted Shares granted vest over a four-year period, with 25% of the shares vesting on an annual basis.
On June 1, 2011, the Company granted 400,000 Restricted Shares to an employee. These Restricted Shares granted vest over a three-year period, with 25% of the shares vesting on the first and second anniversary of the grant dates, respectively, and the remaining 50% of the shares vesting on December 2, 2013.
On March 1, April 1, April 17, July 1 and October 1, the Company granted 5,410,000 Restricted Shares to certain employees. These Restricted Shares granted vest over a four-year period, with 50% of the shares vesting on the second anniversary of the grant dates and the 25% of the shares vesting on the third and fourth anniversary of the grant dates.
On March 21, April 1, June 1, September 1 and October 1, 2013, the Company granted 3,887,500 Restricted Shares to certain employees. These Restricted Shares granted immediately vested on their grant dates.
On June 1, September 1, October 1 and November 1, 2013, the Company granted 2,410,000 Restricted Shares to certain employees. These Restricted Shares granted vest over a two-year period, with 50% of the shares immediately vesting on the grant dates and 25% of the shares vesting on the first and second anniversary of the grant dates.
On July 1 and October 1, 2013, the Company granted 1,100,000 Restricted Shares to certain employees. These Restricted Shares granted vest over a three-year period, with 25% of the shares immediately vesting on the grant dates and 25% of the shares vesting on the first, second and third anniversary of the grant dates.
The fair value of Restricted Shares was determined by reference to the fair value of the Companys ordinary shares at their respective grant date, which was valued based on retrospective valuation with the assistance of an independent third party valuation firm using a discounted cash flow method.
F-52
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company granted an aggregate of 3,000,000 Restricted Shares to two employees pursuant to the KIS Share Award Scheme whereby the employees have the unilateral right to request the Company to repurchase their vested Restricted Shares at a fixed price of RMB4 per share (if certain breaching conditions considered within the control of the employee are not met). The Company also has the option to repurchase up to all of the vested Restricted Shares at a fixed price of RMB4 per share if (i) the employee has served the Company for more than a year but less than four years; and (ii) employment is terminated for any reason either by the Company or the employee. The Restricted Shares are accounted for as tandem awards as they provide the employees the option to put the Restricted Shares back to the Company and therefore, have both an equity and liability component.
The equity portion of the Restricted Share is recognized as share-based compensation based on its grant date fair value over the requisite service period of four years. The redemption right liability as of grant date and December 31, 2013 were nil and RMB2,160 (US$357), respectively. The redemption right liability considers the fair value of the employees redemption right as of the end of a reporting period and the number of Restricted Shares that have vested to date. The change in the fair value of the redemption right liability of RMB2,191 (US$362) was recorded as share-based compensation costs.
The following table summarizes the Restricted Shares activity pursuant to the KIS Share Award Scheme for the year ended December 31, 2013:
Number of
ordinary shares |
Weighted average
grant date fair value (US$) |
|||||||
Unvested at January 1, 2013 |
60,727,500 | 0.11 | ||||||
Granted |
15,127,500 | 0.45 | ||||||
Vested |
(23,722,500 | ) | 0.17 | |||||
Forfeited |
(2,100,000 | ) | 0.05 | |||||
|
|
|||||||
Unvested at December 31, 2013 |
50,032,500 | 0.19 | ||||||
|
|
|||||||
Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2013 |
86,692,287 | 0.16 | ||||||
|
|
Share-based compensation costs recorded in respect of the KIS Share Award Scheme amounted to RMB4,731, RMB19,073 and RMB35,527 (US$5,869) for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively.
As of December 31, 2013, the total estimated unrecognized compensation costs related to Restricted Shares awarded to employees pursuant to the KIS Share Award Scheme amounted to RMB27,254 (US$4,502), net of estimated forfeitures, and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.69 years. Total unrecognized compensation costs may be adjusted for future changes in estimated forfeitures.
The total fair value of vested Restricted Shares on their respective vesting dates during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013 were RMB2,591, RMB16,278 and RMB74,962 (US$12,383), respectively.
F-53
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
Kingsoft shares awarded to the Companys employees
On March 31, 2008, the board of directors of Kingsoft approved and adopted the share award scheme (the Kingsoft Share Award Scheme) in which selected employees of Kingsoft (including its subsidiaries and VIEs) are entitled to participate. Unless early terminated by the board of directors of Kingsoft, the Kingsoft Share Award Scheme is valid and effective for a term of five years commencing from its adoption. Pursuant to the Kingsoft Share Award Scheme, the awards granted by the board of directors of Kingsoft (excluding shares which have lapsed or have been forfeited), in aggregate, shall not exceed 10% of the issued capital of Kingsoft as at the date of such grant. On November 25, 2010, the board of directors of Kingsoft resolved to extend the termination date of the Kingsoft Share Award Scheme from March 30, 2013 to March 30, 2017.
The Group determined all Kingsoft awarded shares granted to employees of the Group are classified and accounted for as equity awards. The fair value of awarded shares granted under the Kingsoft Share Award Scheme was determined based on the fair market value of Kingsofts ordinary shares at the grant date.
A summary of the awarded shares activity, relating to awarded shares held by employees of the Group pursuant to the Kingsoft Share Award Scheme for the year ended December 31, 2013, is presented below:
Number of Kingsoft
ordinary shares |
Weighted average
grant date fair value (US$) |
|||||||
Unvested at January 1, 2013 |
2,067,800 | 0.49 | ||||||
Granted |
| | ||||||
Vested |
| | ||||||
Forfeited |
(507,800 | ) | 0.55 | |||||
|
|
|||||||
Unvested at December 31, 2013 |
1,560,000 | 0.47 | ||||||
|
|
|||||||
Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2013 |
3,368,831 | 0.52 | ||||||
|
|
As the awarded shares were made by Kingsoft to employees of the Group, for services rendered to the Group, the associated compensation cost is recognized in the Groups consolidated statement of comprehensive income. Share-based compensation costs recorded in respect of the Kingsoft Share Award Scheme amounted to RMB1,104, RMB1,214 and RMB1,869 (US$309) for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively.
As of December 31, 2013, the total estimated unrecognized compensation costs related to awarded shares granted to employees pursuant to the Kingsoft Share Award Scheme amounted to RMB1,966 (US$325), net of estimated forfeitures, and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.31 years.
The total fair value of vested awarded shares on their respective vesting dates during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013 were RMB6,181, RMB6,509 and RMB11,240 (US$1,857), respectively.
F-54
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
Total share-based compensation costs recorded for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013 is as follows:
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2012 | 2013 | ||||||||||||||
RMB |
RMB |
RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||
Cost of revenues |
94 | 21 | 10 | 2 | ||||||||||||
Research and development |
4,313 | 6,663 | 14,520 | 2,399 | ||||||||||||
Selling and marketing |
47 | 609 | 2,835 | 468 | ||||||||||||
General and administrative |
1,381 | 12,994 | 20,031 | 3,309 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
5,835 | 20,287 | 37,396 | 6,178 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Operating lease commitments
The Group leases facilities in the PRC under non-cancelable operating leases expiring on different dates. Payments under operating leases are expensed on a straight-line basis over the periods of the respective leases. Total rental expense for offices was RMB4,852, RMB13,008 and RMB18,854 (US$3,114) for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively. Total other operating lease expenses were RMB21,381, RMB25,843 and RMB51,990 (US$8,589) for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively.
Future minimum payments under non-cancelable operating leases with initial terms of one-year or more consist of the following as of December 31, 2013:
RMB | US$ | |||||||
2014 |
32,565 | 5,379 | ||||||
2015 |
10,149 | 1,676 | ||||||
2016 |
315 | 52 |
Licensing fee commitment:
The Group entered into authorization and licensing agreements with the subsidiaries of Kingsoft and other third parties for the right to use, redevelop and sub-license certain internet security software for 5 years.
RMB | US$ | |||||||
2014 |
10,229 | 1,690 | ||||||
2015 |
8,434 | 1,393 | ||||||
2016 |
2,134 | 353 |
Capital commitments
As of December 31, 2013, total capital commitments for the acquisition of an equity method investment, which was contracted but not yet reflected in the consolidated financial statements, amounted to RMB2,000 (US$330).
F-55
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
Provision of loan facility
On April 18, 2013, Beijing Security entered into a two-year loan facility ending April 17, 2015 with a shareholder of Wuhan Antian, pursuant to which, Beijing Security granted a loan facility of RMB16,000 at an interest rate with reference to the market rate with 10% discount. Such loan facility shall be secured by the equity interest in Wuhan Antian held by the shareholder to the maximum of 40% equity interests in Wuhan Antian. As of December 31, 2013, RMB4,000 of the loan facility was being utilized and 10% of the equity interests in Wuhan Antian were pledged to the Group accordingly.
On March 13, 2013, Beijing Security entered into a loan facility of RMB10,000 at an interest rate with reference to the market rate with 10% discount to Beijing Security System Technology to provide financial support to Beijing Security System Technology should it be required for its operations. As of December 31, 2013, the credit facility was not drawn by Beijing Security System Technology.
Litigation
The Group was involved in certain cases pending in various PRC courts and arbitration as of December 31 , 2013. These cases include copyright infringement cases, unfair competition cases, and defamation cases, among others. Adverse results in these lawsuits may include awards of damages and may also result in, or even compel, a change in the Groups business practices, which could result in a loss of revenue or otherwise harm the business of the Group.
In April 2012, Qihoo 360 Technology Co. Ltd. (Qihoo 360) raised a claim against the Group and Beike Internet for an unfair competition advertisement for an incident relating to Apples banning from its App Store Qihoo 360s products. In November 2012, Beijing Haidian Court made the first instance judgment, which resulted in a favorable ruling to Qihoo 360. The Group and Beike Internet appealed in December 2012, which the court of second instance maintained the judgment of the court of first instance. The Group assessed that the ultimate settlement is both probable and estimable as of December 31, 2012 and accrued for the contingent liability of RMB300.
In April 2013, an affiliate of Youku Tudou Inc. (Youku) brought an unfair competition practices claim for RMB5,000 against the Group in the Beijing Haidian Court, alleging that the advertisements broadcasted with Youkus online content were inappropriately blocked when accessed through the Groups Cheetah browser. In December 2013, the court of first instance ruled in favor of Youku for damages of RMB300, which is currently being appealed by the Group. The Group assessed that the ultimate settlement is both probable and estimable as of December 31, 2013 and accrued for the contingent liability of RMB300 (US$50).
In June 2013, the Group brought an unfair competition practices claim for RMB5,000 against the same affiliate of Youku in the Beijing Haidian Court, alleging that the Youku disallowed broadcasting of its content to users who accessed through the Groups Cheetah browser. In December 2013, the court of first instance ruled in favor of the Group for damages of RMB200, which is currently being appealed by Youku.
In September 2013, Qihoo brought an unfair competition practices claim for RMB3,000 against the Group in the Beijing Haidian Court, alleging manipulation of users to uninstall Qihoos software. In February 2014, the court of first instance ruled in favor of Qihoo for damages of RMB100. The Group assessed that the ultimate settlement is both probable and estimable as of December 31, 2013 and accrued for the contingent liability of
F-56
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
RMB100 (US$17). In September 2013, the Group brought a similar claim for RMB2,000 against Qihoo in the Beijing Xicheng Court. In February 2014, the court of first instance ruled in favor of the Group for damages of RMB100.
The Group is involved in several other proceeding as of December 31, 2013 which are either immaterial, or the Group does not believe that a reasonable possibility of loss has been incurred as the proceedings are in the early stages, and/or there is a lack of clear or consistent interpretation of laws specific to the industry-specific complaints among different jurisdictions. As a result, there is considerable uncertainty regarding the timing or ultimate resolution of such matters, which includes eventual loss, fine, penalty or business impact, if any, and therefore, an estimate for the reasonably possible loss or a range of reasonably possible losses cannot be made. However, the Group believes that such matters, individually and in the aggregate, when finally resolved, are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Groups consolidated results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
18. CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SHARES
On July 7, 2011, the Company issued 102,409,639 Series A convertible preferred shares (the Series A Preferred Shares) to TCH Copper Limited (Tencent) and Matrix Partners China I, L.P. and Matrix Partners China I-A, L.P. (collectively known as Matrix) at US$0.18142076 per share for a total cash consideration of US$18,579 (equivalent to RMB120,237). On June 24, 2013, the Company issued 122,495,531 Series B Preferred Shares (the Series B Preferred Shares) to Tencent and Kingsoft at US$0.42615738 per share for a total consideration of US$52,202 (equivalent to RMB322,541).
The significant terms of the Series A Preferred Shares and Series B Preferred Shares (collectively, the Preferred Shares) are as follows:
Voting rights
Each holder of the Preferred Shares is entitled to the number of votes equal to the number of ordinary shares into which such holders Preferred Shares could be converted and having voting rights and powers equal to the voting rights and powers of the ordinary shares.
Dividends
The holders of the Preferred Shares are entitled to receive non-cumulative dividends on an as-converted basis when as and if declared by the Board of Directors of the Company, together with the holders of ordinary shares.
Liquidation preference
In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, winding up or cessation of business of the Company or the occurrence of any deemed liquidation event as defined in the Preferred Shares agreements, each holder of the Series B Preferred Shares shall be entitled to receive, prior and in preference to any distribution of any of the assets of the Company to the holders of the Series A Preferred Shares and the ordinary shares, the amount equal to the original issuance price plus any declared but unpaid dividends up to and including
F-57
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
the date of commencement of the liquidation event. After distribution or payment in full to the holders of the Series B Preferred Shares, the holders of the Series A Preferred Shares are entitled to the distribution in preference to the holders of the ordinary shares, the amount equal to the original issuance price plus any declared but unpaid dividends. After distribution or payment in full to the holders of the Preferred Shares, the remaining assets of the Company available for distribution shall be distributed ratably among the holders of outstanding ordinary shares and holders of Preferred Shares on an as-converted basis.
Conversions
The Preferred Shares are convertible, at the option of the holder, at any time into ordinary share as determined by the quotient of the original issuance price divided by the then-effective conversion price. The initial conversion price and conversion ratio is the stated issuance price of each class of the Preferred Shares and on a one-for-one basis, respectively. The conversion prices are subject to adjustments in the event that the Company issues additional ordinary shares or additional deemed ordinary shares through options or convertible instruments for a consideration less than the respective original conversion prices of the Preferred Shares. In such event, the respective conversion price is reduced, concurrently with such issue, to a price as adjusted according to an agreed-upon formula. The above conversion prices are also subject to adjustments on a proportional basis upon other dilution events. All Series A and Series B Preferred Shares are automatically converted into ordinary shares at the then-effective conversion price upon the closing of a qualified initial public offering as defined in the Preferred Shares agreements (qualified IPO).
Redemption
There are no redemption rights in the Preferred Shares agreements except in the event of a deemed liquidation transaction.
Accounting for Series A and Series B Preferred Shares
The Series A and Series B Preferred Shares have been classified as mezzanine equity as these preferred shares are contingently redeemable upon the occurrence of a deemed liquidation event. The initial carrying amount of the Series A Preferred Shares is the issue price at the date of issuance of RMB120,237 net of issuance costs of RMB261. The initial carrying amount of the Series B Preferred Shares is the issue price at the date of issuance of RMB322,541 net of issuance costs of RMB576.
The holders of the Preferred Shares have the ability to convert the instrument into the Companys ordinary shares. The Company evaluated the embedded conversion option in these convertible Preferred Shares to determine if there were any embedded derivatives requiring bifurcation and to determine if there were any beneficial conversion features.
The conversion options of the Preferred Shares do not qualify for bifurcation accounting because the conversion options are clearly and closely related to the host instruments and the underlying ordinary shares are not publicly traded nor readily convertible into cash. There are no other embedded derivatives that are required to be bifurcated.
F-58
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
Beneficial conversion features (BCF) exist when the conversion price of the Preferred Shares is lower than the fair value of the ordinary share at the commitment date. Since the Preferred Shares are convertible from inception but contains conversion terms that change upon the occurrence of a future event, contingent BCF is measured at the commitment date but not recognized until the contingency is resolved. The Company determined the fair value of the ordinary share with the assistance from an independent third party valuation firm. On the respective commitment dates of the Preferred Shares, the most favorable conversion prices used to measure the BCF of the Preferred Shares were greater than the fair value per ordinary share. Therefore, no BCF was recognized.
For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, no dividend was declared by the Company on the Series A Preferred Shares and Series B Preferred Shares.
19. SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY
Ordinary shares
The Company was incorporated in the Cayman Islands on July 30, 2009 with one share issued at par value of US$1. On July 21, 2010, the Company subdivided its ordinary share from 1 share to 40,000 shares and issued additional 649,960,000 ordinary shares to Kingsoft at par value of US$0.000025 per share for a total consideration of US$16 (equivalent to RMB109).
On October 1, 2010, the Company issued 80,000,000 and 70,000,000 ordinary shares to FaX Vision Corporation (FaX Vision), a company wholly-owned by key management, and Matrix, respectively, to acquire 100% of the equity interest in Conew.
On March 31, 2011, the Company issued 100,000,000 ordinary shares to FaX Vision at US$0.02499 per share for a total consideration of US$2,499 (equivalent to RMB16,431).
On July 7, 2011, FaX Vision transferred 15,000,000 ordinary shares of the Company to Tencent at US$0.1814 per share for a total consideration of US$2,721 (equivalent to RMB16,653).
On May 9, 2012, the Company issued 551,482 ordinary shares to Kingsoft at US$0.18142076 per share for a total consideration of US$100 (equivalent to RMB628).
Retained earnings
In accordance with the PRC Regulations on Enterprises with Foreign Investment and their articles of association, a foreign invested enterprise established in the PRC is required to provide certain statutory reserves, namely general reserve fund, the enterprise expansion fund and staff welfare and bonus fund which are appropriated from net profit as reported in the enterprises PRC statutory accounts. A foreign invested enterprise is required to allocate at least 10% of its annual after-tax profit to the general reserve until such reserve has reached 50% of its respective registered capital based on the enterprises PRC statutory accounts. Appropriations to the enterprise expansion fund and staff welfare and bonus fund are at the discretion of the board of directors for all foreign invested enterprises. The aforementioned reserves can only be used for specific purposes and are not distributable as cash dividends. Zhuhai Juntian and Conew Network were established as a foreign invested enterprise and therefore are subject to the above mandated restrictions on distributable profits.
F-59
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
Additionally, in accordance with the Company Law of the PRC, a domestic enterprise is required to provide statutory common reserve of at least 10% of its annual after-tax profit until such reserve has reached 50% of its respective registered capital based on the enterprises PRC statutory accounts. A domestic enterprise is also required to provide discretionary surplus reserve, at the discretion of the board of directors, from the profits determined in accordance with the enterprises PRC statutory accounts. The aforementioned reserves can only be used for specific purposes and are not distributable as cash dividends. Beijing Security, Beijing Conew, Beike Internet, Beijing Network, Beijing Antutu and Guangzhou Kingsoft were established as domestic invested enterprises and therefore are subject to the above mandated restrictions on distributable profits.
As of December 31, | ||||||||||||
2012 | 2013 | |||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
PRC statutory reserve funds |
6,895 | 18,956 | 3,131 | |||||||||
Unreserved retained earnings |
5,906 | 55,863 | 9,228 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total retained earnings |
12,801 | 74,819 | 12,359 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Under PRC laws and regulations, there are restrictions on the Companys subsidiaries in the PRC and VIEs with respect to transferring certain of their net assets to the Company either in the form of dividends, loans, or advances. Amounts of net assets restricted included paid-up capital, statutory reserve funds and share-based compensation reserve funds of the Companys subsidiaries in the PRC and VIEs, which amounted to RMB116,692 and RMB158,220 (US$26,136), as of December 31, 2012 and 2013, respectively.
Furthermore, cash transfers from the Companys subsidiaries in the PRC to its subsidiaries outside of China are subject to PRC government control of currency conversion. Shortages in the availability of foreign currency may restrict the ability of the subsidiaries in the PRC and VIEs to remit sufficient foreign currency to pay dividends or other payments to the Company, or otherwise satisfy their foreign currency denominated obligations.
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is as follows:
As of December 31, | ||||||||||||
2012 | 2013 | |||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustments |
(1,603 | ) | (7,690 | ) | (1,270 | ) | ||||||
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, net |
| 20,929 | 3,457 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) |
(1,603 | ) | 13,239 | 2,187 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-60
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
20. EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share for each of the years presented are calculated as follows:
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2012 | 2013 | ||||||||||||||
RMB | RMB |
RMB |
US$ | |||||||||||||
Earnings (loss) per sharebasic |
||||||||||||||||
Numerator: |
||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) |
(30,235 | ) | 9,844 | 62,018 | 10,245 | |||||||||||
Reallocation of net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders as a result of conversion of Series A Preferred Shares to ordinary shares |
| (997 | ) | (5,807 | ) | (959 | ) | |||||||||
Reallocation of net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders as a result of conversion of Series B Preferred Shares to ordinary shares |
| | (3,521 | ) | (582 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Allocation of net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders |
(30,235 | ) | 8,847 | 52,690 | 8,704 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Denominator: |
||||||||||||||||
Weighted average number of ordinary shares
|
875,944,795 | 908,457,367 | 929,119,153 | 929,119,153 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Denominator used for earnings (loss) per share |
875,944,795 | 908,457,367 | 929,119,153 | 929,119,153 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Earnings (loss) per sharebasic |
(0.0345 | ) | 0.0097 | 0.0567 | 0.0094 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Earnings (loss) per sharediluted |
||||||||||||||||
Numerator: |
||||||||||||||||
Allocation of net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders |
(30,235 | ) | 8,847 | 52,690 | 8,704 | |||||||||||
Reallocation of net income attributable to ordinary shareholders as a result of conversion of Series A Preferred Shares to ordinary shares |
| 997 | 5,807 | 959 | ||||||||||||
Reallocation of net income attributable to ordinary shareholders as a result of conversion of Series B Preferred Shares to ordinary shares |
|
|
|
|
|
3,521
|
|
582 | ||||||||
Change in share-based compensation expense due to remeasurement of the redemption right granted to employees |
| | (887 | ) | (147 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders |
(30,235 | ) | 9,844 | 61,131 | 10,098 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Denominator: |
||||||||||||||||
Weighted average number of ordinary shares
|
875,944,795 | 908,457,367 | 929,119,153 | 929,119,153 | ||||||||||||
Conversion of Series A Preferred Shares to ordinary shares |
| 102,409,639 | 102,409,639 | 102,409,639 | ||||||||||||
Conversion of Series B Preferred Shares to ordinary shares |
| | 62,086,776 | 62,086,776 | ||||||||||||
Dilutive effect of Restricted Shares |
| 36,115,199 | 42,367,385 | 42,367,385 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Denominator used for earnings (loss) per share |
875,944,795 | 1,046,982,205 | 1,135,982,953 | 1,135,982,953 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Earnings (loss) per sharediluted |
(0.0345 | ) | 0.0094 | 0.0538 | 0.0089 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-61
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2011 | 2012 | 2013 | ||||||||||
RMB | RMB |
RMB |
US$ | |||||||||
Pro Forma earnings per share (unaudited): |
||||||||||||
Numerator: |
||||||||||||
Allocation of net income attributable to ordinary shareholders |
52,690 | 8,704 | ||||||||||
Add back: |
||||||||||||
Reallocation of net income attributable to ordinary shareholders as a result of conversion of Series A Preferred Shares to ordinary shares |
5,807 | 959 | ||||||||||
Reallocation of net income attributable to ordinary shareholders as a result of conversion of Series B Preferred Shares to ordinary shares |
3,521 | 582 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Net income attributable to ordinary shareholdersbasicpro forma (unaudited) |
62,018 | 10,245 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Minus: |
||||||||||||
Change in share-based compensation expense due to remeasurement of the redemption right granted to employees |
(887 | ) | (147 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Net income attributable to ordinary shareholdersdilutedpro forma (unaudited) |
61,131 | 10,098 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Denominator: |
||||||||||||
Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding |
929,119,153 | 929,119,153 | ||||||||||
Assumed conversion of Series A Preferred Shares to ordinary shares (unaudited) |
102,409,639 | 102,409,639 | ||||||||||
Assumed conversion of Series B Preferred Shares to ordinary shares (unaudited) |
62,086,776 | 62,086,776 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Denominator used for earnings per share pro formabasic (unaudited) |
1,093,615,568 | 1,093,615,568 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Plus: |
||||||||||||
Dilutive effect of Restricted Shares |
42,367,385 | 42,367,385 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Denominator used for earnings per share pro formadiluted (unaudited) |
1,135,982,953 | 1,135,982,953 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Pro forma earnings per sharebasic (unaudited) |
0.0567 | 0.0094 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Pro forma earnings per sharediluted (unaudited) |
0.0538 | 0.0089 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
In 2011, 2012 and 2013, 2,350,000, 14,017,500 and 37,740,000 ordinary shares held in the Share Award Scheme Trust were included in the basic and dilutive net earnings (loss) per share calculation, respectively. As a result of the Groups net loss for the year ended December 31, 2011, incremental weighted average number of
F-62
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
49,942,235 ordinary shares of the assumed conversion from the Companys Series A Preferred Shares and incremental weighted average number of 18,320,467 ordinary shares of the assumed vesting of the Companys unvested Restricted Shares were excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. In the year ended December 31, 2013, 24,264,042 of written put options held by a non-controlling shareholder are excluded from the calculation of the diluted earnings per share as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.
21. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT
Full time employees of the Group in the PRC participate in a government mandated defined contribution plan, pursuant to which certain pension benefits, medical care, employee housing fund and other welfare benefits are provided to employees. Chinese labor regulations require that the subsidiaries in the PRC and VIEs of the Group make contributions to the government for these benefits based on certain percentages of the employees salaries. The Group has no legal obligation for the benefits beyond the contributions made. The total amounts for such employee benefits, which were expensed as incurred, were approximately RMB7,698, RMB12,665 and RMB36,814 (US$6,081) for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively.
22. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
ASC 820-10 (ASC 820-10), Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures: Overall , establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:
Level 1Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets
Level 2Include other inputs that are directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace
Level 3Unobservable inputs which are supported by little or no market activity
ASC 820-10 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.
Assets and liabilities measured or disclosed at fair value
In accordance with ASC 820-10, the Group measures available-for-sale securities, financial liabilities and payable for contingent consideration at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair value of the investment in Sungys ordinary shares which was classified as the available-for-sale equity security is measured based on the market price in an active market. The Convertible Note which was classified as the available-for-sale debt security is classified within Level 3 as the fair value is measured based on business enterprise value allocation method. The contingent consideration for the acquisition of Photo Grid Business is classified within Level 3 as the fair value is measured based on inputs linked to the achievement by Photo Grid Business of certain performance target that are unobservable in the market. The fair value of the redemption right granted to a non-controlling shareholder is classified within Level 3 as the fair value is measured based on certain inputs that are unobservable.
F-63
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
The carrying value of the fixed-rate time deposits approximates fair value due to its short-term nature and low credit risks.
The Group measures certain financial assets, including loans receivable and equity method investments, at fair value on a nonrecurring basis only if an impairment charge were to be recognized. The Groups non-financial assets, such as intangible assets, goodwill and property and equipment, would be measured at fair value only if they were determined to be impaired.
For the year ended December 31, 2012, liabilities measured or disclosed at fair value are summarized below:
Fair value measurement or disclosure
at December 31, 2012 using |
||||||||||||||||
Total fair
value at December 31, 2012 |
Quoted
prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) |
Significant
other observable inputs (Level 2) |
Significant
unobservable inputs (Level 3) |
|||||||||||||
RMB | RMB | RMB | RMB | |||||||||||||
Fair value measurementRecurring: |
||||||||||||||||
Payable for contingent consideration |
2,906 | | | 2,906 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total liabilities measured at fair value |
2,906 | | | 2,906 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the year ended December 31, 2013, assets and liabilities measured or disclosed at fair value are summarized below:
Fair value measurement or disclosure
at December 31, 2013 using |
||||||||||||||||||||
Total Fair
Value at December 31, 2013 |
Total fair
value at December 31, 2013 |
Quoted
prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) |
Significant
other observable inputs (Level 2) |
Significant
unobservable inputs (Level 3) |
||||||||||||||||
RMB | US$ | RMB | RMB | RMB | ||||||||||||||||
Fair value measurementRecurring: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Available-for-sale securities |
61,683 | 10,189 | 55,780 | | 5,903 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Total assets measured at fair value |
61,683 | 10,189 | 55,780 | | 5,903 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Redemption right granted to a non-controlling shareholder |
3,551 | 587 | | | 3,551 | |||||||||||||||
Payable for contingent consideration |
11,974 | 1,978 | | | 11,974 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Total liabilities measured at fair value |
15,525 | 2,565 | | | 15,525 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There were no transfers of fair value measurements into or out of Level 3 for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013.
F-64
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
The Company has measured (i) the Convertible Note which classified as available-for-sale debt security (ii) the contingent consideration payable and (iii) the redemption right granted to a non-controlling shareholder at fair values on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) as of the year ended December 31, 2013. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement and the corresponding impacts to the fair values are presented below:
Valuation techniques |
Unobservable
inputs |
Estimation |
Change in
|
Change in
|
||||||||
Available-for-sale security |
Guideline company method and business enterprise value allocation method |
Enterprise
value |
US$ | 2,134 | Increase / (decrease) | Increase /(decrease) | ||||||
Discount for
lack of marketability |
22.5 | % | Increase / (decrease) | Decrease / (Increase) | ||||||||
Volatility | 48.9 | % | Increase / (decrease) | Decrease / (Increase) | ||||||||
Contingent consideration payable |
Discount cash flow method |
Performance
target |
99 | % | Increase / (decrease) | Increase / (decrease) | ||||||
Redemption right granted to a non-controlling shareholder |
Discount cash flow method | Volatility | 44 | % | Increase / (Decrease) | Increase / (Decrease) |
The following table presents a reconciliation of the assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013:
Realized or unrealized losses in the Convertible Note, the contingent consideration payable and redemption right granted to a non-controlling shareholder were recorded as Changes in fair value of available-for-sale
F-65
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
security, Changes in fair value of contingent consideration and Change in fair value of redemption right granted to a non-controlling shareholder, respectively, in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
23. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
In accordance with ASC 855, Subsequent Events , as amended by ASU 210-09, the Company evaluated subsequent events through March 6, 2014, which was also the date that these consolidated financial statements were issued.
On January 1, 2014, the board of directors have approved the award of 4,150,000 Restricted Shares to certain eligible employees and an executive officer under the KIS Share Award Scheme, among which 3,750,000 Restricted Shares will vest over a four-year period, with 50% of the awards vesting on the second anniversary of the grant date and 25% of the awards vesting on a yearly basis thereafter, and 400,000 Restricted Shares will vest over a four-year period, with 12.5% of the awards vesting the end of the first quarter after the grant date, 12.5% of the awards vesting on the first anniversary, and 25% of the awards vesting on a yearly basis thereafter.
On January 2, 2014, Cheetah Technology entered into a share purchase agreement with NDP Media Corp. to purchase 500,000 series A preferred shares for a consideration of US$5,000.
On January 2, 2014, the Company adopted the equity incentive scheme (the KIS Incentive Scheme). The KIS Incentive Scheme provides for the grant of ordinary shares, restricted shares, share options and share appreciation rights to the employees, directors or consultants of the Company. The maximum number of the Companys ordinary shares which may be issued under the KIS Incentive Scheme is 64,497,718. The board of directors have approved the award of 14,300,000 restricted shares with an option feature at a purchase price of US$0.34 per share to certain eligible employees and an executive officer under the KIS Incentive Scheme, among which 13,900,000 restricted shares with an option feature will vest over a five-year period, with 20% of the awards vesting on a yearly basis, and 400,000 restricted shares with an option feature will vest over a four-year period, with 12.5% of the awards vesting at the end of the first quarter after the grant date, 12.5% of the awards vesting on the first anniversary, and 25% of the awards vesting on a yearly basis thereafter.
On January 8, 2014, Beike Internet incorporated a wholly owned subsidiary, Suzhou Jiangduoduo Technology Company Limited, with a registered capital of RMB37,854.
On February 11, 2014, Beike Internet entered into the Capital Contribution Agreement with Moxiu Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (Moxiu Technology) and the existing shareholders of Moxiu Technology, pursuant to which Moxiu Technology will increase its registered capital by RMB571 and Beike Internet will subscribe for all such additional registered capital in full at a consideration of RMB20,000 in cash, representing a premium of RMB19,429. Further, in order to promote the business strategic cooperation between Beike Internet and Moxiu Technology, Beike Internet agreed to provide Moxiu Technology promotion resources (including but not limited to the advertisement space on the applications of Beike Internet) with a value of approximately RMB5,000 as part of the capital contribution. Upon completion of the capital contribution, the equity interest of Moxiu Technology will be owned as to 28.26% by Beike Internet.
24. EVENTS (UNAUDITED) SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE OF THE REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
On March 13, 2014, the Group entered into a purchase agreement with independent third parties to acquire the assets of the Jiangduoduo business (the Jiangduoduo Business), which comprises of the fixed assets, intellectual properties, material contracts and key employees. The acquisition was made as part of the Groups strategy to diversify its revenue sources. The purchase consideration was determined to be RMB54,000 in cash of
F-66
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
which 50% is due upon the completion of the acquisition. The remaining consideration will be subject to certain performance targets of the Jiangduoduo Business in the next two years.
On March 18, 2014, the Group entered into an equity transfer agreement with Kingsoft to purchase 20% ordinary shares of Kingsoft Japan, a non-wholly owned subsidiary of Kingsoft, for an aggregate purchase price of Japanese Yen (JPY) 614,040,000 (equivalent to RMB37,012).
On March 21, 2014, the board of directors has approved the award of 7,322,500 Restricted Shares and 31,376,131 restricted shares with an option feature at a purchase price of US$0.34 to the chief executive officer and chief technology officer under the KIS Share Award Scheme and KIS Incentive Scheme, respectively. These Restricted Shares and restricted shares with an option feature will vest over a five-year period, with 20% of the shares vesting on a yearly basis.
On March 25, 2014, the name of the Company was changed to Cheetah Mobile Inc.
On April 1, 2014, the Group entered into a transfer and license agreement with Kingsoft, pursuant to which Kingsoft agreed to transfer and license to the Group certain intellectual properties it owns that are related to the Groups business, for a total consideration of RMB13,580. These intellectual properties transferred includes software copyrights, registered and pending trademarks and approved and pending patents. In addition, the Group agreed to grant Kingsoft the right to use the patents and trademarks transferred to the Group to promote Kingsoft and the Group, for an aggregate consideration of RMB400. Kingsoft also agreed to license the Group the use of certain patents and trademarks it did not transfer to the Group that are related to the Groups business. Accordingly, the authorization and licensing agreement with Beijing Kingsoft Software, Zhuhai Kingsoft Software and Beijing Kingsoft Digital Entertainment dated January 14, 2011 has been terminated and superseded by this transfer and license agreement.
On April 8, 2014, the board of directors approved the award of 580,000 Restricted Shares to certain eligible employees under the KIS Share Award Scheme which will vest over a four-year period, with 50% of the awards vesting on the second anniversary of the grant date and 25% of the awards vesting on a yearly basis thereafter. On the same date, the board of directors approved the award of 6,810,000 and 775,000 restricted shares with an option feature at a purchase price of US$0.34 per share to certain eligible employees and non-employee consultants, respectively, under the KIS Incentive Scheme, among which the restricted shares with an option feature awarded to employees will vest over a five-year period, with 20% of the awards vesting on a yearly basis and restricted shares with an option feature awarded to non-employees consultants vested immediately on the grant date.
On April 22 and April 24, 2014, the board of directors and the shareholders of the Company approved to adopt a restricted shares plan (the 2014 Restricted Share Plan), respectively. Under the 2014 Restricted Share Plan, the Company is authorized to issue up to 122,545,665 Class A ordinary shares pursuant to the grant of restricted shares and restricted share units thereunder.
On April 25, 2014, the Company entered into a subscription agreement with Kingsoft, Xiaomi Ventures Limited and Baidu Holdings Limited (collectively known as the Investors), pursuant to which the Investors agreed to purchase Class A ordinary shares of the Company concurrently upon the completion of the initial public offering of the Company, at a price per share equal to the initial public offering price adjusted to reflect the American Depository Share to ordinary share ratio, for an aggregate amount of US$50,000. The Investors have agreed with the underwriters of the Company not to, directly or indirectly, sell, transfer or dispose of any Class A ordinary shares acquired in the private placement for a period of 180 days after the date of this prospectus, subject to certain exceptions.
F-67
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
25. CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE COMPANY
Balance Sheets
As of December 31, | ||||||||||||
2012 | 2013 | |||||||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
ASSETS |
||||||||||||
Current assets |
||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
21,858 | 282,584 | 46,680 | |||||||||
Short-term investments |
40,376 | | | |||||||||
Prepayments and other current assets |
759 | 515 | 85 | |||||||||
Due from related parities |
| 72,475 | 11,972 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total current assets |
62,993 | 355,574 | 58,737 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Non-current assets |
||||||||||||
Intangible assets, net |
3,758 | 18,815 | 3,108 | |||||||||
Goodwill |
| 39,435 | 6,514 | |||||||||
Investment in subsidiaries |
94,007 | 204,338 | 33,754 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total non-current assets |
97,765 | 262,588 | 43,376 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total assets |
160,758 | 618,162 | 102,113 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
LIABILITIES, MEZZANINE EQUITY AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY |
||||||||||||
Current liabilities |
||||||||||||
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
51 | 5,257 | 867 | |||||||||
Redemption right liabilities |
| 5,711 | 943 | |||||||||
Due to related parties |
379 | 5,428 | 897 | |||||||||
Income tax payable |
| 95 | 16 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total current liabilities |
430 | 16,491 | 2,723 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Non-current liabilities |
||||||||||||
Other non-current liabilities |
202 | 7,603 | 1,256 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total non-current liabilities |
202 | 7,603 | 1,256 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total liabilities |
632 | 24,094 | 3,979 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Mezzanine equity |
||||||||||||
Series A Preferred Shares (par value of US$0.000025 per share, 102,409,639 shares authorized, issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2012 and 2013) |
119,976 | 119,976 | 19,819 | |||||||||
Series B Preferred Shares (par value of US$0.000025 per share, 122,495,531 shares authorized, issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2013) |
| 321,965 | 53,185 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total mezzanine equity |
119,976 | 441,941 | 73,004 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Shareholders equity |
||||||||||||
Ordinary shares (par value of US$0.000025 per share; 1,897,590,361 and 1,775,094,830 shares authorized as of December 31, 2012 and 2013; 1,000,551,482 shares issued as of December 31, 2012 and 2013; 900,551,482 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2012 and 2013) |
150 | 150 | 25 | |||||||||
Additional paid-in capital |
28,802 | 63,919 | 10,559 | |||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) |
(1,603 | ) | 13,239 | 2,187 | ||||||||
Retained earnings |
12,801 | 74,819 | 12,359 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total shareholders equity |
40,150 | 152,127 | 25,130 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total liabilities, mezzanine equity and shareholders equity |
160,758 | 618,162 | 102,113 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-68
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
Statements of Comprehensive Income
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2012 | 2013 | ||||||||||||||
RMB | RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||
Revenues |
| | 2,070 | 342 | ||||||||||||
Cost of revenues |
| | (1,950 | ) | (322 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Gross profit |
| | 120 | 20 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Operating expenses |
||||||||||||||||
Research and development |
| | (12,491 | ) | (2,063 | ) | ||||||||||
General and administrative |
(187 | ) | (1,541 | ) | (15,146 | ) | (2,501 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total operating expenses |
(187 | ) | (1,541 | ) | (27,637 | ) | (4,564 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Equity in profit (loss) of subsidiaries |
(30,781 | ) | 9,747 | 76,031 | 12,559 | |||||||||||
Interest income |
341 | 1,442 | 2,494 | 412 | ||||||||||||
Changes in fair value of redemption right granted to a non-controlling shareholder |
| | 11,146 | 1,841 | ||||||||||||
Changes in fair value of contingent consideration |
| | (973 | ) | (161 | ) | ||||||||||
Foreign exchange gain |
574 | 215 | 946 | 156 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes |
(30,053 | ) | 9,863 | 62,127 | 10,263 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Income taxes |
(182 | ) | (19 | ) | (109 | ) | (18 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Net income (loss) |
(30,235 | ) | 9,844 | 62,018 | 10,245 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax |
||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustments |
(2,341 | ) | (260 | ) | (8,807 | ) | (1,456 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Other comprehensive loss |
(2,341 | ) | (260 | ) | (8,807 | ) | (1,456 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total comprehensive income (loss) |
(32,576 | ) | 9,584 | 53,211 | 8,789 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Statements of Cash Flows
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2012 | 2013 | ||||||||||||||
RMB | RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
694 | 392 | 1,335 | 221 | ||||||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
(23,338 | ) | (46,361 | ) | (57,070 | ) | (9,427 | ) | ||||||||
Net cash provided by financing activities |
93,274 | 628 | 321,965 | 53,185 | ||||||||||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash |
(3,255 | ) | (209 | ) | (5,504 | ) | (910 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash |
67,375 | (45,550 | ) | 260,726 | 43,069 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Cash at beginning of the year |
33 | 67,408 | 21,858 | 3,611 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Cash at end of the year |
67,408 | 21,858 | 282,584 | 46,680 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-69
KINGSOFT INTERNET SOFTWARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2012 AND 2013
(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (RMB) and US dollars (US$) except for number of shares and per share data)
(a) Basis of presentation
For the Company only condensed financial information, the Company records its investment in its subsidiaries and VIEs under the equity method of accounting. Such investment is presented on the condensed balance sheets as Investment in subsidiaries and share of their income as Equity in profit (loss) of subsidiaries on the condensed statements of comprehensive income. The subsidiaries and VIEs did not pay any dividends to the Company for any of the years presented.
The Company only condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Companys consolidated financial statements.
(b) Commitments
The Company does not have any significant commitments or long-term obligations as of any of the periods presented.
F-70
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 6. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
Cayman Islands law does not limit the extent to which a companys 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 or committing a crime. Our fourth amended and restated memorandum and articles of association provide that our directors and officers shall be indemnified against all actions, proceedings, costs, charges, expenses, losses, damages or liabilities incurred or sustained by such director or officer, other than by reason of such persons own dishonesty, willful default or fraud, in or about the conduct of our companys business or affairs (including as a result of any mistake of judgment) or in the execution or discharge of his duties, powers, authorities or discretions, including without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, any costs, expenses, losses or liabilities incurred by such director or officer in defending (whether successfully or otherwise) any civil proceedings concerning our company or its affairs in any court whether in the Cayman Islands or elsewhere.
Pursuant to the form of indemnification agreements to be filed as Exhibit 10.3 to this registration statement, we will agree to indemnify our directors and officers against certain liabilities and expenses incurred by such persons in connection with claims made by reason of their being such a director or officer.
The form of Underwriting Agreement to be filed as Exhibit 1.1 to this registration statement will also provide for indemnification of us and our officers and directors.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act) may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling us pursuant to the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.
ITEM 7. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES.
During the past three years, we have issued and sold the following securities described below without registering the securities under the Securities Act. None of these transactions involved any underwriters underwriting discounts or commissions, or any public offering. We believe that each of the following issuances was exempt from registration under the Securities Act in reliance on Regulation D under the Securities Act, Rule 701 under the Securities Act, Section 4(2) of the Securities Act regarding transactions not involving a public offering, or Regulation S under the Securities Act regarding sales by an issuer in offshore transactions.
Purchaser |
Date of sale or
|
Type and number of securities |
Consideration (US$) |
|||
FaX Vision Corporation |
March 31, 2011 | 100,000,000 ordinary shares | 2,499,000 | |||
TCH Copper Limited |
July 7, 2011 | 95,240,964 series A preferred shares | 17,278,688.07 | |||
Matrix Partners China I, L.P. |
July 7, 2011 | 6,509,157 series A preferred shares | 1,180,896.21 | |||
Matrix Partners China I-A, L.P. |
July 7, 2011 | 659,518 series A preferred shares | 119,650.26 | |||
Kingsoft Corporation Limited |
May 9, 2012 | 551,482 ordinary shares | 100,050.28 | |||
TCH Copper Limited |
June 24, 2013 | 110,240,964 series B preferred shares | 46,980,000 | |||
Kingsoft Corporation Limited |
June 24, 2013 | 12,254,567 series B preferred shares | 5,222,374 | |||
Core Pacific-Yamachi International (H.K.) Nominees Limited |
May 26, 2011 |
100,000,000 ordinary shares |
At par value of US$0.000025 per share; all the ordinary shares issued to the purchaser are held on trust for the benefit of grantees under our 2011 Share Award Scheme | |||
Directors, executive officers and employees and consultants of our company |
Various dates | 157,911,131 restricted shares | Services to our company |
II-1
ITEM 8. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
Exhibits
See Exhibit index beginning on page II-6 of this registration statement.
Financial Statement Schedules
Schedules have been omitted because the information required to be set forth therein is not applicable or is shown in the Consolidated Financial Statements or the Notes thereto.
ITEM 9. UNDERTAKINGS.
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the underwriter at the closing specified in the underwriting agreements, certificates in such denominations and registered in such names as required by the underwriter to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the provisions described in Item 6, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:
(i) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant under Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.
(ii) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
II-2
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form F-1 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Beijing, China, on April 25, 2014.
Cheetah Mobile Inc. |
||
By: |
/s/ Sheng Fu |
|
Name: Sheng Fu | ||
Title: Chief Executive Officer and Director |
II-3
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature |
Title |
Date |
||
/s/ * Jun Lei |
Chairman of the Board of Directors |
April 25, 2014 | ||
/s/ Sheng Fu Sheng Fu |
Chief Executive Officer and Director (principal executive officer) |
April 25, 2014 | ||
/s/ Ka Wai Andy Yeung Ka Wai Andy Yeung |
Chief Financial Officer (principal financial and accounting officer) |
April 25, 2014 | ||
/s/ * Hongjiang Zhang |
Director |
April 25, 2014 | ||
/s/ * Yuk Keung Ng |
Director |
April 25, 2014 | ||
/s/ * David Ying Zhang |
Director |
April 25, 2014 | ||
/s/ * Ke Ding |
Director |
April 25, 2014 | ||
/s/ * Zhijian Peng |
Director |
April 25, 2014 | ||
/s/ * Wei Liu |
Director |
April 25, 2014 |
*By |
/s/ Sheng Fu |
|
Sheng Fu | ||
Attorney-in-fact |
II-4
SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UNITED STATES
Pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, the undersigned, the duty authorized representative in the United States of Cheetah Mobile Inc. has signed this registration statement or amendment thereto in New York on April 25, 2014.
Authorized U.S. Representative | ||
By: |
/s/ Amy Segler |
|
Name: Amy Segler | ||
Title: Service of Process Officer | ||
Law Debenture Corporate Services Inc. |
II-5
Cheetah Mobile Inc.
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
|
||
1.1 | Form of underwriting agreement | |
3.1 | Third amended and restated memorandum and articles of association of the Registrant, as currently in effect | |
3.2 | Form of fourth amended and restated memorandum and articles of association of the Registrant, as effective upon the completion of this offering | |
4.1 | Registrants specimen American Depositary Receipt (included in Exhibit 4.3) | |
4.2 | Registrants specimen certificate for Class A ordinary shares | |
4.3 | Form of deposit agreement among the Registrant, the depositary and holder of the American depositary receipts | |
4.4 | Second amended and restated shareholders agreement between the Registrant and other parties therein, dated June 23, 2013 | |
5.1 | Opinion of Maples and Calder regarding the validity of the ordinary shares being registered | |
8.1 | Opinion of Maples and Calder regarding certain Cayman Islands tax matters (included in Exhibit 5.1) | |
8.2 | Opinion of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP regarding certain U.S. tax matters | |
8.3 | Opinion of Han Kun Law Offices regarding certain PRC tax matters | |
10.1 | 2011 share award scheme and an amendment thereto | |
10.2 | 2013 equity incentive plan | |
10.3 | Form of indemnification agreement between the Registrant and its director and executive officers | |
10.4 | Form of employment agreement between the Registrant and its executive officers | |
10.5 | Series B preferred share purchase agreement, among the Registrant, TCH Copper Limited, Kingsoft Corporation Limited, and certain other parties thereto, dated June 23, 2013 | |
10.6 | Business operation agreement, by and among Conew Network, Beijing Network, Ming Xu and Wei Liu, dated July 18, 2012 | |
10.7 | Loan agreement, by and among Conew Network, Ming Xu and Wei Liu, dated June 20, 2012 | |
10.8 | Exclusive technology development, support and consultancy agreement, between Conew Network and Beijing Network, dated July 18, 2012 | |
10.9 | Exclusive equity option agreement, by and among Conew Network, Beijing Network, Ming Xu and Wei Liu, dated July 18, 2012 | |
10.10 | Shareholder voting proxy agreement, by and among Conew Network, Beijing Network, Ming Xu and Wei Liu, dated July 18, 2012 | |
10.11 | Equity pledge agreement, by and among Conew Network, Beijing Network, Ming Xu and Wei Liu, dated July 18, 2012 | |
10.12 | Financial support undertaking letter signed by Conew Network with respect to Beijing Network, dated January 17, 2014 |
II-6
Exhibit
|
||
10.13 | Spousal consent, signed by Xinchan Li, Wei Lius spouse, dated July 18, 2012 | |
10.14 | Business operation agreement, by and among Beijing Security, Beijing Antutu, Ming Xu and Wei Liu, dated June 14, 2013 | |
10.15 | Loan agreement, by and among Beijing Security, Ming Xu and Wei Liu, dated June 7, 2013 | |
10.16 | Exclusive technology development, support and consultancy agreement, between Beijing Security and Beijing Antutu, dated June 14, 2013 | |
10.17 | Exclusive equity option agreement, by and among, Beijing Security, Beijing Antutu, Ming Xu and Wei Liu, dated June 14, 2013 | |
10.18 | Shareholder voting proxy agreement, by and among Beijing Security, Beijing Antutu, Ming Xu and Wei Liu, dated June 14, 2013 | |
10.19 | Equity pledge agreement, by and among Beijing Security, Beijing Antutu, Ming Xu and Wei Liu, dated June 14, 2013 | |
10.20 | Financial support undertaking letter signed by Beijing Security with respect to Beijing Antutu, dated January 17, 2014 | |
10.21 | Spousal consent, signed by Xinchan Li, Wei Lius spouse, dated June 14, 2013 | |
10.22 | Business operation agreement, by and among Beijing Security, Beike Internet, Sheng Fu and Weiqin Qiu, dated January 1, 2011 | |
10.23 | Loan agreements, by and among Beijing Security, Sheng Fu and Weiqin Qiu, dated January 1, 2011 and September 21, 2012 | |
10.24 | Exclusive technology development, support and consultancy agreement, between Beijing Security and Beike Internet, dated January 1, 2011 | |
10.25 | Exclusive equity option agreement, by and among Beijing Security, Beike Internet, Sheng Fu and Weiqin Qiu, dated January 1, 2011 | |
10.26 | Shareholder voting proxy agreement, by and among Beijing Security, Beike Internet, Sheng Fu and Weiqin Qiu, dated January 1, 2011 | |
10.27 | Equity pledge agreement, by and among Beijing Security, Beike Internet, Sheng Fu and Weiqin Qiu, dated January 1, 2011 and amendment thereto, dated October 11, 2012 | |
10.28 | Financial support undertaking letter signed by Beijing Security with respect to Beike Internet, dated January 17, 2014 | |
10.29 | Spousal consent, signed by Jin Wang, Weiqin Qius spouse, dated January 1, 2012 | |
10.30 | Business operation agreement, by and among Beijing Security, Guangzhou Network, Ming Xu and Weiqin Qiu, dated September 1, 2013 | |
10.31 | Loan agreement, by and among Beijing Security, Ming Xu and Weiqin Qiu, dated August 5, 2013 | |
10.32 | Exclusive technology development, support and consultancy agreement, between Beijing Security and Guangzhou Network, dated September 1, 2013 | |
10.33 | Exclusive equity option agreement, by and among Beijing Security, Guangzhou Network, Ming Xu and Weiqin Qiu, dated September 1, 2013 | |
10.34 | Shareholder voting proxy agreement, by and among Beijing Security, Guangzhou Network, Ming Xu and Weiqin Qiu, dated September 1, 2013 |
II-7
Exhibit
|
||
10.35 | Equity pledge agreement, by and among Beijing Security, Guangzhou Network, Ming Xu and Weiqin Qiu, dated September 1, 2013 | |
10.36 | Financial support undertaking letter signed by Beijing Security with respect to Guangzhou Network, dated January 17, 2014 | |
10.37 | Spousal consent, signed by Jin Wang, Weiqin Qius spouse, dated September 1, 2013 | |
10.38 | Cooperation framework agreement between the Registrant and Kingsoft Corporation Limited, dated December 27, 2013 and supplemental agreement thereto, dated April 1, 2014 | |
10.39 | Strategic cooperation agreement between the Registrant and Shenzhen Tencent Computer Systems Company Limited, dated December 27, 2013 | |
10.40 ** | Cooperation agreement between Beike Internet and Baidu Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd., dated June 1, 2012 | |
10.41 ** | Cooperation agreement between Beike Internet and Baidu Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd., dated June 1, 2012 | |
10.42** | Cooperation agreement between Beike Internet and Baidu Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd., dated March 1, 2013 | |
10.43** | Cooperation agreement between Beike Internet and Baidu Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd., dated May 1, 2013 | |
10.44 | Form of non-compete undertaking between the Registrant and Kingsoft Corporation | |
10.45 | Authorization and licensing agreement dated January 14, 2011 by and among Beijing Security, Zhuhai Juntian, Conew Network, Beijing Kingsoft Digital Entertainment Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing Kingsoft Software Co., Ltd. and Zhuhai Kingsoft Software Co., Ltd., as amended on February 14, 2011 and December 3, 2012 | |
10.46 | Intellectual property transfer and license framework agreement the Registrant and Kingsoft Corporation, dated April 1, 2014 | |
10.47 | Share transfer agreement between the Cheetah Technology Corporation Limited and Kingsoft Corporation, dated March 18, 2014 | |
10.48 | 2014 restricted shares plan | |
10.49 | Subscription agreement, dated as of April 25, 2014, by and among the Registrant, Kingsoft Corporation Limited, Xiaomi Ventures Limited and Baidu Holdings Limited | |
10.50 | Form of registration rights agreement by and among the Registrant, Kingsoft Corporation Limited, Xiaomi Ventures Limited and Baidu Holdings Limited | |
21.1 | List of subsidiaries of the Registrant | |
23.1 | Consent of Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm | |
23.2 | Consent of Maples and Calder (included in exhibit 5.1) | |
23.3 | Consent of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP (included in exhibit 8.2) | |
23.4 | Consent of Han Kun Law Offices (included in exhibit 99.2) | |
24.1 | Powers of attorney (included on signature page) | |
99.1 | Code of business conduct and ethics of the Registrant | |
99.2 | Opinion of Han Kun Law Offices regarding certain PRC law matters | |
99.3 | Consent of Richard Weidong Ji |
| Filed previously. |
* | To be filed by amendment. |
** | Confidential treatment is being requested with respect to portions of these exhibits that have been redacted pursuant to Rule 406 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. |
II-8
Exhibit 1.1
12,000,000 Class A Ordinary Shares
Cheetah Mobile Inc.
CLASS A ORDINARY SHARES, PAR VALUE US$0.000025 PER SHARE
in the form of American Depositary Shares
UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT
, 2014
Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc
25 Cabot Square, Canary Wharf
London E14 4QA
United Kingdom
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
383 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10179
As Representatives of the several Underwriters named in Schedule I hereto
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Cheetah Mobile Inc. (formerly known as Kingsoft Internet Software Holdings Limited), an exempted company incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the Cayman Islands (the Company ), proposes to issue and sell to the several Underwriters named in Schedule I hereto (the Underwriters ) an aggregate of 12,000,000 Class A ordinary shares, par value US$0.000025 per share, of the Company (the Firm Shares ) in the form of 120,000,000 American Depositary Shares (as defined below).
The Company also proposes to issue and sell to the several Underwriters not more than an additional 18,000,000 Class A ordinary shares, par value US$0.000025 per share, of the Company (the Additional Shares ), if and to the extent that Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, as representatives of the Underwriters (the Representatives ), shall have determined to exercise, on behalf of the Underwriters, the right to purchase such Additional Shares granted to the Underwriters in Section 2 hereof. The Firm Shares and the Additional Shares are hereinafter collectively referred to as the Shares . The Class A ordinary shares, par value US$0.000025 per share, of the Company to be outstanding after giving effect to the sales contemplated hereby are hereinafter referred to as the Ordinary Shares .
The Underwriters will take delivery of the Shares in the form of American Depositary Shares (the American Depositary Shares ). The American Depositary Shares are to be issued pursuant to a Deposit Agreement dated as of , 2014 (the Deposit Agreement ) among the Company, The Bank of New York Mellon, as Depositary (the Depositary ), and the holders from time to time of the American Depositary Shares issued under the Deposit Agreement. Each American Depositary Share will initially represent the right to receive 10 Ordinary Shares deposited pursuant to the Deposit Agreement.
The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission ) a registration statement, including a prospectus, relating to the Shares and a registration statement relating to the American Depositary Shares. The registration statement relating to the Shares, as amended at the time it becomes effective, including the information (if any) deemed to be part of the registration statement at the time of effectiveness pursuant to Rule 430A under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act ), is hereinafter referred to as the Registration Statement ; the prospectus in the form first used to confirm sales of Shares (or in the form first made available to the Underwriters by the Company to meet requests of purchasers pursuant to Rule 173 under the Securities Act) is hereinafter referred to as the Prospectus . The registration statement relating to the American Depositary Shares, as amended at the time it becomes effective, is hereinafter referred to as the ADS Registration Statement . If the Company has filed abbreviated registration statements to register additional Ordinary Shares or American Depositary Shares pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act (the Rule 462 Registration Statements ), then any reference herein to the terms Registration Statement and ADS Registration Statement shall be deemed to include the corresponding Rule 462 Registration Statement. The Company has filed, in accordance with Section 12 of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act ), a registration statement on Form 8-A to register the Shares and the American Depositary Shares (the Form 8-A Registration Statement ).
For purposes of this Agreement, free writing prospectus has the meaning set forth in Rule 405 under the Securities Act, Time of Sale Prospectus means the preliminary prospectus together with the documents and pricing information set forth in Schedule II hereto, and broadly available road show means a bona fide electronic road show as defined in Rule 433(h)(5) under the Securities Act that has been made available without restriction to any person. As used herein, the terms Registration Statement, preliminary prospectus, Time of Sale Prospectus and Prospectus shall include the documents, if any, incorporated by reference therein as of the date hereof.
Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC (the Designated Underwriter ) agrees to reserve a portion of the American Depositary Shares to be purchased by it or its affiliates under this Agreement for sale to the Companys directors, officers, employees and business associates and other parties related to the Company (collectively, Participants ), as set forth in the Prospectus under the heading Underwriting (the Directed Share Program ). The American Depositary Shares to be sold by the Designated Underwriter and its affiliates pursuant to the Directed Share Program are referred to hereinafter as the Directed American Depositary Shares . Any Directed American Depositary Shares not orally confirmed for purchase by any Participant by the end of the business day on which this Agreement is executed will be offered to the public by the Underwriters as set forth in the Prospectus.
2
1. Representations and Warranties . The Company represents and warrants to and agrees with each of the Underwriters that:
(a) Each of the Registration Statement and the ADS Registration Statement have become effective; no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or the ADS Registration Statement is in effect, and no proceedings for such purpose are pending before or threatened by the Commission. The Form 8-A Registration Statement has become effective as provided in Section 12 of the Exchange Act.
(b) (i) Each of the Registration Statement and the ADS Registration Statement, when it became effective, did not contain and, as amended or supplemented, if applicable, will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, (ii) the Registration Statement, the ADS Registration Statement and the Prospectus comply and, as amended or supplemented, if applicable, will comply in all material respects with the Securities Act and the applicable rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, (iii) the Time of Sale Prospectus does not, and at the time of each sale of the American Depositary Shares in connection with the offering when the Prospectus is not yet available to prospective purchasers and at the Closing Date (as defined in Section 4), the Time of Sale Prospectus, as then amended or supplemented by the Company, if applicable, will not, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, (iv) each broadly available road show, if any, when considered together with the Time of Sale Prospectus, does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading and (v) the Prospectus does not contain and, as amended or supplemented, if applicable, will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, except that the representations and warranties set forth in this paragraph do not apply to statements or omissions in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus based upon information furnished to the Company in writing by such Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use therein, it being understood and agreed that the only such information furnished by any Underwriter consists of the Underwriter Information described as such in Section 8(b) hereof.
3
(c) The Company is not an ineligible issuer in connection with the offering pursuant to Rules 164, 405 and 433 under the Securities Act. Any free writing prospectus that the Company is required to file pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Securities Act has been, or will be, filed with the Commission in accordance with the requirements of the Securities Act and the applicable rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder. Each free writing prospectus that the Company has filed, or is required to file, pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Securities Act or that was prepared by or on behalf of or used or referred to by the Company complies or will comply in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act and the applicable rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder. Except for the free writing prospectuses, if any, identified in Schedule II hereto, and electronic road shows, if any, furnished to the Representatives before first use, the Company has not prepared, used or referred to, and will not, without the prior consent of the Representatives, prepare, use or refer to, any free writing prospectus. The Company has satisfied and agrees that it will satisfy the conditions in Rule 433 to avoid a requirement to file with the Commission any electronic road show.
(d) The Company has been duly incorporated, is validly existing as an exempted company with limited liability in good standing under the laws of the Cayman Islands, has the corporate power and authority to own its property and to conduct its business as described in the Time of Sale Prospectus and is duly qualified to transact business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the conduct of its business or its ownership or leasing of property requires such qualification, except to the extent that the failure to be so qualified or be in good standing would not have a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), earnings, results of operations, business or prospects of the Company and its Subsidiaries (as defined below) and Affiliated Entities (as defined below), taken as a whole, or on the ability of the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities to carry out their obligations under this Agreement and the Deposit Agreement (a Material Adverse Effect ). The currently effective third amended and restated memorandum and articles of association or other constitutive or organizational documents of the Company comply with the requirements of applicable Cayman Islands law and are in full force and effect. The fourth amended and restated memorandum and articles of association of the Company adopted on [ ], filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Registration Statement, comply with the requirements of applicable Cayman Islands laws and, immediately following closing on the Closing Date of the American Depositary Shares offered and sold hereunder, will be in full force and effect. Complete and correct copies of all constitutive documents of the Company and all amendments thereto have been delivered to the Representatives; except as set forth in the exhibits to the Registration Statement, no change will be made to any such constitutive documents on or after the date of this Agreement through and including the Closing Date.
4
(e) Each of the Companys direct and indirect subsidiaries (each a Subsidiary and collectively, the Subsidiaries ) has been identified on Schedule III-A hereto, and each of the entities through which the Company conducts its operations in the Peoples Republic of China ( PRC ) by way of contractual arrangements (each an Affiliated Entity and collectively, the Affiliated Entities ) has been identified on Schedule III-B hereto. Each of the Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities has been duly incorporated, is validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation, has the corporate power and authority to own its property and to conduct its business as described in the Time of Sale Prospectus; all of the equity interests of each Subsidiary have been duly and validly authorized and issued, are owned directly or indirectly by the Company, are fully paid and non-assessable and except as described in the Time of Sale Prospectus, are free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, equities or claims; all of the equity interests in each Affiliated Entity have been duly and validly authorized and issued, are fully paid and non-assessable and are owned directly as described in the Time of Sale Prospectus, free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, equities or claims. None of the outstanding share capital or equity interest in any Subsidiary was issued in violation of preemptive or similar rights of any securityholder of such Subsidiary. All of the constitutive or organizational documents of each of the Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities comply with the requirements of applicable laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation or organization and are in full force and effect. Apart from the Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities, the Company has no direct or indirect subsidiaries or any other company over which it has direct or indirect effective control.
(f) The description of the corporate structure of the Company and the various contracts among the Subsidiaries, the shareholders of the Affiliated Entities and the Affiliated Entities, as the case may be (each a Corporate Structure Contract and collectively the Corporate Structure Contracts ), as set forth in the Time of Sale Prospectus under the captions Corporate History and Structure and Related Party Transactions and filed as Exhibits 10.6 through 10.37 to the Registration Statement, is true and accurate in all material respects and nothing has been omitted from such description which would make it misleading in any material respect. There is no other material agreement, contract or other document relating to the corporate structure or the operation of the Company together with its Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities taken as a whole, which has not been previously disclosed or made available to the Underwriters and disclosed in the Time of Sale Prospectus.
(g) Each Corporate Structure Contract has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the parties thereto and constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of the parties thereto, enforceable in accordance with its terms subject, as to enforceability, to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors rights and to general equity principles. No consent, approval, authorization, or order of, or filing or registration with, any person (including any governmental agency or body or any court) is required for the performance of the obligations under any Corporate Structure Contract by the parties thereto, except as already obtained or disclosed in the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus. There is no legal or governmental proceeding, inquiry or investigation pending against the Company, the Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities or shareholders of the Affiliated Entities in any jurisdiction challenging the validity of any of the Corporate Structure Contracts, and to the knowledge of the Company, no such proceeding, inquiry or investigation is threatened in any jurisdiction.
5
(h) The execution, delivery and performance of each Corporate Structure Contract by the parties thereto do not and will not result in a breach or violation of any of the terms and provisions of, or constitute a default under, or result in the imposition of any lien, encumbrance, equity or claim upon any property or assets of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities pursuant to (i) the constitutive or organizational documents of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities, (ii) any statute, rule, regulation or order of any governmental agency or body or any court, domestic or foreign, having jurisdiction over the Company or any of the Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities or any of their properties, or (iii) any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement or other agreement or instrument to which the Company or any of the Subsidiaries and the Affiliated Entities is a party or by which the Company or any of the Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities is bound or to which any of the properties of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities is subject, except, in the case of (iii), for such that would not have a Material Adverse Effect. Each Corporate Structure Contract is in full force and effect and none of the parties thereto is in breach or default in the performance of any of the terms or provisions of such Corporate Structure Contract. None of the parties to any of the Corporate Structure Contracts has sent or received any communication regarding termination of, or intention not to renew, any of the Corporate Structure Contracts, and no such termination or non-renewal has been threatened by any of the parties thereto.
(i) This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company.
(j) The Deposit Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by the Depositary, constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of the Company, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject, as to enforceability, to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors rights and to general equity principles.
(k) The Registration Statement, the preliminary prospectus, the Prospectus, any issuer free writing prospectus and the ADS Registration Statement and the filing of the Registration Statement, the Prospectus, any issuer free writing prospectus and the ADS Registration Statement with the Commission have been duly authorized by and on behalf of the Company, and the Registration Statement and the ADS Registration Statement have been duly executed pursuant to such authorization by and on behalf of the Company.
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(l) The authorized share capital of the Company conforms as to legal matters to the description thereof contained in each of the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus.
(m) The Ordinary Shares outstanding prior to the issuance of the Shares have been duly authorized and are validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable. As of the date hereof, the Company has authorized and outstanding capitalization as set forth in the sections of the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus under the headings Capitalization and Description of Share Capital and, as of the Closing Date, the Company shall have authorized and outstanding capitalization as set forth in the sections of the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus under the headings Capitalization and Description of Share Capital.
(n) The Shares to be sold by the Company have been duly authorized and, when issued and delivered in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, and the issuance of such Shares will not be subject to any preemptive rights, resale rights, rights of first refusal or similar rights. The Shares, when issued and delivered against payment therefor in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, will be free of any restriction upon the voting or transfer thereof pursuant to the Companys constitutive documents or any agreement or other instrument to which the Company is a party.
(o) The American Depositary Shares, when issued by the Depositary against the deposit of Shares in respect thereof in accordance with the provisions of the Deposit Agreement, will be duly authorized, validly issued and the persons in whose names such American Depositary Shares are registered will be entitled to the rights of registered holders of American Depositary Shares specified therein and in the Deposit Agreement.
(p) The statements in the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus under the headings Risk Factors, Corporate History and Structure, Regulation, Related Party Transactions, Taxation and Underwriting, insofar as such statements summarize legal matters, agreements, documents or proceedings discussed therein, are accurate, complete and fair summaries of such matters described therein in all material respects.
(q) The Shares and the American Depositary Shares, when issued, are freely transferable by the Company to or for the account of the several Underwriters and the initial purchasers thereof, and, except as described in the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, there are no restrictions on subsequent transfers of the Shares or the American Depositary Shares under the laws of the Cayman Islands, the PRC or the United States.
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(r) The American Depositary Shares have been approved for listing on the New York Stock Exchange, subject to official notice of issuance.
(s) Neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities is in material breach or violation of any provision of applicable law or is in breach or violation of its respective constitutive documents, or in default under (nor has any event occurred which, with notice, lapse of time or both, would result in any breach or violation of, constitute a default under or give the holder of any indebtedness (or a person acting on such holders behalf) the right to require the repurchase, redemption or repayment of all or a part of such indebtedness under) any agreement or other instrument that is (i) binding upon the Company or any of the Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities and (ii) material to the Company and the Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities taken as a whole, or any judgment, order or decree of any governmental body, agency or court having jurisdiction over the Company or any of the Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities.
(t) The execution and delivery by the Company of, and the performance by the Company of its obligations under, this Agreement and the Deposit Agreement will not contravene (i) any provision of applicable law or the memorandum and articles of association or other constitutive documents of the Company, (ii) any agreement or other instrument binding upon the Company or any of the Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities that is material to the Company and the Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities, taken as a whole, or (iii) any judgment, order or decree of any governmental body, agency or court having jurisdiction over the Company or any of the Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities; and no consent, approval, authorization or order of, or qualification with, any governmental body or agency is required for the performance by the Company of its obligations under this Agreement or the Deposit Agreement, except such as may be required by the securities or Blue Sky laws of the various states of the United States of America in connection with the offer and sale of the Shares or the American Depositary Shares.
(u) There has not occurred any material adverse change, or any development involving a prospective material adverse change, in the condition, financial or otherwise, or in the earnings, business or operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities, taken as a whole, from that set forth in the Time of Sale Prospectus.
(v) There are no legal or governmental proceedings pending or threatened to which the Company, any of its Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities or any of its executive officers, directors and key employees is a party or to which any of the properties of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities is subject (i) other than proceedings accurately described in all material respects in the Time of Sale Prospectus and proceedings that would not have a Material Adverse Effect, or on the power or ability of the Company to perform its obligations under this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Time of Sale Prospectus or (ii) that are required to be described in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus and are not so described; and there are no statutes, regulations, contracts or other documents that are required to be described in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or to be filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement that are not described or filed as required.
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(w) Each preliminary prospectus filed as part of the registration statement as originally filed or as part of any amendment thereto, or filed pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act, complied when so filed in all material respects with the Securities Act and the applicable rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.
(x) The Company is not, and after giving effect to the offering and sale of the Shares and the application of the proceeds thereof as described in the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus will not be, required to register as an investment company as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
(y) The Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities (i) are in compliance with any and all applicable national, local and foreign laws and regulations (including, for the avoidance of doubt, all applicable laws and regulations of the PRC) relating to the protection of human health and safety, the environment or hazardous or toxic substances or wastes, pollutants or contaminants ( Environmental Laws ), (ii) have received all permits, licenses or other approvals required of them under applicable Environmental Laws to conduct their respective businesses and (iii) are in compliance with all terms and conditions of any such permit, license or approval, except where such noncompliance with Environmental Laws, failure to receive required permits, licenses or other approvals or failure to comply with the terms and conditions of such permits, licenses or approvals would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
(z) There are no costs or liabilities associated with Environmental Laws (including, without limitation, any capital or operating expenditures required for clean-up, closure of properties or compliance with Environmental Laws or any permit, license or approval, any related constraints on operating activities and any potential liabilities to third parties), except for those that would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
(aa) Except as disclosed in the Time of Sale Prospectus, there are no contracts, agreements or understandings between the Company and any person granting such person the right to require the Company to file a registration statement under the Securities Act with respect to any securities of the Company owned or to be owned by such person or to require the Company to include such securities in the securities registered pursuant to the Registration Statement or in any securities being registered pursuant to any other registration statement filed by the Company under the Securities Act (collectively, registration rights ), and any person to whom the Company has granted registration rights has agreed not to exercise such rights until after the expiration of the Restricted Period referred to in Section 6(w) hereof. Each officer, director and shareholder and certain option holders of the Company has furnished to the Representatives on or prior to the date hereof a letter or letters substantially in the form of Annex A hereto (the Lock-Up Agreement).
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(bb) Except as described in the Time of Sale Prospectus, there are (i) no outstanding securities issued by the Company convertible into or exchangeable for, rights, warrants or options to acquire from the Company, or obligations of the Company to issue, Ordinary Shares or any of the share capital of the Company, and (ii) no outstanding rights, warrants or options to acquire, or instruments convertible into or exchangeable for, any share capital of, or any direct interest in, any of the Companys Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities.
(cc) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities or their respective affiliates, nor any director or officer nor, to the Companys knowledge, any employee, agent or representative of the Company or of any of its Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities or their respective affiliates, has (i) used any corporate funds for any unlawful contribution, gift, entertainment or other unlawful expense relating to political activity; (ii) taken or will take any action in furtherance of an offer, payment, promise to pay, or authorization or approval of the payment or giving of money, property, gifts or anything else of value, directly or indirectly, to any government official (including any officer or employee of a government or government-owned or controlled entity or of a public international organization, or any person acting in an official capacity for or on behalf of any of the foregoing, or any political party or party official or candidate for political office) to influence official action or secure an improper advantage; or (iii) made, offered, agreed, requested or taken an act in furtherance of any unlawful bribe or other unlawful benefit, including, without limitation, any rebate, payoff, influence payment, kickback or other unlawful or improper payment or benefit; and the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities and affiliates have conducted their businesses in compliance with applicable anti-corruption laws and have instituted and maintain and will continue to maintain policies and procedures designed to promote and achieve compliance with such laws and with the representation and warranty contained herein.
(dd) The operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities are and have been conducted at all times in material compliance with all applicable financial recordkeeping and reporting requirements, including those of the Bank Secrecy Act, as amended by Title III of the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (USA PATRIOT Act), the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act of 1970, as amended, and the applicable anti-money laundering statutes of all jurisdictions where the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities conduct business, the rules and regulations thereunder and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines, issued, administered or enforced by any governmental agency (collectively, the Anti-Money Laundering Law s), and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body or any arbitrator involving the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities with respect to the Anti-Money Laundering Laws is pending or, to the best knowledge of the Company, threatened.
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(ee) (i) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities, nor any director, officer or employee thereof, nor, to the Companys knowledge, any agent, affiliate or representative of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities, is an individual or entity ( Person ) that is, or is owned or controlled by a Person that is:
(A) the subject of any sanctions administered or enforced by the U.S. Department of Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the U.S. Department of State and including, without limitation, the designation as a specially designated national or blocked person, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), the European Union (EU), Her Majestys Treasury (HMT), or other relevant sanctions authority (collectively, Sanctions ), nor
(B) located, organized or resident in a country or territory that is, or whose government is, the subject of Sanctions (including, without limitation, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan and Syria).
(ii) The Company will not, directly or indirectly, use the proceeds of the offering, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any subsidiary, joint venture partner or other Person:
(A) to fund or facilitate any activities or business of or with any Person or in any country or territory that, at the time of such funding or facilitation, is, or whose government is, the subject of Sanctions; or
(B) in any other manner that will result in a violation of Sanctions by any Person (including any Person participating in the offering, whether as underwriter, advisor, investor or otherwise).
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(iii) For the past five years, the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities have not knowingly engaged in, are not now knowingly engaged in, and will not engage in, any dealings or transactions with any Person, or in any country or territory, that at the time of the dealing or transaction is or was, or whose government was, the subject of Sanctions.
(ff) Subsequent to the respective dates as of which information is given in each of the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, i) the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities have not incurred any material liability or obligation, direct or contingent, nor entered into any material transaction; ii) the Company has not purchased any of its outstanding share capital, nor declared, paid or otherwise made any dividend or distribution of any kind on its share capital other than ordinary and customary dividends; and iii) there has not been any material change in the share capital, short-term debt or long-term debt of the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities, except in each case as described in each of the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, respectively.
(gg) (i) Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities has good and marketable title (valid land use rights and building ownership certificates in the case of real property located in the PRC) to all real property and good and marketable title to all personal property owned by them which is material to the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities, in each case free and clear of all liens, encumbrances and defects except such as are described in the Time of Sale Prospectus or such as do not materially affect the value of such property and do not interfere with the use made and proposed to be made of such property by the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities; and any real property and buildings held under lease by the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities are held by them under valid, subsisting and enforceable leases with such exceptions as are not material and do not interfere with the use made and proposed to be made of such property and buildings by the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities, in each case except as described in the Time of Sale Prospectus.
(hh) Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities owns or possesses, or can acquire on reasonable terms, all material patents, patent rights, licenses, inventions, copyrights, know-how (including trade secrets and other unpatented and/or unpatentable proprietary or confidential information, systems or procedures), trademarks, service marks and trade names currently employed by them in connection with the business now operated by them, and neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities has received any notice of infringement of or conflict with asserted rights of others with respect to any of the foregoing which, singly or in the aggregate, if the subject of an unfavorable decision, ruling or finding, would have a Material Adverse Effect.
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(ii) No material labor dispute with the employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities exists, or, to the knowledge of the Company, is imminent; and the Company is not aware of any existing, threatened or imminent labor disturbance by the employees of any of the principal suppliers, manufacturers or contractors of the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities that could have a Material Adverse Effect.
(jj) Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities are insured by insurers of recognized financial responsibility against such losses and risks and in such amounts as are prudent and customary in the businesses in which they are engaged; and neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities has any reason to believe that it will not be able to renew its existing insurance coverage as and when such coverage expires or to obtain similar coverage from similar insurers as may be necessary to continue its business at a cost that would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
(kk) Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities possesses all licenses, certificates, authorizations, declarations and permits issued by, and has made all necessary reports to and filings with, the appropriate national, local or foreign regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over the Company and each of its Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities and their respective assets and properties, for the Company and each of its Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities to conduct their respective businesses; each of the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities is in compliance with the terms and conditions of all such licenses, certificates, authorizations and permits; such licenses, certificates, authorizations and permits are valid and in full force and effect and contain no materially burdensome restrictions or conditions not described in the Time of Sale Prospectus; neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities has received any notice of proceedings relating to the revocation or modification of any such license, certificate, authorization or permit; neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has any reason to believe that any such license, certificate, authorization or permit will not be renewed in the ordinary course except for such failure to renew that would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
(ll) No material relationships or material transactions, direct or indirect, exist between any of the Company or its Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities on the one hand and their respective shareholders, affiliates, officers and directors or any affiliates or family members of such persons on the other hand, except as described in the Time of Sale Prospectus.
(mm) Based on the Companys current income and assets and projections as to the value of its assets and the market value of its American Depositary Shares, including the current and anticipated valuation of its assets, the Company does not expect to be a Passive Foreign Investment Company ( PFIC ) within the meaning of Section 1297 of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, for its current taxable year or in the foreseeable future.
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(nn) No transaction, stamp, capital or other issuance, registration, transaction, transfer, withholding or other taxes or duties are payable by or on behalf of the Underwriters to the government of the PRC, Hong Kong or Cayman Islands or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof in connection with (i) the issuance, sale and delivery of the Shares by the Company or the deposit of the Shares with the Depositary, the issuance of the American Depositary Shares by the Depositary, and the delivery of the American Depositary Shares to or for the account of the Underwriters, (ii) the purchase from the Company of the Shares and the initial sale and delivery of the American Depositary Shares representing the Shares to purchasers thereof by the Underwriters, or (iii) the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement or the Deposit Agreement; except that stamp duty may be payable in the event that this Agreement or the Deposit Agreement is executed in or brought within the jurisdiction of the Cayman Islands.
(oo) Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP ( E&Y ) whose reports on the consolidated financial statements of the Company are included in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, are independent registered public accountants with respect to the Company as required by the Securities Act and by the rules of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.
(pp) The financial statements included in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, together with the related notes and schedules thereto, present fairly the consolidated financial position of the Company and the Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities as of the dates indicated and the consolidated results of operations, cash flows and changes in shareholders equity of the Company for the periods specified and have been prepared in compliance as to form in all material respects with the applicable accounting requirements of the Securities Act and the related rules and regulations adopted by the Commission and in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis during the periods involved; the other financial data contained in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus are accurately and fairly presented and prepared on a basis consistent with the financial statements and books and records of the Company; there are no financial statements (historical or pro forma) that are required to be included in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus that are not included as required; and the Company and the Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities do not have any material liabilities or obligations, direct or contingent (including any off-balance sheet obligations) not described in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus.
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(qq) The section entitled Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus accurately and fairly describes (i) the accounting policies that the Company believes are the most important in the portrayal of the Companys financial condition and results of operations and that require managements most difficult subjective or complex judgment; (ii) the material judgments and uncertainties affecting the application of critical accounting policies; (iii) the likelihood that materially different amounts would be reported under different conditions or using different assumptions and an explanation thereof; (iv) all material trends, demands, commitments and events known to the Company, and uncertainties, and the potential effects thereof, that the Company believes would be materially affect its liquidity and are reasonably likely to occur; and (v) all off-balance sheet commitments and arrangements of the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities, if any. The Companys directors and management have reviewed and agreed with the selection, application and disclosure of the Companys critical accounting policies as described in the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus and have consulted with its independent accountants with regards to such disclosure.
(rr) Except as disclosed in the Time of Sale Prospectus, the Company maintains a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that (i) transactions are executed in accordance with managements general or specific authorizations; (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements of each of the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and to maintain asset accountability; (iii) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with managements general or specific authorization; and (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences. Except as described in the Time of Sale Prospectus, since the end of the Companys most recent audited fiscal year, there has been (i) no material weakness in the Companys internal control over financial reporting (whether or not remediated) and (ii) no change in the Companys internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Companys internal control over financial reporting.
(ss) Since the end of the Companys most recent audited fiscal year, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities has: (i) entered into or assumed any contract, (ii) incurred, assumed or acquired any liability (including any contingent liability) or other obligation or (iii) acquired or disposed of or agreed to acquire or dispose of any business or any other asset, (iv) purchased any of its own outstanding share capital or declared, paid or otherwise made any dividend or distribution of any kind on its share capital, (v) sustained any material change in its share capital, short-term debt or long-term debt or (vi) agreed to take any of the foregoing actions, that would, in the case of any of clauses (i) through (vi) above, would have a Material Adverse Effect and that are not otherwise described in the Time of Sale Prospectus.
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(tt) All dividends and other distributions declared and payable on the Ordinary Shares may be freely transferred out of the Cayman Islands and may be freely converted into United States dollars, in each case without there being required any consent, approval, authorization or order of, or qualification with, any court or governmental agency or body in the Cayman Islands.
(uu) Except as described in the Time of Sale Prospectus, (i) none of the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities is prohibited, directly or indirectly, from (1) paying any dividends or making any other distributions on its share capital, (2) making or repaying any loan or advance to the Company or any other Subsidiary or Affiliated Entity or (3) transferring any of its properties or assets to the Company or any other Subsidiary or Affiliated Entity; and (ii) all dividends and other distributions declared and payable upon the share capital of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities (1) may be converted into foreign currency that may be freely transferred out of such Persons jurisdiction of incorporation, without the consent, approval, authorization or order of, or qualification with, any court or governmental agency or body in such Persons jurisdiction of incorporation or tax residence; and (2) are not and will not be subject to withholding, value added or other taxes under the currently effective laws and regulations of such Persons jurisdiction of incorporation, without the necessity of obtaining any consents, approvals, authorizations, orders, registrations, clearances or qualifications of or with any court or governmental agency or body having jurisdiction over such Person.
(vv) Except as described in the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, each of the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities has complied, and has taken all steps to ensure compliance by each of its shareholders, directors and officers that is, or is directly or indirectly owned or controlled by, a PRC resident or citizen with any applicable rules and regulations of the relevant PRC government agencies (including but not limited to the Ministry of Commerce, the National Development and Reform Commission, the China Securities Regulatory Commission ( CSRC ) and the State Administration of Foreign Exchange) relating to overseas investment by PRC residents and citizens (the PRC Overseas Investment and Listing Regulations ), including, without limitation, requesting each such Person that is, or is directly or indirectly owned or controlled by, a PRC resident or citizen to complete any registration and other procedures required under applicable PRC Overseas Investment and Listing Regulations.
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(ww) The Company is aware of and has been advised as to the content of the Rules on Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors and any official clarifications, guidance, interpretations or implementation rules in connection with or related thereto (the PRC Mergers and Acquisitions Rules ) jointly promulgated by the Ministry of Commerce, the State Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, the State Tax Administration, the State Administration of Industry and Commerce, the CSRC and the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on August 8, 2006, including the provisions thereof which purport to require offshore special purpose entities formed for listing purposes and controlled directly or indirectly by PRC companies or individuals to obtain the approval of the CSRC prior to the listing and trading of their securities on an overseas stock exchange. The Company has received legal advice specifically with respect to the PRC Mergers and Acquisitions Rules from its PRC counsel, and the Company understands such legal advice. In addition, the Company has communicated such legal advice in full to each of its directors that signed the Registration Statement and each such director has confirmed that he or she understands such legal advice. The issuance and sale of the Shares and the American Depositary Shares, the listing and trading of the American Depositary Shares on the New York Stock Exchange and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Deposit Agreement (i) are not and will not be, as of the date hereof or at the Closing Date or an Option Closing Date, as the case may be, adversely affected by the PRC Mergers and Acquisitions Rules and (ii) do not require the prior approval of the CSRC.
(xx) The Company is a foreign private issuer within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act.
(yy) None of the Company, the Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities or to the knowledge of the Company, any of their respective directors, officers, affiliates or controlling persons has taken, directly or indirectly, any action which was designed to cause or result in, or that has constituted or which might reasonably be expected to cause or result in the stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security of the Company to facilitate the sale or resale of the Shares and the American Depositary Shares.
(zz) Except as described in the Time of Sale Prospectus, the Company has not sold, issued or distributed any Ordinary Shares during the six-month period preceding the date hereof, including any sales pursuant to Rule 144A under, or Regulation D or S of, the Securities Act, other than shares issued pursuant to employee benefit plans, qualified stock option plans or other employee compensation plans or pursuant to outstanding options, rights or warrants.
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(aaa) None of the Company, the Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities or any of their respective properties, assets or revenues has any right of immunity, under the laws of the Cayman Islands, Hong Kong, the PRC or the State of New York, from any legal action, suit or proceeding, the giving of any relief in any such legal action, suit or proceeding, set-off or counterclaim, the jurisdiction of any Cayman Islands, Hong Kong, PRC, New York or United States federal court, service of process, attachment upon or prior to judgment, or attachment in aid of execution of judgment, or execution of a judgment, or other legal process or proceeding for the giving of any relief or for the enforcement of a judgment, in any such court, with respect to its obligations, liabilities or any other matter under or arising out of or in connection with this Agreement or the Deposit Agreement; and, to the extent that the Company, any of the Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities or any of their respective properties, assets or revenues may have or may hereafter become entitled to any such right of immunity in any such court in which proceedings may at any time be commenced, each of the Company and the Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities waives or will waive such right to the extent permitted by law and has consented to such relief and enforcement as provided in Section 13 of this Agreement and Section 7.06 of the Deposit Agreement.
(bbb) Any statistical, industry-related and market-related data included in the Time of Sale Prospectus or Prospectus are based on or derived from sources that the Company reasonably and in good faith believes to be reliable and accurate, and such data agree with the sources from which they are derived, and the Company has obtained the written consent for the use of such data from such sources to the extent required.
(ccc) The choice of the laws of the State of New York as the governing law of this Agreement and the Deposit Agreement is a valid choice of law under the laws of the Cayman Islands, Hong Kong and the PRC and will be honored by courts in the Cayman Islands, Hong Kong and the PRC. The Company has the power to submit, and pursuant to Section 13 of this Agreement and Section 7.06 of the Deposit Agreement, has legally, validly, effectively and irrevocably submitted, to the personal jurisdiction of each New York State and United States Federal court sitting in The City of New York (each, a New York Court ) and has validly and irrevocably waived any objection to the laying of venue of any suit, action or proceeding brought in any such court; and the Company has the power to designate, appoint and empower, and pursuant to Section 13 of this Agreement and Section 7.06 of the Deposit Agreement, has legally, validly, effectively and irrevocably designated, appointed and empowered, an authorized agent for service of process in any action arising out of or relating to this Agreement, the Deposit Agreement, any preliminary prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus, the Prospectus, the Registration Statement, the ADS Registration Statement or the offering of the Shares or the American Depositary Shares in any New York Court, and service of process effected on such authorized agent will be effective to confer valid personal jurisdiction over the Company as provided in Section 13 hereof and Section 7.06 of the Deposit Agreement.
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(ddd) Any final judgment for a fixed or readily calculable sum of money rendered by a New York Court having jurisdiction under its own domestic laws in respect of any suit, action or proceeding against the Company based upon this Agreement or the Deposit Agreement and any instruments or agreements entered into for the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein and therein would be declared enforceable against the Company, without re-examination or review of the merits of the cause of action in respect of which the original judgment was given or re-litigation of the matters adjudicated upon, by the courts of the Cayman Islands and PRC, provided that (i) with respect to courts of the Cayman Islands, such judgment (A) is given by a foreign court of competent jurisdiction, (B) imposes on the judgment debtor a liability to pay a liquidated sum for which the judgment has been given, (C) is not in respect of taxes, a fine or a penalty, and (D) was not obtained in a manner and is not of a kind the enforcement of which is contrary to natural justice or the public policy of the Cayman Islands, and (ii) with respect to courts of the PRC, (A) adequate service of process has been effected and the defendant has had a reasonable opportunity to be heard, (B) such judgments or the enforcement thereof are not contrary to the law, public policy, security or sovereignty of the PRC, (C) such judgments were not obtained by fraudulent means and do not conflict with any other valid judgment in the same matter between the same parties and (D) an action between the same parties in the same matter is not pending in any PRC court at the time the lawsuit is instituted in a foreign court. The Company is not aware of any reason why the enforcement in the Cayman Islands or the PRC of such a New York Court judgment would be, as of the date hereof, contrary to public policy of the Cayman Islands or PRC.
(eee) There are no contracts, agreements or understandings between the Company or its Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities and any person that would give rise to a valid claim against the Company or its Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities or any Underwriter for a brokerage commission, finders fee or other like payment in connection with this offering, or any other arrangements, agreements, understandings, payments or issuance with respect to the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities or any of their respective officers, directors, shareholders, partners, employees or affiliates that may affect the Underwriters compensation as determined by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ( FINRA ).
(fff) There are no affiliations or associations between (i) any member of FINRA and (ii) the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities or any of their respective officers, directors or, to the best knowledge of the Company, 5% or greater security holders or, to the best knowledge of the Company, any beneficial owner of the Companys unregistered equity securities that were acquired at any time on or after the 180 th day immediately preceding the date that the Registration Statement was initially filed with the Commission.
(ggg) The Registration Statement, the Prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus and any preliminary prospectus comply, and any amendments or supplements thereto will comply, with any applicable laws or regulations of foreign jurisdictions in which the Prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus or any preliminary prospectus, as amended or supplemented, if applicable, are distributed in connection with the Directed Share Program.
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(hhh) No consent, approval, authorization or order of, or qualification with, any governmental body or agency, other than those obtained, is required in connection with the offering of the Directed American Depositary Shares in any jurisdiction where the Directed American Depositary Shares are being offered.
(iii) The Company has not offered, or caused the Designated Underwriter or its affiliates to offer, Directed American Depositary Shares to any person pursuant to the Directed Share Program with the specific intent to unlawfully influence (i) a customer or supplier of the Company to alter the customers or suppliers level or type of business with the Company, or (ii) a trade journalist or publication to write or publish favorable information about the Company or its products.
(jjj) The Company has executed a side letter (the Depositary Side Letter ) addressed to the Depositary, instructing the Depositary not to accept any shareholders deposit of Ordinary Shares in the Companys American Depositary Receipt facility or issue any new American Depositary Receipts evidencing the American Depositary Shares to any shareholder or any third party, unless consented to by the Company.
Any certificate signed by any officer of the Company and delivered to the Representatives or counsel to the Underwriters in connection with the offering shall be deemed a representation and warranty by the Company, as to matters covered thereby, to each Underwriter.
(kkk) The Company and each of its Subsidiaries and the Affiliated Entities have filed all national, local and foreign tax returns required to be filed through the date of this Agreement or have requested extensions thereof (except where the failure to file would not have a Material Adverse Effect) and have paid all taxes required to be paid thereon (except for cases in which the failure to file or pay would not have a Material Adverse Effect, or, except as currently being contested in good faith and for which adequate reserves have been created in the financial statements of the Company), and no tax deficiency has been determined adversely to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and the Affiliated Entities which has had (nor does the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries and the Affiliated Entities have any notice or knowledge of any tax deficiency which could reasonably be expected to be determined adversely to the Company or its Subsidiaries and the Affiliated Entities and which could reasonably be expected to have) a Material Adverse Effect.
All local and national PRC governmental tax holidays, exemptions, waivers, financial subsidies, and other local and national PRC tax relief, concessions and preferential treatment enjoyed by the Company or any of the Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities as described in the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus are valid, binding and enforceable and do not violate any laws, regulations, rules, orders, decrees, guidelines, judicial interpretations, notices or other legislation of the PRC.
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(lll) From the time of initial confidential submission of the Registration Statement to the Commission (or, if earlier, the first date on which the Company engaged directly or through any person authorized to act on its behalf in any Testing-the-Waters Communication) through the date hereof, the Company has been and is an emerging growth company, as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act (an Emerging Growth Company ). Testing-the-Waters Communication means any oral or written communication with potential investors undertaken in reliance on Section 5(d) of the Securities Act.
(mmm) The Company (i) has not alone engaged in any Testing-the-Waters Communication other than Testing-the-Waters Communications with the consent of the Representatives with entities that are qualified institutional buyers within the meaning of Rule 144A under the Securities Act or institutions that are accredited investors within the meaning of Rule 501 under the Securities Act and (ii) has not authorized anyone other than the Representatives to engage in Testing-the-Waters Communications. The Company reconfirms that the Representatives have been authorized to act on its behalf in undertaking Testing-the-Waters Communications. The Company has not distributed any Written Testing-the-Waters Communications. Written Testing-the-Waters Communication means any Testing-the-Waters Communication that is a written communication within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act.
(nnn) As of the time of each sale of the Shares in connection with the offering when the Prospectus is not yet available to prospective purchasers, none of (A) the Time of Sale Prospectus, (B) any free writing prospectus, when considered together with the Time of Sale Prospectus, and (C) any individual Written Testing-the-Waters Communication, when considered together with the Time of Sale Prospectus, included, includes or will include an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted, omits or will omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
2. Agreements to Sell and Purchase .
The Company hereby agrees to sell to the several Underwriters, and each Underwriter, upon the basis of the representations and warranties herein contained, but subject to the conditions hereinafter stated, agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase from the Company the number of Firm Shares set forth in Schedule I hereto at US$[ ] per American Depositary Share (the Purchase Price ) .
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On the basis of the representations and warranties contained in this Agreement, and subject to its terms and conditions, the Company agrees to sell to the Underwriters the Additional Shares, and the Underwriters shall have the right to purchase, severally and not jointly, up to 18,000,000 Additional Shares in the form of 1,800,000 American Depositary Shares at the Purchase Price. The Representatives may exercise this right on behalf of the Underwriters in whole or from time to time in part by giving written notice not later than 30 days after the date of this Agreement. Any exercise notice shall specify the number of Additional Shares to be purchased by the Underwriters and the date on which such shares are to be purchased. Each purchase date must be at least one business day after the written notice is given and may not be earlier than the closing date for the Firm Shares nor later than ten business days after the date of such notice. Additional Shares may be purchased as provided in Section 4 hereof solely for the purpose of covering over-allotments made in connection with the offering of the Firm Shares. On each day, if any, that Additional Shares are to be purchased (an Option Closing Date ), each Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase the number of Additional Shares (subject to such adjustments to eliminate fractional shares as the Representatives may determine) that bears the same proportion to the total number of Additional Shares to be purchased on such Option Closing Date as the number of Firm Shares set forth in Schedule I hereto opposite the name of such Underwriter bears to the total number of Firm Shares.
3. Terms of Public Offering . The Company is advised by the Representatives that the Underwriters propose to make a public offering of their respective portions of the Shares in the form of American Depositary Shares as soon after the Registration Statement and this Agreement have become effective as in the judgment of the Representatives is advisable. The Company is further advised by the Representatives that the Shares are to be offered to the public initially at US$[ ] per American Depositary Share (the Public Offering Price ) and to certain dealers selected by the Representatives at a price that represents a concession not in excess of US$[ ] per American Depositary Share under the Public Offering Price.
4. Payment and Delivery .
(a) Payment for the Firm Shares shall be made to the Company in Federal or other funds immediately available in New York City against delivery of such Firm Shares for the respective accounts of the several Underwriters at 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on [ ], 2014, or at such other time on the same or such other date, not later than [ ], 2014, as shall be designated in writing by the Representatives. The time and date of such payment are hereinafter referred to as the Closing Date .
(b) Payment for any Additional Shares shall be made to the Company in Federal or other funds immediately available in New York City against delivery of such Additional Shares for the respective accounts of the several Underwriters at 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on the date specified in the corresponding notice described in Section 2 or at such other time on the same or on such other date, in any event not later than [ ], 2014 as shall be designated in writing by the Representatives.
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(c) The American Depositary Shares to be delivered to each Underwriter shall be delivered in book entry form, and in such denominations and registered in such names as the Representatives may request in writing not later than one full business day prior to the Closing Date or an Option Closing Date, as the case may be. Such American Depositary Shares shall be delivered by or on behalf of the Company to the Representatives through the facilities of DTC, for the account of such Underwriter, against payment by or on behalf of such Underwriter of the purchase price therefor by wire transfer of Federal or other immediately available funds to the account(s) specified by the Company to the Representatives on the Closing Date or Option Closing Date, as the case may be, or at such other time and date as shall be designated in writing by the Representatives. The Purchase Price payable by the Underwriters shall be reduced by (i) any transfer taxes paid by, or on behalf of, the Underwriters in connection with the transfer of the Shares to the Underwriters duly paid and (ii) any withholding required by law. The Company will cause the certificates representing the Shares to be made available for inspection at least 24 hours prior to the Closing Date or Option Closing Date, as the case may be.
5. Conditions to the Underwriters Obligations . The obligations of the Company to sell the Shares to the Underwriters and the several obligations of the Underwriters to purchase and pay for the Shares on the Closing Date and each Option Closing Date are subject to the condition that the Registration Statement shall have become effective not later than [ ], 2014 (New York City time) on the date hereof.
The several obligations of the Underwriters are subject to the following further conditions:
(a) Subsequent to the execution and delivery of this Agreement and prior to the Closing Date or Option Closing Date, as the case may be, there shall not have occurred any change, or any development involving a prospective change, in the condition, financial or otherwise, or in the earnings, business or operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities, taken as a whole, from that set forth in the Time of Sale Prospectus as of the date of this Agreement that, in the judgment of the Representatives, is material and adverse and that makes it, in the judgment of the Representatives, impracticable to market the Shares on the terms and in the manner contemplated in the Time of Sale Prospectus.
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(b) The Underwriters shall have received on the Closing Date or Option Closing Date, as the case may be, (i) a certificate, dated such date, signed by an executive officer of the Company, to the effect that the representations and warranties of the Company contained in this Agreement are true and correct as of the Closing Date or Option Closing Date, as the case may be, and that the Company has complied with all of the agreements and satisfied all of the conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied hereunder on or before such date (and the officer signing and delivering such certificate may rely upon the best of his or her knowledge as to proceedings threatened) and (ii) a certificate, dated such date, signed by the secretary of the Company, with respect to such matters as the Representatives may reasonably require.
(c) The Underwriters shall have received on the Closing Date or Option Closing Date, as the case may be, a certificate, dated such date and signed by the Chief Financial Officer of the Company with respect to certain operating data and financial figures contained in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, in form and substance satisfactory to the Underwriters.
(d) The Underwriters shall have received on the Closing Date or an Option Closing Date, as the case may be, an opinion and negative assurance letter of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, U.S. counsel for the Company, dated the Closing Date or Option Closing Date, as the case may be, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Underwriters.
(e) The Underwriters shall have received on the Closing Date or an Option Closing Date, as the case may be, an opinion of Maples and Calder, Cayman Islands counsel for the Company, dated the Closing Date or Option Closing Date, as the case may be, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Underwriters.
(f) The Company shall have received on the Closing Date or an Option Closing Date, as the case may be, an opinion of Han Kun Law Offices, PRC counsel for the Company, dated the Closing Date or Option Closing Date, as the case may be, a copy of which shall have been provided to the Underwirters, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Underwriters.
(g) The Underwriters shall have received on the Closing Date or an Option Closing Date, as the case may be, an opinion of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, Hong Kong counsel for the Company, dated the Closing Date or Option Closing Date, as the case may be, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Underwriters.
At the request of the Company, the opinions of counsel for the Company described above (except for the opinion of the PRC counsel for the Company) shall be addressed to the Underwriters and shall so state therein.
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(h) The Underwriters shall have received on the Closing Date or an Option Closing Date, as the case may be, an opinion and negative assurance statement of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, U.S. counsel for the Underwriters, dated the Closing Date or Option Closing Date, as the case may be, in form and substance satisfactory to the Underwriters.
(i) The Underwriters shall have received on the Closing Date or an Option Closing Date, as the case may be, an opinion of Jun He Law Office, PRC counsel for the Underwriters, dated the Closing Date or an Option Closing Date, as the case may be, in form and substance satisfactory to the Underwriters.
(j) The Underwriters shall have received on the Closing Date or an Option Closing Date, as the case may be, an opinion of Emmet, Marvin & Martin, LLP, counsel for the Depositary, dated the Closing Date or Option Closing Date, as the case may be, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Underwriters.
(k) The Underwriters shall have received, on each of the date hereof and the Closing Date or Option Closing Date, as the case may be, a letter dated such date, in form and substance satisfactory to the Underwriters, from E&Y, independent public accountants, containing statements and information of the type ordinarily included in accountants comfort letters to underwriters with respect to the financial statements and certain financial information contained in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus; provided that the letter delivered on the Closing Date shall use a cut-off date not earlier than the date hereof.
(l) The lock-up agreements, each substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto, executed by the individuals and entities listed on Schedule V relating to sales and certain other dispositions of Ordinary Shares or certain other securities, delivered to the Representatives on or before the date hereof, shall be in full force and effect on the Closing Date.
(m) The Company shall have obtained a letter from the Hong Kong Stock Exchange approving the proposed spin-off of the Company from its parent company, Kingsoft Corporation Limited, and such approval shall not have been revoked.
(n) The Company and the Depositary shall have executed and delivered the Deposit Agreement and, in the case of the Company, the Depositary Side Letter, and the Deposit Agreement shall be in full force and effect on the Closing Date. The Company and the Depositary shall have taken all actions necessary to permit the deposit of the Shares and the issuance of the American Depositary Shares representing such Shares in accordance with the Deposit Agreement.
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(o) The Depositary shall have furnished or caused to be furnished to the Underwriters a certificate satisfactory to the Representatives of one of its authorized officers with respect to the deposit with it of the Shares against issuance of the American Depositary Shares, the execution, issuance, countersignature and delivery of the American Depositary Shares pursuant to the Deposit Agreement and such other matters related thereto as the Representatives may reasonably request.
(p) The American Depositary Shares representing the Shares shall have been approved for listing on the New York Stock Exchange/, subject only to official notice of issuance.
(q) If the Company elects to rely upon Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, the Company shall have filed a Rule 462 Registration Statement with the Commission in compliance with Rule 462(b) promptly after 4:00 p.m., New York City time, on the date of this Agreement, and the Company shall have at the time of filing either paid to the Commission the filing fee for the Rule 462 Registration Statement or given irrevocable instructions for the payment of such fee pursuant to Rule 111(b) under the Securities Act.
(r) The Company shall have filed the Prospectus with the Commission (including the information required by Rule 430A under the Securities Act) in the manner and within the time period required by Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act; or the Company shall have filed a post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement containing the information required by such Rule 430A, and such post-effective amendment shall have become effective.
(s) No stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, the ADS Registration Statement, any Rule 462 Registration Statement, or any post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement, shall be in effect and no proceedings for such purpose shall have been instituted or threatened by the Commission.
(t) FINRA shall not have raised any objection with respect to the fairness or reasonableness of the underwriting, or other arrangements of the transactions contemplated hereby.
(u) On the Closing Date or Option Closing Date, as the case may be, the Representatives and counsel for the Underwriters shall have received such information, documents, certificates and opinions as they may reasonably require for the purposes of enabling them to pass upon the accuracy and completeness of any statement in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, issuance and sale of the Shares as contemplated herein, or in order to evidence the accuracy of any of the representations and warranties, or the satisfaction of any of the conditions or agreements, herein contained.
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The several obligations of the Underwriters to purchase Additional Shares hereunder are subject to the delivery to the Representatives on the applicable Option Closing Date of such documents as the Representatives may reasonably request with respect to the good standing of the Company, the due authorization and issuance of the Additional Shares to be sold on such Option Closing Date and other matters related to the issuance of such Additional Shares.
6. Covenants of the Company . The Company, in addition to its other agreements and obligations hereunder, covenants with each Underwriter as follows:
(a) To file the Prospectus with the Commission within the time periods specified by Rule 424(b) and Rule 430A under the Securities Act.
(b) To furnish to the Representatives, without charge, six signed copies of the Registration Statement and the ADS Registration Statement (including, in each case, exhibits thereto) and for delivery to each other Underwriter a conformed copy of the Registration Statement and the ADS Registration Statement (in each case, without exhibits thereto) and to furnish to the Representatives in New York City, without charge, prior to 10:00 a.m. New York City time on the business day next succeeding the date of this Agreement and during the period mentioned in Sections 6(f) or 6(g) below, as many copies of the Time of Sale Prospectus, the Prospectus and any supplements and amendments thereto or to the Registration Statement as the Representatives may reasonably request.
(c) Before amending or supplementing the Registration Statement, the ADS Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus, to furnish to the Representatives a copy of each such proposed amendment or supplement and not to file any such proposed amendment or supplement to which the Representatives reasonably object, and to file with the Commission within the applicable period specified in Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act any prospectus required to be filed pursuant to such Rule.
(d) To furnish to the Representatives a copy of each proposed free writing prospectus to be prepared by or on behalf of, used by, or referred to by the Company and not to use or refer to any proposed free writing prospectus to which the Representatives reasonably object.
(e) Without the prior consent of the Representatives, not to take any action that would result in an Underwriter or the Company being required to file with the Commission pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Securities Act a free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of the Underwriter that the Underwriter otherwise would not have been required to file thereunder.
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(f) If the Time of Sale Prospectus is being used to solicit offers to buy the Shares at a time when the Prospectus is not yet available to prospective purchasers and any event shall occur or condition exist as a result of which it is necessary to amend or supplement the Time of Sale Prospectus in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances, not misleading, or if any event shall occur or condition exist as a result of which the Time of Sale Prospectus conflicts with the information contained in the Registration Statement then on file, or if, in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriters, it is necessary to amend or supplement the Time of Sale Prospectus to comply with applicable law, forthwith to prepare, file with the Commission and furnish, at its own expense, to the Underwriters and to any dealer upon request, either amendments or supplements to the Time of Sale Prospectus so that the statements in the Time of Sale Prospectus as so amended or supplemented will not, in the light of the circumstances when the Time of Sale Prospectus is delivered to a prospective purchaser, be misleading or so that the Time of Sale Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, will no longer conflict with the Registration Statement, or so that the Time of Sale Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, will comply with applicable law.
(g) If, during such period after the first date of the public offering of the Shares as in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriters the Prospectus (or in lieu thereof the notice referred to in Rule 173(a) of the Securities Act) is required by law to be delivered in connection with sales by an Underwriter or dealer, any event shall occur or condition exist as a result of which it is necessary to amend or supplement the Prospectus in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances when the Prospectus (or in lieu thereof the notice referred to in Rule 173(a) of the Securities Act) is delivered to a purchaser, not misleading, or if, in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriters, it is necessary to amend or supplement the Prospectus to comply with applicable law, forthwith to prepare, file with the Commission and furnish, at its own expense, to the Underwriters and to the dealers (whose names and addresses the Representatives will furnish to the Company) to which Shares may have been sold by the Representatives on behalf of the Underwriters and to any other dealers upon request, either amendments or supplements to the Prospectus so that the statements in the Prospectus as so amended or supplemented will not, in the light of the circumstances when the Prospectus (or in lieu thereof the notice referred to in Rule 173(a) of the Securities Act) is delivered to a purchaser, be misleading or so that the Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, will comply with applicable law.
(h) To endeavor to qualify the Shares and the American Depositary Shares for offer and sale under the securities or Blue Sky laws of such jurisdictions as the Representatives shall reasonably request.
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(i) To advise the Representatives promptly and confirming such advice in writing, of any request by the Commission for amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement, the ADS Registration Statement, the Form 8-A Registration Statement, any Time of Sale Prospectus, Prospectus or free writing prospectus or for additional information with respect thereto, or of notice of institution of proceedings for, or the entry of a stop order, suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or the ADS Registration Statement and, if the Commission should enter a stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or the ADS Registration Statement, to use its best efforts to obtain the lifting or removal of such order as soon as possible.
(j) To make generally available to the Companys security holders and to the Representatives as soon as practicable an earning statement covering a period of at least twelve months beginning with the first fiscal quarter of the Company occurring after the date of this Agreement, which shall satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.
(k) During the period when the Prospectus is required to be delivered under the Securities Act, to file all documents required to be filed with the Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act within the time periods required by the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder; during the five-year period after the date of this Agreement, to furnish to the Representatives and, upon request, to each of the other Underwriters, as soon as practicable after the end of each fiscal year, a copy of its annual report to shareholders for such year; and to furnish to the Representatives (i) as soon as available, a copy of each report of the Company filed with or furnished to the Commission under the Exchange Act or mailed to shareholders, and (ii) from time to time, such other information concerning the Company as the Representatives may reasonably request. However, so long as the Company is subject to the reporting requirements of either Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act and is timely filing reports with the Commission on its EDGAR reporting system, it is not required to furnish such reports or statements filed through EDGAR to the Underwriters.
(l) To apply the net proceeds to the Company from the sale of the Shares in the manner set forth under the heading Use of Proceeds in the Time of Sale Prospectus and to file such reports with the Commission with respect to the sale of the Shares and the application of the proceeds therefrom as may be required by Rule 463 under the Securities Act; not to invest, or otherwise use the proceeds received by the Company from its sale of the American Depositary Shares in such a manner (i) as would require the Company or any of the Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities to register as an investment company under the 1940 Act, and (ii) that would result in the Company being not in compliance with any applicable laws, rules and regulations of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange of the PRC.
(m) Not to, and to cause each of its Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities not to, take, directly or indirectly, any action designed to or that would constitute or that might reasonably be expected to cause or result in the stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security of the Company to facilitate the sale or resale of the Shares or the American Depositary Shares.
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(n) (i) The Company will indemnify and hold harmless the Underwriters against any transaction, stamp, capital or other issuance, registration, transaction, transfer, withholding or other taxes or duties, including any interest and penalties, on the creation, issue and sale of the Shares or American Depositary Shares to the Underwriters and on the execution and delivery of, and the performance of the obligations (including the initial resale of the American Depositary Shares by the underwriters) under, this Agreement or the Deposit Agreement and on bringing any such document within any jurisdiction; and (ii) all payments to be made by the Company hereunder shall be made without withholding or deduction for or on account of any present or future taxes, duties or governmental charges whatsoever unless the Company is compelled by law to deduct or withhold such taxes, duties or charges. In that event, the Company shall pay such additional amounts as may be necessary in order that the net amounts received after such withholding or deduction shall equal the amounts that would have been received if no withholding or deduction had been made, except, in the case of either (i) or (ii), to the extent of withholding or income taxes that would not have been imposed but for such Underwriters being a resident of the jurisdiction imposing such taxes or having a permanent establishment therein.
(o) To comply with all applicable securities and other laws, rules and regulations in each jurisdiction in which the Directed American Depositary Shares are offered in connection with the Directed Share Program.
(p) In connection with the Directed Share Program, to ensure that the Directed American Depositary Shares will be restricted to the extent required by FINRA or the FINRA rules from sale, transfer, assignment, pledge or hypothecation for a period of three months following the date of the effectiveness of the Registration Statement (it being understood that the Designated Underwriter will notify the Company as to which Participants will need to be so restricted); and to direct the transfer agent to place stop transfer restrictions upon such securities for such period of time.
(q) To pay all fees and disbursements of counsel (including non-U.S. counsel) incurred by the Underwriters in connection with the Directed Share Program and transaction, stamp, capital or other issuance, registration, transaction, transfer, withholding or other taxes or duties, if any, incurred by the Underwriters in connection with the Directed Share Program.
(r) To comply with the terms of the Deposit Agreement so that the American Depositary Shares will be issued by the Depositary and delivered to each Underwriters participant account in DTC, pursuant to this Agreement on the Closing Date and each applicable Option Closing Date.
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(s) (i) following the consummation of the offering, to use its reasonable efforts to obtain and maintain all approvals required in the Cayman Islands to pay and remit outside the Cayman Islands all dividends declared by the Company and payable on the Ordinary Shares, if any; and (ii) to use its reasonable efforts to obtain and maintain all approvals, if any, required in the Cayman Islands for the Company to acquire sufficient foreign exchange for the payment of dividends and all other relevant purposes.
(t) To comply with the PRC Overseas Investment and Listing Regulations, and to use its reasonable efforts to cause holders of its ordinary shares that are, or that are directly or indirectly owned or controlled by, Chinese residents or Chinese citizens, to comply with the PRC Overseas Investment and Listing Regulations applicable to them, including, without limitation, requesting each such shareholder to complete any registration and other procedures required under applicable PRC Overseas Investment and Listing Regulations.
(u) The Company will promptly notify the Representatives if the Company ceases to be an Emerging Growth Company at any time prior to the later of (a) completion of the distribution of the Shares within the meaning of the Securities Act and (b) completion of the Restricted Period (as defined in this Section 7).
(v) If at any time following the distribution of any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication there occurred or occurs an event or development as a result of which such Written Testing-the-Waters Communication included or would include an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or would omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances existing at that subsequent time, not misleading, the Company will promptly notify the Representatives and will promptly amend or supplement, at its own expense, such Written Testing-the-Waters Communication to eliminate or correct such untrue statement or omission.
(w) The Company also covenants with each Underwriter that, without the prior written consent of the Representatives on behalf of the Underwriters, it will not, during the period ending 180 days after the date of the Prospectus (the Restricted Period), (1) offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any ordinary shares or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for ordinary shares or (2) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the ordinary shares, whether any such transaction described in clause (1) or (2) above is to be settled by delivery of ordinary shares or such other securities, in cash or otherwise or (3) file any registration statement with the Commission relating to the offering of any ordinary shares or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for ordinary shares.
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The restrictions contained in the preceding paragraph shall not apply to (a) the Shares to be sold hereunder, (b) the issuance by the Company of ordinary shares upon the exercise of an option or warrant or the conversion of a security outstanding on the date hereof of which the Underwriters have been advised in writing, or (c) the establishment of a trading plan pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act for the transfer of ordinary shares, provided that (i) such plan does not provide for the transfer of ordinary shares during the Restricted Period and (ii) to the extent a public announcement or filing under the Exchange Act, if any, is required of or voluntarily made by the Company regarding the establishment of such plan, such announcement or filing shall include a statement to the effect that no transfer of ordinary shares may be made under such plan during the Restricted Period.
If the Representatives, in their sole discretion, agree to release or waive the restrictions set forth in a lock-up letter described in Section 5 hereof for an officer or director of the Company and provides the Company with notice of the impending release or waiver at least three business days before the effective date of the release or waiver, the Company agrees to announce the impending release or waiver by a press release substantially in the form of Exhibit B hereto through a major news service at least two business days before the effective date of the release or waiver.
(x) To not release the Depositary from the obligations set forth in, or otherwise amend, terminate, fail to enforce or provide any consent under, the Depositary Side Letter during the Restricted Period (as defined below) without the prior written consents of the Representatives.
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7. [Expenses . Whether or not the transactions contemplated in this Agreement are consummated or this Agreement is terminated, the Company agrees to pay or cause to be paid all expenses incident to the performance of its obligations under this Agreement, including: (i) the fees, disbursements and expenses of the Companys counsel and the Companys accountants in connection with the registration and delivery of the Shares and the American Depositary Shares under the Securities Act and all other fees or expenses in connection with the preparation and filing of the Registration Statement, the ADS Registration Statement, the Form 8-A Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus, the Prospectus, any free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of, used by, or referred to by the Company and amendments and supplements to any of the foregoing, including all printing costs associated therewith, and the mailing and delivering of copies thereof to the Underwriters and dealers, in the quantities hereinabove specified, (ii) all costs and expenses related to the transfer and delivery of the Shares and the American Depositary Shares to the Underwriters, including any transfer or other taxes payable thereon, (iii) the cost of printing or producing any Blue Sky or Legal Investment memorandum in connection with the offer and sale of the Shares or the American Depositary Shares under state securities laws and all expenses in connection with the qualification of the Shares and American Depositary Shares for offer and sale under state securities laws as provided in Section 6(h) hereof, including filing fees [reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the Underwriters] in connection with such qualification and in connection with the Blue Sky or Legal Investment memorandum, (iv) all filing fees in connection with the review and qualification of the offering of the Shares by FINRA, (vi) the [reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel to the Underwriters incurred in connection with the review and qualification of the offering of the Shares by FINRA and] all fees and disbursements of counsel incurred by the Underwriters in connection with the Directed Share Program and transaction, stamp, capital or other issuance, registration, transaction, transfer, withholding or other taxes or duties, if any, incurred by the Underwriters in connection with the Directed Share Program, (vi) all costs and expenses incident to listing the Shares on the New York Stock Exchange, (vii) the cost of printing certificates representing the Shares or the American Depositary Shares, (viii) the costs and charges of any transfer agent, registrar or depositary, (ix) the costs and expenses of the Company relating to investor presentations on any road show undertaken in connection with the marketing of the offering of the American Depositary Shares, including, without limitation, expenses associated with the preparation or dissemination of any electronic road show, expenses associated with the production of road show slides and graphics, expenses associated with hosting investor meetings or luncheons, fees and expenses of any consultants engaged in connection with the road show presentations with the prior approval of the Company and travel, meals and lodging expenses of any such consultants and the Companys representatives, (x) the document production charges and expenses associated with printing this Agreement and (xi) all other costs and expenses incident to the performance of the obligations of the Company hereunder for which provision is not otherwise made in this Section. It is understood, however, that except as provided in subsection (v) of this Section, Section 9 entitled Indemnity and Contribution, Section 10 entitled Directed Share Program Indemnification and the last paragraph of Section 12 below, the Underwriters will pay the fees and disbursements of their counsel, travel and lodging expenses (including cost of aircraft chartered) of certain of the Companys management team and board members in connection with the road show and any test-the-water roadshow.]
8. Covenants of the Underwriters . Each Underwriter severally covenants with the Company not to take any action that would result in the Company being required to file with the Commission under Rule 433(d) a free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of such Underwriter that otherwise would not be required to be filed by the Company thereunder, but for the action of such Underwriter.
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9. Indemnity and Contribution . (a) The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each Underwriter, each director, officer, employee, each person, if any, who controls any Underwriter within the meaning of either Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act and each affiliate of any Underwriter within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act from and against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities (including, without limitation, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred in connection with defending or investigating any such action or claim) caused by any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement or any amendment thereof, the ADS Registration Statement or any amendment thereof, any preliminary prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto, any issuer free writing prospectus as defined in Rule 433(h) under the Securities Act, any Company information that the Company has filed, or is required to file, pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Securities Act, any road show as defined in Rule 433(h) under the Securities Act (a road show), or the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto, or any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication caused by any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and shall reimburse each Underwriter and each such director, officer, employee or controlling person promptly upon demand for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by that Underwriter, director, officer, employee or controlling person in connection with investigating or defending or preparing to defend against any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action as such expenses are incurred; except insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities are caused by any such untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission based upon information furnished to the Company in writing by such Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use therein.
(b) Each Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly, to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, the directors of the Company, the officers of the Company who sign the Registration Statement and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of either Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act to the same extent as the foregoing indemnity from the Company to such Underwriter, but only with reference to information furnished to the Company in writing by such Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use in the Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus, any issuer free writing prospectus, road show or the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto, it being understood and agreed that the only such information furnished by any Underwriter consists of the concession figures appearing in the third paragraph, the disclosure on sales to discretionary accounts appearing in the seventh paragraph and the addresses of the Representatives appearing in the twenty-first paragraph under the caption Underwriting (the Underwriter Information ).
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(c) In case any proceeding (including any governmental investigation) shall be instituted involving any person in respect of which indemnity may be sought pursuant to Section 9(a), or 9(b), such person (the indemnified party ) shall promptly notify the person against whom such indemnity may be sought (the indemnifying party ) in writing and the indemnifying party, upon request of the indemnified party, shall retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party to represent the indemnified party and any others the indemnifying party may designate in such proceeding and shall pay the fees and disbursements of such counsel related to such proceeding. In any such proceeding, any indemnified party shall have the right to retain its own counsel, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such indemnified party unless (i) the indemnifying party and the indemnified party shall have mutually agreed to the retention of such counsel or (ii) the named parties to any such proceeding (including any impleaded parties) include both the indemnifying party and the indemnified party and representation of both parties by the same counsel would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between them. It is understood that the indemnifying party shall not, in respect of the legal expenses of any indemnified party in connection with any proceeding or related proceedings in the same jurisdiction, be liable for the fees and expenses of more than one separate firm (in addition to any local counsel) for all such indemnified parties and that all such fees and expenses shall be reimbursed as they are incurred. Such firm shall be designated in writing by the Representatives, in the case of parties indemnified pursuant to Section 9(a), and by the Company, in the case of parties indemnified pursuant to Section 9(b). The indemnifying party shall not be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent, but if settled with such consent or if there be a final judgment for the plaintiff, the indemnifying party agrees to indemnify the indemnified party from and against any loss or liability by reason of such settlement or judgment. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, if at any time an indemnified party shall have requested an indemnifying party to reimburse the indemnified party for fees and expenses of counsel as contemplated by the second and third sentences of this paragraph, the indemnifying party agrees that it shall be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent if (i) such settlement is entered into more than 30 days after receipt by such indemnifying party of the aforesaid request and (ii) such indemnifying party shall not have reimbursed the indemnified party in accordance with such request prior to the date of such settlement. No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of the indemnified party, effect any settlement of any pending or threatened proceeding in respect of which any indemnified party is or could have been a party and indemnity could have been sought hereunder by such indemnified party, unless such settlement includes an unconditional release of such indemnified party from all liability on claims that are the subject matter of such proceeding.
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(d) To the extent the indemnification provided for in Section 9(a) or 9(b), is unavailable to an indemnified party or insufficient in respect of any losses, claims, damages or liabilities referred to therein, then each indemnifying party under such paragraph, in lieu of indemnifying such indemnified party thereunder, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other hand from the offering of the Shares or (ii) if the allocation provided by clause 9(d)(i) above is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause 9(d)(i) above but also the relative fault of the Company on the one hand and of the Underwriters on the other hand in connection with the statements or omissions that resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other hand in connection with the offering of the Shares shall be deemed to be in the same respective proportions as the net proceeds from the offering of the Shares (before deducting expenses) received by the Company and the total underwriting discounts and commissions received by the Underwriters, in each case as set forth in the table on the cover of the Prospectus, bear to the aggregate Public Offering Price of the Shares. The relative fault of the Company on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other hand shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Company or by the Underwriters and the parties relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission. The Underwriters respective obligations to contribute pursuant to this Section 9 are several in proportion to the respective number of Shares they have purchased hereunder, and not joint.
(e) The Company and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just or equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 9 were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Underwriters were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation that does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in Section 9(d). The amount paid or payable by an indemnified party as a result of the losses, claims, damages and liabilities referred to in Section 9(d) shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth above, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 9, in no event shall an Underwriter be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total underwriting discounts and commissions received by such Underwriter with respect to the offering of the Shares exceeds the amount of any damages that such Underwriter has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 9(d) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The remedies provided for in this Section 9 are not exclusive and shall not limit any rights or remedies which may otherwise be available to any indemnified party at law or in equity.
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(f) The indemnity and contribution provisions contained in this Section 9 and Section 6(n) and the representations, warranties and other statements of the Company contained in this Agreement shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of (i) any termination of this Agreement, (ii) any investigation made by or on behalf of any Underwriter, any person controlling any Underwriter or any affiliate of any Underwriter or by or on behalf of the Company, its officers or directors or any person controlling the Company and (iii) acceptance of and payment for any of the Shares.
10. Directed Share Program Indemnification. (a) The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Designated Underwriter, each person, if any, who controls the Designated Underwriter within the meaning of either Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act and each affiliate of the Designated Underwriter within the meaning of Rule 405 of the Securities Act (the Designated Underwriter Entities ) from and against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities (including, without limitation, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred in connection with defending or investigating any such action or claim) (i) caused by any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any material prepared by or with the consent of the Company for distribution to Participants in connection with the Directed Share Program or caused by any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; (ii) caused by the failure of any Participant to pay for and accept delivery of Directed American Depositary Shares that the Participant agreed to purchase; or (iii) related to, arising out of, or in connection with the Directed Share Program, other than losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or expenses relating thereto) that are finally judicially determined to have resulted from the bad faith or gross negligence of the Designated Underwriter Entities.
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(b) In case any proceeding (including any governmental investigation) shall be instituted involving any Designated Underwriter Entity in respect of which indemnity may be sought pursuant to Section 10(a), the Designated Underwriter Entity seeking indemnity shall promptly notify the Company in writing and the Company, upon request of the Designated Underwriter Entity, shall retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Designated Underwriter Entity to represent the Designated Underwriter Entity and any others the Company may designate in such proceeding and shall pay the fees and disbursements of such counsel related to such proceeding. In any such proceeding, any Designated Underwriter Entity shall have the right to retain its own counsel, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Designated Underwriter Entity unless (i) the Company shall have agreed to the retention of such counsel or (ii) the named parties to any such proceeding (including any impleaded parties) include both the Company and the Designated Underwriter Entity and representation of both parties by the same counsel would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between them. The Company shall not, in respect of the legal expenses of the Designated Underwriter Entities in connection with any proceeding or related proceedings in the same jurisdiction, be liable for the fees and expenses of more than one separate firm (in addition to any local counsel) for all Designated Underwriter Entities. Any such separate firm for the Designated Underwriter Entities shall be designated in writing by Designated Underwriter. The Company shall not be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent, but if settled with such consent or if there be a final judgment for the plaintiff, the Company agrees to indemnify the Designated Underwriter Entities from and against any loss or liability by reason of such settlement or judgment. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, if at any time a Designated Underwriter Entity shall have requested the Company to reimburse it for fees and expenses of counsel as contemplated by the second and third sentences of this paragraph, the Company agrees that it shall be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent if (i) such settlement is entered into more than 30 days after receipt by the Company of the aforesaid request and (ii) the Company shall not have reimbursed the Designated Underwriter Entity in accordance with such request prior to the date of such settlement. The Company shall not, without the prior written consent of Designated Underwriter, effect any settlement of any pending or threatened proceeding in respect of which any Designated Underwriter Entity is or could have been a party and indemnity could have been sought hereunder by such Designated Underwriter Entity, unless such settlement includes an unconditional release of the Designated Underwriter Entities from all liability on claims that are the subject matter of such proceeding.
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(c) To the extent the indemnification provided for in Section 10(a) is unavailable to a Designated Underwriter Entity or insufficient in respect of any losses, claims, damages or liabilities referred to therein, then the Company in lieu of indemnifying the Designated Underwriter Entity thereunder shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by the Designated Underwriter Entity as a result of such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and the Designated Underwriter Entities on the other hand from the offering of the Directed American Depositary Shares or (ii) if the allocation provided by clause 10(c)(i) above is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause 10(c)(i) above but also the relative fault of the Company on the one hand and of the Designated Underwriter Entities on the other hand in connection with any statements or omissions that resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and the Designated Underwriter Entities on the other hand in connection with the offering of the Directed American Depositary Shares shall be deemed to be in the same respective proportions as the net proceeds from the offering of the Directed American Depositary Shares (before deducting expenses) and the total underwriting discounts and commissions received by the Designated Underwriter Entities for the Directed American Depositary Shares bear to the aggregate Public Offering Price of the Directed American Depositary Shares. If the loss, claim, damage or liability is caused by an untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact, the relative fault of the Company on the one hand and the Designated Underwriter Entities on the other hand shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement or the omission or alleged omission relates to information supplied by the Company or by the Designated Underwriter Entities and the parties relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission.
(d) The Company and the Designated Underwriter Entities agree that it would not be just or equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 10 were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Designated Underwriter Entities were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation that does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in Section 10(c). The amount paid or payable by the Designated Underwriter Entities as a result of the losses, claims, damages and liabilities referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth above, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by the Designated Underwriter Entities in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 10, no Designated Underwriter Entity shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total price at which the Directed American Depositary Shares distributed to the public were offered to the public exceeds the amount of any damages that such Designated Underwriter Entity has otherwise been required to pay. The remedies provided for in this Section 10 are not exclusive and shall not limit any rights or remedies which may otherwise be available to any indemnified party at law or in equity.
(e) The indemnity and contribution provisions contained in this Section 10 shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of (i) any termination of this Agreement, (ii) any investigation made by or on behalf of any Designated Underwriter Entity or the Company, its officers or directors or any person controlling the Company and (iii) acceptance of and payment for any of the Directed American Depositary Shares.
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11. Termination . The Underwriters may terminate this Agreement by notice given by the Representatives to the Company, if after the execution and delivery of this Agreement and prior to the Closing Date (i) trading generally shall have been suspended or materially limited on, or by, as the case may be, any of the New York Stock Exchange, the NYSE MKT, the NASDAQ Global Market or The Hong Kong Stock Exchange or other relevant exchanges, (ii) trading of any securities of the Company shall have been suspended on any exchange or in any over-the-counter market, (iii) a material disruption in securities settlement, payment or clearance services in the United States, the PRC or the Cayman Islands shall have occurred, (iv) any moratorium on commercial banking activities shall have been declared by United States Federal, New York State, PRC or Cayman Islands authorities or (v) there shall have occurred any outbreak or escalation of hostilities, or any change in financial markets, currency exchange rates or controls or any calamity or crisis that, in the judgment of the Representatives, is material and adverse and which, singly or together with any other event specified in this clause (v), makes it, in the judgment of the Representatives, impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with the offer, sale or delivery of the Shares on the terms and in the manner contemplated in the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus.
12. Effectiveness; Defaulting Underwriters . This Agreement shall become effective upon the execution and delivery hereof by the parties hereto.
If, on the Closing Date or an Option Closing Date, as the case may be, any one or more of the Underwriters shall fail or refuse to purchase Shares that it has or they have agreed to purchase hereunder on such date, and the aggregate number of Shares which such defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters agreed but failed or refused to purchase is not more than one-tenth of the aggregate number of the Shares to be purchased on such date, the other Underwriters shall be obligated severally in the proportions that the number of Firm Shares set forth opposite their respective names in Schedule I bears to the aggregate number of Firm Shares set forth opposite the names of all such non-defaulting Underwriters, or in such other proportions as the Representatives may specify, to purchase the Shares which such defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters agreed but failed or refused to purchase on such date; provided that in no event shall the number of Shares that any Underwriter has agreed to purchase pursuant to this Agreement be increased pursuant to this Section 12 by an amount in excess of one-ninth of such number of Shares without the written consent of such Underwriter. If, on the Closing Date, any Underwriter or Underwriters shall fail or refuse to purchase Firm Shares and the aggregate number of Firm Shares with respect to which such default occurs is more than one-tenth of the aggregate number of Firm Shares to be purchased on such date, and arrangements satisfactory to the Representatives, the Company for the purchase of such Firm Shares are not made within 36 hours after such default, this Agreement shall terminate without liability on the part of any non-defaulting Underwriter, the Company. In any such case either the Representatives or the Company shall have the right to postpone the Closing Date, but in no event for longer than seven days, in order that the required changes, if any, in the Registration Statement, in the Time of Sale Prospectus, in the Prospectus or in any other documents or arrangements may be effected. If, on an Option Closing Date, any Underwriter or Underwriters shall fail or refuse to purchase Additional Shares and the aggregate number of Additional Shares with respect to which such default occurs is more than one-tenth of the aggregate number of Additional Shares to be purchased on such Option Closing Date, the non-defaulting Underwriters shall have the option to (i) terminate their obligation hereunder to purchase the Additional Shares to be sold on such Option Closing Date or (ii) purchase not less than the number of Additional Shares that such non-defaulting Underwriters would have been obligated to purchase in the absence of such default. Any action taken under this paragraph shall not relieve any defaulting Underwriter from liability in respect of any default of such Underwriter under this Agreement.
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If this Agreement shall be terminated by the Underwriters, or any of them, because of any failure or refusal on the part of the Company to comply with the terms or to fulfill any of the conditions of this Agreement, or if for any reason the Company shall be unable to perform its obligations under this Agreement, the Company will reimburse the Underwriters or such Underwriters as have so terminated this Agreement with respect to themselves, severally, for all out-of-pocket expenses (including the fees and disbursements of their counsel) reasonably incurred by such Underwriters in connection with this Agreement or the offering contemplated hereunder.
13. Submission to Jurisdiction; Appointment of Agent for Service. The Company hereby irrevocably submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the U.S. federal and state courts in the Borough of Manhattan in The City of New York (each, a New York Court ) in any suit or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement, the Deposit Agreement, the Time of Sale Prospectus, the Prospectus, the Registration Statement, the ADS Registration Statement, the offering of the American Depositary Shares or any transactions contemplated hereby. The Company and each of the Subsidiaries and Affiliated Entities irrevocably and unconditionally waive any objection to the laying of venue of any suit or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement, the Deposit Agreement, the Time of Sale Prospectus, the Prospectus, the Registration Statement, the ADS Registration Statement, the offering of the American Depositary Shares or any transactions contemplated hereby in the New York Courts, and irrevocably and unconditionally waive and agree not to plead or claim in any such court that any such suit or proceeding in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum. The Company irrevocably appoints Law Debenture Corporate Services Inc. as their respective authorized agent (the Authorized Agent ) in the Borough of Manhattan in The City of New York upon which process may be served in any such suit or proceeding, and agree that service of process in any manner permitted by applicable law upon such agent shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process in any manner permitted by applicable law upon the Company, in any such suit or proceeding. The Company further agrees to take any and all action as may be necessary to maintain such designation and appointment of such agent in full force and effect for a period of seven years from the date of this Agreement.
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14. Judgment Currency . If for the purposes of obtaining judgment in any court it is necessary to convert a sum due hereunder into any currency other than United States dollars, the parties hereto agree, to the fullest extent permitted by law, that the rate of exchange used shall be the rate at which in accordance with normal banking procedures the Underwriters could purchase United States dollars with such other currency in The City of New York on the business day preceding that on which final judgment is given. The obligation of the Company with respect to any sum due from it to any Underwriter or any person controlling any Underwriter shall, notwithstanding any judgment in a currency other than United States dollars, not be discharged until the first business day following receipt by such Underwriter or controlling person of any sum in such other currency, and only to the extent that such Underwriter or controlling person may in accordance with normal banking procedures purchase United States dollars with such other currency. If the United States dollars so purchased are less than the sum originally due to such Underwriter or controlling person hereunder, the Company agrees as a separate obligation and notwithstanding any such judgment, to indemnify such Underwriter or controlling person against such loss. If the United States dollars so purchased are greater than the sum originally due to such Underwriter or controlling person hereunder, such Underwriter or controlling person agrees to pay to the Company, an amount equal to the excess of the dollars so purchased over the sum originally due to such Underwriter or controlling person hereunder.
15. Entire Agreement . (a) This Agreement, together with any contemporaneous written agreements and any prior written agreements (to the extent not superseded by this Agreement) that relate to the sale and purchase of the Shares and the offering of the American Depositary Shares, represents the entire agreement between the Company and the Underwriters with respect to the preparation of any preliminary prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus, the Prospectus, the conduct of the offering, and the purchase and sale of the Shares and the offering of the American Depositary Shares.
(b) The Company acknowledges that in connection with the offering of the Shares: (i) the Underwriters have acted at arms length, are not agents of, and owe no fiduciary duties to, the Company or any other person, (ii) the Underwriters owe the Company only those duties and obligations set forth in this Agreement and prior written agreements (to the extent not superseded by this Agreement), if any, and (iii) the Underwriters may have interests that differ from those of the Company. The Company waives to the full extent permitted by applicable law any claims it may have against the Underwriters arising from an alleged breach of fiduciary duty in connection with the offering of the Shares and the offering of the American Depositary Shares.
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16. Counterparts . This Agreement may be signed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument.
17. Applicable Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of New York.
18. Headings . The headings of the sections of this Agreement have been inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not be deemed a part of this Agreement.
19. Notices. All communications hereunder shall be in writing and effective only upon receipt and if to the Underwriters shall be delivered, mailed or sent to the Representatives at:
Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc, 25 Cabot Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 4QA, United Kingdom, Attention: Head of Global Capital Markets;
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, 383 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10179, United States, Attention: Equity Syndicate Desk;
if to the Company shall be delivered, mailed or sent to Cheetah Mobile Inc., 12/F, Fosun International Center Tower, No. 237 Chaoyang North Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100022, Peoples Republic of China, Attention: Legal Department.
20. Parties at Interest . The Agreement set forth has been and is made solely for the benefit of the Underwriters, the Company and to the extent provided in Section 9 hereof the controlling persons, partners, directors and officers referred to in such sections and their respective successors, assigns, heirs, personal representatives and executors and administrators. No other person, partnership, association or corporation (including a purchaser, as such purchaser, from any of the Underwriters) shall acquire or have any rights under or by virtue of this Agreement.
21. Successors and Assigns . This Agreement shall be binding upon the Underwriters, the Company and their successors and assigns and any successor or assign of any substantial portion of the Companys and any of the Underwriters respective businesses and/or assets. This Agreement and the terms and provisions hereof are for the sole benefit of only those persons, except that (a) the representations, warranties, indemnities and agreements of the Company contained in this Agreement shall also be deemed to be for the benefit of the directors, officers and employees of the Underwriters and each person or persons, if any, who control any Underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act and (b) the indemnity agreement of the Underwriters contained in Section 9(b) of this Agreement shall be deemed to be for the benefit of its directors, its officers who have signed the Registration Statement and any person controlling the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act. Nothing in this Agreement is intended or shall be construed to give any person, other than the persons referred to in this Section 22, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of this Agreement or any provision contained herein.
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22. Partial Unenforceability . The invalidity or unenforceability of any section, subsection, paragraph or provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other section, subsection, paragraph or provision hereof. If any section, subsection, paragraph or provision of this Agreement is for any reason determined to be invalid or unenforceable, there shall be deemed to be made such minor changes (and only such minor changes) as are necessary to make it valid and enforceable.
23. Amendments . This Agreement may only be amended or modified in writing, signed by all of the parties hereto, and no condition herein (express or implied) may be waived unless waived in writing by each party whom the condition is meant to benefit.
[ Signature page follows ]
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Very truly yours, | ||
CHEETAH MOBILE INC. | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
[Underwriting Agreement]
Accepted as of the date hereof
Acting severally on behalf of themselves and the several Underwriters named in Schedule I hereto
By: | MORGAN STANLEY & CO. INTERNATIONAL PLC | |
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
By: | J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES LLC | |
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
[Underwriting Agreement]
SCHEDULE I
Underwriter |
Number of Firm Shares
To Be Purchased |
Maximum Number of
Additional Shares To Be Purchased |
||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc |
[ | ] | [ | ] | ||||
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC |
[ | ] | [ | ] | ||||
Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC |
[ | ] | [ | ] | ||||
Macquarie Capital (USA) Inc. |
[ | ] | [ | ] | ||||
Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. |
[ | ] | [ | ] | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total: |
120,000,000 | 18,000,000 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
Schedule I - 1
SCHEDULE II
Time of Sale Prospectus
1. | Preliminary Prospectus issued [date] |
2. | [identify all free writing prospectuses filed by the Company under Rule 433(d) of the Securities Act] |
3. | [free writing prospectus containing a description of terms that does not reflect final terms, if the Time of Sale Prospectus does not include a final term sheet] |
4. | [orally communicated pricing information such as price per share and size of offering if a Rule 134 pricing term sheet is used at the time of sale instead of a pricing term sheet filed by the Company under Rule 433(d) as a free writing prospectus] |
Schedule II - 1
SCHEDULE III-A
SUBSIDIARIES
1. | Cheetah Technology Corporation Limited (Hong Kong) |
2. | KS Mobile Inc. (United States) |
3. | Conew.com Corporation (British Virgin Islands) |
4. | Zhuhai Juntian Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. (PRC) |
5. | Conew Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (PRC) |
6. | Beijing Kingsoft Internet Security Software Co., Ltd. (PRC) |
7. | Wuhan Antian Information Technology Co., Ltd. (PRC) |
8. | Beijing Kingsoft Internet Security System Management Technology Co., Ltd. (PRC) |
Schedule III - A - 1
SCHEDULE III-B
AFFILIATED ENTITIES
1. | Beijing Antutu Technology Co., Ltd. (PRC) |
2. | Beike Internet (Beijing) Security Technology Co., Ltd. (PRC) |
3. | Guangzhou Kingsoft Network Technology Co., Ltd. (PRC) |
4. | Beijing Kingsoft Network Technology Co., Ltd. (PRC) |
5. | Beijing Conew Technology Development Co., Ltd. (PRC) |
Schedule III - B - 1
SCHEDULE V
LIST OF LOCKED-UP PARTIES
| All directors and executive officers of the Company |
1. | Jun Lei |
2. | Sheng Fu |
3. | Hongjiang Zhang |
4. | Yuk Keung Ng |
5. | David Ying Zhang |
6. | Ke Ding |
7. | Zhijian Peng |
8. | Wei Liu |
9. | Ming Xu |
10. | Ka Wai Andy Yeung |
11. | Xinhua Liu |
12. | Jie Xiao |
13. | Yong Chen |
| All ordinary and preferred shareholders of the Company |
1. | Kingsoft Corporation Limited |
2. | TCH Copper Limited |
3. | FaX Vision Corporation |
4. | Matrix Partners China I, L.P.& Matrix Partners China I-A, L.P. |
5. | Core Pacific-Yamaichi International (H.K.) Nominees Limited |
| Certain option holders of the Company |
Schedule IV - 1
EXHIBIT A
FORM OF LOCK-UP LETTER
, 2014
Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc
25 Cabot Square, Canary Wharf
London E14 4QA
United Kingdom
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
383 Madison Avenue, 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10179
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:
The undersigned understands that Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc ( Morgan Stanley ) and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC ( JPM ), as representatives (each, a Representative , and collectively, the Representatives ) of the several underwriters (the Underwriters ) under the Underwriting Agreement (as defined below), propose to enter into an Underwriting Agreement (the Underwriting Agreement ) with Cheetah Mobile Inc., an exempted company incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the Cayman Islands (the Company ), providing for the public offering (the Public Offering ) by the several Underwriters, including Morgan Stanley and JPM, of a certain number of Class A ordinary shares, par value US$0.000025 per share, of the Company (the Class A Ordinary Shares ) in the form of American Depositary Shares ( American Depositary Shares ). Class B Ordinary Shares shall mean Class B ordinary shares, par value US$0.000025 per share, of the Company, which the Current Shares will be automatically re-designated into immediately prior to the completion of the Public Offering. Current Shares shall mean ordinary shares, par value US$0.000025 per share, series A preferred shares, par value US$0.000025 per share, and series B preferred shares, par value US$0.000025 per share, in each case of the Company, as the context may require, outstanding as of the date hereof.
Exhibit A - 1
To induce the Underwriters that may participate in the Public Offering to continue their efforts in connection with the Public Offering, the undersigned hereby agrees that, without the prior written consent of the Representatives on behalf of the Underwriters, it will not, during the period commencing on the date hereof and ending 180 days after the date of the final prospectus (the Restricted Period ) relating to the Public Offering (the Prospectus ), (1) offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any Current Shares, Class A Ordinary Shares, Class B Ordinary Shares or American Depositary Shares beneficially owned (as such term is used in Rule 13d-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act )), by the undersigned or any other securities so owned convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Current Shares, Class A Ordinary Shares, Class B Ordinary Shares or American Depositary Shares or (2) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of Current Shares, Class A Ordinary Shares, Class B Ordinary Shares or American Depositary Shares, whether any such transaction described in clause (1) or (2) above is to be settled by delivery of Current Shares, Class A Ordinary Shares, Class B Ordinary Shares or American Depositary Shares or such other securities, in cash or otherwise. The foregoing sentence shall not apply to (a) transactions relating to Class A Ordinary Shares, Class B Ordinary Shares or American Depositary Shares or other securities of the Company acquired in open market transactions after the completion of the Public Offering, provided that no filing under the Exchange Act, reporting a reduction or increase in beneficial ownership of any class of Ordinary Shares or American Depositary Shares, shall be required or shall be voluntarily made in connection with subsequent sales of such securities as are acquired in such open market transactions, (b) transfers of shares of Current Shares, Class A Ordinary Shares, Class B Ordinary Shares or American Depositary Shares or any security convertible into Current Shares, Class A Ordinary Shares, Class B Ordinary Shares or American Depositary Shares as a bona fide gift, (c) distributions of shares of Current Shares, Class A Ordinary Shares, Class B Ordinary Shares or American Depositary Shares or any security convertible into Current Shares, Class A Ordinary Shares, Class B Ordinary Shares or American Depositary Shares to limited partners or stockholders of the undersigned, (d); provided that in the case of any transfer or distribution pursuant to clause (b) or (c), (i) each donee or distributee shall sign and deliver to the Representatives a lock-up letter substantially in the form of this letter and (ii) no filing under the Exchange Act, reporting a reduction or increase in beneficial ownership of any class of Ordinary Shares or American Depositary Shares, shall be required or shall be voluntarily made during the Restricted Period, (d) the establishment of a trading plan pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act for the transfer of Current Shares, Class A Ordinary Shares, Class B Ordinary Shares or American Depositary Shares, provided that such plan does not provide for the transfer of Current Shares, Class A Ordinary Shares, Class B Ordinary Shares or American Depositary Shares during the Restricted Period and to the extent a public announcement or filing under the Exchange Act , if any, is required of or voluntarily made by or on behalf of the undersigned or the Company regarding the establishment of such plan, such announcement or filing shall include a statement to the effect that no transfer of Current Shares, Class A Ordinary Shares, Class B Ordinary Shares or American Depositary Shares may be made under such plan during the Restricted Period, or (e) transfer of shares of Current Shares, Class A Ordinary Shares, Class B Ordinary Shares or American Depositary Shares or any security convertible into Current Shares, Class A Ordinary Shares, Class B Ordinary Shares or American Depositary Shares to any trust for the direct or indirect benefit of the undersigned or the immediate family of the undersigned, provided that (i) the trustee of the trust or the transferred agrees to be bound in writing by the restrictions set forth herein, (ii) any such transfer shall not involve a disposition for value and (iii) no filing under the Exchange Act, reporting a reduction or increase in beneficial ownership of any class of Ordinary Shares or American Depositary Shares, shall be required or shall be voluntarily made during the Restricted Period. In addition, the undersigned agrees that, without the prior written consent of Morgan Stanley and JPM on behalf of the Underwriters, it will not, during the Restricted Period, make any demand for or exercise any right with respect to, the registration of any shares of Current Shares, Class A Ordinary Shares, Class B Ordinary Shares or American Depositary Shares or any security convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Current Shares, Class A Ordinary Shares, Class B Ordinary Shares or American Depositary Shares. The undersigned hereby also agrees and consents to the entry of stop transfer instructions with the Companys transfer agent and registrar against the transfer of the undersigneds Current Shares, Class A Ordinary Shares, Class B Ordinary Shares or American Depositary Shares unless such transfer is in compliance with the foregoing restrictions.
A - 2
[If the undersigned is an officer or director of the Company, the undersigned further agrees that the foregoing provisions shall be equally applicable to any issuer-directed Shares the undersigned may purchase in the offering.
If the undersigned is an officer or director of the Company, (i) Morgan Stanley and JPM agree that, at least three business days before the effective date of any release or waiver of the foregoing restrictions in connection with a transfer of Current Shares, Class A Ordinary Shares, Class B Ordinary Shares or American Depositary Shares, Morgan Stanley will notify the Company of the impending release or waiver, and (ii) the Company has agreed in the Underwriting Agreement to announce the impending release or waiver by press release through a major news service at least two business days before the effective date of the release or waiver. Any release or waiver granted by Morgan Stanley and JPM hereunder to any such officer or director shall only be effective [two] business days after the publication date of such press release. The provisions of this paragraph will not apply if (a) the release or waiver is effected solely to permit a transfer not for consideration and (b) the transferee has agreed in writing to be bound by the same terms described in this letter to the extent and for the duration that such terms remain in effect at the time of the transfer.] 1
1 | Insert if the undersigned is an executive officer or director of the Company. |
A - 3
The undersigned shall not engage in any transaction that may be restricted by this agreement during the 34-day period beginning on the last day of the initial Restricted Period unless the undersigned requests and receives prior written confirmation from the Company or any Representative that the restrictions imposed by this agreement have expired.
The undersigned understands that the Company and the Underwriters are relying upon this agreement in proceeding toward consummation of the Public Offering. The undersigned further understands that this agreement is irrevocable and shall be binding upon the undersigneds heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns.
Whether or not the Public Offering actually occurs depends on a number of factors, including market conditions. Any Public Offering will only be made pursuant to an Underwriting Agreement, the terms of which are subject to negotiation between the Company and the Representatives on behalf of the Underwriters.
This agreement is governed by, and to be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
Very truly yours, |
|
(Name) |
|
(Address) |
A - 4
EXHIBIT B 2
FORM OF WAIVER OF LOCK-UP
, 2014
[Name and Address of
Officer or Director
Requesting Waiver]
Dear Mr./Ms. [Name]:
This letter is being delivered to you in connection with the offering by Cheetah Mobile Inc. (the Company ) of [ ] Class A ordinary shares, par value US$0.000025 per share, of the Company in the form of [ ] American depositary shares, and the lock-up letter dated [ ], 2014 (the Lock-up Letter ), executed by you in connection with such offering, and your request for a [waiver] [release] dated [ ], 2014, with respect to [ ] Class A ordinary shares (the Shares ).
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC hereby agrees to [waive] [release] the transfer restrictions set forth in the Lock-up Letter, but only with respect to the Shares, effective [ ], 2014; provided, however, that such [waiver] [release] is conditioned on the Company announcing the impending [waiver] [release] by press release through a major news service at least two business days before effectiveness of such [waiver] [release]. This letter will serve as notice to the Company of the impending [waiver] [release].
Except as expressly [waived] [released] hereby, the Lock-up Letter shall remain in full force and effect.
Very truly yours,
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC J.P. Morgan Securities LLC Acting severally on behalf of themselves and the several Underwriters named in Schedule I hereto |
2 | Insert if the undersigned is an executive officer or director of the Company. |
Exhibit B - 1
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
cc: Company
B - 2
FORM OF PRESS RELEASE
[Name of Company]
[Date]
[Name of Issuer] (the Company ) announced today that Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, the [joint book-running managers] in the Companys recent public sale of [ ] Class A ordinary shares in the form of [ ] American depositary shares is [waiving][releasing] a lock-up restriction with respect to [ ] Class A ordinary shares of the Company held by [certain officers or directors] [an officer or director] of the Company. The [waiver][release] will take effect on , 20 , and the shares may be sold on or after such date.
This press release is not an offer for sale of the securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction where such offer is prohibited, and such securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
B - 3
Exhibit 4.3
CHEETAH MOBILE INC.
AND
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON
As Depositary
AND
OWNERS AND HOLDERS OF AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES
Deposit Agreement
Dated as of , 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE 1. |
DEFINITIONS |
1 | ||||
SECTION 1.01 |
American Depositary Shares |
1 | ||||
SECTION 1.02 |
Commission |
2 | ||||
SECTION 1.03 |
Company |
2 | ||||
SECTION 1.04 |
Custodian |
2 | ||||
SECTION 1.05 |
Deliver; Surrender |
2 | ||||
SECTION 1.06 |
Deposit Agreement |
3 | ||||
SECTION 1.07 |
Depositary; Corporate Trust Office |
3 | ||||
SECTION 1.08 |
Deposited Securities |
3 | ||||
SECTION 1.09 |
Dollars |
3 | ||||
SECTION 1.10 |
DTC |
3 | ||||
SECTION 1.11 |
Foreign Registrar |
3 | ||||
SECTION 1.12 |
Holder |
4 | ||||
SECTION 1.13 |
Owner |
4 | ||||
SECTION 1.14 |
Receipts |
4 | ||||
SECTION 1.15 |
Registrar |
4 | ||||
SECTION 1.16 |
Restricted Securities |
4 | ||||
SECTION 1.17 |
Securities Act of 1933 |
4 | ||||
SECTION 1.18 |
Shares |
5 | ||||
ARTICLE 2. |
FORM OF RECEIPTS, DEPOSIT OF SHARES, DELIVERY, TRANSFER AND SURRENDER OF AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES |
5 | ||||
SECTION 2.01 |
Form of Receipts; Registration and Transferability of American Depositary Shares |
5 | ||||
SECTION 2.02 |
Deposit of Shares |
6 | ||||
SECTION 2.03 |
Delivery of American Depositary Shares |
7 | ||||
SECTION 2.04 |
Registration of Transfer of American Depositary Shares; Combination and Split-up of Receipts; Interchange of Certificated and Uncertificated American Depositary Shares |
7 | ||||
SECTION 2.05 |
Surrender of American Depositary Shares and Withdrawal of Deposited Securities |
8 | ||||
SECTION 2.06 |
Limitations on Delivery, Transfer and Surrender of American Depositary Shares |
9 | ||||
SECTION 2.07 |
Lost Receipts, etc. |
10 | ||||
SECTION 2.08 |
Cancellation and Destruction of Surrendered Receipts |
10 | ||||
SECTION 2.09 |
Pre-Release of American Depositary Shares |
11 | ||||
SECTION 2.10 |
DTC Direct Registration System and Profile Modification System |
11 |
i
ARTICLE 3. |
CERTAIN OBLIGATIONS OF OWNERS AND HOLDERS OF AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES |
12 | ||||
SECTION 3.01 |
Filing Proofs, Certificates and Other Information |
12 | ||||
SECTION 3.02 |
Liability of Owner for Taxes |
12 | ||||
SECTION 3.03 |
Warranties on Deposit of Shares |
12 | ||||
ARTICLE 4. |
THE DEPOSITED SECURITIES |
13 | ||||
SECTION 4.01 |
Cash Distributions |
13 | ||||
SECTION 4.02 |
Distributions Other Than Cash, Shares or Rights |
14 | ||||
SECTION 4.03 |
Distributions in Shares |
14 | ||||
SECTION 4.04 |
Rights |
15 | ||||
SECTION 4.05 |
Conversion of Foreign Currency |
16 | ||||
SECTION 4.06 |
Fixing of Record Date |
17 | ||||
SECTION 4.07 |
Voting of Deposited Securities |
18 | ||||
SECTION 4.08 |
Changes Affecting Deposited Securities |
19 | ||||
SECTION 4.09 |
Reports |
19 | ||||
SECTION 4.10 |
Lists of Owners |
19 | ||||
SECTION 4.11 |
Withholding |
20 | ||||
ARTICLE 5. |
THE DEPOSITARY, THE CUSTODIANS AND THE COMPANY |
20 | ||||
SECTION 5.01 |
Maintenance of Office and Transfer Books by the Depositary |
20 | ||||
SECTION 5.02 |
Prevention or Delay in Performance by the Depositary or the Company |
21 | ||||
SECTION 5.03 |
Obligations of the Depositary, the Custodian and the Company |
21 | ||||
SECTION 5.04 |
Resignation and Removal of the Depositary |
22 | ||||
SECTION 5.05 |
The Custodians |
23 | ||||
SECTION 5.06 |
Notices and Reports |
23 | ||||
SECTION 5.07 |
Distribution of Additional Shares, Rights, etc. |
24 | ||||
SECTION 5.08 |
Indemnification |
25 | ||||
SECTION 5.09 |
Charges of Depositary |
25 | ||||
SECTION 5.10 |
Retention of Depositary Documents |
26 | ||||
SECTION 5.11 |
Exclusivity |
27 | ||||
SECTION 5.12 |
List of Restricted Securities Owners |
27 | ||||
ARTICLE 6. |
AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION |
27 | ||||
SECTION 6.01 |
Amendment |
27 | ||||
SECTION 6.02 |
Termination |
28 |
ii
ARTICLE 7. |
MISCELLANEOUS |
28 | ||||
SECTION 7.01 |
Counterparts |
28 | ||||
SECTION 7.02 |
No Third Party Beneficiaries |
29 | ||||
SECTION 7.03 |
Severability |
29 | ||||
SECTION 7.04 |
Owners and Holders as Parties; Binding Effect |
29 | ||||
SECTION 7.05 |
Notices |
29 | ||||
SECTION 7.06 |
Submission to Jurisdiction; Appointment of Agent for Service of Process; Jury Trial Waiver |
31 | ||||
SECTION 7.07 |
Waiver of Immunities |
32 | ||||
SECTION 7.08 |
Governing Law; Signatures |
32 |
iii
DEPOSIT AGREEMENT
DEPOSIT AGREEMENT dated as of , 2014 among CHEETAH MOBILE INC., a company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands (herein called the Company), THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, a New York banking corporation (herein called the Depositary), and all Owners and Holders (each as hereinafter defined) from time to time of American Depositary Shares issued hereunder.
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, the Company desires to provide, as hereinafter set forth in this Deposit Agreement, for the deposit of Shares (as hereinafter defined) of the Company from time to time with the Depositary or with the Custodian (as hereinafter defined) as agent of the Depositary for the purposes set forth in this Deposit Agreement, for the creation of American Depositary Shares representing the Shares so deposited and for the execution and delivery of American Depositary Receipts evidencing the American Depositary Shares; and
WHEREAS, the American Depositary Receipts are to be substantially in the form of Exhibit A annexed hereto, with appropriate insertions, modifications and omissions, as hereinafter provided in this Deposit Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, it is agreed by and between the parties hereto as follows:
ARTICLE 1. | DEFINITIONS |
The following definitions shall for all purposes, unless otherwise clearly indicated, apply to the respective terms used in this Deposit Agreement:
SECTION 1.01 American Depositary Shares.
The term American Depositary Shares shall mean the securities created under this Deposit Agreement representing rights with respect to the Deposited Securities. American Depositary Shares may be certificated securities evidenced by Receipts or uncertificated securities. The form of Receipt annexed as Exhibit A to this Deposit Agreement shall be the prospectus required under the Securities Act of 1933 for sales of both certificated and uncertificated American Depositary Shares. Except for those provisions of this Deposit Agreement that refer specifically to Receipts, all the provisions of this Deposit Agreement shall apply to both certificated and uncertificated American Depositary Shares. Each American Depositary Share shall represent the number of Shares specified in Exhibit A to this Deposit Agreement, until there shall occur a distribution upon Deposited Securities covered by Section 4.03 or a change in Deposited Securities covered by Section 4.08 with respect to which additional American Depositary Shares are not delivered, and thereafter American Depositary Shares shall represent the amount of Shares or Deposited Securities specified in such Sections.
1
SECTION 1.02 Commission.
The term Commission shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States or any successor governmental agency in the United States.
SECTION 1.03 Company.
The term Company shall mean Cheetah Mobile Inc., a company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands, and its successors.
SECTION 1.04 Custodian.
The term Custodian shall mean the principal Hong Kong office of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, as agent of the Depositary for the purposes of this Deposit Agreement, and any other firm or corporation which may hereafter be appointed by the Depositary pursuant to the terms of Section 5.05, as substitute or additional custodian or custodians hereunder, as the context shall require and shall also mean all of them collectively.
SECTION 1.05 Deliver; Surrender.
(a) The term deliver, or its noun form, when used with respect to Shares or other Deposited Securities, shall mean (i) book-entry transfer of those Shares or other Deposited Securities to an account maintained by an institution authorized under applicable law to effect transfers of such securities designated by the person entitled to that delivery or (ii) physical transfer of certificates evidencing those Shares or other Deposited Securities registered in the name of, or duly endorsed or accompanied by proper instruments of transfer to, the person entitled to that delivery.
(b) The term deliver, or its noun form, when used with respect to American Depositary Shares, shall mean (i) book-entry transfer of American Depositary Shares to an account at DTC designated by the person entitled to such delivery, (ii) registration of American Depositary Shares not evidenced by a Receipt on the books of the Depositary in the name requested by the person entitled to such delivery and mailing to that person of a statement confirming that registration or (iii) if requested by the person entitled to such delivery, delivery at the Corporate Trust Office of the Depositary to the person entitled to such delivery of one or more Receipts evidencing American Depositary Shares registered in the name requested by that person.
2
(c) The term surrender, when used with respect to American Depositary Shares, shall mean (i) one or more book-entry transfers of American Depositary Shares to the DTC account of the Depositary, (ii) delivery to the Depositary at its Corporate Trust Office of an instruction to surrender American Depositary Shares not evidenced by a Receipt or (iii) surrender to the Depositary at its Corporate Trust Office of one or more Receipts evidencing American Depositary Shares.
SECTION 1.06 Deposit Agreement.
The term Deposit Agreement shall mean this Deposit Agreement, as the same may be amended from time to time in accordance with the provisions hereof.
SECTION 1.07 Depositary; Corporate Trust Office.
The term Depositary shall mean The Bank of New York Mellon, a New York banking corporation, and any successor as depositary hereunder. The term Corporate Trust Office, when used with respect to the Depositary, shall mean the office of the Depositary which at the date of this Deposit Agreement is 101 Barclay Street, New York, New York 10286.
SECTION 1.08 Deposited Securities.
The term Deposited Securities as of any time shall mean Shares at such time deposited or deemed to be deposited under this Deposit Agreement, including without limitation Shares that have not been successfully delivered upon surrender of American Depositary Shares, and any and all other securities, property and cash received by the Depositary or the Custodian in respect thereof and at such time held under this Deposit Agreement, subject as to cash to the provisions of Section 4.05.
SECTION 1.09 Dollars.
The term Dollars shall mean United States dollars.
SECTION 1.10 DTC.
The term DTC shall mean The Depository Trust Company or its successor.
SECTION 1.11 Foreign Registrar.
The term Foreign Registrar shall mean the entity that presently carries out the duties of registrar for the Shares or any successor as registrar for the Shares and any other agent of the Company for the transfer and registration of Shares, including without limitation any securities depository for the Shares.
3
SECTION 1.12 Holder.
The term Holder shall mean any person holding a Receipt or a security entitlement or other interest in American Depositary Shares, whether for its own account or for the account of another person, but that is not the Owner of that Receipt or those American Depositary Shares.
SECTION 1.13 Owner.
The term Owner shall mean the person in whose name American Depositary Shares are registered on the books of the Depositary maintained for such purpose.
SECTION 1.14 Receipts.
The term Receipts shall mean the American Depositary Receipts issued hereunder evidencing certificated American Depositary Shares, as the same may be amended from time to time in accordance with the provisions hereof.
SECTION 1.15 Registrar.
The term Registrar shall mean any bank or trust company having an office in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, that is appointed by the Depositary to register American Depositary Shares and transfers of American Depositary Shares as herein provided.
SECTION 1.16 Restricted Securities.
The term Restricted Securities shall mean Shares, or American Depositary Shares representing Shares, that are acquired directly or indirectly from the Company or its affiliates (as defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933) in a transaction or chain of transactions not involving any public offering, or that are subject to resale limitations under Regulation D under the Securities Act of 1933 or both, or which are held by an officer, director (or persons performing similar functions) or other affiliate of the Company (unless, in each case, the sale of such Shares in the United States is covered by an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933), or that would require registration under the Securities Act of 1933 in connection with the offer and sale thereof in the United States, or that are subject to other restrictions on sale or deposit under the laws of the United States or the Cayman Islands, or under a shareholder agreement or the articles of association or similar document of the Company.
SECTION 1.17 Securities Act of 1933.
The term Securities Act of 1933 shall mean the United States Securities Act of 1933, as from time to time amended.
4
SECTION 1.18 Shares.
The term Shares shall mean Class A ordinary shares of the Company that are validly issued and outstanding and fully paid, nonassessable and that were not issued in violation of any pre-emptive or similar rights of the holders of outstanding securities of the Company; provided , however , that, if there shall occur any change in nominal value, a split-up or consolidation or any other reclassification or, upon the occurrence of an event described in Section 4.08, an exchange or conversion in respect of the Shares of the Company, the term Shares shall thereafter also mean the successor securities resulting from such change in nominal value, split-up or consolidation or such other reclassification or such exchange or conversion.
ARTICLE 2. | FORM OF RECEIPTS, DEPOSIT OF SHARES, DELIVERY, TRANSFER AND SURRENDER OF AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES |
SECTION 2.01 Form of Receipts; Registration and Transferability of American Depositary Shares.
Definitive Receipts shall be substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit A annexed to this Deposit Agreement, with appropriate insertions, modifications and omissions, as hereinafter provided. No Receipt shall be entitled to any benefits under this Deposit Agreement or be valid or obligatory for any purpose, unless such Receipt shall have been (i) executed by the Depositary by the manual signature of a duly authorized officer of the Depositary or (ii) executed by the facsimile signature of a duly authorized officer of the Depositary and countersigned by the manual signature of a duly authorized signatory of the Depositary or a Registrar. The Depositary shall maintain books on which (x) each Receipt so executed and delivered as hereinafter provided and the transfer of each such Receipt shall be registered and (y) all American Depositary Shares delivered as hereinafter provided and all registrations of transfer of American Depositary Shares shall be registered. A Receipt bearing the facsimile signature of a person that was at any time a proper officer of the Depositary shall, subject to the other provisions of this paragraph, bind the Depositary, notwithstanding that such person was not a proper officer of the Depositary on the date of issuance of that Receipt.
The Receipts may be endorsed with or have incorporated in the text thereof such legends or recitals or modifications not inconsistent with the provisions of this Deposit Agreement as may be required by the Depositary or required to comply with any applicable law or regulations thereunder or with the rules and regulations of any securities exchange upon which American Depositary Shares may be listed or to conform with any usage with respect thereto, or to indicate any special limitations or restrictions to which any particular Receipts are subject by reason of the date of issuance of the underlying Deposited Securities or otherwise.
5
American Depositary Shares evidenced by a Receipt, when properly endorsed or accompanied by proper instruments of transfer, shall be transferable as certificated registered securities under the laws of the State of New York. American Depositary Shares not evidenced by Receipts shall be transferable as uncertificated registered securities under the laws of the State of New York. The Depositary, notwithstanding any notice to the contrary, may treat the Owner of American Depositary Shares as the absolute owner thereof for the purpose of determining the person entitled to distribution of dividends or other distributions or to any notice provided for in this Deposit Agreement and for all other purposes, and neither the Depositary nor the Company shall have any obligation or be subject to any liability under this Deposit Agreement to any Holder of American Depositary Shares (but only to the Owner of those American Depositary Shares).
SECTION 2.02 Deposit of Shares.
Subject to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement, Shares or evidence of rights to receive Shares may be deposited by delivery thereof to any Custodian hereunder, accompanied by any appropriate instruments or instructions for transfer, or endorsement, in form satisfactory to the Custodian, together with all such certifications as may be required by the Depositary or the Custodian in accordance with the provisions of this Deposit Agreement, and, if the Depositary requires, together with a written order directing the Depositary to deliver to, or upon the written order of, the person or persons stated in such order, the number of American Depositary Shares representing such deposit.
No Share shall be accepted for deposit unless accompanied by evidence satisfactory to the Depositary that any necessary approval has been granted by any governmental body in each applicable jurisdiction that is then performing the function of the regulation of currency exchange. If required by the Depositary, Shares presented for deposit at any time, whether or not the transfer books of the Company or the Foreign Registrar, if applicable, are closed, shall also be accompanied by an agreement or assignment, or other instrument satisfactory to the Depositary, which will provide for the prompt transfer to the Custodian of any dividend, or right to subscribe for additional Shares or to receive other property which any person in whose name the Shares are or have been recorded may thereafter receive upon or in respect of such deposited Shares, or in lieu thereof, such agreement of indemnity or other agreement as shall be satisfactory to the Depositary.
At the request and risk and expense of any person proposing to deposit Shares, and for the account of such person, the Depositary may receive certificates for Shares to be deposited, together with the other instruments herein specified, for the purpose of forwarding such Share certificates to the Custodian for deposit hereunder.
Upon each delivery to a Custodian of a certificate or certificates for Shares to be deposited hereunder, together with the other documents specified above, such Custodian shall, as soon as transfer and recordation can be accomplished, present such certificate or certificates to the Company or the Foreign Registrar, if applicable, for transfer and recordation of the Shares being deposited in the name of the Depositary or its nominee or such Custodian or its nominee.
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Deposited Securities shall be held by the Depositary or by a Custodian for the account and to the order of the Depositary or at such other place or places as the Depositary shall determine.
SECTION 2.03 Delivery of American Depositary Shares.
Upon receipt by any Custodian of any deposit pursuant to Section 2.02 hereunder, together with the other documents required as specified above, such Custodian shall notify the Depositary of such deposit and the person or persons to whom or upon whose written order American Depositary Shares are deliverable in respect thereof and the number of American Depositary Shares to be so delivered. Such notification shall be made by letter or, at the request, risk and expense of the person making the deposit, by cable, telex or facsimile transmission (and in addition, if the transfer books of the Company or the Foreign Registrar, if applicable, are open, the Depositary may in its sole discretion require a proper acknowledgment or other evidence from the Company or the Foreign Registrar that any Deposited Securities have been recorded upon the books of the Company or the Foreign Registrar, if applicable, in the name of the Depositary or its nominee or such Custodian or its nominee). Upon receiving such notice from such Custodian, or upon the receipt of Shares or evidence of the right to receive Shares by the Depositary, the Depositary, subject to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement, shall deliver, to or upon the order of the person or persons entitled thereto, the number of American Depositary Shares issuable in respect of that deposit, but only upon payment to the Depositary of the fees and expenses of the Depositary for the delivery of such American Depositary Shares as provided in Section 5.09, and of all taxes and governmental charges and fees payable in connection with such deposit and the transfer of the Deposited Securities.
SECTION 2.04 Registration of Transfer of American Depositary Shares; Combination and Split-up of Receipts; Interchange of Certificated and Uncertificated American Depositary Shares.
The Depositary, subject to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement, shall register transfers of American Depositary Shares on its transfer books from time to time, upon (i) in the case of certificated American Depositary Shares, surrender of the Receipt evidencing those American Depositary Shares, by the Owner in person or by a duly authorized attorney, properly endorsed or accompanied by proper instruments of transfer or (ii) in the case of uncertificated American Depositary Shares, receipt from the Owner of a proper instruction (including, for the avoidance of doubt, instructions through DRS and Profile as provided in Section 2.10), and, in either case, duly stamped as may be required by the laws of the State of New York and of the United States of America. Thereupon the Depositary shall deliver those American Depositary Shares to or upon the order of the person entitled thereto.
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The Depositary, subject to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement, shall upon surrender of a Receipt or Receipts for the purpose of effecting a split-up or combination of such Receipt or Receipts, execute and deliver a new Receipt or Receipts for any authorized number of American Depositary Shares requested, evidencing the same aggregate number of American Depositary Shares as the Receipt or Receipts surrendered.
The Depositary, upon surrender of certificated American Depositary Shares for the purpose of exchanging for uncertificated American Depositary Shares, shall cancel those certificated American Depositary Shares and send the Owner a statement confirming that the Owner is the owner of the same number of uncertificated American Depositary Shares. The Depositary, upon receipt of a proper instruction (including, for the avoidance of doubt, instructions through DRS and Profile as provided in Section 2.10) from the Owner of uncertificated American Depositary Shares for the purpose of exchanging for certificated American Depositary Shares, shall cancel those uncertificated American Depositary Shares and deliver to the Owner the same number of certificated American Depositary Shares.
The Depositary may appoint one or more co-transfer agents for the purpose of effecting registration of transfers of American Depositary Shares and combinations and split-ups of Receipts at designated transfer offices on behalf of the Depositary. In carrying out its functions, a co-transfer agent may require evidence of authority and compliance with applicable laws and other requirements by Owners or persons entitled to American Depositary Shares and will be entitled to protection and indemnity to the same extent as the Depositary.
SECTION 2.05 Surrender of American Depositary Shares and Withdrawal of Deposited Securities.
Upon surrender at the Corporate Trust Office of the Depositary of American Depositary Shares for the purpose of withdrawal of the Deposited Securities represented thereby, and upon payment of the fee of the Depositary for the surrender of American Depositary Shares as provided in Section 5.09 and payment of all taxes and governmental charges payable in connection with such surrender and withdrawal of the Deposited Securities, and subject to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement, the Owner of those American Depositary Shares shall be entitled to delivery, to him or as instructed, of the amount of Deposited Securities at the time represented by those American Depositary Shares. Such delivery shall be made, as hereinafter provided, without unreasonable delay.
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A Receipt surrendered for such purposes may be required by the Depositary to be properly endorsed in blank or accompanied by proper instruments of transfer in blank. The Depositary may require the surrendering Owner to execute and deliver to the Depositary a written order directing the Depositary to cause the Deposited Securities being withdrawn to be delivered to or upon the written order of a person or persons designated in such order. Thereupon the Depositary shall direct the Custodian to deliver at the office of such Custodian, subject to Sections 2.06, 3.01 and 3.02 and to the other terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement, to or upon the written order of the person or persons designated in the order delivered to the Depositary as above provided, the amount of Deposited Securities represented by the surrendered American Depositary Shares, except that the Depositary may make delivery to such person or persons at the Corporate Trust Office of the Depositary of any dividends or distributions with respect to the Deposited Securities represented by those American Depositary Shares, or of any proceeds of sale of any dividends, distributions or rights, which may at the time be held by the Depositary.
At the request, risk and expense of any Owner so surrendering American Depositary Shares, and for the account of such Owner, the Depositary shall direct the Custodian to forward any cash or other property (other than rights) comprising, and forward a certificate or certificates, if applicable, and other proper documents of title for, the Deposited Securities represented by the surrendered American Depositary Shares to the Depositary for delivery at the Corporate Trust Office of the Depositary. Such direction shall be given by letter or, at the request, risk and expense of such Owner, by cable, telex or facsimile transmission.
SECTION 2.06 Limitations on Delivery, Transfer and Surrender of American Depositary Shares.
As a condition precedent to the delivery, registration of transfer or surrender of any American Depositary Shares or split-up or combination of any Receipt or withdrawal of any Deposited Securities, the Depositary, Custodian or Registrar may require payment from the depositor of Shares or the presenter of the Receipt or instruction for registration of transfer or surrender of American Depositary Shares not evidenced by a Receipt of a sum sufficient to reimburse it for any tax or other governmental charge and any stock transfer or registration fee with respect thereto (including any such tax or charge and fee with respect to Shares being deposited or withdrawn) and payment of any applicable fees as herein provided, may require the production of proof satisfactory to it as to the identity and genuineness of any signature and may also require compliance with any regulations the Depositary may establish consistent with the provisions of this Deposit Agreement, including, without limitation, this Section 2.06.
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The delivery of American Depositary Shares against deposit of Shares generally or against deposit of particular Shares may be suspended, or the transfer of American Depositary Shares in particular instances may be refused, or the registration of transfer of outstanding American Depositary Shares generally may be suspended, during any period when the transfer books of the Depositary are closed, or if any such action is deemed necessary or advisable by the Depositary or the Company at any time or from time to time because of any requirement of law or of any government or governmental body or commission, or under any provision of this Deposit Agreement, or for any other reason, subject to the provisions of the following sentence. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Deposit Agreement, the surrender of outstanding American Depositary Shares and withdrawal of Deposited Securities may not be suspended subject only to (i) temporary delays caused by closing the transfer books of the Depositary or the Company or the Foreign Registrar, if applicable, or the deposit of 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 U.S. or foreign laws or governmental regulations relating to the American Depositary Shares or to the withdrawal of the Deposited Securities. Without limitation of the foregoing, the Depositary shall not knowingly accept for deposit under this Deposit Agreement any Shares which would be required to be registered under the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 for public offer and sale in the United States unless a registration statement is in effect as to such Shares for such offer and sale.
SECTION 2.07 Lost Receipts, etc.
In case any Receipt shall be mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen, the Depositary shall deliver to the Owner the American Depositary Shares evidenced by that Receipt in uncertificated form or, if requested by the Owner, execute and deliver a new Receipt of like tenor in exchange and substitution for such mutilated Receipt, upon cancellation thereof, or in lieu of and in substitution for such destroyed, lost or stolen Receipt. Before the Depositary shall deliver American Depositary Shares in uncertificated form or execute and deliver a new Receipt, in substitution for a destroyed, lost or stolen Receipt, the Owner thereof shall have (a) filed with the Depositary (i) a request for such execution and delivery before the Depositary has notice that the Receipt has been acquired by a bona fide purchaser and (ii) a sufficient indemnity bond and (b) satisfied any other reasonable requirements imposed by the Depositary.
SECTION 2.08 Cancellation and Destruction of Surrendered Receipts.
All Receipts surrendered to the Depositary shall be cancelled by the Depositary. The Depositary is authorized to destroy Receipts so cancelled.
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SECTION 2.09 Pre-Release of American Depositary Shares.
Notwithstanding Section 2.03 hereof, the Depositary may deliver American Depositary Shares prior to the receipt of Shares pursuant to Section 2.02 (a Pre-Release). The Depositary may, pursuant to Section 2.05, deliver Shares upon the surrender of American Depositary Shares that have been Pre-Released, whether or not such cancellation is prior to the termination of such Pre-Release or the Depositary knows that such American Depositary Shares have been Pre-Released. The Depositary may receive American Depositary Shares in lieu of Shares in satisfaction of a Pre-Release. Each Pre-Release will be (a) preceded or accompanied by a written representation from the person to whom American Depositary Shares or Shares are to be delivered, that such person, or its customer, owns the Shares or American Depositary Shares to be remitted, as the case may be, (b) at all times fully collateralized with cash or such other collateral as the Depositary deems appropriate, (c) terminable by the Depositary on not more than five (5) business days notice, and (d) subject to such further indemnities and credit regulations as the Depositary deems appropriate. The number of Shares represented by American Depositary Shares that are outstanding at any time as a result of Pre-Release will not normally exceed thirty percent (30%) of the Shares deposited hereunder; 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 retain for its own account any compensation received by it in connection with the foregoing.
SECTION 2.10 DTC Direct Registration System and Profile Modification System.
(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2.04, the parties acknowledge that the Direct Registration System (DRS) and Profile Modification System (Profile) shall apply to uncertificated American Depositary Shares upon acceptance thereof to DRS by DTC. DRS is the system administered by DTC pursuant to which the Depositary may register the ownership of uncertificated American Depositary Shares, which ownership shall be evidenced by periodic statements issued by the Depositary to the Owners entitled thereto. Profile is a required feature of DRS which allows a DTC participant, claiming to act on behalf of an Owner of American Depositary Shares, to direct the Depositary to register a transfer of those American Depositary Shares to DTC or its nominee and to deliver those American Depositary Shares to the DTC account of that DTC participant without receipt by the Depositary of prior authorization from the Owner to register such transfer.
(b) In connection with and in accordance with the arrangements and procedures relating to DRS/Profile, the parties understand that the Depositary will not verify, determine or otherwise ascertain that the DTC participant which is claiming to be acting on behalf of an Owner in requesting a registration of transfer and delivery as described in subsection (a) has the actual authority to act on behalf of the Owner (notwithstanding any requirements under the Uniform Commercial Code). For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of Sections 5.03 and 5.08 shall apply to the matters arising from the use of the DRS. The parties agree that the Depositarys reliance on and compliance with instructions received by the Depositary through the DRS/Profile System and in accordance with this Deposit Agreement shall not constitute negligence or bad faith on the part of the Depositary.
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ARTICLE 3. | CERTAIN OBLIGATIONS OF OWNERS AND HOLDERS OF AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES |
SECTION 3.01 Filing Proofs, Certificates and Other Information.
Any person presenting Shares for deposit or any Owner or Holder may be required from time to time to file with the Depositary or the Custodian such proof of citizenship or residence, exchange control approval, or such information relating to the registration on the books of the Company or the Foreign Registrar, if applicable, to execute such certificates and to make such representations and warranties, as the Depositary may deem necessary or proper. The Depositary may withhold the delivery or registration of transfer of American Depositary Shares or the distribution of any dividend or sale or distribution of rights or of the proceeds thereof or the delivery of any Deposited Securities until such proof or other information is filed or such certificates are executed or such representations and warranties made. The Depositary shall provide the Company, upon the Companys written request and at the Companys expense, as promptly as practicable, with copies of any information or other materials which it receives pursuant to this Section 3.01, to the extent that disclosure is permitted under applicable law.
SECTION 3.02 Liability of Owner for Taxes.
If any tax or other governmental charge shall become payable by the Custodian or the Depositary with respect to any American Depositary Shares or any Deposited Securities represented by any American Depositary Shares, such tax or other governmental charge shall be payable by the Owner of such American Depositary Shares to the Depositary. The Depositary may refuse to register any transfer of those American Depositary Shares or any withdrawal of Deposited Securities represented by those American Depositary Shares until such payment is made, and may withhold any dividends or other distributions, or may sell for the account of the Owner thereof any part or all of the Deposited Securities represented by those American Depositary Shares, and may apply such dividends or other distributions or the proceeds of any such sale in payment of such tax or other governmental charge and the Owner of such American Depositary Shares shall remain liable for any deficiency.
SECTION 3.03 Warranties on Deposit of Shares.
Every person depositing Shares under this Deposit Agreement shall be deemed thereby to represent and warrant that such Shares and each certificate therefor, if applicable, are validly issued, fully paid, nonassessable and free of any preemptive rights of the holders of outstanding Shares and that the person making such deposit is duly authorized so to do. Every such person shall also be deemed to represent that the deposit of such Shares and the sale of American Depositary Shares representing such Shares by that person are not restricted under the Securities Act of 1933. Such representations and warranties shall survive the deposit of Shares and delivery of American Depositary Shares.
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SECTION 3.04 Disclosure of Interests.
The Company may from time to time request Owners to provide information as to the capacity in which such Owners own or owned American Depositary Shares and regarding the identity of any other persons then or previously interested in such American Depositary Shares and the nature of such interest. Each Owner agrees to provide any information requested by the Company or the Depositary pursuant to this Section 3.04. The Depositary agrees to comply with reasonable written instructions received from the Company requesting that the Depositary forward any such requests to the Owners and to forward to the Company any such responses to such requests received by the Depositary. The Depositary shall provide reasonable assistance to the Company, at the Companys request and expense, in obtaining information sought by the Company pursuant to this Section 3.04.
ARTICLE 4. | THE DEPOSITED SECURITIES |
SECTION 4.01 Cash Distributions.
Whenever the Depositary shall receive any cash dividend or other cash distribution on any Deposited Securities, the Depositary shall, subject to the provisions of Section 4.05, convert such dividend or distribution into Dollars and shall distribute the amount thus received (net of the fees and expenses of the Depositary as provided in Section 5.09) to the Owners entitled thereto, in proportion to the number of American Depositary Shares representing such Deposited Securities held by them respectively; provided , however , that in the event that the Custodian or the Depositary shall be required to withhold and does withhold from such cash dividend or such other cash distribution an amount on account of taxes or other governmental charges, the amount distributed to the Owner of the American Depositary Shares representing such Deposited Securities shall be reduced accordingly. The Depositary shall distribute only such amount, however, as can be distributed without attributing to any Owner a fraction of one cent. Any such fractional amounts shall be rounded to the nearest whole cent and so distributed to Owners entitled thereto. The Company or its agent will remit to the appropriate governmental agencies in the Cayman Islands and the Peoples Republic of China all amounts withheld and owing to such agency. The Depositary will forward to the Company or its agent such information from its records as the Company may reasonably request to enable the Company or its agent to file necessary reports with governmental agencies.
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SECTION 4.02 Distributions Other Than Cash, Shares or Rights.
Subject to the provisions of Sections 4.11 and 5.09, whenever the Depositary shall receive any distribution other than a distribution described in Section 4.01, 4.03 or 4.04, the Depositary shall cause the securities or property received by it to be distributed to the Owners entitled thereto, after deduction or upon payment of any fees and expenses of the Depositary or any taxes or other governmental charges, in proportion to the number of American Depositary Shares representing such Deposited Securities held by them respectively, in any manner that the Depositary may deem equitable and practicable for accomplishing such distribution; provided, however, that if in the opinion of the Depositary such distribution cannot be made proportionately among the Owners entitled thereto, or if for any other reason (including, but not limited to, any requirement that the Company or the Depositary withhold an amount on account of taxes or other governmental charges or that such securities must be registered under the Securities Act of 1933 in order to be distributed to Owners or Holders) the Depositary deems such distribution not to be feasible, the Depositary may adopt such method as it may deem equitable and practicable for the purpose of effecting such distribution, including, but not limited to, the public or private sale of the securities or property thus received, or any part thereof, and the net proceeds of any such sale (net of the fees and expenses of the Depositary as provided in Section 5.09) shall be distributed by the Depositary to the Owners entitled thereto, all in the manner and subject to the conditions described in Section 4.01. The Depositary may withhold any distribution of securities under this Section 4.02 if it has not received satisfactory assurances from the Company that the distribution does not require registration under the Securities Act of 1933. The Depositary may sell, by public or private sale, an amount of securities or other property it would otherwise distribute under this Section 4.02 that is sufficient to pay its fees and expenses in respect of that distribution.
SECTION 4.03 Distributions in Shares.
If any distribution upon any Deposited Securities consists of a dividend in, or free distribution of, Shares, the Depositary may deliver to the Owners entitled thereto, in proportion to the number of American Depositary Shares representing such Deposited Securities held by them respectively, an aggregate number of American Depositary Shares representing the amount of Shares received as such dividend or free distribution, subject to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement with respect to the deposit of Shares and issuance of American Depositary Shares, including withholding of any tax or governmental charge as provided in Section 4.11 and payment of the fees and expenses of the Depositary as provided in Section 5.09 (and the Depositary may sell, by public or private sale, an amount of the Shares received sufficient to pay its fees and expenses in respect of that distribution). The Depositary may withhold any such delivery of American Depositary Shares if it has not received satisfactory assurances from the Company that such distribution does not require registration under the Securities Act of 1933. In lieu of delivering fractional American Depositary Shares in any such case, the Depositary may sell the amount of Shares represented by the aggregate of such fractions and distribute the net proceeds, all in the manner and subject to the conditions described in Section 4.01. If additional American Depositary Shares are not so delivered, each American Depositary Share shall thenceforth also represent the additional Shares distributed upon the Deposited Securities represented thereby.
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SECTION 4.04 Rights.
In the event that the Company shall offer or cause to be offered to the holders of any Deposited Securities any rights to subscribe for additional Shares or any rights of any other nature, the Depositary shall have discretion as to the procedure to be followed in making such rights available to any Owners or in disposing of such rights on behalf of any Owners and making the net proceeds available to such Owners or, if by the terms of such rights offering or for any other reason, the Depositary may not either make such rights available to any Owners or dispose of such rights and make the net proceeds available to such Owners, then the Depositary shall allow the rights to lapse. If at the time of the offering of any rights the Depositary determines in its discretion that it is lawful and feasible to make such rights available to all or certain Owners but not to other Owners, the Depositary may distribute to any Owner to whom it determines the distribution to be lawful and feasible, in proportion to the number of American Depositary Shares held by such Owner, warrants or other instruments therefor in such form as it deems appropriate.
In circumstances in which rights would otherwise not be distributed, if an Owner requests the distribution of warrants or other instruments in order to exercise the rights allocable to the American Depositary Shares of such Owner hereunder, the Depositary will make such rights available to such Owner upon written notice from the Company to the Depositary that (a) the Company has elected in its sole discretion to permit such rights to be exercised and (b) such Owner has executed such documents as the Company has determined in its sole discretion are reasonably required under applicable law.
If the Depositary has distributed warrants or other instruments for rights to all or certain Owners, then upon instruction from such an Owner pursuant to such warrants or other instruments to the Depositary from such Owner to exercise such rights, upon payment by such Owner to the Depositary for the account of such Owner of an amount equal to the purchase price of the Shares to be received upon the exercise of the rights, and upon payment of the fees and expenses of the Depositary and any other charges as set forth in such warrants or other instruments, the Depositary shall, on behalf of such Owner, exercise the rights and purchase the Shares, and the Company shall cause the Shares so purchased to be delivered to the Depositary on behalf of such Owner. As agent for such Owner, the Depositary will cause the Shares so purchased to be deposited pursuant to Section 2.02, and shall, pursuant to Section 2.03, deliver American Depositary Shares to such Owner. In the case of a distribution pursuant to the second paragraph of this Section, such deposit shall be made, and depositary shares shall be delivered, under depositary arrangements which provide for issuance of depositary shares subject to the appropriate restrictions on sale, deposit, cancellation, and transfer under applicable United States laws.
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If the Depositary determines in its discretion that it is not lawful and feasible to make such rights available to all or certain Owners, it may sell the rights, warrants or other instruments in proportion to the number of American Depositary Shares held by the Owners to whom it has determined it may not lawfully or feasibly make such rights available, and allocate the net proceeds of such sales (net of the fees and expenses of the Depositary as provided in Section 5.09 and all taxes and governmental charges payable in connection with such rights and subject to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement) for the account of such Owners otherwise entitled to such rights, warrants or other instruments, upon an averaged or other practical basis without regard to any distinctions among such Owners because of exchange restrictions or the date of delivery of any American Depositary Shares or otherwise.
The Depositary will not offer rights to Owners unless both the rights and the securities to which such rights relate are either exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 with respect to a distribution to all Owners or are registered under the provisions of such Act; provided , that nothing in this Deposit Agreement shall create any obligation on the part of the Company to file a registration statement with respect to such rights or underlying securities or to endeavor to have such a registration statement declared effective. If an Owner requests the distribution of warrants or other instruments, notwithstanding that there has been no such registration under the Securities Act of 1933, the Depositary shall not effect such distribution unless it has received an opinion from recognized counsel in the United States for the Company upon which the Depositary may rely that such distribution to such Owner is exempt from such registration; provided , however , that the Company will have no obligation to cause its counsel to issue such opinion at the request at such Owner.
The Depositary shall not be responsible for any failure to determine that it may be lawful or feasible to make such rights available to Owners in general or any Owner in particular.
SECTION 4.05 Conversion of Foreign Currency.
Whenever the Depositary or the Custodian shall receive foreign currency, by way of dividends or other distributions or the net proceeds from the sale of securities, property or rights, and if at the time of the receipt thereof the foreign currency so received can in the judgment of the Depositary be converted on a reasonable basis into Dollars and the resulting Dollars transferred to the United States, the Depositary shall convert or cause to be converted by sale or in any other manner that it may determine such foreign currency into Dollars, and such Dollars shall be distributed to the Owners entitled thereto or, if the Depositary shall have distributed any warrants or other instruments which entitle the holders thereof to such Dollars, then to the holders of such warrants and/or instruments upon surrender thereof for cancellation. Such distribution may be made upon an averaged or other practicable basis without regard to any distinctions among Owners on account of exchange restrictions, the date of delivery of any American Depositary Shares or otherwise and shall be net of any expenses of conversion into Dollars incurred by the Depositary as provided in Section 5.09.
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If such conversion or distribution can be effected only with the approval or license of any government or agency thereof, the Depositary shall file such application for approval or license, if any, as it may deem desirable.
If at any time the Depositary shall determine that in its judgment any foreign currency received by the Depositary or the Custodian is not convertible on a reasonable basis into Dollars transferable to the United States, or if any approval or license of any government or agency thereof which is required for such conversion is denied or in the opinion of the Depositary is not obtainable, or if any such approval or license is not obtained within a reasonable period as determined by the Depositary, the Depositary may distribute the foreign currency (or an appropriate document evidencing the right to receive such foreign currency) received by the Depositary to, or in its discretion may hold such foreign currency uninvested and without liability for interest thereon for the respective accounts of, the Owners entitled to receive the same.
If any such conversion of foreign currency, in whole or in part, cannot be effected for distribution to some of the Owners entitled thereto, the Depositary may in its discretion make such conversion and distribution in Dollars to the extent permissible to the Owners entitled thereto and may distribute the balance of the foreign currency received by the Depositary to, or hold such balance uninvested and without liability for interest thereon for the respective accounts of, the Owners entitled thereto.
SECTION 4.06 Fixing of Record Date.
Whenever any cash dividend or other cash distribution shall become payable or any distribution other than cash shall be made, or whenever rights shall be issued with respect to the Deposited Securities, or whenever the Depositary shall receive notice of any meeting of holders of Shares or other Deposited Securities, or whenever for any reason the Depositary causes a change in the number of Shares that are represented by each American Depositary Share, or whenever the Depositary shall find it necessary or convenient, the Depositary shall fix a record date, which shall be the same as, or as near as practicable to, any corresponding record date established by the Company in respect of the Shares or other Deposited Securities, (a) for the determination of the Owners who shall be (i) entitled to receive such dividend, distribution or rights or the net proceeds of the sale thereof, (ii) entitled to give instructions for the exercise of voting rights at any such meeting or (iii) responsible for any fee or charge assessed by the Depositary pursuant to this Deposit Agreement, or (b) on or after which each American Depositary Share will represent the changed number of Shares. Subject to the provisions of Sections 4.01 through 4.05 and to the other terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement, the Owners on such record date shall be entitled, as the case may be, to receive the amount distributable by the Depositary with respect to such dividend or other distribution or such rights or the net proceeds of sale thereof in proportion to the number of American Depositary Shares held by them respectively and to give voting instructions and to act in respect of any other such matter.
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SECTION 4.07 Voting of Deposited Securities.
Upon receipt of notice of any meeting of holders of Shares or other Deposited Securities, if requested in writing by the Company, the Depositary shall, as soon as practicable thereafter, mail to the Owners a notice, the form of which notice shall be in the sole discretion of the Depositary, which shall contain (a) such information as is contained in such notice of meeting received by the Depositary from the Company, (b) a statement that the Owners as of the close of business on a specified record date will be entitled, subject to any applicable provision of Cayman Islands law and of the articles of association or similar documents of the Company, to instruct the Depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights, if any, pertaining to the amount of Shares or other Deposited Securities represented by their respective American Depositary Shares and (c) a statement as to the manner in which such instructions may be given, including an express indication that instructions may be given or deemed given in accordance with the last sentence of this paragraph if no instruction is received, to the Depositary to give a discretionary proxy to a person designated by the Company. Upon the written request of an Owner of American Depositary Shares on such record date, received on or before the date established by the Depositary for such purpose, the Depositary shall endeavor, in so far as practicable, to vote or cause to be voted the amount of Shares or other Deposited Securities represented by those American Depositary Shares in accordance with the instructions set forth in such request. The Depositary shall not vote or attempt to exercise the right to vote that attaches to the Shares or other Deposited Securities, other than in accordance with such instructions or as provided in the following sentence. If (i) the Company instructed the Depositary to act under this Section 4.07 and complied with the following paragraph and (ii) no instructions are received by the Depositary from an Owner with respect to American Depositary Shares of that Owner on or before the date established by the Depositary for such purpose, the Depositary shall deem that Owner to have instructed the Depositary to give a discretionary proxy to a person designated by the Company with respect to the amount of Deposited Securities represented by those American Depositary Shares and the Depositary shall give a discretionary proxy to a person designated by the Company to vote that amount of Deposited Securities, except that no such instruction shall be deemed given and no such discretionary proxy shall be given with respect to any matter as to which the Company informs the Depositary (and the Company agrees to provide such information as promptly as practicable in writing, if applicable) that (x) the Company does not wish such proxy given, (y) substantial opposition exists or (z) such matter materially and adversely affects the rights of holders of Shares.
There can be no assurance that Owners generally or any Owner in particular will receive the notice described in the preceding paragraph sufficiently prior to the instruction cutoff date to ensure that the Depositary will vote the Shares or Deposited Securities in accordance with the provisions set forth in the preceding paragraph.
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In order to give Owners a reasonable opportunity to instruct the Depositary as to the exercise of voting rights relating to Deposited Securities, if the Company will request the Depositary to act under this Section 4.07, the Company shall give the Depositary notice of any such meeting and details concerning the matters to be voted upon not less than 30 days prior to the meeting date.
SECTION 4.08 Changes Affecting Deposited Securities.
Upon any change in nominal value, change in par value, split-up, consolidation or any other reclassification of Deposited Securities, or upon any recapitalization, reorganization, merger or consolidation or sale of assets affecting the Company or to which it is a party, or upon the redemption or cancellation by the Company of the Deposited Securities, any securities, cash or property which shall be received by the Depositary or a Custodian in exchange for, in conversion of, in lieu of or in respect of Deposited Securities, shall be treated as new Deposited Securities under this Deposit Agreement, and American Depositary Shares shall thenceforth represent, in addition to the existing Deposited Securities, the right to receive the new Deposited Securities so received, unless additional American Depositary Shares are delivered pursuant to the following sentence. In any such case the Depositary may deliver additional American Depositary Shares as in the case of a dividend in Shares, or call for the surrender of outstanding Receipts to be exchanged for new Receipts specifically describing such new Deposited Securities.
SECTION 4.09 Reports.
The Depositary shall make available for inspection by Owners at its Corporate Trust Office any reports and communications, including any proxy solicitation material, received from the Company which are both (a) received by the Depositary as the holder of the Deposited Securities and (b) made generally available to the holders of such Deposited Securities by the Company. The Depositary shall also, upon written request by the Company, send to the Owners copies of such reports when furnished by the Company pursuant to Section 5.06. Any such reports and communications, including any such proxy soliciting material, furnished to the Depositary by the Company shall be furnished in English, to the extent such materials are required to be translated into English pursuant to any regulations of the Commission.
SECTION 4.10 Lists of Owners.
Promptly upon request by the Company, the Depositary shall, at the expense of the Company, furnish to it a list, as of a recent date, of the names, addresses and holdings of American Depositary Shares by all persons in whose names American Depositary Shares are registered on the books of the Depositary.
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SECTION 4.11 Withholding.
In the event that the Depositary determines that any distribution in property (including Shares and rights to subscribe therefor) is subject to any tax or other governmental charge which the Depositary is obligated to withhold, the Depositary may by public or private sale dispose of all or a portion of such property (including Shares and rights to subscribe therefor) in such amounts and in such manner as the Depositary deems necessary and practicable to pay such taxes or charges and the Depositary shall distribute the net proceeds of any such sale after deduction of such taxes or charges to the Owners entitled thereto in proportion to the number of American Depositary Shares held by them respectively.
ARTICLE 5. | THE DEPOSITARY, THE CUSTODIANS AND THE COMPANY |
SECTION 5.01 Maintenance of Office and Transfer Books by the Depositary.
Until termination of this Deposit Agreement in accordance with its terms, the Depositary shall maintain in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, facilities for the execution and delivery, registration, registration of transfers and surrender of American Depositary Shares in accordance with the provisions of this Deposit Agreement.
The Depositary shall keep books, at its Corporate Trust Office, for the registration of American Depositary Shares and transfers of American Depositary Shares which at all reasonable times shall be open for inspection by the Owners, provided that such inspection shall not be for the purpose of communicating with Owners in the interest of a business or object other than the business of the Company or a matter related to this Deposit Agreement or the American Depositary Shares.
The Depositary may close the transfer books, at any time or from time to time, when deemed expedient by it in connection with the performance of its duties hereunder.
If any American Depositary Shares are listed on one or more stock exchanges in the United States, the Depositary shall act as Registrar or appoint a Registrar or one or more co-registrars for registry of such American Depositary Shares in accordance with any requirements of such exchange or exchanges.
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SECTION 5.02 Prevention or Delay in Performance by the Depositary or the Company.
Neither the Depositary nor the Company nor any of their respective directors, employees, agents or affiliates shall incur any liability to any Owner or Holder (i) if by reason of any provision of any present or future law or regulation of the United States or any other country, or of any governmental or regulatory authority or stock exchange, or by reason of any provision, present or future, of the articles of association or similar document of the Company, or by reason of any provision of any securities issued or distributed by the Company, or any offering or distribution thereof, or by reason of any act of God or war or terrorism or other circumstances beyond its control, the Depositary or the Company shall be prevented, delayed or forbidden from, or be subject to any civil or criminal penalty on account of, doing or performing any act or thing which by the terms of this Deposit Agreement or the Deposited Securities it is provided shall be done or performed, (ii) by reason of any non-performance or delay, caused as aforesaid, in the performance of any act or thing which by the terms of this Deposit Agreement it is provided shall or may be done or performed, (iii) by reason of any exercise of, or failure to exercise, any discretion provided for in this Deposit Agreement, (iv) for the inability of any Owner or Holder to benefit from any distribution, offering, right or other benefit which is made available to holders of Deposited Securities but is not, under the terms of this Deposit Agreement, made available to Owners or Holders, or (v) for any special, consequential or punitive damages for any breach of the terms of this Deposit Agreement. Where, by the terms of a distribution pursuant to Section 4.01, 4.02 or 4.03, or an offering or distribution pursuant to Section 4.04, or for any other reason, such distribution or offering may not be made available to Owners, and the Depositary may not dispose of such distribution or offering on behalf of such Owners and make the net proceeds available to such Owners, then the Depositary shall not make such distribution or offering, and shall allow any rights, if applicable, to lapse.
SECTION 5.03 Obligations of the Depositary, the Custodian and the Company.
The Company assumes no obligation nor shall it be subject to any liability under this Deposit Agreement to any Owner or Holder, except that the Company agrees to perform its obligations specifically set forth in this Deposit Agreement without negligence or bad faith.
The Depositary assumes no obligation nor shall it be subject to any liability under this Deposit Agreement to any Owner or Holder (including, without limitation, liability with respect to the validity or worth of the Deposited Securities), except that the Depositary agrees to perform its obligations specifically set forth in this Deposit Agreement without negligence or bad faith.
Neither the Depositary nor the Company shall be under any obligation to appear in, prosecute or defend any action, suit or other proceeding in respect of any Deposited Securities or in respect of the American Depositary Shares on behalf of any Owner or Holder or any other person.
Neither the Depositary nor the Company shall be liable for any action or nonaction by it in reliance upon the advice of or information from legal counsel, accountants, any person presenting Shares for deposit, any Owner or any other person believed by it in good faith to be competent to give such advice or information.
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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, provided that in connection with the issue out of which such potential liability arises the Depositary performed its obligations without negligence or bad faith while it acted as Depositary.
The Depositary shall not be liable for the acts or omissions of any securities depository, clearing agency or settlement system in connection with or arising out of book-entry settlement of Deposited Securities or otherwise, provided that any such acts or omissions are not the direct result of the negligence or bad faith of the Depositary.
The Depositary shall not be responsible for any failure to carry out any instructions to vote any of the Deposited Securities, or for the manner in which any such vote is cast or the effect of any such vote, provided that any such action or nonaction is in good faith.
No disclaimer of liability under the Securities Act of 1933 is intended by any provision of this Deposit Agreement.
SECTION 5.04 Resignation and Removal of the Depositary.
The Depositary may at any time resign as Depositary hereunder by written notice of its election so to do delivered to the Company, such resignation to take effect upon the appointment of a successor depositary and its acceptance of such appointment as hereinafter provided.
The Depositary may at any time be removed by the Company by 120 days prior written notice of such removal, to become effective upon the later of (i) the 120th day after delivery of the notice to the Depositary and (ii) the appointment of a successor depositary and its acceptance of such appointment as hereinafter provided.
In case at any time the Depositary acting hereunder shall resign or be removed, the Company shall use its reasonable efforts to appoint a successor depositary, which shall be a bank or trust company having an office in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York. Every successor depositary shall execute and deliver to its predecessor and to the Company an instrument in writing accepting its appointment hereunder, and thereupon such successor depositary, without any further act or deed, shall become fully vested with all the rights, powers, duties and obligations of its predecessor; but such predecessor, nevertheless, upon payment of all sums due it and on the written request of the Company shall execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor all rights and powers of such predecessor hereunder, shall duly assign, transfer and deliver all right, title and interest in the Deposited Securities to such successor and shall deliver to such successor a list of the Owners of all outstanding American Depositary Shares. Any such successor depositary shall promptly mail notice of its appointment to the Owners.
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Any corporation into or with which the Depositary may be merged or consolidated shall be the successor of the Depositary without the execution or filing of any document or any further act.
SECTION 5.05 The Custodians.
The Custodian shall be subject at all times and in all respects to the directions of the Depositary and shall be responsible solely to it. Any Custodian may resign and be discharged from its duties hereunder by notice of such resignation delivered to the Depositary at least 30 days prior to the date on which such resignation is to become effective. If upon such resignation there shall be no Custodian acting hereunder, the Depositary shall, promptly after receiving such notice, appoint a substitute custodian or custodians, each of which shall thereafter be a Custodian hereunder. The Depositary in its discretion may appoint a substitute or additional custodian or custodians, each of which shall thereafter be one of the Custodians hereunder. Upon demand of the Depositary any Custodian shall deliver such of the Deposited Securities held by it as are requested of it to any other Custodian or such substitute or additional custodian or custodians. Each such substitute or additional custodian shall deliver to the Depositary, forthwith upon its appointment, an acceptance of such appointment satisfactory in form and substance to the Depositary.
Upon the appointment of any successor depositary hereunder, each Custodian then acting hereunder shall forthwith become, without any further act or writing, the agent hereunder of such successor depositary and the appointment of such successor depositary shall in no way impair the authority of each Custodian hereunder; but the successor depositary so appointed shall, nevertheless, on the written request of any Custodian, execute and deliver to such Custodian all such instruments as may be proper to give to such Custodian full and complete power and authority as agent hereunder of such successor depositary.
SECTION 5.06 Notices and Reports.
On or before the first date on which the Company gives notice, by publication or otherwise, of any meeting of holders of Shares or other Deposited Securities, or of any adjourned meeting of such holders, or of the taking of any action in respect of any cash or other distributions or the offering of any rights, the Company agrees to transmit to the Depositary and the Custodian a copy of the notice thereof in the form given or to be given to holders of Shares or other Deposited Securities.
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The Company will arrange for the translation into English, if not already in English, to the extent required pursuant to any regulations of the Commission, and the prompt transmittal by the Company to the Depositary and the Custodian of such notices and any other reports and communications which are made generally available by the Company to holders of its Shares. If requested in writing by the Company, the Depositary will arrange for the mailing, at the Companys expense, of copies of such notices, reports and communications to all Owners. The Company will timely provide the Depositary with the quantity of such notices, reports, and communications, as requested by the Depositary from time to time, in order for the Depositary to effect such mailings.
SECTION 5.07 Distribution of Additional Shares, Rights, etc.
If the Company or any affiliate of the Company determines to make any issuance or distribution of (1) additional Shares, (2) rights to subscribe for Shares, (3) securities convertible into Shares, or (4) rights to subscribe for such securities (each a Distribution), the Company shall notify the Depositary in writing in English as promptly as practicable and in any event before the Distribution starts and, if requested in writing by the Depositary, the Company shall promptly furnish to the Depositary a written opinion from U.S. counsel for the Company that is reasonably satisfactory to the Depositary, stating whether or not the Distribution requires, or, if made in the United States, would require, registration under the Securities Act of 1933. If, in the opinion of that counsel, the Distribution requires, or, if made in the United States, would require, registration under the Securities Act of 1933, that counsel shall furnish to the Depositary a written opinion as to whether or not there is a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933 in effect that will cover that Distribution.
The Company agrees with the Depositary that neither the Company nor any company controlled by, controlling or under common control with the Company will at any time deposit any Shares, either originally issued or previously issued and reacquired by the Company or any such affiliate, unless a Registration Statement is in effect as to such Shares under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Company delivers to the Depositary an opinion of United States counsel, satisfactory to the Depositary, to the effect that, upon deposit, those Shares will be eligible for public resale without restriction in the United States without further registration under the Securities Act of 1933.
Notwithstanding anything else in this Deposit Agreement, nothing in this Deposit Agreement shall be deemed to obligate the Company to file any registration statement in respect of any proposed transaction.
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SECTION 5.08 Indemnification.
The Company agrees to indemnify the Depositary, its directors, employees, agents and affiliates and any Custodian against, and hold each of them harmless from, any liability or expense (including, but not limited to any fees and expenses incurred in seeking, enforcing or collecting such indemnity and the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel) which may arise out of or in connection with (a) any registration with the Commission of American Depositary Shares or Deposited Securities or the offer or sale thereof in the United States or (b) acts performed or omitted, pursuant to the provisions of or in connection with this Deposit Agreement and the American Depositary Shares, as the same may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, (i) by either the Depositary or a Custodian or their respective directors, employees, agents and affiliates, except for any liability or expense arising out of the negligence or bad faith of either of them, or (ii) by the Company or any of its directors, employees, agents and affiliates.
The indemnities contained in the preceding paragraph shall not extend to any liability or expense which arises solely and exclusively out of a Pre-Release (as defined in Section 2.09) of American Depositary Shares pursuant to Section 2.09 and which would not otherwise have arisen had those American Depositary Shares not been the subject of a Pre-Release pursuant to Section 2.09; provided , however , that the indemnities provided in the preceding paragraph shall apply to any such liability or expense (i) to the extent that such liability or expense would have arisen had those American Depositary Shares not be the subject of a Pre-Release, or (ii) which may arise out of any misstatement or alleged misstatement or omission or alleged omission in any registration statement, proxy statement, prospectus (or placement memorandum), or preliminary prospectus (or preliminary placement memorandum) relating to the offer or sale of American Depositary Shares, except to the extent any such liability or expense arises out of (x) information relating to the Depositary or any Custodian (other than the Company), as applicable, furnished in writing and not materially changed or altered by the Company expressly for use in any of the foregoing documents, or, (y) if such information is provided, the failure to state a material fact necessary to make the information provided not misleading.
The Depositary agrees to indemnify the Company, its directors, employees, agents and affiliates and hold them harmless from any liability or expense (including, but not limited to any fees and expenses incurred in seeking, enforcing or collecting such indemnity and the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel) which may arise out of acts performed or omitted by the Depositary or its Custodian or their respective directors, employees, agents and affiliates due to their negligence or bad faith.
SECTION 5.09 Charges of Depositary.
The Company agrees to pay the fees and out-of-pocket expenses of the Depositary and those of any Registrar only in accordance with agreements in writing entered into between the Depositary and the Company from time to time.
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The following charges shall be incurred by any party depositing or withdrawing Shares or by any party surrendering American Depositary Shares or to whom American Depositary Shares are issued (including, without limitation, issuance pursuant to a stock dividend or stock split declared by the Company or an exchange of stock regarding the American Depositary Shares or Deposited Securities or a delivery of American Depositary Shares pursuant to Section 4.03), or by Owners, as applicable: (1) taxes and other governmental charges, (2) such registration fees as may from time to time be in effect for the registration of transfers of Shares generally on the Share register of the Company or Foreign Registrar and applicable to transfers of Shares to or from the name of the Depositary or its nominee or the Custodian or its nominee on the making of deposits or withdrawals hereunder, (3) such cable, telex and facsimile transmission expenses as are expressly provided in this Deposit Agreement, (4) such expenses as are incurred by the Depositary in the conversion of foreign currency pursuant to Section 4.05, (5) a fee of $5.00 or less per 100 American Depositary Shares (or portion thereof) for the delivery of American Depositary Shares pursuant to Section 2.03, 4.03 or 4.04 and the surrender of American Depositary Shares pursuant to Section 2.05 or 6.02, (6) a fee of $.05 or less per American Depositary Share (or portion thereof) for any cash distribution made pursuant to this Deposit Agreement, including, but not limited to Sections 4.01 through 4.04 hereof, (7) a fee for the distribution of securities pursuant to Section 4.02, such fee being in an amount equal to the fee for the execution and delivery of American Depositary Shares referred to above which would have been charged as a result of the deposit of such securities (for purposes of this clause 7 treating all such securities as if they were Shares) but which securities are instead distributed by the Depositary to Owners, (8) in addition to any fee charged under clause 6, a fee of $.05 or less per American Depositary Share (or portion thereof) per annum for depositary services, which will be payable as provided in clause 9 below, and (9) any other charges payable by the Depositary, any of the Depositarys agents, including the Custodian, or the agents of the Depositarys agents in connection with the servicing of Shares or other Deposited Securities (which charge shall be assessed against Owners as of the date or dates set by the Depositary in accordance with Section 4.06 and shall be payable at the sole discretion of the Depositary by billing such Owners for such charge or by deducting such charge from one or more cash dividends or other cash distributions).
The Depositary may collect any of its fees by deduction from any cash distribution payable to Owners that are obligated to pay those fees.
The Depositary, subject to Section 2.09 hereof, may own and deal in any class of securities of the Company and its affiliates and in American Depositary Shares.
SECTION 5.10 Retention of Depositary Documents.
The Depositary is authorized to destroy those documents, records, bills and other data compiled during the term of this Deposit Agreement at the times permitted by the laws or regulations governing the Depositary unless the Company requests that such papers be retained for a longer period or turned over to the Company or to a successor depositary.
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SECTION 5.11 Exclusivity.
Subject to Sections 5.04 and 6.02, the Company agrees not to appoint any other depositary for issuance of American or global depositary shares or receipts so long as The Bank of New York Mellon is acting as Depositary hereunder.
SECTION 5.12 List of Restricted Securities Owners.
From time to time, the Company shall provide to the Depositary a list setting forth, to the actual knowledge of the Company, those persons or entities who beneficially own Restricted Securities and the Company shall update that list on a regular basis. The Company agrees to advise in writing each of the persons or entities so listed that such Restricted Securities are ineligible for deposit hereunder. The Depositary may rely on such a list or update but shall not be liable for any action or omission made in reliance thereon.
ARTICLE 6. | AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION |
SECTION 6.01 Amendment.
The form of the Receipts and any provisions of this Deposit Agreement may at any time and from time to time be amended by agreement between the Company and the Depositary without the consent of Owners or Holders in any respect which they may deem necessary or desirable. Any amendment which shall impose or increase any fees or charges (other than taxes and other governmental charges, registration fees, cable, telex or facsimile transmission costs, delivery costs or other such expenses), or which shall otherwise prejudice any substantial existing right of Owners, shall, however, not become effective as to outstanding American Depositary Shares until the expiration of 30 days after notice of such amendment shall have been given to the Owners of outstanding American Depositary Shares. Every Owner and Holder, at the time any amendment so becomes effective, shall be deemed, by continuing to hold American Depositary Shares or any interest therein, to consent and agree to such amendment and to be bound by the Deposit Agreement as amended thereby. In no event shall any amendment impair the right of the Owner to surrender American Depositary Shares and receive therefor the Deposited Securities represented thereby, except in order to comply with mandatory provisions of applicable law.
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SECTION 6.02 Termination.
The Company may at any time terminate this Deposit Agreement by instructing the Depositary to mail a notice of termination to the Owners of all American Depositary Shares then outstanding at least 30 days prior to the termination date included in such notice. The Depositary may likewise terminate this Deposit Agreement if at any time 60 days shall have expired after the Depositary delivered to the Company a written resignation notice and if a successor depositary shall not have been appointed and accepted its appointment as provided in Section 5.04; in such case the Depositary shall mail a notice of termination to the Owners of all American Depositary Shares then outstanding at least 30 days prior to the termination date. On and after the date of termination, the Owner of American Depositary Shares will, upon (a) surrender of such American Depositary Shares, (b) payment of the fee of the Depositary for the surrender of American Depositary Shares referred to in Section 2.05, and (c) payment of any applicable taxes or governmental charges, be entitled to delivery, to him or upon his order, of the amount of Deposited Securities represented by those American Depositary Shares. If any American Depositary Shares shall remain outstanding after the date of termination, the Depositary thereafter shall discontinue the registration of transfers of American Depositary Shares, shall suspend the distribution of dividends to the Owners thereof, and shall not give any further notices or perform any further acts under this Deposit Agreement, except that the Depositary shall continue to collect dividends and other distributions pertaining to Deposited Securities, shall sell rights and other property as provided in this Deposit Agreement, and shall continue to deliver Deposited Securities, together with any dividends or other distributions received with respect thereto and the net proceeds of the sale of any rights or other property, upon surrender of American Depositary Shares (after deducting, in each case, the fee of the Depositary for the surrender of American Depositary Shares, any expenses for the account of the Owner of such American Depositary Shares in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement, and any applicable taxes or governmental charges).
At any time after the expiration of four months from the date of termination, the Depositary may sell the Deposited Securities then held under this Deposit Agreement and may thereafter hold uninvested the net proceeds of any such sale, together with any other cash then held by it hereunder, unsegregated and without liability for interest, for the pro rata benefit of the Owners of American Depositary Shares that have not theretofore been surrendered, such Owners thereupon becoming general creditors of the Depositary with respect to such net proceeds. After making such sale, the Depositary shall be discharged from all obligations under this Deposit Agreement, except to account for such net proceeds and other cash (after deducting, in each case, the fee of the Depositary for the surrender of American Depositary Shares, any expenses for the account of the Owner of such American Depositary Shares in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement, and any applicable taxes or governmental charges. Upon the termination of this Deposit Agreement, the Company shall be discharged from all obligations under this Deposit Agreement except for its obligations to the Depositary under Sections 5.08 and 5.09.
ARTICLE 7. | MISCELLANEOUS |
SECTION 7.01 Counterparts; Signatures.
This Deposit Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of such counterparts shall constitute one and the same instrument. Copies of this Deposit Agreement shall be filed with the Depositary and the Custodians and shall be open to inspection by any Owner or Holder during business hours.
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Any manual signature on this Deposit Agreement that is faxed, scanned or photocopied, and any electronic signature valid under the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, 15 U.S.C. § 7001, et. seq ., shall for all purposes have the same validity, legal effect and admissibility in evidence as an original manual signature, and the parties hereby waive any objection to the contrary.
SECTION 7.02 No Third Party Beneficiaries.
This Deposit Agreement is for the exclusive benefit of the parties hereto and shall not be deemed to give any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim whatsoever to any other person.
SECTION 7.03 Severability.
In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this Deposit Agreement or in the Receipts should be or become invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein or therein shall in no way be affected, prejudiced or disturbed thereby.
SECTION 7.04 Owners and Holders as Parties; Binding Effect.
The Owners and Holders from time to time shall be parties to this Deposit Agreement and shall be bound by all of the terms and conditions hereof and of the Receipts by acceptance of American Depositary Shares or any interest therein.
SECTION 7.05 Notices.
Any and all notices to be given to the Company shall be deemed to have been duly given if personally delivered or sent by mail or cable, telex or facsimile transmission confirmed by letter, addressed to Cheetah Mobile Inc., 12/F, Fosun International Center Tower, No. 237 Chaoyang North Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100022, Peoples Republic of China, Attention: , or any other place to which the Company may have transferred its principal office with notice to the Depositary.
Any and all notices to be given to the Depositary shall be deemed to have been duly given if in English and personally delivered or sent by mail or cable, telex or facsimile transmission confirmed by letter, addressed to The Bank of New York Mellon, 101 Barclay Street, New York, New York 10286, Attention: American Depositary Receipt Administration, or any other place to which the Depositary may have transferred its Corporate Trust Office with notice to the Company.
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Any and all notices to be given to any Owner shall be deemed to have been duly given if personally delivered or sent by mail or cable, telex or facsimile transmission confirmed by letter, addressed to such Owner at the address of such Owner as it appears on the transfer books for American Depositary Shares of the Depositary, or, if such Owner shall have filed with the Depositary a written request that notices intended for such Owner be mailed to some other address, at the address designated in such request.
Delivery of a notice sent by mail or cable, telex or facsimile transmission shall be deemed to be effected at the time when a duly addressed letter containing the same (or a confirmation thereof in the case of a cable, telex or facsimile transmission) is deposited, postage prepaid, in a post-office letter box. The Depositary or the Company may, however, act upon any cable, telex or facsimile transmission received by it, notwithstanding that such cable, telex or facsimile transmission shall not subsequently be confirmed by letter as aforesaid.
SECTION 7.06 Arbitration; Settlement of Disputes.
Any controversy, claim or cause of action brought by any party hereto against the Company arising out of or relating to the Shares or other Deposited Securities, the American Depositary Shares, the Receipts or this Deposit Agreement, or the breach hereof or thereof, if so elected by the claimant, shall be settled by arbitration in accordance with the International Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association, and judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrators may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.
The place of the arbitration shall be The City of New York, State of New York, United States of America, and the language of the arbitration shall be English.
The number of arbitrators shall be three, each of whom shall be disinterested in the dispute or controversy, shall have no connection with any party thereto, and shall be an attorney experienced in international securities transactions. Each party shall appoint one arbitrator and the two arbitrators shall select a third arbitrator who shall serve as chairperson of the tribunal. If a dispute, controversy or cause of action shall involve more than two parties, the parties shall attempt to align themselves in two sides (i.e., claimant(s) and respondent(s)), each of which shall appoint one arbitrator as if there were only two parties to such dispute, controversy or cause of action. If such alignment and appointment shall not have occurred within thirty (30) calendar days after the initiating party serves the arbitration demand, the American Arbitration Association shall appoint the three arbitrators, each of whom shall have the qualifications described above. The parties and the American Arbitration Association may appoint from among the nationals of any country, whether or not a party is a national of that country.
The arbitral tribunal shall have no authority to award any consequential, special or punitive damages or other damages not measured by the prevailing partys actual damages and may not, in any event, make any ruling, finding or award that does not conform to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement.
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SECTION 7.07 Submission to Jurisdiction; Appointment of Agent for Service of Process; Jury Trial Waiver.
The Company hereby (i) irrevocably designates and appoints Law Debenture Corporate Services, in the State of New York, as the Companys authorized agent upon which process may be served in any suit or proceeding (including any arbitration proceeding) arising out of or relating to the Shares or Deposited Securities, the American Depositary Shares, the Receipts or this Deposit Agreement, (ii) consents and submits to the jurisdiction of any state or federal court in the State of New York in which any such suit or proceeding may be instituted and (iii) agrees that service of process upon said authorized agent shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon the Company in any such suit or proceeding. The Company agrees to deliver, upon the execution and delivery of this Deposit Agreement, a written acceptance by such agent of its appointment as such agent. The Company further agrees to take any and all action, including the filing of any and all such documents and instruments, as may be necessary to continue such designation and appointment in full force and effect for so long as any American Depositary Shares or Receipts remain outstanding or this Deposit Agreement remains in force. In the event the Company fails to continue such designation and appointment in full force and effect, the Company hereby waives personal service of process upon it and consents that any such service of process may be made by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, directed to the Company at its address last specified for notices hereunder, and service so made shall be deemed completed five (5) days after the same shall have been so mailed.
EACH PARTY TO THIS DEPOSIT AGREEMENT (INCLUDING, FOR AVOIDANCE OF DOUBT, EACH OWNER AND HOLDER) HEREBY 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 COMPANY AND/OR THE DEPOSITARY DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THE SHARES OR OTHER DEPOSITED SECURITIES, THE AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES OR THE RECEIPTS, THIS DEPOSIT AGREEMENT OR ANY TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREIN OR THEREIN, OR THE BREACH HEREOF OR THEREOF, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY QUESTION REGARDING EXISTENCE, VALIDITY OR TERMINATION (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY).
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SECTION 7.08 Waiver of Immunities.
To the extent that the Company or any of its properties, assets or revenues may have or may hereafter become entitled to, or have attributed to it, any right of immunity, on the grounds of sovereignty or otherwise, from any legal action, suit or proceeding, from the giving of any relief in any respect thereof, from setoff or counterclaim, from the jurisdiction of any court, from service of process, from attachment upon or prior to judgment, from attachment in aid of execution or judgment, or from execution of judgment, or other legal process or proceeding for the giving of any relief or for the enforcement of any judgment, in any jurisdiction in which proceedings may at any time be commenced, with respect to its obligations, liabilities or any other matter under or arising out of or in connection with the Shares or Deposited Securities, the American Depositary Shares, the Receipts or this Deposit Agreement, the Company, to the fullest extent permitted by law, hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives, and agrees not to plead or claim, any such immunity and consents to such relief and enforcement.
SECTION 7.09 Governing Law.
This Deposit Agreement and the Receipts shall be interpreted and all rights hereunder and thereunder and provisions hereof and thereof shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York, except with respect to its authorization and execution by the Company, which shall be governed by the laws of the Cayman Islands.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, CHEETAH MOBILE INC. and THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON have duly executed this Deposit Agreement as of the day and year first set forth above and all Owners and Holders shall become parties hereto upon acceptance by them of American Depositary Shares or any interest therein.
CHEETAH MOBILE INC. | ||
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THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, as Depositary |
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33
EXHIBIT A
AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES (Each American Depositary Share represents deposited Share[s]) |
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON
AMERICAN DEPOSITARY RECEIPT
FOR CLASS A ORDINARY SHARES
OF
CHEETAH MOBILE INC.
(INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE CAYMAN ISLANDS)
The Bank of New York Mellon, as depositary (hereinafter called the Depositary), hereby certifies that , or registered assigns IS THE OWNER OF
AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES
representing deposited Class A ordinary shares (herein called Shares) of Cheetah Mobile Inc., a company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands (herein called the Company). At the date hereof, each American Depositary Share represents Share[s] deposited or subject to deposit under the Deposit Agreement (as such term is hereinafter defined) at the principal Hong Kong office of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (herein called the Custodian). The Depositarys Corporate Trust Office is located at a different address than its principal executive office. Its Corporate Trust Office is located at 101 Barclay Street, New York, N.Y. 10286, and its principal executive office is located at One Wall Street, New York, N.Y. 10286.
THE DEPOSITARYS CORPORATE TRUST OFFICE ADDRESS IS
101 BARCLAY STREET, NEW YORK, N.Y. 10286
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1. THE DEPOSIT AGREEMENT .
This American Depositary Receipt is one of an issue (herein called Receipts), all issued and to be issued upon the terms and conditions set forth in the deposit agreement dated as of , 2014 (herein called the Deposit Agreement) among the Company, the Depositary and all Owners and Holders from time to time of American Depositary Shares issued thereunder, each of whom by accepting American Depositary Shares agrees to become a party thereto and become bound by all the terms and conditions thereof. The Deposit Agreement sets forth the rights of Owners and Holders and the rights and duties of the Depositary in respect of the Shares deposited thereunder and any and all other securities, property and cash from time to time received in respect of such Shares and held thereunder (such Shares, securities, property, and cash are herein called Deposited Securities). Copies of the Deposit Agreement are on file at the Depositarys Corporate Trust Office in New York City and at the office of the Custodian.
The statements made on the face and reverse of this Receipt are summaries of certain provisions of the Deposit Agreement and are qualified by and subject to the detailed provisions of the Deposit Agreement, to which reference is hereby made. Capitalized terms defined in the Deposit Agreement and not defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Deposit Agreement.
2. SURRENDER OF AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES AND WITHDRAWAL OF DEPOSITED SECURITIES .
Upon surrender at the Corporate Trust Office of the Depositary of American Depositary Shares, and upon payment of the fee of the Depositary provided in this Receipt, and subject to the terms and conditions of the Deposit Agreement, the Owner of those American Depositary Shares is entitled to delivery, to him or as instructed, of the amount of Deposited Securities at the time represented by those American Depositary Shares. Such delivery will be made at the option of the Owner hereof, either at the office of the Custodian or at the Corporate Trust Office of the Depositary, provided that the forwarding of certificates for Shares or other Deposited Securities for such delivery at the Corporate Trust Office of the Depositary shall be at the risk and expense of the Owner hereof.
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3. TRANSFERS, SPLIT-UPS, AND COMBINATIONS OF RECEIPTS .
Transfers of American Depositary Shares may be registered on the books of the Depositary by the Owner in person or by a duly authorized attorney, upon surrender of those American Depositary Shares properly endorsed for transfer or accompanied by proper instruments of transfer, in the case of a Receipt, or pursuant to a proper instruction (including, for the avoidance of doubt, instructions through DRS and Profile as provided in Section 2.10 of the Deposit Agreement), in the case of uncertificated American Depositary Shares, and funds sufficient to pay any applicable transfer taxes and the expenses of the Depositary and upon compliance with such regulations, if any, as the Depositary may establish for such purpose. This Receipt may be split into other such Receipts, or may be combined with other such Receipts into one Receipt, evidencing the same aggregate number of American Depositary Shares as the Receipt or Receipts surrendered. The Depositary, upon surrender of certificated American Depositary Shares for the purpose of exchanging for uncertificated American Depositary Shares, shall cancel those certificated American Depositary Shares and send the Owner a statement confirming that the Owner is the Owner of uncertificated American Depositary Shares. The Depositary, upon receipt of a proper instruction (including, for the avoidance of doubt, instructions through DRS and Profile as provided in Section 2.10 of the Deposit Agreement) from the Owner of uncertificated American Depositary Shares for the purpose of exchanging for certificated American Depositary Shares, shall cancel those uncertificated American Depositary Shares and deliver to the Owner the same number of certificated American Depositary Shares. As a condition precedent to the delivery, registration of transfer, or surrender of any American Depositary Shares or split-up or combination of any Receipt or withdrawal of any Deposited Securities, the Depositary, the Custodian, or Registrar may require payment from the depositor of the Shares or the presenter of the Receipt or instruction for registration of transfer or surrender of American Depositary Shares not evidenced by a Receipt of a sum sufficient to reimburse it for any tax or other governmental charge and any stock transfer or registration fee with respect thereto (including any such tax or charge and fee with respect to Shares being deposited or withdrawn) and payment of any applicable fees as provided in the Deposit Agreement, may require the production of proof satisfactory to it as to the identity and genuineness of any signature and may also require compliance with any regulations the Depositary may establish consistent with the provisions of the Deposit Agreement.
The delivery of American Depositary Shares against deposit of Shares generally or against deposit of particular Shares may be suspended, or the transfer of American Depositary Shares in particular instances may be refused, or the registration of transfer of outstanding American Depositary Shares generally may be suspended, during any period when the transfer books of the Depositary are closed, or if any such action is deemed necessary or advisable by the Depositary or the Company at any time or from time to time because of any requirement of law or of any government or governmental body or commission, or under any provision of the Deposit Agreement, or for any other reason, subject to the provisions of the following sentence. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Deposit Agreement or this Receipt, the surrender of outstanding American Depositary Shares and withdrawal of Deposited Securities may not be suspended subject only to (i) temporary delays caused by closing the transfer books of the Depositary or the Company or the Foreign Registrar, if applicable, or the deposit of 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 U.S. or foreign laws or governmental regulations relating to the American Depositary Shares or to the withdrawal of the Deposited Securities. Without limitation of the foregoing, the Depositary shall not knowingly accept for deposit under the Deposit Agreement any Shares which would be required to be registered under the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, unless a registration statement is in effect as to such Shares for such offer and sale.
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4. LIABILITY OF OWNER FOR TAXES .
If any tax or other governmental charge shall become payable with respect to any American Depositary Shares or any Deposited Securities represented by any American Depositary Shares, such tax or other governmental charge shall be payable by the Owner to the Depositary. The Depositary may refuse to register any transfer of those American Depositary Shares or any withdrawal of Deposited Securities represented by those American Depositary Shares until such payment is made, and may withhold any dividends or other distributions, or may sell for the account of the Owner any part or all of the Deposited Securities represented by those American Depositary Shares, and may apply such dividends or other distributions or the proceeds of any such sale in payment of such tax or other governmental charge and the Owner shall remain liable for any deficiency.
5. WARRANTIES ON DEPOSIT OF SHARES .
Every person depositing Shares under the Deposit Agreement shall be deemed thereby to represent and warrant, that such Shares and each certificate therefor, if applicable, are validly issued, fully paid, nonassessable and free of any preemptive rights of the holders of outstanding Shares and that the person making such deposit is duly authorized so to do. Every such person shall also be deemed to represent that the deposit of such Shares and the sale of American Depositary Shares representing such Shares by that person are not restricted under the Securities Act of 1933. Such representations and warranties shall survive the deposit of Shares and delivery of American Depositary Shares.
6. FILING PROOFS, CERTIFICATES, AND OTHER INFORMATION .
Any person presenting Shares for deposit or any Owner or Holder may be required from time to time to file with the Depositary or the Custodian such proof of citizenship or residence, exchange control approval, or such information relating to the registration on the books of the Company or the Foreign Registrar, if applicable, to execute such certificates and to make such representations and warranties, as the Depositary may deem necessary or proper. The Depositary may withhold the delivery or registration of transfer of any American Depositary Shares or the distribution of any dividend or sale or distribution of rights or of the proceeds thereof or the delivery of any Deposited Securities until such proof or other information is filed or such certificates are executed or such representations and warranties made. No Share shall be accepted for deposit unless accompanied by evidence satisfactory to the Depositary that any necessary approval has been granted by any governmental body in each applicable jurisdiction that is then performing the function of the regulation of currency exchange.
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7. CHARGES OF DEPOSITARY .
The following charges shall be incurred by any party depositing or withdrawing Shares or by any party surrendering American Depositary Shares or to whom American Depositary Shares are issued (including, without limitation, issuance pursuant to a stock dividend or stock split declared by the Company or an exchange of stock regarding the American Depositary Shares or Deposited Securities or a delivery of American Depositary Shares pursuant to Section 4.03 of the Deposit Agreement), or by Owners, as applicable: (1) taxes and other governmental charges, (2) such registration fees as may from time to time be in effect for the registration of transfers of Shares generally on the Share register of the Company or Foreign Registrar and applicable to transfers of Shares to or from the name of the Depositary or its nominee or the Custodian or its nominee on the making of deposits or withdrawals under the terms of the Deposit Agreement, (3) such cable, telex and facsimile transmission expenses as are expressly provided in the Deposit Agreement, (4) such expenses as are incurred by the Depositary in the conversion of foreign currency pursuant to Section 4.05 of the Deposit Agreement, (5) a fee of $5.00 or less per 100 American Depositary Shares (or portion thereof) for the delivery of American Depositary Shares pursuant to Section 2.03, 4.03 or 4.04 of the Deposit Agreement and the surrender of American Depositary Shares pursuant to Section 2.05 or 6.02 of the Deposit Agreement, (6) a fee of $.05 or less per American Depositary Share (or portion thereof) for any cash distribution made pursuant to the Deposit Agreement, including, but not limited to Sections 4.01 through 4.04 of the Deposit Agreement, (7) a fee for the distribution of securities pursuant to Section 4.02 of the Deposit Agreement, such fee being in an amount equal to the fee for the execution and delivery of American Depositary Shares referred to above which would have been charged as a result of the deposit of such securities (for purposes of this clause 7 treating all such securities as if they were Shares) but which securities are instead distributed by the Depositary to Owners, (8) in addition to any fee charged under clause 6, a fee of $.05 or less per American Depositary Share (or portion thereof) per annum for depositary services, which will be payable as provided in clause 9 below, and (9) any other charges payable by the Depositary, any of the Depositarys agents, including the Custodian, or the agents of the Depositarys agents in connection with the servicing of Shares or other Deposited Securities (which charge shall be assessed against Owners as of the date or dates set by the Depositary in accordance with Section 4.06 of the Deposit Agreement and shall be payable at the sole discretion of the Depositary by billing such Owners for such charge or by deducting such charge from one or more cash dividends or other cash distributions).
The Depositary may collect any of its fees by deduction from any cash distribution payable to Owners that are obligated to pay those fees.
The Depositary, subject to Article 8 hereof, may own and deal in any class of securities of the Company and its affiliates and in American Depositary Shares.
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From time to time, the Depositary may make payments to the Company to reimburse and / or share revenue from the fees collected from Owners or Holders, or waive fees and expenses for services provided, generally relating to costs and expenses arising out of establishment and maintenance of the American Depositary Shares program. In performing its duties under the Deposit Agreement, the Depositary may use brokers, dealers or other service providers that are affiliates of the Depositary and that may earn or share fees or commissions.
8. PRE-RELEASE OF RECEIPTS .
Notwithstanding Section 2.03 of the Deposit Agreement, the Depositary may deliver American Depositary Shares prior to the receipt of Shares pursuant to Section 2.02 of the Deposit Agreement (a Pre-Release). The Depositary may, pursuant to Section 2.05 of the Deposit Agreement, deliver Shares upon the surrender of American Depositary Shares that have been Pre-Released, whether or not such cancellation is prior to the termination of such Pre-Release or the Depositary knows that such American Depositary Shares have been Pre-Released. The Depositary may receive American Depositary Shares in lieu of Shares in satisfaction of a Pre-Release. Each Pre-Release will be (a) preceded or accompanied by a written representation from the person to whom American Depositary Shares or Shares are to be delivered, that such person, or its customer, owns the Shares or American Depositary Shares to be remitted, as the case may be, (b) at all times fully collateralized with cash or such other collateral as the Depositary deems appropriate, (c) terminable by the Depositary on not more than five (5) business days notice, and (d) subject to such further indemnities and credit regulations as the Depositary deems appropriate. The number of American Depositary Shares that are outstanding at any time as a result of Pre-Release will not normally exceed thirty percent (30%) of the Shares deposited under the Deposit Agreement; 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 retain for its own account any compensation received by it in connection with the foregoing.
9. TITLE TO RECEIPTS .
It is a condition of this Receipt and every successive Owner and Holder of this Receipt by accepting or holding the same consents and agrees that when properly endorsed or accompanied by proper instruments of transfer, the American Depositary Shares evidenced by this Receipt shall be transferable as certificated registered securities under the laws of the State of New York. American Depositary Shares not evidenced by Receipts shall be transferable as uncertificated registered securities under the laws of the State of New York. The Depositary, notwithstanding any notice to the contrary, may treat the Owner of American Depositary Shares as the absolute owner thereof for the purpose of determining the person entitled to distribution of dividends or other distributions or to any notice provided for in the Deposit Agreement and for all other purposes, and neither the Depositary nor the Company shall have any obligation or be subject to any liability under the Deposit Agreement to any Holder of American Depositary Shares unless that Holder is the Owner of those American Depositary Shares.
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10. VALIDITY OF RECEIPT .
This Receipt shall not be entitled to any benefits under the Deposit Agreement or be valid or obligatory for any purpose, unless this Receipt shall have been executed by the Depositary by the manual signature of a duly authorized signatory of the Depositary; provided , however that such signature may be a facsimile if a Registrar for the Receipts shall have been appointed and such Receipts are countersigned by the manual signature of a duly authorized officer of the Registrar.
11. REPORTS; INSPECTION OF TRANSFER BOOKS .
The Company is subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and, accordingly, files reports with the Commission. Those reports will be available for inspection and copying through the Commissions EDGAR system on the Internet at www.sec.gov or at public reference facilities maintained by the Commission located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549.
The Depositary will make available for inspection by Owners at its Corporate Trust Office any reports, notices and other communications, including any proxy soliciting material, received from the Company which are both (a) received by the Depositary as the holder of the Deposited Securities and (b) made generally available to the holders of such Deposited Securities by the Company. The Depositary will also, upon written request by the Company, send to Owners copies of such reports when furnished by the Company pursuant to the Deposit Agreement. Any such reports and communications, including any such proxy soliciting material, furnished to the Depositary by the Company shall be furnished in English to the extent such materials are required to be translated into English pursuant to any regulations of the Commission.
The Depositary will keep books, at its Corporate Trust Office, for the registration of American Depositary Shares and transfers of American Depositary Shares which at all reasonable times shall be open for inspection by the Owners, provided that such inspection shall not be for the purpose of communicating with Owners in the interest of a business or object other than the business of the Company or a matter related to the Deposit Agreement or the American Depositary Shares.
12. DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS .
Whenever the Depositary receives any cash dividend or other cash distribution on any Deposited Securities, the Depositary will, if at the time of receipt thereof any amounts received in a foreign currency can in the judgment of the Depositary be converted on a reasonable basis into United States dollars transferable to the United States, and subject to the Deposit Agreement, convert such dividend or distribution into dollars and will distribute the amount thus received (net of the fees and expenses of the Depositary as provided in Article 7 hereof and Section 5.09 of the Deposit Agreement) to the Owners entitled thereto; provided , however , that in the event that the Custodian or the Depositary is required to withhold and does withhold from any cash dividend or other cash distribution in respect of any Deposited Securities an amount on account of taxes or other governmental charges, the amount distributed to the Owners of the American Depositary Shares representing such Deposited Securities shall be reduced accordingly.
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Subject to the provisions of Sections 4.11 and 5.09 of the Deposit Agreement, whenever the Depositary receives any distribution other than a distribution described in Section 4.01, 4.03 or 4.04 of the Deposit Agreement, the Depositary will cause the securities or property received by it to be distributed to the Owners entitled thereto, in any manner that the Depositary may deem equitable and practicable for accomplishing such distribution; provided , however , that if in the opinion of the Depositary such distribution cannot be made proportionately among the Owners of Receipts entitled thereto, or if for any other reason the Depositary deems such distribution not to be feasible, the Depositary may adopt such method as it may deem equitable and practicable for the purpose of effecting such distribution, including, but not limited to, the public or private sale of the securities or property thus received, or any part thereof, and the net proceeds of any such sale (net of the fees and expenses of the Depositary as provided in Article 7 hereof and Section 5.09 of the Deposit Agreement) will be distributed by the Depositary to the Owners of Receipts entitled thereto all in the manner and subject to the conditions described in Section 4.01 of the Deposit Agreement. The Depositary may withhold any distribution of securities under Section 4.02 of the Deposit Agreement if it has not received satisfactory assurances from the Company that the distribution does not require registration under the Securities Act of 1933. The Depositary may sell, by public or private sale, an amount of securities or other property it would otherwise distribute under this Article that is sufficient to pay its fees and expenses in respect of that distribution.
If any distribution consists of a dividend in, or free distribution of, Shares, the Depositary may deliver to the Owners entitled thereto, an aggregate number of American Depositary Shares representing the amount of Shares received as such dividend or free distribution, subject to the terms and conditions of the Deposit Agreement with respect to the deposit of Shares and issuance of American Depositary Shares, including withholding of any tax or governmental charge as provided in Section 4.11 of the Deposit Agreement and payment of the fees and expenses of the Depositary as provided in Article 7 hereof and Section 5.09 of the Deposit Agreement (and the Depositary may sell, by public or private sale, an amount of Shares received sufficient to pay its fees and expenses in respect of that distribution). The Depositary may withhold any such delivery of American Depositary Shares if it has not received satisfactory assurances from the Company that such distribution does not require registration under the Securities Act of 1933. In lieu of delivering fractional American Depositary Shares in any such case, the Depositary may sell the amount of Shares represented by the aggregate of such fractions and distribute the net proceeds, all in the manner and subject to the conditions described in Section 4.01 of the Deposit Agreement. If additional American Depositary Shares are not so delivered, each American Depositary Share shall thenceforth also represent the additional Shares distributed upon the Deposited Securities represented thereby.
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In the event that the Depositary determines that any distribution in property (including Shares and rights to subscribe therefor) is subject to any tax or other governmental charge which the Depositary is obligated to withhold, the Depositary may by public or private sale dispose of all or a portion of such property (including Shares and rights to subscribe therefor) in such amounts and in such manner as the Depositary deems necessary and practicable to pay any such taxes or charges, and the Depositary shall distribute the net proceeds of any such sale after deduction of such taxes or charges to the Owners of Receipts entitled thereto.
13. RIGHTS .
In the event that the Company shall offer or cause to be offered to the holders of any Deposited Securities any rights to subscribe for additional Shares or any rights of any other nature, the Depositary shall have discretion as to the procedure to be followed in making such rights available to any Owners or in disposing of such rights on behalf of any Owners and making the net proceeds available to such Owners or, if by the terms of such rights offering or for any other reason, the Depositary may not either make such rights available to any Owners or dispose of such rights and make the net proceeds available to such Owners, then the Depositary shall allow the rights to lapse. If at the time of the offering of any rights the Depositary determines in its discretion that it is lawful and feasible to make such rights available to all or certain Owners but not to other Owners, the Depositary may distribute to any Owner to whom it determines the distribution to be lawful and feasible, in proportion to the number of American Depositary Shares held by such Owner, warrants or other instruments therefor in such form as it deems appropriate.
In circumstances in which rights would otherwise not be distributed, if an Owner requests the distribution of warrants or other instruments in order to exercise the rights allocable to the American Depositary Shares of such Owner under the Deposit Agreement, the Depositary will make such rights available to such Owner upon written notice from the Company to the Depositary that (a) the Company has elected in its sole discretion to permit such rights to be exercised and (b) such Owner has executed such documents as the Company has determined in its sole discretion are reasonably required under applicable law.
If the Depositary has distributed warrants or other instruments for rights to all or certain Owners, then upon instruction from such an Owner pursuant to such warrants or other instruments to the Depositary from such Owner to exercise such rights, upon payment by such Owner to the Depositary for the account of such Owner of an amount equal to the purchase price of the Shares to be received upon the exercise of the rights, and upon payment of the fees and expenses of the Depositary and any other charges as set forth in such warrants or other instruments, the Depositary shall, on behalf of such Owner, exercise the rights and purchase the Shares, and the Company shall cause the Shares so purchased to be delivered to the Depositary on behalf of such Owner. As agent for such Owner, the Depositary will cause the Shares so purchased to be deposited pursuant to Section 2.02 of the Deposit Agreement, and shall, pursuant to Section 2.03 of the Deposit Agreement, deliver American Depositary Shares to such Owner. In the case of a distribution pursuant to the second paragraph of this Article 13, such deposit shall be made, and depositary shares shall be delivered, under depositary arrangements which provide for issuance of depositary shares subject to the appropriate restrictions on sale, deposit, cancellation, and transfer under applicable United States laws.
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If the Depositary determines in its discretion that it is not lawful and feasible to make such rights available to all or certain Owners, it may sell the rights, warrants or other instruments in proportion to the number of American Depositary Shares held by the Owners to whom it has determined it may not lawfully or feasibly make such rights available, and allocate the net proceeds of such sales (net of the fees and expenses of the Depositary as provided in Section 5.09 of the Deposit Agreement and all taxes and governmental charges payable in connection with such rights and subject to the terms and conditions of the Deposit Agreement) for the account of such Owners otherwise entitled to such rights, warrants or other instruments, upon an averaged or other practical basis without regard to any distinctions among such Owners because of exchange restrictions or the date of delivery of any American Depositary Shares or otherwise.
The Depositary will not offer rights to Owners unless both the rights and the securities to which such rights relate are either exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 with respect to a distribution to all Owners or are registered under the provisions of such Act; provided, that nothing in the Deposit Agreement shall create any obligation on the part of the Company to file a registration statement with respect to such rights or underlying securities or to endeavor to have such a registration statement declared effective. If an Owner requests the distribution of warrants or other instruments, notwithstanding that there has been no such registration under the Securities Act of 1933, the Depositary shall not effect such distribution unless it has received an opinion from recognized counsel in the United States for the Company upon which the Depositary may rely that such distribution to such Owner is exempt from such registration.
The Depositary shall not be responsible for any failure to determine that it may be lawful or feasible to make such rights available to Owners in general or any Owner in particular.
14. CONVERSION OF FOREIGN CURRENCY .
Whenever the Depositary or the Custodian shall receive foreign currency, by way of dividends or other distributions or the net proceeds from the sale of securities, property or rights, and if at the time of the receipt thereof the foreign currency so received can in the judgment of the Depositary be converted on a reasonable basis into Dollars and the resulting Dollars transferred to the United States, the Depositary shall convert or cause to be converted by sale or in any other manner that it may determine, such foreign currency into Dollars, and such Dollars shall be distributed to the Owners entitled thereto or, if the Depositary shall have distributed any warrants or other instruments which entitle the holders thereof to such Dollars, then to the holders of such warrants and/or instruments upon surrender thereof for cancellation. Such distribution may be made upon an averaged or other practicable basis without regard to any distinctions among Owners on account of exchange restrictions, the date of delivery of any American Depositary Shares or otherwise and shall be net of any expenses of conversion into Dollars incurred by the Depositary as provided in Section 5.09 of the Deposit Agreement.
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If such conversion or distribution can be effected only with the approval or license of any government or agency thereof, the Depositary shall file such application for approval or license, if any, as it may deem desirable.
If at any time the Depositary shall determine that in its judgment any foreign currency received by the Depositary or the Custodian is not convertible on a reasonable basis into Dollars transferable to the United States, or if any approval or license of any government or agency thereof which is required for such conversion is denied or in the opinion of the Depositary is not obtainable, or if any such approval or license is not obtained within a reasonable period as determined by the Depositary, the Depositary may distribute the foreign currency (or an appropriate document evidencing the right to receive such foreign currency) received by the Depositary to, or in its discretion may hold such foreign currency uninvested and without liability for interest thereon for the respective accounts of, the Owners entitled to receive the same.
If any such conversion of foreign currency, in whole or in part, cannot be effected for distribution to some of the Owners entitled thereto, the Depositary may in its discretion make such conversion and distribution in Dollars to the extent permissible to the Owners entitled thereto and may distribute the balance of the foreign currency received by the Depositary to, or hold such balance uninvested and without liability for interest thereon for the respective accounts of, the Owners entitled thereto.
15. RECORD DATES .
Whenever any cash dividend or other cash distribution shall become payable or any distribution other than cash shall be made, or whenever rights shall be issued with respect to the Deposited Securities, or whenever the Depositary shall receive notice of any meeting of holders of Shares or other Deposited Securities, or whenever for any reason the Depositary causes a change in the number of Shares that are represented by each American Depositary Share, or whenever the Depositary shall find it necessary or convenient, the Depositary shall fix a record date, which shall be the same as, or as near as practicable to, any corresponding record date established by the Company in respect of the Shares or other Deposited Securities, (a) for the determination of the Owners who shall be (i) entitled to receive such dividend, distribution or rights or the net proceeds of the sale thereof, (ii) entitled to give instructions for the exercise of voting rights at any such meeting or (iii) responsible for any fee assessed by the Depositary pursuant to the Deposit Agreement, or (b) on or after which each American Depositary Share will represent the changed number of Shares, subject to the provisions of the Deposit Agreement.
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16. VOTING OF DEPOSITED SECURITIES .
Upon receipt of notice of any meeting of holders of Shares or other Deposited Securities, if requested in writing by the Company, the Depositary shall, as soon as practicable thereafter, mail to the Owners of Receipts a notice, the form of which notice shall be in the sole discretion of the Depositary, which shall contain (a) such information as is contained in such notice of meeting received by the Depositary from the Company, (b) a statement that the Owners as of the close of business on a specified record date will be entitled, subject to any applicable provision of law and of the articles of association or similar documents of the Company, to instruct the Depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights, if any, pertaining to the amount of Shares or other Deposited Securities represented by their respective American Depositary Shares and (c) a statement as to the manner in which such instructions may be given, including an express indication that instructions may be given or deemed given in accordance with the last sentence of this paragraph if no instruction is received, to the Depositary to give a discretionary proxy to a person designated by the Company. Upon the written request of an Owner of American Depositary Shares on such record date, received on or before the date established by the Depositary for such purpose, the Depositary shall endeavor insofar as practicable to vote or cause to be voted the amount of Shares or other Deposited Securities represented by those American Depositary Shares in accordance with the instructions set forth in such request. The Depositary shall not vote or attempt to exercise the right to vote that attaches to the Shares or other Deposited Securities, other than in accordance with such instructions or as provided in the following sentence. If (i) the Company instructed the Depositary to act under this Section 4.07 and complied with the following paragraph and (ii) no instructions are received by the Depositary from an Owner with respect to American Depositary Shares of that Owner on or before the date established by the Depositary for such purpose, the Depositary shall deem that Owner to have instructed the Depositary to give a discretionary proxy to a person designated by the Company with respect to the amount of Deposited Securities represented by those American Depositary Shares and the Depositary shall give a discretionary proxy to a person designated by the Company to vote that amount of Deposited Securities, except that no such instruction shall be deemed given and no such discretionary proxy shall be given with respect to any matter as to which the Company informs the Depositary (and the Company agrees to provide such information as promptly as practicable in writing, if applicable) that (x) the Company does not wish such proxy given, (y) substantial opposition exists or (z) such matter materially and adversely affects the rights of holders of Shares.
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There can be no assurance that Owners generally or any Owner in particular will receive the notice described in the preceding paragraph sufficiently prior to the instruction date to ensure that the Depositary will vote the Shares or Deposited Securities in accordance with the provisions set forth in the preceding paragraph.
In order to give Owners a reasonable opportunity to instruct the Depositary as to the exercise of voting rights relating to Deposited Securities, if the Company will request the Depositary to act under Section 4.07 of the Deposit Agreement, the Company shall give the Depositary notice of any such meeting or solicitation and details concerning the matters to be voted upon not less than 30 days prior to the meeting date.
17. CHANGES AFFECTING DEPOSITED SECURITIES .
Upon any change in nominal value, change in par value, split-up, consolidation, or any other reclassification of Deposited Securities, or upon any recapitalization, reorganization, merger or consolidation, or sale of assets affecting the Company or to which it is a party, or upon the redemption or cancellation by the Company of the Deposited Securities, any securities, cash or property which shall be received by the Depositary or a Custodian in exchange for, in conversion of, in lieu of or in respect of Deposited Securities shall be treated as new Deposited Securities under the Deposit Agreement, and American Depositary Shares shall thenceforth represent, in addition to the existing Deposited Securities, the right to receive the new Deposited Securities so received, unless additional Receipts are delivered pursuant to the following sentence. In any such case the Depositary may deliver additional American Depositary Shares as in the case of a dividend in Shares, or call for the surrender of outstanding Receipts to be exchanged for new Receipts specifically describing such new Deposited Securities.
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18. LIABILITY OF THE COMPANY AND DEPOSITARY .
Neither the Depositary nor the Company nor any of their respective directors, employees, agents or affiliates shall incur any liability to any Owner or Holder, (i) if by reason of any provision of any present or future law or regulation of the United States or any other country, or of any governmental or regulatory authority, or by reason of any provision, present or future, of the articles of association or any similar document of the Company, or by reason of any provision of any securities issued or distributed by the Company, or any offering or distribution thereof, or by reason of any act of God or war or terrorism or other circumstances beyond its control, the Depositary or the Company shall be prevented, delayed or forbidden from or be subject to any civil or criminal penalty on account of doing or performing any act or thing which by the terms of the Deposit Agreement or Deposited Securities it is provided shall be done or performed, (ii) by reason of any non-performance or delay, caused as aforesaid, in the performance of any act or thing which by the terms of the Deposit Agreement it is provided shall or may be done or performed, (iii) by reason of any exercise of, or failure to exercise, any discretion provided for in the Deposit Agreement, (iv) for the inability of any Owner or Holder to benefit from any distribution, offering, right or other benefit which is made available to holders of Deposited Securities but is not, under the terms of the Deposit Agreement, made available to Owners or Holders, or (v) for any special, consequential or punitive damages for any breach of the terms of the Deposit Agreement. Where, by the terms of a distribution pursuant to Section 4.01, 4.02 or 4.03 of the Deposit Agreement, or an offering or distribution pursuant to Section 4.04 of the Deposit Agreement, or for any other reason, such distribution or offering may not be made available to Owners of Receipts, and the Depositary may not dispose of such distribution or offering on behalf of such Owners and make the net proceeds available to such Owners, then the Depositary shall not make such distribution or offering, and shall allow any rights, if applicable, to lapse. Neither the Company nor the Depositary assumes any obligation or shall be subject to any liability under the Deposit Agreement to Owners or Holders, except that they agree to perform their obligations specifically set forth in the Deposit Agreement without negligence or bad faith. The Depositary shall not be subject to any liability with respect to the validity or worth of the Deposited Securities. Neither the Depositary nor the Company shall be under any obligation to appear in, prosecute or defend any action, suit, or other proceeding in respect of any Deposited Securities or in respect of the American Depositary Shares, on behalf of any Owner or Holder or other person. Neither the Depositary nor the Company shall be liable for any action or nonaction by it in reliance upon the advice of or information from legal counsel, accountants, any person presenting Shares for deposit, any Owner or Holder, or any other person believed by it in good faith to be competent to give such advice or information. 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 a matter arising wholly after the removal or resignation of the Depositary, provided that in connection with the issue out of which such potential liability arises, the Depositary performed its obligations without negligence or bad faith while it acted as Depositary. The Depositary shall not be liable for the acts or omissions of any securities depository, clearing agency or settlement system in connection with or arising out of book-entry settlement of Deposited Securities or otherwise, provided that any such acs or omissions are not the direct result of negligence or bad faith of the Depositary. The Depositary shall not be responsible for any failure to carry out any instructions to vote any of the Deposited Securities or for the manner in which any such vote is cast or the effect of any such vote, provided that any such action or nonaction is in good faith.
No disclaimer of liability under the Securities Act of 1933 is intended by any provision of the Deposit Agreement.
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19. RESIGNATION AND REMOVAL OF THE DEPOSITARY; APPOINTMENT OF SUCCESSOR CUSTODIAN .
The Depositary may at any time resign as Depositary under the Deposit Agreement by written notice of its election so to do delivered to the Company, such resignation to take effect upon the appointment of a successor depositary and its acceptance of such appointment as provided in the Deposit Agreement. The Depositary may at any time be removed by the Company by 120 days prior written notice of such removal, to become effective upon the later of (i) the 120th day after delivery of the notice to the Depositary and (ii) the appointment of a successor depositary and its acceptance of such appointment as provided in the Deposit Agreement. The Depositary in its discretion may appoint a substitute or additional custodian or custodians.
20. AMENDMENT .
The form of the Receipts and any provisions of the Deposit Agreement may at any time and from time to time be amended by agreement between the Company and the Depositary without the consent of Owners or Holders in any respect which they may deem necessary or desirable. Any amendment which shall impose or increase any fees or charges (other than taxes and other governmental charges, registration fees, cable, telex or facsimile transmission costs, delivery costs or other such expenses), or which shall otherwise prejudice any substantial existing right of Owners, shall, however, not become effective as to outstanding American Depositary Shares until the expiration of 30 days after notice of such amendment shall have been given to the Owners of outstanding American Depositary Shares. Every Owner and Holder of American Depositary Shares, at the time any amendment so becomes effective, shall be deemed, by continuing to hold such American Depositary Shares or any interest therein, to consent and agree to such amendment and to be bound by the Deposit Agreement as amended thereby. In no event shall any amendment impair the right of the Owner to surrender American Depositary Shares and receive therefor the Deposited Securities represented thereby, except in order to comply with mandatory provisions of applicable law.
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21. TERMINATION OF DEPOSIT AGREEMENT .
The Company may terminate the Deposit Agreement by instructing the Depositary to mail notice of termination to the Owners of all American Depositary Shares then outstanding at least 30 days prior to the termination date included in such notice. The Depositary may likewise terminate the Deposit Agreement, if at any time 60 days shall have expired after the Depositary delivered to the Company a written resignation notice and if a successor depositary shall not have been appointed and accepted its appointment as provided in the Deposit Agreement; in such case the Depositary shall mail a notice of termination to the Owners of all American Depositary Shares then outstanding at least 30 days prior to the termination date. On and after the date of termination, the Owner of American Depositary Shares will, upon (a) surrender of such American Depositary Shares, (b) payment of the fee of the Depositary for the surrender of American Depositary Shares referred to in Section 2.05, and (c) payment of any applicable taxes or governmental charges, be entitled to delivery, to him or upon his order, of the amount of Deposited Securities represented by those American Depositary Shares. If any American Depositary Shares shall remain outstanding after the date of termination, the Depositary thereafter shall discontinue the registration of transfers of American Depositary Shares, shall suspend the distribution of dividends to the Owners thereof, and shall not give any further notices or perform any further acts under the Deposit Agreement, except that the Depositary shall continue to collect dividends and other distributions pertaining to Deposited Securities, shall sell rights and other property as provided in the Deposit Agreement, and shall continue to deliver Deposited Securities, together with any dividends or other distributions received with respect thereto and the net proceeds of the sale of any rights or other property, upon surrender of American Depositary Shares (after deducting, in each case, the fee of the Depositary for the surrender of American Depositary Shares, any expenses for the account of the Owner of such American Depositary Shares in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Deposit Agreement, and any applicable taxes or governmental charges). At any time after the expiration of four months from the date of termination, the Depositary may sell the Deposited Securities then held under the Deposit Agreement and may thereafter hold uninvested the net proceeds of any such sale, together with any other cash then held by it thereunder, unsegregated and without liability for interest, for the pro rata benefit of the Owners of American Depositary Shares that have not theretofore been surrendered, such Owners thereupon becoming general creditors of the Depositary with respect to such net proceeds. After making such sale, the Depositary shall be discharged from all obligations under the Deposit Agreement, except to account for such net proceeds and other cash (after deducting, in each case, the fee of the Depositary for the surrender of American Depositary Shares, any expenses for the account of the Owner of such American Depositary Shares in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Deposit Agreement, and any applicable taxes or governmental charges). Upon the termination of the Deposit Agreement, the Company shall be discharged from all obligations under the Deposit Agreement except for its obligations to the Depositary with respect to indemnification, charges, and expenses.
22. DTC DIRECT REGISTRATION SYSTEM AND PROFILE MODIFICATION SYSTEM .
(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2.04 of the Deposit Agreement, the parties acknowledge that the Direct Registration System (DRS) and Profile Modification System (Profile) shall apply to uncertificated American Depositary Shares upon acceptance thereof to DRS by DTC. DRS is the system administered by DTC pursuant to which the Depositary may register the ownership of uncertificated American Depositary Shares, which ownership shall be evidenced by periodic statements issued by the Depositary to the Owners entitled thereto. Profile is a required feature of DRS which allows a DTC participant, claiming to act on behalf of an Owner, to direct the Depositary to register a transfer of those American Depositary Shares to DTC or its nominee and to deliver those American Depositary Shares to the DTC account of that DTC participant without receipt by the Depositary of prior authorization from the Owner to register such transfer.
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(b) In connection with and in accordance with the arrangements and procedures relating to DRS/Profile, the parties understand that the Depositary will not verify, determine or otherwise ascertain that the DTC participant which is claiming to be acting on behalf of an Owner in requesting registration of transfer and delivery described in subsection (a) has the actual authority to act on behalf of the Owner (notwithstanding any requirements under the Uniform Commercial Code). For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of Sections 5.03 and 5.08 of the Deposit Agreement shall apply to the matters arising from the use of the DRS. The parties agree that the Depositarys reliance on and compliance with instructions received by the Depositary through the DRS/Profile System and in accordance with the Deposit Agreement, shall not constitute negligence or bad faith on the part of the Depositary.
23. ARBITRATION; SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES.
Any controversy, claim or cause of action brought by any party hereto against the Company arising out of or relating to the Shares or other Deposited Securities, the American Depositary Shares, the Receipts or this Deposit Agreement, or the breach hereof or thereof, if so elected by the claimant, shall be settled by arbitration in accordance with the International Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association, and judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrators may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.
The place of the arbitration shall be The City of New York, State of New York, United States of America, and the language of the arbitration shall be English.
The number of arbitrators shall be three, each of whom shall be disinterested in the dispute or controversy, shall have no connection with any party thereto, and shall be an attorney experienced in international securities transactions. Each party shall appoint one arbitrator and the two arbitrators shall select a third arbitrator who shall serve as chairperson of the tribunal. If a dispute, controversy or cause of action shall involve more than two parties, the parties shall attempt to align themselves in two sides (i.e., claimant(s) and respondent(s)), each of which shall appoint one arbitrator as if there were only two parties to such dispute, controversy or cause of action. If such alignment and appointment shall not have occurred within thirty (30) calendar days after the initiating party serves the arbitration demand, the American Arbitration Association shall appoint the three arbitrators, each of whom shall have the qualifications described above. The parties and the American Arbitration Association may appoint from among the nationals of any country, whether or not a party is a national of that country.
The arbitral tribunal shall have no authority to award any consequential, special or punitive damages or other damages not measured by the prevailing partys actual damages and may not, in any event, make any ruling, finding or award that does not conform to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement.
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24. SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION; JURY TRIAL WAIVER; WAIVER OF IMMUNITIES .
In the Deposit Agreement, the Company has (i) appointed Law Debenture Corporate Services, in the State of New York, as the Companys authorized agent upon which process may be served in any suit or proceeding (including any arbitration proceeding) arising out of or relating to the Shares or Deposited Securities, the American Depositary Shares, the Receipts or this Agreement, (ii) consented and submitted to the jurisdiction of any state or federal court in the State of New York in which any such suit or proceeding may be instituted and (iii) agreed that service of process upon said authorized agent shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon the Company in any such suit or proceeding.
EACH PARTY TO THE DEPOSIT AGREEMENT (INCLUDING, FOR AVOIDANCE OF DOUBT, EACH OWNER AND HOLDER) THEREBY 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 COMPANY AND/OR THE DEPOSITARY DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THE SHARES OR OTHER DEPOSITED SECURITIES, THE AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES OR THE RECEIPTS, THE DEPOSIT AGREEMENT OR ANY TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREIN OR THEREIN, OR THE BREACH HEREOF OR THEREOF, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY QUESTION REGARDING EXISTENCE, VALIDITY OR TERMINATION (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY).
To the extent that the Company or any of its properties, assets or revenues may have or hereafter become entitled to, or have attributed to it, any right of immunity, on the grounds of sovereignty or otherwise, from any legal action, suit or proceeding, from the giving of any relief in any respect thereof, from setoff or counterclaim, from the jurisdiction of any court, from service of process, from attachment upon or prior to judgment, from attachment in aid of execution or judgment, or other legal process or proceeding for the giving of any relief or for the enforcement of any judgment, in any jurisdiction in which proceedings may at any time be commenced, with respect to its obligations, liabilities or any other matter under or arising out of or in connection with the Shares or Deposited Securities, the American Depositary Shares, the Receipts or the Deposit Agreement, the Company, to the fullest extent permitted by law, hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives, and agrees not to plead or claim, any such immunity and consents to such relief and enforcement.
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25. DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS .
The Company may from time to time request Owners to provide information as to the capacity in which such Owners own or owned American Depositary Shares and regarding the identity of any other persons then or previously interested in such American Depositary Shares and the nature of such interest. Each Owner agrees to provide any information requested by the Company or the Depositary pursuant to Section 3.04 of the Deposit Agreement. The Depositary agrees to comply with reasonable written instructions received from the Company requesting that the Depositary forward any such requests to the Owners and to forward to the Company any such responses to such requests received by the Depositary. The Depositary shall provide reasonable assistance to the Company, at the Companys request and expense, in obtaining information sought by the Company pursuant to Section 3.04 of the Deposit Agreement.
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Exhibit 10.44
Dated , 2014
Non-Competition Deed
Between
Kingsoft Corporation Limited
and
Cheetah Mobile Inc.
CONTENTS
1. |
DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION |
1 | ||||
2. |
NON-COMPETITION UNDERTAKINGS BY CMI |
3 | ||||
3. |
NON-COMPETITION UNDERTAKINGS BY THE COMPANY |
3 | ||||
4. |
THE COMPANYS RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL |
4 | ||||
5. |
CMIS RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL |
4 | ||||
6. |
FURTHER UNDERTAKINGS |
5 | ||||
7. |
INVALIDITY |
5 | ||||
9. |
SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS |
5 | ||||
10. |
NOTICES |
6 | ||||
11. |
COUNTERPARTS |
6 | ||||
12. |
GOVERNING LAW |
6 |
THIS DEED is dated the day of , 2014 and made
between:
(1) | Kingsoft Corporation Limited (the Company ), an exempted limited liability company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands and registered in the Cayman Islands as an exempted limited liability company, whose registered office is as Clifton House, 75 Fort Street, P.O. Box 1350 GT, George Town, Grand Cayman KY1-1108, Cayman Islands; |
and:
(2) | Cheetah Mobile Inc. ( CMI ), formerly known as Kingsoft Internet Software Holdings Limited, an exempted limited liability company incorporated in the Cayman Islands, whose registered office is at Harneys Services (Cayman) Limited, 4th Floor, Harbour Place, 103 South Church Street, George Town, P.O. Box 10240, Grand Cayman KY1-1002, Cayman Islands. |
WHEREAS:
(A) | The Company made an application to the Stock Exchange for the spin-off listing of its information security software business (the Proposed Spin-off ). |
(B) | The information security software business is currently carried on by CMI and its subsidiaries (collectively, the Spin-off Group ). |
(C) | CMI made a confidential submission to the Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States for the listing of, and the permission to deal in, American depositary shares ( ADSs ) representing ordinary shares of CMI on the NASDAQ Global Market or the New York Stock Exchange (the Proposed Listing ). |
(D) | The Company is, and will immediately following the completion of the Proposed Listing be, the Controlling Shareholder (as defined in the Listing Rules) of CMI. |
(E) | The Company and CMI have agreed to, subject to the terms and conditions set out in this Deed, give certain undertakings in favour of each other to facilitate the Proposed Listing. |
1. | DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION |
1.1 | In this Deed the following expressions shall, unless the context otherwise requires, have the following meanings: |
associates | has the meaning ascribed to it under the Listing Rules; | |
Business Day | means any day (other than a Saturday or a Sunday) on which banks in Hong Kong are generally open for normal banking business; | |
Effective Date | means the date of this Deed; | |
Hong Kong | means the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the PRC; | |
Listing Rules | means the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on the Stock Exchange; |
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Parties | means the parties to this Deed and Party means any one of them; | |
PRC | means the Peoples Republic of China (excluding for the purposes of this Deed, Hong Kong, the Macau Special Administrative Region of the PRC and Taiwan); | |
Relevant Period |
means the period commencing on the Effective Date and ending on the earlier of:
(a) the date on which the Company and/or its associates become collectively entitled to exercise, or control the exercise of, less than 30% (or such other percentage of shareholding as stipulated in the Listing Rules to constitute a controlling shareholder) of voting power at general meetings of CMI; or
(b) the date on which the ADSs representing ordinary shares of CMI cease to be listed on the NASDAQ Global Market or the New York Stock Exchange (except for temporary suspension of trading of the ADSs); |
|
Remaining Group | means the Company and the subsidiaries of the Company from time to time that do not form part of the Spin-off Group; | |
Stock Exchange | means The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited; and | |
subsidiary | has the meaning ascribed to it under the Listing Rules. |
1.2 | In this Deed: |
(a) | any reference to a person shall include any individual, company, corporation, firm partnership, joint venture, association, organization or trust (in each case, whether or not having separate legal personality) and references to any of the same shall include a reference to the others; |
(b) | references to statutory provisions shall be construed as references to those provisions as amended or re-enacted or as their application is modified by other provisions from time to time and shall include references to any provisions of which they are re-enactments (whether with or without modification); |
(c) | references to this Deed or to any other agreement or document referred to in this Deed shall mean this deed or such other agreement or document as amended, varied, supplemented, modified or novated from time to time, and shall include the schedules; and |
(d) | references to clauses shall mean references to clauses of this Deed. |
1.3 | The headings are inserted for convenience only and shall not affect the construction of this Deed. |
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2. | NON-COMPETITION UNDERTAKINGS BY CMI |
2.1 | Subject to Clauses 2.2 and 2.3 below, CMI hereby irrevocably and unconditionally undertakes with the Company that at any time during the Relevant Period, CMI will, and will procure that its subsidiaries will: |
(a) | not, directly or indirectly, carry on, engage, invest, participate or otherwise be interested in, whether on its own account or with each other or in conjunction with or on behalf of any person, the research and development of online games and mobile games (the Games Development Business ); |
(b) | not, directly or indirectly, carry on, engage, invest, participate or otherwise be interested in, whether on its own account or with each other or in conjunction with or on behalf of any person, the operation of self-developed or third party-developed games through a dedicated games website or platform (the Principal Game Operation ); and |
(c) | only engage in the operation of third party-developed games as a means to monetize the traffic on a website or platform that is principally used to market a non-game product (the Ancillary Game Operation ). |
2.2 | Notwithstanding Clause 2.1(c), members of the Spin-off Group may operate games developed by members of the Remaining Group subject to complying with the relevant requirements under Chapter 14A of the Listing Rules. |
2.3 | Notwithstanding Clause 2.1, CMI and its subsidiaries may hold shares, invest or otherwise be interested, in any company which conducts or is engaged in the Games Development Business (a Subject Company), provided that: |
(a) | the shareholding of CMI and its subsidiaries in a Subject Company is limited to a percentage that is less than 50% (except that the shareholding of CMI and its subsidiaries may exceed 50% if CMI has previously offered the right to the Company to acquire such number of shares in the Subject Company that would cause the shareholding of CMI and its subsidiaries to exceed 50%, and the Company has elected not to or has otherwise failed to take up such right within 30 days of being so offered); and |
(b) | CMI and its subsidiaries do not have board or management control of a Subject Company, except that this Clause 2.3(b) does not apply to any Subject Company that CMI and its subsidiaries collectively hold 50% or more of its issued shares. |
3. | NON-COMPETITION UNDERTAKINGS BY THE COMPANY |
3.1 | The Company hereby irrevocably and unconditionally undertakes with CMI that at any time during the Relevant Period, the Company will, and will procure that its subsidiaries and consolidated affiliates (other than members of the Spin-off Group) will not, directly or indirectly, carry on, engage, invest, participate or otherwise be interested in, whether on its own account or with each other or in conjunction with or on behalf of any person, any business relating to information security software, web browsers, the provision of information security service across devices and the provision of online advertising services relating to information security software, in each case in any country other than Japan (the Information Security Business ), including but not limited to, offering mission critical applications for internet and mobile users which optimize internet and mobile system performance and provide real time protection against known and unknown security threats, and providing businesses with multiple user traffic entry points and global content distribution channels, such as Cheetah browser and personalized recommendation engine, and Duba anti-virus application and duba.com personal start page. |
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3.2 | During the Relevant Period, the Company shall use its best efforts to limit the revenue of the Remaining Group from the operation of third party-developed games through its dedicated games websites and platforms (the Third Party Games Operation Revenue ) to less than 5% of its total revenue derived from the operation of self-developed and third party-developed games (the Total Games Operation Revenue ). Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event the Companys Third Party Games Operation Revenue in any financial year shall have reached 5% or more of its Total Games Operation Revenue, the Company shall, in the immediately succeeding financial year, refer to CMI any new business opportunity that members of the Remaining Group shall have been offered to operate new third party-developed games. The Company shall refer such new business opportunities to CMI, provided however that the Company shall not be obligated to refer any business opportunities to CMI if it determines in good faith that its Third Party Games Operation Revenue will be less than 5% of its Total Games Operation Revenue for the prevailing financial year. In the event the relevant third party game developer refuses to have CMI take up the new business opportunity or CMI fails to accept such new business opportunity within 30 days of being so informed, the Company may take up such opportunity and its involvement in the business derived from such opportunity shall not be regarded as a breach of this Deed. |
4. | THE COMPANYS RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL |
4.1 | CMI hereby irrevocably and unconditionally undertakes with the Company that during the Relevant Period, in the event CMI and/or its subsidiaries were given any business opportunity relating to the Games Development Business, CMI shall and shall procure its subsidiaries to inform the Company of such opportunity in writing with all available information as soon as practicable and shall assist the Company or its designated subsidiary in obtaining such opportunity. |
4.2 | In the event that the board of directors of the Company (excluding any directors with positions at the Spin-off Group with conflicted interests as required by the Listing Rules) decides not to or otherwise fails to take up such opportunity as referred to in Clause 4.1 above within 30 days of being so informed, CMI and/or its subsidiaries may take up such opportunity and the involvement by CMI and/or its subsidiaries in the business derived from such opportunity shall not be regarded as a breach of this Deed. |
4.3 | Notwithstanding Clause 4.1, CMI and/or its subsidiaries may acquire shares in any company which conducts or is engaged in the Games Development Business and such acquisition shall not be regarded as a breach of this Deed provided that the requirements under Clause 2.3 shall have been complied with. |
4.4 | If, following the acquisition in Clause 4.3, CMI and/or its subsidiaries is able to acquire additional interests in the company such that it will have an aggregate interest exceeding 50% of the issues shares of such company, CMI shall first offer the right to acquire such additional interests to the Company. In the event that the Company elects not to or otherwise fails to take up such right within 30 days of being so offered, CMI and/or its subsidiaries may proceed to acquire such additional interests. |
5. | CMIS RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL |
5.1 | The Company hereby irrevocably and unconditionally undertakes with CMI that during the Relevant Period, in the event the Company or its subsidiaries (other than members of the Spin-off Group) were given any business opportunity relating to the Information Security Business, the Company shall and shall procure its subsidiaries to inform CMI of such opportunity in writing with all available information as soon as practicable and shall assist CMI or its designated subsidiary in obtaining such opportunity. |
5.2 | In the event that the board of directors of CMI decides not to or otherwise fails to take up such opportunity as referred to in Clause 5.1 above within 30 days of being so informed, the Company and/or its subsidiaries (other than members of the Spin-off Group) may take up such opportunity and the involvement in the business derived from such opportunity shall not be regarded as a breach of this Deed. |
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6. | FURTHER UNDERTAKINGS |
6.1 | Each of the Parties agrees to indemnify the other from and against any and all losses, damages and costs (including legal costs) which loss, damage or cost is resulted from any failure to comply with the terms of this Deed by the Parties or any of their respective subsidiaries. |
6.2 | Each of the Parties acknowledges that monetary damages may not be a sufficient remedy for any breach of this Deed and that the Parties or any of their respective subsidiaries will be entitled to specific performance and injunctive or other equitable relief as a remedy for such breach. |
7. | INVALIDITY |
7.1 | While the restrictions contained in this Deed are considered reasonable in all circumstances, it is recognized that restrictions of the nature in question may fail for technical reasons unforeseen. Accordingly, it is hereby agreed and declared that if any such restriction shall be adjudged to be void as going beyond what is reasonable in all the circumstances for the protection of the interests of the Parties, but would be valid if part of the wording thereof were deleted, the said restrictions shall apply with such modifications as may be necessary to make it valid and effective. |
7.2 | The Parties hereby agree that, except as expressly set forth in this Deed, any failure by any Party to exercise or any delay by any Party in exercising any right, power of privilege under this Deed shall not in any way impair or affect the exercise thereof or operate as a waiver thereof in whole or in part. |
8. | TERMINATION |
8.1 | The undertakings given by the Parties under this Deed shall lapse and the Parties shall be released from the restrictions imposed on them upon the occurrence of the earliest of any of the following events or circumstances: |
(a) | the date on which the Company and/or its associates become collectively entitled to exercise, or control the exercise of, less than 30% (or such other percentage of shareholding as stipulated in the Listing Rules to constitute a controlling shareholder) of voting power at general meetings of CMI; or |
(b) | the date on which the ADSs representing ordinary shares of CMI cease to be listed on the NASDAQ Global Market or the New York Stock Exchange (except for temporary suspension of trading of the ADSs). |
9. | SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS |
9.1 | This Deed shall be binding upon the Parties thereto, their respective successors and permitted assigns, and shall enure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, the Parties, their respective successors and permitted assigns. |
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10. | NOTICES |
10.1 | Any notice (which term shall in Clause 10 include any other communication) required to be given under this Deed or in connection with the matters contemplated by it shall, except where otherwise specifically provided, be in writing. |
10.2 | Any such notice shall be addressed as provided in Clause 10.3 below and may be: |
(a) | personally delivered, in which case it shall be deemed to have been given upon delivery at the relevant address; |
(b) | sent by pre-paid post within Hong Kong, in which case it shall be deemed to have been given two Business Days after the date of posting; or |
(c) | sent by pre-paid air mail from or to any place outside Hong Kong, in which case it shall be deemed to have been given seven Business Days after the date of posting. |
10.3 | The address and other details of the parties referred to in this Deed are: |
10.4 | Any Party to this Deed may notify the other Party of any change to the address or any of the other details specified in Clause 10.3, provided that such notification shall only be effective on the date specified in such notice or five Business Days after the notice is given, whichever is later. |
11. | COUNTERPARTS |
11.1 | This Deed may be executed in any number of counterparts and by either Party hereto on separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be an original, but all of the counterparts shall together constitute one and the same deed. |
12. | GOVERNING LAW |
12.1 | This Deed is governed by and shall be construed in accordance with the laws of Hong Kong. |
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF THIS DEED HAS BEEN DULY EXECUTED UNDER SEAL ON THE DATE STATED ABOVE
SEALED with the COMMON SEAL of | ) | |
Kingsoft Corporation Limited | ) | |
and SIGNED by | ) | |
in the presence of: | ) |
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF THIS DEED HAS BEEN DULY EXECUTED UNDER SEAL ON THE DATE STATED ABOVE
SEALED with the COMMON SEAL of | ) | |
Cheetah Mobile Inc. | ) | |
and SIGNED by | ) | |
in the presence of: | ) |
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Exhibit 10.48
CHEETAH MOBILE INC.
2014 RESTRICTED SHARES PLAN
ARTICLE 1
PURPOSE
The purpose of the Cheetah Mobile Inc. 2014 Restricted Shares Plan (the Plan ) is to promote the success and enhance the value of Cheetah Mobile Inc., a company formed under the laws of the Cayman Islands (the Company ), by linking the personal interests of the members of the Board, Employees, and Consultants to those of the Companys shareholders and by providing such individuals with an incentive for outstanding performance to generate superior returns to the Companys shareholders. The Plan is further intended to provide flexibility to the Company in its ability to motivate, attract, and retain the services of members of the Board, Employees, and Consultants upon whose judgment, interest, and special effort the successful conduct of the Companys operation is largely dependent.
ARTICLE 2
DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION
Wherever the following terms are used in the Plan, they shall have the meanings specified below, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The singular pronoun shall include the plural where the context so indicates.
2.1 Applicable Laws means the legal requirements relating to the Plan and the Awards under applicable provisions of the corporate, securities, tax and other laws, rules, regulations and government orders, and the rules of any applicable stock exchange or national market system, of any jurisdiction applicable to Awards granted to residents therein.
2.2 Award means a Restricted Share or Restricted Share Unit award granted to a Participant pursuant to the Plan.
2.3 Award Agreement means any written agreement, contract, or other instrument or document evidencing an Award, including through electronic medium.
2.4 Board means the Board of Directors of the Company.
2.5 Cause with respect to a Participant means (unless otherwise expressly provided in the applicable Award Agreement, or another applicable contract with the Participant that defines such term for purposes of determining the effect that a for cause termination has on the Participants Awards) a termination of employment or service based upon a finding by the Service Recipient, acting in good faith and based on its reasonable belief at the time, that the Participant:
(a) has been negligent in the discharge of his or her duties to the Service Recipient, has refused to perform stated or assigned duties or is incompetent in or (other than by reason of a Disability or analogous condition) incapable of performing those duties;
(b) has been dishonest or committed or engaged in an act of theft, embezzlement or fraud, a breach of confidentiality, an unauthorized disclosure or use of inside information, customer lists, trade secrets or other confidential information;
(c) has breached a fiduciary duty, or willfully and materially violated any other duty, law, rule, regulation or policy of the Service Recipient; or has been convicted of, or plead guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony or misdemeanor (other than minor traffic violations or similar offenses);
(d) has materially breached any of the provisions of any agreement with the Service Recipient;
(e) has engaged in unfair competition with, or otherwise acted intentionally in a manner injurious to the reputation, business or assets of, the Service Recipient; or
(f) has improperly induced a vendor or customer to break or terminate any contract with the Service Recipient or induced a principal for whom the Service Recipient acts as agent to terminate such agency relationship.
A termination for Cause shall be deemed to occur (subject to reinstatement upon a contrary final determination by the Committee) on the date on which the Service Recipient first delivers written notice to the Participant of a finding of termination for Cause.
2.6 Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 of the United States, as amended.
2.7 Committee means the Board or a committee of the Board described in Article 9.
2.8 Consultant means any consultant or adviser if: (a) the consultant or adviser renders bona fide services to a Service Recipient; (b) the services rendered by the consultant or adviser are not in connection with the offer or sale of securities in a capital-raising transaction and do not directly or indirectly promote or maintain a market for the Companys securities; and (c) the consultant or adviser is a natural person who has contracted directly with the Service Recipient to render such services.
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2.9 Corporate Transaction , unless otherwise defined in an Award Agreement, means any of the following transactions, provided, however, that the Committee shall determine under (d) and (e) whether multiple transactions are related, and its determination shall be final, binding and conclusive:
(a) an amalgamation, arrangement or consolidation or scheme of arrangement (i) in which the Company is not the surviving entity, except for a transaction the principal purpose of which is to change the jurisdiction in which the Company is incorporated or (ii) following which the holders of the voting securities of the Company do not continue to hold more than 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the surviving entity;
(b) the sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company;
(c) the complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company;
(d) any reverse takeover or series of related transactions culminating in a reverse takeover (including, but not limited to, a tender offer followed by a reverse takeover) in which the Company is the surviving entity but (A) the Companys equity securities outstanding immediately prior to such takeover are converted or exchanged by virtue of the takeover into other property, whether in the form of securities, cash or otherwise, or (B) in which securities possessing more than fifty percent (50%) of the total combined voting power of the Companys outstanding securities are transferred to a person or persons different from those who held such securities immediately prior to such takeover or the initial transaction culminating in such takeover, but excluding any such transaction or series of related transactions that the Committee determines shall not be a Corporate Transaction; or
(e) acquisition in a single or series of related transactions by any person or related group of persons (other than the Company or by a Company-sponsored employee benefit plan) of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act) of securities possessing more than fifty percent (50%) of the total combined voting power of the Companys outstanding securities but excluding any such transaction or series of related transactions that the Committee determines shall not be a Corporate Transaction.
2.10 Disability , unless otherwise defined in an Award Agreement, means that the Participant qualifies to receive long-term disability payments under the Service Recipients long-term disability insurance program, as it may be amended from time to time, to which the Participant provides services regardless of whether the Participant is covered by such policy. If the Service Recipient to which the Participant provides service does not have a long-term disability plan in place, Disability means that a Participant has been rendered permanently unable to carry out the responsibilities and functions of any position in the Company by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment as documented by a hospital facility. A Participant will not be considered to have incurred a Disability unless he or she furnishes proof of such impairment sufficient to satisfy the Committee in its discretion.
2.11 Effective Date shall have the meaning set forth in Section 10.1.
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2.12 Employee means any person, including an officer or a member of the Board of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company, who is in the employment of a Service Recipient, subject to the control and direction of the Service Recipient as to both the work to be performed and the manner and method of performance. The payment of a directors fee by a Service Recipient shall not be sufficient to constitute employment by the Service Recipient.
2.13 Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 of the United States, as amended.
2.14 Fair Market Value means, as of any date, the value of Shares determined as follows:
(a) If the Shares are listed on one or more established stock exchanges or national market systems, including without limitation, The New York Stock Exchange and The Nasdaq Stock Market, its Fair Market Value shall be the closing sales price for such shares (or the closing bid, if no sales were reported) as quoted on the principal exchange or system on which the Shares are listed (as determined by the Committee) on the date of determination (or, if no closing sales price or closing bid was reported on that date, as applicable, on the last trading date such closing sales price or closing bid was reported), as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Committee deems reliable;
(b) If the Shares are regularly quoted on an automated quotation system (including the OTC Bulletin Board) or by a recognized securities dealer, its Fair Market Value shall be the closing sales price for such shares as quoted on such system or by such securities dealer on the date of determination, but if selling prices are not reported, the Fair Market Value of a Share shall be the mean between the high bid and low asked prices for the Shares on the date of determination (or, if no such prices were reported on that date, on the last date such prices were reported), as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Committee deems reliable; or
(c) In the absence of an established market for the Shares of the type described in (a) and (b), above, the Fair Market Value thereof shall be determined by the Committee in good faith and in its discretion by reference to (i) the placing price of the latest private placement of the Shares and the development of the Companys business operations and the general economic and market conditions since such latest private placement, (ii) other third party transactions involving the Shares and the development of the Companys business operation and the general economic and market conditions since such sale, (iii) an independent valuation of the Shares, or (iv) such other methodologies or information as the Committee determines to be indicative of Fair Market Value and relevant.
2.15 Independent Director means (i) before the Shares or other securities representing the Shares are listed on a stock exchange, a member of the Board who is a Non-Employee Director; and (ii) after the Shares or other securities representing the Shares are listed on a stock exchange, a member of the Board who meets the independence standards under the applicable corporate governance rules of the stock exchange.
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2.16 Non-Employee Director means a member of the Board who qualifies as a Non-Employee Director as defined in Rule 16b-3(b)(3) of the Exchange Act, or any successor definition adopted by the Board.
2.17 Participant means a person who, as a member of the Board, Consultant or Employee, has been granted an Award pursuant to the Plan.
2.18 Parent means a parent corporation under Section 424(e) of the Code.
2.19 Plan means this Cheetah Mobile Inc. 2014 Restricted Shares Plan, as it may be amended from time to time.
2.20 Related Entity means any business, corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity in which the Company, a Parent or Subsidiary of the Company holds a substantial ownership interest, directly or indirectly, but which is not a Subsidiary and which the Board designates as a Related Entity for purposes of the Plan.
2.21 Restricted Share means a Share awarded to a Participant pursuant to Article 5 that is subject to certain restrictions and may be subject to risk of forfeiture.
2.22 Restricted Share Unit means the right granted to a Participant pursuant to Article 6 to receive a Share at a future date.
2.23 Securities Act means the Securities Act of 1933 of the United States, as amended.
2.24 Service Recipient means the Company, any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company and any Related Entity to which a Participant provides services as an Employee, a Consultant or a Director.
2.25 Share means Class A Ordinary Shares of the Company, and such other securities of the Company that may be substituted for Shares pursuant to Article 8.
2.26 Subsidiary means any corporation or other entity of which a majority of the outstanding voting shares or voting power is beneficially owned directly or indirectly by the Company.
2.27 Trading Date means the closing of the first sale to the general public of the Shares pursuant to a registration statement filed with and declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act.
ARTICLE 3
SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN
3.1 Number of Shares .
(a) Subject to the provisions of Article 9 and Section 3.1(b), the maximum aggregate number of Shares, which may be issued pursuant to all Awards granted under the Plan, shall be equal to 122,545,665 Shares.
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(b) To the extent that an Award terminates, expires, or lapses for any reason, any Shares subject to the Award shall again be available for the grant of an Award pursuant to the Plan. To the extent permitted by Applicable Laws, Shares issued in assumption of, or in substitution for, any outstanding awards of any entity acquired in any form or combination by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company shall not be counted against Shares available for grant pursuant to the Plan. Shares delivered by the Participant or withheld by the Company upon the vesting of any Award under the Plan, in payment of the purchase price thereof or tax withholding thereon, may again be granted or awarded hereunder, subject to the limitations of Section 3.1(a). If any Restricted Shares are forfeited by the Participant or repurchased by the Company, such Shares may again be granted or awarded hereunder, subject to the limitations of Section 3.1(a).
3.2 Shares Distributed . Any Shares distributed pursuant to an Award may consist, in whole or in part, of authorized and unissued Shares, treasury shares (subject to Applicable Laws) or Shares purchased on the open market. Additionally, in the discretion of the Committee, American Depositary Shares in an amount equal to the number of Shares which otherwise would be distributed pursuant to an Award may be distributed in lieu of Shares in settlement of any Award. If the number of Shares represented by an American Depositary Share is other than on a one-to-one basis, the limitations of Section 3.1 shall be adjusted to reflect the distribution of American Depositary Shares in lieu of Shares.
ARTICLE 4
ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION
4.1 Eligibility . Persons eligible to participate in this Plan include Employees, Consultants, and all members of the Board, as determined by the Committee.
4.2 Participation . Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Committee may, from time to time, select from among all eligible individuals, those to whom Awards shall be granted and shall determine the nature and amount of each Award. No individual shall have any right to be granted an Award pursuant to this Plan.
4.3 Jurisdictions . In order to assure the viability of Awards granted to Participants employed in various jurisdictions, the Committee may provide for such special terms as it may consider necessary or appropriate to accommodate differences in local law, tax policy, or custom applicable in the jurisdiction in which the Participant resides or is employed. Moreover, the Committee may approve such supplements to, or amendments, restatements, or alternative versions of, the Plan as it may consider necessary or appropriate for such purposes without thereby affecting the terms of the Plan as in effect for any other purpose; provided, however , that no such supplements, amendments, restatements, or alternative versions shall increase the share limitations contained in Section 3.1 of the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may not take any actions hereunder, and no Awards shall be granted, that would violate any Applicable Laws.
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ARTICLE 5
RESTRICTED SHARES
5.1 Grant of Restricted Shares . The Committee, at any time and from time to time, may grant Restricted Shares to Participants as the Committee, in its sole discretion, shall determine. The Committee, in its sole discretion, shall determine the number of Restricted Shares to be granted to each Participant.
5.2 Restricted Shares Award Agreement . Each Award of Restricted Shares shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement that shall specify the period of restriction, the number of Restricted Shares granted, and such other terms and conditions as the Committee, in its sole discretion, shall determine. Unless the Committee determines otherwise, Restricted Shares shall be held by the Company as escrow agent until the restrictions on such Restricted Shares have lapsed.
5.3 Issuance and Restrictions . Restricted Shares shall be subject to such restrictions on transferability and other restrictions as the Committee may impose (including, without limitation, limitations on the right to vote Restricted Shares or the right to receive dividends on the Restricted Share). These restrictions may lapse separately or in combination at such times, pursuant to such circumstances, in such installments, or otherwise, as the Committee determines at the time of the grant of the Award or thereafter.
5.4 Forfeiture/Repurchase . Except as otherwise determined by the Committee at the time of the grant of the Award or thereafter, upon termination of employment or service during the applicable restriction period, Restricted Shares that are at that time subject to restrictions shall be forfeited or repurchased in accordance with the Award Agreement; provided, however , the Committee may (a) provide in any Restricted Share Award Agreement that restrictions or forfeiture and repurchase conditions relating to Restricted Shares will be waived in whole or in part in the event of terminations resulting from specified causes, and (b) in other cases waive in whole or in part restrictions or forfeiture and repurchase conditions relating to Restricted Shares.
5.5 Certificates for Restricted Shares . Restricted Shares granted pursuant to the Plan may be evidenced in such manner as the Committee shall determine. If certificates representing Restricted Shares are registered in the name of the Participant, certificates must bear an appropriate legend referring to the terms, conditions, and restrictions applicable to such Restricted Shares, and the Company may, at its discretion, retain physical possession of the certificate until such time as all applicable restrictions lapse.
5.6 Removal of Restrictions . Except as otherwise provided in this Article 5 Restricted Shares granted under the Plan shall be released from escrow as soon as practicable after the last day of the period of restriction. The Committee, in its discretion, may accelerate the time at which any restrictions shall lapse or be removed. After the restrictions have lapsed, the Participant shall be entitled to have any legend or legends under Section 5.5 removed from his or her Share certificate, and the Shares shall be freely transferable by the Participant, subject to applicable legal restrictions. The Committee (in its discretion) may establish procedures regarding the release of Shares from escrow and the removal of legends, as necessary or appropriate to minimize administrative burdens on the Company.
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ARTICLE 6
RESTRICTED SHARE UNITS
6.1 Grant of Restricted Share Units . The Committee, at any time and from time to time, may grant Restricted Share Units to Participants as the Committee, in its sole discretion, shall determine. The Committee, in its sole discretion, shall determine the number of Restricted Share Units to be granted to each Participant.
6.2 Restricted Share Units Award Agreement . Each Award of Restricted Share Units shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement that shall specify any vesting conditions, the number of Restricted Share Units granted, and such other terms and conditions as the Committee, in its sole discretion, shall determine.
6.3 Performance Objectives and Other Terms . The Committee, in its discretion, may set performance objectives or other vesting criteria which, depending on the extent to which they are met, will determine the number or value of Restricted Share Units that will be paid out to the Participants.
6.4 Form and Timing of Payment of Restricted Share Units . At the time of grant, the Committee shall specify the date or dates on which the Restricted Share Units shall become fully vested and nonforfeitable. Upon vesting, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may pay Restricted Share Units in the form of cash, in Shares or in a combination thereof.
6.5 Forfeiture/Repurchase . Except as otherwise determined by the Committee at the time of the grant of the Award or thereafter, upon termination of employment or service during the applicable restriction period, Restricted Share Units that are at that time unvested shall be forfeited or repurchased in accordance with the Award Agreement; provided, however , the Committee may (a) provide in any Restricted Share Unit Award Agreement that restrictions or forfeiture and repurchase conditions relating to Restricted Share Units will be waived in whole or in part in the event of terminations resulting from specified causes, and (b) in other cases waive in whole or in part restrictions or forfeiture and repurchase conditions relating to Restricted Share Units.
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ARTICLE 7
PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO AWARDS
7.1 Award Agreement . Awards under the Plan shall be evidenced by Award Agreements that set forth the terms, conditions and limitations for each Award which may include the term of an Award, the provisions applicable in the event the Participants employment or service terminates, and the Companys authority to unilaterally or bilaterally amend, modify, suspend, cancel or rescind an Award.
7.2 No Transferability; Limited Exception to Transfer Restrictions.
7.2.1 Limits on Transfer . Unless otherwise expressly provided in (or pursuant to) this Section 7.2, by applicable law and by the Award Agreement, as the same may be amended:
(a) | all Awards are non-transferable and will not be subject in any manner to sale, transfer, anticipation, alienation, assignment, pledge, encumbrance or charge; |
(b) | Awards will be exercised only by the Participant; and |
(c) | amounts payable or shares issuable pursuant to an Award will be delivered only to (or for the account of), and, in the case of Shares, registered in the name of, the Participant. |
In addition, the shares shall be subject to the restrictions set forth in the applicable Award Agreement.
7.2.2 Further Exceptions to Limits on Transfer . The exercise and transfer restrictions in Section 7.2.1 will not apply to:
(a) | transfers to the Company or a Subsidiary; |
(b) | transfers by gift to immediate family as that term is defined in SEC Rule 16a-1(e) promulgated under the Exchange Act; |
(c) | the designation of a beneficiary to receive benefits if the Participant dies or, if the Participant has died, transfers to or exercises by the Participants beneficiary, or, in the absence of a validly designated beneficiary, transfers by will or the laws of descent and distribution; |
(d) | if the Participant has suffered a Disability, permitted transfers or exercises on behalf of the Participant by the Participants duly authorized legal representative; or |
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(e) | transfer to one or more natural persons who are the Participants family members or entities owned and controlled by the Participant and/or the Participants family members, including but not limited to trusts or other entities whose beneficiaries or beneficial owners are the Participant and/or the Participants family members, or to such other persons or entities as may be expressly approved by the Committee, pursuant to such conditions and procedures as the Committee or may establish. Any such permitted transfer are subject to the conditions that (i) the Committee receives evidence that the transfer is being made for estate and/or tax planning purposes and on a basis consistent with the Companys lawful issue of securities and (ii) the Committee has not in its absolute discretion determined that such evidence is insufficient or otherwise unsatisfactory. |
Notwithstanding anything else in this Section 7.2.2 to the contrary, but subject to compliance with all applicable laws, Restricted Shares and Restricted Share Units will be subject to any and all transfer restrictions under the Code applicable to such Awards or necessary to maintain the intended tax consequences of such Awards. Notwithstanding clause (b) above but subject to compliance with all applicable laws, any contemplated transfer by gift to immediate family as referenced in clause (b) above is subject to the condition precedent that the transfer be approved by the Administrator in order for it to be effective.
7.3 Beneficiaries . Notwithstanding Section 7.2, a Participant may, in the manner determined by the Committee, designate a beneficiary to exercise the rights of the Participant and to receive any distribution with respect to any Award upon the Participants death. A beneficiary, legal guardian, legal representative, or other person claiming any rights pursuant to the Plan is subject to all terms and conditions of the Plan and any Award Agreement applicable to the Participant, except to the extent the Plan and Award Agreement otherwise provide, and to any additional restrictions deemed necessary or appropriate by the Committee. If the Participant is married and resides in a community property state, a designation of a person other than the Participants spouse as his or her beneficiary with respect to more than 50% of the Participants interest in the Award shall not be effective without the prior written consent of the Participants spouse. If no beneficiary has been designated or survives the Participant, payment shall be made to the person entitled thereto pursuant to the Participants will or the laws of descent and distribution. Subject to the foregoing, a beneficiary designation may be changed or revoked by a Participant at any time provided the change or revocation is filed with the Committee.
7.4 Share Certificates . Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Company shall not be required to issue or deliver any certificates evidencing the Shares pursuant to the exercise of any Award, unless and until the Committee has determined, with advice of counsel, that the issuance and delivery of such certificates is in compliance with all Applicable Laws, regulations of governmental authorities and, if applicable, the requirements of any exchange on which the Shares are listed or traded. All Share certificates delivered pursuant to the Plan are subject to any stop-transfer orders and other restrictions as the Committee deems necessary or advisable to comply with all Applicable Laws, and the rules of any national securities exchange or automated quotation system on which the Shares are listed, quoted, or traded. The Committee may place legends on any Share certificate to reference restrictions applicable to the Shares. In addition to the terms and conditions provided herein, the Committee may require that a Participant make such reasonable covenants, agreements, and representations as the Committee, in its discretion, deems advisable in order to comply with any such laws, regulations, or requirements. The Committee shall have the right to require any Participant to comply with any timing or other restrictions with respect to the settlement or exercise of any Award, including a window-period limitation, as may be imposed in the discretion of the Committee.
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7.5 Paperless Administration . Subject to Applicable Laws, the Committee may make Awards, provide applicable disclosure and procedures for exercise of Awards by an internet website or interactive voice response system for the paperless administration of Awards.
7.6 Foreign Currency . A Participant may be required to provide evidence that any currency used to pay the exercise price of any Award were acquired and taken out of the jurisdiction in which the Participant resides in accordance with Applicable Laws, including foreign exchange control laws and regulations. In the event the exercise price for an Award is paid in Chinese Renminbi or other foreign currency, as permitted by the Committee, the amount payable will be determined by conversion from U.S. dollars at the official rate promulgated by the Peoples Bank of China for Chinese Renminbi, or for jurisdictions other than the Peoples Republic of China, the exchange rate as selected by the Committee on the date of exercise.
ARTICLE 8
CHANGES IN CAPITAL STRUCTURE
8.1 Adjustments . In the event of any dividend, share split, combination or exchange of Shares, amalgamation, arrangement or consolidation, spin-off, recapitalization or other distribution (other than normal cash dividends) of Company assets to its shareholders, or any other change affecting the shares of Shares or the share price of a Share, the Committee shall make such proportionate adjustments, if any, as the Committee in its discretion may deem appropriate to reflect such change with respect to (a) the aggregate number and type of shares that may be issued under the Plan (including, but not limited to, adjustments of the limitations in Section 3.1); (b) the terms and conditions of any outstanding Awards (including, without limitation, any applicable performance targets or criteria with respect thereto); and (c) the grant or exercise price per share for any outstanding Awards under the Plan.
8.2 Corporate Transactions . Except as may otherwise be provided in any Award Agreement or any other written agreement entered into by and between the Company and a Participant, if the Committee anticipates the occurrence, or upon the occurrence, of a Corporate Transaction, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, provide for (i) any and all Awards outstanding hereunder to terminate at a specific time in the future and shall give each Participant the right to exercise the vested portion of such Awards during a period of time as the Committee shall determine, or (ii) the purchase of any Award for an amount of cash equal to the amount that could have been attained upon the exercise of such Award (and, for the avoidance of doubt, if as of such date the Committee determines in good faith that no amount would have been attained upon the exercise of such Award, then such Award may be terminated by the Company without payment), or (iii) the replacement of such Award with other rights or property selected by the Committee in its sole discretion or the assumption of or substitution of such Award by the successor or surviving corporation, or a Parent or Subsidiary thereof, with appropriate adjustments as to the number and kind of Shares and prices, or (iv) payment of Award in cash based on the value of Shares on the date of the Corporate Transaction plus reasonable interest on the Award through the date when such Award would otherwise be vested or have been paid in accordance with its original terms, if necessary to comply with Section 409A of the Code.
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8.3 Outstanding Awards Other Changes . In the event of any other change in the capitalization of the Company or corporate change other than those specifically referred to in this Section 8, the Committee may, in its absolute discretion, make such adjustments in the number and class of shares subject to Awards outstanding on the date on which such change occurs and in the per share grant or exercise price of each Award as the Committee may consider appropriate to prevent dilution or enlargement of rights.
8.4 No Other Rights . Except as expressly provided in the Plan, no Participant shall have any rights by reason of any subdivision or consolidation of Shares of any class, the payment of any dividend, any increase or decrease in the number of shares of any class or any dissolution, liquidation, merger, or consolidation of the Company or any other corporation. Except as expressly provided in the Plan or pursuant to action of the Committee under the Plan, no issuance by the Company of shares of any class, or securities convertible into shares of any class, shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number of shares subject to an Award or the grant or exercise price of any Award.
ARTICLE 9
ADMINISTRATION
9.1 Committee . Prior to the Trading Date, the Plan shall be administered by the Board. On and after the Trading Date, the Plan shall be administered by the compensation committee of the Board, which may delegate its duties and powers in whole or in part to any subcommittee thereof consisting solely of at least two individuals who are intended to qualify as Non-Employee Directors within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 under the Act (or any successor rule thereto) and as independent directors as defined in the NYSE Listed Company Manual. Any grant or amendment of Awards to any Committee member shall then require an affirmative vote of a majority of the Board members who are not on the Committee.
9.2 Action by the Committee . A majority of the Committee shall constitute a quorum. The acts of a majority of the members of the Committee present at any meeting at which a quorum is present, and acts approved in writing by a majority of the Committee in lieu of a meeting, shall be deemed the acts of the Committee. Each member of the Committee is entitled to, in good faith, rely or act upon any report or other information furnished to that member by any officer or other employee of the Company or any Subsidiary, the Companys independent certified public accountants, or any executive compensation consultant or other professional retained by the Company to assist in the administration of the Plan.
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9.3 Authority of the Committee . Subject to any specific designation in the Plan, the Committee has the exclusive power, authority and discretion to:
(a) designate Participants to receive Awards;
(b) determine the type or types of Awards to be granted to each Participant;
(c) determine the number of Awards to be granted and the number of Shares to which an Award will relate;
(d) determine the terms and conditions of any Award granted pursuant to the Plan, including, but not limited to, the exercise price, grant price, or purchase price, any restrictions or limitations on the Award, any schedule for lapse of forfeiture restrictions or restrictions on the exercisability of an Award, and accelerations or waivers thereof, any provisions related to non-competition and recapture of gain on an Award, based in each case on such considerations as the Committee in its sole discretion determines;
(e) determine whether, to what extent, and pursuant to what circumstances an Award may be settled in, or the exercise price of an Award may be paid in, cash, Shares, other Awards, or other property, or an Award may be canceled, forfeited, or surrendered;
(f) prescribe the form of each Award Agreement, which need not be identical for each Participant;
(g) decide all other matters that must be determined in connection with an Award;
(h) establish, adopt, or revise any rules and regulations as it may deem necessary or advisable to administer the Plan;
(i) interpret the terms of, and any matter arising pursuant to, the Plan or any Award Agreement; and
(j) make all other decisions and determinations that may be required pursuant to the Plan or as the Committee deems necessary or advisable to administer the Plan.
9.4 Decisions Binding . The Committees interpretation of the Plan, any Awards granted pursuant to the Plan, any Award Agreement and all decisions and determinations by the Committee with respect to the Plan are final, binding, and conclusive on all parties.
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ARTICLE 10
EFFECTIVE AND EXPIRATION DATE
10.1 Effective Date . This Plan shall become effective on the date on which the Plan is approved by the shareholders of the Company according to its Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association (the Effective Date).
10.2 Expiration Date . The Plan will expire on, and no Award may be granted pursuant to the Plan after, the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date. Any Awards that are outstanding on the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date shall remain in force according to the terms of the Plan and the applicable Award Agreement.
ARTICLE 11
AMENDMENT, MODIFICATION, AND TERMINATION
11.1 Amendment, Modification, And Termination . With the approval of the Board, at any time and from time to time, the Committee may terminate, amend or modify the Plan; provided, however , that (a) to the extent necessary and desirable to comply with Applicable Laws or stock exchange rules, the Company shall obtain shareholder approval of any Plan amendment in such a manner and to such a degree as required, unless the Company decides to follow home country practice, and (b) unless the Company decides to follow home country practice, shareholder approval is required for any amendment to the Plan that (i) increases the number of Shares available under the Plan (other than any adjustment as provided by Article 10), (ii) permits the Committee to extend the term of the Plan, or (iii) results in a material increase in benefits or a change in eligibility requirements.
11.2 Awards Previously Granted . Except with respect to amendments made pursuant to Section 11.1, no termination, amendment, or modification of the Plan shall adversely affect in any material way any Award previously granted pursuant to the Plan without the prior written consent of the Participant.
ARTICLE 12
GENERAL PROVISIONS
12.1 No Rights to Awards . No Participant, employee, or other person shall have any claim to be granted any Award pursuant to the Plan, and neither the Company nor the Committee is obligated to treat Participants, employees, and other persons uniformly.
12.2 No Shareholders Rights . No Award gives the Participant any of the rights of a Shareholder of the Company unless and until Shares are in fact issued to such person in connection with such Award.
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12.3 Taxes . No Shares shall be delivered under the Plan to any Participant until such Participant has made arrangements acceptable to the Committee for the satisfaction of any income and employment tax withholding obligations under Applicable Laws. The Company or any Subsidiary shall have the authority and the right to deduct or withhold, or require a Participant to remit to the Company, an amount sufficient to satisfy all applicable taxes (including the Participants payroll tax obligations) required or permitted by Applicable Laws to be withheld with respect to any taxable event concerning a Participant arising as a result of this Plan. The Committee may in its discretion and in satisfaction of the foregoing requirement allow a Participant to elect to have the Company withhold Shares otherwise issuable under an Award (or allow the return of Shares) having a Fair Market Value equal to the sums required to be withheld. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, the number of Shares which may be withheld with respect to the issuance, vesting, exercise or payment of any Award (or which may be repurchased from the Participant of such Award after such Shares were acquired by the Participant from the Company) in order to satisfy any income and payroll tax liabilities applicable to the Participant with respect to the issuance, vesting, exercise or payment of the Award shall, unless specifically approved by the Committee, be limited to the number of Shares which have a Fair Market Value on the date of withholding or repurchase equal to the aggregate amount of such liabilities based on the minimum statutory withholding rates for the applicable income and payroll tax purposes that are applicable to such supplemental taxable income.
12.4 No Right to Employment or Services . Nothing in the Plan or any Award Agreement shall interfere with or limit in any way the right of the Service Recipient to terminate any Participants employment or services at any time, nor confer upon any Participant any right to continue in the employment or services of any Service Recipient.
12.5 Unfunded Status of Awards . The Plan is intended to be an unfunded plan for incentive compensation. With respect to any payments not yet made to a Participant pursuant to an Award, nothing contained in the Plan or any Award Agreement shall give the Participant any rights that are greater than those of a general creditor of the Company or any Subsidiary.
12.6 Indemnification . To the extent allowable pursuant to Applicable Laws, each member of the Committee or of the Board shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company from any loss, cost, liability, or expense that may be imposed upon or reasonably incurred by such member in connection with or resulting from any claim, action, suit, or proceeding to which he or she may be a party or in which he or she may be involved by reason of any action or failure to act pursuant to the Plan and against and from any and all amounts paid by him or her in satisfaction of judgment in such action, suit, or proceeding against him or her; provided he or she gives the Company an opportunity, at its own expense, to handle and defend the same before he or she undertakes to handle and defend it on his or her own behalf. The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be exclusive of any other rights of indemnification to which such persons may be entitled pursuant to the Companys Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association, as a matter of law, or otherwise, or any power that the Company may have to indemnify them or hold them harmless.
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12.7 Relationship to other Benefits . No payment pursuant to the Plan shall be taken into account in determining any benefits pursuant to any pension, retirement, savings, profit sharing, group insurance, welfare or other benefit plan of the Company or any Subsidiary except to the extent otherwise expressly provided in writing in such other plan or an agreement thereunder.
12.8 Expenses . The expenses of administering the Plan shall be borne by the Company and its Subsidiaries.
12.9 Titles and Headings . The titles and headings of the Sections in the Plan are for convenience of reference only and, in the event of any conflict, the text of the Plan, rather than such titles or headings, shall control.
12.10 Fractional Shares . No fractional Shares shall be issued and the Committee shall determine, in its discretion, whether cash shall be given in lieu of fractional Shares or whether such fractional Shares shall be eliminated by rounding up or down as appropriate.
12.11 Limitations Applicable to Section 16 Persons . Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, the Plan, and any Award granted or awarded to any Participant who is then subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, shall be subject to any additional limitations set forth in any applicable exemptive rule under Section 16 of the Exchange Act (including any amendment to Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act) that are requirements for the application of such exemptive rule. To the extent permitted by the Applicable Laws, the Plan and Awards granted or awarded hereunder shall be deemed amended to the extent necessary to conform to such applicable exemptive rule.
12.12 Government and Other Regulations . The obligation of the Company to make payment of awards in Shares or otherwise shall be subject to all Applicable Laws, and to such approvals by government agencies as may be required. The Company shall be under no obligation to register any of the Shares paid pursuant to the Plan under the Securities Act or any other similar law in any applicable jurisdiction. If the Shares paid pursuant to the Plan may in certain circumstances be exempt from registration pursuant to the Securities Act or other Applicable Laws, the Company may restrict the transfer of such Shares in such manner as it deems advisable to ensure the availability of any such exemption.
12.13 Governing Law . The Plan and all Award Agreements shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York.
12.14 Section 409A . To the extent that the Committee determines that any Award granted under the Plan is or may become subject to Section 409A of the Code, the Award Agreement evidencing such Award shall incorporate the terms and conditions required by Section 409A of the Code. To the extent applicable, the Plan and the Award Agreements shall be interpreted in accordance with Section 409A of the Code and the U.S. Department of Treasury regulations and other interpretative guidance issued thereunder, including without limitation any such regulation or other guidance that may be issued after the Effective Date. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary, in the event that following the Effective Date the Committee determines that any Award may be subject to Section 409A of the Code and related Department of Treasury guidance (including such Department of Treasury guidance as may be issued after the Effective Date), the Committee may adopt such amendments to the Plan and the applicable Award agreement or adopt other policies and procedures (including amendments, policies and procedures with retroactive effect), or take any other actions, that the Committee determines are necessary or appropriate to (a) exempt the Award from Section 409A of the Code and/or preserve the intended tax treatment of the benefits provided with respect to the Award, or (b) comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and related U.S. Department of Treasury guidance.
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12.15 Appendices . The Committee may approve such supplements, amendments or appendices to the Plan as it may consider necessary or appropriate for purposes of compliance with Applicable Laws or otherwise and such supplements, amendments or appendices shall be considered a part of the Plan; provided, however, that no such supplements shall increase the share limitation contained in Section 3.1 of the Plan without the approval of the Board.
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Exhibit 10.49
SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT
This Subscription Agreement (this Agreement ) is made as of April 25, 2014 by and among:
(1) | Cheetah Mobile Inc., a company incorporated in the Cayman Islands (the Company ); and |
(2) | each of the parties set forth in Exhibit A hereto (each, a Purchaser , and collectively, the Purchasers ). The Purchasers on the one hand, and the Company on the other hand, are sometimes herein referred to each as a Party , and collectively as the Parties . |
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, the Company has filed a registration statement on Form F-1 on April 2, 2014 (as may be amended from time to time, the Registration Statement ) with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC ) in connection with the initial public offering (the Offering ) by the Company of American Depositary Shares ( ADS ) representing Class A ordinary shares ( Ordinary Shares ) of the Company as specified in the Registration Statement; and
WHEREAS, the Purchasers wish to invest in the Company by acquiring Ordinary Shares in the Company in a transaction exempt from registration pursuant to Regulation S (Regulation S) of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act);
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recitals and the mutual promises hereinafter set forth, the Parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
PURCHASE AND SALE
Section 1.1 Issuance, Sale and Purchase of Ordinary Shares . Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, each Purchaser hereby severally but not jointly agrees to purchase, and the Company hereby agrees to issue, sell and deliver to each Purchaser, at the Closing (as defined below), the number of Ordinary Shares determined pursuant to Section 1.2 with respect to such Purchaser (collectively, the Purchased Shares ) at a price per Ordinary Share equal to the Offer Price (as defined below), free and clear of all liens or encumbrances (except for restrictions arising under the Securities Act or created by virtue of this Agreement or the Lock-up Agreement (as defined below)). The Offer Price means the price per ADS set forth on the cover of the Companys final prospectus in connection with the Offering (the Final Prospectus ) divided by the number of Ordinary Shares represented by one ADS. The purchase, issuance, sale and delivery of the Purchased Shares shall be made pursuant to and in reliance upon Regulation S.
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Section 1.2 Closings .
(a) Closings . Subject to Section 1.3, the closings (the Closings ) of the sale and purchase of the Purchase Shares pursuant to Section 1.1 shall take place concurrently with the closing of the Offering at the same offices for the closing of the Offering or at such other place as the Company and any Purchaser may mutually agree with respect to such Purchasers Purchased Shares. Two business days prior to the Closings, the Company shall issue a notice to each Purchaser specifying the aggregate consideration to be paid by such Purchaser for the Ordinary Shares being purchased (such Purchasers Purchase Price ), which shall in no case be greater than the maximum purchase price set forth opposite such Purchasers name in Exhibit A hereto. The total number of the Ordinary Shares that each Purchaser shall purchase as Purchased Shares at the Closing shall be equal to the quotient of the Purchasers Purchase Price divided by the Offer Price; provided , however , that (i) no fractional shares of Ordinary Shares will be issued as Purchased Shares, (ii) any fractions shall be rounded down to the nearest whole number of Ordinary Shares, and (iii) each Purchasers Purchase Price will be reduced by the value of any such fractional share (as calculated on the basis of the Offer Price). The date and time of the Closings are referred to herein as the Closing Date . For the avoidance of doubt and notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Closings of each Purchaser of its respective Purchased Shares shall not be conditional on each other, and the relevant parties shall be obligated to consummate each such Closing with respect to a Purchaser to the extent all applicable terms and conditions hereunder have been satisfied with respect thereto.
(b) Payment and Delivery . At the Closings, each Purchaser shall severally but not jointly pay and deliver such Purchasers Purchase Price to the Company in U.S. dollars by wire transfer, or by such other method mutually agreeable to the Company and such Purchaser, of immediately available funds to such bank account designated in writing by the Company, and the Company shall deliver one or more duly executed share certificates in original form, registered in the name of such Purchaser, together with a certified true copy of the register of the members of the Company, evidencing the Purchased Shares being issued and sold to such Purchaser.
(c) Restrictive Legend . Each certificate representing Purchased Shares shall be endorsed with the following legend:
THIS SECURITY HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 (AS AMENDED, THE ACT) OR UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE. THIS SECURITY MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED, SOLD, OFFERED FOR SALE, PLEDGED OR HYPOTHECATED: (A) IN THE ABSENCE OF (1) AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE ACT, (2) AN EXEMPTION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE ACT AND OTHER APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OR (3) DELIVERY TO THE COMPANY OF AN OPINION OF COUNSEL REASONABLY SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED; AND (B) WITHIN THE UNITED STATES OR TO ANY U.S. PERSON, AS EACH OF THOSE TERMS IS DEFINED IN REGULATION S UNDER THE ACT, DURING THE 40 DAYS FOLLOWING CLOSING OF THE PURCHASE. ANY ATTEMPT TO TRANSFER, SELL, PLEDGE OR HYPOTHECATE THIS SECURITY IN VIOLATION OF THESE RESTRICTIONS SHALL BE VOID.
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Section 1.3 Closing Conditions .
(a) Conditions to Each Purchasers Obligations to Effect the Closing . The obligation of each Purchaser to purchase and pay for its Purchased Shares as contemplated by this Agreement is subject to the satisfaction, on or before the Closing Date, of the following conditions, any of which may be waived in writing by such Purchaser in its sole discretion:
(i) The Registration Rights Agreement among the Company and the Purchasers substantially in the form attached as Exhibit B hereto (the Registration Rights Agreement ), shall have been executed and delivered by the Company to such Purchaser.
(ii) All corporate and other actions required to be taken by the Company in connection with the issuance, sale and delivery of such Purchasers Purchased Shares (including registration of such issuance of the Purchased Shares in the register of the members of the Company) shall have been completed.
(iii) The representations and warranties of the Company to such Purchaser contained in Section 2.1 of this Agreement shall have been true and correct on the date of this Agreement and true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Closing Date (except the representations and warranties contained in Section 2.1(i) shall be true and correct in all respects on and as of the Closing Date); and the Company shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all, and not be in breach or default in any material respects under any, agreements, covenants, conditions and obligations contained in this Agreement that are required to be performed or complied with on or before the Closing Date.
(iv) No governmental authority of competent jurisdiction shall have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any law (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent) that is in effect and restrains, enjoins, prevents, prohibits or otherwise makes illegal the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement with respect to such Purchaser, or imposes any damages or penalties in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement with respect to such Purchaser that are substantial in relation to the Company; and no action, suit, proceeding or investigation shall have been instituted by a governmental authority of competent jurisdiction or threatened that seeks to restrain, enjoin, prevent, prohibit or otherwise make illegal the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement with respect to such Purchaser, or imposes any damages or penalties in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement with respect to such Purchaser that are substantial in relation to the Company.
(v) The Offering shall have been, or shall concurrently with the Closing be, completed.
(vi) The ADSs shall have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange subject to official notice of issuance.
(vii) The underwriting agreement relating to the Offering shall have been entered into and have become effective.
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(b) Conditions to Companys Obligations to Effect the Closing . The obligation of the Company to issue and sell the Purchased Shares to each Purchaser as contemplated by this Agreement is subject to the satisfaction, on or before the Closing Date, of each of the following conditions, any of which may be waived in writing by the Company in its sole discretion:
(i) The Registration Rights Agreement shall have been executed and delivered by such Purchaser to the Company.
(ii) The Lock-up Agreement shall have been executed and delivered by such Purchaser to the representatives of the underwriters for the Offering.
(iii) All corporate and other actions required to be taken by such Purchaser in connection with the purchase of its Purchased Shares shall have been completed.
(iv) The representations and warranties of such Purchaser contained in Section 2.2 of this Agreement shall have been true and correct in all material respects on the date of this Agreement and on and as of the Closing Date; and such Purchaser shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all, and not be in breach or default in any material respect under any, agreements, covenants, conditions and obligations contained in this Agreement that are required to be performed or complied with on or before the Closing Date.
(v) No governmental authority of competent jurisdiction shall have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any law (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent) that is in effect and restrains, enjoins, prevents, prohibits or otherwise makes illegal the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement with respect to such Purchaser, or imposes any damages or penalties in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement with respect to such Purchaser that are substantial in relation to the Company; and no action, suit, proceeding or investigation shall have been instituted by a governmental authority of competent jurisdiction or threatened that seeks to restrain, enjoin, prevent, prohibit or otherwise make illegal the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement with respect to such Purchaser, or imposes any damages or penalties in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement with respect to such Purchaser that are substantial in relation to the Company.
ARTICLE II
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
Section 2.1 Representations and Warranties of the Company . The Company hereby represents and warrants to each Purchaser, as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date, as follows:
(a) Due Formation . The Company is a company duly incorporated as an exempted company with limited liability, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the Cayman Islands. The Company has all requisite power and authority to carry on its business as it is currently being conducted.
(b) Authority . The Company has full power and authority to enter into, execute and deliver this Agreement and each agreement, certificate, document and instrument to be executed and delivered by the Company pursuant to this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder. The execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement and any agreements, certificates, documents and instruments to be executed and delivered by the Company pursuant to this Agreement, and the performance by the Company of its obligations hereunder, have been duly authorized by all requisite actions on its part.
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(c) Valid Agreement . This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Company and constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, except (i) as limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, and other laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors rights generally, and (ii) as limited by laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief, or other equitable remedies.
(d) Capitalization .
(i) The authorized share capital, option plans and issuance, warrant issuance and any other equity securities (including securities convertible into or exchangeable for equity securities) of the Company (the Company Capitalization ) as of the date hereof is as set forth in Schedule D-1 of this Agreement, which includes the Ordinary Shares and each series of convertible preferred shares (the Preferred Shares ). All issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares and all issued and outstanding Preferred Shares are validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
(i) Upon effectiveness of the Closing and after giving effect to the Offering, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and other related transactions, the Company Capitalization will be as set forth in Schedule D-2 of this Agreement.
(ii) All outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company (including Ordinary Shares and Preferred Shares), all outstanding awards under the Companys stock option plans, all other outstanding warrants and other equity securities (including securities convertible into or exchangeable for equity securities) of the Company, and all outstanding shares of capital stock of each of the Companys subsidiaries and consolidated affiliates (each a Subsidiary and collectively Subsidiaries ) have been issued and granted in compliance with (x) all applicable Securities Laws and other applicable laws and (y) all requirements set forth in applicable plans or contracts, without violation of any preemptive rights, rights of first refusal or other similar rights. Securities Laws means the Securities Act, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the listing rules of, or any listing agreement with the New York Stock Exchange and any other applicable law regulating securities or takeover matters.
(iii) The rights of the Ordinary Shares to be issued to such Purchaser as Purchased Shares are as stated in the Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company as set out in Exhibit 3.2 of the Registration Statement.
(e) Due Issuance of the Purchased Shares . Such Purchasers Purchased Shares have been duly authorized and, when issued and delivered to and paid for by such Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and free and clear of any pledge, mortgage, security interest, encumbrance, lien, charge, assessment, right of first refusal, right of pre-emption, third party right or interest, claim or restriction of any kind or nature, except for restrictions arising under the Securities Act or created by virtue of this Agreement or the Lock-up Agreement and upon delivery and entry into the register of members of the Company will transfer to such Purchaser good and valid title to its Purchased Shares.
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(f) Noncontravention . Neither the execution and the delivery of this Agreement, nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, will (i) violate any provision of the organizational documents of the Company or its Subsidiaries or violate any constitution, statute, regulation, rule, injunction, judgment, order, decree, ruling, charge, or other restriction of any government, governmental entity or court to which the Company or its Subsidiaries is subject, or (ii) conflict with, result in a breach of, constitute a default under, result in the acceleration of or creation of an encumbrance under, or create in any party the right to accelerate, terminate, modify, or cancel, any agreement, contract, lease, license, instrument, or other arrangement to which the Company or its Subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or its Subsidiaries is bound or to which any of the Companys or its Subsidiaries assets are subject. There is no action, suit or proceeding, pending or threatened against the Company or its Subsidiaries that questions the validity of this Agreement or the right of the Company to enter into this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
(g) Consents and Approvals . Neither the execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement, nor the consummation by the Company of any of the transactions contemplated hereby, nor the performance by the Company of this Agreement in accordance with its terms requires the consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration with, or the giving notice to, any governmental or public body or authority or any third party, except such as have been or will have been obtained, made or given on or prior to the Closing Date.
(h) Compliance with Laws . The business of the Company or its Subsidiaries is not being conducted in violation of any law or government order applicable to the Company except for violations which do not and would not have a Material Adverse Effect. As used herein, Material Adverse Effect shall mean any event, fact, circumstance or occurrence that, individually or in the aggregate with any other events, facts, circumstances or occurrences, results in or would reasonably be expected to result in a material adverse change in or a material adverse effect on any of (i) the financial condition, assets, liabilities, results of operations, business, or operations of the Company or its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, except to the extent that any such Material Adverse Effect results from (x) changes in generally accepted accounting principles that are generally applicable to comparable companies or (y) changes in general economic and market conditions; or (ii) the ability of the Company to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and to timely perform its obligations under the Agreement.
(i) SEC Filings . Prior to the Closing, the Registration Statement, as supplemented or amended, shall have been declared effective by the SEC. The Registration Statement, including the prospectus therein, conforms and will conform, in all material respects to the requirements of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder and does not, as of the date hereof, and will not, as of the applicable effective date, contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading. Except for pricing information for the Offering, the Registration Statement, in the form in which it is declared effective by the SEC, will not contain any information that describes a fact, event, occurrence or result that is materially adverse to the Company and that is not described in the draft Registration Statement provided to such Purchaser for its review prior to entering into this Agreement.
(j) Investment Company . The Company is not and, after giving effect to the offering and sale of the Purchased Shares, the consummation of the Offering and the application of the proceeds hereof and thereof, will not be an investment company, as such term is defined in the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
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(k) Regulation S . No directed selling efforts (as defined in Rule 902 of Regulation S under the Securities Act) have been made by any of the Company, any of its affiliates or any person acting on its behalf with respect to any Purchased Shares that are not registered under the Securities Act; and none of such persons has taken any actions that would result in the sale of the Purchased Shares to the Purchasers under this Agreement requiring registration under the Securities Act; and the Company is a foreign issuer (as defined in Regulation S).
(l) Events Subsequent to Most Recent Fiscal Period . Since December 31, 2010 until the date hereof and to the Closing Date, there has not been any event, fact, circumstance or occurrence that has had or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(m) Litigation . There are no actions by or against the Company or its Subsidiaries or affecting the business or any of the assets of the Company or its Subsidiaries pending before any governmental authority, or, to the Companys knowledge, threatened to be brought by or before any governmental authority, that has had or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
Section 2.2 Representations and Warranties of each Purchaser . Each Purchaser hereby represents and warrants, severally but not jointly, to the Company as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date, as follows:
(a) Due Formation . The Purchaser is duly formed, validly existing and in good standing in the jurisdiction of its organization. The Purchaser has all requisite power and authority to carry on its business as it is currently being conducted.
(b) Authority . The Purchaser has full power and authority to enter into, execute and deliver this Agreement and each agreement, certificate, document and instrument to be executed and delivered by the Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder. The execution and delivery by the Purchaser of this Agreement and any agreements, certificates, documents and instruments to be executed and delivered by the Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement, and the performance by the Purchaser of its obligations hereunder have been duly authorized by all requisite actions on its part.
(c) Valid Agreement . This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Purchaser and constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Purchaser, enforceable against the Purchaser in accordance with its terms, except (i) as limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, and other laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors rights generally, and (ii) as limited by laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief, or other equitable remedies.
(d) Noncontravention . Neither the execution and the delivery of this Agreement, nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, will (i) violate any provision of the organizational documents of the Purchaser or violate any constitution, statute, regulation, rule, injunction, judgment, order, decree, ruling, charge, or other restriction of any government, governmental entity or court to which the Purchaser is subject, or (ii) conflict with, result in a breach of, constitute a default under, result in the acceleration of or creation of an encumbrance under, or create in any party the right to accelerate, terminate, modify, or cancel, any agreement, contract, lease, license, instrument, or other arrangement to which the Purchaser is a party or by which the Purchaser is bound or to which any of the Purchasers assets are subject, in each case of the foregoing (i) and (ii), in such a manner that would materially and adversely affect such Purchasers ability to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. There is no action, suit or proceeding, pending or threatened against the Purchaser that questions the validity of this Agreement or the right of the Purchaser to enter into this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
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(e) Consents and Approvals . Neither the execution and delivery by the Purchaser of this Agreement, nor the consummation by the Purchaser of any of the transactions contemplated hereby, nor the performance by the Purchaser of this Agreement in accordance with its terms requires the consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration with, or the giving notice to, any governmental or public body or authority or any third party, except such as have been or will have been obtained, made or given on or prior to the Closing Date.
(f) Status and Investment Intent .
(i) Experience . The Purchaser has sufficient knowledge and experience in financial and business matters so as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of its investment in its Purchased Shares. The Purchaser is capable of bearing the economic risks of such investment, including a complete loss of its investment.
(ii) Purchase Entirely for Own Account . The Purchaser is acquiring its Purchased Shares for its own account for investment purposes only and not with the view to, or with any intention of, resale, distribution or other disposition thereof. The Purchaser does not have any direct or indirect arrangement, or understanding with any other persons to distribute, or regarding the distribution of the Purchased Shares in violation of the Securities Act or any other applicable state securities law.
(iii) Solicitation . The Purchaser (x) was not identified or contacted through the marketing of the Offering and (y) did not contact the Company as a result of any general solicitation.
(iv) Information . The Purchaser has been furnished access to all materials and information such Purchaser has requested relating to the Company and its Subsidiaries and other due diligence documents in order to evaluate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The Purchaser has consulted to the extent deemed appropriate by such Purchaser with such Purchasers own advisers as to the financial, tax, legal and related matters concerning an investment in its Purchased Shares.
(v) Not U.S. Person . The Purchaser is not a U.S. person as defined in Rule 902 of Regulation S.
(vi) Offshore Transaction . The Purchaser has been advised and acknowledges that in issuing Purchased Shares to the Purchaser pursuant hereto, the Company is relying upon the exemption from registration provided by Regulation S. The Purchaser is acquiring its Purchased Shares in an offshore transaction in reliance upon the exemption from registration provided by Regulation S.
(vii) FINRA . The Purchaser does not, directly or indirectly, own more than five per cent of the outstanding common stock (or other voting securities) of any member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. ( FINRA ) or a holding company for a FINRA member, and is not otherwise a restricted person for the purposes of the Free-Riding and Withholding Interpretation of FINRA.
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ARTICLE III
COVENANTS
Section 3.1 Lock-up . Each Purchaser shall, at the Closing, enter into a lock-up agreement (the Lock-up Agreement ) in the form set forth in Exhibit C hereto.
Section 3.2 Distribution Compliance Period . Each Purchaser agrees not to resell, pledge or transfer any Purchased Shares within the United States or to any U.S. Person, as each of those terms is defined in Regulation S, during the 40 days following the Closing Date.
Section 3.3 Further Assurances . From the date of this Agreement until the Closing Date, the Company and each Purchaser shall use their reasonable best efforts to fulfill or obtain the fulfillment of the conditions precedent to the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
ARTICLE IV
INDEMNIFICATION
Section 4.1 Indemnification . Each of the Company and each Purchaser (an Indemnifying Party ) shall indemnify and hold each other and their directors, officers, employees, advisors and agents (collectively, the Indemnified Party ) harmless from and against any losses, claims, damages, fines, expenses and liabilities of any kind or nature whatsoever, including but not limited to any investigative, legal and other expenses incurred in connection with, and any amounts paid in settlement of, any pending or threatened legal action or proceeding, and any taxes or levies that may be payable by such person by reason of the indemnification of any indemnifiable loss hereunder (collectively, Losses ) resulting from or arising out of: (i) the breach of any representation or warranty of such Indemnifying Party contained in this Agreement or in any schedule or exhibit hereto; or (ii) the violation or nonperformance, partial or total, of any covenant or agreement of such Indemnifying Party contained in this Agreement for reasons other than gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnified Party. In calculating the amount of any Losses of an Indemnified Party hereunder, there shall be subtracted the amount of any insurance proceeds and third-party payments received by the Indemnified Party with respect to such Losses, if any. For the avoidance of doubt, the obligations of the Purchasers under this Section 4.1 are several but not joint.
Section 4.2 Third Party Claims .
(a) If any third party shall notify any Indemnified Party in writing with respect to any matter involving a claim by such third party (a Third Party Claim ) which such Indemnified Party believes would give rise to a claim for indemnification against the Indemnifying Party under this Article IV , then the Indemnified Party shall promptly (i) notify the Indemnifying Party thereof in writing within thirty (30) days of receipt of notice of such claim and (ii) transmit to the Indemnifying Party a written notice ( Claim Notice ) describing in reasonable detail the nature of the Third Party Claim, a copy of all papers served with respect to such claim (if any), and the basis of the Indemnified Partys request for indemnification under this Agreement.
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(b) Upon receipt of a Claim Notice with respect to a Third Party Claim, the Indemnifying Party shall have the right to assume the defense of any Third Party Claim by, within (30) days of receipt of the Claim Notice, notifying the Indemnified Party in writing that the Indemnifying Party elects to assume the defense of such Third Party Claim, and upon delivery of such notice by the Indemnifying Party, the Indemnifying Party shall have the right to fully control and settle the proceeding, provided, that, any such settlement or compromise shall be permitted hereunder only with the written consent of the Indemnified Party.
(c) If requested by the Indemnifying Party, the Indemnified Party shall, at the sole cost and expense of the Indemnifying Party, cooperate with the Indemnifying Party and its counsel in contesting any Third Party Claim which the Indemnifying Party elects to contest, including the making of any related counterclaim against the person asserting the Third Party Claim or any cross complaint against any person. The Indemnified Party shall have the right to receive copies of all pleadings, notices and communications with respect to any Third Party Claim, other than any privileged communications between the Indemnifying Party and its counsel, and shall be entitled, at its sole cost and expense, to retain separate co-counsel and participate in, but not control, any defense or settlement of any Third Party Claim assumed by the Indemnifying Party pursuant to Section 4.2(b) .
(d) In the event of a Third Party Claim for which the Indemnifying Party elects not to assume the defense or fails to make such an election within the 30 days of the Claim Notice, the Indemnified Party may, at its option, defend, settle, compromise or pay such action or claim at the expense of the Indemnifying Party; provided, that, any such settlement or compromise shall be permitted hereunder only with the written consent of the Indemnifying Party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.
Section 4.3 Other Claims . In the event any Indemnified Party should have a claim against the Indemnifying Party hereunder which does not involve a Third Party Claim, the Indemnified Party shall promptly transmit to the Indemnifying Party a written notice (the Indemnity Notice ) describing in reasonable detail the nature of the claim, the Indemnified Partys best estimate of the amount of Losses attributable to such claim and the basis of the Indemnified Partys request for indemnification under this Agreement. If the Indemnifying Party does not notify the Indemnified Party within thirty (30) days from its receipt of the Indemnity Notice that the Indemnifying Party disputes such claim, the Indemnifying Party shall be deemed to have accepted and agreed with such claim.
Section 4.4 Cap . Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Indemnifying Party shall have no liability (for indemnification or otherwise) with respect to any Losses in excess of the applicable Purchase Price.
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ARTICLE V
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 5.1 Survival of the Representations and Warranties . All representations and warranties made by any party hereto shall survive for two years and shall terminate and be without further force or effect on the second anniversary of the date hereof, except as to (i) any claims thereunder which have been asserted in writing pursuant to Section 4.1 against the party making such representations and warranties on or prior to such second anniversary, and (ii) the Companys representations contained in Section 2.1(a), (b), (c), (d) and (e) hereof, each of which shall survive indefinitely.
Section 5.2 Governing Law; Arbitration . This Agreement shall be governed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without giving effect to the conflicts of law principles thereof. Any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement, including any question regarding its existence, validity or termination ( Dispute ) shall be referred to and finally resolved by arbitration at the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre in accordance with the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre Administered Arbitration Rules then in force. There shall be three arbitrators. Each Party has the right to appoint one arbitrator and the third arbitrator shall be appointed by the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre. The language to be used in the arbitration proceedings shall be English. The seat of arbitration shall be Hong Kong. Each of the Parties irrevocably waives any immunity to jurisdiction to which it may be entitled or become entitled (including without limitation sovereign immunity, immunity to pre-award attachment, post-award attachment or otherwise) in any arbitration proceedings and/or enforcement proceedings against it arising out of or based on this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.
Section 5.3 Amendment . This Agreement shall not be amended, changed or modified, except by another agreement in writing executed by the parties hereto.
Section 5.4 Binding Effect . This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, each Purchaser, the Company, and their respective heirs, successors and permitted assigns.
Section 5.5 Assignment . Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, duties or obligations hereunder may be assigned by the Company or any Purchaser without the express written consent of the other Party, except that a Purchaser may assign all or any part of its rights and obligations hereunder to any affiliate of such Purchaser without the consent of the Company, provided that no such assignment shall relieve such Purchaser of its obligations hereunder if such assignee does not perform such obligations. Any purported assignment in violation of the foregoing sentence shall be null and void.
Section 5.6 Notices . All notices, requests, demands, and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given on the date of actual delivery if delivered personally to the party hereto to whom notice is to be given, on the date sent if sent by telecopier, tested telex or prepaid telegram, on the next business day following delivery to Federal Express properly addressed or on the day of attempted delivery by the U.S. Postal Service if mailed by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage paid, and properly addressed as follows:
If to the Company, at: |
Cheetah Mobile Inc. 12/F, Fosun International Center Tower No. 237 Chaoyang North Road Chaoyang District, Beijing 100022 Peoples Republic of China Fax: 86-10-5977-0977 Attn: Jingxin Zhan |
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If to Kingsoft Corporation Limited, at: |
Kingsoft Tower No. 33 Xiao Ying West Road Haidian District, Beijing 100085 Peoples Republic of China Fax: 86-010- 82325655 Attn: Francis Ng |
|
If to Baidu Holdings Limited, at: |
Baidu Campus No. 10 Shangdi 10th St. Haidian District Beijing 100085, P.R. China |
|
If to Xiaomi Ventures Limited, at: |
12F East Office Tower The Rainbow City of China Resources No. 68 Qinghe Middle Street Haidian District, Beijing Peoples Republic of China Fax: 86-010-6060 6666 ext. 1011 Attn: Zhang Tianying |
Any party hereto may change its address for purposes of this Section 5.6 by giving the other Party written notice of the new address in the manner set forth above.
Section 5.7 Entire Agreement . This Agreement together with the Registration Rights Agreement and the Lock-up Agreement constitutes the entire understanding and agreement between the Parties with respect to the matters covered hereby, and all prior agreements and understandings, oral or in writing, if any, between the Parties with respect to the matters covered hereby are merged and superseded by such agreements.
Section 5.8 Severability . If any provisions of this Agreement shall be adjudicated to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable in any action or proceeding whether in its entirety or in any portion, then such provision shall be deemed amended, if possible, or deleted, as the case may be, from the Agreement in order to render the remainder of the Agreement and any provision thereof both valid and enforceable, and all other provisions hereof shall be given effect separately therefrom and shall not be affected thereby.
Section 5.9 Fees and Expenses . Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, the Company and each Purchaser will bear their respective expenses incurred in connection with the negotiation, preparation and execution of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including fees and expenses of attorneys, accountants, consultants and financial advisors.
Section 5.10 Confidentiality . Each party hereto shall keep in confidence, and shall not use (except for the purposes of the transactions contemplated hereby) or disclose, any non-public information disclosed to it or its affiliates, representatives or agents in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby. Each party hereto shall ensure that its affiliates, representatives and agents keep in confidence, and do not use (except for the purposes of the transactions contemplated hereby) or disclose, any such non-public information.
Section 5.11 Specific Performance . The Parties agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event any provision of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with the terms hereof and that the Parties shall be entitled to specific performance of the terms hereof, in addition to any other remedy at law or equity.
Section 5.12 Termination . In the event that the Closings shall not have occurred by December 31, 2014, the Company or either Purchaser (with respect to itself) may terminate this Agreement with no further force or effect, except for the provisions of Article V, which shall survive any termination under this Section 5.12, provided that no party who is then in a material breach of this Agreement shall not be entitled to terminate this Agreement.
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Section 5.13 Description of Purchasers .
(a) The Company shall afford each Purchaser a reasonable opportunity in which to review and comment on any description of such Purchaser and/or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement with respect to such Purchaser that is to be included in the Registration Statement filed after the date hereof, and the Company shall take into account such comments from Purchaser.
(b) Each Purchaser hereby consents and undertakes to promptly provide a description of its organization and business activities to the Company (such Purchasers Purchaser Description ) to be used solely in the Registration Statement and the prospectus therein, and hereby represents that its Purchaser Description will be true and accurate in all material respects and will not be misleading in any material respect. Additionally, each Purchaser hereby consents to the filing of this Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreement as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. Other than Purchaser Descriptions, the Company shall not include in the Registration Statement or the prospectus therein any information regarding a Purchaser without such Purchasers prior written consent.
(c) Each Purchaser acknowledges that the Company will rely upon the truth and accuracy of its Purchaser Description, and it agrees to notify the Company promptly in writing if any of the content contained therein ceases to be accurate and complete or becomes misleading.
Section 5.14 Headings . The headings of the various articles and sections of this Agreement are inserted merely for the purpose of convenience and do not expressly or by implication limit, define or extend the specific terms of the section so designated.
Section 5.15 Execution in Counterparts . For the convenience of the Parties and to facilitate execution, this Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall constitute but one and the same instrument.
Section 5.16 Purchaser Obligations . For the avoidance of doubt and notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, all obligations and liabilities of the Purchasers hereunder shall be several and not joint.
Section 5.17 No Waiver . Except as specifically set forth herein, the rights and remedies of the parties to this Agreement are cumulative and not alternative. No failure or delay on the part of any party in exercising any right, power or remedy under this Agreement will operate as a waiver of such right, power or remedy, and no single or partial exercise of any such right, power or remedy will preclude any other or further exercise of such right, power or remedy or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, (a) no claim or right arising out of this Agreement can be discharged by one party, in whole or in part, by a waiver or renunciation of the claim or right unless in writing signed by the other party; (b) no waiver that may be given by a party will be applicable except in the specific instance for which it is given; and (c) no notice to or demand on one party will be deemed to be a waiver of any obligation of that party or of the right of the party giving such notice or demand to take further action without notice or demand as provided in this Agreement.
[Signatures follow]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the day and year first above written.
CHEETAH MOBILE INC. | ||
By: |
/s/ Sheng Fu |
|
Name: | Sheng Fu | |
Title: | Chief Executive Officer and Director |
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KINGSOFT CORPORATION LIMITED | ||
By: |
/s/ Hongjiang Zhang |
|
Name: | Hongjiang Zhang | |
Title: | Director |
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BAIDU HOLDINGS LIMITED | ||
By: |
/s/ Yanhong Li |
|
Name: | Yanhong Li | |
Title: |
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XIAOMI VENTURES LIMITED | ||
By: |
/s/ |
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
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Schedule D-1
Total Outstanding
Ordinary Shares | ||||||||
Outstanding | Upon Conversion | |||||||
Series A Preferred Shares |
102,409,639 | 102,409,639 | ||||||
Series B Preferred Shares |
122,495,531 | 122,495,531 | ||||||
Ordinary Shares |
1,000,551,482 | 1,000,551,482 |
Authorized Share Capital
Ordinary Shares | 1,775,094,830 | |||||||||||
Preferred Shares | 224,905,170 | consisting of: | ||||||||||
Series A | 102,409,639 | |||||||||||
Series B | 122,495,531 |
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Schedule D-2
Total Outstanding Immediately After IPO
Class A Ordinary Shares consisting of: |
||
The number of Class A Ordinary shares issued pursuant to the Assured Entitlement | ||
The number of Class A Ordinary Shares issued to public investors through the IPO | ||
The number of Class A Ordinary Shares purchased by the Purchasers subject to the terms and conditions of the Subscription Agreement | ||
Class B Ordinary Shares |
1,225,456,652 |
Authorized Share Capital Immediately After
Class A Ordinary Shares |
7,600,000,000 | |||
Class B Ordinary Shares |
1,400,000,000 | |||
Undesignated Shares |
1,000,000,000 |
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Exhibit A
Purchasers
Purchaser |
Maximum
Purchase Price |
|||
Kingsoft Corporation Limited |
US$ | 20 million | ||
Baidu Holdings Limited |
US$ | 30 million | ||
Xiaomi Ventures Limited |
US$ | 30 million |
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Exhibit B
Registration Rights Agreement
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Exhibit C
Lock-up Agreement
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Exhibit 10.50
REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT
REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (this Agreement ) is made as of , 2014, by and among:
(1) | Cheetah Mobile Inc., a company incorporated in the Cayman Islands (the Company ); |
(2) | each of the parties set forth in Exhibit A hereto (each, an Investor , and collectively, the Investors ). |
The Investors on the one hand, and the Company on the other hand, are sometimes herein referred to each as a Party , and collectively as the Parties .
RECITALS
(A) | The Company and the Investors have entered into a Subscription Agreement dated as of April 25, 2014 (the Subscription Agreement ); and |
(B) | In connection with the Subscription Agreement and in order to induce the Investors to consummate the transactions contemplated under the Subscription Agreement, the Company and the Investors have agreed to enter into this Agreement. |
WITNESSETH
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises set forth above, the mutual promises and covenants set forth herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:
1. | Interpretation |
1.1 Definitions . The following terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them below:
Affiliate means, with respect to a specified person, a person that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by, or is under common control with, the person specified.
Applicable Securities Laws means the securities law of the United States, including the Exchange Act and the Securities Act, and any applicable securities law of any state of the United States.
Board or Board of Directors means the board of directors of the Company.
Business Day means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, public holiday or other day on which commercial banks are required or authorized by law to be closed in the PRC, the Cayman Islands or the City of New York.
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Commission means the Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States or any other federal agency at the time administering the Securities Act.
Ordinary Shares means the Class A ordinary shares, par value US$0.000025, of the Company.
Exchange Act means the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Form F-3 means Form F-3 promulgated by the Commission under the Securities Act or any successor form or substantially similar form then in effect.
Form S-3 means Form S-3 promulgated by the Commission under the Securities Act or any successor form or substantially similar form then in effect.
Governmental Authority means any nation or government or any province or state or any other political subdivision thereof; any entity, authority or body exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to government, including any government authority, agency, department, board, commission or instrumentality of the PRC or any other country, or any court, tribunal or arbitrator, and any self-regulatory organization.
Holder means the holder of the Registrable Securities.
IPO means the Companys underwritten registered initial public offering.
Law means any constitutional provision, statute or other law, rule, regulation, official policy or interpretation of any Governmental Authority and any injunction, judgment, order, ruling, assessment or writ issued by any Governmental Authority.
Person means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, proprietorship, association, limited liability company, firm, trust, estate or other enterprise or entity.
PRC means the Peoples Republic of China, but solely for the purposes of this Agreement, excluding the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Macau Special Administrative Region and Taiwan.
Registration means a registration effected by preparing and filing a Registration Statement and the declaration or ordering of the effectiveness of that Registration Statement; and the terms Register and Registered have meanings concomitant with the foregoing.
Registrable Securities means all of the Ordinary Shares acquired by the Investors pursuant to the Subscription Agreement.
Registration Statement means a registration statement prepared on Form F-1, F-3, S-1 or S-3 under the Securities Act (including Rule 415 under the Securities Act).
Securities Act means the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
U.S. means the United States of America.
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1.2 Interpretation . For all purposes of this Agreement, except as otherwise expressly provided, (i) the terms defined in this Section 1 shall have the meanings assigned to them in this Section 1 and include the plural as well as the singular, (ii) all references in this Agreement to designated Sections and other subdivisions are to the designated Sections and other subdivisions of the body of this Agreement, (iii) pronouns of either gender or neuter shall include, as appropriate, the other pronoun forms, (iv) the words herein, hereof and hereunder and other words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular Section or other subdivision, (v) all references in this Agreement to designated schedules, exhibits and annexes are to the schedules, exhibits and annexes attached to this Agreement unless explicitly stated otherwise, (vi) or is not exclusive, (vii) the term including will be deemed to be followed by , but not limited to, (viii) the terms shall, will, and agrees are mandatory, and the term may is permissive, and (ix) the term day means calendar day.
2. | Registration Rights. |
2.1 Piggyback Registrations.
(a) | The Company shall notify each Investor in writing at least thirty (30) days prior to filing any Registration Statement under the Securities Act for purposes of effecting a public offering of securities of the Company (including Registration Statements relating to secondary offerings of securities of the Company, but excluding Registration Statements filed in connection with the IPO, under Section 2.2 of this Agreement or relating to any employee benefit plan or a corporate reorganization), and shall afford each Investor an opportunity to include in such Registration Statement all or any part of the Registrable Securities then held by such Investor to the extent provided herein. If an Investor desires to include in any such Registration Statement all or any part of the Registrable Securities held by it, it shall within twenty (20) days after receipt of the above-described notice from the Company so notify the Company in writing and in such notice shall inform the Company of the number of Registrable Securities such Investor wishes to include in such Registration Statement. If such Investor decides not to include all of its Registrable Securities in any Registration Statement thereafter filed by the Company, such Investor shall nevertheless continue to have the right to include any Registrable Securities in any subsequent Registration Statement or Registration Statements as may be filed by the Company with respect to offerings of its securities, all upon the terms and conditions set forth herein. |
(b) | Underwriting . If a Registration Statement under which the Company gives notice under this Section 2.1 is for an underwritten offering, then the Company shall so advise each Investor. In such event, the right of any of an Investors Registrable Securities to be included in a Registration pursuant to this Section 2.1 shall be conditioned upon such Investors participation in such underwriting and the inclusion of such Investors Registrable Securities in the underwriting to the extent provided herein. If an Investor proposes to distribute its Registrable Securities through such underwriting it shall enter into an underwriting agreement in customary form with the managing underwriter or underwriters selected for such underwriting. If the managing underwriter(s) determine(s) in good faith that marketing factors require a limitation of the number of Ordinary Shares to be underwritten, then the managing underwriter(s) may exclude any or all Ordinary Shares held by the Investors from the Registration and the underwriting. If an Investor disapproves of the terms of any such underwriting, such Investor may elect to withdraw therefrom by written notice to the Company and the underwriter(s), delivered at least ten (10) Business Days prior to the effective date of the Registration Statement. Any Registrable Securities excluded or withdrawn from such underwriting shall be excluded and withdrawn from the Registration. |
(c) | No Limit on Number of Piggyback Registrations . There shall be no limit on the number of times the Investors may request Registration of Registrable Securities under this Section 2.1. |
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2.2 Form F-3 Registration.
(a) | In case the Company shall receive from an Investor a written request or requests that the Company effect a Registration on Form F-3 (and any related qualification or compliance) with respect to all or any part of the Registrable Securities owned by such Investor, then the Company shall promptly give written notice of the proposed Registration and such Investors request therefor, and any related qualification or compliance, to all other Holders; and, subject to the provisions of this Sections 2.2(b) and (c), as soon as practicable but in no later than forty-five (45) days after receipt of the request of such Investor, effect such Registration and all such qualifications and compliances as may be so requested and as would permit or facilitate the sale and distribution of such Registrable Securities of such Investor as are specified in such request, together with all or such portion of the Registrable Securities of any other Holders joining in such request as are specified in a written request given within fifteen (15) days after receipt of such written notice from the Company. |
(b) | Notwithstanding anything to the contrary provided above, the Company shall not be obligated to effect any such Registration, qualification or compliance pursuant to this Section 2.2: |
(1) | if Form F-3 is not available for such offering by the Holders; |
(2) | if such Holders, together with the holders of any other securities of the Company entitled to inclusion in such Registration, propose to sell Registrable Securities and such other securities (if any) at an aggregate price to the public (before payment of any underwriters discounts or commissions) of less than US$20,000,000; |
(3) | if the Company shall furnish to the Investor requesting such Registration a certificate signed by the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company stating that in the good faith judgment of the Board of Directors of the Company, it would be materially detrimental to the Company and its shareholders for such Form F-3 Registration to be effected at such time, in which event the Company shall have the right to defer the filing of the Form F-3 Registration Statement no more than once during any twelve (12) month period for a period of not more than ninety (90) days after receipt of the request of the Investor requesting Registration under this Section 2.2, provided that the Company shall not register any of its other securities during such ninety (90) day period; |
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(4) | in any particular jurisdiction in which the Company would be required to qualify to do business or to execute a general consent to service of process in effecting such Registration, qualification or compliance unless the Company is already qualified to do business or subject to service of process in that jurisdiction and except as may be required by the Securities Act; or |
(5) | if the Company has, within the twelve (12)-month period preceding the date of such request, already effected two (2) Registrations on Form F-3 for any Investors pursuant to this Section 2.2 excluding any Registrations from which Registrable Securities have been excluded despite an Investors request that they be included. |
(c) | Underwriters Discretion . If the managing underwriter(s) determine(s) in good faith that marketing factors require a limitation of the number of Ordinary Shares to be underwritten, then the managing underwriter(s) may exclude any or all Ordinary Shares held by the Investors from the Registration and the underwriting. If an Investor disapproves of the terms of any such underwriting, such Investor may elect to withdraw therefrom by written notice to the Company and the underwriter(s), delivered at least ten (10) Business Days prior to the effective date of the Registration Statement. Any Registrable Securities excluded or withdrawn from such underwriting shall be excluded and withdrawn from the Registration. |
(d) | No Limit on Number of Form F-3 Registrations . There shall be no limit on the number of times the Investors may request Registration of Registrable Securities under this Section 2.2. |
2.3 Expenses . All expenses that are applicable to the sale of Registrable Securities pursuant to this Agreement and incurred in connection with Registrations, filings or qualifications pursuant to this Agreement, including all Registration, filing and qualification fees, printers and accounting fees, fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company, and one counsel for all holders of registration rights relating to any securities of the Company (up to a maximum of US$100,000), shall be borne by the Company; provided that (i) each Investor and Holder shall bear its own underwriting discounts and commissions applicable to the sale of its Registrable Securities in such Registration and (ii) if one or more Investors or Holders engages its or their own counsel, such Investors or Holders shall bear the legal fees for any other counsel engaged in connection with such Registration. The Company shall not, however, be required to pay for any expenses of any Registration proceeding begun pursuant to this Agreement if the Registration request is subsequently withdrawn at the request of a majority-in-interest of the holders requesting such Registration (in which case all participating holders shall bear such expenses pro rata based upon the number of Registrable Securities that were to be thereby Registered in the withdrawn Registration).
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2.4 Obligations of the Company . Whenever required to effect the Registration of any Registrable Securities under this Agreement the Company shall, as expeditiously as reasonably possible:
(a) | Registration Statement . Prepare and file with the SEC a Registration Statement with respect to such Registrable Securities and use its best efforts to cause such Registration Statement to become effective provided, however, that (x) before filing a Registration Statement or prospectus or any amendments or supplements thereto, the Company shall provide counsel for holders of registration rights relating to securities of the Company with an adequate and appropriate opportunity to review and comment on such Registration Statement and each prospectus included therein (and each amendment or supplement thereto) to be filled with the SEC, subject to such documents being under the Companys control, and (y) the Company shall notify the counsel and each seller of Registrable Securities of any stop order issued or threatened by the SEC and take all action required to prevent the entry of such stop order or to remove it if entered. |
(b) | Amendments and Supplements . Prepare and file with the SEC such amendments and supplements to such Registration Statement and the prospectus used in connection with such Registration Statement to keep such Registration Statement effective for up to the shorter of one hundred twenty (120) days or until the distribution contemplated in the Registration Statement has been completed, provided that if an Investor has requested that a Registration on Form F-3 be for an offering on a continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act, then the Company shall keep such Registration Statement effective until the shorter of (i) one hundred and eighty (180) days or (ii) until such time as all Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement have been sold, and the Company shall comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the disposition of all securities covered by such Registration Statement during such period in accordance with the intended methods of disposition by the sellers thereof set forth in such Registration Statement. |
(c) | Prospectuses . Furnish to each Holder such numbers of copies of a prospectus, including a preliminary prospectus, in conformity with the requirements of the Securities Act, and such other documents as it may reasonably request in order to facilitate the disposition of Registrable Securities owned by it. |
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(d) | Blue Sky . Use its best efforts to register and qualify the securities covered by such Registration Statement under such other securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as shall be reasonably requested by a Holder, provided that the Company shall not be required in connection therewith or as a condition thereto to qualify to do business or to file a general consent to service of process in any such states or jurisdictions unless the Company is already subject to service of process in such jurisdiction and except as may be required by the Securities Act. |
(e) | Underwriting . In the event of any underwritten public offering, enter into and perform its obligations under an underwriting agreement, in usual and customary form, with the managing underwriter of such offering. The Holders participating in such underwriting shall also enter into and perform its obligations under such an agreement with respect to its securities included in such underwriting; provided that (i) no Holder will be required to make any representations or warranties to or agreements with the Company or the underwriters other than representations, warranties or agreements specifically regarding such Holder, its rights, title and interest in the Registrable Securities and its intended method of distribution and (ii) no Holder will be required to provide an indemnity in such underwriting agreement that is broader than the provisions in Section 2.6(b) of this Agreement. |
(f) | Notification . Notify the Holders of Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement at any time when a prospectus relating thereto is required to be delivered under the Securities Act of the happening of any event as a result of which the prospectus included in such Registration Statement, as then in effect, includes an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statement therein not misleading in the light of the circumstances then existing and the Company shall promptly prepare a supplement or amendment to such prospectus (and, if necessary, a post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement) and furnish to the seller of Registrable Securities a reasonable number of copies of such supplement to or an amendment of such prospectus as may be necessary so that, after delivery to the purchasers of such Registrable Securities, such prospectus shall not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. |
(g) | Exchange Listing . Cause all such Registrable Securities registered pursuant hereunder to be listed on each securities exchange on which similar securities issued by the Company are then listed. |
(h) | Transfer Agent and CUSIP . Provide a transfer agent and registrar for all Registrable Securities registered pursuant hereunder and a CUSIP number for all such Registrable Securities, in each case not later than the effective date of such Registration. |
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(i) | SEC Compliance; Earnings Statements . Comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the SEC, and make available to its security holders, as soon as reasonably practicable but no later than fifteen (15) months after the effective date of the Registration Statement, an earnings statement covering a period of twelve (12) months beginning after the effective date of the Registration Statement, in a manner which satisfies the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and Rule 158 thereunder. |
(j) | To use its commercially reasonable efforts to furnish, at the request of the Holder requesting registration of Registrable Securities pursuant to this Agreement, on the date that such Registrable Securities, are delivered to the underwriters for sale in connection with a registration pursuant to this Agreement, if such securities are being sold through underwriters, or, if such securities are not being sold through underwriters, on the date that the registration statement with respect to such securities becomes effective, a copy of (i) an opinion, dated such date, of the counsel representing the Company for the purposes of such registration, in form and substance as is customarily given to underwriters in an underwritten public offering, addressed to the underwriters, if any and (ii) a letter dated such date, from the independent certified public accountants of the Company, in form and substance as is customarily given by independent certified public accountants to underwriters in an underwritten public offering, addressed to the underwriters. |
(k) | Make available at reasonable times for inspection by any managing underwriter participating in any disposition of such Registrable Securities pursuant to a registration statement, the counsel selected by any managing underwriter (each, an Inspector and collectively, the Inspectors ), all financial and other records, pertinent corporate documents and properties of the Company and its subsidiaries (collectively, the Records ) as shall be reasonably necessary to enable them to exercise their due diligence responsibility, and cause the Companys and its subsidiaries officers, directors and employees, and the independent public accountants of the Company, to supply at reasonable times all information reasonably requested by any such Inspector in connection with such registration statement. No Records shall be disclosed by the Inspectors (and the Inspectors shall confirm their agreement in writing in advance to the Company if the Company shall so request) unless (x) the disclosure of such Records is necessary, in the Companys judgment, to avoid or correct a misstatement or omission in the registration statement, (y) the release of such Records is ordered pursuant to a subpoena or other order from a court of competent jurisdiction after exhaustion of all appeals therefrom or (z) the information in such Records was known to the Inspectors on a non-confidential basis prior to its disclosure by the Company or has been made generally available to the public. The Seller of Registrable Securities agrees that it shall, upon learning that disclosure of such Records is sought in a court of competent jurisdiction, give notice to the Company and allow the Company, at the Companys expense, to undertake appropriate action to prevent disclosure of the Records deemed confidential. |
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2.5 Furnish Information . It shall be a condition precedent to the obligations of the Company to take any action pursuant to this Section 2 that the Investors shall furnish to the Company such information regarding themselves, the Registrable Securities held by them and the intended method of disposition of such securities as shall be required to timely effect the Registration of its Registrable Securities.
2.6 Indemnification . In the event any Registrable Securities are included in a Registration Statement under this Section 2:
(a) | Indemnification by the Company . To the extent permitted by law, the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless each Investor, each Holder, and each of their respective partners, officers, directors, employees, advisors, agents, any underwriter (as defined in the Securities Act) for such Investor or Holder, and each Person, if any, who controls such Investor, Holder or underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, against all losses, claims, damages and liabilities (joint or several; or actions, proceedings or settlements in respect thereof) to which such Investor, Holder, partner, officer, director, employee, advisor, agent, underwriter or controlling Person may become subject under laws which are applicable to the Company and relate to action or inaction required of the Company in connection with any Registration, qualification or compliance, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions, proceedings or settlements in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon any of the following statements, omissions or violations (collectively a Violation ): |
(1) | any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in such Registration Statement, including any preliminary prospectus or final prospectus contained therein or any amendments or supplements thereto; |
(2) | the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein, or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which they are made, not misleading; or |
(3) | any violation or alleged violation by the Company of the Applicable Securities Law, or any rule or regulation promulgated under the Applicable Securities Law; |
and the Company shall reimburse such Investor, Holder, partner, officer, director, employee, advisor, agent, underwriter and controlling Person for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by them, as such expenses are incurred, in connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability, action or proceeding; provided , however , that the indemnity agreement contained in this Section 2.6(a) shall not apply to amounts paid in settlement of any such loss, claim, damage, liability, action or proceeding if such settlement is effected without the consent of the Company (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), nor shall the Company be liable in any such case for any such loss, claim, damage, liability, action or proceeding to the extent that it arises out of or is based upon (A) a Violation which occurs in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished expressly for use in connection with such Registration by an Investor, a Holder or any of their respective partners, officers, directors, employees, advisors, agents, underwriters or controlling Persons or (B) delivery of a prospectus by a Holder who has received notice from the Company that the Registration Statement relating thereto contains an untrue statement of a material fact or an omission of a material fact.
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(b) | Indemnification by the Investors . To the extent permitted by law, each Investor and Holder shall, if Registrable Securities held by such Investor or Holder are included in the securities as to which such Registration, qualifications or compliance is being effected, indemnify and hold harmless the Company, each of its employees, advisors, agents and directors, each of its officers who has signed the Registration Statement, each Person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of the Securities Act and any underwriter, against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities (joint or several; or actions, proceedings or settlements in respect thereof) to which the Company or any such director, officer, legal counsel, controlling Person underwriter may become subject under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or other United States federal or state law, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions, proceedings or settlements in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon any of the following statements, omissions or Violation, in each case to the extent (and only to the extent) that such statement, omission or Violation occurs in sole reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished by such Investor, such Holder, or their respective partners, officers, directors, employees, advisors, agents, underwriters or controlling Persons expressly for use in connection with such Registration: |
(1) | untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in such Registration Statement, including any preliminary prospectus or final prospectus contained therein or any amendments or supplements thereto; or |
(2) | omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein, or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which they are made, not misleading, |
and such Investor or Holder shall reimburse any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by the Company or any such employee, advisor, agent, director, officer, controlling Person or underwriter in connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability, action or proceeding; provided, however, that the indemnity agreement contained in this Section 2.6(b) shall not apply to amounts paid in settlement of any such loss, claim, damage, liability, action or proceeding if such settlement is effected without the consent of such Investor or Holder, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld; and provided, further, that except for liability for willful fraud or misrepresentation, in no event shall any indemnity under this Section 2.6(b) exceed the net proceeds received by such Investor or Holder in such Registration. For the avoidance of doubt, the obligations of the Purchasers under this Section 2.6(b) are several but not joint.
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(c) | Notice . Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party of notice of the commencement of any action (including any governmental action), such indemnified party shall, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against any indemnifying party, deliver to the indemnifying party a written notice of the commencement thereof and the indemnifying party shall have the right to participate in, and, to the extent the indemnifying party so desires, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly noticed, to assume the defense thereof with counsel mutually satisfactory to the parties; provided , however , that an indemnified party shall have the right to retain its own counsel, with the fees and expenses to be paid by the indemnifying party, as incurred, if representation of such indemnified party by the counsel retained by the indemnifying party would be inappropriate due to actual or potential conflict of interests between such indemnified party and any other party represented by such counsel in such proceeding. |
(d) | Survival; Consents to Judgments and Settlements . The obligations of the Company and Holders under this Section 2.6 shall survive the completion of any offering of Registrable Securities in a Registration Statement under this Section 2. No indemnifying party, in the defense of any such claim or litigation, shall, except with the consent of each indemnified party, consent to entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement which does not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such indemnified party of are lease from all liability in respect to such claim or litigation. |
2.7 Rule 144 Reporting . With a view to making available to the Investors the benefits of certain rules and regulations of the SEC which may at any time permit the sale of the Registrable Securities to the public without Registration or pursuant to a Registration on Form F-3, after such time as a public market exists for the Ordinary Shares, the Company agrees to:
(a) | Make and keep public information available, as those terms are understood and defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act, at all times after the effective date of the first Registration under the Securities Act filed by the Company for an offering of its securities to the general public; |
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(b) | File with the SEC in a timely manner all reports and other documents required of the Company under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act (at any time after it has become subject to such reporting requirements); and |
(c) | So long as an Investor owns any Registrable Securities, (x) to furnish to such Investor forthwith upon request (i) a written statement by the Company as to its compliance with the reporting requirements of Rule 144 (at any time after ninety (90) days after the effective date of the Companys initial public offering), the Securities Act and the Exchange Act (at any time after it has become subject to such reporting requirements), or its qualification as a registrant whose securities may be resold pursuant to Form F-3 (at any time after it so qualifies), (ii) a copy of the most recent annual or quarterly report of the Company and (iii) such other reports and documents of the Company as such Investor may reasonably request in availing itself of any rule or regulation of the SEC that permits the selling of any such securities without Registration or pursuant to Form F-3; and (y) to procure the removal of the legend on the restricted securities of the Company held by such Investor in connection with the resale by such Investor of such securities under Rule 144. |
2.8 Termination . The Company shall have no obligations to register any Registrable Securities proposed to be sold by any Investor or Holder after the earlier of (a) seven (7) years following the closing of the IPO and (b) such time as pursuant to Rule 144 or another similar exemption under the Securities Act such Investor or Holder is able to sell all of its Registrable Securities without Registration. In connection with the foregoing, if any Registrable Securities become eligible for sale pursuant to Rule 144(d) or no longer constitute restricted securities (as defined under Rule 144(a)), the Company shall, upon the request of an Investor or Holder, promptly remove (or authorize the transfer agent to remove) the restrictive legend set forth in Section 1.2(c) of the Subscription Agreement from the certificates for such share securities.
3. | Miscellaneous. |
3.1 Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed under the Laws of the State of New York, without regard to principles of conflicts of law thereunder.
3.2 Dispute Resolution.
(a) | Any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement, including any question regarding its existence, validity or termination ( Dispute ) shall be referred to and finally resolved by arbitration at the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre in accordance with the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre Administered Arbitration Rules then in force. There shall be three arbitrators. Each Party has the right to appoint one arbitrator and the third arbitrator shall be appointed by the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre. The language to be used in the arbitration proceedings shall be English. Each of the parties hereto irrevocably waives any immunity to jurisdiction to which hit may be entitled or become entitled (including sovereign immunity, immunity to pre-award attachment, post-award attachment or otherwise) in any arbitration proceedings and/or enforcement proceedings against it arising out of or based on this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby. |
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3.3 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Facsimile and e-mailed copies of signatures shall be deemed to be originals for purposes of the effectiveness of this Agreement.
3.4 Notices . Any notice required or permitted pursuant to this Agreement shall be given in writing and shall be given either personally or by sending it by next-day or second-day courier service, fax, electronic mail or similar means to such party. Where a notice is sent by next-day or second-day courier service, service of the notice shall be deemed to be effected by properly addressing, pre-paying and sending by next-day or second-day service through an internationally-recognized courier a letter containing the notice, with a confirmation of delivery, and to have been effected at the expiration of two days after the letter containing the same is sent as aforesaid. Where a notice is sent by fax or electronic mail, service of the notice shall be deemed to be effected by properly addressing, and sending such notice through a transmitting organization, with a written confirmation of delivery, and to have been effected on the day the same is sent as aforesaid.
3.5 Headings and Titles . Headings and titles used in this Agreement are used for convenience only and are not to be considered in construing or interpreting this Agreement.
3.6 Expenses . If any action at law or in equity is necessary to enforce or interpret the terms of this Agreement, the prevailing Party shall be entitled to reasonable attorneys fees, costs and necessary disbursements in addition to any other relief to which such Party may be entitled.
3.7 Successors and Assigns . The registration rights granted to each Investor under this Agreement may be assigned (but only together with the related obligations) by such Investor to a transferee of Registrable Securities that (i) is an Affiliate of such Investor, (ii) an immediate family member or trust for the benefit of such Investor (or its Affiliate), or (iii) after such transfer, holds at least 30% of the Registrable Securities originally acquired by such Investor pursuant to the Subscription Agreement (subject to appropriate adjustments for stock splits, dividends, combinations or the like); provided, however, that (x) the Company is furnished with written notice of the name and address of such transferee and the Registrable Securities with respect to which such rights are being transferred, and (y) such transferee agrees in a written instrument delivered to the Company to be bound by the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
3.8 Entire Agreement; Amendments and Waivers . This Agreement (including any Schedules or Exhibits hereto) constitutes the full and entire understanding and agreement among the Parties with regard to the subjects hereof and thereof, and supersedes all other agreements between or among any of the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. Any term of this Agreement may be amended and the observance of any term of this Agreement may be waived (either generally or in a particular instance and either retroactively or prospectively) only with the written consent of both Parties.
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3.9 Severability . If a provision of this Agreement is held to be unenforceable under applicable Laws, such provision shall be excluded from this Agreement and the remainder of the Agreement shall be interpreted as if such provision were so excluded and shall be enforceable in accordance with its terms.
3.10 Further Assurances . The Parties agree to execute such further instruments and to take such further action as maybe reasonably necessary to carry out the intent of this Agreement.
3.11 Rights Cumulative . Each and all of the various rights, powers and remedies of a party hereto will be considered to be cumulative with and in addition to any other rights, powers and remedies which such party may have at law or in equity in the event of the breach of any of the terms of this Agreement. The exercise or partial exercise of any right, power or remedy will neither constitute the exclusive election thereof nor the waiver of any other right, power or remedy available to such party.
3.12 No Waiver . Failure to insist upon strict compliance with any of the terms, covenants, or conditions hereof will not be deemed a waiver of such term, covenant, or condition, nor will any waiver or relinquishment of, or failure to insist upon strict compliance with, any right, power or remedy power hereunder at any one or more times be deemed a waiver or relinquishment of such right, power or remedy at any other time or times.
3.13 No Presumption . The Parties acknowledge that any applicable Law that would require interpretation of any claimed ambiguities in this Agreement against the Party that drafted it has no application and is expressly waived. If any claim is made by a Party relating to any conflict, omission or ambiguity in the provisions of this Agreement, no presumption or burden of proof or persuasion will be implied because this Agreement was prepared by or at the request of any Party or its counsel.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
CHEETAH MOBILE INC. | ||
By: |
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Name: | ||
Title: |
KINGSOFT CORPORATION LIMITED | ||
By: |
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Name: | ||
Title: |
BAIDU HOLDINGS LIMITED | ||
By: |
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Name: | ||
Title: |
XIAOMI VENTURES LIMITED | ||
By: |
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Name: | ||
Title: |
EXHIBIT A
INVESTORS
Kingsoft Corporation Limited
Baidu Holdings Limited
Xiaomi Ventures Limited
Exhibit 23.1
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption Experts and to the use of our report dated March 6, 2014, in Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement (Form F-1 No. 333-194996) and related Prospectus of Cheetah Mobile Inc. dated April 25, 2014 for the registration of its Class A ordinary shares.
/s/ Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP |
Beijing, the Peoples Republic of China |
April 25, 2014 |