U.S.
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON,
D.C. 20549
FORM
10-QSB
(Mark
One)
ý
QUARTERLY
REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF
1934
For
the quarterly period ended June 30, 2007
¨
TRANSITION
REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT
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 Exchange Act during the past 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
August 8, 2007, the issuer had outstanding 68,747,978 shares of the issuer’s
common stock, $0.001 par
value.
The
issuer’s revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2007 were
$7,913,951.
Transitional
Small
Business Disclosure Format: YES ¨ NO ý
FORM10-QSB
INDEX
|
|
Page
|
SPECIAL
NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
|
3
|
PART
I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
|
4
|
Item
1.
|
Financial
Statements (Unaudited)
|
4
|
|
Condensed
Consolidated Balance Sheet—June 30, 2007 (Unaudited)
|
4
|
|
Condensed
Consolidated Statements of Operations—Three and Six Months Ended June 30,
2007 and 2006 (Unaudited)
|
5
|
|
Condensed
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 and
2006 (Unaudited)
|
6
|
|
Notes
to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
|
7
|
Item
2.
|
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
|
19
|
Item
3.
|
Controls
and Procedures
|
52
|
PART
II. OTHER INFORMATION
|
52
|
Item
1.
|
Legal
Proceedings
|
52
|
Item
2.
|
Unregistered
Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
|
53
|
Item
3.
|
Default
Upon Senior Securities
|
53
|
Item
4.
|
Submission
of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
|
53
|
Item
5.
|
Other
Information
|
53
|
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 this
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 on Form 10-QSB, 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. This may occur as a result of inaccurate assumptions or as a
consequence of known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Many factors discussed
in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB, certain of which are
beyond our control, will be important in determining our future performance.
Consequently, actual results may differ materially from those that might be
anticipated from forward-looking statements. In light of these and other
uncertainties, you should not regard the inclusion of a forward-looking
statement in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB or other public communications
that we might make as a representation by us that our plans and objectives
will
be achieved, and you should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking
statements.
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
JUNE
30, 2007
(UNAUDITED)
ASSETS
|
|
CURRENT
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
Cash
|
|
$ |
1,993,364
|
|
Accounts receivable, net
|
|
|
909,359
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other current
assets
|
|
|
2,041,583
|
|
Total Current Assets
|
|
|
4,944,306
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PROPERTY
AND EQUIPMENT, NET
|
|
|
90,374
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OTHER
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
Intangible rights, net
|
|
|
7,166,264
|
|
Total Other Assets
|
|
|
7,166,264
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL
ASSETS
|
|
$ |
12,200,944
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES
AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
|
|
CURRENT
LIABILITIES
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
|
|
$ |
3,126,737
|
|
Current liabilities from discontinued operations
|
|
|
3,655
|
|
Total Current Liabilities
|
|
|
3,130,392
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL
LIABILITIES
|
|
|
3,130,392
|
|
|
|
MINORITY
INTEREST
|
|
|
80,990
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
68,747,978 shares issued and
outstanding
|
|
|
68,748
|
|
Additional paid-in capital
|
|
|
25,211,785
|
|
Deferred stock compensation
|
|
|
(407,500 |
) |
Accumulated deficit
|
|
|
(15,899,405 |
) |
Accumulated other comprehensive income
|
|
|
15,934
|
|
TOTAL
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
|
|
|
8,989,562
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
|
|
$ |
12,200,944
|
|
See
accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial
statements.
CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR
THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2007 AND 2006
(UNAUDITED)
|
|
For
the Three
Months
Ended
June
30, 2007
|
|
|
For
the Three
Months
Ended
June
30, 2006
|
|
|
For
the Six
Months
Ended
June
30, 2007
|
|
|
For
the Six
Months
Ended
June
30, 2006
|
|
|
|
REVENUE
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue – tour services
|
|
$ |
5,013,353
|
|
|
$ |
217,727
|
|
|
$ |
7,389,181
|
|
|
$ |
217,727
|
|
Revenue – advertising services
|
|
|
106,025
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
499,924
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Revenue – hotel management
|
|
|
24,846
|
|
|
|
105,158
|
|
|
|
24,846
|
|
|
|
193,942
|
|
Revenue – related parties
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
100,478
|
|
Revenue, Net
|
|
|
5,144,224
|
|
|
|
322,885
|
|
|
|
7,913,951
|
|
|
|
512,147
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COSTS
AND EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of tour services
|
|
|
4,930,215
|
|
|
|
215,813
|
|
|
|
7,295,139
|
|
|
|
215,813
|
|
Cost of advertising services
|
|
|
109,691
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
356,373
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Professional fees
|
|
|
1,514,397
|
|
|
|
197,982
|
|
|
|
4,290,887
|
|
|
|
289,787
|
|
Payroll
|
|
|
398,609
|
|
|
|
224,651
|
|
|
|
736,003
|
|
|
|
395,002
|
|
Other selling, general & admin.
|
|
|
350,208
|
|
|
|
198,804
|
|
|
|
631,292
|
|
|
|
375,436
|
|
Total Costs and Expenses
|
|
|
7,303,120
|
|
|
|
837,250
|
|
|
|
13,309,694
|
|
|
|
1,276,038
|
|
|
|
LOSS
FROM OPERATIONS
|
|
|
(2,158,896 |
) |
|
|
(514,365 |
) |
|
|
(5,395,743 |
) |
|
|
(763,891 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OTHER
INCOME (EXPENSES)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
4,632
|
|
|
|
16,038
|
|
|
|
10,148
|
|
|
|
22,736
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
(105 |
) |
|
|
(316 |
) |
|
|
(422 |
) |
|
|
(632 |
) |
Other income
|
|
|
1,321
|
|
|
|
1,233
|
|
|
|
3,963
|
|
|
|
1,233
|
|
Total Other Income
|
|
|
5,848
|
|
|
|
16,955
|
|
|
|
13,689
|
|
|
|
23,337
|
|
|
|
LOSS
BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND MINORITY INTEREST
|
|
|
(2,153,048 |
) |
|
|
(497,410 |
) |
|
|
(5,382,054 |
) |
|
|
(740,554 |
) |
Minority interest
|
|
|
(9,482 |
) |
|
|
(6,407 |
) |
|
|
5,129
|
|
|
|
(4,713 |
) |
Income taxes
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(7,372 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET
LOSS FROM CONTINUING
OPERATIONS
|
|
|
(2,162,530 |
) |
|
|
(503,817 |
) |
|
|
(5,376,925 |
) |
|
|
(752,639 |
) |
|
|
DISCONTINUED
OPERATIONS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gain on disposal of affiliate
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
579,870
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
579,870
|
|
INCOME
FROM DISCONTUNUED
OPERATIONS
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
579,870
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
579,870
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET
INCOME (LOSS)
|
|
|
(2,162,530 |
) |
|
|
76,053
|
|
|
|
(5,376,925 |
) |
|
|
(172,769 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OTHER
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency translation gain
|
|
|
19,346
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
12,454
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
COMPREHENSIVE
INCOME (LOSS)
|
|
$ |
(2,143,184 |
) |
|
$ |
76,053
|
|
|
$ |
(5,364,471 |
) |
|
$ |
(172,769 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET
INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE – BASIC AND
DILUTED
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss per common share from continuing operations
|
|
|
(0.03 |
) |
|
|
(0.01 |
) |
|
|
(0.08 |
) |
|
|
(0.02 |
) |
Income per common share from discontinued operations
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
0.01
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
0.01
|
|
Net income (loss) per common share – basic and diluted
|
|
$ |
(0.03 |
) |
|
$ |
0.00
|
|
|
$ |
(0.08 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.01 |
) |
WEIGHTED
AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING – BASIC AND DILUTED
|
|
|
68,581,866
|
|
|
|
55,224,037
|
|
|
|
68,054,224
|
|
|
|
44,520,849
|
|
See
accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
NETWORK
CN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR
THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2007 AND 2006
(UNAUDITED)
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
CASH
FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
loss
|
|
$ |
(5,376,925 |
) |
|
$ |
(172,769 |
) |
Adjustments
to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating
activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and
amortization
|
|
|
188,845
|
|
|
|
129,371
|
|
Stock/Option issued for
services
|
|
|
2,459,220
|
|
|
|
74,963
|
|
Provision for doubtful
debts
|
|
|
23,261
|
|
|
|
17,891
|
|
Gain on disposal of
affiliate
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(579,870 |
) |
Minority interest
|
|
|
(5,128 |
) |
|
|
4,713
|
|
(Increase) decrease
in:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prepaid expenses
|
|
|
(1,398,078 |
) |
|
|
(89,381 |
) |
Accounts
receivable
|
|
|
(443,351 |
) |
|
|
22,788
|
|
(Increase) decrease
in:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable and accrued
expenses
|
|
|
2,180,679
|
|
|
|
(329,667 |
) |
Net Cash Used in Operating
Activities
|
|
|
(2,371,477 |
) |
|
|
(921,961 |
) |
|
|
CASH
FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnest
deposit paid
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(1,134,003 |
) |
Sales
proceeds from disposal of affiliate
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
3,000,000
|
|
Purchase
of property and equipment
|
|
|
(15,641 |
) |
|
|
(13,488 |
) |
Acquisition
of a subsidiary, net
|
|
|
(45,999 |
) |
|
|
(807,959 |
) |
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Investing
Activities
|
|
|
(61,640 |
) |
|
|
1,044,550
|
|
|
|
CASH
FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Due
to related parties
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(636,846 |
) |
Stock
issued in placement for cash, net of costs
|
|
|
1,500,000
|
|
|
|
3,600,000
|
|
Warrant
issued for services
|
|
|
22,500
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Payments
on capital lease
|
|
|
(3,120 |
) |
|
|
(4,680 |
) |
Net Cash Provided by Financing
Activities
|
|
|
1,519,380
|
|
|
|
2,958,474
|
|
|
|
EFFECT
OF EXCHANGE RATE ON CASH
|
|
|
8,578
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(DECREASE)
INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
|
|
|
(905,159 |
) |
|
|
3,081,063
|
|
|
|
CASH
AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - BEGINNING OF PERIOD
|
|
|
2,898,523
|
|
|
|
85,919
|
|
|
|
CASH
AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - END OF PERIOD
|
|
$ |
1,993,364
|
|
|
$ |
3,166,982
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SUPPLEMENTAL
DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
paid for interest
|
|
$ |
423
|
|
|
$ |
5,249
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SUPPLEMENTAL
DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING
ACTIVITIES:
In
January 2007, the Company acquired 100% equity interest of Quo Advertising.
The
Company issued 300,000 shares of the Company’s common stock with a fair value of
$843,600 as part of the consideration.
See
accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial
statements.
NOTES
TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS
OF JUNE 30, 2007
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE
1 SUMMARY OF
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ORGANIZATION
The
accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements 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 financial position
and
results of operations.
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 year.
For
further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and
footnotes included in the Company’s Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31,
2006 filed with the Commission on April 2, 2007.
(A)
Nature of Operations and Organization
Network
CN Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) include:
·
|
NCN
Group Limited (“NCN BVI”, a wholly owned subsidiary incorporated in the
British Virgin Islands on June 23,
2001)
|
·
|
NCN
Group Management Limited (“NCN HK”, a wholly owned subsidiary of NCN BVI
incorporated in Hong Kong on July 28,
2000)
|
·
|
NCN
Management Services Limited (“NCN MS”, a wholly owned subsidiary of NCN
BVI incorporated in the British Virgin Islands on May 4,
2006)
|
·
|
NCN
Asset Management Services Limited (a wholly owned subsidiary of NCN
BVI
incorporated in the British Virgin Islands on May 4,
2006)
|
·
|
NCN
Travel Services Limited (a wholly owned subsidiary of NCN BVI incorporated
in the British Virgin Islands on May 4,
2006)
|
·
|
NCN
Financial Services Limited (a wholly owned subsidiary of NCN BVI
incorporated in the British Virgin Islands on May 10,
2006)
|
·
|
NCN
Media Services Limited (a wholly owned subsidiary of NCN BVI incorporated
in the British Virgin Islands on May 4,
2006)
|
·
|
NCN
Hotels Investment Limited (a wholly owned subsidiary of NCN MS
incorporated in the British Virgin Islands on November 1,
2001)
|
·
|
NCN
Pacific Hotels Limited (“NCN Pacific”, a wholly owned subsidiary of NCN MS
incorporated in the British Virgin Islands on July 6,
2006)
|
·
|
Teda
(Beijing) Hotels Management Limited (“Teda BJ”, a wholly owned subsidiary
of NCN BVI incorporated in the People’s Republic of China in November
2004)
|
·
|
Landmark
International Hotel Development Limited (“Landmark Development”, a 51%
owned subsidiary of NCN Landmark incorporated in the British Virgin
Islands on October 7, 2005)
|
·
|
Beijing
NCN Landmark Hotel Management Limited (“Beijing Landmark”, a 100% owned
subsidiary of NCN Landmark incorporated in the People’s Republic of China
on November 13, 2006)
|
·
|
Guangdong
Tianma International Travel Service Co., Ltd. (“Tianma”, a 55% owned
subsidiary of NCN MS incorporated in the People’s Republic of China on
November 23, 1985)
|
·
|
Crown
Winner International Limited (“Crown Winner”, a 100% owned subsidiary of
NCN Media incorporated in Hong Kong on September 16,
2006)
|
·
|
Shanghai
Quo Advertising Company Limited (“Quo Advertising”, a 100% owned
subsidiary of Crown Winner incorporated in the People’s Republic of China
on March 7, 1997); and
|
·
|
NCN
Huamin Management Consultancy (Beijing) Company Limited (“NCN Huamin”, a
100% owned subsidiary of NCN BVI incorporated in the People’s Republic of
China on March 7, 2007)
|
·
|
Know
Win Investments Inc. (“Know Win”, a wholly owned subsidiary of NCN Pacific
incorporated in the British Virgin Islands on May 16,
2006)
|
·
|
Simple
Win Limited (‘Simple Win”, a wholly owned subsidiary of NCN Pacific
incorporated in the British Virgin Islands on April 21,
2006)
|
In
relation to Hotel Network, the Company provides management services to hotels
and resorts, and travel agency services in China. In relation to Media Network,
the Company provides marketing communications consultancy services to customers
in China.
(B)
Principles of Consolidation
The
accompanying consolidated financial statements for 2007 include the accounts
of
Network CN Inc., NCN BVI and its nine wholly owned subsidiaries, NCN BVI’s 60%
owned subsidiary NCN Landmark, and NCN Landmark’s 51% owned subsidiary Landmark
Development from October 7, 2005 and NCN Landmark’s 100% owned subsidiary
Beijing Landmark from November 13, 2006, NCN MS 55% owned subsidiary Tianma
from
June 16, 2006, NCN Media’s 100% owned subsidiaries Crown Winner and Quo
Advertising from January 31, 2007, NCN BVI’s 100% wholly owned subsidiary NCN
Huamin from March 7, 2007, NCN Pacific’s 100% wholly owned subsidiary Know Win
from May 2007 together with NCN Pacific’s 100% wholly owned subsidiary Simple
Win from June 2007. After change of directorship in May 2006, the Company
determined to dispose of Teda BJ and began winding down operations. We treated
it as discontinued operations in the fourth quarter of 2006. Landmark
Development became dormant at the end of 2006 and its shareholders are taking
steps to wind up the subsidiary in 2007.
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 in
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 revenues
and
expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.
(D)
Property and Equipment
Property
and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation
is
provided using the straight-line method over estimated the useful life of the
assets from three to five years. Repairs and maintenance on property and
equipment are expensed as incurred.
(E)
Long-Lived Assets
The
Company accounts for long-lived assets under 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 amount 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 net cash flows
related to the long-lived assets.
(F)
Cash and Cash Equivalents
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.
In
relation to hotel and resort management services, the Company recognizes revenue
in the period when the services are rendered and earned, and collection is
reasonably assured.
In
relation to travel agency 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 full amount 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 have to sell the air-tickets to other travel agents or
customers. For hotels, meals and transport, Tianma usually pays 50-60%
deposit upfront. After completion of tours, the remaining balance will
be
settled. |
2.
|
Tianma,
through its sub-agents, advertises tour and travel packages at the
price
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 of the tour and the costs of the
tour) for
a particular tour is reached, Tianma will contact the customers
for tour confirmation and request for 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 to such
providers.
|
Tianma
is the principal in such transactions and is 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.
In
relation to marketing communications consultancy services, the Company
recognizes service fees income when the service is performed. Advertising
revenue is earned as the 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)
applicable to common stock stockholders 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 effect of 141,308 and 0 warrants and options outstanding was
not included in diluted loss per share as of June 30, 2007 and 2006 as the
effect was anti-dilutive.
(I)
Foreign Currency Translation
The
Company’s assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are
translated into the currency of U.S. dollars using the exchange rates at the
balance sheet date. For revenues and expenses, the average exchange rate during
the period was used to translate Hong Kong dollars and Chinese renminbi into
U.S. dollars. Capital accounts were translated at their historical exchange
rates when the capital transactions occurred. Net gains and losses resulting
from translation of foreign currency financial statements are included in the
statements of stockholders’ equity as other comprehensive income or (loss).
Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in the consolidated
income (loss).
(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 recognized for the future tax
consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement
carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax
bases. 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 settled. 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 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.
123(R), 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 up through the valuation
date is
reflected in the expense recorded in the subsequent period in which that
change
occurs
For
the
period
ended June 30, 2007, the Company recognized $2,459,220 as expense for stock,
options and warrants issued to consultants and employees.
(M)
New Pronouncements
In
February 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 155, Accounting for Certain Hybrid
Financial Instruments (“SFAS 155”), which amends SFAS No. 133, Accounting for
Derivatives Instruments and Hedging Activities (“SFAS 133”) and SFAS No. 140,
Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishment
of
Liabilities (“SFAS 140”). SFAS 155 amends SFAS 133 to narrow the scope exception
for interest-only and principal-only strips on debt instruments to include
only
such strips representing rights to receive a specified portion of the
contractual interest or principal cash flows. SFAS 155 also amends SFAS 140
to
allow qualifying special-purpose entities to hold a passive derivative financial
instrument pertaining to beneficial interests that itself is a derivative
instrument. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this new Standard,
but believes that it will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial
position.
In
July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for
Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an Interpretation of FASB Statement 109 (“FIN 48”),
which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in tax positions. This
Interpretation provides that the tax effects from an uncertain tax position
can
be recognized in the Company’s financial statements, only if the position is
more likely than not of being sustained on audit, based on the technical merits
of the position. The provisions of FIN 48 are effective as of the beginning
of
fiscal 2007, with the cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle
recorded as an adjustment to opening retained earnings. The Company is currently
evaluating the impact of adopting FIN 48 on its financial
statements.
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.
In
September 2006, FASB issued Statement 158, Employers’ Accounting for
Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans (“SFAS 158”), which amend
FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132R. This statement requires employers
to recognize the over-funded or under-funded status of a defined benefit
postretirement plan as an asset or liability in its financial statements and
to
recognize changes in that funded status in the year in which the changes occur.
The effective date for the Company would be for any full fiscal years ending
after December 15, 2006. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of
adopting SFAS 158 on its financial statements.
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 will become
effective for us on January 1, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the
impact of adopting SFAS 159 on our financial position, cash flows, and results
of operations.
The
condensed consolidated statement of operations for the period ended June 30,
2006 has been reclassified to conform to the 2007 presentation. The
reclassification did not have an effect on total revenues, total expenses,
loss
from operations, net loss and net loss per share.
On
January 31, 2007, the Company consummated the acquisition of 100% equity
interest 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 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
Company has allocated the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities
assumed based on the estimated fair values as follows:
Cash
|
|
$ |
18,001
|
|
Accounts
receivable
|
|
|
83,791
|
|
Prepayments
and other current assets
|
|
|
298,559
|
|
Property
and Equipment
|
|
|
15,114
|
|
Liabilities
assumed
|
|
|
(44,405 |
) |
Intangible
right
|
|
|
536,540
|
|
Total
purchase price
|
|
$ |
907,600
|
|
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 table below summarizes the unaudited pro forma information
of the results of operations as though the acquisitions had been completed
as of
January 1, 2007.
|
|
Six
Months Ended
June
30, 2007
|
|
Revenues
|
|
$ |
7,914,015
|
|
Gross
profit
|
|
$ |
189,651
|
|
Loss
before income taxes and MI
|
|
$ |
(5,483,830 |
) |
Net
loss
|
|
$ |
(5,479,084 |
) |
Net
loss per share
|
|
|
|
|
Basic and
diluted
|
|
$ |
(0.08 |
) |
NOTE
4 INTANGIBLE
RIGHTS
The
following table set forth information for intangible rights subject to
amortization and intangible rights not subject to amortization:
|
|
As
at
June
30, 2007
|
|
Amortized
intangible rights
|
|
|
|
Gross
carrying amount
|
|
$ |
7,239,201
|
|
Less:
accumulated amortization
|
|
|
(693,647 |
) |
Less:
provision for impairment loss
|
|
|
(195,192 |
) |
Amortized
intangible rights – net
|
|
|
6,350,362
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unamortized
intangible rights
|
|
|
815,902
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Intangible
rights, net
|
|
$ |
7,166,264
|
|
The
increase in amortized intangible rights is a result of acquisition of Quo
Advertising. Refer to Note 3. The amount is amortized over a period of 20 years.
Amortization expense for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 was
$161,178 and $117,108, respectively.
NOTE
5 RELATED PARTY
TRANSACTIONS
During
the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, the Company received hotel
management fee revenue of $0 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 Hotel Management segment provides management services to
hotels and resorts in Asia. The Travel Agency segment provides travel agency
services in China. The Advertising Agency segment provides marketing
communications consultancy services to customers in China. The 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 Six Months Ended June 30, 2007
|
|
Hotel
Management
|
|
|
Travel
Agency
|
|
|
Advertising
Agency
|
|
|
Investment
Holding
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue
|
|
$ |
24,846
|
|
|
$ |
7,389,181
|
|
|
$ |
499,924
|
|
|
$ |
-
|
|
|
$ |
7,913,951
|
|
Net
loss from continuing operations
|
|
|
(118,625 |
) |
|
|
(6,269 |
) |
|
|
(26,466 |
) |
|
|
(5,225,565 |
) |
|
|
(5,376,925 |
) |
Depreciation
and amortization
|
|
|
2,473
|
|
|
|
825
|
|
|
|
9,525
|
|
|
|
176,022
|
|
|
|
188,845
|
|
Assets
|
|
|
81,819
|
|
|
|
1,292,252
|
|
|
|
1,639,925
|
|
|
|
9,186,948
|
|
|
|
12,004,944
|
|
Capital
Expenditure
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(276 |
) |
|
|
3,330
|
|
|
|
12,587
|
|
|
|
15,641
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For
the Six Months Ended June 30,
2006
|
|
Hotel
Management
|
|
|
Travel
Agency
|
|
|
Advertising
Agency
|
|
|
Investment
Holding
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue
|
|
$ |
294,420
|
|
|
$ |
217,727
|
|
|
$ |
-
|
|
|
$ |
-
|
|
|
$ |
512,147
|
|
Net
loss from continuing operations
|
|
|
(752,357 |
) |
|
|
(282 |
) |
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(752,639 |
) |
Depreciation
and amortization
|
|
|
129,334
|
|
|
|
37
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
129,371
|
|
Assets
|
|
|
5,710,462
|
|
|
|
439,408
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
6,149,870
|
|
Capital
Expenditure
|
|
|
12,474
|
|
|
|
1,014
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
13,488
|
|
NOTE
7 STOCKHOLDERS'
EQUITY
(1)
In
February 2006, the Company issued an option to purchase up to 225,000 shares
of
our common stock to our legal counsel at an exercise price of $0.10 per share.
So long as our counsels’ relationship with us continues, the shares underlying
the option shall vest and become exercisable in accordance with the following
schedule: one-twelfth (1/12) of the shares subject to the option shall vest
and
become exercisable on each month anniversary of the date of issuance. The option
may be exercised for 120 days after termination of the consulting 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 $0.7 per share.
The
shares underlying the option shall vest and become exercisable in accordance
with the following schedule: one-fourth (1/4) of the shares subject to the
warrant shall vest and become exercisable every 45 days starting 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 $20,403.
(3)
In
April 2007, the Company issued 45,000 shares of the restricted common stock
at
$0.4 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 the restricted common stock
with a fair value of $85,353 to its directors and officers for
services.
(5)
During the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, the Company recognized
deferred stock compensation of $2,437,500 and $61,250 respectively for stock
issued to consultants for services.
(B)
Stock Issued for Acquisition
In
January 2007, the Company issued 300,000 shares of restricted common stock
of
the Company with a fair value $843,600 as part of the consideration to the
seller in the acquisition of Quo Advertising.
(C)
Stock Issued for Private Placement
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.
NOTE
8 COMMITMENTS
AND CONTINGENCIES
(A)
Contingent liabilities
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 June 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 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 June 30, 2007.
(B)
Commitments
Since
November 2006, the Company, through its subsidiaries, NCN Media Services
Limited
and Quo Advertising, acquired rights from third parties to operate 677 roadside
LED panels and 4 mega-sized digital billboards for periods ranging from 2
to 20
years, for future payments of annual rights and operating fees totaling $36
million.
A
summary
of the estimated future annual rights and operating fee commitments based
on the
677 roadside LED panels and 4 mega-sized digital billboards as of June 30,
2007
is as follows:
|
|
$(Million)
|
|
Six
months ending December 31, 2007
|
|
|
2.4
|
|
Years
ending December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
3.3
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2.8
|
|
2010
|
|
|
2.5
|
|
2011
|
|
|
2.2
|
|
2012
|
|
|
2.3
|
|
Due
after 5 years
|
|
|
20.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
commitments
|
|
|
36
|
|
NOTE
9 SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On
July
23, 2007, NCN HK entered into Executive Employment Agreements (the “Agreements”)
with Chin Tong Godfrey Hui, the Chief Executive Officer, Kuen Kwok So, the
Managing Director, Daley Yu Luk Mok, the Chief Financial Officer, Hing Kuen
Benedict Fung, the President, and Stanley Kam Wing Chu, the General Manager
of
the Company and NCN Group effective July 1, 2007.
Pursuant
to the Agreements, Mr. Hui shall receive a monthly base salary of HK$120,000,
Mr. So shall receive a monthly base salary of HK$80,000, Mr. Mok shall receive
a
monthly base salary of HK$70,000, Mr. Fung shall receive a monthly base salary
of HK$70,000, and Mr. Chu shall receive a monthly base salary of
HK$50,000.
Also
pursuant to the Agreements, each Executive shall receive a grant 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; Mr. Mok 1,500,000 shares; Mr. Fung 1,200,000 shares and Mr. Chu,
1,000,000 shares.
Item
2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
CAUTIONARY
STATEMENTS
The
following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the
Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes thereto included in
Part I, Item 1 of this 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 liquidity of 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 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 company with headquarters in the Hong Kong SAR, 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/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, and the Company is working to expand it to cover all major
cities in the PRC. The Hotel Network also 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 the second
quarter of 2007 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 a media-related contract regarding the
installation and management of outdoor LED advertising video panels. In January
2007, we acquired Shanghai Quo Advertising Company Limited (“Quo Advertising”),
an advertising agency in Shanghai, China. In the first half of 2007, we have
generated revenues from our Media Network and we anticipate that we will begin
to realize earnings from the installation and management of LED advertising
video panels beginning in the third quarter of 2007. At the same time, the
Company is actively pursuing the development of an e-Network via the
Internet.
We
believe that the Company is well positioned to take the growth opportunities
in
China.
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.
(i)
Property and Equipment
Property
and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation
is
provided using the straight-line method over estimated the useful life of the
assets from three to five years. Repairs and maintenance on property and
equipment are expensed as incurred.
(ii)
Long-Lived Assets
The
Company accounts for long-lived assets under Statements of Financial Accounting
Standard 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 amount 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 net cash flows
related to the long-lived assets.
(iii)
Revenue Recognition
In
relation to hotel and resort management services, the Company recognizes revenue
in the period when the services are rendered and earned, and collection is
reasonably assured.
In
relation to travel agency 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 ake 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 full amount 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 have to sell the air-tickets to other travel agents or
customers. For hotels, meals and transport, Tianma usually pays 50-60%
deposit upfront. After completion of tours, the remaining balance will
be
settled. |
2.
|
Tianma,
through its sub-agents, advertises tour and travel packages at the
price
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 of the tour and the costs of the tour)
for
a particular tour is reached, Tianma will contact the customers for
tour
confirmation and request for 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 to such
providers.
|
Tianma
is
the principal in such transactions and is 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.
In
relation to marketing communications consultancy services, the Company
recognizes service fees income when the service is performed. Advertising
revenue is earned as the advertisements are either aired or
published.
(iv)
Foreign Currency Translation
The
Company’s assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are
translated into the currency of U.S. dollars using the exchange rates at the
balance sheet date. For revenues and expenses, the average exchange rate during
the period was used to translate Hong Kong dollars and Chinese renminbi into
U.S. dollars. Capital accounts were translated at their historical exchange
rates when the capital transactions occurred. Net gains and losses resulting
from translation of foreign currency financial statements are included in the
statements of stockholders’ equity as other comprehensive income or (loss).
Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in the consolidated
income (loss).
(v)
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 recognized
for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the
financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and
their respective tax bases. 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 settled.
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.
(vi)
Stock-Based Compensation
In
December 2004, the 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. 123(R), 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 up through the valuation date
is
reflected in the expense recorded in the subsequent period in which that change
occurs.
For
the
period
ended June 30, 2007, the Company recognized $2,459,220 as expense for stock,
options and warrants issued to consultants and employees.
For
the three months ended June 30, 2007 and June 30, 2006
Revenues.
Revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2007 were $5,144,224 as
compared to revenues of $322,885 for the same period in 2006, a sharp increase
of $4,821,339, or 1493%. The increase was due to the inclusion of the revenue
of
Tianma, a subsidiary acquired in June 2006 and Quo Advertising, a subsidiary
acquired in January 2007. Revenues from Tianma for this period were $5,013,353
and accounted for 97% of the Company’s total revenues. Revenues from Quo
Advertising for this period were $106,025 and accounted for 2% of the Company’s
total revenues. Revenues from hotel management for this period were $24,846,
a
decrease of $80,312 as compared to the same period last year. The decrease
was
due to a decreased number of hotel properties managed (from seventeen hotel
properties managed as of June 30, 2006 to five hotel properties as of June
30,
2007). The decrease was not otherwise material given the significant revenues
generated by Tianma and Quo Advertising.
Cost
of Tour Services. Cost of tour services for the three months ended June 30,
2007 was $4,930,215 as compared to cost of tour services of $215,813 for the
same period last year, a sharp increase of 4,714,402 or 2184%. The increase
was
due to the acquisition of Tianma in June, 2006. The
majority
of Tianma's expenses directly related to the generation of Tianma's tour
revenues were grouped under this category, with immaterial amounts grouped
under
Professional Fees, Payroll and Other Selling, General & Administrative
Expenses.
Cost
of Advertising Services. Cost of advertising services for the three months
ended June 30, 2007 was $109,691 as compared to cost of advertising services
of
$0 for the same period last year. The increase was due to the acquisition of
Quo
Advertising in January, 2007.
Total
Expenses. Our total expenses during the three months ended June 30, 2007
were $2,263,214, compared to expenses of $621,437 for the same period last
year,
an increase of $1,641,777, or 264%. The increase was primarily attributable
to a
material increase in professional fees in connection with more stock issued
for
services during the current period than in the previous period.
Professional
fees. Professional fees for the three months ended June 30, 2007 were
$1,514,397 as compared to $197,982 for the same period last year, an increase
of
$1,316,415 or 665%. The increase was due to more stock issued for services
during the current period than in the previous period.
Payroll.
Payroll for the three months ended June 30, 2007 was $398,609 as compared to
$224,651 for the same period last year, an increase of $173,958 or 77%. The
increase was due to the addition of several employees, including a Managing
Director and a General Manager.
Other
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Other selling, general and
administrative expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2007 were $350,208
as compared to $198,804 for the same period last year, an increase of $151,404
or 76%. The increase was due to additional overseas traveling and entertainment
expenses incurred in the current period.
Loss
from Continuing Operations. The Company incurred a loss from continuing
operations of $2,162,530 for the three months ended June 30, 2007 as compared
to
a loss of $503,817 in the previous period. The increase in loss of $1,658,713
was mainly due to increase in professional fees and payroll as explained
above.
Income
from Discontinued Operations. After the completion of sales of the
Company’s interest in Tianjin Teda Yide Industrial Company Limited on April 29,
2006, the Company recorded a gain of $579,870 on the disposal of an affiliate
for the period ended June 30, 2006.
For
the six months ended June 30, 2007 and June 30, 2006
Revenues.
Revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2007 were $7,913,951 as compared
to revenues of $512,147 for the same period in 2006, a sharp increase of
$7,401,804, or 1445%. The increase was due to the inclusion of the revenue
of
Tianma, a subsidiary acquired in June 2006 and Quo Advertising, a subsidiary
acquired in January 2007. Revenues from Tianma for this period were $7,389,181
and accounted for 93% of the Company’s total revenues. Revenues from Quo
Advertising for this period were $499,924 and accounted for 6% of the Company’s
total revenues. Revenues from hotel management for this period were $24,846,
a
decrease of $269,574 as compared to the same period last year. The decrease
was
due to a decreased number of hotel properties managed (from seventeen hotel
properties managed as of June 30, 2006 to five hotel properties as of June
30,
2007). The decrease was not otherwise material given the significant revenues
generated by Tianma and Quo Advertising.
Cost
of Tour Services. Cost of tour services for the six months ended June 30,
2007 was $7,295,139 as compared to cost of tour services of $215,813 for the
same period last year, a sharp increase of $7,079,326 or 3280%. The increase
was
due to the acquisition of Tianma in June, 2006. The
majority
of Tianma's expenses directly related to the generation of Tianma's tour
revenues were grouped under this category, with immaterial amounts grouped
under
Professional Fees, Payroll and Other Selling, General & Administrative
Expenses.
Cost
of Advertising Services. Cost of advertising services for the six months
ended June 30, 2007 was $356,373 as compared to cost of advertising services
of
$0 for the same period last year. The increase was due to the acquisition of
Quo
Advertising in January, 2007.
Total
Expenses. Our total expenses during the six months ended June 30, 2007 were
$5,658,182, compared to expenses of $1,060,225 for the same period last year,
an
increase of $4,597,957, or 433%. The increase was primarily attributable to
a
material increase in professional fees in connection with more stock issued
for
services during the current period than in the previous period.
Professional
fees. Professional fees for the six months ended June 30, 2007 were
$4,290,887 as compared to $289,787 for the same period last year, an increase
of
$4,001,100 or 1381%. The increase was due to more stock issued for services
during the current period than in the previous period.
Payroll.
Payroll for the six months ended June 30, 2007 was $736,003 as compared to
$395,002 for the same period last year, an increase of $341,001 or 86%. The
increase was due to the addition of several employees, including a Managing
Director and a General Manager.
Other
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Other selling, general and
administrative expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2007 were $631,292
as
compared to $375,436 for the same period last year, an increase of $255,856
or
68%. The increase was due to additional overseas traveling and entertainment
expenses incurred in the current period.
Loss
from Continuing Operations. The Company incurred a loss from continuing
operations of $5,376,925 for the six months ended June 30, 2007 as compared
to a
loss of $752,639 in the previous period. The increase in loss of $4,624,286
was
mainly due to increase in professional fees and payroll as explained
above.
Income
Taxes. The Company derives its income in the PRC and is subject to income
tax in the PRC. Income tax expenses charged to the consolidated income statement
for the six months ended June 30, 2007 was $0 as compared to $7,372 for the
period ended June 30, 2006 as the Company and its subsidiaries operated at
a
loss during the period.
Income
from Discontinued Operations. After the completion of sales of the
Company’s interest in Tianjin Teda Yide Industrial Company Limited on April 29,
2006, the Company recorded a gain of $579,870 on the disposal of an affiliate
for the period ended June 30, 2006.
Net
Loss. The Company recorded a net loss of $5,376,925 as compared to a net
loss of $172,769 for the same period last year, an increase of $5,204,156 or
3012%. That was due to gain on disposal of Yide of $579,870 recorded for the
period ended June 30, 2006 and increase of professional fee and payroll for
the
period ended June 30, 2007.
Liquidity
and Capital Resources – June 30, 2007
The
cash
and cash equivalents as of June 30, 2007 was $1,993,364 as compared with
$3,166,982 as of June 30, 2006, a decrease of $1,173,618. The decrease was
attributable to the following activities:
Net
cash
utilized by operating activities as of June 30, 2007 was $2,371,477, an increase
of $1,449,516 as compared with $921,961 in the same period of 2006. The net
cash
outflow was mainly attributable to increase in net loss and prepaid expenses
and
decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses.
Net
cash
used by investing activities for the period ended June 30, 2007 was $61,640,
compared with net cash provided by $1,044,550 in the same period of 2006. The
decrease of $1,106,190 was mainly attributable to the receipt of $3,000,000
for
the sale of Yide, which was partly offset by the placing of a $1,134,003 earnest
deposit for a prospective project and investment in Tianma.
Net
cash
provided by financing activities was $1,519,380 for the period ended June 30,
2007, compared with $2,958,474 in the same period of 2006. The decrease was
primarily attributable to a private placement that raised gross proceeds of
$4,000,000, from which we paid investment banking fees in the amount of $400,000
for the period ended June 30, 2006.
Working
Capital Requirements
We
had
cash of $1,993,364 at June 30, 2007 and our current assets totaled $4,944,306.
Our current liabilities at June 30, 2007 were $3,130,392, so we had working
capital of $1,813,914. We have no long-term liabilities as of June 30,
2007.
Capital
Expenditures
We
continue to seek opportunities to enter new markets, increase market share
or
broaden service offerings through acquisitions. During the period ended June
30,
2007, we acquired assets of $15,641, which was financed through working capital.
As of June 30, 2007, we had no other significant capital expenditure commitments
except the following: (i) the Company obtained the right to install 120 roadside
LED panels in the Changning district of Shanghai pursuant to a business
agreement with Guiding Media Advertising Limited and (ii) the Company also
obtained the rights to install further LED panels and two mega-sized digital
billboards in the Huangpu district of Shanghai, Nanjing and Wuhan.
Since
November 2006, the Company, through its subsidiaries, NCN Media Services
Limited
and Quo Advertising, acquired rights from third parties to operate 677 roadside
LED panels and 4 mega-sized digital billboards for periods ranging from 2
to 20
years, for future payments of annual rights and operating fees totaling $36
million.
A
summary
of the estimated future annual rights and operating fee commitments based
on the
677 roadside LED panels and 4 mega-sized digital billboards as of June 30,
2007
is as follows:
|
|
$(Million)
|
|
Six
months ending December 31, 2007
|
|
|
2.4
|
|
Years
ending December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
3.3
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2.8
|
|
2010
|
|
|
2.5
|
|
2011
|
|
|
2.2
|
|
2012
|
|
|
2.3
|
|
Due
after 5 years
|
|
|
20.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
commitments
|
|
|
36
|
|
The
Company is also responsible for the cost of installing the 677 roadside LED
panels and 4 mega-sized digital billboards. The Company estimates that the
capital investment including installation costs for each roadside LED panel
is
approximately $25,000 to $30,000, 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 $24
million.
During
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 the finance for the capital expenditure.
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 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 and our liquidity and
access to capital and our ability to operate our business.
The
PRC
economy differs from the economies of most developed countries in many respects,
including the amount 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 the allocation of resources, controlling payment
of foreign currency-denominated obligations, setting monetary policy and
providing preferential treatment to particular industries or companies. Since
late 2003, the PRC government 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 the ability to access
to
capital and operate our business.
Since
2003, mainland banks were ordered to continually increase their deposits as
reserves, bringing the total reserve ratio up to 11% by May 15 2007, to reduce
their lending power in an effort to cool down the economic overheating. The
overheating of China’s economy can be shown by the 2007 first-quarter economic
figures, by reporting a high trade surplus and high rates of lending and
suggesting a possible rebound in fixed direct investment. As a result, the
central bank is under pressure to impose more stringent limitations on the
ability of commercial banks to make loans and raise interest rates, in order
to
slow down China’s economy.
The
benchmark CSI 300 stock index, which tracks A shares in both Shanghai and
Shenzhen, has risen about 70 percent to date this year. Excess liquidity,
possibly leading to asset bubbles, is a major risk the Chinese government has
tried to deal with in recent months. The government has tried to control prices
in the property sector by reinforcing the Land Appreciation Tax. The latest
report showed that the economy expanded 11.1% in the first quarter of 2007
compared with 10.4% a year earlier, while inflation reached a two-year high
of
3.3% in March 2007. The stronger-than-expected growth was driven mainly by
a
trade surplus that almost doubled to US$46.4 billion in the first three months.
New loans made by commercial banks during the first quarter were up to RMB
1.4
trillion (US$18 billion), almost half the total in the whole year of 2006.
In
order to cool down the bubbling equity market, we expect the China government
will continue to increase the reserve ratio for Chinese banks until there are
indications of control in overheating in equity market and inflation. These
actions, as well as future actions and policies of the PRC government, could
materially affect our liquidity and the ability to access to capital and operate
our business.
Our
operations in China may be adversely affected by changes in the policies of
the
Chinese 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 at March 16 2007 to
introduce a new uniform taxation regime in the PRC. Both resident and
non-resident enterprises deriving income from the PRC are 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
Chinese 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. As a result, it could require
the
Company 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 and deflation. 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 has moderated 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, 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 (USD), and remitted outside of the PRC. Effective 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 Chinese 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 is 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 Asia 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. As a result,
higher operating expenses may severely restrict the level of economic activity,
or otherwise effect products, services and usage levels of the Company’s
services in effected areas. This may result in a material effect on the
Company’s business and prospects.
Because
our assets are located overseas, stockholders may not receive distributions
that
they would otherwise be entitled to if we were declared bankruptcy or
insolvency.
Because
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 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 only allows 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
to
directly operate our traveling agent business.
Since
2005, the Chinese government allows 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 the 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 for 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 you 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
you could be affected.
The
PRC tax authorities may require us to pay additional taxes in connection with
our acquisitions of offshore entities that conducted 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 you that the 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 the
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 are
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 managing
these problems through the acquisition of well-established advertising company
like Quo Advertising. We can provide no 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 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 seven agreements and are currently searching for more
opportunities. However, if we are unable to enter into any new agreements,
or
costs are high, we may be unable to convince our advertisers to purchase more
advertising time for 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;
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(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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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
own
or 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:
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consumer
dependence on traditional means of
commerce;
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inexperience
with the Internet as a sales and distribution
channel;
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inadequate
development of the necessary infrastructure to facilitate online
commerce;
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concerns
about security, reliability, cost, ease of deployment, administration
and
quality of service associated with conducting business over the
Internet;
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inexperience
with credit card usage or with other means of electronic payment;
and
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limited
use of personal computers.
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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 for 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 as 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.
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 and effects of such new
regulations. 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, our ability to use the proceeds of this offering and to capitalize
our PRC operations would be negatively affect our liquidity and 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 Chin Tong Hui who is our founder, Chairman
and
Chief Executive Officer, and Daniel Kuen Kwok 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 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 and Quo Advertising. 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 and Quo
Advertising.
Although
we had conducted due diligence with respect to the acquisition of Tianma and
Quo
Advertising, 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.
The
unaudited pro forma financial information included in this annual report may
differ significantly from the actual consolidated financial
information.
The
results of operations of Quo Advertising have been included in our consolidated
statement of operations since the completion of the acquisition in January
2007. It may contain some adjustments that are based on estimates. We did not
intend to show how Quo Advertising would have actually performed if the
acquisition had in fact occurred from the beginning of the fiscal year or to
project the results of operations or financial position.
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 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 in 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 subject to report our internal control structure and
procedures for financial reporting in our annual reports on Form 10-KSB, as
a
requirement of 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 our effectiveness in 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 accountants 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 NASD has adopted rules
that require that in recommending an investment to a customer, a broker-dealer
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 that their customers buy our common stock, which
may
limit your ability to buy and sell our stock and 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 declared
by
the Board of Directors out of funds available. 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 Exchange Act, as of the end of the period
covered by this quarterly report, being June 30, 2007, we have carried out
an
evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our company's
disclosure controls and procedures. This evaluation was carried out under the
supervision and with the participation of our company's management, including
our company's Chief Executive Officer along with our company's Chief Financial
Officer. Based upon that evaluation, our company's Chief Executive Officer
along
with our company's Chief Financial Officer concluded that our company's
disclosure controls and procedures are effective as at the end of the period
covered by this report. There have been no significant changes in our company's
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 is 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 June 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 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
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 June 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
of
the Company with a fair value $843,600 as part of the consideration to the
seller in the acquisition of Quo Advertising.
In
April
2007, the Company issued 45,000 shares of the restricted common stock at $0.4
per share with a fair value of $18,000 to legal counsel for services
rendered.
In
April
2007, the Company issued 377,260 shares of the restricted common stock with
a
fair value of $85,353 to its directors and officers for services.
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.
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
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section
906 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
|
|
32.2
|
Certification
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section
906 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
|
In
accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, the Registrant caused
this
Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized.
|
NETWORK
CN INC.
|
|
|
|
Date: August
13, 2007
|
By:
|
/s/
GODFREY CHIN TONG HUI
|
|
|
Godfrey
Chin Tong Hui,
|
|
|
Chief
Executive Officer
|
|
|
Date:
August 13, 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
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section
906 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
|
|
32.2
|
Certification
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section
906 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
|