U.S.
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON,
D.C. 20549
FORM
10-QSB
(Mark
One)
ýQUARTERLY
REPORT
UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF
1934
For
the quarterly period ended September 30, 2007
¨TRANSITION
REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF
1934
For
the transition period from ____ to ____
Commission
file number 000-30264
NETWORK
CN INC.
(Exact
name of small business issuer as specified in its charter)
Delaware
|
11-3177042
|
(State
or Other Jurisdiction of
|
(I.R.S.
Employer
|
Incorporation
or Organization)
|
Identification
Number)
|
21/F.,
Chinachem Century Tower, 178 Gloucester Road, Wanchai, Hong
Kong
(Address
of principal executive offices)
(852)
2833-2186
(Registrant’s
Telephone Number, Including International Code and Area Code)
|
(Former
name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since
last
report)
|
Check
whether the issuer (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section
13 or
15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months
(or
for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports),
and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes
ý No ¨
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in
Rule
12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No
ý
As
of
November 9, 2007, the issuer had 69,151,608 shares of common stock, $0.001
par
value outstanding.
The
issuer’s revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 were
$16,398,756
Transitional
Small Business Disclosure Format: YES ¨ NO ý
FORM10-QSB
INDEX
|
|
Page
|
SPECIAL
NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
|
4
|
PART
I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
|
6
|
Item
1.
|
Financial
Statements
|
6
|
|
Condensed
Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2007
(Unaudited)
|
6
|
|
Condensed
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine
months ended
September 30, 2007 and 2006 (Unaudited)
|
7
|
|
Condensed
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended
September
30, 2007 and 2006 (Unaudited)
|
8
|
|
Notes
to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
|
9
|
Item
2.
|
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
|
24
|
Item
3.
|
Controls
and Procedures
|
57
|
PART
II. OTHER INFORMATION
|
58
|
Item
1.
|
Legal
Proceedings
|
58
|
Item
2.
|
Unregistered
Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
|
58
|
Item
3.
|
Default
Upon Senior Securities
|
58
|
Item
4.
|
Submission
of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
|
59
|
Item
5.
|
Other
Information
|
59
|
Item
6.
|
Exhibits
|
59
|
SIGNATURES
|
60
|
All
financial information in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB for the quarter
ended September 30, 2007 (“Quarterly Report”) is in United States dollars,
which are referred to as “U.S. Dollars” or “$.”
SPECIAL
NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
On
one or
more occasions, we may make forward-looking statements in this Quarterly
Report
on Form 10-QSB regarding our assumptions, projections, expectations, targets,
intentions or beliefs about future events.
Words
or
phrases such as “anticipates”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “believes”, “estimates”,
“expects”, “intends”, “plans”, “predicts”, “projects”, “targets”, “will likely
result”, “will continue” or similar expressions identify forward-looking
statements. These forward-looking statements are only our predictions and
involve numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including, but not
limited to those listed below and those business risks and factors described
elsewhere in this report and our other Securities and Exchange Commission
filings.
Forward-looking
statements involve risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results
or
outcomes to differ materially from those expressed. We caution that while
we
make such statements in good faith and believe such statements are based
on
reasonable assumptions, including without limitation, management’s examination
of historical operating trends, data contained in records and other data
available from third parties, we cannot assure you that our projections
will be
achieved. Factors that may cause such differences include but are not limited
to:
·
|
our
ability to maintain normal terms with vendors and service
providers;
|
·
|
our
ability to fund and execute our business
plan;
|
·
|
adverse
changes in general economic and competitive
conditions;
|
·
|
potential
additional adverse laws or regulations could have a material
adverse
affect on our liquidity, results of operations and financial
condition;
and
|
·
|
our
ability to maintain an effective internal control
structure.
|
We
have
attempted to identify, in context, certain of the factors that we believe
may
cause actual future experience and results to differ materially from our
current
expectation regarding the relevant matter or subject area. In addition
to the
items specifically discussed above, our business and results of operations
are
subject to the uncertainties described under the caption “Risk and
Uncertainties” which is a part of the disclosure included in Item 2 of Part 1 of
this Quarterly Report entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
From
time
to time, oral or written forward-looking statements are also included in
our
reports on Forms 10-KSB, 10-QSB and 8-K, Proxy Statements on Schedule 14A,
press
releases, analyst and investor conference calls, and other communications
released to the public. Although we believe that at the time made, the
expectations reflected in all of these forward-looking statements are and
will
be reasonable, any or all of the forward-looking statements in this Quarterly
Report, our reports on Forms 10-KSB and 8-K, our Proxy Statements on Schedule
14A and any other public statements that are made by us may prove to be
incorrect.
We
undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking
statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
However, your attention is directed to any further disclosures made on
related
subjects in our subsequent annual and periodic reports filed with the SEC
on
Forms 10-KSB, 10-QSB and 8-K and Proxy Statements on Schedule 14A.
Unless
the context requires otherwise, references to “we”, “us”, “our” and the
“Company” refer specifically to Network CN Inc. and its
subsidiaries.
Item
1. Financial Statements
NETWORK
CN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
AS
OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2007
(UNAUDITED)
ASSETS
|
|
CURRENT
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
Cash
|
|
$ |
2,035,047
|
|
Accounts receivable, net
|
|
|
1,320,702
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other current
assets
|
|
|
3,171,305
|
|
Total Current Assets
|
|
|
6,527,054
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EQUIPMENT,
NET
|
|
|
126,082
|
|
INTANGIBLE
RIGHTS, NET (Note 4)
|
|
|
7,633,994
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL
ASSETS
|
|
$ |
14,287,130
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES
AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
|
|
CURRENT
LIABILITIES
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
|
|
$ |
6,061,274
|
|
Current liabilities from discontinued operations
|
|
|
3,655
|
|
Total Current Liabilities
|
|
|
6,064,929
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COMMITMENTS
AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MINORITY
INTERESTS
|
|
|
406,407
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
STOCKHOLDERS’
EQUITY
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred Stock, $0.001 par value, 5,000,000
shares
|
|
|
|
|
none issued and outstanding
|
|
|
|
|
Common Stock, $0.001 par value, 800,000,000
shares
|
|
|
69,152
|
|
69,151,608 shares issued and
outstanding
|
|
|
|
|
Additional paid-in capital
|
|
|
27,056,625
|
|
Deferred
stock-based compensation
|
|
|
(212,001 |
) |
Accumulated deficit
|
|
|
(19,103,399 |
) |
Accumulated other comprehensive income
|
|
|
5,417
|
|
TOTAL
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
|
|
|
7,815,794
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
|
|
$ |
14,287,130
|
|
See
accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
NETWORK
CN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR
THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2007 AND
2006
(UNAUDITED)
|
|
For
the Three
Months
Ended
September
30, 2007
|
|
|
For
the Three
Months
Ended
September
30, 2006
|
|
|
For
the Nine
Months
Ended
September
30, 2007
|
|
|
For
the Nine
Months
Ended
September
30, 2006
|
|
|
|
REVENUES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tour services
|
|
$ |
8,017,479
|
|
|
$ |
1,895,018
|
|
|
$ |
15,406,660
|
|
|
$ |
2,112,745
|
|
Advertising services
|
|
|
466,071
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
965,995
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Hotel management
|
|
|
1,255
|
|
|
|
48,753
|
|
|
|
26,101
|
|
|
|
242,695
|
|
Related parties
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
100,478
|
|
Total Revenues
|
|
|
8,484,805
|
|
|
|
1,943,771
|
|
|
|
16,398,756
|
|
|
|
2,455,918
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COSTS
AND EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of tour services
|
|
|
7,926,042
|
|
|
|
1,875,555
|
|
|
|
15,221,181
|
|
|
|
2,091,368
|
|
Cost of advertising services
|
|
|
350,325
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
706,698
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Professional fees
|
|
|
812,275
|
|
|
|
1,014,154
|
|
|
|
5,103,162
|
|
|
|
1,303,941
|
|
Payroll
|
|
|
1,851,500
|
|
|
|
313,891
|
|
|
|
2,587,503
|
|
|
|
708,893
|
|
Other selling, general &
administrative
|
|
|
749,561
|
|
|
|
274,969
|
|
|
|
1,380,853
|
|
|
|
650,405
|
|
Total Costs and Expenses
|
|
|
11,689,703
|
|
|
|
3,478,569
|
|
|
|
24,999,397
|
|
|
|
4,754,607
|
|
|
|
LOSS
FROM OPERATIONS
|
|
|
(3,204,898 |
) |
|
|
(1,534,798 |
) |
|
|
(8,600,641 |
) |
|
|
(2,298,689 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OTHER
INCOME
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
3,859
|
|
|
|
7,695
|
|
|
|
14,007
|
|
|
|
30,431
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(2,333 |
) |
|
|
(422 |
) |
|
|
(2,965 |
) |
Other income
|
|
|
5,321
|
|
|
|
13,864
|
|
|
|
9,284
|
|
|
|
15,097
|
|
Total Other Income, Net
|
|
|
9,180
|
|
|
|
19,226
|
|
|
|
22,869
|
|
|
|
42,563
|
|
|
|
NET
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND MINORITY INTERESTS
|
|
|
(3,195,718 |
) |
|
|
(1,515,572 |
) |
|
|
(8,577,772 |
) |
|
|
(2,256,126 |
) |
Income taxes
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(7,372 |
) |
Minority interests
|
|
|
(8,276 |
) |
|
|
12,547
|
|
|
|
(3,147 |
) |
|
|
7,834
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET
LOSS FROM CONTINUING
OPERATIONS
|
|
|
(3,203,994 |
) |
|
|
(1,503,025 |
) |
|
|
(8,580,919 |
) |
|
|
(2,255,664 |
) |
|
|
DISCONTINUED
OPERATIONS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gain on disposal of affiliate
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
579,870
|
|
INCOME
FROM DISCONTUNUED
OPERATIONS
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
579,870
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET
LOSS
|
|
|
(3,203,994 |
) |
|
|
(1,503,025 |
) |
|
|
(8,580,919 |
) |
|
|
(1,675,794 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OTHER
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency translation (loss) gain
|
|
|
(10,517 |
) |
|
|
940
|
|
|
|
1,937
|
|
|
|
940
|
|
COMPREHENSIVE
LOSS
|
|
$ |
(3,214,511 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,502,085 |
) |
|
$ |
(8,578,982 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,674,854 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET
INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE – BASIC AND
DILUTED
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss
per common share from continuing operations
|
|
|
(0.05 |
) |
|
|
(0.03 |
) |
|
|
(0.13 |
) |
|
|
(0.05 |
) |
Income
per common share from discontinued operations
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
0.01
|
|
Net
loss per common share – basic and diluted
|
|
$ |
(0.05 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.03 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.13 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.04 |
) |
WEIGHTED
AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING – BASIC AND DILUTED
|
|
|
68,947,906
|
|
|
|
55,744,892
|
|
|
|
68,355,391
|
|
|
|
48,303,310
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See
accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR
THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2007 AND 2006
(UNAUDITED)
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
CASH
FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
loss
|
|
$ |
(8,580,919 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,675,794 |
) |
Adjustments
to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating
activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and
amortization
|
|
|
321,278
|
|
|
|
196,101
|
|
Stock/Option issued for
services
|
|
|
4,477,566
|
|
|
|
960,430
|
|
Allowance for doubtful
accounts
|
|
|
10,716
|
|
|
|
38,501
|
|
Gain on disposal of
affiliate
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(579,870 |
) |
Minority interests
|
|
|
3,147
|
|
|
|
6,628
|
|
Changes
in operating assets and liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts
receivable
|
|
|
(842,149 |
) |
|
|
(59,192 |
) |
Prepaid expenses and other current
assets
|
|
|
(2,445,651 |
) |
|
|
(81,538 |
) |
Accounts payable and accrued
expenses
|
|
|
5,051,781
|
|
|
|
(113,717 |
) |
Net cash used in operating
activities
|
|
|
(2,004,231 |
) |
|
|
(1,308,451 |
) |
|
|
CASH
FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payment
of Earnest deposit
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(1,134,003 |
) |
Proceeds
from disposal of affiliate
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
3,000,000
|
|
Purchase
of equipment
|
|
|
(58,491 |
) |
|
|
(64,003 |
) |
Acquisition
of subsidiaries, net
|
|
|
(318,156 |
) |
|
|
(807,959 |
) |
Net cash (used in) provided by investing
activities
|
|
|
(376,647 |
) |
|
|
994,035
|
|
|
|
CASH
FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Decrease
in amounts due to related parties
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(639,130 |
) |
Proceeds
from issuance of common stock, net of costs
|
|
|
22,500
|
|
|
|
4,815,000
|
|
Proceeds
from exercise of warrant issued for services
|
|
|
1,500,000
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Repayment
of capital lease obligation
|
|
|
(3,120 |
) |
|
|
(7,019 |
) |
Contribution
from a stockholder
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
16,737
|
|
Net cash provided by financing
activities
|
|
|
1,519,380
|
|
|
|
4,185,588
|
|
|
|
EFFECT
OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH
|
|
|
(1,978 |
) |
|
|
940
|
|
|
|
NET
(DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH
|
|
|
(863,476 |
) |
|
|
3,872,112
|
|
|
|
CASH,
BEGINNING OF PERIOD
|
|
|
2,898,523
|
|
|
|
85,919
|
|
|
|
CASH,
END OF PERIOD
|
|
$ |
2,035,047
|
|
|
$ |
3,958,031
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SUPPLEMENTAL
DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
paid for interest
|
|
$ |
423
|
|
|
$ |
6,371
|
|
SUPPLEMENTAL
DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
In
January 2007, the Company acquired 100% equity interest of Quo Advertising.
The
Company issued 300,000 shares of restricted common stock with a fair value
of
$843,600 as part of the consideration.
See
accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
NOTE
1. GENERAL, ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING
POLICIES
The
accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Network
CN
Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) have been prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles and the rules and regulations
of the
Securities and Exchange Commission for interim financial information.
Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes necessary
for
a comprehensive presentation of our financial position and results of
operations.
The
consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September
30, 2007 and 2006 were not audited. It is management’s opinion, however, that
all material adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) have
been
made which are necessary for a fair financial statements presentation.
The
results for the interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results
to
be expected for the full fiscal year.
The
accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements should be read
in
conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes
thereto
included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2006, previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on April 2, 2007.
(a)
Nature of Business and Organization
Network
CN Inc., originally incorporated on September 10, 1993, is a Delaware
corporation with headquarters in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region,
the People’s Republic of China (the “PRC” or “China”). The Company is building a
nationwide information and entertainment network in China through its Hotel
Network, Media Network and e-Network businesses.
As
of
September 30, 2007, the Company includes:
·
|
Network
CN Inc., a Delaware corporation;
|
·
|
NCN
Group Limited, a British Virgin Islands company and a wholly
owned
subsidiary of Network CN Inc. (“NCN
BVI”);
|
·
|
NCN
Group Management Limited, a Hong Kong company and a wholly owned
subsidiary of NCN BVI (“NCN HK”);
|
·
|
NCN
Management Services Limited, a British Virgin Islands company
and a wholly
owned subsidiary of NCN BVI (“NCN
MS”);
|
·
|
NCN
Asset Management Services Limited, a British Virgin Islands company
and a
wholly owned subsidiary of NCN BVI;
|
·
|
NCN
Travel Services Limited, a British Virgin Islands company and
a wholly
owned subsidiary of NCN BVI;
|
·
|
NCN
Financial Services Limited, a British Virgin Islands company
and a wholly
owned subsidiary of NCN BVI;
|
·
|
NCN
Media Services Limited, a British Virgin Islands company, and
a wholly
owned subsidiary of NCN BVI; (“NCN
Media”)
|
·
|
NCN
Hotels Investment Limited, a British Virgin Islands company,
and a wholly
owned subsidiary of NCN MS;
|
·
|
NCN
Pacific Hotels Limited, a British Virgin Islands company, and
a wholly
owned subsidiary of NCN MS (“NCN
Pacific”);
|
·
|
Teda
(Beijing) Hotels Management Limited, a company organized under
the laws of
the PRC, and a wholly owned subsidiary of NCN BVI (“Teda
BJ”);
|
·
|
Landmark
International Hotel Development Limited , a British Virgin Islands
company, and a 51% owned subsidiary of NCN Landmark (“Landmark
Development”);
|
·
|
Beijing
NCN Landmark Hotel Management Limited, a company organized under
the laws
of the PRC, and a wholly owned subsidiary of NCN Landmark (“Beijing
Landmark”);
|
·
|
Guangdong
Tianma International Travel Service Co., Ltd., a company organized
under
the laws of the PRC, and a 55% owned subsidiary of NCN MS,
(“Tianma”);
|
·
|
Crown
Winner International Limited, a Hong Kong company and a wholly
owned
subsidiary of NCN Media (“Crown
Winner”);
|
·
|
Shanghai
Quo Advertising Company Limited, a company organized under the
laws of the
PRC, and a wholly owned subsidiary of Crown Winner (“Quo
Advertising”);
|
·
|
NCN
Huamin Management Consultancy (Beijing) Company Limited, a company
organized under the laws of the PRC and a wholly owned subsidiary
of NCN
BVI (“NCN Huamin”);
|
·
|
Know
Win Investments Inc., a British Virgin Islands company and a
wholly owned
subsidiary of NCN Pacific (“Know
Win”);
|
·
|
Simple
Win Limited, a British Virgin Islands company and a wholly owned
subsidiary of NCN Pacific (“Simple Win”);
and
|
·
|
Xuancaiyi
(Beijing) Advertising Company Limited, a company organized under
the laws
of the PRC, and a 51% owned subsidiary of Quo Advertising
(‘Xuancaiyi”).
|
(b)
Basis of Consolidation
The
accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for 2007 include
the
accounts of Network CN Inc. and its subsidiaries (see Note (a) above for
a list
of all of the Company’s consolidated subsidiaries). In May 2006, the Company
decided to discontinue the business and wind down the operations of Teda
BJ. We
accounted for TEDA BJ as discontinued operations in the fourth quarter
of 2006.
In addition, Landmark Development became dormant at the end of 2006 and
in 2007
its shareholders began to take steps to wind up the company.
The
accompanying consolidated financial statements for 2006 include the accounts
of
Network CN Inc., NCN BVI and its eight wholly-owned subsidiaries, NCN BVI’s 60%
owned subsidiary NCN Landmark, and NCN Landmark’s 51% owned subsidiary Landmark
Development from October 7, 2005, together with NCN MS’s 55% owned subsidiary
Tianma from June 16, 2006. All significant intercompany transactions and
balances have been eliminated upon consolidation.
(c)
Use of Estimates
In
preparing financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that
affect
the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent
assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the
reported
amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period. Actual results
could differ from those estimates. Differences from those estimates are
reported
in the period they become known and are disclosed to the extent they are
material to the financial statements taken as a whole.
(d)
Equipment, Net
Equipment
is stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided
using
the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the assets,
which is
from three to five years. When equipment is retired or otherwise disposed
of,
the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective
accounts, and any gain or loss is reflected in the statements of operations.
Repairs and maintenance costs on equipment are expensed as
incurred.
(e)
Long-Lived Assets
The
Company accounts for long-lived assets valuation using Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards Nos. 142 and 144 “Accounting for Goodwill and Other
Intangible Assets” and “Accounting for Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived
Assets” (“SFAS 142 and 144”). In accordance with SFAS 142 and 144, long-lived
assets, goodwill and certain identifiable intangible assets held and used
by the
Company are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances
indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. For
the
purposes of evaluating the recoverability of long-lived assets, goodwill
and
intangible assets, the recoverability test is performed using undiscounted
expected future net cash flows related to the long-lived assets.
(f)
Cash
Cash
includes cash on hand, cash accounts, and interest bearing savings accounts
placed with banks and financial institutions. For purposes of the cash
flow
statements, the Company considers all highly liquid investments with original
maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash
equivalents. As of September 30, 2007 and 2006, the Company had no cash
equivalents.
For
hotel
management services, the Company recognizes revenue in the period when
the
services are rendered and collection is reasonably assured.
For
tour
services, the Company recognizes services-based revenue when the services
have
been performed. Tianma offers independent leisure travelers bundled
packaged-tour products, which include both air-ticketing and hotel reservations.
Tianma’s packaged-tour products cover a variety of domestic and international
destinations.
Tianma
organizes inbound and outbound tour and travel packages, which can incorporate,
among other things, air and land transportation, hotels, restaurants and
tickets
to tourist destinations and other excursions. Tianma books all elements
of such
packages with third-party service providers, such as airlines, car rental
companies and hotels, or through other tour package providers and then
resells
such packages to its clients. A typical sale of tour services is as
follows:
1.
|
Tianma,
in consultation with sub-agents, organizes a tour or travel package,
including making reservations for blocks of tickets, rooms, etc.
with
third-party service providers. Tianma may be required to make
deposits,
pay all or part of the ultimate fees charged by such service
providers or
make legally binding commitments to pay such fees at this time.
For
air-tickets, Tianma normally books a block of air tickets with
airlines in
advance and pays the full amount of the tickets to reserve seats
before
any tours are formed. The air tickets are usually valid for a
certain
period of time. If the pre-packaged tours do not materialize
and are
eventually not formed, Tianma will resell the air tickets to
other travel
agents or customers. For hotels, meals and transportation, Tianma
usually
pays an upfront deposit of 50-60% of the total cost. The remaining
balance
is then settled after completion of the
tours.
|
2.
|
Tianma,
through its sub-agents, advertises tour and travel packages at
prices set
by Tianma and sub-agents.
|
3.
|
Customers
approach Tianma or its appointed sub-agents to book an advertised
packaged
tour.
|
4. |
The
customers pay a deposit to Tianma directly or through its appointed
sub-agents. |
5.
|
When
the minimum required number of customers (which number is different
for
each tour based on the elements and costs of the tour) for a
particular
tour is reached, Tianma will contact the customers for tour confirmation
and request full payment. All payments received by the appointed
sub-agents are paid to Tianma prior to the commencement of the
tours.
|
6.
|
Tianma
will then make or finalize corresponding bookings with outside
service
providers such as airlines, bus operators, hotels, restaurants,
etc. and
pay any unpaid fees or deposits to such
providers.
|
Tianma
is
the principal in such transactions and the primary obligor to the third-party
providers, regardless of whether it has received full payment from its
customers. In addition, Tianma is also liable to the customers for any
claims
relating to the tours, such as accidents or tour services. Tianma has adequate
insurance coverage for accidental loss arising during the tours. The Company
utilizes a network of sub-agents who operate strictly in Tianma’s name and can
only advertise and promote the business of Tianma with the prior approval
of
Tianma.
For
advertising services, the Company recognizes revenue in the period when
advertisements are either aired or published.
(h)
Earnings (Loss) per Share
Basic
earnings (loss) per common share are computed by dividing the net income
(loss)
attributable to holders of common stock by the weighted average number
of shares
of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings (loss)
per share
is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number
of
common shares including the dilutive effect of common share equivalents
then
outstanding.
The
diluted net loss per share is the same as the basic net loss per share
for the
nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 as all potential ordinary
shares
including stock options and warrants are anti-dilutive and are therefore
excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per share. The number
of
potential common equivalent shares from stock options and warrants outstanding
as of September 30, 2007 were nil and 130,662, respectively while as of
September 30, 2006 were 174,581 and nil, respectively.
(i)
Foreign Currency Translation
The
assets and liabilities of the Company’s subsidiaries denominated in currencies
other than U.S. dollars are translated into U.S. dollars using the applicable
exchange rates at the balance sheet date. For statement of operations items,
amounts denominated in Hong Kong dollars and Renminbi (“RMB”) were translated
into U.S. dollars using the average exchange rate during the period. Equity
accounts were translated at their historical exchange rates. Net gains
and
losses resulting from translation of foreign currency financial statements
are
included in the statements of stockholders’ equity as other comprehensive income
(loss). Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are reflected in
the
statements of operations.
(j)
Income Taxes
The
Company accounts for income taxes under the Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 109 “Accounting for Income Taxes” (“SFAS 109”). Under SFAS 109,
deferred tax assets and liabilities are provided for the future tax effects
attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying
amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and for
the
expected future tax benefits from items including tax loss carry
forwards.
Deferred
tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected
to
apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences
are
expected to be recovered or reversed. Under SFAS 109, the effect on deferred
tax
assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income
in the
period that includes the enactment date.
(k)
Business Segments
The
Company’s operating segments are organized internally primarily by the type of
services performed. Currently the Company has four operating segments:
hotel
management, travel agency, advertising agency and investment
holding.
(l)
Stock-Based Compensation
In
December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“ FASB”) issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 123R, Share-Based Payment
("SFAS
123R"), a revision to Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 123,
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation ("SFAS 123"), and superseding APB
Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees (“APB 25”) and its
related implementation guidance. SFAS 123R establishes standards for the
accounting for transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments
for goods or services, including obtaining employee services in share-based
payment transactions. SFAS 123R applies to all awards granted after the
required
effective date and to awards modified, repurchased, or cancelled after
that
date. Adoption of the provisions of SFAS 123R is effective as of the beginning
of the first interim or annual reporting period that begins after December
15,
2005.
Prior
to December
15, 2005, the Company accounted for its stock plans under the provisions
of APB
25 and FASB Interpretation (FIN) No. 44, Accounting for Certain Transactions
Involving Stock Compensation – an Interpretation of APB 25 (“FIN 44”) and made
pro forma footnote disclosures as required by Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 148, Accounting For Stock-Based Compensation – Transition
and Disclosure (“SFAS
148”), which amends SFAS 123. The Company adopted SFAS 123R, effective
December 15, 2005, using a modified prospective application, as permitted
under
SFAS 123R. Accordingly, prior period amounts have not been restated. Under
this
application, the Company is required to record compensation expense for all
awards granted after the date of adoption and for the unvested portion
of
previously granted awards that remain outstanding at the date of adoption.
SFAS
123R requires that the cost resulting from all share-based payment transactions
be recognized in the financial statements. SFAS 123R establishes fair value
as
the measurement objective in accounting for share-based payment arrangements
and
requires us to apply a fair value based measurement method in accounting
for
generally all share based payment transactions with employees.
The
modified prospective transition method of SFAS 123R requires the presentation
of
pro forma information, for periods presented prior to the adoption of SFAS
123R,
regarding net income and net income per share as if the Company had accounted
for stock options issued to employees under the fair value method of SFAS
123R.
For pro forma purposes, fair value of stock option was estimated using
the
Black-Scholes option valuation model. The fair value of all of the Company’s
share-based awards was estimated assuming no expected dividends and estimates
of
expected life, volatility and risk-free interest rate at the time of
grant.
Common
stock, stock options and common stock warrants issued to other than employees
or
directors are recorded on the basis of their fair value, as required by
SFAS
No. 123R, which is measured as of the date required by EITF
Issue 96-18,“Accounting for Equity Instruments That Are Issued
to Other Than Employees for Acquiring, or in Conjunction with Selling,
Goods or
Services.” In accordance with EITF 96-18, the stock options or common
stock warrants are valued using the Black-Scholes option pricing model
on the
basis of the market price of the underlying common stock on the “valuation
date,” which for options and warrants related to contracts that have substantial
disincentives to non-performance, is the date of the contract, and for
all other
contracts is the vesting date. Expense related to the options and warrants
is
recognized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the period over
which
services are to be received or the vesting period. Where expense must be
recognized prior to a valuation date, the expense is computed under the
Black-Scholes option pricing model on the basis of the market price of
the
underlying common stock at the end of the period, and any subsequent changes
in
the market price of the underlying common stock through the valuation date
is
reflected in the expense recorded in the subsequent period in which that
change
occurs
For
the
three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, the Company recognized
$2,018,346 and $885,467, respectively, as a non-cash stock-based compensation
for stock, options and warrants issued to consultants, legal counsel and
employees for service rendered.
For
the
nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006,the Company recognized $4,477,566
and
$960,430, respectively, as non-cash stock-based compensation for stock,
options and warrants issued to consultants, legal counsel and employees
for
services rendered.
(m)
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In
September 2006, FASB issued Statement 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS
157”). This statement defines fair value and establishes a framework for
measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
More
precisely, this statement sets forth a standard definition of fair value
as it
applies to assets or liabilities, the principal market (or most advantageous
market) for determining fair value (price), the market participants, inputs
and
the application of the derived fair value to those assets and liabilities.
The
effective date of this pronouncement is for all full fiscal and interim
periods
beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently evaluating the
impact of adopting SFAS 157 on its financial statements and related
disclosures.
In
February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for
Financial
Assets and Financial Liabilities (“SFAS 159”) which permit entities to choose to
measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value
that
are not currently required to be measured at fair value. SFAS 159 is effective
for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is
currently evaluating the impact of adopting SFAS 159 on its financial position,
cash flows, and results of operations.
Certain
prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period’s
presentation. The reclassification did not have an effect on total revenues,
total expenses, loss from operations, net loss and net loss per
share.
(a)
|
Acquisition
of Quo Advertising
|
On
January 31, 2007, the Company acquired 100% of the equity interests of
Quo
Advertising, an advertising agency headquartered in Shanghai, China, pursuant
to
a Purchase and Sales Agreement and Trust Agreements with Lina Zhang and
Qinxiu
Zhang dated January 24, 2007. The acquisition helped the Company to grow
its
advertising business in China. The Company paid $64,000 in cash and issued
300,000 shares of the Company’s common stock with a fair value of $843,600 in
exchange for 100% of the shares of capital stock of Quo Advertising. The
total
consideration was $907,600.
The
acquisition has been accounted for using the purchase method of accounting
and
the results of operations of Quo Advertising have been included in the
Company's
consolidated statement of operations since the completion of the acquisition
on
January 31, 2007.
The
allocation of the purchase price is as follows:
Cash
|
|
$ |
18,001
|
|
Accounts
receivable
|
|
|
83,791
|
|
Prepaid
expenses and other current assets
|
|
|
298,559
|
|
Equipment,
net
|
|
|
15,114
|
|
Intangible
right
|
|
|
536,540
|
|
Current
liabilities
|
|
|
(44,405 |
) |
Total
purchase price
|
|
$ |
907,600
|
|
Identifiable
intangible right of $536,540 is measured at fair value as of the date of
the
acquisition and amortized over 20 years.
(b)
|
Acquisition
of Xuancaiyi
|
Effective
September 1, 2007, the Company, through Quo Advertising, acquired 51% of
the
equity interests of Xuancaiyi, an advertising agency in Beijing, China,
for a
maximum consideration of RMB 12,245,000 (equivalent to US$1,616,967) in
cash.
Xuancaiyi secured the rights to operate a 758 square-meter mega-size high
resolution LED advertising billboard in a prominent location in Beijing,
China.
The investment in Xuancaiyi helped to strengthen the Company’s media network in
China. The acquisition has been accounted for using the purchase method
of
accounting and the results of operations of Xuancaiyi have been included
in the
Company's consolidated statement of operations from the acquisition date
on
September 1, 2007.
The
purchase consideration, to be paid fully in cash, is payable as
follows:
1.
|
An
initial payment of RMB2,500,000 (equivalent to
US$330,128);
|
2.
|
First
earn-out consideration that is an amount calculated based on
net profit
for the four months ending December 31, 2007 of Xuancaiyi with
maximum
consideration of RMB 2,454,300 (equivalent to
US$324,093);
|
3.
|
Second
earn-out consideration that is an amount calculated based on
net profit
for the first quarter of fiscal year 2008 of Xuancaiyi with maximum
consideration of RMB1,834,500 (equivalent to US$242,248)
;
|
4.
|
Third
earn-out consideration that is an amount calculated based on
net profit
for the second quarter of fiscal year 2007 of Xuancaiyi with
maximum
consideration of RMB 1,827,400 (equivalent to
US$241,311);
|
5.
|
Fourth
earn-out consideration that is an amount calculated based on
net profit
for the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 of Xuancaiyi with maximum
consideration of RMB1,819,100 (equivalent to
US$240,214);
|
6.
|
Fifth
earn-out consideration that is an amount calculated based on
net profit
for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2007 of Xuancaiyi with
maximum
consideration of RMB1,809,700 (equivalent to
US$238,973)
|
The
initial payment of RMB2,500,000 (equivalent to US$330,128) was made in
September
2007. The allocation of the initial payment is as follows:
Cash
|
|
$ |
57,971
|
|
Prepaid
expenses and other current assets
|
|
|
82,150
|
|
Equipment,
net
|
|
|
6,955
|
|
Intangible
right
|
|
|
586,066
|
|
Current
liabilities
|
|
|
(85,833 |
) |
Minority
Interests
|
|
|
(317,181 |
) |
Total
purchase price
|
|
$ |
330,128
|
|
Identifiable
intangible right of $586,066 is measured at fair value as of the date of
the
acquisition and is amortized over 16 months based on initial contract period
with Xuancaiyi’s media partner.
Pursuant
to the SFAS 141 “Business Combinations,” the earn-out consideration is
considered contingent consideration, which will not become certain until
the net
profits of Xuancaiyi for the coming quarters have been determined. As a
result,
the obligation to pay the contingent consideration has not been reflected
in the
consolidated financial statements of the Company as of September 30,
2007.
(c)
|
Unaudited
pro forma consolidated financial
information
|
The
table
below summarizes the unaudited pro forma results of operations assuming
the
acquisitions of Quo Advertising and Xuancaiyi had been completed on January
1,
2007. These pro forma results have been prepared for information purposes
only
and do not purport to be indicative of what the operating results would
have
been had the acquisitions actually taken place on January 1, 2007 and may
not be indicative of future operating results.
|
|
For
the Nine
Months
Ended
September
30, 2007
|
|
Revenues
|
|
$ |
16,433,434
|
|
Loss
before income taxes and minority interests
|
|
$ |
(8,684,331 |
) |
Net
loss
|
|
$ |
(8,685,518 |
) |
Net
loss per share
|
|
|
|
|
Basic and
diluted
|
|
$ |
(0.13 |
) |
NOTE
4. INTANGIBLE RIGHTS, NET
The
following table set forth information for intangible rights subject to
amortization and intangible right not subject to amortization:
|
|
As
of
September
30, 2007
|
|
Amortized
intangible rights
|
|
|
|
Gross
carrying amount
|
|
$ |
7,825,267
|
|
Less:
accumulated amortization
|
|
|
(811,983 |
) |
Less:
provision for impairment loss
|
|
|
(195,192 |
) |
Amortized
intangible rights, net
|
|
|
6,818,092
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unamortized
intangible right
|
|
|
815,902
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Intangible
rights, net
|
|
$ |
7,633,994
|
|
The
increase in amortized intangible rights is attributable to the acquisition
of
Quo Advertising and Xuancaiyi. Please refer to Note 3 for details. Total
amortization expenses of intangible rights of the Company for the nine
months
ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 was $279,514 and $175,662,
respectively.
NOTE
5. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
During
the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, the Company received
hotel
management service fees of $nil and $100,478, respectively from two properties
it manages that are owned by a stockholder.
NOTE
6. BUSINESS SEGMENTS
The
Company currently has four operating segments. Each segment operates exclusively
in Asia. The Company’s Advertising Agency segment provides marketing
communications consultancy services to customers in China. The Company’s Hotel
Management segment provides management services to hotels and resorts in
Asia.
The Company’s Travel Agency segment provides travel agency services in China.
The Company’s Investment Holding segment represents the holding companies which
provide management services to its subsidiaries. The accounting policies
of the
segments are the same as described in the summary of significant accounting
policies. There are no inter-segment sales.
For
the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007
|
|
Advertising
Agency
|
|
|
Hotel
Management
|
|
|
Travel
Agency
|
|
|
Investment
Holding
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
$ |
965,995
|
|
|
$ |
26,101
|
|
|
$ |
15,406,660
|
|
|
$ |
-
|
|
|
$ |
16,398,756
|
|
Net
loss from continuing operations
|
|
|
(144,714 |
) |
|
|
(120,809 |
) |
|
|
(1,060 |
) |
|
|
(8,314,336 |
) |
|
|
(8,580,919 |
) |
Depreciation
and amortization
|
|
|
64,834
|
|
|
|
3,709
|
|
|
|
1,816
|
|
|
|
250,919
|
|
|
|
321,278
|
|
Total
assets
|
|
|
3,211,071
|
|
|
|
73,567
|
|
|
|
2,436,063
|
|
|
|
8,566,429
|
|
|
|
14,287,130
|
|
Capital
Expenditure
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,043
|
|
|
|
3,329
|
|
|
|
54,119
|
|
|
|
58,491
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For
the Nine Months Ended September 30,
2006
|
|
Advertising
Agency
|
|
|
Hotel
Management
|
|
|
Travel
Agency
|
|
|
Investment
Holding
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
$ |
-
|
|
|
$ |
343,173
|
|
|
$ |
2,112,745
|
|
|
$ |
-
|
|
|
$ |
2,455,918
|
|
Net
loss from continuing operations
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(2,237,562 |
) |
|
|
(18,102 |
) |
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(2,255,664 |
) |
Depreciation
and amortization
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
195,734
|
|
|
|
367
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
196,101
|
|
Total
assets
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
6,413,194
|
|
|
|
565,036
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
6,978,230
|
|
Capital
Expenditure
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
56,501
|
|
|
|
7,502
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
64,003
|
|
NOTE
7. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(1)
In
February 2006, the Company issued an option to purchase up to 225,000 shares
of
common stock to its legal counsel at an exercise price of $0.10 per share.
So
long as the counsel’s relationship with the Company continues, one-twelfth of
the shares underlying the option vest and become exercisable each month
from the
date of issuance. The option may be exercised for 120 days after termination
of
the relationship. The fair market value of the option was estimated on
the grant
date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model as required by SFAS 123R
with
the following weighted average assumptions: expected dividend 0%, volatility
147%, a risk-free rate of 4.5% and an expected life of one (1) year. The
value
recognized during the period was approximately $1,317. The options were
exercised in April 2007.
(2)
In
August 2006, the Company issued a warrant to purchase up to 100,000 shares
of
restricted common stock to a consultant at an exercise price $0.70 per
share.
One-fourth of the shares underlying the warrant become exercisable every
45 days
beginning from the date of issuance. The warrant shall remain exercisable
until
August 25, 2016. The fair market value of the warrant was estimated on
the grant
date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model as required by SFAS 123R
with
the following weighted average assumptions: expected dividend 0%, volatility
192%, a risk-free rate of 4.5% and an expected life of one (1) year. The
value
recognized during the period was approximately $26,602.
(3)
In
April 2007, the Company issued 45,000 shares of common stock at $0.40 per
share
with a fair value of $18,000 to legal counsel for services
rendered.
(4)
In
April 2007, the Company issued 377,260 shares of common stock with a fair
value
of $85,353 to its directors and officers for services rendered.
(5)
In
July 2007, NCN HK entered into Executive Employment Agreements (the
“Agreements”) with Godfrey Hui, Chief Executive Officer, Daniel So, Managing
Director, Daley Mok, Chief Financial Officer, Benedict Fung, the President,
and
Stanley Chu, General Manager. Pursuant to the Agreements, each Executive
was
granted shares of the Company’s common stock subject to annual vesting over five
years in the following amounts: Mr. Hui, 2,000,000 shares; Mr. So,
2,000,000 shares; Dr. Mok 1,500,000 shares; Mr. Fung 1,200,000 shares and
Mr.
Chu, 1,000,000 shares. In connection with these stock grants and in accordance
with SFAS 123R, the Company recognized $853,380 of non-cash stock-based
compensation for the three months ended September 30, 2007.
(6)
In
August 2007, the Company issued 173,630 shares of restricted common stock
at
$2.442 per share with a fair value of $424,004 to a consultant for services
rendered. The fair value is amortized over 6 months until December 2007.
The
Company recognized $212,001 of non-cash stock-based compensation for the
three
months ended September 30, 2007 and recorded a balance of $212,001 of deferred
stock-based compensation as of September 30, 2007. (7) In August 2007,
the
Company issued 230,000 shares of common stock with a fair value of $561,660
to
its directors and officers for services rendered.
(8)
For
the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, the Company recognized
deferred stock-based compensation of $407,500 and $5,105, respectively,
for
stock issued to consultants for services rendered. For the nine months
ended
September 30, 2007 and 2006, the Company recognized deferred stock-based
compensation of $2,845,000 and $66,355, respectively, for stock issued
to
consultants for services rendered.
(b)
Stock Issued for Acquisition
In
January 2007 in connection with the acquisition of Quo Advertising, the
Company
issued 300,000 shares of restricted common stock at $2.812 per share with
a fair
value $843,600.
(c)
Stock Issued for Private Placement
In
April
2007, the Company issued and sold 500,000 shares of restricted common stock
at
$3.00 per share for an aggregate sum of $1,500,000 in a private placement.
No
investment-banking fees were incurred as a result of this
transaction.
NOTE
8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
(a) Commitments
Since
November 2006, the Company, through its subsidiaries NCN Media Services
Limited,
Quo Advertising and Xuancaiyi, has acquired rights from third parties to
operate
677 roadside LED panels and 6 mega-sized digital billboards for periods
ranging
from 2 to 20 years.
A
summary
of the estimated future annual rights and operating fee commitments based
on the
677 roadside LED panels and 6 mega-sized digital billboards as of September
30,
2007 is as follows:
|
$(Million)
|
|
Three
months ending December 31, 2007
|
|
2.9
|
|
Fiscal
year ending December 31,
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
2.9
|
|
2009
|
|
2.9
|
|
2010
|
|
2.6
|
|
2011
|
|
2.3
|
|
2012
|
|
2.3
|
|
Thereafter
|
|
20.2
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
commitments
|
|
36.1
|
|
(b) Contingencies
The
Company accounts for loss contingencies in accordance with SFAS 5 “Accounting
for Loss Contingencies,” and other related guidelines. Set forth below is a
description of certain loss contingencies as of September 30, 2007 and
management’s opinion as to the likelihood of loss in respect of loss
contingency.
The
Company’s 55%-owned subsidiary, Tianma, is a defendant to proceedings brought in
the Guangzhou Yuexiu District Court. The proceedings were finalized on
October
9, 2006. The facts surrounding the proceeding were as follows:
Guangdong
Yongan Travel Agency (“Yongan”) arranged a local tour in April 2001. Yongan
rented a car from an agent of Tianma but the car did not belong to Tianma.
A car
accident happened during the tour, causing 20 injuries and one death. Guangzhou
Police issued a proposed determination on the responsibilities of the accidents
on May 18, 2001. The proposal determined that the driver who used a
non-functioning car was fully liable for the accident. Those tourists sued
Yongan for damages and Guangzhou Intermediate People’s Court made a final
judgment in 2004 that Yongan was liable and Yongan paid approximately RMB2.2
million ($275,000) to the injured. In 2005, Yongan sued the agent of Tianma,
Tianma and the car owner. In October 2006, the Guangzhou Yuexiu District
Court
made a judgment that the agent was liable to pay RMB2.1 million ($262,500)
plus
interest for damages. Tianma and the car owner have joint-and-several
liabilities.
Tianma
is
now appealing the court’s decision. The Company believes that there is a
reasonably high chance of overturning the court’s decision. In addition, the
Company has been indemnified for any future liability upon the acquisition
by
the prior owners of Tianma. Accordingly, no provision has been made by
the
Company to the above claims as of September 30, 2007.
Item
2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
CAUTIONARY
STATEMENTS
The
following management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and
results of operations is based upon and should be read in conjunction with
the
Company’s consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in
Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report. All amounts are expressed in U.S.
dollars. The following discussion regarding the Company and its business
and
operations contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act 1995. These statements consist of any
statement
other than a recitation of historical fact and can be identified by the
use of
forward-looking terminology such as “may”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “estimate” or
“continue” or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable
terminology. In particular, these include statements relating to our expectation
that we will continue to have adequate cash flow from operations. The other
risks and uncertainties are described above under “Risks and Uncertainties.” All
forward-looking statements herein are speculative and there are certain
risks
and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ from
those
referred to in such forward looking statements, including the risk factors
discussed in this Quarterly Report. The Company does not have a policy
of
updating or revising forward-looking statements and should not assume that
silence by management of the Company over time means that actual events
are
bearing out as estimated in such forward looking statements.
OVERVIEW
Network
CN Inc. (“we” or “the Company”), originally incorporated on September 10, 1993,
is a Delaware corporation with headquarters in the Hong Kong Special
Administrative Region, the People’s Republic of China (the “PRC” or “China”). It
was led by different management teams in the past, engaging in different
ventures. The Company was previously known under various names, the latest
former name being Teda Travel Group Inc. On August 1, 2006, in order to
better
reflect the Company’s vision under the expanded management team, the Company
changed its name to “Network CN Inc.”
Our
business vision and plan is to build a nationwide information and entertainment
network in the PRC. To achieve this goal, we have set out to build and
run a
Media Network, a Hotel Network and an e-Network. A Hotel Network has already
been established which includes our travel subsidiary, Guangdong Tianma
International Travel Service Co., Ltd. (“Tianma”), that we acquired in 2006. We
earned substantially all of our revenues in 2006 from our Hotel Network
through
the provision of travel agency services to customers both inside and outside
of
the PRC. During
the latter half of 2006, we adjusted our focus to building a Media Network,
and
took the first step in November 2006 by securing rights to install and
manage
outdoor LED advertising video panels. In 2007, we acquired Shanghai Quo
Advertising Company Limited (“Quo Advertising”), an advertising agency in
Shanghai, China and Xuancaiyi (Beijing) Advertising Company Limited
(“Xuancaiyi”), an advertising agency in Beijing, China and began generating
revenues from our Media Network. In addition, in 2007 we continued to acquire
LED operating rights and advertising contracts with prominent customers.
In the
third quarter of 2007, we acquired the operating rights to two mega-sized
digital video billboards in Wuhan and Beijing. As of September 30, 2007,
we have
installed 33 roadside LED panels and 3 mega-sized digital billboards, a
portion
of which were put into operation during this quarter. We expect to continue
to
place additional LED panels into operation, which will contribute to the
Company’s media business revenue in the coming quarters.
For
more information relating to the Company’s business, please see the section
entitled “Description of Business” in the Annual Report on Form 10-KSB
as filed by Network CN Inc. with the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission on April 2, 2007.
The
preparation of our financial statements requires us to make estimates and
judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues
and
expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities.
On an
ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including but not limited to
those
related to income taxes and impairment of long-lived assets. We base our
estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions and
factors
that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results
of which
form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets
and
liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Based on
our
ongoing review, we plan to make adjustments to our judgments and estimates
where
facts and circumstances dictate. Actual results could differ from our
estimates.
We
believe the following critical accounting policies are important to the
portrayal of our financial condition and results and require our management’s
most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the
need
to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently
uncertain.
(a)
Equipment
Equipment
is stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided
using
the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the assets,
which is
from three to five years. When equipment is retired or otherwise disposed
of,
the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective
accounts, and any gain or loss is reflected in the statements of operations.
Repairs and maintenance costs on equipment are expensed as
incurred.
(b)
Long-Lived Assets
The
Company accounts for long-lived assets valuation using Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards Nos. 142 and 144 “Accounting for Goodwill and Other
Intangible Assets” and “Accounting for Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived
Assets” (“SFAS 142 and 144”). In accordance with SFAS 142 and 144, long-lived
assets, goodwill and certain identifiable intangible assets held and used
by the
Company are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances
indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. For
the
purposes of evaluating the recoverability of long-lived assets, goodwill
and
intangible assets, the recoverability test is performed using undiscounted
expected future net cash flows related to the long-lived assets.
(c)
Revenue Recognition
For
hotel
management services, the Company recognizes revenue in the period when
the
services are rendered and collection is reasonably assured.
For
tour
services, the Company recognizes services-based revenue when the services
have
been performed. Tianma offers independent leisure travelers bundled
packaged-tour products, which include both air-ticketing and hotel reservations.
Tianma’s packaged-tour products cover a variety of domestic and international
destinations.
Tianma
organizes inbound and outbound tour and travel packages, which can incorporate,
among other things, air and land transportation, hotels, restaurants and
tickets
to tourist destinations and other excursions. Tianma books all elements
of such
packages with third-party service providers, such as airlines, car rental
companies and hotels, or through other tour package providers and then
resells
such packages to its clients. A typical sale of tour services is as
follows:
1.
|
Tianma,
in consultation with sub-agents, organizes a tour or travel package,
including making reservations for blocks of tickets, rooms, etc.
with
third-party service providers. Tianma may be required to make
deposits,
pay all or part of the ultimate fees charged by such service
providers or
make legally binding commitments to pay such fees at this time.
For
air-tickets, Tianma normally books a block of air tickets with
airlines in
advance and pays the full amount of the tickets to reserve seats
before
any tours are formed. The air tickets are usually valid for a
certain
period of time. If the pre-packaged tours do not materialize
and are
eventually not formed, Tianma will resell the air tickets to
other travel
agents or customers. For hotels, meals and transportation, Tianma
usually
pays an upfront deposit of 50-60% of the total cost. The remaining
balance
is then settled after completion of the
tours.
|
2.
|
Tianma,
through its sub-agents, advertises tour and travel packages at
prices set
by Tianma and sub-agents.
|
3.
|
Customers
approach Tianma or its appointed sub-agents to book an advertised
packaged
tour.
|
4. |
The
customers pay a deposit to Tianma directly or through its appointed
sub-agents. |
5.
|
When
the minimum required number of customers (which number is different
for
each tour based on the elements and costs of the tour) for a
particular
tour is reached, Tianma will contact the customers for tour confirmation
and request full payment. All payments received by the appointed
sub-agents are paid to Tianma prior to the commencement of the
tours.
|
6.
|
Tianma
will then make or finalize corresponding bookings with outside
service
providers such as airlines, bus operators, hotels, restaurants,
etc. and
pay any unpaid fees or deposits to such
providers.
|
Tianma
is
the principal in such transactions and the primary obligor to the third-party
providers, regardless of whether it has received full payment from its
customers. In addition, Tianma is also liable to the customers for any
claims
relating to the tours, such as accidents or tour services. Tianma has adequate
insurance coverage for accidental loss arising during the tours. The Company
utilizes a network of sub-agents who operate strictly in Tianma’s name and can
only advertise and promote the business of Tianma with the prior approval
of
Tianma.
For
advertising services, the Company recognizes revenue in the period when
advertisements are either aired or published.
(d)
Foreign Currency Translation
The
assets and liabilities of the Company’s subsidiaries denominated in currencies
other than U.S. dollars are translated into U.S. dollars using the applicable
exchange rates at the balance sheet date. For statement of operations items,
amounts denominated in Hong Kong dollars and Renminbi (“RMB”) were translated
into U.S. dollars using the average exchange rate during the period. Equity
accounts were translated at their historical exchange rates. Net gains
and
losses resulting from translation of foreign currency financial statements
are
included in the statements of stockholders’ equity as other comprehensive income
(loss). Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are reflected in
the
statements of operations.
(e)
Income Taxes
The
Company accounts for income taxes under the Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 109 “Accounting for Income Taxes” (“SFAS 109”). Under SFAS 109,
deferred tax assets and liabilities are provided for the future tax effects
attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying
amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and for
the
expected future tax benefits from items including tax loss carry
forwards.
Deferred
tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected
to
apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences
are
expected to be recovered or reversed. Under SFAS 109, the effect on deferred
tax
assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income
in the
period that includes the enactment date.
(f)
Stock-Based Compensation
In
December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“
FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 123R, Share-Based
Payment ("SFAS 123R"), a revision to Statement of Financial Accounting
Standard
No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation ("SFAS 123"), and superseding
APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees (“APB 25”) and its
related implementation guidance. SFAS 123R establishes standards for the
accounting for transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments
for goods or services, including obtaining employee services in share-based
payment transactions. SFAS 123R applies to all awards granted after the
required
effective date and to awards modified, repurchased, or cancelled after
that
date. Adoption of the provisions of SFAS 123R is effective as of the beginning
of the first interim or annual reporting period that begins after December
15,
2005.
Prior
to December
15, 2005, the Company accounted for its stock plans under the provisions
of APB
25 and FASB Interpretation (FIN) No. 44, Accounting for Certain Transactions
Involving Stock Compensation – an Interpretation of APB 25 (“FIN 44”) and made
pro forma footnote disclosures as required by Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 148, Accounting For Stock-Based Compensation – Transition
and Disclosure (“SFAS
148”), which amends SFAS 123. The Company adopted SFAS 123R, effective
December 15, 2005, using a modified prospective application, as permitted
under
SFAS 123R. Accordingly, prior period amounts have not been restated. Under
this
application, the Company is required to record compensation expense for all
awards granted after the date of adoption and for the unvested portion
of
previously granted awards that remain outstanding at the date of adoption.
SFAS
123R requires that the cost resulting from all share-based payment transactions
be recognized in the financial statements. SFAS 123R establishes fair value
as
the measurement objective in accounting for share-based payment arrangements
and
requires us to apply a fair value based measurement method in accounting
for
generally all share based payment transactions with employees.
The
modified prospective transition method of SFAS 123R requires the presentation
of
pro forma information, for periods presented prior to the adoption of SFAS
123R,
regarding net income and net income per share as if the Company had accounted
for stock options issued to employees under the fair value method of SFAS
123R.
For pro forma purposes, fair value of stock option was estimated using
the
Black-Scholes option valuation model. The fair value of all of the Company’s
share-based awards was estimated assuming no expected dividends and estimates
of
expected life, volatility and risk-free interest rate at the time of
grant.
Common
stock, stock options and common stock warrants issued to other than employees
or
directors are recorded on the basis of their fair value, as required by
SFAS
No. 123R, which is measured as of the date required by EITF
Issue 96-18, “Accounting for Equity Instruments
That Are Issued to Other Than Employees for Acquiring, or in Conjunction
with
Selling, Goods or Services.” In accordance with EITF 96-18, the stock
options or common stock warrants are valued using the Black-Scholes option
pricing model on the basis of the market price of the underlying common
stock on
the “valuation date,” which for options and warrants related to contracts that
have substantial disincentives to non-performance, is the date of the contract,
and for all other contracts is the vesting date. Expense related to the
options
and warrants is recognized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of
the
period over which services are to be received or the vesting period. Where
expense must be recognized prior to a valuation date, the expense is computed
under the Black-Scholes option pricing model on the basis of the market
price of
the underlying common stock at the end of the period, and any subsequent
changes
in the market price of the underlying common stock through the valuation
date is
reflected in the expense recorded in the subsequent period in which that
change
occurs
For
the
three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, the Company recognized
$2,018,346 and $885,467, respectively, as a non-cash stock-based compensation
for stock, options and warrants issued to consultants, legal counsel and
employees for service rendered.
For
the
nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006,the Company recognized $4,477,566
and
$960,430, respectively, as non-cash stock-based compensation for stock,
options and warrants issued to consultants, legal counsel and employees
for
services rendered.
RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
For
the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and September
30,
2006
Revenues
Revenues
increased by 337% to $8,484,805 for the three months ended September 30,
2007,
as compared to $1,943,771 for the corresponding prior year period. The
increase
was primarily attributable to an increase in tour services revenues generated
from Tianma and the inclusion of revenues from Quo Advertising and Xuancaiyi,
subsidiaries acquired in January 2007 and September 2007, respectively.
Revenues
from tour services and advertising services for the three months ended
September
30, 2007 were $8,017,479 and $466,071, respectively, as compared to $1,895,018
and $nil, respectively, for the corresponding prior year period, an increase
of
323% and 100%, respectively. Total revenues from tour services and advertising
services during the third quarter of fiscal 2007 accounted for 94.49% and
5.5%
of total revenues. Revenues, from hotel management services decreased 97%
to
$1,255 for the three months ended September 30, 2007 as compared to $48,753
for
the corresponding prior year period. The decrease was primarily due to
a decline
in the number of hotel properties managed by the Company.
Revenues
increased by 568% to $16,398,756 for the nine months ended September 30,
2007 as
compared to $2,455,918 for the corresponding prior year period, primarily
as a
result of an increase in the tour services and advertising services from
$2,112,745 and $nil, respectively, for the nine months ended September
30, 2006
to $15,406,660 and $965,995, respectively, for the corresponding current
year
period. The increase was primarily due to an increase in revenues from
Tianma which the Company acquired in June 2006, whose tour services
revenues grow substantially in fiscal 2007, and the acquisition of Quo
Advertising and Xuancaiyi during fiscal 2007. Total revenues from tour
services
and advertising services for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 accounted
for 93.95% and 5.90% of total revenues, respectively. Revenues from hotel
management services decreased by 89% to $26,101 for the nine months ended
September 30, 2007 as compared to $242,695 for the corresponding prior
year
period as a result of a decline in the number of hotel properties managed
by the
Company.
Cost
of Tour Services
Cost
of
tour services increased by 323% to $7,926,042 for the three months ended
September 30, 2007 compared to $1,875,555 for the corresponding prior year
period and by 628% to $15,221,181 for the nine months ended September 30,
2007
compared to $2,091,368 for the corresponding prior year period, as a result
of
the increase in the sale of tour services.
Cost
of Advertising Services
Cost
of
advertising services for the three and nine months ended September 30,
2007 was
$350,325 and $706,698, respectively, an increase of 100% over the corresponding
prior year periods. The increase was attributable to the acquisition of
Quo
Advertising and Xuancaiyi in 2007.
Professional
Fees
Professional
fees for the three months ended September 30, 2007 decreased by 20% to
$812,275
compared to $1,014,154 for the corresponding prior year period, primarily
due
to a decrease in the number of shares of the Company's common stock issued
for services the current year period.
Professional
fees for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased by 291% to
$5,103,162 compared to $1,303,941 for the corresponding prior year period,
primarily due to expensing of non-cash stock-based compensation for services
rendered by legal counsel and consultants in accordance to SFAS
123R.
Payroll
Payroll
for the three months ended September 30, 2007 was $1,851,500, an increase
of
490% as compared to $313,891 for the corresponding prior year period. The
increase was mainly attributable to an increase in the number of employees
and
an increase in the amount of non-cash stock-based compensation for
directors and officers’ services rendered in accordance to SFAS
123R.
Payroll
increased by 265% to $2,587,503 for the nine months ended September 30,
2007
compared to $708,893 for the corresponding prior year period, for the same
reasons discussed in the preceding paragraph.
Other
Selling, General and Administrative
Other
selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months and nine
months ended September 30, 2007 were $749,561 and $1,380,853, respectively,
compared to $274,969 and $650,405 for the corresponding prior year period
an
increase of 173% and 112% . The increase was primarily due to an increase
in
rental expenses related to the expansion of the Company’s administrative offices
and additional traveling expenses incurred during the third quarter of
fiscal
2007 as well as the costs associated with the rapid expansion of our
corporate structure and acquisitions in fiscal 2007.
Income
Taxes
The
Company derives its income in the PRC and is subject to income tax in the
PRC.
Income taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 were $nil as
compared
to $7,372 for the corresponding prior year period as a result of the Company
and
its subsidiaries operating at loss for the nine months ended September
30,
2007.
Loss
from Continuing Operations
The
Company incurred a loss from continuing operations of $3,203,994 for the
three
months ended September 30, 2007, an increase of 113% compared to a loss
of
$1,503,025 for the corresponding prior year period. The increase in loss
from
continuing operations was primarily a result of an increase in payroll
and other
selling, general and administrative expenses as explained above.
The
Company incurred a loss from continuing operations of $8,580,919 for the
nine
months ended September 30, 2007, an increase of by 280% as compared to a
loss of $2,255,664 for the corresponding prior year period, primarily due
to
the reasons described above as well as an increase in
professional fees.
Income
from Discontinued Operations
The
sale
of the Company’s interest in Tianjin Teda Yide Industrial Company Limited was
consummated on April 29, 2006, and the Company recorded a gain of $579,870
on
the disposal of this equity investment in the nine months ended September
30, 2006.
The
Company recorded a net loss of $3,203,994 for the nine months ended September
30, 2007 compared to $1,503,025 for the corresponding prior year period, an
increase of 113% , primarily due to an increase selling, general and
administrative expenses.
The
Company recorded a net loss of $8,580,919 for the nine months ended September
30, 2007 compared to $1,675,794 for the corresponding prior year period an
increase of 412%. The increase in the net loss was mainly attributable
to an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses, an increase
in professional fees, net of the gain on disposal of the equity investment
in Tianjin Teda of $579,870 recorded in fiscal 2006 which was a one
time event.
Liquidity
and Capital Resources
Cash
as
of September 30, 2007 was $2,035,047 as compared to $2,898,523 as of December
31, 2006, representing a decrease of $863,476.
Net
cash
utilized by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30,
2007
was $2,004,231, an increase of $695,780 as compared with $1,308,451 for the
corresponding prior year period. The increase in net cash used by operating
activities was attributable to an increase in net loss offset by the effect
of
an increase in net cash provided by changes in net operating assets and
liabilities.
Net
cash
used by investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2007
was
$376,647, compared with net cash provided by $994,035 for the corresponding
prior year period. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, the investing
activities consisted primarily of the purchase of equipment related to our
media business and the acquisition of Quo and Xuancaiyi. The change in cash
used
by investing activities by $1,370,682 was mainly attributable to the receipt
of $3,000,000 from the sale of our equity interest in Tianjn Yide
Industrial Company in fiscal 2006 offset by the payment of a $1,134,003
earnest deposit for a prospective project in the same year.
Net
cash
provided by financing activities was $1,519,380 for the nine months ended
September 30, 2007, compared with $4,185,588 for the corresponding prior
year
period. The decrease was primarily attributable to the fact that in the
nine months ended September 30, 2006, the Company raised proceeds of
$4,815,000, net of $400,000 in investment banking fees through a
private placement of our securities.
Working
Capital Requirements
Our
cash
balance was $2,035,047 as of September 30, 2007. Our current assets and
our current liabilities were $6,710,275 and $6,064,929, respectively, as
of
September 30, 2007. As such, our working capital was $645,346 as of September
30, 2007. No long term liabilities existed as of September 30,
2007.
Capital
Expenditures
We
continue to seek opportunities to enter new markets, increase market share
or
broaden service offerings through acquisitions. During the nine months ended
September 30, 2007 and 2006, we acquired assets of $58,491 and $64,003,
respectively, financed through working capital.
Commitments
Since
November 2006, the Company, through its subsidiaries, NCN Media Services
Limited, Quo Advertising and Xuancaiyi, acquired rights from third parties
to
operate 677 roadside LED panels and 6 mega-sized digital billboards for periods
ranging from 2 to 20 years.
A
summary
of the estimated future annual rights and operating fee commitments based
on the
677 roadside LED panels and 6 mega-sized digital billboards as of September
30,
2007 is as follows:
|
|
$
(Million)
|
|
Three
months ending December 31, 2007
|
|
|
2.9
|
|
Fiscal
year ending December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2.9
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2.9
|
|
2010
|
|
|
2.6
|
|
2011
|
|
|
2.3
|
|
2012
|
|
|
2.3
|
|
Thereafter
|
|
|
20.2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
commitments
|
|
|
36.1
|
|
The
Company is also responsible for the cost of installing part of the 677 roadside
LED panels and 6 mega-sized digital billboards. The Company estimates that
the
capital investment including installation costs for each roadside LED panel
is
approximately $20,000 to $25,000, and for each mega-sized digital billboard,
depending on its size, is about $600,000 to $2,000,000. As such, the total
capital expenditure for these projects will be approximately $20
million.
During
fiscal 2007, the Company contracted with a third party to construct 120 LED
panels at various locations at the third party’s own cost. Upon completion of
the installation of such 120 LED panels on or before December 31, 2007, the
Company has an option to acquire the LED panels at cost plus 15% of the
installation costs from the third party. If such conditions are not met,
the
Company is not obliged to exercise the option and shall be relieved from
its
obligations to the third party and from any claims for compensation, loss
or
damages.
In
addition to the funds raised through private placements in 2006, the Company
is
considering issuing new equity securities as well as arranging debt instruments
to finance these projects. The Company’s rights to install the panels are not
subject to a detailed installation timetable, so we are not under any time
pressure to raise necessary capital.
Off-Balance
Sheet Arrangements
We
do not
have any off-balance sheet financing arrangements.
We
are
subject to various risks that could have a negative effect on the Company
and
its financial condition. You should understand that these risks could cause
results to differ materially from those expressed in forward looking statements
contained in this Quarterly Report and in other Company communications. Because
there is no way to determine in advance whether, or to what extent, any present
uncertainty will ultimately influence our business, you should give equal
weight
to each of the following:
RISKS
RELATED TO OPERATING A BUSINESS IN CHINA
All
of
our assets and revenues are derived from our operations located in China.
Accordingly, our business, financial condition, results of operations and
prospects are subject, to a significant extent, to economic, political and
legal
developments in China.
The
PRC’s economic, political and social conditions, as well as governmental
policies, could affect the financial markets in China, our liquidity and
our
ability to access to capital and to operate our business.
The
PRC
economy differs from the economies of most developed countries in many respects,
including the extent of government involvement, level of development, growth
rate, and control of foreign exchange and allocation of resources. While
the PRC
economy has experienced significant growth over the past several years, growth
has been irregular, both geographically and among various sectors of the
economy. The PRC government has implemented various measures to encourage
economic growth and guide the allocation of resources. Some of these measures
benefit the overall PRC economy, but may also have a negative effect on the
Company. The PRC economy has been transitioning from a planned economy to
a more
market-oriented economy. Although the PRC government has implemented measures
since the late 1970’s 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 are still owned by the
PRC
government. In addition, the PRC government continues to play a significant
role
in regulating industry development by imposing industrial policies. The PRC
government also exercises significant control over China’s economic growth
through allocating resources, controlling payment
of foreign currency-denominated obligations, establishing monetary policy
and
providing preferential treatment to particular industries or companies. Since
late 2003, the PRC government has implemented a number of measures, such
as
raising bank reserves against deposit rates to place additional limitations
on
the ability of commercial banks to make loans and raise interest rates, in
order
to slow down specific segments of China’s economy, which is believed to be
overheating. These actions, as well as future actions and policies of the
PRC
government, could materially affect our liquidity and our ability to access
to
capital and to operate our business.
In
October 2007, the People's Bank of China raised the required reserves ratio
by
50 basis points to rein in excess liquidity and rising credit growth. It
has
been the eighth such increase this year for monetary tightening in China.
From
October 25 2007, banks will be required to put aside 13 percent of deposits
as
reserves in order to reduce their lending power in an effort to cool down
the
economic overheating.
Such
move
is due to the fact that the central government has prime concern about Renminbi
appreciation and accelerating inflation pressure. In September, it was reported
that China's macro data continued to show an increase in both the trade surplus
and money supply. China’s September trade surplus was US$23.91
billion (HK$186.5 billion) and it showed a jump of 56 percent from a year
earlier. Due to the export surplus, the money supply at the end of September
2007 was up 18.45 percent, higher than the 18.09 percent rise in August 2007,
and along with the trade surplus growth, helped push up foreign reserves
to a
total US$1.434 trillion by the end of September 2007. At the same time, economic
growth is likely to continue accelerating. The People's Bank of China forecasts
that the inflation will stay at a high 4.6 percent this year and will reach
5 percent in the first half of next year.
It
is
expected that the central government will try to institute further tightening
measures to cool down the risk of the liquidity-fueled A-share bubble and
the
hot property market. The interest rate and the reserve requirement ratio
would
likely go higher by the end of this year and early next year. These actions,
together with other actions and policies of the government, could materially
affect our liquidity and operation in business.
Our
operations in China may be adversely affected by changes in the policies
of the
PRC government.
The
political environment in the PRC may adversely affect the Company’s business
operations. The PRC has been operating as a socialist state since 1949 and
is
controlled by the Communist Party of China. In recent years, however, the
government has introduced reforms aimed at creating a “socialist market economy”
and policies have been implemented to allow business enterprises greater
autonomy in their operations. Changes in the political leadership of the
PRC may
have a significant effect on laws and policies related to the current economic
reforms program, other policies affecting business and the general political,
economic and social environment in the PRC, including the introduction of
measures to control inflation, changes in the rate or method of taxation,
the
imposition of additional restrictions on currency conversion and remittances
abroad, and foreign investment. Since most of our operating assets and revenues
are derived from our operations located in China, our business and financial
condition, results of operations and prospects are closely subject to economic,
political and legal developments in China. Moreover, economic reforms and
growth
in the PRC have been more successful in certain provinces than in others,
and
the continuation or increases of such disparities could affect the political
or
social stability of the PRC.
Our
business development in China may be affected by the introduction of Enterprise
Income Tax Law (the EIT Law) effective from January 1,
2008.
The
EIT
Law was promulgated by the National People’s Congress on March 16, 2007 to
introduce a new uniform taxation regime in the PRC. Both resident and
non-resident enterprises deriving income from the PRC will be subject to
this
EIT Law from January 1, 2008. It replaces the previous two different tax
rates
applied to foreign-invested enterprises and domestic enterprises by only
one
single income tax rate applied for all enterprises in the PRC. Under this
EIT
Law, except for some hi-tech enterprises which are subject to EIT rates of
15%,
the general applicable EIT rate in the PRC is 25%. Although we still enjoy
certain tax incentives applicable to foreign-invested enterprises prior to
the
introduction of the EIT Law have been revoked, the current lower EIT rate
will
be phased up to 25% after a five-year period. Moreover, we may not enjoy
further
tax incentives for our further established companies in the PRC and therefore
our tax advantages over domestic enterprises may be diminished. As a result,
our
business development in China may be adversely affected.
The
PRC government exerts substantial influence over the manner in which the
Company
must conduct its business activities.
Only
recently has the PRC government permitted greater provincial and local economic
autonomy and private economic activities. The PRC government has exercised
and
continues to exercise substantial control over virtually every sector of
the
Chinese economy through regulation and state ownership. Accordingly, any
decision not to continue to support recent economic reforms and to return
to a
more centrally planned economy, regional or local variations in the
implementation of economic policies could have a significant effect on economic
conditions in the PRC or particular regions. The Company may be requested
to
divest the interests it then holds in Chinese properties or joint ventures.
Any
such developments could have a material affect on the business, operations,
financial condition and prospects of the Company.
Future
inflation in China may inhibit economic activity and affect the Company’s
operations.
Recently,
the Chinese economy has
experienced periods of rapid expansion. During this period, there have been
high
rates of inflation. As a result, the PRC government adopted various corrective
measures designed to restrict the availability of credit or regulate growth
and
contain inflation. While inflation hasmoderated since 1995,
high inflation
may cause the PRC government to impose controls on credit and/or prices,
which
could inhibit economic activity in China, and thereby affecting the Company’s
business operations and prospects in the PRC.
We
may be restricted from exchanging RMB to other currencies in a timely
manner.
At
the
present time, Renminbi (“RMB”) is not an exchangeable currency. The Company
receives nearly all of its revenue in RMB, which may need to be exchanged
to
other currencies, primarily U.S. dollars, and remitted outside of the PRC.
Effective from July 1, 1996, foreign currency “current account” transactions by
foreign investment enterprises, including Sino-foreign joint ventures, are
no
longer subject to the approval of State Administration of Foreign Exchange
(“SAFE”, formerly, “State Administration of Exchange Control”), but need only a
ministerial review, according to the Administration of the Settlement, Sale
and
Payment of Foreign Exchange Provisions promulgated in 1996 (the “FX
regulations”). “Current account” items include international commercial
transactions, which occur on a regular basis, such as those relating to trade
and provision of services. Distributions to joint venture parties also are
considered a “current account transaction”. Other non-current account items,
known as “capital account” items, remain subject to SAFE approval. Under current
regulations, the Company can obtain foreign currency in exchange for RMB
from
swap centers authorized by the government. The Company does not anticipate
problems in obtaining foreign currency to satisfy its requirements; however,
there is no assurance that foreign currency shortages or changes in currency
exchange laws and regulations by the PRC government will not restrict the
Company from exchanging RMB in a timely manner. If such shortages or changes
in
laws and regulations occur, the Company may accept RMB, which can be held
or
reinvested in other projects.
We
may suffer from exchange rate risks that could result in foreign currency
exchange loss.
Because
our business transactions are denominated in RMB and our funding will be
denominated in USD, fluctuations in exchange rates between USD and RMB will
affect our balance sheet and financial results. Since July 2005, RMB has
been no longer solely pegged with USD but is pegged against a basket of
currencies as a whole in order to keep a more stable exchange rate for
international trading. With the very strong economic growth in China in the
last
few years, RMB is facing a very high pressure to appreciate against USD.
Such
pressure would result in more fluctuations in exchange rates and in turn
our
business would suffer from higher exchange rate risk.
There
are
very limited hedging tools available in China to hedge our exposure in exchange
rate fluctuations. They are also ineffective in the sense that these hedges
cannot be performed in the PRC financial market, and more important, the
frequent changes in PRC exchange control regulations would limit our hedging
ability for RMB.
Risks
from the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and avian flu
in
various parts of mainland China, Hong Kong and elsewhere.
Since
early 2003, mainland China, Hong
Kong and certain other countries, largely in Asia, have been experiencing
an
outbreak of a new and highly contagious form of atypical pneumonia, now known
as
severeacute respiratory
syndrome, or SARS. This outbreak has resulted in significant disruption to
the
lifestyles of the business and economic activity in the effected areas. Areas
in
Mainland China that have been affected include areas where the Company has
business and management operations. Although the outbreak is now generally
under
control in China, the Company cannot predict at this time whether the situation
may again deteriorate or the extent of its effect on the Company’s business and
operations. Moreover, there are many Asian countries including China that
report
incidents of avian flu. Although this virus is spread through poultry
populations, it is reported in many incidents that the virus can cause an
infection to humans and is often fatal. Any outbreak of SARS or avian flu
may
result the closure of our offices or other businesses where we provide our
advertising and hotel services. The occurrences of such diseases would also
affect our out-of-home advertising network to advertisers. The advertisers
may
stop purchasing the advertising time and severely interrupt our business
and
operations.
The
Company cannot assure that this outbreak, particularly if the situation worsens,
will not significantly reduce the Company’s revenues, disrupt the Company’s
staffing or otherwise generally disrupt the Company’s operations.
Due
to our assets are located overseas, stockholders may not receive distributions
that they would otherwise be entitled to if we were declared bankruptcy or
insolvency.
Due
to
the Company’s assets are located overseas, the assets of the Company may be
outside of the jurisdiction of U.S. courts to administer if the Company was
the
subject of an insolvency or bankruptcy proceeding. As a result, if the Company
was declared bankrupt or insolvent, the Company’s stockholders may not be able
to receive the distributions on liquidation that they are otherwise entitled
to
under U.S. bankruptcy law.
If
any of our PRC affiliates becomes the subject of a bankruptcy or liquidation
proceeding, we may lose the ability to use and enjoy those assets, which
could
materially affect our business, ability to generate revenue and the market
price
of our common stock.
To
comply
with PRC laws and regulations relating to foreign ownership restrictions
in the
advertising and travel businesses, we currently conduct our operations in
China
through contractual arrangements with shareholders of Tianma and Quo
Advertising. As part of these arrangements, these persons hold some of the
assets that are important to the operation of our business. If any of these
entities files for bankruptcy and all or part of their 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 affect our business, financial
condition and results of operations.
Our
acquisitions of Tianma and Quo Advertising were structured to attempt to
fully
comply with PRC rules and regulations. However, such arrangements may be
adjudicated by relevant PRC government agencies as not being in compliance
with
PRC governmental regulations on foreign investment in traveling and advertising
industries and such structures may limit our control with respect to such
entities.
Since
2001, the PRC Government has only allowed foreign investors to run traveling
business in China if the foreign investors have at least three years of
traveling operations record outside China with annual revenue of USD 40 million.
The minimum capital investment is RMB 4 million and the foreign investors
must
be members of the China Tourism Association. Moreover, the foreign investors
are
restricted from running outbound travel services. In order to penetrate into
this market, we acquired a majority interest of Tianma, a travel agency
headquartered in the Guangdong province of the PRC in June 2006 through certain
contractual arrangements. With the grant of the International Travel Agency
Business License by China National Tourism Administration, Tianma is allowed
to
operate outbound travel services. Through our contractual arrangements, Tianma
is currently owned by one PRC citizen designated by us and this subsidiary
and
directly operates our traveling agent business.
Since
2005, the PRC government has allowed foreign investors to directly own 100%
of
an advertising business if the foreign investor has at least three years
of
direct operations in the advertising business outside of China or to own
less
than 100% if the foreign investor has at least two years of direct operations
in
the advertising industry outside of China. As we do not currently directly
operate an advertising business outside of China, we are not entitled to
own
directly 100% of an advertising business in China. Our advertising business
subsequent to our fiscal year is currently provided through our contractual
arrangements with our PRC operating subsidiary Quo Advertising. Quo Advertising
is currently owned by two PRC citizens designated by us and directly operates
our advertising network projects.
Since
we
believe that there is risk in our structural arrangement with Quo advertising
and Tianma, we try to minimize this risk by consulting a local lawyer in
China.
The local lawyer critically analyzes and reviews the documents including
share
transfer contracts, agreements, declaration of trust etc based on the present
laws, traveling and advertising rules and regulations and standardization
documents in China. Based on the advice given by the local lawyer, we make
amendments in our legal documents and, if necessary, prepare additional legal
document in order to improve our position for the case of any legal proceeding.
Although the risk cannot be avoided totally, we believe that we preformed
our
reasonable effort to reduce the risk arising from our contractual
arrangement.
We
have
been and will continue to be dependent on these PRC operating subsidiaries
to
operate our traveling agent and advertising business in the near future.
If our
existing PRC operating subsidiaries are found to be in violation of any PRC
laws
or regulations and fail to obtain any of the required permits or approvals
under
any relevant PRC regulations, we could be penalized. It would have an effect
on
our ability to conduct business in these aspects.
The
PRC government regulates the air ticketing, travel agency, advertising and
Internet industries. If we fail to obtain or maintain all pertinent permits
and
approvals or if the PRC government imposes more restrictions on these
industries, our business may be affected.
The
PRC
government regulates the air ticketing, travel agency, advertising and Internet
industries. We are required to obtain applicable permits or approvals from
different regulatory authorities to conduct our business, including separate
licenses for Internet content provision, air-ticketing, advertising and travel
agency activities. If we fail to obtain or maintain any of the required permits
or approvals, we may be subject to various penalties, such as fines or
suspension of operations in these regulated businesses, which could severely
disrupt our business operations. As a result, our financial condition and
results of operations may be affected.
In
particular, the Civil Aviation Administration of China, or CAAC, regulates
pricing of air tickets as well as commissions payable to air-ticketing agencies.
If restrictive policies are adopted by CAAC or any of its regional branches,
our
air ticketing revenues may also be affected.
We
have attempted to comply with the PRC government regulations regarding licensing
requirements by entering into a series of agreements with our affiliated
Chinese
entities. If the PRC laws and regulations change, our business in China may
be
affected.
To
comply
with the PRC government regulations regarding licensing requirements, we
have
entered into a series of agreements with our affiliated Chinese entities
to
exert operational control and secure consulting fees and other payments from
them. We have been advised by our PRC counsel that our arrangements with
our
affiliated Chinese entities are valid under current PRC laws and regulations.
However, we cannot assure that we will not be required to restructure our
organization structure and operations in China to comply with changing and
new
PRC laws and regulations. Restructuring of our operations may result in
disruption of our business, diversion of management attention and the incurrence
of substantial costs.
The
PRC legal system embodies uncertainties, which could limit law enforcement
availability.
The
PRC
legal system is a civil law system based on written statutes. Unlike common
law
systems, it is a system in which decided legal cases have little precedence.
In
1979, the PRC government began to promulgate a comprehensive system of laws
and
regulations governing economic matters in general. The overall effect of
legislation over the past 27 years has significantly enhanced the
protections afforded to various forms of foreign investment in China. Each
of
our PRC operating subsidiaries and affiliates is subject to PRC laws and
regulations. However, these laws and regulations change frequently and the
interpretation and enforcement involve uncertainties. For instance, we may
have
to resort to administrative and court proceedings to enforce the legal
protection that we are entitled to by law or contract. However, since PRC
administrative and court authorities have significant discretion in interpreting
statutory and contractual terms, it may be difficult to evaluate the outcome
of
administrative court proceedings and the level of law enforcement that we
would
receive in more developed legal systems. Such uncertainties, including the
inability to enforce our contracts, could affect our business and operation.
In
addition, intellectual property rights and confidentiality protections in
China
may not be as effective as in the United States or other countries. Accordingly,
we cannot predict the effect of future developments in the PRC legal system,
particularly with regard to the industries in which we operate, including
the
promulgation of new laws. This may include changes to existing laws or the
interpretation or enforcement thereof, or the preemption of local regulations
by
national laws. These uncertainties could limit the availability of law
enforcement, including our ability to enforce our agreements with Tianma
&
Quo Advertising, and other foreign investors.
Recent
PRC regulations relating to offshore investment activities by PRC residents
may
increase our administrative burden and restrict our overseas and cross-border
investment activities. If our shareholders who are PRC residents fail to
make
any required applications and filings under such regulations, we may be unable
to distribute profits and may become subject to liability under PRC
laws.
The
PRC
National Development and Reform Commission, NDRC, and SAFE recently promulgated
regulations that require PRC residents and PRC corporate entities to register
with and obtain approvals from relevant PRC government authorities in connection
with their direct or indirect offshore investment activities. These regulations
apply to our shareholders who are PRC residents and may apply to any offshore
acquisitions that we make in the future.
Under
the
SAFE regulations, PRC residents who make, or have previously made, direct
or
indirect investments in offshore companies will be required to register those
investments. In addition, any PRC resident who is a direct or indirect
shareholder of an offshore company is required to file with the local branch
of
SAFE any material change involving capital variation. This would include
an
increase or decrease in capital, transfer or swap of shares, merger, division,
long-term equity or debt investment or creation of any security interest
over
the assets located in China. If any PRC shareholder fails to make the required
SAFE registration, the PRC subsidiaries of that offshore parent company may
be
prohibited from distributing their profits and the proceeds from any reduction
in capital, share transfer or liquidation, to their offshore parent company.
The
offshore parent company may be prohibited from injecting additional capital
into
their PRC subsidiaries. Moreover, failure to comply with the various SAFE
registration requirements described above could result in liability under
PRC
laws for evasion of applicable foreign exchange restrictions.
We
cannot
guarantee that all of our shareholders who are PRC residents will comply
with
our request to obtain any registrations or approvals required under these
regulations or other related legislation. Furthermore, as the regulations
are
relatively new, the PRC government has yet to publish implementing rules,
and
much uncertainty remains concerning the reconciliation of the new regulations
with other approval requirements. It is unclear how the regulations concerning
offshore or cross-border transactions will be implemented by the relevant
government authorities. The failure or inability of our PRC resident
shareholders to comply with these regulations may subject us to fines and
legal
sanctions, restrict our overseas or cross-border investment activities, limit
our ability to inject additional capital into our PRC subsidiaries, and the
ability of our PRC subsidiaries to make distributions or pay dividends, or
affect our ownership structure. If any of the foregoing events occur, our
acquisition strategy, business operations and ability to distribute profits
to
our investors could be affected.
The
PRC tax authorities may require us to pay additional taxes in connection
with
our acquisitions of offshore entities that conduct their PRC operations through
their affiliates in China.
Our
operations and transactions are
subject to review by the PRC tax authorities pursuant to relevant PRC laws
and
regulations. However, these laws, regulations and legal requirements change
frequently, and their interpretation and enforcement involve uncertainties.
For
instance, in the case of some of our acquisitions of offshore entities that
conducted their PRC operations through their affiliates in China, we cannot
assure our investors thatthe PRC tax authorities
will not
require us to pay additional taxes in relation to such acquisitions, in
particular where the PRC tax authorities take the view that the previous
taxable
income of the PRC affiliates of the acquired offshore entities needs to be
adjusted and additional taxes be paid. In the event that the sellers failed
to
pay any taxes required under PRC laws in connection with these transactions,
the
PRC tax authorities might require us to pay the tax together with late-payment
interest and penalties.
We
rely on our affiliated Chinese personnel to conduct travel agency and
advertising businesses. If our contractual arrangements with our affiliated
Chinese personnel are violated, our related businesses will be
damaged.
As
mentioned earlier, we depend on contractual arrangements to run our advertising
and traveling businesses in China. These contractual arrangements are governed
by PRC laws and provide for the resolution of disputes through arbitration
or
litigation in the PRC. Upon arbitration or litigation, these contracts would
be
interpreted in accordance with PRC laws and any disputes would be resolved
in
accordance with PRC legal procedures. The uncertainties in the PRC legal
system
could disable us to enforce these contractual arrangements. Should such a
situation occur, we may be unable to enforce these contractual arrangements
and
unable to enforce our control over our operating subsidiaries to conduct
our
business.
We
have limited business insurance coverage in China.
The
insurance industry in China is still at an early stage of development. Insurance
companies in China offer limited business insurance products. As a result,
we
have limited business liability or disruption insurance coverage for our
operations in China. Any business disruption, litigation or natural disaster
might result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and have an
effect
on our business and operating results.
Our
subsidiaries and affiliated Chinese entities in China are subject to
restrictions on paying dividends or making other payments to us, which may
restrict our ability to satisfy our liquidity
requirements.
We
rely
on dividends from our subsidiaries in China and consulting and other fees
paid
to us by our affiliated Chinese entities. Current PRC regulations permit
our
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, our subsidiaries in China are required to set aside at least
10% of
their respective accumulated profits each year, if any, to fund certain reserve
funds. These reserves are not distributable as cash dividends. Further, if
our
subsidiaries and affiliated Chinese entities in China incur debt on their
own
behalf, 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.
RISKS
RELATED TO OUR MEDIA BUSINESS
In
early
2007, we have entered into a contract to acquire Quo Advertising to expand
our
business operations in the media business. Since the acquisition, we have
successfully entered into several material business agreements in Shanghai,
Nanjing and Wuhan to manage and operate LED outdoor advertising video panels
and
mega-sized digital video billboards through Quo Advertising. We anticipate
entering into agreements in other major cities to strengthen our position
in the
out-of-home media business in China. In addition to the risks described above
in
“Risks Related to Operating a Business in China”, we are subject to additional
risks related to our media business.
The
media and advertising industries are highly competitive and we will compete
with
companies that are larger and better capitalized.
We
have
to compete with other advertising companies in the out-of-home advertising
market. We compete for advertising clients primarily in terms of network
size
and coverage, locations of our LED panels and billboards, pricing, and range
of
services that we can offer. We also face competition from advertisers in
other
forms of media such as out-of-home television advertising network in commercial
buildings, hotels, restaurants, supermarkets and convenience chain stores.
We
expect that the competition will be more severe in the near future. The
relatively low fixed costs and the practice of non-exclusive arrangement
with
advertising clients would provide a very low barrier for new entrants in
this
market segment. Moreover, international advertising media companies have
been
allowed to operate in China since 2005, exposing us to even greater competition.
As
a
consequence of this, our operating margins and profitability may be reduced,
and
may result in a loss of market share. Since we are a new entrant to this
market
segment, we have less competitive advantages than the existing competitors
in
terms of experience, expertise, and marketing force. The Company is tackling
these problems through the acquisition of well-established advertising company
like Quo Advertising. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to compete
against new or existing competitors to generate profit.
If
we cannot enter into further agreements for roadside LED video panels and
mega-sized digital video billboards in other major cities in China, we may
be
unable to grow our revenue base and hence unable to generate higher levels
of
revenue.
We
are
continuing our geographic expansion in media network by entering into business
cooperation agreements with local advertising companies to operate and manage
our roadside LED video panels and mega-sized digital video billboards in
China.
We have concluded several major agreements and are currently searching for
more
opportunities. However, if we are unable to enter into any new agreements,
, we
may be unable to convince our advertisers to purchase more advertising time
for
generating higher levels of revenue.
If
we are unable to attract advertisers to advertise on our networks, we will
be
unable to grow our revenue base to generate revenues.
We
charge
our advertisers based on the time that is used on our roadside LED video
panels
and mega-sized digital video billboards. The desire of advertisers to advertise
on our out-of-home media networks depends on the coverage of the networks,
the
desirability of the locations of the LED panels and billboards, our brand
name
and charging rate. If we are unable to provide the advertising services to
suit
the needs of our advertisers, we may be unable to attract them to purchase
our
advertising time.
If
the public does not accept our out-of-home advertising media, we will be
unable
to generate revenue.
The
out-of-home advertising network that we are developing is a rather new concept
in China. It is too early to conclude whether the public accept this advertising
means or not. In case the public finds any element like audio or video features
in our media network to be disruptive or intrusive, advertisers may withdraw
their requests for time from us to advertise on other networks. On the contrary,
if the viewing public is receptive toward our advertising network, our
advertisers will continue to purchase the time from us. As such, we face
uncertainties whether we may be able to generate revenue in our media network
business.
We
may be subject to government regulations in installing our out-of-home roadside
LED video panels and mega-sized digital video billboards advertising
network.
The
placement and installation of LED panels and billboards are subject to municipal
zoning requirements and governmental approvals. It is necessary to obtain
approvals for construction permits from the relevant supervisory departments
of
the PRC government for each installation of roadside LED video panel and
mega-sized digital video billboard. However, we cannot provide any guarantee
that we can obtain all the relevant government approvals for all of our
installations in the PRC. If such approvals are not granted, we will be unable
to install LED panels or billboards on schedule, or may incur more installation
costs.
If
we are unable to adapt to changing advertising trends and the technology
needs
of advertisers and consumers, we will not be able to compete effectively
and we
will be unable to increase or maintain our revenues, which may affect our
business prospects and revenues.
The
market for out-of-home advertising requires us to research new advertising
trends and the technology needs of advertisers and consumers, which may require
us to develop new features and enhancements for our advertising network.
The
majority of our displays use medium-sized roadside LED video panels. We also
use
mega-sized LED digital video billboards. We are currently researching ways
that
we may be able to utilize other technology such as cable or broadband
networking, advanced audio technologies and high-definition panel technology.
Development and acquisition costs may have to be incurred in order to keep
pace
with new technology needs but we may not have the financial resources necessary
to fund and implement future technological innovations or to replace obsolete
technology. Furthermore, we may fail to respond to these changing technology
needs. For instance, if the use of wireless or broadband networking capabilities
on our advertising network becomes a commercially viable alternative and
meets
all applicable PRC legal and regulatory requirements, and we fail to implement
such changes on our out-of-home network and in-store network or fail to do
so in
a timely manner, our competitors or future entrants into the market who do
take
advantage of such initiatives could gain a competitive advantage over us.
If we
cannot succeed in developing and introducing new features on a timely and
cost-effective basis, advertiser demand for our advertising networks may
decrease and we may not be able to compete effectively or attract advertising
clients, which would have an effect on our business prospects and
revenues.
We
face significant competition, and if we do not compete successfully against
new
and existing competitors, we may lose our market share, and our profitability
may be adversely affected.
We
compete with other advertising companies in China. We compete for advertising
clients primarily based on network size and coverage, location, price, the
range
of services that we offer and our brand name. We also face competition from
other out-of-home television advertising networks for access to the most
desirable locations in cities in China. Individual buildings, hotels,
restaurants and other commercial locations may decide to independently use
third-party technology providers to install and operate their own flat-panel
television advertising screens. We also compete for overall advertising spending
with other alternative advertising media companies, such as Internet, street
furniture, billboard, frame and public transport advertising companies, along
with traditional advertising media, such as newspapers, television, magazines
and radio.
In
the
future, we may also face competition from new entrants into the out-of-home
television advertising sector. Our sector is characterized by low fixed costs
and, as is customary in the advertising industry, we do not have exclusive
arrangements with our advertising clients. These two factors present potential
entrants to our sector of the advertising industry with low entry barriers.
As
of December 10, 2005, wholly foreign-owned advertising companies are
allowed to operate in China, which may expose us to increased competition
from
international advertising media companies attracted to opportunities in
China.
Increased
competition could reduce our operating margins, profitability and result
in a
loss of market share. Some of our existing and potential competitors may
have
competitive advantages, such as greater financial marketing and exclusive
arrangements with desirable locations. Others may successfully mimic and
adopt
our business model. Moreover, increased competition will provide advertisers
with a wider range of media and advertising service alternatives, which could
lead to lower prices and decreased revenues, gross margins and profits. We
cannot guarantee that we will be able to compete against new or existing
competitors.
RISKS
RELATED TO OUR HOTEL BUSINESS
In
addition to the risks described above in “Risks Related to Operating a Business
in China”, we are subject to additional risks related to our hotel
business.
The
travel industry is highly competitive, which may influence our ability to
compete with other hotel and timeshare properties for
customers.
We
operate in markets that contain numerous competitors. Our hotel management
companies compete with major hotel chains and independent operators in regional
markets. Our ability to remain competitive, attract and retain business and
leisure travelers depends on our success in distinguishing the quality, value
and efficiency of our services from those offered by others. If we are unable
to
compete in these areas, this could limit our operating margins, diminish
our
market share and reduce our earnings.
We
are subject to the range of operating risks common to the hotel and
travel-related industry.
The
profitability of the hotel and travel-related industry that we operate in
may be
affected by a number of factors, including:
(1)
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the
availability of and demand for hotel rooms and
apartments;
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(2)
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International
and regional economic conditions;
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(3)
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the
desirability of particular locations and changes in travel patterns
of
domestic and foreign travelers;
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(4)
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taxes
and government regulations that influence or determine wages, prices,
interest rates, and other costs;
|
(5)
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the
availability of capital to allow us and potential hotel owners
and joint
venture partners to fund investments;
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(6)
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increases
in wages and labor costs, energy, mortgage interest rates, insurance,
transportation and fuel, and other
expenses.
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Any
one
or more of these factors could limit or reduce the demand, and therefore
the
prices we are able to obtain, for hotel rooms and corporate
apartments.
The
uncertain pace of the lodging industry’s recovery will continue to influence our
financial results and growth.
Both
the
Company and the lodging industry were hurt by several events occurring over
the
last few years, including SARS and avian flu, and the terrorist attacks on
New
York and Washington. Business and leisure travel decreased and remained
depressed as some potential travelers reduced or avoided discretionary travel
in
light of safety concerns and economic declines stemming from erosion in consumer
confidence. Weaker hotel performance reduced management fees and gave rise
to
losses and closures in connection with some hotels that we manage, which,
in
turn, has had an impact on our financial performance. Although both the lodging
and travel industries are recovering, the duration and full extent of that
recovery remain unclear. Accordingly, our financial results and growth could
be
harmed if that recovery stalls or is reversed.
Our
lodging operations are subject to international and regional
conditions.
Although
we conduct our business in China, our activities are susceptible to changes
in
the performance of international and regional economies, as foreign travelers
constitute a fair percentage of hotel occupants. In recent years, our business
has been hurt by decreases in travel resulting from SARS and downturns in
global
economic conditions. Our future economic performance is subject to the uncertain
magnitude and duration of the economic growth in China, the prospects of
improving economic performance in other regions, the unknown pace of any
business travel recovery that results, and the occurrence of any future
incidents in China in which we operate.
Our
growth strategy depends upon third-party owners and operators. Future
arrangements with these third parties may be less
favorable.
Our
present growth strategy for the development of additional lodging facilities
entails entering into and maintaining various arrangements with property
owners.
The terms of our management agreements for each of our lodging facilities
are
influenced by contract terms offered by our competitors. We cannot guarantee
that any of our current arrangements will continue. Moreover, we may not
be able
to enter into future collaborations, or renew any agreements in the future,
on
terms that are as favorable to us as those under existing collaborations
and
agreements.
We
may have disputes with the owners of the hotels that we
manage.
Consistent
with our focus on hotel management, we generally do not own any of our lodging
properties. The nature of our responsibilities under our management agreements
to manage each hotel and enforce the standards required under the management
agreements may be subject to interpretation and may give rise to disagreements.
We seek to resolve any disagreements in order to develop and maintain good
relations with current and potential hotel owners and joint venture partners,
but have not always been able to do so. Failure to resolve such disagreements
may result in litigation.
Our
ability to grow is in part dependent upon future
acquisitions.
The
process of identifying, acquiring and integrating future acquisitions may
constrain valuable management resources, and our failure to integrate future
acquisitions may result in the loss of key employees and the dilution of
stockholder value and have an adverse effect on our operating results. We
have
acquired existing businesses and expect to continue pursuing strategic
acquisitions in the future. Completing any potential future acquisitions
could
cause significant diversions of management time and resources.
Acquisition
transactions involve inherent risks such as:
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•
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uncertainties
in assessing the value, strengths, weaknesses, contingent and other
liabilities and potential profitability of acquisition or other
transaction candidates;
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the
potential loss of key personnel of an acquired
business;
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the
ability to achieve identified operating and financial synergies
anticipated to result from an acquisition or other
transaction;
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problems
that could arise from the integration of the acquired
business;
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unanticipated
changes in business, industry or general economic conditions that
affect
the assumptions underlying the acquisition or other transaction
rationale;
and
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unexpected
development costs that adversely affect our
profitability.
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Financing
for future acquisitions may not be available on favorable terms, or at all.
If
we identify an appropriate acquisition candidate for our businesses, we may
not
be able to negotiate the terms of the acquisition successfully, finance the
acquisition or integrate the acquired business, technologies or employees
into
our existing business and operations. Future acquisitions may not be well
received by the investment community, which may cause our stock price to
fluctuate. We cannot ensure that we will be able to identify or complete
any
acquisition in the future.
Our
ability to grow our management systems is subject to the range of risks
associated with real estate investments.
Our
ability to sustain continued growth through management agreements for new
or
existing hotels is affected, and may potentially be limited, by a variety
of
factors influencing real estate development generally. These include site
availability, financing, planning, zoning and other local approvals. Other
limitations may be imposed by market and submarket factors, such as projected
room occupancy, growth in demand opposite projected supply, territorial
restrictions in our management agreements, and cost of construction and
anticipated room rate structure.
In
the event of damage or other potential losses involving properties that we
manage, potential losses may not be covered by insurance. We are not aware
that
the Company is responsible for insuring the properties that it manages, as
such
hotel properties are usually insured by its respective
owners.
We
have
comprehensive property and liability insurance policies with coverage features
and insured limits to the hotels that we believe are customary. Market forces
beyond our control may nonetheless limit both the scope of property and
liability insurance coverage that we can obtain and our ability to obtain
coverage at reasonable rates. There are certain types of losses, generally
of a
catastrophic nature, such as earthquakes and floods or terrorist acts that
may
be uninsurable or may be too expensive to insure. As a result, we may not
be
successful in obtaining insurance without increases in cost or decreases
in
coverage levels. In addition, we may carry insurance coverage that, in the
event
of a substantial loss, would not be sufficient to pay the full current market
value or current replacement cost of our lost investment or that of hotel
owners, or in some cases could also result in certain losses being uninsured.
As
a result, we could lose all, or a portion of, the capital we have invested
in a
property, as well as the anticipated future revenue from the
property.
Risks
relating to acts of God, terrorist activity and war could reduce the demand
for
lodging, which may affect our revenues.
Acts
of
God, such as natural disasters and the spread of contagious diseases, in
the PRC
where we own and manage can cause a decline in the level of business and
leisure
travel and reduce the demand for lodging. Wars (including the potential for
war), terrorist activity (including threats of terrorist activity), political
unrest and other forms of civil strife and geopolitical uncertainty can have
a
similar result. Any one or more of these events may reduce the overall demand
for hotel rooms and corporate apartments, or limit the prices that we are
able
to obtain for them, both of which could adversely affect our
revenues.
Our
quarterly results are likely to fluctuate because of seasonality in the travel
industry in China.
Our
business experiences fluctuations, reflecting seasonal variations in demand
for
travel services. For instance, the first quarter of each year generally
contributes the lowest portion of our annual net revenues primarily due to
a
slowdown in business activity around and during the Chinese New Year holiday.
Consequently, our revenues may fluctuate from quarter to quarter.
RISKS
RELATED TO OUR DEVELOPING E-NETWORK BUSINESS
We
target
for developing a comprehensive and fully integrated Internet travel services
platform focusing on providing a broad range of consumer services. This
includes, but is not limited to (i) Accommodation booking and sales; (ii)
Travel
agencies services for air-ticket sales and, tour packages; (iii) e-ticketing
for
concerts, sports events, exhibitions, etc; (iv) Sales and delivery of gifts
and
souvenirs; (v) e-payment function that directly links to payment-clearing
systems of national banks, financial institutions and mobile phone operators.
These services will be offered at individual service outlets located in our
hotel chain, other potential locations and on a comprehensive online website.
We
plan to develop this component as a complete travel and leisure network and
substantial revenue driver.
Our
success in e-Network depends on whether we can acquire well-established
companies and recruit expertise to consolidate and integrate our business
network.
We
will
build our e-Shop brand through acquiring travel webs in China to capture
existing users. It is a faster and more effective method than building our
own
travel web site from scratch to attract new users. We will also recruit
experienced personnel to develop and fine-tune such online shopping and booking
web site to suit our specific requirements. With this web site, we can provide
a
trading platform to leverage on Media and Hotel Networks and establish a
comprehensive e-Shop platform. Since expanding e-Shop
product coverage through merger and acquisitions is our key development
strategy, we will look for suitable companies to acquire. If we fail to find
suitable candidates, the progress of building our e-Network may be
affected.
Online
payment systems in China are at an early stage of development and may restrict
our ability to expand our online commerce service
business.
Online
payment systems in China are at an early stage of development. Although major
Chinese banks are instituting online payment systems, these systems are not
as
widely available or acceptable to consumers in China as in the United States
and
other developed countries. In addition, relative to countries like the United
States, only a limited number of consumers in China have credit cards or
debit
cards. The lack of adequate online payment systems may limit the number of
online commerce transactions that we can service. If online payment services
do
not develop, our ability to grow our online commerce business may be
limited.
The
Internet market has not been proven as an effective commercial medium in
China.
The
market for Internet products and services in China has only recently begun
to
develop. The Internet penetration rate is lower in China than those in the
United States and other developed countries. Since the Internet is not yet
a
well-proven medium for commerce in China, our future operating results from
online services will depend substantially upon the increased use and acceptance
of the Internet for distribution of products and services and facilitation
of
commerce in China.
The
Internet may not become a viable commercial marketplace in China for various
reasons in the near future. More salient impediments to Internet development
in
China include:
• consumer
dependence on traditional means of commerce;
• inexperience
with the Internet as a
sales and distribution channel;
• inadequate
development of the necessary
infrastructure to facilitate online commerce;
• concerns
about security, reliability,
cost, ease of deployment, administration and quality of service associated
with
conducting business over the Internet;
• inexperience
with credit card usage or
with other means of electronic payment; and
• limited
use of personal
computers.
If
the
Internet were not widely accepted as a medium for online commerce in China,
our
ability to grow our online business would be impeded.
The
continued growth of Chinese Internet market depends on the establishment
of an
adequate telecommunications infrastructure.
Although
private sector Internet service providers currently exist in China, almost
all
access to the Internet is maintained through state owned telecommunication
operation under the administrative control and regulatory supervision of
China’s
Ministry of Information Industry. In addition, the national networks in China
are connected to the Internet through government controlled international
gateways. These international gateways are the only channels through which
a
Chinese user can connect to the international Internet network. We rely on
China
Telecom and China Netcom to provide data communications capacity primarily
through local telecommunications lines. Although the government has announced
plans to develop the national information infrastructure, we cannot guarantee
that this infrastructure will be developed. In addition, we will have no
access
to alternative networks and services, in the event of any infrastructure
disruption or failure. The Internet infrastructure in China may not support
the
demands associated with continued growth in Internet usage.
RISKS
RELATED TO REGULATION OF OUR BUSINESS AND TO OUR STRUCTURE
If
the PRC government finds that the agreements that establish the structure
for
operating our China business do not comply with PRC governmental restrictions
on
foreign investment in the travel and advertising industries, we could be
subject
to severe penalties.
All
of
our operations are or will be conducted through Tianma and Quo Advertising,
which we collectively refer to as our PRC operating subsidiaries, and through
our contractual arrangements with several of our consolidated affiliates
in
China.
According
to the Rules on Cognizance of Qualification for Civil Aviation Transporting
Marketing Agencies (2006) and relevant foreign investment regulations
regarding to civil aviation business, a foreign investor currently cannot
own
100% of an air ticketing agency in China. In addition, foreign invested air
ticketing agencies are not permitted to sell passenger tickets for domestic
flights in China. The principal regulation governing foreign ownership of
travel
agencies in China is the Establishment of Foreign-controlled and Wholly
Foreign-owned Travel Agencies Tentative Provisions, as amended in February
2005.
Currently, qualified foreign investors have been permitted to establish or
own a
travel agency upon the approval of the PRC government, subject to considerable
restrictions as to its scope of business. For instance, foreign travel agencies
cannot arrange for the travel of persons from mainland China to Hong Kong,
Macau, Taiwan or any other country. In addition, foreign travel agencies
cannot
establish branches.
PRC
regulations require any foreign entities that invest in the advertising services
industry to have at least two years of direct operations in the advertising
industry outside of China. Beginning December 10, 2005, foreign investors
have been allowed to own directly 100% of PRC companies operating an advertising
business if the foreign entity has at least three years of direct operations
in
the advertising business outside of China or less than 100% if the foreign
investor has at least two years of direct operations in the advertising
industry. We do not directly operate an advertising business outside of China
and cannot qualify under PRC regulations any earlier than two or three years
after we commence any such operations outside of China or until we acquire
a
company that has directly operated an advertising business outside of China
for
the required period. Accordingly, our PRC operating subsidiaries are currently
unable to apply for the required licenses for providing advertising services
in
China. All of our advertising business is currently provided through Quo
Advertising, which is currently owned by two PRC citizens designated by us.
Quo
Advertising holds the requisite licenses to provide advertising services
in
China. We continue to be dependent on Quo Advertising to operate our advertising
business in the near future. We have entered into agreements with the
shareholders of Quo Advertising, which provide us with the substantial ability
to control Quo Advertising and its future subsidiaries.
If
we,
our existing or future PRC operating subsidiaries and affiliates are found
to be
in violation of any PRC laws or regulations or fail to obtain or maintain
any of
the required permits or approvals, the relevant PRC regulatory authorities,
including the State Administration for Industry and Commerce (SAIC), would
have
broad discretion in dealing with such violations, including:
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revoking
the business and
operating licenses of our PRC subsidiaries and
affiliates;
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discontinuing
or restricting our
PRC subsidiaries’ and affiliates’
operations;
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imposing
conditions or requirements with which we or our PRC subsidiaries
and
affiliates may not be able to
comply;
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requiring
us or our PRC subsidiaries and affiliates to restructure the relevant
ownership structure or operations;
or
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restricting
or prohibiting our use of the proceeds of this offering to finance
our
business and operations in China.
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The
imposition of any of these penalties would result in a material and adverse
effect on our ability to conduct our business.
We
rely on contractual arrangements with our PRC operating affiliates and their
subsidiaries and shareholders for our China operations, which may not be
as
effective in providing operational control as direct
ownership.
In
the
past, the Company has relied on contractual arrangements with the shareholders
of Tianma and Quo Advertising to operate our travel and advertising businesses.
These contractual arrangements may not be as effective in providing us with
control over Tianma and Quo Advertising and their subsidiaries as direct
ownership. Currently, if our PRC operating affiliates or any of their
subsidiaries and shareholders fails to perform their respective obligations
under these contractual arrangements, we may have to incur substantial costs
and
resources to enforce such arrangements, and rely on legal remedies under
PRC
law. This would also include seeking specific performance or injunctive relief,
and claiming damages, which we cannot guarantee to be effective.
Many
of
these contractual arrangements are governed by PRC laws and provide for the
resolution of disputes through either arbitration or litigation 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 environment in the PRC is not developed as in other jurisdictions,
such as
the United States. As a result, uncertainties in the PRC legal system could
limit our ability to enforce these contractual arrangements. In the event
we are
unable to enforce these contractual arrangements, we may not be able to exert
effective control over our operating entities, and our ability to conduct
our
business may be negatively affected.
Contractual
arrangements we have entered into among our subsidiaries and affiliated entities
may be subject to scrutiny by the PRC tax authorities and a finding that
we owe
additional taxes or are ineligible for our tax exemption, or both, could
substantially increase our taxes owed, and reduce our net income and the
value
of your investment.
Under
PRC
laws, arrangements and transactions among related parties may be subject
to
audit or challenge by the PRC tax authorities. If any of the transactions
we
have entered into among our subsidiaries and affiliates are found not to
be on
an arm’s length basis or result in a reduction in tax under PRC laws, the PRC
tax authorities will disallow our tax savings, adjust the profits and losses
of
our respective PRC entities and assess late payment interest and penalties
accordingly.
Our
business operations may be affected by legislative or regulatory
changes.
There
are
no existing PRC laws or regulations that define or regulate out-of-home
television. It has been reported that the relevant PRC government authorities
are currently considering adopting new regulations governing out-of-home
television advertising. We cannot predict the timing of establishing such
regulations and their impacts on our Company. Changes in laws and regulations
or
the enactment of new laws and regulations governing placement or content
of
out-of-home advertising, may affect our business prospects and results of
operations. For instance, the PRC government has promulgated regulations
allowing foreign companies to hold a 100%-interest in PRC advertising companies
starting from December 10, 2005. We are not certain how the PRC government
will implement this regulation or how it could affect our ability to compete
in
the advertising industry in China.
PRC
regulation of loans and direct investment by offshore holding companies to
PRC
entities may delay or prevent us from raising finance to make loans or
additional capital contributions to our PRC operating subsidiaries and
affiliates.
As
an
offshore holding company of our PRC operating subsidiaries and affiliates,
we
may make loans to our PRC subsidiaries and consolidated PRC affiliated entities,
or we may make additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries.
Any
loans to our PRC subsidiaries or consolidated PRC affiliated entities are
subject to PRC regulations and approvals.
We
may
also determine to finance Tianma or Quo Advertising by means of capital
contributions. These capital contributions to Tianma or Quo Advertising must
be
approved by the PRC Ministry of Commerce or its local counterpart. We cannot
guarantee that we can obtain these government registrations or approvals
on a
timely basis, if at all, with respect to future loans or capital contributions
by us to our operating subsidiaries. If we fail to receive such registrations
or
approvals, these would adversely affect the liquidity of our operating
subsidiaries and our ability to expand the business.
RISKS
RELATED TO CORPORATE AND STOCK MATTERS
The
loss of key management personnel could harm our business and
prospects.
We
depend
on key personnel who may not continue to work for us. Our success substantially
depends on the continued employment of certain executive officers and key
employees, particularly Godfrey Hui who is our founder, Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer, and Daniel So, our Vice Chairman and Managing Director.
Not
only do we rely on their expertise and experience in our business, we also
need
their business vision, management skills, and good relationships with our
employees and major shareholders to achieve our business targets.
The
loss
of services of these or other key officers or employees could harm our business.
If any of these individuals were to leave our company, our business and growth
prospects may be severely disrupted. We would face substantial difficulty
in
hiring qualified successors and could experience a loss in productivity while
any such successor obtains the necessary training and experience.
The
market for the Company’s common stock is illiquid.
The
Company’s common stock is traded on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board. It is
thinly traded compared to larger and more widely known companies in its
industry. Thinly traded common stock can be more volatile than stock trading
in
an active public market. The Company cannot predict the extent of an active
public market for its common stock.
We
have a limited operating history and if we are not successful in continuing
to
grow our business, then we may have to scale back or even cease our ongoing
business operations.
Our
Company has a limited operating history and is still in the development stage.
Our Company’s operations will be subject to all the risks inherent in the
establishment of a developing enterprise and the uncertainties arising from
the
absence of a significant operating history. We may be unable to locate
recoverable reserves or operate on a profitable basis. We are in the development
stage and potential investors should be aware of the difficulties encountered.
If our business plan is not successful, and we are not able to operate
profitably, investors may lose some or all of their investments in our
Company.
Our
acquisitions of Tianma, Quo Advertising, Xuancaiyi and any future acquisitions
may expose us to potential risks and have an affect on our ability to manage
our
business.
It
is our
strategy to expand our business, especially in e-Network, through acquisitions
like that of Tianma, Quo Advertising and Xuancaiyi. We would keep on searching
for appropriate opportunities to acquire more businesses or to form joint
ventures, etc. that are complementary to our core business. For each
acquisition, our management encounters whatever difficulties during the
integration of new operations, services and personnel with our existing
operations. We may also expose ourselves to other potential risks like
unforeseen or hidden liabilities of the acquired companies, the allocation
of
resources from our existing business to the new operation, uncertainties
in
generating expected revenue, employee relationships and governing by new
regulations after integration. The occurrence of any of these unfavorable
events
in our recent acquisitions or possible future acquisitions could have an
effect
on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
There
may be unknown risks inherent in our acquisitions of Tianma, Quo Advertising
and
Xuancaiyi.
Although
we had conducted due diligence with respect to the acquisition of Tianma,
Quo
Advertising and Xuancaiyi, there is no assurance that all risks associated
with
the companies have been revealed. To protect us from associated liabilities,
we
have received guarantees of indemnification from the original owners. However,
if we were to enforce such guarantees, it could be very costly and time
consuming. The possibility of unknown risks in those acquisitions could affect
our business, financial condition and results of operations.
All
of our directors and officers are outside the United States. It may be difficult
for investors to enforce judgments obtained against officers or directors
of the
Company.
All
of
our directors and officers are nationals and/or residents of countries other
than the United States, and all their assets are located outside the United
States. As a result, it may be difficult for investors to effect service
of
process on our directors or officers, or enforce within the United States
or
Canada any judgments obtained against us or our officers or directors, including
judgments predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities
laws
of the United States or any state thereof. Consequently, you may be prevented
from pursuing remedies under U.S. federal securities laws against them. In
addition, investors may not be able to commence an action in a Canadian court
predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of
the
United States. The foregoing risks also apply to those experts identified
in
this Quarterly Report that are not residents of the United States.
We
need additional funds to expand our business through acquisitions. If we
are
unable to raise additional funds, we would be restricted from further business
expansion.
Since
we
are at the expansion stage of our business, we require funding for capital
investment in acquiring target companies and carrying out numerous projects.
To
raise funds, we need to issue new equity, which could result in additional
dilution to our shareholders and in operating and financing covenants that
would
restrict our operations and strategy. If we are unable to raise additional
funds, our business expansion would be hampered.
If
we issue additional shares, this may result in dilution to our existing
stockholders.
Our
Certificate of Incorporation authorizes the issuance of 800,000,000 shares
of
common stock and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock. Our Board of Directors
has
the authority to issue additional shares up to the authorized capital stated
in
the Certificate of Incorporation. Our Board of Directors may choose to issue
shares to acquire one or more businesses or to provide additional financing
in
the future. The issuance of shares may result in a reduction of the book
value
or market price of the outstanding shares of our common stock. If we issue
additional shares, there may be a reduction in the proportionate ownership
and
voting power of all other stockholders. Further, any issuance may result
in a
change of control of the Company.
The
authorized preferred stock constitutes what is commonly referred to as “blank
check” preferred stock. This type of preferred stock allows the Board of
Directors to designate the preferred stock into a series, and determine
separately for each series any one or more relative rights and preferences.
The
Board of Directors may issue shares of any series without further stockholder
approval. Preferred stock authorized in series allows our Board of Directors
to
hinder or discourage an attempt to gain control by a merger, tender offer
at a
control premium price, or proxy contest. Consequently, the preferred stock
could
entrench our management. In addition, the market price of our common stock
could
be affected by the existence of the preferred stock.
If
we or our independent registered public accountants cannot attest to our
adequacy of the internal control measures over our financial reporting, as
required by Section 404 of the U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act,
for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2007, we may be
adversely affected.
As
a
public company, we are required to report our internal control structure
and
procedures for financial reporting in our annual reports on Form 10-KSB under
Section 404 of the U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by the U.S. Securities
and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The report must contain an assessment by
management about the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial
reporting. Additionally, our independent registered public accounting firm
will
be required to issue reports on management’s assessment of our internal control
over financial reporting and their evaluation of the operating effectiveness
of
our internal control over financial reporting. The auditor’s report is required
for financial year ending December 31, 2008. It is possible that our management
cannot attest to our effectiveness of internal controls over financial
reporting. Furthermore, even if our management attests to our internal control
measures to be effective, our independent registered public accountants may
not
be satisfied with our internal control structure and procedures. If our
management cannot attest to our internal control measures at any time in
the
future, or if our independent registered public accounting firm are not
satisfied with our internal control structure, it could result in an adverse
impact on us in the financial marketplace due to the loss of investor confidence
in the reliability of our financial statements, which could negatively impact
our stock market price.
Trading
may be restricted by the SEC, which may limit a stockholder’s ability to buy and
sell our stock.
The
SEC
has adopted Rule 15g-9, which generally defines “penny stock” to be any equity
security that has a market price (as defined) less than $5.00 per share or
an
exercise price of less than $5.00 per share. Our securities are covered by
rules
that impose additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers who
sell to
persons other than established customers and “accredited investors”. The term
“accredited investor” refers generally to institutions with assets in excess of
$5,000,000 or individuals with a net worth in excess of $1,000,000 or annual
income exceeding $200,000 or $300,000 jointly with their spouse. The rules
require a broker-dealer, prior to a transaction in penny stock, to deliver
a
standardized risk disclosure document in a form prepared by the SEC. This
provides information about the nature and level of risks in the penny stock
market. The broker-dealer must provide the customer with current bid and
offer
quotations for the penny stock, the compensation of the broker-dealer and
its
salesperson in the transaction and monthly account statements showing the
market
value of each penny stock held in the customer’s account. The bid and offer
quotations, and the broker-dealer and salesperson compensation information,
must
be given to the customer orally or in writing prior to effecting the transaction
and must be given to the customer in writing before or with the customer’s
confirmation. In addition, these rules require that prior to a transaction
in a
penny stock not otherwise exempt from these rules; the broker-dealer must
make a
special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment
for
the purchaser and receive the purchaser’s written agreement to the transaction.
These disclosure requirements may have the effect of reducing the level of
trading activity in the secondary market for the stock that is subject to
these
penny stock rules. Consequently, these penny stock rules may affect the ability
of broker-dealers to trade our securities. We believe that the penny stock
rules
discourage investors’ interest in and limit the marketability of our common
stock.
NASD
sales practice requirements may also limit a stockholder’s ability to buy and
sell our stock.
In
addition to the “penny stock” rules described above, the National Association of
Securities Dealers (“ NASD”) has adopted rules that require a broker-dealer,
when providing investment recommendations ,must have reasonable grounds for
believing that the investment is suitable for that customer. Prior to
recommending low priced securities to their non-institutional customers,
broker-dealers must make reasonable efforts to obtain information about the
customer’s financial status, tax status and investment objectives. Under
interpretations of these rules, the NASD believes that there is a high
probability that low priced securities will not be suitable for at least
some
customers. The NASD requirements make it more difficult for broker-dealers
to
recommend their customers buying our common stock, which may limit ability of
our investors to buy and sell our stock and hence have an effect on the market
for our shares.
Stockholders
should have no expectation of any dividends.
The
holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends, when, as and
if
declared by the Board of Directors out of funds of the Company legally available
for the payment of dividends. To date, we have not declared nor paid any
cash
dividends. The Board of Directors does not intend to declare any dividends
in
the near future, but instead intends to retain all earnings, if any, for
use in
our business operations.
As
required by Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange
Act”), as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report, being
September 30, 2007, we have carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness
of
the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. This
evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation
of
our management, including our Chief Executive Officer along with our Chief
Financial Officer. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer
along
with our Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and
procedures are effective as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly
Report. There have been no significant changes in our internal controls over
financial reporting that occurred during our most recent fiscal quarter that
have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect our
internal controls over financial reporting.
Disclosure
controls and procedures and other procedures that are designed to ensure
that
information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under
the
Exchange Act are recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the
time
period specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms.
Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls
and
procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in
our
reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to
management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
as
appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required
disclosure.
Item
1. Legal Proceedings
The
Company accounts for loss contingencies in accordance with SFAS 5 “Accounting
for Loss Contingencies”, and other related guidelines. Set forth below is a
description of certain loss contingencies as of September 30, 2007 and the
management’s opinion as to the likelihood of loss in respect of loss
contingency.
The
Company’s 55%-owned subsidiary, Tianma, is a defendant to proceedings brought in
the Guangzhou Yuexiu District Court. The proceedings were finalized on October
9, 2006. The facts surrounding the proceeding were as follows:
Guangdong
Yongan Travel Agency (“Yongan”) arranged a local tour in April 2001. Yongan
rented a car from an agent of Tianma but the car did not belong to Tianma.
A car accident happened during the tour, causing 20 injuries and one death.
Guangzhou Police issued a proposed determination on the responsibilities
of the
accident on May 18, 2001. The proposal determined that the driver who used
a
non-functioning car was fully liable for the accident. Yongan was sued for
damages and Guangzhou Intermediate People’s Court made a final judgment in 2004
that Yongan was liable and Yongan paid approximately RMB2.2 million ($275,000)
to the injured. In 2005, Yongan sued the agent of Tianma, Tianma and the
car
owner. In October 2006, the Guangzhou Yuexiu District Court issued a
judgment that the agent was liable to pay RMB2.1 million ($262,500) plus
interest for damages. Tianma and the car owner have joint-and-several
liability.
Tianma
is
now appealing the court’s decision. The Company is indemnified for any
future liability by the prior owners of Tianma. Accordingly, no provision
has been made by the Company to the above claims as of September 30,
2007.
Item
2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of
Proceeds
In
January 2007, the Company issued 300,000 shares of restricted common stock
at
$2.812 per share with a fair value $843,600 as part of the consideration
for the acquisition of Quo Advertising.
In
April
2007, the Company completed a private placement of 500,000 shares of restricted
common stock at $3 per share for an aggregate sum of $1,500,000. No
investment-banking fees were payable.
In
August
2007, the Company issued 173,630 shares of restricted common stock at $2.442
per
share with a fair value of $424,004 to a consultant for services
rendered.
Item
3. Default Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item
4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
None.
Item
5. Other Information
None.
Item
6. Exhibits
Exhibit
No. Description
10.1
|
Contract
for the Rebuilding and Leasing of Advertisement Light Boxes on
Nanjing
Road Pedestrian Street. Incorporated by reference to Form 8-K filed
on
June 26, 2007
|
|
|
31.1
|
Certification
of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Securities Exchange Act
Rules
13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes
Oxley Act of 2002
|
|
|
31.2
|
Certification
of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Securities Exchange Act
Rules
13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes
Oxley Act of 2002
|
|
|
32.1
|
Certification
of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as
adopted
pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002
|
|
|
32.2
|
Certification
of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as
adopted
pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002
|
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant
has
duly caused this Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB to be signed on its behalf
by
the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
|
NETWORK
CN INC.
|
|
|
|
Date: November
9, 2007
|
By:
|
/s/
GODFREY HUI
|
|
|
Godfrey
Hui,
|
|
|
Chief
Executive Officer
|
|
|
Date:
November 9, 2007
|
By:
|
/s/
DALEY MOK
|
|
|
Daley
Mok,
|
|
|
Chief
Financial Officer
|
10.1
|
Contract
for the Rebuilding and Leasing of Advertisement Light Boxes on
Nanjing
Road Pedestrian Street. Incorporated by reference to Form 8-K filed
on
June 26, 2007
|
|
|
31.1
|
Certification
of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Securities Exchange Act
Rules
13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes
Oxley Act of 2002
|
|
|
31.2 |
Certification
of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Securities Exchange Act
Rules
13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes
Oxley Act of 2002
|
|
|
32.1 |
Certification
of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as
adopted
pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002
|
|
|
32.2 |
Certification
of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as
adopted
pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002
|
61