Focus Media Reports First Quarter 2012 Results

SHANGHAI, May 28, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Focus Media Holding Limited (Nasdaq: FMCN) today announced its unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2012.

Highlights for first Quarter 2012:

• Total net revenue for the first quarter of 2012 was $199.6 million, of which
  
  • aggregate net revenue from the LCD display network, in-store network, poster frame network and movie theater network was $184.3 million, which exceeded by approximately 4% the mid-point of the Company's guidance range of $177-179 million.  This represented an increase of 35% from $136.1 million for the first quarter of 2011 and;
  • net revenue from the traditional outdoor billboard network for the first quarter of 2012 was $15.3 million, which exceeded by approximately 9% the mid-point of the guidance range of $13-15 million. This represented an increase of 46% from $10.5 million for the first quarter of 2011.
• GAAP net income attributable to Focus Media was $37.9 million, representing an increase of 85% from $20.5 million for the first quarter of 2011.
• Non-GAAP net income attributable to Focus Media for the first quarter of 2012 was $61.6 million, exceeding the mid-point of the Company's guidance range of $58-$60 million by 4%, and representing an increase of 45% from non-GAAP net income attributable to Focus Media of $42.4 million for the first quarter of 2011. Please see the below sections on "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and "Reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP" for more information about the non-GAAP measures referred to within this announcement.
• GAAP net income attributable to Focus Media per fully diluted ADS was $0.28, representing an increase of 87% from $0.15 per fully diluted ADS for the first quarter of 2011.
• Non-GAAP net income attributable to Focus Media per fully diluted ADS was $0.46, representing an increase of 53% from $0.30 per fully diluted ADS for the first quarter of 2011.

Highlights for Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Results of First Quarter 2012:

• Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments were $816.8 million as of March 31, 2012, increasing by 8% from $756.6 million as of December 31, 2011. Restricted cash is deposited in bank accounts as security for bank borrowings. These deposits carry fixed interest rates and are released when the related bank borrowings are settled by the Company. Restricted cash was $226.1 million as of March 31, 2012, as compared to $199.3 million as of December 31, 2011, including current restricted cash of 126.3 million and non-current restricted cash of $99.8 million. The short-term investments, consisting of longer term dated cash deposits that earn higher interest rates as compared to cash and cash equivalent, was $228.5 million as of March 31, 2012 as compared to $226.0 million as of December 31, 2011.
• Bank loans were $197.6 million inclusive of short-term bank loans of $126.6 million and long-term bank loans of $71.0 million as of March 31, 2012, as compared to bank loans of $171.0 million as of December 31, 2011, which were used to finance the Company's share repurchases. As of May 28, 2012, the Company has been extended a bank loan facility totaling $300.0 million, of which $100.0 million is long-term and $200.0 million is short-term. Out of the total $300.0 million bank loan facility, $200.0 million has been drawn down by the Company as of May 28, 2012, including short-term bank loan of $100.0 million and long-term bank loan of $100.0 million. Operationally, as the Company generates cash inflow in Renminbi onshore, offshore bank loans are used to increase our offshore USD base cash resources mainly for future dividend payouts or share repurchases. The entire bank loan facility was extended based on an equivalent Renminbi onshore cash deposit, which was deposited as restricted cash.
• Net accounts receivable for the LCD display network, in-store network, poster frame network and movie theater network was $226.4 million as of March 31, 2012, a slight decrease of 3% from $232.6 million as of December 31, 2011. Days sales outstanding was 107 days in the first quarter of 2012 versus 78 days for the fourth quarter of 2011. The longer days sales outstanding ("DSO") in the first quarter of 2012 as compared to that for the fourth quarter of 2011 was attributable to: 1) a change to gross revenues, as a result of the value-added tax implemented in the advertising industry in Shanghai since January 1, 2012; and 2) seasonally slower cash collection at the beginning of the year
• Net cash inflow from operating activities in the first quarter of 2012 was $44.8 million, more than tripling the $14.5 million for the first quarter of 2011.
• Net cash inflow from operating activities for the first quarter of 2012, after deducting the purchases of equipment and subsidiaries was $38.5 million, a significant growth of over $5.0 million for the first quarter of 2011.
• Capital expenditures were $4.9 million for the first quarter of 2012, mostly attributable to upgrading our LCD screens into interactive screens and to network expansion in lower tier cities in China.
• Cash paid for the acquisition of subsidiaries in the first quarter of 2012 was $1.4 million, which was attributable to the expansion of the LCD display network in lower tier cities;
• Cash used for repurchasing shares in the first quarter of 2012 was $6.0 million.

Jason Jiang, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Focus Media said, "In the first quarter of 2012, our year-on-year revenue growth was mainly driven by the strength of our poster frame and in-store networks due to their exposure to promotion spending budgets which tend to be less affected by macroeconomic uncertainty, mitigating slower growth of our LCD network which was affected by cut back on branding budgets, which tend to be impacted by macroeconomic uncertainties. We have since second quarter of 2012 seen some form of stabilization in the advertising environment including branding spending, despite we have yet to see return to normalization. We remain confident and will continue to strive to achieve our business objectives for the year."

Kit Low, the Company Chief Financial Officer added, "We continue to register gross margin expansion for the Company on a year-on-year basis, which was helped by diversification of our revenue sources from our various business lines. In the first quarter of 2012, the Company achieved aggregate net revenue year-on-year growth in our LCD display, poster frame business, in-store and movie theater network of 35%. GAAP net income attributable to Focus Media and Non-GAAP net income attributable to Focus Media for the first quarter of 2012 was $37.9 million and $61.6 million, respectively. In the first quarter of 2012, the Company generated a net cash inflow from operating activities after deducting the purchases of equipment and subsidiaries of $38.5 million."

First Quarter 2012 financial results

Advertising net revenue from the LCD display network was $87.6 million for the first quarter of 2012, representing an increase of 6% from $82.5 million for the first quarter of 2011. The slower year-on-year growth as compared to previous quarters was mainly driven by a combination of macro-economic uncertainty and an earlier Chinese Lunar New Year which we believe pulled some of the otherwise first quarter 2012 advertising budget into fourth quarter of 2011. It also represented a decrease of 36% from $137.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2011 due to seasonality and we believe also magnified by an earlier Chinese Lunar New Year.

Advertising net revenue from the poster frame network was $65.7 million for the first quarter of 2012, representing an increase of 82% from $36.1 million for the first quarter of 2011 which was driven by the strength of promotional budget spending in the market as well as a more stabilized competitive environment of the poster frame business. It also represented a slight increase of 2% from $64.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2011.

Advertising net revenue from the in-store network was $12.7 million for the first quarter of 2012, representing an increase of 34% from $9.5 million for the first quarter of 2011 and a decrease of 21% from $16.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2011 due to seasonality.

Advertising net revenue from the movie theater network was $18.4 million for the first quarter of 2012, more than doubling the $8.0 million for the first quarter of 2011 which was attributable to robust growth of Chinese box office as well as robust execution by the business division. It also represented a decrease of 11% from $20.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2011 due to seasonal factors.

Advertising net revenue from the traditional outdoor billboard network was $15.3 million for the first quarter of 2012, representing an increase of 46% from $10.5 million for the first quarter of 2011 which was primarily helped by the revenue consolidated from the four subsidiaries acquired in the second half of 2011. It also represented a decrease of 13% from $17.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2011 which was due to seasonality.

Non-GAAP gross profit from the LCD display network for the first quarter of 2012 was $62.6 million, a slight decrease of 2% from $64.2 million for the first quarter of 2011 which was attributable to an increase in the expenses associated with interactive screens including depreciation, and labor expenses as well as rental expenses due to footprint expansion. It also represented a decrease of 45% from $113.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2011 which was mainly due to quarter-on-quarter revenue decline.

Non-GAAP gross profit from the poster frame network for the first quarter of 2012 was $36.5 million, more than tripling the $11.6 million for the first quarter of 2011 due to significant year-on-year growth of revenues, and representing a slight increase of 2% from $35.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2011.

Non-GAAP gross profit from the in-store network for the first quarter of 2012 was $7.1 million, representing an increase of 87% from $3.8 million for the first quarter of 2011 and a decrease of 45% from $12.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2011 which was due to the seasonal revenue decline.

Non-GAAP gross profit from the movie theater network for the first quarter of 2012 was $12.0 million, a significant growth over $1.8 million for the first quarter of 2011, and a decrease of 13% from $13.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2011 which was due to seasonal revenue decline.

Non-GAAP gross profit from the traditional outdoor billboard network for the first quarter of 2012 was $3.2 million, an increase of 77% from $1.8 million for the first quarter of 2011 and an increase of 23% from $2.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2011.

Non-GAAP operating expenses for the first quarter of 2012 was $47.3 million, an increase of 28% from $37.0 million for the first quarter of 2011, which was mainly attributable to an increase in selling and marketing expenses resulting from revenue growth. It also represented a decrease of 24% from $64.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2011 which was also attributable to a decrease in selling and marketing expenses in line with the seasonal revenue decline.

In the first quarter of 2012, the provision for income taxes included withholding tax amounting to $2.3 million, which was accrued based on the expected amount of dividend to be distributed from the domestic operating arm to our offshore holding company, which is subject to PRC's withholding tax rate of 10%.

Net cash provided by operating activities for the first quarter of 2012 was $44.8 million, more than tripling the $14.5 million for the first quarter of 2011.

Net cash used in investing activities for the first quarter of 2012 was $34.9 million. In the first quarter of 2012, the Company incurred capital expenditures of $4.9 million and subsidiary acquisition payments of $1.4 million. Meanwhile, the Company incurred net cash outflows from investment in short-term investments and deposits in restricted cash of $28.7 million during the quarter. Short-term investments are longer term dated cash deposits normally with maturities between three and twelve months that earn higher interest rate as compared to cash and cash equivalents. Restricted cash is deposited in bank accounts as security for bank borrowings.

Net cash provided by financing activities for the first quarter of 2012 was $20.5 million. In the first quarter of 2012, the Company received net cash inflow from the proceeds of bank loans of $26.5 million and the Company used $6.0 million in share repurchases during the quarter.

Operating Data Summary

As a supplementary operating metric, the Company has historically provided investors with information regarding the number of displays in our networks. In order to help the investors gain a better understanding of our media platform and the differentiations between different types of devices and to align this operating metrics with our internal financial reporting, starting from the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company has decided to re-categorize the LCD 1.0 picture frame devices from the LCD display network division into the poster frame network division for screen count purposes. As such, the Company is providing a breakdown of operating data as follows:

1) The approximate number of displays in the LCD display network was as follows:

2) The approximate number of devices in the poster frame network was as follows:

3) The total number of displays installed in our in-store network was approximately 49,330 as of March 31, 2012, as compared to 50,076 as of December 31, 2011. The slight decrease was due to the optimization of the network in convenience stores.

4) The number of movie screens on which the Company had right to lease advertising time as of March 31, 2012 was approximately 2,190, unchanged from December 31, 2011.

Business Outlook for Second Quarter 2012

The Company provides the following guidance with respect to the quarter ending June 30, 2012:

Net revenues for the core business (inclusive of the LCD display network, the in-store network, the poster frame network and the movie theater network) are expected to be in the range of $211-$213 million, the mid-point of which would represent year-on-year growth of 28% and quarter on quarter growth of 15%. Net revenues for the non-core business (the traditional outdoor billboard network) are expected to be in the range of $13-$15 million. The Company's non-GAAP net income is expected to be in the range of $78-$80 million. The Company estimates the weighted average fully diluted ADS count for the quarter at 133.8 million, assuming no further share repurchases during the quarter.

Announced Share Repurchase Program

As of May 28, 2012, the Company has cumulatively spent $491 million in share repurchases out of the share repurchase program totaling $650 million. The Company spent an additional $35.4 million in share repurchases between April 1, 2012 and May 28, 2012.

Payment of announced recurring payout

Focus Media announced on January 10, 2012 that the Company is committed to a 55% annual payout based on prior year non-GAAP net income. Of which 25% of the payout is expected to be dividend payments to be paid on a quarterly basis, which will be paid out in the following calendar year to shareholders of record as of March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 respectively, while the remaining 30% payout is expected to be either dividend payments and/or share repurchases. The payout commences in 2012 in respect of Focus Media's non-GAAP net income for 2011.

Based on the Company 2011 non-GAAP net income of $284.1 million, a cash dividend of US$0.0274 per ordinary share (or US$0.137 per American Depositary Share) was already paid on April 16, 2012 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 30, 2012. Meanwhile, the board of directors has approved a cash dividend of US$0.0272 per ordinary share (or US$0.136 per American Depositary Share) to be payable on July 16, 2012 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on June 29, 2012.

Value-added tax reform in Shanghai

The government implemented a value-added tax reform pilot program, which replaced the business tax with value-added tax on selected sectors including the advertising sector, in Shanghai effective January 1, 2012. The value-added tax rate applicable to the subsidiaries of our group in Shanghai is 6% as compared to the 5% business tax rate which was applicable prior to the reform. 

Foreign Currency Translation

Assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rate as of March 31, 2012, which was $1 to RMB 6.2943. Equity accounts are translated at historical exchange rates and revenues, expenses, gains and losses are translated using the average rate for the first quarter of 2012, which was $1 to RMB 6.3088. Translation adjustments are reported as cumulative translation adjustments and are a separate component of other comprehensive income.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In addition to Focus Media's consolidated financial results under GAAP, the Company also provides non-GAAP financial measures, including non-GAAP gross profit (cumulatively and by segment), non-GAAP operating expenses, non-GAAP operating profit (loss), non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP fully-diluted earnings per ADR, all excluding share-based compensation expenses, amortization of acquired intangible assets and loss from equity method investee. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures to better assess operating performance of the Company. The Company believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide investors with another method for assessing Focus Media's operating results in a manner that is focused on the performance of its ongoing operations. Readers are cautioned not to view non-GAAP results on a stand-alone basis or as a substitute for results under GAAP, or as being comparable to results reported or forecasted by other companies, and should refer to the reconciliation of GAAP results with non-GAAP results in the attached financial information. The Company believes that both management and investors benefit from referring to these non-GAAP financial measures in assessing the performance of Focus Media and when planning and forecasting for future periods. The Company computes its non-GAAP financial measures using a consistent method from quarter to quarter, mostly excluding share-based compensation expenses, amortization of acquired intangible assets and loss from equity method investee. The accompanying tables have more details on the GAAP financial measures that are most directly comparable to non-GAAP financial measures and the related reconciliation between these financial measures.

Conference Call

1) The Company will host a conference call to discuss the first quarter 2012 results at 9:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time on May 28, 2012 (6:00 p.m. U.S. Pacific Time on May 28, 2012 and 9:00 a.m. Beijing/Hong Kong Time on May 29, 2012). The dial-in details for the live conference call are set forth below:

2) A replay of the call will be available from May 29, 2012 12:00am until June 5, 2012 9:59am (US Eastern Time). The dial-in details for the replay are set forth below:

Additionally, a live and archived web cast of this call will be available on the Focus Media web site at http://ir.focusmedia.cn.

Safe Harbor: Forward-looking Statements

This press release includes statements that may constitute forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar statements. Focus Media may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on forms 20-F and 6-K., in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Focus Media's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks outlined in Focus Media's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its registration statements on Form F-1, F-3 and 20-F, in each case as amended. Focus Media does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law. 

This release is not an offer of securities for sale in the United States. Securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration. Any public offering of securities to be made in the United States will be made by means of a prospectus that may be obtained from the issuer or selling security holder and that will contain detailed information about the company and management, as well as financial statements.

About Focus Media Holding Limited

Focus Media Holding Limited (Nasdaq: FMCN) operates China's largest lifestyle targeted interactive digital media network. The Company offers one of the most comprehensive targeted interactive digital media platforms aimed at Chinese consumers at various urban locations. The increasingly fragmented and mobile lifestyle of Chinese urban consumers has created the need for more efficient media means to capture consumer attention. Focus Media's mission is to build an increasingly comprehensive and measurable interactive urban media network that reaches consumers at various out-of-home locations. 

SOURCE Focus Media Holding Limited