Edgar Filing: SINA CORP

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Sina Coproration Form 10-Q Period End 3/31/03

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2003

[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission File Number 000-30698

SINA CORPORATION

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)


Cayman Islands (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		52-2236363 (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

Room 1802, United Plaza
1468 Nan Jing Road West
Shanghai 200040, China
(86-21) 6289 5678

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of Registrant’s principal executive offices)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [x] No [ ]

Indicated by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer. Yes [ ] No [ X ]

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s ordinary shares as of April 30, 2003 was 46,961,501.

TABLE OF CONTENTS


PART I. UNAUDITED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
	Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
		CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
		CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
		CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
		CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
		NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
	Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
	Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk
	Item 4. Controls and Procedures
PART II.—OTHER INFORMATION
	Item 1. Legal Proceedings
	Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds
	Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
	Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
	Item 5. Other Information
	Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
SIGNATURE
302 CERTIFICATION
Exhibit Index
EXHIBIT 99.1
EXHIBIT 99.2

SINA CORPORATION

INDEX


		Page no.
PART I.	UNAUDITED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.	Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at March 31, 2003 and 2002	3
	Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2003 and 2002	4
	Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2003	5
	Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2003 and 2002	6
	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	7
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	10
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk	25
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	26
PART II.	OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	26
Item 2.	Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds	26
Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	26
Item 4.	Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders	26
Item 5.	Other Information	27
Item 6.	Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K	27
	SIGNATURE	27
	CERTIFICATIONS	28

PART I UNAUDITED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

SINA CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(in U.S. dollars, in thousands)


					March 31,			December 31,

					2003			2002

					(Unaudited)			(Audited)
ASSETS
Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents				$	38,353		$	53,262
	Short-term investments					51,349			43,474
	Accounts receivable, net					10,701			5,847
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets					2,604			2,323

			Total current assets			103,007			104,906
Investments in marketable securities						14,043			16,637
Property and equipment, net						7,511			7,599
Investments in joint ventures						2,693			—
Intangible assets, net						2,716			993
Goodwill						18,091			—
Other assets						108			344

				Total assets	$	148,169		$	130,479

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
	Accounts payable				$	1,503		$	1,345
	Accrued liabilities					17,504			11,747

			Total current liabilities			19,007			13,092

Deferred cash consideration					$	1,313		$	—
Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)
Shareholders’ equity:
Ordinary Shares: $0.133 par value; 75,000 shares authorized; 46,758 and 45,946 shares issued and outstanding						6,222			6,114
	Additional paid-in capital					227,928			223,358
	Ordinary shares subject to subsequent issuance: 560 shares					4,281			—
	Notes receivable from shareholders					(750	)		(1,050	)
	Deferred stock compensation					(310	)		(554	)
	Accumulated deficit					(111,101	)		(114,477	)
	Accumulated other comprehensive income:
		Unrealized gain on investment in marketable securities				1,589			4,004
		Cumulative translation adjustments				(10	)		(8	)

			Total shareholders’ equity			127,849			117,387

				Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	148,169		$	130,479

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

SINA CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(in U.S. dollars)
(unaudited, in thousands, except per share amounts)


			Three Months Ended

			March 31

			2003			2002

Net revenues:
	Advertising		$	7,298		$	5,001
	Non-advertising			10,816			2,114

				18,114			7,115

Cost of revenues:
	Advertising			2,826			2,753
	Non-advertising			3,267			634
	Stock-based compensation			14			31

				6,107			3,418

Gross profit				12,007			3,697

Operating expenses:
	Sales and marketing			4,454			3,072
	Product development			1,421			1,574
	General and administrative			2,116			2,183
	Stock-based compensation*			230			520
	Amortization of intangible assets			505			1,687

		Total operating expenses		8,726			9,036

Income (loss) from operations				3,281			(5,339	)
Interest income				401			1,068

				3,682			(4,271	)
(Loss) gain on equity investments				(306	)		300

Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders			$	3,376		$	(3,971	)

Basic net income (loss) per share			$	0.07		$	(0.09	)

Shares used in computing basic net income (loss) per share				46,774			45,488

Diluted net income (loss) per share			$	0.07		$	(0.09	)

Shares used in computing diluted net income (loss) per share				50,844			45,488

*Stock-based compensation was related to the operating expense categories as follows:
		Sales and marketing	$	7		$	16
		Product development		74			167
		General and administrative		149			337

			$	230		$	520

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

SINA CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in U.S. dollars)
(unaudited, in thousands)



								Ordinary
								Shares		Notes
		Ordinary Shares				Additional		Subject to		Receivable
						Paid-in		Subsequent		from
		Shares		Amount		Capital		Issuance		Shareholders

		(In U.S. dollars, in thousands)
Balances at December 31, 2002			45,946	$	6,114	$	223,358	$	—	$	(1,050	)
Issuance of Ordinary Shares pursuant to stock plans, net of repurchases			252		33		364		—		—
Repayments of notes receivable from shareholders			—		—		—		—		300
Amortization of deferred stock-based compensation			—		—		—		—		—
Business acquisition			560		75		4,206		4,281		—
Comprehensive income:
	Net income		—		—		—		—		—
	Unrealized loss on investments in marketable securities		—		—		—		—		—
	Currency translation adjustments		—		—		—		—		—

Comprehensive income
Balances at March 31, 2003			46,758	$	6,222	$	227,928	$	4,281	$	(750	)

[Additional columns below]

[Continued from above table, first column(s) repeated]



											Total
		Deferred Stock			Accumulated						Shareholders’			Comprehensive
		Compensation			Deficit			Others			Equity			Income

		(In U.S. dollars, in thousands)
Balances at December 31, 2002		$	(554	)	$	(114,477	)	$	3,996		$	117,387
Issuance of Ordinary Shares pursuant to stock plans, net of repurchases			—			—			—			397
Repayments of notes receivable from shareholders			—			—			—			300
Amortization of deferred stock-based compensation			244			—			—			244
Business acquisition			—			—			—			8,562
Comprehensive income:
	Net income		—			3,376			—			3,376		$	3,376
	Unrealized loss on investments in marketable securities		—			—			(2,415	)		(2,415	)	$	(2,415	)
	Currency translation adjustments		—			—			(2	)		(2	)		(2	)

Comprehensive income														$	959

Balances at March 31, 2003		$	(310	)	$	(111,101	)	$	1,579		$	127,849

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

SINA CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(in U.S. dollars)
(unaudited, in thousands)


					Three Months Ended March 31,

					2003			2002

Cash flows from operating activities:
	Net income (loss)				$	3,376		$	(3,971	)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
			Loss (gain) on equity investments			306			(300	)
			Loss on disposal of fixed assets			3			244
			Depreciation			1,268			1,301
			Stock-based compensation			244			551
			Amortization of intangible assets			505			1,687
			Changes in assets and liabilities (net of effect of acquisition):
				Accounts receivable, net		(1,909	)		(1,052	)
				Prepaid expenses and other current assets		(192	)		(499	)
				Other assets		55			(149	)
				Accounts payable		(436	)		(32	)
				Accrued liabilities		531			39

				Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		3,751			(2,181	)

Cash flows from investing activities:
	Acquisition of property and equipment					(921	)		(86	)
	Cash paid for business acquisition, net of cash acquired					(7,922	)		—
	Investments in joint ventures					(2,818	)		—
	Acquisition of long-term investment					—			(154	)
	(Purchase) sales of short-term investments					(7,696	)		5,846

				Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities		(19,357	)		5,606

Cash flows from financing activities:
	Proceeds from issuance of Ordinary Shares, net					397			8
	Repayments of notes receivable from shareholders					300			—

				Net cash provided by financing activities		697			8

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents						(14,909	)		3,433
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period						53,262			23,187

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period					$	38,353		$	26,620

Supplemental disclosure of investing activities:
	Cash paid for business acquisition				$	(10,278	)	$	—
	Cash acquired					2,356			—

	Cash paid for business acquisition, net				$	(7,922	)	$	—

Supplemental disclosure of noncash financing activities:
		Ordinary shares issued for business acquisition			$	4,281		$	—

		Ordinary shares subject to subsequent issuance for business acquisition			$	4,281		$	—

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

SINA CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in U.S. dollars, unaudited)

1. The Company and Basis of Presentation

SINA CORPORATION (“SINA” or the “Company”), a Cayman Islands Corporation, is a leading online media company and value-added service provider for China and for global Chinese communities. The Company operates a branded network of web sites targeting greater China and overseas Chinese, providing an array of services including online portals, premium email, wireless short messaging, virtual ISP, search, classified information, online games, e-commerce, e-learning and enterprise e-solutions.

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates, and such differences may be material to the financial statements.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments which, in the opinion of management, are necessary to a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented. Results for the three months ended March 31, 2003 are not necessarily indicative of results for the entire fiscal year ending December 31, 2003 or future periods. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002 and the Company’s Transition Report on Form 10-K for the six months ended December 31, 2002.

2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In November 2002, the EITF No. 00-21, “Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables” (“EITF No. 00-21”) was issued, addressing accounting for revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables and requiring that elements of an arrangement be separately accounted based on the fair value of the individual elements. EITF No. 00-21 is effective for fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2003. The Company does not believe that this pronouncement will have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In November 2002, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 45 (“FIN 45”) “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others.” FIN 45 elaborates on the existing disclosure requirements for most guarantees, including loan guarantees. It also clarifies that at the time a company issues a guarantee, the company must recognize an initial liability for the fair value, or market value, of the obligations it assumes under that guarantee. However, the provisions related to recognizing a liability at inception of the guarantee for the fair value of the guarantor’s obligations does not apply to product warranties or to guarantees accounted for as derivatives. The initial recognition and initial measurement provisions apply on a prospective basis to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. The disclosure requirements of FIN 45 are effective for financial statements of interim or annual periods ending after December 15, 2002. The adoption of FIN 45 did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46 (“FIN 46”) “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities.” Until this interpretation, a company generally included another entity in its consolidated financial statements only if it controlled the entity through voting interests. FIN 46 requires a Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”), as defined, to be consolidated by a company if that company is subject to a majority of the risk of loss from the variable interest entity’s activities or entitled to receive a majority of the entity’s residual returns. FIN 46 is effective immediately for VIEs created after January 31, 2003. FIN 46 is effective no later than the beginning of the first interim or annual reporting period that starts after June 15, 2003 for VIEs created before January 31, 2003. The Company did not create any VIEs after January 31, 2003. The adoption of FIN46 for VIEs created before January 31, 2003 will not have any significant impacts on the Company’s financial statements.

3. Earnings (loss) per share

Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed using the weighted average number of the Ordinary Shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing the net income (loss) for the period by the weighted average number of ordinary share and ordinary share equivalents outstanding during the period.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share for the periods indicated:


				Three Months Ended March 31,

				2003		2002

				(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Numerator:
	Net income (loss)			$	3,376	$	(3,971	)

Denominator:
	Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding				46,401		45,488

	Weighted average ordinary share equivalents:
			Stock options		4,004		—
			Unvested restricted shares		66		—
			Ordinary shares issued for business acquisition		373		—

					4,443		—

		Shares used in computing basic earnings (loss) per share			46,774		45,488

		Shares used in computing diluted earnings (loss) per share			50,844		45,488

	Basic earnings (loss) per share			$	0.07	$	(0.09	)

	Diluted earnings (loss) per share			$	0.07	$	(0.09	)

4. Acquisition

Sun Media Group. On September 28, 2001, the Company completed the acquisition of an approximately 27.6% equity interest in Sun Media Group (“Sun Media”), a Hong Kong Stock Exchange listed company, from Ms. Yang, the chairperson and a major shareholder of Sun Media for consideration of $7.9 million in cash and approximately 4.6 million in newly issued ordinary shares and transaction costs of $731,000 for a total purchase price of $13.7 million. In addition, the Company agreed to issue 3.3 million ordinary shares if Sun Media met certain performance targets over the subsequent 18 months. This contingent consideration of 3.3 million ordinary shares was waived in April 2002 by an amendment to the original Share Purchase Agreement with Ms. Yang.

The above investment was accounted for using the equity method of accounting until September 30, 2002 when the equity investment in Sun Media dropped to below 20% and the Company ceased to maintain significant influence over its operations. Commencing October 1, 2002, such investment was accounted for as an investment in marketable equity securities under the provisions of SFAS 115 and was classified as available for sale and reported at fair value with unrealized gains (losses), if any, recorded as a component of comprehensive income (loss) included in shareholders’ equity. For the three months ended March 31, 2003, the Company recorded $2.59 million of unrealized loss on the Sun Media investment as a component of comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity. The fair market value of the Sun Media investment declined from $14.04 million at March 31, 2003 to $9.0 million at May 13, 2003.

Memestar. On January 31, 2003, the Company completed the acquisition of Memestar Limited, a British Virgin Islands limited liability corporation (“Memestar”), through a purchase of all of the outstanding shares of Memestar. As a result of such acquisition, Memestar became a wholly-owned subsidiary of SINA. Memestar, through its various subsidiaries and exclusive contractual arrangements with two local entities in the People’s Republic of China (the “PRC”), is engaged in the business of providing mobile data value-added services in the PRC.

The aggregate purchase price of $24,255,113 comprises five elements: (a) $10,277,675 in cash paid at the closing of the acquisition; (b) 560,369 newly issued SINA ordinary shares in the amount of $4,281,219 delivered at the closing of the acquisition; (c) $5,250,000 in cash to be paid in four equal installments at June 15, 2003, October 28, 2003, March 12, 2004 and June 25, 2004, respectively, after the closing date of the acquisition. The last payment would be forfeited if the non-compete clause of certain management is not complied; (d) 560,369 newly issued SINA ordinary shares in the amount of $4,281,219 to be delivered on the first anniversary of the closing date of the acquisition; and (e) approximately $165,000 in legal and professional fees related to the acquisition. The value of ordinary shares was determined based on the average market price of SINA ordinary shares for a period of ten trading days before and after the acquisition announcement day on January 6, 2003. In accordance with the terms of the purchase agreement, the aggregate purchase price may be adjusted and reduced by up to 10% if Memestar fails to meet certain performance targets relating to the number of paid users during the six-month period ending May 31, 2003

The purchase price was allocated as follows (in thousands):


Cash	$	2,356
Accounts receivable		2,946
Other assets		351
Intangible assets		18,091
Goodwill		2,228
Current liabilities		(1,717	)

Purchase price	$	24,255

Amortizable intangible assets acquired, including customer list and non-competition arrangements with certain Memestar executives, have estimated useful lives ranging from fourteen to eighteen months. The amortization expense for the three months ended March 31, 2003 amounted to $415,000. Goodwill of $18.1 million represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired, and is not deductible for tax purposes.

Immediately after the signing of the definitive agreement the Company obtained effective control over Memestar, accordingly, the operating results of Memestar have been consolidated with those of the Company starting January 6, 2003. The following unaudited pro forma information presents a summary of the results of operations of the Company assuming the acquisition of Memestar had occurred on January 1, 2002 (in thousands, except per share amounts):


	Three Months Ended
	March 31

	2003		2002

Net revenues:	$	18,363	$	8,086
Net income (loss)	$	3,476	$	(4,303	)
Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	0.07	$	(0.09	)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	0.07	$	(0.09	)

5. Investment in Shanghai NC-SINA

In January 2003, the Company formed a joint venture named Shanghai NC-SINA Information Technology Co. Ltd. (“Shanghai NC-SINA”) in China with NC Soft, a Korean online game company. The Company invested $2,550,000 in cash for 51% of the equity interest in the joint venture. The Company accounted for the investment in the joint venture using the equity method of accounting as NC Soft has certain participating rights as defined in EITF 96-16. During the three months ended March 31, 2003, the Company recorded a $340,000 loss from this investment. As of March 31, 2003, the carrying value of this investment is $2,210,000.

6. Segment Information

Based on the criteria established by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information,” the Company currently operates in three principal business segments globally. The Company does not allocate any operating costs or assets to its advertising, short messaging services, software and other segments as management does not use this information to measure the performance of these operating segments. Management does not believe that allocating these expenses or assets is material in evaluating these segments’ performance.

The following is a summary of revenues and cost of revenues:


		Three Months Ended March 31,

		2003		2002

		(Unaudited, In U.S. dollars, In thousands)
Revenues:
	Advertising	$	7,298	$	5,001
	Short messaging services		9,197		1,506
	Others		1,619		608

		$	18,114	$	7,115

Cost of revenues:
	Advertising	$	2,826	$	2,753
	Short messaging services		2,607		588
	Others		660		46

		$	6,093	$	3,387

The following is a summary of the Company’s geographic operation:


		U.S.		China		Hong Kong		Taiwan		Total

		(Unaudited, In thousands)
Three months ended and as of March 31, 2003:
	Revenue	$	599	$	16,507	$	613	$	395	$	18,114
	Long-lived assets		278		5,654		377		1,202		7,511
Three months ended and as of March 31, 2002:
	Revenues	$	687	$	5,743	$	293	$	392	$	7,115
	Long-lived assets		843		5,154		996		1,711		8,704

7. Commitments and Contingencies

There are uncertainties regarding the legal basis of the Company’s ability to operate an Internet business and to advertise in China. Although the country has implemented a wide range of market-oriented economic reforms, the telecommunication, information and media industries remain highly regulated. Not only are restrictions currently in place, but also regulations are unclear regarding in what specific segments of these industries companies with foreign investors, including the Company, may operate. Therefore, the Company might be required to limit the scope of its operations in China, and this could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

We are involved in certain lawsuits in the normal course of our business operations in China and we do not expect that the outcome of these lawsuits will have material impact on our financial positions or results of operations.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including, without limitation, statements regarding our expectations, beliefs, intentions or future strategies that are signified by the words “expect”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “believe”, or similar language. All forward-looking statements included in this document are based on information available to us on the date hereof, and we assume no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. In evaluating our business, you should carefully consider the information set forth below under the caption “Business - Risks Factors” set forth herein. We caution you that our businesses and financial performance are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties.

Overview

We are a leading online media company and value-added information service provider for China and the global Chinese communities. With a branded network of localized websites, targeting greater China and overseas Chinese, we provide an array of services to our users including region-focused online portals, search and directory, free and premium email, wireless short messaging,

online games, virtual ISP, classified listings, e-commerce, e-learning and enterprise e-solutions. In turn, we generate revenue through advertising, fee-based services, e-commerce and enterprise services. With 71.2 million registered users worldwide at March 31, 2003, we believe SINA is the most recognized online brand in China and among Chinese communities world-wide.

Our corporate web site is www.corp.sina.com. We make our periodic SEC Reports (Forms 10-Q and Forms 10-K) and current reports (Form 8-K) available free of charge through our corporate web site as soon as reasonably practicable after they are filed electronically with the SEC. We may from time to time provide important disclosures to investors by posting them in the investor relations section of our web site, as allowed by SEC rules. Information contained on SINA’s web site is not part of this report or any other report filed with the SEC.

One of our subsidiaries, Beijing SINA Information Technology Co. Ltd., or BSIT (formerly known as Beijing Stone Rich Sight Information Technology Co. Ltd., or BSRS), a Sino-Foreign joint venture company based in Beijing, China, began operations in December 1993 as a computer software company focused on providing solutions to computer users wishing to communicate in Chinese. In May 1996, we launched our online network, then called SRSnet.com, offering Chinese-language news, information and community features such as bulletin boards and chat services targeted at online users in China. In March 1999, we expanded our online network by acquiring Sinanet.com, a leading Chinese-language Internet content company with offices in California and Taiwan and two distinct web sites targeting Chinese users in North America and Taiwan. In July 1999, we continued our network expansion by launching our Hong Kong destination web site targeting Chinese users in Hong Kong. Today, we operate separate web sites in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and North America to provide global content and services that speak directly to the audience of each region, enriching the online experience of their users.

We derive our revenues from advertising and non-advertising sources. Advertising revenues are derived principally from online advertising arrangements under which we receive revenues on a cost-per-thousand impression basis, fixed payment sponsorship from advertisers, and design of advertising campaigns to be placed on our network. Non-advertising revenues are derived primarily from fee-based and e-commerce services. We derive fee-based service revenues primarily from short messaging service, subscription service, online listings and paid email services. We derive e-commerce revenues mainly from transaction and slotting fees paid by merchants for selective positioning and promoting their goods or services within our online mall, SinaMall.

We recorded cumulative deferred stock compensation, which represents the difference between the exercise price of options granted and the fair market value of the underlying stock at the date of grant. Deferred stock compensation is amortized on an accelerated basis over the vesting period of the applicable options, which is generally four years. The amortization of deferred compensation was $0.2 million and $0.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

On September 28, 2001, we completed the acquisition of an approximately 27.6% equity interest in Sun Media Group (“Sun Media”), a Hong Kong Stock Exchange listed company, from Ms. Yang, the chairperson and a major shareholder of Sun Media for a consideration of $7.9 million in cash and approximately 4.6 million in newly issued ordinary shares and transaction costs of $731,000 for a total purchase price of $13.7 million. In addition, we agreed to issue 3.3 million ordinary shares if Sun Media met certain performance targets over an 18 months period after the closing. This contingent consideration of 3.3 million ordinary shares was waived in April 2002 by an amendment to the original Share Purchase Agreement with Ms. Yang. We had accounted for our investment in Sun Media using the equity method of accounting. We ceased to maintain significant influence over Sun Media’s operations after our equity interest fell below 20% and our board representation was decreased in the quarter ended December 31, 2002. Accordingly, commencing October 1, 2002, we began accounting for our investment in Sun Media as an investment in marketable equity securities under the provisions of SFAS 115 “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities” (“SFAS 115”). Such investment is classified as available for sale and reported at fair market value with unrealized gains (losses), if any, recorded as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders’ equity. During the three months ended March 31, 2003, we recorded $2.59 million of unrealized loss on this investment in marketable equity securities as a component of comprehensive income. The fair market value of such investment declined from $14.04 million at March 31, 2003 to $9.0 million at May 13, 2003.

In November 2002, we completed the acquisition of 100% equity interest in Shanghai Techur Technology Developing Co., Ltd. (“Techur”) for $1.9 million in cash. If Techur meets certain performance targets during the twelve-month period from July 1, 2002 to June 30, 2003, the maximum consideration would increase to approximately $3.8 million in cash. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net tangible assets was approximately $1.1 million, representing intangible assets relating to customer relationships, which is amortized over a period of three years. We took effective control of Techur on October 1, 2002 and completed the legal and administrative procedures of the closing of acquisition in November 2002. We consolidated the results of operations of Techur in our consolidated statements of operation commencing October 1, 2002. Techur is an Internet and logistic software company

in the PRC, providing Internet and Intranet based logistic software and online applications to shipping and export business in Eastern China. Additionally, Techur operates a leading business to business (“B2B”) portal (www.eastchina.com) for various industries in Eastern China.

In January 2003, we formed a joint venture named Shanghai NC-SINA Information Technology Co. Ltd. (“Shanghai NC-SINA”) in China with NC Soft, a Korean online game company. We invested $2,550,000 in cash for 51% of the equity interest in the joint venture. We accounted for the investment in the joint venture using the equity method of accounting as NC Soft has certain participating rights as defined in EITF 96-16. During the three months ended March 31, 2003, we recorded a $340,000 loss from this investment. As of March 31, 2003, the carrying value of this investment is $2,210,000.

On January 31, 2003, we completed the acquisition of Memestar Limited, a British Virgin Islands limited liability corporation (“Memestar”), through a purchase of all of the outstanding shares of Memestar. As a result of such acquisition, Memestar became a wholly-owned subsidiary of SINA. Memestar, through its various subsidiaries and exclusive contractual arrangements with two local entities in the People’s Republic of China (the “PRC”), is engaged in the business of providing mobile data value-added services in the China. The aggregate purchase price of $24,255,113 comprises five elements: (a) $10,277,675 in cash paid at the closing of the acquisition; (b) 560,369 newly issued SINA ordinary shares in the amount of $4,281,219 delivered at the closing of the acquisition; (c) $5,250,000 in cash to be paid in four equal installments at June 15, 2003, October 28, 2003, March 12, 2004 and June 25, 2004, respectively, after the closing date of the acquisition. The last payment would be forfeited if the non-compete clause of certain management is not complied; (d) 560,369 newly issued SINA ordinary shares in the amount of $4,281,219 to be delivered on the first anniversary of the closing date of the acquisition; and (e) approximately $165,000 in legal and professional fees related to the acquisition. The value of ordinary shares was determined based on the average market price of SINA ordinary shares for a period of ten trading days before and after the acquisition announcement day on January 6, 2003. In accordance with the terms of the purchase agreement, the aggregate purchase price may be adjusted and reduced by up to 10% if Memestar fails to meet certain performance targets relating to the number of paid users during the six-month period ending May 31, 2003. As a result of the acquisition, we recorded intangible assets relating to customer list and non-competition clause in the amount of $2.2 million, which will be amortized over period ranging from fourteen to eighteen months. The amortization expense for the three months ended March 31, 2003 amounted to $415,000. In addition, we recorded goodwill in the amount of $18.1 million representing the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired. Immediately after the signing of the definitive agreement we obtained effective control over MemeStar, accordingly, the operating results of MemeStar have been consolidated with those of the Company starting January 6, 2003.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these 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 on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to customer programs and incentives, bad debts, investments, intangible assets, income taxes, financing operations, restructuring, pensions and other post-retirement benefits, and contingencies and litigation. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions 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. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our financial statements.

We derive our revenues from advertising and non-advertising sources.

Advertising revenues are derived principally from advertising and sponsorship arrangements. In our advertising contracts we typically guarantee a minimum number of impressions or pages to be delivered to users over a specified period of time for a fixed fee. Advertising revenues are recognized on the basis of the number of impressions delivered or ratably over the period in which the advertising is displayed, whichever amount is lower, when the collectibility is reasonably assured. To the extent that minimum guaranteed impression deliveries are not met, we defer recognition of the corresponding revenues until the guaranteed impressions deliveries are achieved. Sponsorship arrangements typically allow advertisers to sponsor a particular area on our network in exchange for a fixed payment over the contract period. Advertising revenues are recognized ratably over the period of sponsorship. Advertising

revenues derived from the design, coordination and integration of advertising campaigns and sponsorship to be placed on our web sites are recognized ratably over the term of such programs.

Revenue from barter transactions is recognized during the period in which the advertisements are displayed in our properties. Barter transactions are recorded at the lower of the fair value of the goods or services received or the fair value of the advertisement given, provided the fair value of the transaction is reliably measurable.

Non-advertising revenues are derived from fee-based services, proprietary software products and licenses and e-commerce.

Fee-based services revenues mainly include wireless short messaging, subscription services and paid email services. Revenues are recognized in the period in which the service is performed, provided that no significant Company obligations remain and collection of the receivables is reasonably assured. We contract with third party mobile operators for certain services related to the wireless short messages and subscriptions transmitted to SINA’s users and records the fees charged by the third party mobile operators as cost of revenues.

Revenue from the sale of software products is recognized primarily on the delivery of software products to end users, resellers, distributors, retail merchants and original equipment manufacturers. We deliver our software products in packaged form or under software licenses. Revenues from sales of software products in the packaged form are recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the price is fixed or determinable, shipment is made and collectibility is reasonably assured. Software license agreements are non-refundable and allow the OEM partners to reproduce our software products for a specified period of time for a fixed fee or a specified number of copies for a predetermined unit price. Revenues from software license agreements are recognized upon delivery of a master copy when the fixed-fee agreements become effective or based upon activity reports provided by the OEM partners under the per-copy arrangements. Provision is made for expected sales returns and allowances when revenue is recognized. Payments received in advance of revenue recognition are recorded as deferred revenue. We recognize revenues in accordance with Statement of Position (“SOP”) 97-2, “Software Revenue Recognition,” as amended by SOP 98-4 and SOP 98-9. These Statements generally require revenue earned on software arrangements involving multiple elements to be allocated to each element based on the relative fair value of the elements. Our software product agreements do not involve multiple elements.

E-commerce revenues are derived principally from slotting fees charged to merchants for selective positioning and promoting their goods or services within our online mall, SinaMall, and from commissions calculated as a percentage of the online sales transaction value of the merchants. Slotting fee revenue is recognized ratably over the period the products are shown on our web site while the commission revenue is recognized on a net basis after both successful on-line verification of customers’ credit cards and shipment of products. Product returns have not been significant and are assumed by vendors.

In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, the recognition of these revenues is partly based on our assessment of the probability of collection of the resulting accounts receivable balance. As a result, the timing or amount of revenue recognition may have been different if different assessments of the probability of collection of accounts receivable had been made at the time the transactions were recorded in revenue.

We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.

We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. While we have considered future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for the valuation allowance, in the event we were to determine that we would be able to realize our deferred tax assets in the future in excess of our recorded amount, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would increase income in the period such determination was made.

Results of Operations

Three months ended March 31, 2003 and 2002

Net Revenues

Advertising. Our advertising revenues were $7.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2003, representing an increase of 46% compared to $5.0 million for the three months ended March 31 2002. The increase in our advertising revenues was primarily due

to the growth in the China online advertising market. We derived 84% of our advertising revenues from China for the three months ended March 31, 2003, as compared to 77% for the three months ended March 31, 2002. Advertising revenues accounted for 40% and 70% of our total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

Non-Advertising. Our non-advertising revenues were $10.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2003, representing an increase of 414% compared to $2.1 million for the same period in 2002. For the three months ended March 31, 2003, non-advertising revenues consisted of $10.3 million of Internet fee-based services including short messaging services, business listings, subscription service and paid email service, $0.4 million of e-commerce services and $0.1 million of software product sales. For the three months ended March 31, 2002, non-advertising revenues consisted mainly of $1.6 million of Internet fee-based services including short messaging service, business listings, subscription service and paid email service, $0.3 million of e-commerce services and the $0.2 million of software product sales. Our short messaging service accounted for 85% and 71% of total non-advertising revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The increase in our revenues from short messaging services was partially due to the organic growth and partially due to the Memestar acquisition.

Cost of Revenues

Advertising. Our cost of advertising revenues was $2.8 million, or 39% of our advertising revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2003, as compared to $2.8 million or 55% of our advertising revenues, for the same period in 2002. Our cost of advertising revenues consists of costs associated with the production of our web sites, which includes fees paid to third parties for Internet connection, content and services, and personnel related costs and equipment depreciation expense associated with our web site production. The period-to-period decrease in the cost of advertising revenues as a percentage of advertising revenues was primarily due to the increase in advertising revenues.

Non-advertising. Our cost of non-advertising revenues was $3.3 million, or 30% of our non-advertising revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2003, as compared to $0.6 million, or 30% of our non-advertising revenues for the same period in 2002. Our cost of non-advertising revenues consists mainly of fees or royalties paid to third parties for services and content associated with the fee-based services, and the costs of our software products. Non-advertising costs include $2.6 million and $0.6 million of fees retained by mobile operators in connection with their services relating to the billing and collection of SMS fees and transmission gateways for the three months ended March 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The period-to-period increase in cost of non-advertising revenues was mainly due to the increase in fees to mobile phone operators in China for certain services related to the wireless short messages and subscriptions transmitted to SINA’s users.

Sales and Marketing Expenses

Our sales and marketing expenses were $4.5 million, or 25% of total net revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2003, as compared to $3.1 million, or 43% of total net revenues for the same period in 2002. Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of compensation expenses, sales commissions, advertising and promotion expenditures and travel expenses. The period-to-period decrease in sales and marketing expenses as a percentage of total net revenues was primarily due to the rapid growth of revenues. The period-to-period increase in the absolute dollar amount was due to the increase in sales commission expenses.

Product Development Expenses

Our product development expenses were $1.4 million, or 8% of total net revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2003, as compared to $1.6 million, or 22% of total net revenues in the same period in 2002. Product development expenses consist primarily of personnel related expenses incurred for enhancement to and maintenance of our web sites as well as engineering costs related to the development of our wireless and web-based products. The period-to-period decrease in product development expenses as percentage of total net revenues was primarily due to the increase of labor productivity as well as the rapid growth of revenues.

General and Administrative Expenses

Our general and administrative expenses were $2.1 million, or 12% of total net revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2003, as compared to $2.2 million, or 31% of total net revenues for the same period in 2002. General and administrative expenses consist primarily of compensation for personnel, fees for professional services, and provisions for doubtful accounts. The period-to-period decrease in general and administrative expenses as a percentage to total net revenues was primarily due to the rapid growth of revenues.

Stock-Based Compensation Expense

In connection with the past granting of stock options, of the total, approximately $0.2 million and $0.6 million of stock compensation expense was recognized in the three months ended March 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively based on a four year vesting period.

Amortization of Intangible Assets

Amortization of intangible assets of $0.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2003 relates to our acquisitions of Memestar and Techur while amortization of intangible assets of $1.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2002 relates to our acquisition of Sinanet.com.

As a result of the acquisition of Memestar in January 2003, we recorded intangible assets of approximately $2.2 million, which are being amortized over one to two years. The amortization expense was approximately $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2003.

As a result of the acquisition of Techur in November 2002, we recorded intangible assets of approximately $1.1 million, which are being amortized over a period of three years. The amortization expense was approximately $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2003.

As a result of the acquisition of Sinanet.com in March 1999, we recorded goodwill and other intangible assets of approximately $20.3 million, which are being amortized over three years. The amortization expense was $1.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2002.

Interest Income

Interest income was $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2003, as compared to $1.1 million for the same period in 2002. The period-to-period decrease in interest income was primarily due to the lower average cash and short-term investment balances and lower applicable interest rates.

(Loss) gain on Equity Investments

Loss on equity investment of $306,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2003 mainly relates to our investment in the Shanghai NC-SINA joint venture while gain on equity investment of $300,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2002 relates to our acquisition of Sun Media.

In January 2003, we formed a joint venture named Shanghai NC-SINA in China with NC Soft, a Korean online game company. We invested $2,550,000 in cash for 51% of the equity interest in the joint venture. We accounted for the investment in the joint venture using the equity method of accounting as NC Soft has certain participating rights as defined in EITF 96-16. During the three months ended March 31, 2003, we recorded a $340,000 loss from this investment.

In September 2001, we acquired an approximately 27.6% equity interest in Sun Media and accounted for the investment using the equity method of accounting. We ceased to maintain significant influence over Sun Media’s operations after our equity interest fell below 20% and our board representation was decreased in the quarter ended December 31, 2002. Accordingly, commencing October 1, 2002, we began accounting for our investment in Sun Media as an investment in marketable equity securities under the provisions of SFAS 115 “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities” (“SFAS 115”). During the three months ended March 31, 2002, we recorded a $300,000 gain from this investment.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We have financed our operations principally through private sales of our preference shares and the initial public offering. From inception through March 31, 2003, we have raised net proceeds of $97.5 million through the sale of preference shares and $68.8 million from the sale of ordinary shares in the initial public offering. As of March 31, 2003, we had $89.7 million in cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments.

For the three months ended March 31, 2003, net cash provided by operating activities was $3.8 million, primarily attributable to net income of $3.4 million, an increase in accrued liabilities of $0.5 million, depreciation expenses of $1.3 million and amortization of intangible assets of $0.5 million, offset by an increase in accounts receivable of $1.9 million. For the three months ended March 31, 2002, net cash used in operating activities was $2.2 million and was primarily attributable to our net loss of $4.0 million and an increase in accounts receivable of $1.1 million, largely offset by amortization expense of $1.7 million related to goodwill and other intangible assets resulting from the acquisition of Sinanet.com and depreciation expense of $1.3 million.

Net cash used in investing activities was $19.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2003, primarily due to the purchase of short-term investments of $7.7 million, net cash in the amount of $7.9 million paid for the acquisition of Memestar, cash in the amount of $2.8 million used for the investment in joint ventures and of $1.0 million for the purchase of capital equipment. Net cash provided by investing activities was $5.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2002, primarily due to the sales of short-term investments of $5.8 million.

Net cash provided by financing activities was $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2003 primarily related to the proceeds from the repayment of shareholders’ notes of $0.3 million and the proceeds from the exercise of stock options of $0.4 million. Net cash provided by financing activities was $8,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2002, primarily related to the proceeds from the issuance of ordinary shares pursuant to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

We currently have no material commitments other than those operating leases for our facilities. As of March 31, 2003, the Company had future minimum rental lease payments of $1,076,000, $946,000, $278,000 and $53,000 due less than one year, one to three years, four to five years and after five years, respectively, under non-cancelable operating leases.

We believe that our existing cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments will be sufficient to fund our operating activities, capital expenditures and other obligations for at least the next twelve months. However, we may sell additional equities or obtain credit facilities to enhance our liquidity position. The sale of additional equity will result in further dilution to our shareholders. The incurrence of indebtedness would result in increased fixed obligations and could result in operating covenants that would restrict our operations. We cannot assure you that financing will be available in amounts or on terms acceptable to us, if at all.

Risk Factors

Because our operating history is limited and the revenue and income potential of our business and markets are unproven, we cannot predict whether we will meet internal or external expectations of future performance.

We believe that our future success depends on our ability to significantly increase revenue from our operations, for which we have a limited operating history. Accordingly, our prospects must be considered in light of the risks, expenses and difficulties frequently encountered by companies in an early stage of development. These risks include our ability to: attract buyers for our SMS content, attract advertisers; attract a larger audience to our network; derive revenue from our users from fee-based Internet services; respond effectively to competitive pressures and address the effects of strategic relationships or corporate combinations among our competitors; maintain our current, and develop new, strategic relationships; increase awareness of our brand and continue to build user loyalty; attract and retain qualified management and employees; upgrade our technology to support increased traffic and expanded services; and expand the content and services on our network.

Except for the six months ended December 31, 2002 and three months ended March 31, 2003, we had incurred net losses since inception and we may incur future losses.

We recorded a net income of approximately $0.9 million for the six months ended December 31, 2002 and $3.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2003. However, as of March 31, 2003, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $111.1 million. We have only recently attained profitability and we cannot be certain we will sustain profitability. If we do not sustain profitability, the market price of our ordinary shares may decline.

We are relying on advertising sales as a significant part of our future revenue, but the Internet has not been proven as a source of significant advertising revenue in greater China.

Our revenue growth is dependent on increased revenue from the sale of advertising space on our network. Online advertising in greater China is an unproven business and many of our current and potential advertisers have limited experience with the Internet as an advertising medium, have not traditionally devoted a significant portion of their advertising expenditures or other available funds to

web-based advertising, and may not find the Internet to be effective for promoting their products and services relative to traditional print and broadcast media. Our ability to generate and maintain significant advertising revenue will depend on a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control, including: the development of a large base of users possessing demographic characteristics attractive to advertisers; downward pressure on online advertising prices; the development of independent and reliable means of verifying levels of online advertising and traffic; and the effectiveness of our advertising delivery, tracking and reporting systems.

If the Internet does not become more widely accepted as a medium for advertising, our ability to generate increased revenue will be negatively affected.

We rely on fee-based services for a significant portion of our revenues.

The majority of our revenue growth for the three months ended March 31, 2003 was from the development of our fee-based Internet services consisting primarily of short messaging services, paid email service and subscription service. For the three months ended March 31, 2003 and 2002, our revenues from short messaging services accounted for 85% and 71%, respectively, of our total non-advertising revenues and we are deriving an increasing portion of our revenues from these services. If users do not adopt our fee-based Internet services, at a sufficient rate, our revenues growth will be negatively affected.

Our short messaging services depend mainly on the cooperation of China Mobile Communication Corporation (“CMCC”) and its subsidiaries and to a lesser extent China Unicom Co., Ltd (“Unicom”). We rely on CMCC and Unicom for providing the network and gateway for the short messaging services we provide to our users. We also utilize their billing systems to collect service fees from our short messaging subscribers.

Our fee arrangements with CMCC and Unicom could change at any time due to the dominance of these two mobile service providers, the large number of providers of SMS, and the consequent power of the mobile service providers to dictate the terms of such fee arrangements. If CMCC and Unicom choose to increase such fee charges for providing service, our gross margin for SMS and our operating profitability will be negatively affected. Further if CMCC’s or Unicom’s systems encounter technical problems or they refuse to cooperate with us, our short messaging services may cease or be severely disrupted, which would have a significant and adverse impact on our operating results.

We are relying on electronic commerce as a significant part of our future revenue, but the Internet has not yet been proven as an effective commerce medium in greater China.

Our revenue growth also depends on the increasing acceptance and use of electronic commerce in greater China. The Internet may not become a viable commercial marketplace in Asia for various reasons, many of which are beyond our control, including: inexperience with the Internet as a sales and distribution channel; inadequate development of the necessary infrastructure to facilitate electronic commerce; concerns about security, reliability, cost, ease of deployment, administration and quality of service associated with conducting business over the Internet; and inexperience with credit card usage or with other means of electronic payment in China.

If the Internet does not become more widely accepted as a medium for electronic commerce, our ability to generate increased revenue will be negatively affected.

Underdeveloped telecommunications infrastructure has limited and may continue to limit the growth of the Internet market in China which, in turn, could limit our ability to grow our business.

The telecommunications infrastructure in China is not well developed. Although private sector ISPs exist in China, almost all access to the Internet is accomplished through ChinaNet, China’s primary commercial network, which is owned and operated by China Telecom, a state-owned enterprise directly controlled by Chinese Ministry of Information Industry (“MII”). The underdeveloped Internet infrastructure in China has limited the growth of Internet usage in China. If the necessary Internet infrastructure is not developed, or is not developed on a timely basis, future growth of the Internet in China will be limited and our business could be harmed.

We must rely on the Chinese government to develop China’s Internet infrastructure and if it does not develop this infrastructure our ability to grow our business will be hindered.

The Chinese government’s interconnecting, national networks connect to the Internet through government-owned international gateways, which are the only channels through which a domestic Chinese user can connect to the international Internet network. We

rely on this backbone and China Telecom to provide data communications capacity primarily through local telecommunications lines. Although the Chinese government has announced plans to develop aggressively the national information infrastructure, we cannot assure you that this infrastructure will be developed. In addition, we have no guarantee that we will have access to alternative networks and services in the event of any disruption or failure. If the necessary infrastructure standards or protocols or complementary products, services or facilities are not developed by the Chinese government, the growth of our business will be hindered.

You should not rely on our quarterly operating results as an indication of our future performance because our results of operations are subject to significant fluctuations.

We may experience significant fluctuations in our quarterly operating results due to a variety of factors, many of which are outside our control. Factors that may cause our quarterly operating results to fluctuate include: our ability to retain existing users, attract new users at a steady rate and maintain user satisfaction; the announcement or introduction of new or enhanced services, content and products by us or our competitors; dependence on a limited number of advertisers, many of which have agreements with us that are cancelable upon a specified notice period, and the loss of any major advertiser; significant news events that increase traffic to our web sites; technical difficulties, system downtime or Internet failures; demand for advertising space from advertisers; the amount and timing of operating costs and capital expenditures relating to expansion of our business, operations and infrastructure; governmental regulation; seasonal trends in Internet use; a shortfall in our revenues relative to our forecasts and a decline in our operating results due to our inability to adjust our spending quickly; and general economic conditions and economic conditions specific to the Internet, electronic commerce and the greater China market.

As a result of these and other factors, you should not rely on quarter-to-quarter comparisons of our operating results as indicators of likely future performance. Our operating results may be below the expectations of public market analysts and investors in one or more future quarters. If that occurs, the price of our ordinary shares could decline and you could lose part or all of your investment.

Political and economic conditions in greater China are unpredictable and may disrupt our operations if these conditions become unfavorable to our business.

We expect to derive a substantial percentage of our revenues from the greater China market. Changes in political or economic conditions in the region are difficult to predict and could adversely affect our operations or cause the greater China market to become less attractive to advertisers, which could reduce our revenues. We maintain a strong local identity and presence in each of the regions in the greater China market and we cannot be sure that we will be able to effectively maintain this local identity if political conditions were to change. Furthermore, many countries in Asia have experienced significant economic downturns since the middle of 1997, resulting in slower real gross domestic product growth for the entire region as a result of higher interest rates and currency fluctuations. If declining economic growth rates persist, expenditures for Internet access, infrastructure improvements and advertising could decrease, which would negatively affect our business and our profitability over time. In addition, the economic downturn in Asia could also lead to a devaluation of the currency of China, Taiwan or Hong Kong, which would decrease our revenues for the greater China region in U.S. dollar terms.

Economic reforms in the region could also affect our business in ways that are difficult to predict. For example, since the late 1970s, the Chinese government has been reforming the Chinese economic system to emphasize enterprise autonomy and the utilization of market mechanisms. Although we believe that these reform measures have had a positive effect on the economic development in China, we cannot be sure that they will be effective or that they will benefit our business.

We may be adversely affected by Chinese government regulation of Internet companies.

The Chinese government heavily regulates its Internet sector including the legality of foreign investment in the Chinese Internet sector, the existence and enforcement of content restrictions on the Internet and the licensing and permit requirements for companies in the Internet industry. Because these laws, regulations and legal requirements with regard to the Internet are relatively new and untested, their interpretation and enforcement may involve significant uncertainty. In addition, the Chinese legal system is a civil law system in which decided legal cases have limited binding force as legal precedents. As a result, in many cases it is difficult to determine what actions or omissions may result in liability.

Issues, risks and uncertainties relating to China government regulation of the Chinese Internet sector include the following:

	•		SINA only has contractual control over its web site in China;, it does not own it due to the prohibition of foreign investment in businesses providing value-added telecommunication services, including computer information services, short messaging services or electronic mail box services.

	•		On December 11, 2001, the day China formally joined the WTO, the PRC State Council promulgated the Regulations for the Administration of Foreign-Invested Telecommunications Enterprises, or the FI Telecom Regulations, which became effective on January 1, 2002. The FI Telecom Regulations stipulate that the foreign party to a foreign-invested telecommunications enterprise can hold equity share in such foreign-invested telecommunications enterprise that provides basic telecom services or value-added telecom services ultimately not to exceed 49% or 50% respectively. The Administrative Measures for Telecommunications Business Operating License, were promulgated by MII on January 4, 2002 to supplement the FI Telecom Regulations. The Measures confirm that the MII is the competent approval authority for foreign-invested telecom enterprises. However, there are still some uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of the FI Telecom Regulations.

	•		The numerous and often vague restrictions on acceptable content in China subjects us to potential civil and criminal liability, temporary blockage of our web site or complete cessation of our web site. For example, the State Secrecy Bureau, which is directly responsible for the protection of state secrets of all Chinese government and Chinese Communist Party organizations, is authorized to block any web site it deems to be leaking state secrets or failing to meet the relevant regulations relating to the protection of state secrets in the distribution of online information.

The interpretation and application of existing Chinese laws and regulations, the stated positions of the MII and the possible new laws or regulations have created substantial uncertainties regarding the legality of existing and future foreign investments in, and the businesses and activities of, Chinese Internet businesses, including our business.

We have attempted to comply with the strict licensing and registration requirements of the PRC government by entering into agreements with two Chinese entities majority owned by our employees; if the PRC government finds that these agreements do not comply with the licensing requirements, our business in the PRC will be adversely affected.

Because the Chinese government restricts foreign investment in Internet-related businesses, we have restructured our China Internet operations by forming two Chinese entities to acquire appropriate government licenses to conduct our business there. The legal uncertainties associated with the Chinese government regulation may be summarized as follows: whether the Chinese government may view our restructuring as being in compliance with their regulations; whether the Chinese government may revoke such business licenses; whether the Chinese government may impose additional regulatory requirements with which we may not be in compliance; whether the Chinese government will permit the Chinese entities to acquire future licenses necessary in order to conduct operations in China; and whether the Chinese government will restrict or prohibit the distribution of content over the Internet.

The Chinese government regulates Internet access and the distribution of news and other information through strict business licensing and registration requirements and other governmental regulation. With respect to licensing, our subsidiary Beijing SINA Information Technology Co. Ltd. or BSIT, (formerly known as Beijing Stone Rich Sight Information Technology Co. Ltd., or BSRS), is currently licensed to operate as a software company. BSIT has entered into agreements with two Chinese entities: Beijing SINA Interactive Advertising Co., Ltd., a Chinese advertising company that is 75% owned by Yan Wang, our chief executive officer, and 25% owned by BSIT and which we refer to as the Ad Company, and Beijing SINA Internet Information Services Co., Ltd., a Chinese Internet content provider which we refer to as the ICP Company. The ICP Company is 30% owned by Daniel Mao, our director, 30% owned by Yan Wang and 40% owned by four other employees, who each of whom owns 10% of the ICP Company.

Pursuant to these agreements, the ICP Company is responsible for operating www.sina.com.cn in connection with its Internet content company license and sells advertising space on www.sina.com.cn to the Ad Company. The Ad Company, in turn, sells advertisements in this space to third parties under its advertising license. In addition, BSIT has licensed intellectual property and transferred equipment to the ICP Company, and acts as the ICP Company’s provider of technical services, all in exchange for fees or other payments. BSIT will also be a consultant and service provider to the Ad Company for its domestic Chinese customers.

We cannot be sure that these and other corporate activities carried out by us will be viewed by Chinese regulatory authorities as in compliance with applicable licensing requirements. Our business in China will be adversely affected if our business license is revoked as a result of non-compliance. In addition, we cannot be sure that we will be able to obtain all of the licenses we may need in the future or that future changes in Chinese government policies affecting the provision of information services, including the provision of online services and Internet access, will not impose additional regulatory requirements on us or our service providers or otherwise

harm our business. Finally, we cannot be certain the individual equity owners in the Ad Company and ICP Company will always act in the best interest of the Company, in particular if they become disassociated with the Company.

We depend upon contractual arrangements with the ad company and the ICP company for the success of our operations in China and these arrangements may not be as effective in providing operational control as direct ownership of these businesses.

Because we are restricted by the Chinese government from providing Internet and advertising services directly in China, we are dependent on the Ad Company, of which we own 25%, and the ICP Company, of which we have no ownership interest, to provide such services through contractual agreements between the parties. This arrangement may not be as effective in providing control over advertising and Internet content operations in China as direct ownership of these businesses. For example, the Ad Company or ICP Company could fail to take actions required for our business, such as entering into advertising contracts with potential customers or failing to maintain our China web site. The ICP Company will also be able to transact business with third parties not affiliated with BSIT. If the Ad Company or ICP fails to perform its obligations under these agreements, we would potentially have to rely on legal remedies under Chinese law, which we cannot be sure would be effective.

We may not be in compliance with Chinese government regulations relating to foreign investment prohibitions and, if so determined, the Chinese government could cause us to discontinue our operations in China.

Chinese government policy prohibits foreign investment in the telecommunications services industry, which it has defined to include Internet-related businesses. While we believe that we are in compliance with current Chinese government policies, we cannot be sure that the government will view our business as in compliance with these policies or any policies that may be made in the future. If we are not viewed as complying with these policies or any regulations that may be created relating to foreign ownership of Internet- related businesses, the Chinese government could require us to discontinue our operations in China or take other actions that could harm our business.

Even if we are in compliance with Chinese governmental regulations relating to licensing and foreign investment prohibitions, the Chinese government may prevent us from distributing, and we may be subject to liability for, content that it believes is inappropriate.

China has enacted regulations governing Internet access and the distribution of news and other information. In the past, the Chinese government has stopped the distribution of information over the Internet that it believes to violate Chinese law, including content that it believes is obscene, incites violence, endangers national security, is contrary to the national interest or is defamatory. In addition, we may not publish certain news items, such as news relating to national security, without permission from the Chinese government. Furthermore, the Ministry of Public Security has the authority to cause any local Internet service provider to block any web site maintained outside China at its sole discretion. Even if we comply with Chinese governmental regulations relating to licensing and foreign investment prohibitions, if the Chinese government were to take any action to limit or prohibit the distribution of information through our network or to limit or regulate any current or future content or services available to users on our network, our business would be harmed.

We are also subject to potential liability for content on our web sites that is deemed inappropriate and for any unlawful actions of our subscribers and other users of our systems under regulations promulgated by the Chinese MII. Furthermore, we are required to delete content that clearly violates the laws of China and report content that we suspect may violate Chinese law. It is difficult to determine the type of content that may result in liability for us, and if we are wrong, we may be prevented from operating our web sites.

We may have to register our encryption software with Chinese regulatory authorities, and if they request that we change our encryption software, our business operations will be disrupted as we develop or license replacement software.

Pursuant to the Regulations for the Administration of Commercial Encryption promulgated at the end of 1999, foreign and domestic Chinese companies operating in China are required to register and disclose to Chinese regulatory authorities the commercial encryption products they use. Because these regulations have just recently been adopted and because they do not specify what constitutes encryption products, we are unsure as to whether or how they apply to us and the encryption software we utilize. We may be required to register, or apply for permits with the relevant Chinese regulatory authorities for, our current or future encryption software. If Chinese regulatory authorities request that we change our encryption software, we may have to develop or license replacement software, which could disrupt our business operations.

The markets in which we operate are highly competitive, and we may be unable to compete successfully against new entrants and established industry competitors, many of which have greater financial resources than we do or currently enjoy a superior market position than we do.

The Asian market for Internet content and services is competitive and rapidly changing. Barriers to entry are minimal, and current and new competitors can launch new web sites at a relatively low cost. Many companies offer Chinese language content and services, including informational and community features, fee-based services and email and electronic commerce services in the greater China market that may be competitive with our offerings. We also face competition from providers of software and other Internet products and services that incorporate search and retrieval features into their offerings. In addition, entities that sponsor or maintain high-traffic web sites or that provide an initial point of entry for Internet users, such as ISPs, including large, well-capitalized entities such as Microsoft (MSN), Yahoo!, PCCW-HKT (Netvigator) and AOL, currently offer and could further develop or acquire content and services that compete with those that we offer. We expect that as Internet usage in greater China increases and the greater China market becomes more attractive to advertisers and for conducting electronic commerce, large global competitors may increasingly focus their resources on the greater China market. We also compete for advertisers with traditional media companies, such as newspapers, television networks and radio stations, that have a longer history of use and greater acceptance among advertisers. In addition, providers of Chinese language Internet tools and services may be acquired by, receive investments from or enter into other commercial relationships with large, well-established and well-financed Internet, media or other companies.

A number of our current and potential future competitors have greater financial and other resources than we have, and may be able to more quickly react to changing consumer requirements and demands, deliver competitive services at lower prices and more effectively respond to new Internet technologies or technical standards.

Increased competition could result in reduced page views, loss of market share and lower profit margins from reduced pricing for Internet-based services.

If we fail to develop successfully and introduce new products and services, our competitive position and ability to generate revenues will be harmed.

We are developing new products and services. The planned timing or introduction of new products and services is subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual timing may differ materially from original plans. Unexpected technical, operational, distribution or other problems could delay or prevent the introduction of one or more of our new products or services. Moreover, we cannot be sure that any of our new products and services will achieve widespread market acceptance or generate incremental revenue.

We have contracted with third parties to provide content and services for our portal network and to distribute our software, and we may lose users and revenue if these arrangements are terminated.

We have arrangements with a number of third parties to provide content and services to our web sites and to distribute our software. In the area of content, we have relied and will continue to rely almost exclusively on third parties for content that we publish under the SINA brand. Although no single third party content provider is critical to our operations, if these parties fail to develop and maintain high-quality and successful media properties, or if a large number of our existing relationships are terminated, we could lose users and advertisers and our brand could be harmed. We have recently experienced fee increase from some of our content providers. If this trend continues, our gross profit from online advertising may be adversely affected.

In the area of web-based services, we have contracted with Google and Huicong International for integrated web search technology to complement our directory and navigational guide, and with various third-party providers for our principal Internet connections. If we experience significant interruptions or delays in service, or if these agreements terminate or expire, we may incur additional costs to develop or secure replacement services and our relationship with our users could be harmed.

A substantial part of our non-advertising revenues is generated through short messaging services where we depend on mobile network operators for message delivery and payment collection. If we were unable to continue these arrangements, our short messaging services would be severely disrupted or discontinued. Furthermore, we are highly dependent on these mobile service providers for our profitability, in that they can choose to increase their service fees at will.

We depend on a third party’s proprietary and licensed advertising serving technology to deliver advertisements to our network. If the third party fails to continue to support its technology or if its services fail to meet the advertising needs of our customers and we cannot find an alternative solution on a timely basis, our advertising revenue would decline.

In order to create traffic for our online properties and make them more attractive to advertisers and consumers, we have entered into distribution agreements and informal relationships with ISPs and personal computer manufacturers for the distribution of our software. These distribution arrangements typically are non-exclusive, and may be terminated upon little or no notice. If our software distributors were to terminate or modify their distribution arrangements, our ability to promote our network and generate revenue could be harmed.

Our business and growth will suffer if we are unable to hire and retain key personnel that are in high demand.

We depend upon the continued contributions of our senior management and other key personnel, many of whom are difficult to replace. The loss of the services of any of our executive officers or other key employees could harm our business. We have experienced recent changes to our executive management team. In January 2001, Charles Chao was appointed as chief financial officer, replacing Victor Lee. In June 2001, Daniel Mao was appointed as chief executive officer and Yan Wang was appointed as president, replacing Zhidong Wang. In May 2003, Yan Wang was appointed as chief executive officer, replacing Daniel Mao. Our future success will also depend on our ability to attract and retain highly skilled technical, managerial, editorial, marketing and customer service personnel, especially qualified personnel for our international operations in greater China. Qualified individuals are in high demand, and we may not be able to successfully attract, assimilate or retain the personnel we need to succeed.

We may not be able to manage our expanding operations effectively, which could harm our business.

We anticipate significant expansion of our business as we address growth in our customer base and market opportunities. In addition, the geographic dispersion of our operations requires significant management resources that our locally-based competitors do not need to devote to their operations. In order to manage the expected growth of our operations and personnel, we will be required to improve existing and implement new operational and financial systems, procedures and controls, and to expand, train and manage our growing employee base. Further, our management will be required to maintain and expand our relationships with various other web sites, Internet and other online service providers and other third parties necessary to our business. We cannot assure you that our current and planned personnel, systems, procedures and controls will be adequate to support our future operations.

Our strategy of acquiring complementary assets, technologies and businesses may fail and may result in equity or earnings dilution.

As part of our business strategy, we have acquired and intend to identify and acquire assets, technologies and businesses that are complementary to our existing business. Acquired businesses or assets may not yield the results we expected. In addition, acquisitions could result in the use of substantial amounts of cash, potentially dilutive issuances of equity securities, significant amortization expenses related to goodwill and other intangible assets and exposure to potential unknown liabilities of acquired business. Moreover, the costs of identifying and consummating acquisitions, and integrating the acquired business into ours, may be significant. In addition, we may have to obtain approval from the relevant PRC governmental authorities for the acquisitions and have to comply with any applicable PRC rules and regulations.

Concerns about the security of electronic commerce transactions and confidentiality of information on Internet may reduce use of our network and impede our growth.

A significant barrier to electronic commerce and communications over the Internet in general has been a public concern over security and privacy, especially the transmission of confidential information. If these concerns are not adequately addressed, they may inhibit the growth of the Internet and other online services generally, especially as a means of conducting commercial transactions. If a well-publicized Internet breach of security were to occur, general Internet usage could decline, which could reduce traffic to our destination sites and impede our growth.

Currency fluctuations and restrictions on currency exchange may adversely affect our business, including limiting our ability to convert Chinese renminbi into foreign currencies and, if renminbi were to decline in value, reducing our revenues in U.S. dollar terms.

We generate revenues and incur expenses and liabilities in Chinese renminbi, Taiwan dollars, Hong Kong dollars, and U.S. dollars. As a result, we are subject to the effects of exchange rate fluctuations with respect to any of these currencies. For example, the value of the renminbi depends to a large extent on China’s domestic and international economic and political developments, as well as supply and demand in the local market. Since 1994, the official exchange rate for the conversion of renminbi to U.S. dollars has

generally been stable and the renminbi has appreciated slightly against the U.S. dollar. However, given recent economic instability and currency fluctuations, we can offer no assurance that the renminbi will continue to remain stable against the U.S. dollar or any other foreign currency. Our results of operations and financial condition may be affected by changes in the value of renminbi and other currencies in which our earnings and obligations are denominated. We have not entered into agreements or purchased instruments to hedge our exchange rate risks, although we may do so in the future.

Although Chinese governmental policies were introduced in 1996 to allow the convertibility of renminbi into foreign currency for current account items, conversion of renminbi into foreign exchange for capital items, such as foreign direct investment, loans or securities, requires the approval of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, or SAFE, which is under the authority of the People’s Bank of China. These approvals, however, do not guarantee the availability of foreign currency. We cannot be sure that we will be able to obtain all required conversion approvals for our operations or that Chinese regulatory authorities will not impose greater restrictions on the convertibility of the renminbi in the future. Because a significant amount of our future revenues may be in the form of renminbi, our inability to obtain the requisite approvals or any future restrictions on currency exchanges will limit our ability to utilize revenue generated in renminbi to fund our business activities outside China.

Our operations could be disrupted by unexpected network interruptions caused by system failures, natural disasters or unauthorized tamperings with our systems.

The continual accessibility of our web sites and the performance and reliability of our network infrastructure are critical to our reputation and our ability to attract and retain users, advertisers and merchants. Any system failure or performance inadequacy that causes interruptions in the availability of our services or increases the response time of our services could reduce our appeal to advertisers and consumers. Factors that could significantly disrupt our operations include: system failures and outages caused by fire, floods, earthquakes, power loss, telecommunications failures and similar events; software errors; computer viruses, break-ins and similar disruptions from unauthorized tampering with our computer systems; and security breaches related to the storage and transmission of proprietary information, such as credit card numbers or other personal information.

We have limited backup systems and redundancy. Recently, we experienced an unauthorized tampering of the mail server of our China web site which briefly disrupted our operations. Future disruptions or any of the foregoing factors could damage our reputation, require us to expend significant capital and other resources and expose us to a risk of loss or litigation and possible liability. We do not carry sufficient business interruption insurance to compensate for losses that may occur as a result of any of these events. Accordingly, our revenues and results of operations may be adversely affected if any of the above disruptions should occur.

The law of the Internet remains largely unsettled, which subjects our business to legal uncertainties that could harm our business.

Due to the increasing popularity and use of the Internet and other online services, it is possible that a number of laws and regulations may be adopted with respect to the Internet or other online services covering issues such as user privacy, pricing, content, copyrights, distribution, antitrust and characteristics and quality of products and services. Furthermore, the growth and development of the market for electronic commerce may prompt calls for more stringent consumer protection laws that may impose additional burdens on companies conducting business online. The adoption of any additional laws or regulations may decrease the growth of the Internet or other online services, which could, in turn, decrease the demand for our products and services and increase our cost of doing business.

Moreover, the applicability to the Internet and other online services of existing laws in various jurisdictions governing issues such as property ownership, sales and other taxes, libel and personal privacy is uncertain and may take years to resolve. For example, tax authorities in a number of states in the U.S. are currently reviewing the appropriate tax treatment of companies engaged in electronic commerce, and new state tax regulations may subject us to additional state sales and income taxes. Any new legislation or regulation, the application of laws and regulations from jurisdictions whose laws do not currently apply to our business, or the application of existing laws and regulations to the Internet and other online services could significantly disrupt our operations.

We may be subject to claims based on the content we provide over our network and the products and services sold on our network, which, if successful, could cause us to pay significant damage awards.

As a publisher and distributor of content and a provider of services over the Internet, we face potential liability for: defamation, negligence, copyright, patent or trademark infringement and other claims based on the nature and content of the materials that we publish or distribute; the selection of listings that are accessible through our branded products and media properties, or through content

and materials that may be posted by users in our classifieds, message board and chat room services; losses incurred in reliance on any erroneous information published by us, such as stock quotes, analyst estimates or other trading information; unsolicited email, lost or misdirected messages, illegal or fraudulent use of email or interruptions or delays in email service; and product liability, warranty and similar claims to be asserted against us by end users who purchase goods and services through our SinaMall and any future electronic commerce services we may offer.

We may incur significant costs in investigating and defending any potential claims, even if they do not result in liability. Although we carry general liability insurance, our insurance may not cover potential claims of this type or be adequate enough to indemnify us against all potential liabilities.

Privacy concerns may prevent us from selling demographically targeted advertising in the future and make us less attractive to advertisers.

We collect personal data from our user base in order to understand better our users and their needs and to help our advertisers target specific demographic groups. If privacy concerns or regulatory restrictions prevent us from selling demographically targeted advertising, we may become less attractive to advertisers. For example, as part of our future advertisement delivery system, we may integrate user information such as advertisement response rate, name, address, age or email address, with third-party databases to generate comprehensive demographic profiles for individual users. In Hong Kong, however, we would be in violation of the Hong Kong Personal Data Ordinance unless individual users expressly consented to this integration of their personal information. The Ordinance provides that an Internet company may not collect information on its users, analyze the information for a profile of the user’s interests and sell or transmit the profiles to third parties for direct marketing purposes without the user’s consent. If we are unable to construct demographic profiles for Internet users because they refuse to give consent, we will be less attractive to advertisers and our business will suffer.

We may not be able to adequately protect our intellectual property, which could cause us to be less competitive.

We rely on a combination of copyright, trademark and trade secret laws and restrictions on disclosure to protect our intellectual property rights. Despite our efforts to protect our proprietary rights, unauthorized parties may attempt to copy or otherwise obtain and use our technology. Monitoring unauthorized use of our products is difficult and costly, and we cannot be certain that the steps we have taken will prevent misappropriations of our technology, particularly in foreign countries where the laws may not protect our proprietary rights as fully as in the United States. From time to time, we may have to resort to litigation to enforce our intellectual property rights, which could result in substantial costs and diversion of our resources.

We may be exposed to infringement claims by third parties, which, if successful, could cause us to pay significant damage awards.

Third parties may initiate litigation against us alleging infringement of their proprietary rights. In the event of a successful claim of infringement and our failure or inability to develop non-infringing technology or license the infringed or similar technology on a timely basis, our business could be harmed. In addition, even if we are able to license the infringed or similar technology, license fees could be substantial and may adversely affect our results of operations.

We may be classified as a Passive Foreign Investment Company which could result in adverse U.S. tax consequences to U.S. investors.

Based upon the nature of our income and assets, we may be classified as a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, by the United States Internal Revenue Service for U.S. federal income tax purposes. This characterization could result in adverse U.S. tax consequences to you. For example, if we are a PFIC, our U.S. investors will become subject to increased tax liabilities under U.S. tax laws and regulations and will become subject to more burdensome reporting requirements. The determination of whether or not we are a PFIC is made on an annual basis, and those determinations depend on the composition of our income and assets, including goodwill, from time to time. Although in the past we have operated our business, and in the future we intend to operate our business so as to minimize the risk of PFIC treatment, you should be aware that certain factors that could affect our classification as PFIC are out of our control. For example, the calculation of assets for purposes of the PFIC rules depends in large part upon the amount of our goodwill, which in turn is based, in part, on the then market value of our shares, which is subject to change. Similarly, the composition of our income and assets is affected by the extent to which we spend the cash we have raised on acquisitions and capital expenditures. In addition, the relevant authorities in this area are not clear and so we operate with less than clear guidance in our effort to minimize the

risk of PFIC treatment. Therefore, we cannot be sure whether we were not and will not be a PFIC for the current or any future taxable year.

Our stock price has been volatile historically, which may make it more difficult for you to resell shares when you want at prices you find attractive.

The trading price of our common stock has been and may continue to be subject to wide fluctuations. During the three months ended March 31, 2003, the closing sale prices of our common stock on the Nasdaq Stock Market ranged from $5.63 to $10.38 and the sale price of our common stock closed at $9.85 on April 30, 2003. Our stock price may fluctuate in response to a number of events and factors, such as quarterly variations in operating results, announcements of technological innovations or new products and media properties by us or our competitors, changes in financial estimates and recommendations by securities analysts, the operating and stock price performance of other companies that investors may deem comparable, and news reports relating to trends in our markets. In addition, the stock market in general, and the market prices for Internet-related companies in particular, have experienced extreme volatility that often has been unrelated to the operating performance of such companies. These broad market and industry fluctuations may adversely affect the price of our stock, regardless of our operating performance.

Recent terrorist activities and resulting military and other actions could adversely affect our business.

The terrorist acts in New York, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania on September 11, 2001 have created an uncertain economic environment and we are unable to predict the impact these events, or the responses thereto, will have on our business. The continued threat of terrorism within the United States and abroad and military action and heightened security measures in response to such threat may cause significant economic disruptions throughout the world. Our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected to the extent such disruptions result in our inability to effectively market and sell our services and software.

The outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) could adversely affect our business.

The outbreak of SARS in China, especially in the cities of Beijing and Guangzhou, where most of our employees work, could negatively impact our business in ways that are hard to predict. SARS could result in reduction of our advertising and fee-based revenues. SARS quarantines could result in closures of some of our offices and other disruptions of our operations.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

Interest Rate Risk

Our investment policy limits our investments of excess cash to government or quasi-government securities and in high-quality corporate securities and limits the amount of credit exposure to any one issuer. We protect and preserve our invested funds by limiting default, market and reinvestment risk. Due to the fact that majority of our investments are in short-term instruments, we have concluded that there is no material market risk exposure in this area.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

The majority of our revenues derived and expenses and liabilities incurred were in Chinese renminbi, Taiwan dollars and Hong Kong dollars. Thus, our revenues and operating results may be impacted by exchange rate fluctuations in the currencies of China, Taiwan and Hong Kong. See “Risk Factors — Currency fluctuations and restrictions on currency exchange may adversely affect our business, including limiting our ability to convert Chinese renminbi into foreign currencies and, if renminbi were to decline in value, reducing our revenue in U.S. dollar terms.” We have not tried to reduce our exposure to exchange rate fluctuations by using hedging transactions. However, we may choose to do so in the future. We may not be able to do this successfully. Accordingly, we may experience economic losses and negative impacts on earnings and equity as a result of foreign exchange rate fluctuations.

We performed a sensitivity analysis assuming a hypothetical 10% adverse movement in foreign exchange rates to the foreign subsidiaries and the underlying exposures described above. As of December 31 and June 30, 2002, the analysis indicated that these hypothetical market movements would not have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Investment Risk

On September 28, 2001, we acquired an approximately 27.6% interest in the equity of Sun Media (“Sun Media”) Group, a satellite TV broadcaster and a cable TV program syndicator listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. As of December 31, 2002, our interest had been diluted to 17.4% as a result of issuances of new shares by Sun Media. We invested in this company for business and strategic purposes and have classified this investment as a long-term investment, which had been accounted for using the equity method until September 30, 2002. We ceased to maintain significant influence over Sun Media’s operations after our equity interest fell below 20% and our board representation was decreased. Accordingly, commencing October 1, 2002, we began accounting for our investment in Sun Media as an investment in marketable equity securities under the provisions of SFAS 115. Such investment is classified as available for sale and reported at fair market value with unrealized gains (losses), if any, recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders’ equity. During the quarter ended March 31, 2003, we marking this investment to market value and thus recorded $2.59 million in unrealized loss on our marketable equity securities as a component of comprehensive income. The fair market value of such investment declined from $14.04 million at March 31, 2003 to $9.0 million at May 13, 2003.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Within the 90-day period prior to the filing of this report, an evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, the CEO and CFO concluded that the Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are effective in providing reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its CEO and its CFO, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management necessarily applied its judgment in assessing the costs and benefits of such control and procedures, which, by their nature, can provide only reasonable assurance regarding management’s control objectives. The Company also has investments in certain unconsolidated entities. As the Company does not control or manage these entities, its disclosure of controls and procedures with respect to such entities are necessarily more limited than those it maintains with respect to its consolidated subsidiaries. There have been no significant changes in the Company’s internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the evaluation date.

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

From time to time, the Company is subject to legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of business, including claims of alleged infringement of copyrights and other intellectual property rights in connection with the content published on our web sites.

The Company is not currently aware of any legal proceedings or claims that the Company believes are likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, the Company may incur substantial expenses in defending against third party claims. In the event of a determination adverse to the Company, the Company may incur substantial monetary liability, and be required to change its business practices. Either of these could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds

None.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

None.

Item 5. Other Information

On May 12, 2003, we issued a press release announcing the appointment Wang Yan, formerly President of the Company, as our new CEO following the departure of Daniel Mao our former CEO. A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.2 and is hereby incorporated by reference.

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K


(a)	Exhibits.
	10.64*:	Share Purchase Agreement dated January 3, 2003 among SINA.com, Memestar Limited and the Shareholders of Memestar Limited.

	10.70*:	Letter dated January 6, 2003 regarding Amendment to Share Purchase Agreement dated January 3, 2003 among SINA.com, Memestar Limited and the Shareholders of Memestar Limited.

	10.71*:	Letter dated January 7, 2003 regarding Amendment to Share Purchase Agreement dated January 3, 2003 among SINA.com, Memestar Limited and the Shareholders of Memestar Limited.

	99.1:	Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial and Principal Accounting Officer pursuant to 19 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

	99.2:	Press Release issued by SINA Corporation on May 12, 2003.

* Incorporated by reference to the corresponding Exhibit previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Report on Form 10-K for the transition period ended December 31, 2002.

(b)	Reports on Form 8-K

	In February 2003, the Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K regarding the acquisition of all of the share capital of Memestar Limited.

SIGNATURE

In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, the Registrant has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

302 CERTIFICATION

I, Yan Wang, certify that:

1.		I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of SINA CORPORATION;

2.		Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;

3.		Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;

4.		The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

	a.		designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;

	b.		evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the “Evaluation Date”); and

	c.		presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

	a.		all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant’s auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

	b.		any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls; and

The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

Date: May 15, 2003


By:		/s/ Yan Wang Yan Wang Chief Executive Officer and Director

302 CERTIFICATION

I, Charles Chao, certify that:

1.		I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of SINA CORPORATION;

2.		Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;

3.		Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;

4.		The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

	a.		designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;

	b.		evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the “Evaluation Date”); and

	c.		presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

	a.		all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant’s auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

	b.		any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls; and

Date: May 15, 2003


By:		/s/ CHARLES CHAO Charles Chao Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President

Exhibit Index


10.64*:		Share Purchase Agreement dated January 3, 2003 among SINA.com, Memestar Limited and the Shareholders of Memestar Limited.

10.70*:		Letter dated January 6, 2003 regarding Amendment to Share Purchase Agreement dated January 3, 2003 among SINA.com, Memestar Limited and the Shareholders of Memestar Limited.

10.71*:		Letter dated January 7, 2003 regarding Amendment to Share Purchase Agreement dated January 3, 2003 among SINA.com, Memestar Limited and the Shareholders of Memestar Limited.

99.1:		Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial and Principal Accounting Officer pursuant to 19 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

99.2:		Press Release issued by SINA Corporation on May 12, 2003.

* Incorporated by reference to the corresponding Exhibit previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Report on Form 10-K for the transition period ended December 31, 2002.

SINA CORPORATION

Dated: May 15, 2003

/s/ Charles Chao

Charles Chao
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)