f10q_052013.htm
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, 2013

or

[  ] 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:  001-34647

ChinaNet Online Holdings, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 Nevada
 20-4672080
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)   

No. 3 Min Zhuang Road, Building 6,
Yu Quan Hui Gu Tuspark, Haidian District, Beijing, PRC 100195
 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

+86-10-5160-0828
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

N/A
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Indicate by check 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 [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes [x] No [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer [  ]   Accelerated filer [  ]   Non-accelerated filer (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) [  ]   Smaller reporting company [x]
                                                                                                                                                                                                 
 
 

 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).   Yes [  ] No [x]

As of May 20, 2013 the registrant had 22,186,540 shares of common stock outstanding.


 
 

 
TABLE OF CONTENTS

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PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Interim Financial Statements

CHINANET ONLINE HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
 
   
March 31,
2013
   
December 31,
2012
 
   
(US $)
   
(US $)
 
   
(Unaudited)
       
Assets
           
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 3,792     $ 5,483  
Term deposit
    3,375       3,357  
Accounts receivable, net
    9,831       8,486  
Other receivables, net
    3,128       3,103  
Prepayment and deposit to suppliers
    14,822       14,596  
Due from related parties
    260       210  
Other current assets
    135       136  
Deferred tax assets-current
    42       50  
Total current assets
    35,385       35,421  
                 
Investment in and advance to equity investment affiliates
    892       959  
Property and equipment, net
    1,501       1,636  
Intangible assets, net
    6,944       7,167  
Goodwill
    11,144       11,083  
Deferred tax assets-non current
    794       652  
Total Assets
  $ 56,660     $ 56,918  
                 
Liabilities and Equity
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable *
  $ 219     $ 110  
Advances from customers *
    1,636       1,065  
Accrued payroll and other accruals *
    877       904  
Payable for acquisition *
    -       1,266  
Taxes payable *
    6,846       6,683  
Other payables *
    240       217  
Total current liabilities
    9,818       10,245  
 
 
F-1

 
CHINANET ONLINE HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (CONTINUED)
(In thousands, except for number of shares and per share data)

   
March 31,
2013
   
December 31,
2012
 
   
(US $)
   
(US $)
 
   
(Unaudited)
       
Long-term liabilities:
           
Deferred tax liability-non current *
    1,643       1,689  
Long-term borrowing from director
    139       139  
Total Liabilities
    11,600       12,073  
                 
Commitments and contingencies
               
                 
Equity:
               
ChinaNet Online Holdings, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity
               
Common stock (US$0.001 par value; authorized 50,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 22,186,540 shares at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012)
    22       22  
Additional paid-in capital
    20,019       20,008  
Statutory reserves
    2,296       2,296  
Retained earnings
    19,535       19,505  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    2,605       2,393  
Total ChinaNet Online Holdings, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity
    44,477       44,224  
                 
Noncontrolling interests
    583       621  
Total equity
    45,060       44,845  
                 
Total Liabilities and Equity
  $ 56,660     $ 56,918  
 
 
*All of the VIEs' assets can be used to settle obligations of their primary beneficiary. Liabilities recognized as a result of consolidating these VIEs do not represent additional claims on the Company’s general assets (Note 2).
 
 
See notes to consolidated financial statements
 
F-2

 
CHINANET ONLINE HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME / (LOSS)
(In thousands)
 
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(US $)
   
(US $)
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
(Unaudited)
 
Sales
           
From unrelated parties
  $ 6,990     $ 14,920  
From related parties
    59       15  
      7,049       14,935  
Cost of sales
    4,467       12,538  
Gross margin
    2,582       2,397  
                 
Operating expenses
               
Selling expenses
    788       689  
General and administrative expenses
    1,402       1,243  
Research and development expenses
    449       331  
      2,639       2,263  
                 
Loss/(income) from operations
    (57 )     134  
                 
Other income (expenses)
               
Interest income
    32       5  
Other expenses
    (1 )     (1 )
      31       4  
                 
Loss/(income) before income tax expense, equity method investments and noncontrolling interests
    (26 )     138  
Income tax benefit/(expense)
    86       (236 )
Income/(loss) before equity method investments and noncontrolling interests
    60       (98 )
Share of losses in equity investment affiliates
    (71 )     (193 )
Net loss
    (11 )     (291 )
Net loss/(income) attributable to noncontrolling interests
    41       (75 )
Net income/(loss) attributable to ChinaNet Online Holdings, Inc.
    30       (366 )
 
 
F-3

 
CHINANET ONLINE HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME / LOSSCONTINUED
(In thousands, except for number of shares and per share data)
 
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(US $)
   
(US $)
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
(Unaudited)
 
             
Net loss
    (11 )     (291 )
Foreign currency translation gain
    215       263  
Comprehensive income/(loss)
  $ 204     $ (28 )
Comprehensive loss/(income) attributable to noncontrolling interests
    38       (112 )
Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to ChinaNet Online Holdings, Inc.
  $ 242     $ (140 )
 
               
Earnings/(loss) per share
               
Earnings/(loss) per common share
               
Basic
  $ 0.00     $ (0.02 )
Diluted
  $ 0.00     $ (0.02 )
                 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
               
 Basic
    22,186,540       22,182,584  
 Diluted
    22,186,540       22,182,584  
 

 

 
See notes to consolidated financial statements
 
 
F-4

 
CHINANET ONLINE HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
 
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(US $)
   
(US $)
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
(Unaudited)
 
Cash flows from operating activities
           
Net loss
  $ (11 )   $ (291 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities
               
Depreciation and amortization
    418       409  
Share-based compensation expenses
    11       17  
Allowances for doubtful debts
    260       -  
Share of losses in equity investment affiliates
    71       193  
Deferred taxes
    (185 )     (381 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
               
Accounts receivable
    (1,297 )     (3,154 )
Other receivables
    (8 )     261  
Prepayment and deposit to suppliers
    (406 )     1,740  
Due from related parties
    (49 )     48  
Other current assets
    (2 )     (22 )
Accounts payable
    105       (56 )
Advances from customers
    564       1,162  
Accrued payroll and other accruals
    (29 )     (133 )
Due to related parties
    -       (78 )
Other payables
    -       18  
Taxes payable
    127       630  
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
    (431 )     363  
                 
Cash flows from investing activities
               
Purchases of vehicles and office equipment
    (11 )     (9 )
Project development deposit to a third party
    -       (2,452 )
Payment for acquisition of VIEs
    (1,272 )     -  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (1,283 )     (2,461 )
 
 
F-5

 
CHINANET ONLINE HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
(In thousands)
 
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(US $)
   
(US $)
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
(Unaudited)
 
Cash flows from financing activities
           
Dividend paid to convertible preferred stockholders
    -       (5 )
Short-term loan borrowed from an equity investment affiliate
    -       316  
Net cash provided by financing activities
    -       311  
                 
Effect of exchange rate fluctuation on cash and cash equivalents
    23       56  
                 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (1,691 )     (1,731 )
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period
    5,483       10,695  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period
  $ 3,792     $ 8,964  
                 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
               
                 
Income taxes paid
  $ 4     $ 15  
                 
Non-cash transactions:
               
Restricted stock and options granted for future service
  $ 32     $ 74  
 

 
See notes to consolidated financial statements

 
F-6

 
CHINANET ONLINE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
 
1.  
Organization and nature of operations

ChinaNet Online Holdings, Inc. (formerly known as Emazing Interactive, Inc.) (the “Company”) was incorporated in the State of Texas in April 2006 and re-domiciled to become a Nevada corporation in October 2006. From the date of the Company’s incorporation until June 26, 2009, when the Company consummated the Share Exchange (discussed below), the Company’s activities were primarily concentrated in web server access and company branding in hosting web based e-games.

On June 26, 2009, the Company entered into a Share Exchange Agreement (the “Exchange Agreement”), with (i) China Net Online Media Group Limited, a company organized under the laws of British Virgin Islands (“China Net BVI”), (ii) China Net BVI’s shareholders, Allglad Limited, a British Virgin Islands company (“Allglad”), Growgain Limited, a British Virgin Islands company ("Growgain"), Rise King Investments Limited, a British Virgin Islands company (“Rise King BVI”), Star (China) Holdings Limited, a British Virgin Islands company (“Star”), Surplus Elegant Investment Limited, a British Virgin Islands company (“Surplus”), Clear Jolly Holdings Limited, a British Virgin Islands company (“Clear” and together with Allglad, Growgain, Rise King BVI, Star and Surplus, the “China Net BVI Shareholders”), who together owned shares constituting 100% of the issued and outstanding ordinary shares of China Net BVI (the “China Net BVI Shares”) and (iii) G. Edward Hancock, the principal stockholder of the Company at that time. Pursuant to the terms of the Exchange Agreement, the China Net BVI Shareholders transferred to the Company all of the China Net BVI Shares in exchange for the issuance of 13,790,800  shares (the “Exchange Shares”) in the aggregate of the Company’s common stock (the “Share Exchange”). As a result of the Share Exchange, China Net BVI became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company and the Company is now a holding company, which, through certain contractual arrangements with operating companies in the People’s Republic of China (the “PRC”), is engaged in providing advertising, marketing, communication and brand management and sales channel building services to small and medium companies in China.

The Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, China Net BVI was incorporated in the British Virgin Islands on August 13, 2007. On April 11, 2008, China Net BVI became the parent holding company of a group of companies comprised of CNET Online Technology Limited, a Hong Kong company (“China Net HK”), which established and is the parent company of Rise King Century Technology Development (Beijing) Co., Ltd., a wholly foreign-owned enterprise (“WFOE”) established in the PRC (“Rise King WFOE”). The Company refers to the transactions that resulted in China Net BVI becoming an indirect parent company of Rise King WFOE as the “Offshore Restructuring.”

PRC regulations prohibit direct foreign ownership of business entities providing internet content, or ICP services in the PRC, and restrict foreign ownership of business entities engaging in the advertising business. In October 2008, a series of contractual arrangements (the “Contractual Agreements” or “VIE Agreements”) were entered into among Rise King WFOE and Business Opportunity Online (Beijing) Network Technology Co., Ltd. (“Business Opportunity Online”), Beijing CNET Online Advertising Co., Ltd. (“Beijing CNET Online”) (collectively the “PRC Operating Entities”) and its common individual owners (the “PRC Shareholders” or the “Control Group”). The Contractual Agreements allowed China Net BVI, through Rise King WFOE, to, among other things, secure significant rights to influence the PRC Operating Entities’ business operations, policies and management, approve all matters requiring shareholder approval, and receive 100% of the income earned by the PRC Operating Entities.  In return, Rise King WFOE provides consulting services to the PRC Operating Entities.  In addition, to ensure that the PRC Operating Entities and the PRC Shareholders perform their obligations under the Contractual Arrangements, the PRC Shareholders have pledged all of their equity interests in the PRC Operating Entities to Rise King WFOE.  They also entered into an option agreement with Rise King WFOE which provides that at such time as when the current restrictions under PRC law on foreign ownership of Chinese companies engaging in the Internet content, information services or advertising business in China are lifted, Rise King WFOE may exercise its option to purchase the equity interests in the PRC Operating Entities, directly.

Pursuant to the Contractual Agreements, all of the equity owners' rights and obligations of the VIEs were assigned to Rise King WFOE, which resulted in the equity owners lacking the ability to make decisions that have a significant effect on the VIEs, Rise King WFOE's ability to extract the profits from the operation of the VIEs and assume the residual benefits of the VIEs. Due to the fact that Rise King WFOE and its indirect parent are the sole interest holders of the VIEs, the Company included the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of the VIEs in its consolidated financial statements, which is consistent with the provisions of FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 810 “Consolidation”, subtopic 10.

As of the date of the Share Exchange, through the Contractual Agreements, the Company operates its business in China primarily through Business Opportunity Online and Beijing CNET Online. Beijing CNET Online owns 51% of Shanghai Borongdingsi Computer Technology Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai Borongdingsi”). Business Opportunity Online, Beijing CNET Online and Shanghai Borongdingsi, were incorporated on December 8, 2004, January 27, 2003 and August 3, 2005, respectively.

 
F-7

 
CHINANET ONLINE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
 
Shanghai Borongdingsi is 51% owned by Beijing CNET Online. Beijing CNET Online and Shanghai Borongdingsi entered into a cooperation agreement in June 2008, followed up with a supplementary agreement in December 2008, to conduct a bank kiosk advertisement business. The business is based on a bank kiosk cooperation agreement between Shanghai Borongdingsi and Henan provincial branch of China Construction Bank which allows Shanghai Borongdingsi or its designated party to conduct in-door advertisement business within the business outlets throughout Henan Province. The bank kiosk cooperation agreement has a term of eight years beginning in August 2008. However, Shanghai Borongdingsi was not able to conduct the advertisement business as a stand-alone business due to the lack of an advertisement business license and supporting financial resources. Pursuant to the aforementioned cooperation agreements, Beijing CNET Online committed to purchase equipment and to provide working capital, technical and other related support to Shanghai Borongdingsi. Beijing CNET Online owns the equipment used in the kiosk business, is entitled to sign contracts in its name on behalf of the business, and holds the right to collect the advertisement revenue generated from the bank kiosk business exclusively until it recovers the cost of purchasing the equipment. Thereafter, Beijing CNET Online has agreed to distribute 49% of the net profit generated from the bank kiosk advertising business, if any, to the minority shareholders of Shanghai Borongdingsi.

On June 24, 2010, one of the Company’s VIEs, Business Opportunity Online, together with three other individuals, who were not affiliated with the Company, formed a new company, Shenzhen City Mingshan Network Technology Co., Ltd. (“Shenzhen Mingshan”). Shenzhen Mingshan is 51% owned by Business Opportunity Online and 49% owned collectively by the other three individuals. Shenzhen Mingshan is primarily engaged in developing and designing internet based software, online games and the related operating websites and providing related internet and information technology services necessary to operate such games and websites. On January 6, 2011, as approved by the shareholders of Shenzhen Mingshan, an unaffiliated third party invested RMB15,000,000 (approximately US$2,387,927) into Shenzhen Mingshan in exchange for a 60% equity interest in Shenzhen Mingshan. Therefore, beginning on January 6, 2011, the new investor became the majority shareholder of Shenzhen Mingshan. The Company’s share of the equity interest in Shenzhen Mingshan decreased from 51% to 20.4% and the Company ceased to have a controlling financial interest in Shenzhen Mingshan, but still retains an investment in, and significant influence over, Shenzhen Mingshan. On December 19, 2012, as approved by the shareholders of Shenzhen Mingshan, Shenzhen Mingshan reduced its registered and paid-in capital from RMB25,000,000 (approximately US$3,979,878) to RMB22,000,000 (approximately US$3,502,292), resulted from a decrease in paid-in capital from three other noncontrolling shareholders, except Business Opportunity Online. As a result, the Company’s share of the equity interest in Shenzhen Mingshan increased from 20.4% to 23.18% and the Company continued to retain significant influence over Shenzhen Mingshan.

On December 6, 2010, Rise King WFOE entered into a series of exclusive contractual arrangements, which were similar to the Contractual Agreements discussed above, with Rise King (Shanghai) Advertisement Media Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai Jing Yang”), a company incorporated under the PRC laws in December 2009 and primarily engaged in the advertising business, pursuant to which the Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Rise King WFOE obtained all of the equity owners' rights and obligations of Shanghai Jing Yang, and the ability to extract the profits from the operation and assume the residual benefits of Shanghai Jing Yang, and hence became the sole interest holder of Shanghai Jing Yang.  As of the date these contractual agreements were entered into, Shanghai Jing Yang did not have the resources necessary to conduct any business activities by itself and the carrying amount of the net assets of Shanghai Jing Yang which was all cash and cash equivalents approximate its fair value due to their short maturities. Therefore, Shanghai Jing Yang’s accounts were included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements with no goodwill recognized in accordance with ASC Topic 810 “Consolidation”.

The Company, through one of its VIEs, Beijing CNET Online, acquired a 100% equity interest in Quanzhou Zhi Yuan Marketing Planning Co., Ltd. (“Quanzhou Zhi Yuan”) and a 51% equity interest in Quanzhou Tian Xi Shun He Advertisement Co., Ltd. (“Quanzhou Tian Xi Shun He”) on January 4, 2011 and February 23, 2011, respectively.  Quanzhou Zhi Yuan and Quanzhou Tian Xi Shun He are both independent advertising companies based in Fujian province of the PRC, which provide comprehensive branding and marketing services to over fifty small to medium sized companies focused primarily in the sportswear and clothing industry. In June 2011, Beijing CNET Online acquired the remaining 49% equity interest in Quanzhou Tian Xi Shun He. Quanzhou Tian Xi Shun He became a wholly owned subsidiary of Beijing CNET Online accordingly.

 
F-8

 
CHINANET ONLINE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
 
On January 28, 2011, one of the Company’s VIEs, Business Opportunity Online, formed a new wholly owned subsidiary, Business Opportunity Online (Hubei) Network Technology Co., Ltd. (“Business Opportunity Online Hubei”).  Business Opportunity Online Hubei is primarily engaged in internet advertisement design, production and promulgation.

On March 1, 2011, one of the Company’s VIEs, Business Opportunity Online, together with an individual, who was not affiliated with the Company, formed a new company, Beijing Chuang Fu Tian Xia Network Technology Co., Ltd. (“Beijing Chuang Fu Tian Xia”). Beijing Chuang Fu Tian Xia is 51% owned by Business Opportunity Online and 49% owned by the co-founding individual. In addition to capital investment, the co-founding individual is required to provide the controlled domain names, www.liansuo.com and www.chuangye.com to be registered under the established company. Beijing Chuang Fu Tian Xia is primarily engaged in providing and operating internet advertising, marketing and communication services to small and medium companies through the websites associated the above mentioned domain names.

On April 18, 2011, the Company, through one of its VIEs, Business Opportunity Online Hubei formed a new wholly owned company, Hubei CNET Advertising Media Co., Ltd. (“Hubei CNET”).  Hubei CNET is primarily engaged in advertisement design, production, promulgation and providing the related advertising and marketing consultancy services.

On April 18, 2011, one of the Company’s VIEs, Business Opportunity Online Hubei, together with an individual, who was not affiliated with the Company, formed a new company, Zhao Shang Ke Network Technology (Hubei) Co., Ltd. (“Zhao Shang Ke Hubei”). Zhao Shang Ke Hubei is 51% owned by Business Opportunity Online Hubei and 49% owned by the co-founding individual. Zhao Shang Ke Hubei is primarily engaged in providing advertisement design, production, promulgation and brand management and sales channels building services. On December 29, 2011, as approved by the shareholders of Zhao Shang Ke Hubei, two unaffiliated third party investors invested RMB10,000,000 (approximately US$1,591,951) into Zhao Shang Ke Hubei in exchange for an aggregate 50% equity interest in Zhao Shang Ke Hubei. Therefore, beginning on December 29, 2011, the Company’s share of the equity interest in Zhao Shang Ke Hubei decreased from 51% to 25.5%. As such, the Company ceased to have a controlling financial interest in Zhao Shang Ke Hubei, but still retained an investment in, and significant influence over, Zhao Shang Ke Hubei.

On July 1, 2011, one of the Company’s VIEs, Quanzhou Zhi Yuan, formed a new wholly owned company, Xin Qi Yuan Advertisement Planning (Hubei) Co., Ltd. (“Xin Qi Yuan Hubei”). Xin Qi Yuan Hubei is primarily engaged in advertisement design, production, promulgation and providing the related advertising and marketing consultancy services.

On July 1, 2011, one of the Company’s VIEs, Quanzhou Tian Xi Shun He, formed a new wholly owned company, Mu Lin Sen Advertisement (Hubei) Co., Ltd. (“Mu Lin Sen Hubei”). Mu Lin Sen Hubei is primarily engaged in advertisement design, production, promulgation and providing the related advertising and marketing consultancy services.

On July 1, 2011, one of the Company’s VIEs, Business Opportunity Online Hubei, together with an individual who is not affiliated with the Company, formed a new company, Sheng Tian Network Technology (Hubei) Co., Ltd. (“Sheng Tian Hubei”). Sheng Tian Hubei is 51% owned by Business Opportunity Online Hubei and 49% owned by the co-founding individual. Sheng Tian Hubei is primarily engaged in computer system design, development and promotion, software development and promotion, and providing the related technical consultancy services.

On December 20, 2011, one of the Company’s VIEs, Business Opportunity Online Hubei acquired a 51% equity interest in Sou Yi Lian Mei Network Technology (Beijing) Co. Ltd., (“Sou Yi Lian Mei”).  In September 2012, Business Opportunity Online Hubei acquired the remaining 49% equity interest in Sou Yi Lian Mei. Sou Yi Lian Mei became a wholly owned subsidiary of Business Opportunity Online Hubei accordingly. Sou Yi Lian Mei is primary engaged in providing online advertising and marketing services and operates its business primarily through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Jin Du Ya He (Beijing) Network Technology Co., Ltd (“Jin Du Ya He”).

As of March 31, 2013, the Company operated its business primarily in China through its PRC subsidiary and PRC operating entities, or VIEs as described above.
 
 
F-9

 
CHINANET ONLINE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
 
 
2.  
Variable Interest Entities

To satisfy PRC laws and regulations, the Company conducts certain business in the PRC through its Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”). Summarized below is the information related to the consolidated VIEs’ assets and liabilities as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively:

   
March 31,
2013
   
December 31,
2012
 
   
US$(’000)
   
US$(’000)
 
   
(Unaudited)
       
Assets
           
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 2,642     $ 4,275  
Term deposit
    3,375       3,357  
Accounts receivable, net
    9,778       8,392  
Other receivables, net
    2,988       2,921  
Prepayment and deposit to suppliers
    14,820       14,587  
Due from related parties
    57       49  
Other current assets
    37       35  
Deferred tax assets-current
    42       50  
Total current assets
    33,739       33,666  
                 
Investment in and advance to equity investment affiliates
    849       916  
Property and equipment, net
    1,284       1,389  
Intangible assets, net
    6,934       7,152  
Goodwill
    11,144       11,083  
Deferred tax assets-non current
    613       511  
Total Assets
  $ 54,563     $ 54,717  
                 
Liabilities
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 219     $ 110  
Advances from customers
    1,635       1,065  
Accrued payroll and other accruals
    375       455  
Due to Control Group
    11       11  
Payable for acquisition
    -       1,266  
Taxes payable
    6,316       6,136  
Other payables
    199       196  
Total current liabilities
    8,755       9,239  
                 
Deferred tax Liabilities-non current
    1,643       1,689  
Total Liabilities
  $ 10,398     $ 10,928  

All of the VIEs' assets can be used to settle obligations of their primary beneficiary. Liabilities recognized as a result of consolidating these VIEs do not represent additional claims on the Company’s general assets.

For the three months ended March 31, 2013, the financial performance of the VIEs reported in the Company’s consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income includes sales of approximately US$6,950,000, cost of sales of approximately US$4,467,000, operating expenses of approximately US$2,090,000 and net income before allocation to noncontrolling interests of approximately US$400,000.

For the three months ended March 31, 2012, the financial performance of the VIEs reported in the Company’s consolidated statements of income and comprehensive loss includes sales of approximately US$14,896,000, cost of sales of approximately US$12,536,000, operating expenses of approximately US$1,655,000 and net income before allocation to noncontrolling interests of approximately US$233,000.
 
 
F-10

 
CHINANET ONLINE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
 
3.  
 Summary of significant accounting policies
 
a)  
Basis of presentation
 
The interim consolidated financial statements are prepared and presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).
 
The interim consolidated financial information as of March 31, 2013 and for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 have been prepared without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures, which are normally included in annual consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, have been omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations. The interim consolidated financial information should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, previously filed with the SEC.
 
In the opinion of management, all adjustments (which include normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present a fair statement of the Company’s consolidated financial position as of March 31, 2013, its consolidated results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, and its consolidated cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, as applicable, have been made. The interim results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full fiscal year or any future periods.
 
b)  
Principles of consolidation
 
The interim consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of all the subsidiaries and VIEs of the Company. All transactions and balances between the Company and its subsidiaries and VIEs have been eliminated upon consolidation. According to the agreements between Beijing CNET Online and Shanghai Borongdingsi, although Beijing CNET Online legally owns 51% of Shanghai Borongdingsi’s interests, Beijing CNET Online only controls the assets and liabilities related to the bank kiosks business, which has been included in the financial statements of Beijing CNET Online, but does not control other assets of Shanghai Borongdingsi, thus, Shanghai Borongdingsi’s financial statements were not consolidated by the Company.
 
c)  
Use of estimates
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of these consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. The Company continually evaluates these estimates and assumptions based on the most recently available information, historical experience and various other assumptions that the Company believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Since the use of estimates is an integral component of the financial reporting process, actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
d)  
Foreign currency translation and transactions
 
The functional currency of the Company is United States dollars (“US$”), and the functional currency of China Net HK is Hong Kong dollars (“HK$”).  The functional currency of the Company’s PRC operating subsidiary and VIEs is Renminbi (“RMB”), and PRC is the primary economic environment in which the Company operates.
 
For financial reporting purposes, the financial statements of the Company’s PRC operating subsidiary and VIEs, which are prepared using the RMB, are translated into the Company’s reporting currency, the United States Dollar (“U.S. dollar”). Assets and liabilities are translated using the exchange rate at each balance sheet date.  Revenue and expenses are translated using average rates prevailing during each reporting period, and stockholders’ equity is translated at historical exchange rates. Adjustments resulting from the translation are recorded as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity.
 
Transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are translated into the functional currency at the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions.  The resulting exchange differences are included in the determination of net income of the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income for the respective periods.
 
 
F-11

 
CHINANET ONLINE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
 
The exchange rates used to translate amounts in RMB into US$ for the purposes of preparing the consolidated financial statements are as follows:
 

   
March 31, 2013
   
December 31, 2012
 
             
Balance sheet items, except for equity accounts
    6.2816       6.3161  
 
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
Items in the statements of income and comprehensive income, and statements of cash flows
    6.2858       6.3201  
 
No representation is made that the RMB amounts could have been, or could be converted into US$ at the above rates.
 
e)  
Advertising costs
 
Advertising costs for the Company’s own brand building are not includable in cost of sales, they are expensed when incurred or amortized over the estimated beneficial period and are included in “selling expenses” in the statement of income and comprehensive income. For the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, advertising expenses for the Company’s own brand building were approximately US$24,000 and US$74,000, respectively.
 
f)  
Research and development expenses
 
The Company accounts for the cost of developing and upgrading technologies and platforms and intellectual property that are used in its daily operations in research and development cost. Research and development costs are charged to expense when incurred. Expenses for research and development for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 were approximately US$449,000 and US$ 331,000, respectively.
 
g)  
Income taxes
 
The Company follows the guidance of ASC Topic 740 “Income taxes” and uses liability method to account for income taxes.  Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates that will be in effect in the period in which the differences are expected to reverse. The Company records a valuation allowance to offset deferred tax assets, if based on the weight of available evidence, it is more-likely-than-not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized in statement of income and comprehensive income in the period that includes the enactment date.
 
h)  
Uncertain tax positions
 
The Company follows the guidance of ASC Topic 740 “Income taxes”, which prescribes a more likely than not threshold for financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. This Interpretation also provides guidance on recognition of income tax assets and liabilities, classification of current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities, accounting for interest and penalties associated with tax positions, accounting for income taxes in interim periods, and income tax disclosures.
 
The Company recognizes interest on non-payment of income taxes under requirement by tax law and penalties associated with tax positions when a tax position does not meet the minimum statutory threshold to avoid payment of penalties. According to the PRC Tax Administration and Collection Law, the statute of limitations is three years if the underpayment of taxes is due to computational errors made by the taxpayer or the withholding agent. The statute of limitations is extended to five years under special circumstances, where the underpayment of taxes is more than RMB100,000. In the case of transfer pricing issues, the statute of limitation is ten years. There is no statute of limitation in the case of tax evasion. The tax returns of the Company’s PRC subsidiary and VIEs are subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities. The Company did not have any material interest or penalties associated with tax positions for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, and did not have any significant unrecognized uncertain tax positions as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
 
 
F-12

 
CHINANET ONLINE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
 
i)  
Recent accounting standards
 
In February 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2013-02, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income”. The ASU does not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in financial statements. However, this ASU requires an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under U.S. GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. The guidance is effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012 for public entities. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.
 
Other accounting standards that have been issued or proposed by the FASB or other standards-setting bodies that do not require adoption until a future date are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements upon adoption.
 
4.  
Cash and cash equivalent

   
March 31,
2013
   
December 31,
2012
 
   
US$(’000)
   
US$(’000)
 
   
(Unaudited)
       
             
Cash
    801       893  
Bank deposit
    2,991       4,590  
      3,792       5,483  
 
5.  
Term deposit

Term deposit as of March 31, 2013 represented the amount of cash placed as a term deposit by one of the Company’s operating VIEs in a major financial institution of China, which management believes is of high credit quality. The interest rate of the term deposit is 3.5% per annual and the term deposit will mature on July 5, 2013.
 
6.  
Accounts receivable, net

   
March 31,
2013
   
December 31,
2012
 
   
US$(’000)
   
US$(’000)
 
   
(Unaudited)
       
             
Accounts receivable
    13,481       12,116  
Allowance for doubtful debts
    (3,650 )     (3,630 )
Accounts receivable, net
    9,831       8,486  
 
 
F-13

 
CHINANET ONLINE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 
All of the accounts receivable are non-interest bearing. Based on the assessment of the collectability of the accounts receivable as of March 31, 2013, the Company provided approximately US$3,650,000 allowance for doubtful debts, which were related to the accounts receivable of the Company’s internet advertising and TV advertising business segment with an aging over six months. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, no additional allowance for doubtful debts was provided.
 
7.  
Other receivables, net

   
March 31,
2013
   
December 31,
2012
 
   
US$(’000)
   
US$(’000)
 
   
(Unaudited)
       
             
Short-term loan made for marketing campaign
    2,388       2,375  
Short-term loans to unrelated entities
    478       475  
Term deposit interest receivable
    89       59  
Staff advances for normal business purpose
    173       194  
Overdue contract guarantee deposits
    420       158  
Allowance for doubtful debts
    (420 )     (158 )
Other receivables, net
    3,128       3,103  

Short-term loan for marketing campaign: for one of the major marketing campaigns, the Company made a marketing-related loan of RMB25,000,000 (approximately US$3,979,878) to a TV series of 36 episodes, called “Xiao Zhang Feng Yun.” This TV series was produced in commemoration of “The Republican Revolution of 1911” (the Chinese bourgeois democratic revolution led by Dr. Sun Yat-sen which overthrew the Qing Dynasty). By participating in this TV series, the Company’s logo will be shown during the credits at the end of each episode and also shown as a separate card during the closing before the credit screen. This TV series has been broadcasted on CCTV 8 and www.sina.com.cn since September 2011 and continues to sell its broadcasting rights to other provincial TV channels for additional exposure. For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company has collected an aggregate of RMB10,000,000 (approximately US$1,591,951) from the borrower. In accordance with the communication between the Company and the borrower, the Company has extended the term of this loan from December 31, 2012 to December 31, 2013, as this TV series is still selling its broadcasting rights to TV stations and other media and the Company has agreed a repayment schedule with the borrower, which is within one year. The Company will continue to assess the collectability of this loan and if an event occurs or circumstances change that could indicate that the collectability of this loan is remote, a full allowance of bad debts provision will be provided for the remaining outstanding balance of this loan.

For all advertising resources purchasing contracts signed by the Company with its resource providers, the Company is required to make contract guarantee deposits, which are either used to pay the actual contract amount of resources used in the last month of each contract period or to be refunded to the Company of the remaining balance upon expiration of the contract. Overdue contract guarantee deposits represented the portion of the contract guarantee deposits, which related advertising resources purchasing contracts had been completed as of each of the reporting dates. Based on the assessment of the collectability of these overdue contract guarantee deposits as of March 31, 2013, the Company provided approximately US$420,000 allowance for doubtful debts, which was related to the contract guarantee deposits of its TV advertising business segment. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, approximately US$260,000 allowance for doubtful debts was provided.
 
8.  
Prepayments and deposit to suppliers

   
March 31,
2013
   
December 31,
2012
 
   
US$(’000)
   
US$(’000)
 
   
(Unaudited)
       
             
Contract execution guarantees to TV advertisement and internet resources providers
    8,367       9,463  
Prepayments to TV advertisement and internet resources providers
    6,372       5,069  
Other deposits and prepayments
    83       64  
      14,822       14,596  
 
 
F-14

 
CHINANET ONLINE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
 
Contract execution guarantees to TV advertisement and internet resource providers are paid as contractual deposits to the Company’s resources and services providers.  These amounts will be used to offset the contact amount and service fee needed to be paid for the resources and services provided in the last month of each contract period or refunded to the Company upon expiration of the purchase contracts.
 
According to the contracts signed between the Company and its suppliers, the Company is normally required to pay the contract amount in advance.  These prepayments will be transferred to cost of sales when the related services are provided.
 
9.  
Due from related parties

   
March 31,
2013
   
December 31,
2012
 
   
US$(’000)
   
US$(’000)
 
   
(Unaudited)
       
             
Beijing Fengshangyinli Technology Co., Ltd.
    46       53  
Beijing Saimeiwei Food Equipment Technology Co., Ltd.
    134       87  
Beijing Telijie Century Environmental Technology Co., Ltd.
    80       70  
      260       210  
 
These related parties are directly or indirectly owned by Mr. Handong Cheng, Mr. Xuanfu Liu or Ms. Li Sun (acting as nominee for Mr. Zhige Zhang), the owners of the Company’s PRC VIEs, Business Opportunities Online and Beijing CNET Online before the Offshore Restructuring. The Company provides advertising services to these related parties in its normal course of business on the same terms as those provided to its unrelated advertising clients. Due from related parties represented the outstanding receivables for the advertising services that the Company provided to these related parties as of each of the reporting date.
 
10.  
Investment in and advance to equity investment affiliates

   
March 31,
2013
   
December 31,
2012
 
   
US$(’000)
   
US$(’000)
 
   
(Unaudited)
       
             
Investment in equity investment affiliates
    849       916  
Advance to equity investment affiliates
    43       43  
      892       959  
 
 
F-15

 
CHINANET ONLINE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
 
The following table summarizes the movement of the investment in and advance to equity investment affiliates for the three months ended March 31, 2013:
 
   
Shenzhen
Mingshan
   
Zhao Shang
Ke Hubei
   
Total
 
   
US$(’000)
   
US$(’000)
   
US$(’000)
 
                   
Balance as of December 31, 2012 (audited)
    492       467       959  
Share of losses in equity investment affiliates
    (26 )     (45 )     (71 )
Exchange translation adjustment
    2       2       4  
Balance as of March 31, 2013 (unaudited)
    468       424       892  
 
Shenzhen Mingshan:
 
Shenzhen Mingshan was incorporated on June 24, 2010 by one of the Company’s VIEs, Business Opportunities Online and three other individuals who were not affiliated with the Company. Shenzhen Mingshan was 51% owned by the Company and was a consolidated VIE of the Company from the date of incorporation through January 6, 2011. On January 6, 2011, an unaffiliated third party invested RMB15,000,000 (approximately US$2,387,927) into Shenzhen Mingshan in exchange for a 60% equity interest in Shenzhen Mingshan. The Company’s share of equity interest decreased from 51% to 20.4% accordingly. On December 19, 2012, as approved by the shareholders of Shenzhen Mingshan, Shenzhen Mingshan reduced its registered and paid-in capital from RMB25,000,000 (approximately US$3,979,878) to RMB22,000,000 (approximately US$3,502,292), resulted from a decrease of paid-in capital from three other noncontrolling shareholders, except Business Opportunity Online. As a result, the Company’s share of the equity interest in Shenzhen Mingshan increased from 20.4% to 23.18% and the Company continued to retain significant influence over Shenzhen Mingshan.
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company recognized its pro-rata shares of losses in Shenzhen Mingshan of approximately US$26,000 and US$83,000, respectively. These losses recognized were reflected in the caption of “Share of losses in equity investment affiliates” in the Company’s consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income with a corresponding decrease to the carrying value of the investment in Shenzhen Mingshan in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

Zhao Shang Ke Hubei:
 
Zhao Shang Ke Hubei was incorporated on April 18, 2011 by one of the Company’s VIEs, Business Opportunities Online Hubei and a co-founding individual who was not affiliated with the Company. Zhao Shang Ke Hubei was 51% owned by the Company and was a consolidated subsidiary of the Company from the date of incorporation through December 29, 2011. On December 29, 2011, two unaffiliated third party investors invested RMB10,000,000 (approximately US$1,591,951) in cash into Zhao Shang Ke Hubei in exchange for an aggregate 50% equity interest in Zhao Shang Ke Hubei. The Company’s share of equity interest decreased from 51% to 25.5% accordingly.
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company recognized its pro-rata share of losses in Zhao Shang Ke Hubei of approximately US$45,000 and US$110,000, respectively, which was reflected in the caption of “Share of losses in equity investment affiliates” in the Company’s consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income with a corresponding decrease to the carrying value of the investment in Zhao Shang Ke Hubei in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
 
 
F-16

 
CHINANET ONLINE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
 
11.  
Property and equipment, net

   
March 31,
2013
   
December 31,
2012
 
   
US$(’000)
   
US$(’000)
 
   
(Unaudited)
       
             
Vehicles
    930       925  
Office equipment
    1,500       1,481  
Electronic devices
    1,212       1,205  
Property and equipment, cost
    3,642       3,611  
Less: accumulated depreciation
    (2,141 )     (1,975 )
Property and equipment, net
    1,501       1,636  
 
Depreciation expenses in the aggregate for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 were approximately US$155,000 and $148,000, respectively.
 
12.  
Intangible assets, net
 
   
March 31,
2013
   
December 31,
2012
 
   
US$(’000)
   
US$(’000)
 
   
(Unaudited)
       
Intangible assets not subject to amortization:
           
Trade name
    311       309  
Domain name
    1,538       1,529  
Intangible assets subject to amortization:
               
Contract backlog
    197       196  
Customer relationship
    3,453       3,434  
Non-compete agreements
    1,366       1,358  
Software technologies
    326       325  
Cloud-computing based software platforms
    1,478       1,470  
Other computer software
    76       76  
Intangible assets, cost
    8,745       8,697  
Less: accumulated amortization
    (1,801 )     (1,530 )
Intangible assets, net
    6,944       7,167  
 
Amortization expenses in aggregate for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 were approximately US$263,000 and US$262,000, respectively.
 
Based on the carrying value of the finite-lived intangible assets recorded as of March 31, 2013, and assuming no subsequent impairment of the underlying intangible assets, the estimated future amortization expenses is approximately US$771,000 for the nine months ended December 31, 2013, approximately US$1,027,000 per year through December 31, 2015, approximately US$988,000 for the year ended December 31, 2016 and approximately US$498,000 for the year ended December 31, 2017.
 
13.  
Goodwill

   
Amount
 
   
US$(’000)
 
       
Balance as of December 31, 2012 (audited)
    11,083  
Exchange translation adjustment
    61  
Balance as of March 31, 2013 (unaudited)
    11,144  
 
 
F-17

 
CHINANET ONLINE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
 
14.  
Accrued payroll and other accruals

   
March 31,
2013
   
December 31,
2012
 
   
US$(’000)
   
US$(’000)
 
   
(Unaudited)
       
             
Accrued payroll and staff welfare
    460       538  
Accrued operating expenses
    417       366  
      877       904  
 
15.  
Payable for acquisition

   
March 31,
2013
   
December 31,
2012
 
   
US$(’000)
   
US$(’000)
 
   
(Unaudited)
       
             
Sou Yi Lian Mei
    -       1,266  

Payable for acquisition as of December 31, 2012 represented the outstanding balance payment of approximately RMB8.0 million for the acquisition of the 49% equity interest of Sou Yi Lian Mei that was consummated in September 2012, which was paid to the former shareholder of Sou Yi Lian Mei during the three months ended March 31, 2013.
 
16.  
Taxation
 
1)  
Income tax
 
The entities within the Company file separate tax returns in the respective tax jurisdictions in which they operate.
 
i). The Company is incorporated in the state of Nevada. Under the current law of Nevada, the Company is not subject to state corporate income tax. Following the Share Exchange, the Company became a holding company and does not conduct any substantial operations of its own. No provision for federal corporate income tax has been made in the financial statements as the Company has no assessable profits for the three months ended March 31, 2013, or any prior periods. The Company does not provide for U.S. taxes or foreign withholding taxes on undistributed earnings from its non-U.S. subsidiaries because such earnings are intended to be reinvested indefinitely. If undistributed earnings were distributed, foreign tax credits could become available under current law to reduce the resulting U.S. income tax liability.
 
ii). China Net BVI was incorporated in the British Virgin Islands (“BVI”).  Under the current law of the BVI, China Net BVI is not subject to tax on income or capital gains. Additionally, upon payments of dividends by China Net BVI to its shareholders, no BVI withholding tax will be imposed.
 
iii). China Net HK was incorporated in Hong Kong and does not conduct any substantial operations of its own. No provision for Hong Kong profits tax has been made in the financial statements as China Net HK has no assessable profits for the three months ended March 31, 2013 or any prior periods. Additionally, upon payments of dividends by China Net HK to its shareholders, no Hong Kong withholding tax will be imposed.
 
iv).  The Company’s PRC operating subsidiary and VIEs, being incorporated in the PRC, are governed by the income tax law of the PRC and is subject to PRC enterprise income tax (“EIT”). The EIT rate of PRC is 25%, which applies to both domestic and foreign invested enterprises.
 
l
Rise King WFOE is a software company qualified by the related PRC governmental authorities and was approved by the local tax authorities of Beijing, the PRC, to be entitled to a two-year EIT exemption from its first profitable year and a 50% reduction of its applicable EIT rate, which is 25% to 12.5% of its taxable income for the succeeding three years. Rise King WFOE had a net loss for the year ended December 31, 2008 and its first profitable year was fiscal year 2009 which has been verified by the local tax bureau by accepting the application filed by the Company. Therefore, it was approved to be entitled to a two-year EIT exemption for fiscal year 2009 through fiscal year 2010 and a 50% reduction of its applicable EIT rate which is 25% to 12.5% for fiscal year 2011 through fiscal year 2013. Therefore, for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, the applicable income tax rate for Rise King WFOE was both 12.5%. After fiscal year 2013, the applicable income tax rate for Rise King WFOE will be 25% under the current EIT law of PRC.
 
F-18

 
CHINANET ONLINE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
 
l
Business Opportunity Online was approved by the related PRC governmental authorities as a High and New Technology Enterprise under the current EIT law, and was approved by the local tax authorities of Beijing, the PRC, to be entitled to a favorable statutory tax rate of 15%. Business Opportunity Online’s High and New Technology Enterprise certificate would expire on September 4, 2012. On July 9, 2012, Business Opportunity Online passed the administrative review conducted by the related PRC governmental authorities for obtaining the renewed certificate, which enabled it to continue to enjoy the 15% preferential income tax rate as a High and New Technology Enterprise. Therefore, for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, the applicable income tax rate of Business Opportunity Online was both 15%.
 
l
Business Opportunity Online Hubei was incorporated in Xiaotian Industrial Park of Xiaogan Economic Development Zone in Xiaogan City, Hubei province of the PRC in 2011. On June 15, 2012, Business Opportunity Online Hubei was approved by the related PRC governmental authorities to be qualified as a software company and was approved by the local tax authorities of Xiaogan City, Hubei province, the PRC, to be entitled to a two-year EIT exemption for fiscal year 2012 and 2013, and a 50% reduction of its applicable EIT rate which is 25% to 12.5% of its taxable income for the succeeding three years until December 31, 2016. Therefore, for the three months ended March 31, 2013, the applicable income tax rate of Business Opportunity Online Hubei is nil%. For the three months ended March 31, 2012, Business Opportunity Online Hubei was still in the process of applying its software company qualification. Therefore, Business Opportunity Online Hubei accrued its income tax expense for the period using a 25% income tax rate, which was subsequently reversed upon being qualified as a software company in June 2012.
 
l
The applicable income tax rate for other PRC operating entities of the Company is 25% for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012.
 
l
The current EIT law also imposed a 10% withholding income tax for dividends distributed by a foreign invested enterprise to its immediate holding company outside China. A lower withholding tax rate will be applied if there is a tax treaty arrangement between mainland China and the jurisdiction of the foreign holding company. Holding companies in Hong Kong, for example, will be subject to a 5% rate. Rise King WFOE is invested by immediate holding company in Hong Kong and will be entitled to the 5% preferential withholding tax rate upon distribution of the dividends to its immediate holding company.
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, all of the preferential income tax treatments enjoyed by the Company’s PRC subsidiary and VIEs were based on the current applicable laws and regulations of the PRC and approved by the related government regulatory authorities and local tax authorities where the Company’s respective PRC subsidiary and VIEs operate in. Rise King WFOE, Business Opportunity Online and Business Opportunity Online Hubei were most affected by these preferential income tax treatments within the structure of the Company. The preferential income tax treatments are subject to change in accordance with the PRC government economic development policies and regulations. These preferential income tax treatments are primarily determined by the regulation and policies of the PRC government in the context of the overall economic policy and strategy. As a result, the uncertainty of theses preferential income tax treatments are subject to, but not limited to, the PRC government policy on supporting any specific industry’s development under the outlook and strategy of overall macroeconomic development.
 
2)  
Turnover taxes and the relevant surcharges
 
From January 1, 2012 through August 31, 2012 (for the Company’s PRC operating entities incorporated in Beijing) or October 31, 2012 (for the Company’s PRC operating entities incorporated in Fujian province) or November 30, 2012 (for the Company’s PRC operating entities incorporated in Hubei province), revenue from advertising services is subject to 5.6%-5.7% business tax (including surcharges), depending on which tax jurisdiction the Company’s PRC operating subsidiary and VIE operate in, and 3% cultural industry development surcharge of the net service income after deducting amount paid to ending media promulgators. Revenue from internet technical services was subjected to 5.6%-5.7% business tax (including surcharges), depending on which tax jurisdiction the Company’s PRC operating subsidiary and VIE operate in.
 
 
F-19

 
CHINANET ONLINE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
 
On July 31, 2012, the Ministry of Finance (the “MOF”) and the State Administration of Taxation (the “SAT”) of the PRC jointly promulgated a “Circular on Launching the Pilot Collection of Value Added Tax in lieu of Business Tax in Transportation and Certain Areas of Modern Services Industries in Eight Provinces and Municipalities Including Beijing” (“Circular Cai Shui [2012] No. 71”), pursuant to which a business tax to value added tax (the “VAT”) transformation pilot program was launched. The implementation date for Beijing is September 1, 2012, for Fujian province, November 1, 2012, and for Hubei province, December 1, 2012. Other circulars such as “Circular on Carrying out the Pilot Collection of Value Added Tax in Lieu of Business Tax to be imposed on Transportation Industry and Part of Modern Services Industry in Shanghai” (“Circular Cai Shui [2011] No. 111”) jointly promulgated by the MOF and the SAT on November 16, 2011 which contains detailed implementation measures for such VAT pilot program apply to the locations including Beijing, Fujian province and Hubei province. In accordance with the Circular Cai Shui [2011] No. 111, the VAT rate for provision of modern services (other than lease of corporeal movables) is 6% and for small scale taxpayer, 3%. Therefore, beginning on September 1, 2012, for the Company’s PRC operating subsidiary and VIEs incorporated in Beijing, November 1, 2012, for the Company’s PRC operating VIEs incorporated in Fujian province, and December 1, 2012, for the Company’s PRC operating VIEs incorporated in Hubei province, service revenues are subject to VAT at a rate of 6%, after deducting the VAT paid for the services purchased from suppliers, or at a rate of 3% without any deduction of VAT paid for the services purchased from suppliers. The surcharges of the VAT is 12%-14% of the VAT, depending on which tax jurisdiction the Company’s PRC operating subsidiary and VIE operate in.
 
Business tax is a price including tax in the PRC turnover tax system, which is calculated based on the revenue inclusive of turnover tax. Therefore, revenues achieved by the Company which are subject to business tax are presented on a gross basis inclusive of business tax, and on the other hand, business tax was included in cost of revenues upon recognition of services revenues. Contrastively, VAT is a price excluding tax in the PRC turnover tax system, which is calculated based on the revenue exclusive of turnover tax. Therefore, revenues achieved by the Company which are subject to VAT is presented on a net basis exclusive of VAT.
 
As of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, taxes payable consists of:
 
   
March 31,
2013
   
December 31,
2012
 
   
US$(’000)
   
US$(’000)
 
   
(Unaudited)
       
             
Turnover tax and surcharge payable
    2,656       2,609  
Enterprise income tax payable
    4,190       4,074  
      6,846       6,683  
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company’s income tax benefit / (expense) consisted of:
 
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
US$(’000)
   
US$(’000)
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
(Unaudited)
 
             
Current-PRC
    (99 )     (617 )
Deferred-PRC
    185       381  
      86       (236 )
 
 
F-20

 
CHINANET ONLINE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
 
The Company’s deferred tax liabilities at March 31, 2013 and changes for the three months then ended were as follows:
 
   
Amount
 
   
US$(’000)
 
       
Balance as of December 31, 2012 (audited)
    1,689  
Reversal during the period
    (55 )
Exchange  translation adjustment
    9  
Balance as of March 31, 2013 (unaudited)
    1,643  
 
Deferred tax liabilities arose on the recognition of the identifiable intangible assets acquired from acquisition transactions and deconsolidation of subsidiaries consummated in 2011. Reversal for the three months ended March 31, 2013 of approximately US$55,000 was due to amortization of the acquired intangible assets.
 
The Company’s deferred tax assets at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were as follows:

   
March 31,
2013
   
December 31,
2012
 
   
US$(’000)
   
US$(’000)
 
   
(Unaudited)
       
             
Tax effect of net operating losses carried forward
    3,110       2,929  
Bad debts provision
    895       824  
Valuation allowance
    (3,169 )     (3,051 )
      836       702  

   
March 31,
2013
   
December 31,
2012
 
   
US$(’000)
   
US$(’000)
 
   
(Unaudited)
       
             
Deferred tax assets reclassified as current asset
    42       50  
Deferred tax assets reclassified as non-current asset
    794       652  
      836       702  

The net operating losses carried forward incurred by the Company (excluding its PRC operating subsidiary and VIEs) were approximately US$6,499,000 and US$6,363,000 at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, which loss carry forwards gradually expire over time, the last of which expires in 2033. A full valuation allowance has been recorded because it is considered more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized through sufficient future earnings of the entity to which the operating losses relate.

The net operating losses carried forward (excluding bad debts provision and non-deductible expenses) incurred by the Company’s PRC subsidiary and VIEs were approximately US$4,959,000 and US$4,093,000 at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, which loss carry forwards gradually expire over time, the last of which expires in 2018. The related deferred tax assets was calculated based on the respective net operating losses incurred by each of the PRC subsidiary and VIEs and the respective corresponding enacted tax rate that will be in effect in the period in which the differences are expected to reverse. No valuation allowance has been recorded because it is considered more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized through sufficient future earnings of the entities to which the operating losses relate.

 
F-21

 
CHINANET ONLINE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
 
As of March 31, 2013, the bad debts provision recorded by the Company’s PRC subsidiary and VIEs were approximately US$4,070,000. A full valuation allowance has been recorded because it is considered more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized through bad debts verification by the local tax authorities where the PRC subsidiary and VIEs operate in.

The Company’s non-current portion of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities were attributable to different tax-paying components of the entity, which were under different tax jurisdictions. Therefore, in accordance with ASC Topic 740 “Income taxes”, the non-current portion of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities were presented separately in the Company’s balance sheets.

The tax authority of the PRC government conducts periodic and ad hoc tax filing reviews on business enterprises operating in the PRC after those enterprises had completed their relevant tax filings, hence the Company’s tax filings may not be finalized. It is therefore uncertain as to whether the PRC tax authority may take different views about the Company’s tax filings which may lead to additional tax liabilities.
 
17.  
Long-term borrowing from director


   
March 31,
2013
   
December 31,
2012
 
   
US$(’000)
   
US$(’000)
 
   
(Unaudited)
       
             
Long-term borrowing from director
    139       139  
 
Long-term borrowing from director is a non-interest bearing loan from a director of the Company relating to the original paid-in capital contribution in the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary Rise King WFOE.
 
18.  
Warrants
 
The Company issued warrants in its August 2009 Financing. Warrants issued and outstanding at March 31, 2013 and changes during the three months then ended are as follows:
 
   
Warrants Outstanding
   
Warrants Exercisable
 
   
Number of
underlying
shares
   
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
   
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (years)
   
Number of
underlying
shares
   
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
   
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (years)
 
Balance, December 31, 2012 (audited)
    2,363,456     $ 3.52       1.63       2,363,456     $ 3.52       1.63  
Granted / Vested
    -                       -                  
Forfeited
    -                       -                  
Exercised
    -                       -                  
Balance, March 31, 2013 (unaudited)
    2,363,456     $ 3.52       1.39       2,363,456     $ 3.52       1.39  
 
19.  
Restricted Net Assets

As most of the Company’s operations are conducted through its PRC subsidiary and VIEs, the Company’s ability to pay dividends is primarily dependent on receiving distributions of funds from its PRC subsidiary and VIEs. Relevant PRC statutory laws and regulations permit payments of dividends by its PRC subsidiary and VIEs only out of their retained earnings, if any, as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations and after it has met the PRC requirements for appropriation to statutory reserves. Paid in capital of the PRC subsidiary and VIEs included in the Company’s consolidated net assets are also non-distributable for dividend purposes.

 
F-22

 
CHINANET ONLINE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
 
In accordance with the PRC regulations on Enterprises with Foreign Investment, a WFOE established in the PRC is required to provide certain statutory reserves, namely general reserve fund, the enterprise expansion fund and staff welfare and bonus fund which are appropriated from net profit as reported in the enterprise’s PRC statutory accounts. A WFOE is required to allocate at least 10% of its annual after-tax profit to the general reserve until such reserve has reached 50% of its registered capital based on the enterprise’s PRC statutory accounts. Appropriations to the enterprise expansion fund and staff welfare and bonus fund are at the discretion of the board of directors. The aforementioned reserves can only be used for specific purposes and are not distributable as cash dividends. Rise King WFOE is subject to the above mandated restrictions on distributable profits. Additionally, in accordance with the Company Law of the PRC, a domestic enterprise is required to provide a statutory common reserve of at least 10% of its annual after-tax profit until such reserve has reached 50% of its registered capital based on the enterprise’s PRC statutory accounts. A domestic enterprise is also required to provide for a discretionary surplus reserve, at the discretion of the board of directors. The aforementioned reserves can only be used for specific purposes and are not distributable as cash dividends. All of the Company’s PRC VIEs are subject to the above mandated restrictions on distributable profits.

As a result of these PRC laws and regulations, the Company’s PRC subsidiary and VIEs are restricted in their ability to transfer a portion of their net assets to the Company. As of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, net assets restricted in the aggregate, which include paid-in capital and statutory reserve funds of the Company’s PRC subsidiary and VIEs that are included in the Company’s consolidated net assets, was approximately US$5.5 million.

The current PRC Enterprise Income Tax (“EIT”) Law also imposed a 10% withholding income tax for dividends distributed by a foreign invested enterprise to its immediate holding company outside China. A lower withholding tax rate will be applied if there is a tax treaty arrangement between mainland China and the jurisdiction of the foreign holding company. Holding companies in Hong Kong, for example, will be subject to a 5% rate. Rise King WFOE is invested by its immediate holding company in Hong Kong and will be entitled to the 5% preferential withholding tax rate upon distribution of the dividends to its immediate holding company.

The ability of the Company’s PRC subsidiary and VIEs to make dividends and other payments to the Company may also be restricted by changes in applicable foreign exchange and other laws and regulations.

Foreign currency exchange regulation in China is primarily governed by the following rules:

 
l
Foreign Exchange Administration Rules (1996), as amended in August 2008, or the Exchange Rules;
 
l
Administration Rules of the Settlement, Sale and Payment of Foreign Exchange (1996), or the Administration Rules.

Currently, under the Administration Rules, Renminbi is freely convertible for current account items, including the distribution of dividends, interest payments, trade and service related foreign exchange transactions, but not for capital account items, such as direct investments, loans, repatriation of investments and investments in securities outside of China, unless the prior approval of the State Administration of Foerign Exchange (the “SAFE”) is obtained and prior registration with the SAFE is made. Foreign-invested enterprises like Rise King WFOE that need foreign exchange for the distribution of profits to its shareholders may effect payment from their foreign exchange accounts or purchase and pay foreign exchange rates at the designated foreign exchange banks to their foreign shareholders by producing board resolutions for such profit distribution. Based on their needs, foreign-invested enterprises are permitted to open foreign exchange settlement accounts for current account receipts and payments of foreign exchange along with specialized accounts for capital account receipts and payments of foreign exchange at certain designated foreign exchange banks.

Although the current Exchange Rules allow the convertibility of Chinese Renminbi into foreign currency for current account items, conversion of Chinese Renminbi into foreign exchange for capital items, such as foreign direct investment, loans or securities, requires the approval of SAFE, which is under the authority of the People’s Bank of China. These approvals, however, do not guarantee the availability of foreign currency conversion. The Company cannot be sure that it will be able to obtain all required conversion approvals for its operations or the Chinese regulatory authorities will not impose greater restrictions on the convertibility of Chinese Renminbi in the future. Currently, most of the Company’s retained earnings are generated in Renminbi. Any future restrictions on currency exchanges may limit the Company’s ability to use its retained earnings generated in Renminbi to make dividends or other payments in U.S. dollars or fund possible business activities outside China.

 
F-23

 
CHINANET ONLINE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
 
As of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, there was approximately US$38.5 million and US$38.1 million retained earnings in the aggregate, respectively, which was generated by the Company’s PRC subsidiary and VIEs in Renminbi included in the Company’s consolidated net assets, aside from US$2.5 million and US$2.4 million statutory reserve funds as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, that may be affected by increased restrictions on currency exchanges in the future and accordingly may further limit the Company’s PRC subsidiary’s and VIEs’ ability to make dividends or other payments in U.S. dollars to the Company, in addition to the approximately US$5.5 million restricted net assets as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, as discussed above.
 
20.  
Related party transactions
 
Revenue from related parties:
 
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
US$(’000)
   
US$(’000)
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
(Unaudited)
 
             
-Beijing Saimeiwei Food Equipment Technology Co., Ltd,
    44       14  
-Beijing Fengshangyinli Technology Co., Ltd.
    2       1  
-Beijing Telijie Century Environmental Technology Co., Ltd.
    13       -  
      59       15  
 
21.
Employee defined contribution plan
 
Full time employees of the Company in the PRC participate in a government mandated defined contribution plan, pursuant to which certain pension benefits, medical care, employee housing fund and other welfare benefits are provided to employees. Chinese labor regulations require that the PRC subsidiaries of the Company make contributions to the government for these benefits based on certain percentages of the employees’ salaries. The employee benefits were expensed as incurred. The Company has no legal obligation for the benefits beyond the contributions made. The total amounts for such employee benefits were approximately US$120,000 and US$104,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
22.  
Concentration of risk
 
Credit risk
 
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, other receivables and prepayments and deposits to suppliers. As of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, substantially all of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents were held by major financial institutions located in Mainland China and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the PRC, which management believes are of high credit quality.
 
Risk arising from operations in foreign countries
 
All of the Company’s operations are conducted within the PRC. The Company’s operations in the PRC are subject to various political, economic, and other risks and uncertainties inherent in the PRC. Among other risks, the Company’s operations in the PRC are subject to the risks of restrictions on transfer of funds, changing taxation policies, foreign exchange restrictions; and political conditions and governmental regulations.
 
Currency convertibility risk
 
Significant part of the Company’s businesses is transacted in RMB, which is not freely convertible into foreign currencies. All foreign exchange transactions take place either through the People’s Bank of China or other banks authorized to buy and sell foreign currencies at the exchange rates quoted by the People’s Bank of China. Approval of foreign currency payments by the People’s Bank of China or other regulatory institutions requires submitting a payment application form together with suppliers’ invoices and signed contracts. These exchange control measures imposed by the PRC government authorities may restrict the ability of the Company’s PRC subsidiary and VIEs to transfer its net assets, which to the Company through loans, advances or cash dividends.
 
 
F-24

 
CHINANET ONLINE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
 
Concentration of customers
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2013, one customer accounted for 10% of the Company’s sales. For the three months ended March 31, 2012, three customers accounted for 25%, 20% and 17% of the Company’s sales, respectively. Except for the aforementioned customer, there was no other single customer who accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s sales for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
As of March 31, 2013, two customers both accounted for 11% of the Company’s accounts receivables, individually. As of December 31, 2012, one customer accounted for 10% of the Company’s accounts receivables. Except for the aforementioned customer, there was no other single customer who accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s accounts receivable as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
 
Concentration of suppliers
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2013, two suppliers individually accounted for 47% and 24% of the Company’s cost of sales, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2012, two suppliers individually accounted for 65% and 17% of the Company’s cost of sales, respectively. Except for the afore-mentioned, there was no other single supplier who accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s cost of sales for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
23.  
Commitments
 
The following table sets forth the Company’s operating lease commitment as of March 31, 2013:
 
   
Office Rental
 
   
US$(’000)
 
   
(Unaudited)
 
Nine months ending December 31,
     
-2013
    369  
Year ending December 31,
       
-2014
    295  
-2015
    295  
-2016
    74  
Total
    1,033  
 
24.  
Segment reporting
 
The Company follows ASC Topic 280 “Segment Reporting”, which requires that companies disclose segment data based on how management makes decisions about allocating resources to segments and evaluating their performance. Reportable operating segments include components of an entity about which separate financial information is available and which operating results are regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess each operating segment’s performance.
 
 
F-25

 
CHINANET ONLINE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 (Unaudited)

   
 
 
Internet
Ad.
   
 
 
TV
Ad.
   
 
 
Bank
kiosk
   
Brand
management
and sales
channel
building
   
 
 
 
Others
   
Inter-
segment and
reconciling
item
   
 
 
 
Total
 
   
US$
(‘000)
   
US$
(‘000)
   
US$
(‘000)
   
US$
(‘000)
   
US$
(‘000)
   
US$
(‘000)
   
US$
(‘000)
 
                                           
Revenue
    3,811       2,638       69       531       -       -       7,049  
Cost of sales
    1,644       2,500       -       323       -       -       4,467  
Total operating expenses
    1,583       382       53       244       377 *     -       2,639  
Depreciation and amortization expense included in total operating expenses
    257       12       53       54       42       -       418  
Operating income (loss)
    584       (244 )     16       (36 )     (377 )     -       (57 )
                                                         
Share of  losses  in equity investment affiliates
    -       -       -       (45 )     (26 )     -       (71 )
Expenditure for long-term assets
    6       -       -       -       5       -       11  
Net income (loss)
    665       (259 )     16       (72 )     (361 )     -       (11 )
Total assets – March 31, 2013
    38,079       16,437       547       7,256       15,895       (21,554 )     56,660  

*Including approximate US$11,000 share-based compensation expenses.
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 (Unaudited)

   
 
 
Internet
Ad.
   
 
 
TV
Ad.
   
 
 
Bank
kiosk
   
Brand
management
and sales
channel
building
   
 
 
 
Others
   
Inter-
segment and
reconciling
item
   
 
 
 
Total
 
   
US$
(‘000)
   
US$
(‘000)
   
US$
(‘000)
   
US$
(‘000)
   
US$
(‘000)
   
US$
(‘000)
   
US$
(‘000)
 
                                           
Revenue
    4,345       10,369       71       150       -       -       14,935  
Cost of sales
    2,092       10,344       6       96       -       -       12,538  
Total operating expenses
    1,514       160       52       70       467 *     -       2,263  
Depreciation and amortization expense included in total operating expenses
    258       17       52       54       28       -       409  
Operating income (loss)
    739       (135 )     13       (16 )     (467 )     -       134  
                                                         
Share of losses in equity investment affiliates
    -       -       -       (110 )     (83 )     -       (193 )
Expenditure for long-term assets
    9       -       -       -       -       -       9  
Net income (loss)
    432       (112 )     13       (121 )     (503 )     -       (291 )
Total assets – March 31, 2012
    42,061       17,206       753       5,302       16,389       (22,557 )     59,154  

*Including approximate US$16,833 share-based compensation expenses.
 
25.  
Earnings per share
 
Basic and diluted earnings per share for each of the periods presented are calculated as follows (All amounts, except number of shares and per share data, are presented in thousands of US dollars):
 
 
F-26

 
CHINANET ONLINE HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
 
   
Three months ended March 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
US$(’000)
   
US$(’000)
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
(Unaudited)
 
             
Net income/(loss) attributable to ChinaNet Online Holdings, Inc. (numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share)
  $  30     $ (366 )
                 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - Basic
    22,186,540       22,182,884  
Effect of diluted securities:
               
Warrants and options
    -       -  
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding -Diluted
    22,186,540       22,182,884  
                 
Earnings/(loss) per share-Basic
  $ 0.00     $ (0.02 )
Earnings/(loss) per share-Diluted
  $ 0.00     $ (0.02 )
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2013, the diluted earnings per share calculation did not include the warrants and options to purchase up to 2,363,456 and 939,440 shares of common stock, respectively, because their effect was anti-dilutive.
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2012 the diluted earnings per share calculation did not include the warrants and options to purchase up to 3,005,456 and 939,440 shares of common stock, respectively, because their effect was anti-dilutive.
 
26.  
Share-based compensation expenses

The Company engaged MZHCI, LLP (“MZ-HCI”) to provide investor relations services for a 24-month period commencing on January 1, 2012. As additional compensation, the Company granted 80,000 restricted shares of the Company’s common stock to MZ-HCI. These shares were valued at $1.05 per share, the closing bid price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The related compensation expenses were amortized over the requisite service period. Total compensation expenses recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 was both US$10,500.

On November 30, 2009, the Company granted 5-year options to each of its three independent directors, Mr. Douglas MacLellan, Mr. Mototaka Watanabe and Mr. Zhiqing Chen, to purchase in the aggregate 54,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of US$5.00 per share, in consideration of their services to the Company. These options vest quarterly at the end of each 3-month period, in equal installments over the 24-month period from the date of grant. Unexercised options will expire on November 29, 2014.

On November 30, 2011, under the Company’s 2011 Omnibus Securities and Incentive Plan, the Company issued its management, employees and directors in the aggregate of 885,440 options to purchase up the same number of the company’s common stock at an exercise price of US$1.20 per share. These options were fully vested and exercisable upon issuance and subject to forfeiture upon an employee's cessation of employment at the discretion of the Company. Unexercised options will expire on November 29, 2021.

Options issued and outstanding at March 31, 2013 and their movements during the three months then ended are as follows:
 
   
Option Outstanding
   
Option Exercisable
 
   
Number of
underlying
shares
   
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (Years)
   
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
   
Number of
underlying
shares
   
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (Years)
   
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
                                     
Balance, December 31, 2012 (audited)
    939,440       8.51     $ 1.42       939,440       8.51     $ 1.42  
Granted/Vested
    -                       -                  
Forfeited
    -                       -                  
Exercised
    -                       -                  
Balance, March 31, 2013 (unaudited)
    939,440       8.26     $ 1.42       939,440       8.26     $ 1.42  
 
The aggregate unrecognized share-based compensation expenses as of March 31, 2013 and 2012 is approximately US$32,000 and US$74,000, respectively.
 
F-27

 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
Forward-Looking Statements
 
You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this interim report. Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The following discussion and analysis 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. Our business and financial performance are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. 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 under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.
 
Overview
 
Our company (formerly known as Emazing Interactive, Inc.) was incorporated in the State of Texas in April 2006 and re-domiciled to become a Nevada corporation in October 2006. From the date of our company’s incorporation until June 26, 2009, when our company consummated the Share Exchange (as defined below), our company’s activities were primarily concentrated in web server access and company branding in hosting web based e-games.
 
On June 26, 2009, our company entered into a Share Exchange Agreement (the “Exchange Agreement”), with (i) China Net Online Media Group Limited, a company organized under the laws of British Virgin Islands (“China Net BVI”), (ii) China Net BVI’s shareholders, Allglad Limited, a British Virgin Islands company (“Allglad”), Growgain Limited, a British Virgin Islands company (“Growgain”), Rise King Investments Limited, a British Virgin Islands company (“Rise King BVI”), Star (China) Holdings Limited, a British Virgin Islands company (“Star”), Surplus Elegant Investment Limited, a British Virgin Islands company (“Surplus”), Clear Jolly Holdings Limited, a British Virgin Islands company (“Clear” and together with Allglad, Growgain, Rise King BVI, Star and Surplus, the “China Net BVI Shareholders”), who together owned shares constituting 100% of the issued and outstanding ordinary shares of China Net BVI (the “China Net BVI Shares”) and (iii) G. Edward Hancock, our principal stockholder at such time. Pursuant to the terms of the Exchange Agreement, the China Net BVI Shareholders transferred to us all of the China Net BVI Shares in exchange for the issuance of 13,790,800 shares (the “Exchange Shares”) in the aggregate of our common stock (the “Share Exchange”). As a result of the Share Exchange, China Net BVI became our wholly owned subsidiary and we are now a holding company which, through certain contractual arrangements with operating companies in the People’s Republic of China (the “PRC”), is engaged in providing advertising, marketing, communication and brand management and sales channel building services to small and medium companies in China.
 
Our wholly owned subsidiary, China Net BVI, was incorporated in the British Virgin Islands on August 13, 2007. On April 11, 2008, China Net BVI became the parent holding company of a group of companies comprised of CNET Online Technology Limited, a Hong Kong company (“China Net HK”), which established, and is the parent company of, Rise King Century Technology Development (Beijing) Co., Ltd., a wholly foreign-owned enterprise (“WFOE”) established in the PRC (“Rise King WFOE”). We refer to the transactions that resulted in China Net BVI becoming an indirect parent company of Rise King WFOE as the “Offshore Restructuring.”
 
PRC regulations prohibit direct foreign ownership of business entities providing internet content, or ICP services in the PRC, and restrict foreign ownership of business entities engaging in the advertising business. In October 2008, a series of contractual arrangements (the “Contractual Agreements” or the “VIE Agreements) were entered between Rise King WFOE and Business Opportunity Online (Beijing) Network Technology Co., Ltd. (“Business Opportunity Online”), Beijing CNET Online Advertising Co., Ltd. (“Beijing CNET Online”) (collectively the “PRC Operating Entities”) and its common individual owners (the “PRC Shareholders” or the “Control Group”). The Contractual Agreements allowed China Net BVI through Rise King WFOE to, among other things, secure significant rights to influence the PRC Operating Entities’ business operations, policies and management, approve all matters requiring shareholder approval, and receive 100% of the income earned by the PRC Operating Entities. In return, Rise King WFOE provides consulting services to the PRC Operating Entities. In addition, to ensure that the PRC Operating Entities and the PRC Shareholders perform their obligations under the Contractual Arrangements, the PRC Shareholders have pledged all of their equity interests in the PRC Operating Entities to Rise King WFOE. They have also entered into an option agreement with Rise King WFOE which provides that at such time as when the current restrictions under PRC law on foreign ownership of Chinese companies engaging in the Internet content, information services or advertising business in China are lifted, Rise King WFOE may exercise its option to purchase the equity interests in the PRC Operating Entities directly.
 
 
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Pursuant to the Contractual Agreements, all of the equity owners’ rights and obligations of the VIEs were assigned to Rise King WFOE, which resulted in the equity owners lacking the ability to make decisions that have a significant effect on the VIEs, Rise King WFOE’s ability to extract the profits from the operation of the VIEs and assume the residual benefits of the VIEs. Due to the fact that Rise King WFOE and its indirect parent are the sole interest holders of the VIEs, we included the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of the VIEs in our consolidated financial statements, which is consistent with the provisions of FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 810, “Consolidation” subtopic 10.
 
As of the date of the Share Exchange, through a series of contractual agreements, we operate our business in China primarily through Business Opportunity Online and Beijing CNET Online. Beijing CNET Online owns 51% of Shanghai Borongdingsi Computer Technology Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai Borongdingsi”). Business Opportunity Online, Beijing CNET Online and Shanghai Borongdingsi, were incorporated on December 8, 2004, January 27, 2003 and August 3, 2005, respectively.
 
Shanghai Borongdingsi is 51% owned by Beijing CNET Online. Beijing CNET Online and Shanghai Borongdingsi entered into a cooperation agreement in June 2008, followed up with a supplementary agreement in December 2008, to conduct a bank kiosk advertisement business. The business is based on a bank kiosk cooperation agreement between Shanghai Borongdingsi and Henan provincial branch of China Construction Bank which allows Shanghai Borongdingsi or its designated party to conduct in-door advertisement business within the business outlets throughout Henan Province. The bank kiosk cooperation agreement has a term of eight years beginning in August 2008. However, Shanghai Borongdingsi was not able to conduct the advertisement business as a stand-alone business due to the lack of an advertisement business license and supporting financial resources. Pursuant to the aforementioned cooperation agreements, Beijing CNET Online committed to purchase equipment and to provide working capital, technical and other related support to Shanghai Borongdingsi. Beijing CNET Online owns the equipment used in the kiosk business, is entitled to sign contracts in its name on behalf of the business, and holds the right to collect the advertisement revenue generated from the bank kiosk business exclusively until it recovers the cost of purchasing the equipment. Thereafter, Beijing CNET Online has agreed to distribute 49% of the net profit generated from the bank kiosk advertising business, if any, to the minority shareholders of Shanghai Borongdingsi.
 
On June 24, 2010, one of our VIEs, Business Opportunity Online, together with three other individuals, who were not affiliated with the Company, formed a new company, Shenzhen City Mingshan Network Technology Co., Ltd. (“Shenzhen Mingshan”). Shenzhen Mingshan is 51% owned by Business Opportunity Online and 49% owned collectively by the other three individuals. Shenzhen Mingshan is primarily engaged in developing and designing internet based software, online games and the related operating websites and providing related internet and information technology services necessary to operate such games and websites. On January 6, 2011, as approved by the shareholders of Shenzhen Mingshan, an unaffiliated third party invested RMB15,000,000 (approximately US$2,387,927) into Shenzhen Mingshan in exchange for a 60% equity interest in Shenzhen Mingshan. As a result of this transaction, our share of the equity interest in Shenzhen Mingshan decreased from 51% to 20.4% and we ceased to have a controlling financial interest in Shenzhen Mingshan, but still retained an investment in, and significant influence over, Shenzhen Mingshan. On December 19, 2012, as approved by the shareholders of Shenzhen Mingshan, Shenzhen Mingshan reduced its registered and paid-in capital from RMB25,000,000 (approximately US$3,979,878) to RMB22,000,000 (approximately US$3,502,292), resulted from a decrease of paid-in capital from three other noncontrolling shareholders, except Business Opportunity Online. As a result, our share of the equity interest in Shenzhen Mingshan increased from 20.4% to 23.18% and we continued to retain significant influence over Shenzhen Mingshan. Therefore, as of March 31, 2013, Shenzhen Mingshan was an equity investment affiliate of ours.
 
On December 6, 2010, through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Rise King WFOE, we entered into a series of exclusive contractual arrangements, which were similar to the Contractual Agreements discussed above, with Rise King (Shanghai) Advertisement Media Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai Jing Yang”), a company incorporated under PRC laws in December 2009. The contractual arrangements that we entered into with Shanghai Jing Yang allow us, through Rise King WFOE, to, among other things, secure significant rights to influence Shanghai Jing Yang’s business operations, policies and management, approve all matters requiring shareholder approval, and receive 100% of the income earned by Shanghai Jing Yang. From the date of incorporation until December 6, 2010, Shanghai Jing Yang did not conduct any business activities. Therefore, Shanghai Jing Yang’s accounts were included in our consolidated financial statements with no goodwill recognized in accordance with ASC Topic 810 “Consolidation”.
 
 
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We, through one of our VIEs, Beijing CNET Online, acquired a 100% equity interest in Quanzhou Zhi Yuan Marketing Planning Co., Ltd. (“Quanzhou Zhi Yuan”) and a 51% equity interest in Quanzhou Tian Xi Shun He Advertisement Co., Ltd. (“Quanzhou Tian Xi Shun He”) on January 4, 2011 and February 23, 2011, respectively. Quanzhou Zhi Yuan and Quanzhou Tian Xi Shun He are both independent advertising companies based in Fujian province of the PRC, which provide comprehensive branding and marketing services to over fifty SMEs focused primarily in the sportswear and clothing industry. In June 2011, Beijing CNET Online acquired the remaining 49% equity interest in Quanzhou Tian Xi Shun He. Quanzhou Tian Xi Shun He became a wholly owned subsidiary of Beijing CNET Online.
 
On January 28, 2011, one of our VIEs, Business Opportunity Online, formed a new wholly owned subsidiary, Business Opportunity Online (Hubei) Network Technology Co., Ltd. (“Business Opportunity Online Hubei”). Business Opportunity Online Hubei is primarily engaged in internet advertisement design, production and promulgation.
 
On March 1, 2011, one of our VIEs, Business Opportunity Online, together with an individual, who was not affiliated with us, formed a new company, Beijing Chuang Fu Tian Xia Network Technology Co., Ltd. (“Beijing Chuang Fu Tian Xia”). Business Opportunity Online and the co-founding individual owned 51% and 49% of the equity interests of Beijing Chuang Fu Tian Xia, respectively. In addition to capital investment, the co-founding individual is required to provide the controlled domain names, www.liansuo.com and www.chuangye.com to be registered under the established company. Beijing Chuang Fu Tian Xia is primarily engaged in providing and operating internet advertising, marketing and communication services to SMEs through the websites associated the above mentioned domain names.
 
On April 18, 2011, Business Opportunity Online Hubei formed a new wholly owned company, Hubei CNET Advertising Media Co., Ltd. (“Hubei CNET”). Hubei CNET is primarily engaged in advertisement design, production, promulgation and providing the related advertising and marketing consultancy services.
 
On April 18, 2011, Business Opportunity Online Hubei, together with an individual, who was not affiliated with us, formed a new company, Zhao Shang Ke Network Technology (Hubei) Co., Ltd. (“Zhao Shang Ke Hubei”). Business Opportunity Online Hubei and the co-founding individual owned 51% and 49% of the equity interests of Zhao Shang Ke Hubei, respectively. Zhao Shang Ke Hubei is primarily engaged in providing advertisement design, production, promulgation and brand management and sales channels building services. On December 29, 2011, as approved by the shareholders of Zhao Shang Ke Hubei, two unaffiliated third party investors invested RMB10,000,000 (approximately US$1,591,951) into Zhao Shang Ke Hubei in exchange for an aggregate 50% equity interests in Zhao Shang Ke Hubei. As a result of this transaction, our share of the equity interests in Zhao Shang Ke Hubei decreased from 51% to 25.5%.  As such, we ceased to have a controlling financial interest in Zhao Shang Ke Hubei, but still retained an investment in, and significant influence over, Zhao Shang Ke Hubei. Therefore, as of March 31, 2013, Zhao Shang Ke Hubei was an equity investment affiliate of ours.
 
On July 1, 2011, Quanzhou Zhi Yuan formed a new wholly owned company, Xin Qi Yuan Advertisement Planning (Hubei) Co., Ltd. (“Xin Qi Yuan Hubei”). Xin Qi Yuan Hubei is primarily engaged in advertisement design, production, promulgation and providing the related advertising and marketing consultancy services.
 
On July 1, 2011, Quanzhou Tian Xi Shun He formed a new wholly owned company, Mu Lin Sen Advertisement (Hubei) Co., Ltd. (“Mu Lin Sen Hubei”). Mu Lin Sen Hubei is primarily engaged in advertisement design, production, promulgation and providing the related advertising and marketing consultancy services.
 
On July 1, 2011, Business Opportunity Online Hubei, together with an individual who is not affiliated with us, formed a new company, Sheng Tian Network Technology (Hubei) Co., Ltd. (“Sheng Tian Hubei”). Business Opportunity Online Hubei and the co-founding individual owned 51% and 49% of the equity interests of Sheng Tian Hubei, respectively. Sheng Tian Hubei is primarily engaged in computer system design, development and promotion, software development and promotion, and providing the related technical consultancy services.
 
On December 20, 2011, Business Opportunity Online Hubei acquired a 51% equity interest in Sou Yi Lian Mei Network Technology (Beijing) Co. Ltd., (“Sou Yi Lian Mei”). In September 2012, Business Opportunity Online Hubei acquired the remaining 49% equity interest in Sou Yi Lian Mei. Sou Yi Lian Mei became a wholly owned subsidiary of Business Opportunity Online Hubei accordingly. Sou Yi Lian Mei is primary engaged in providing online advertising and marketing services and operates its business primarily through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Jin Du Ya He (Beijing) Network Technology Co., Ltd (“Jin Du Ya He”).
 
 
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Through our PRC operating subsidiary and VIEs, we primarily operate an one-stop services for our clients on four major service platforms, including social networking service information platform, multi-channel advertising and promotion platform, brand management and sales channel building platform and management tools platform. Our social networking service information platform primarily consists of www. chuangye.com, an information and service portal for entrepreneurs or any individual who plans to start their own business. Our multi-channel advertising and promotion platform primarily consists of internet advertising and marketing portals, including www.28.com (“28.com”), www.liansuo.com (“liansuo.com”) and www.sooe.cn (“sooe.cn”), ChinaNet TV as our TV production and advertising unit and the bank kiosk advertising unit. We provide varieties of marketing campaigns through this platform by the combination of the Internet, mobile, television, bank kiosks and printed-medias to maximize market exposure and effectiveness for our clients. Our band management and sales channel expansion platform consists of our brand consulting and management service and offline sales channel expansion service, which is to physically help small businesses to recruit dealers, wholesalers, partners or franchisees based on their business needs. Management tools platform consists of a mobile-based sales and administrative management tools specifically designed for small business in China to match their simplicity.
 
Basis of presentation, management estimates and critical accounting policies
 
Our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X, as promulgated by the SEC, and include the accounts of our Company, and all of our subsidiaries and VIEs. We prepare financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP, which requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities on the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the financial reporting period. We continually evaluate these estimates and assumptions based on the most recently available information, our own historical experience and various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Since the use of estimates is an integral component of the financial reporting process, actual results could differ from those estimates. Some of our accounting policies require higher degrees of judgment than others in their application. In order to understand the significant accounting policies that we adopted for the preparation of our interim consolidated financial statements, you should refer to the information set forth in Note 3 “Summary of significant accounting policies” to our audited financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012.
 
Recent Accounting Standards
 
In February 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2013-02, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income”. The ASU does not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in financial statements. However, this ASU requires an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under U.S. GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. The guidance is effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012 for public entities. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
 
Other accounting standards that have been issued or proposed by the FASB or other standards-setting bodies that do not require adoption until a future date are not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements upon adoption.
 
A. 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2013 AND 2012
 
The following table sets forth a summary, for the periods indicated, of our consolidated results of operations. Our historical results presented below are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any future period. All amounts, except number of shares and per share data, are presented in thousands of US dollars.
 
 
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Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
US$
   
US$
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
(Unaudited)
 
             
Sales
  $ 6,990     $ 14,920  
From unrelated parties
    59       15  
From related parties
    7,049       14,935  
Cost of sales
    4,467       12,538  
Gross margin
    2,582       2,397  
                 
Operating expenses
               
Selling expenses
    788       689  
General and administrative expenses
    1,402       1,243  
Research and development expenses
    449       331  
      2,639       2,263  
                 
Loss/(income) from operations
    (57 )     134  
                 
Other income (expenses)
               
Interest income
    32       5  
Other expenses
    (1 )     (1 )
      31       4  
Loss/(income) before income tax expense, equity method investments and noncontrolling interests
    (26 )     138  
Income tax benefit/(expense)
    86       (236 )
Income/(loss) before equity method investments and noncontrolling interests
    60       (98 )
Share of losses in equity investment affiliates
    (71 )     (193 )
Net loss
    (11 )     (291 )
Net loss/(income) attributable to noncontrolling interests
    41       (75 )
Net income/(loss) attributable to ChinaNet Online Holdings, Inc.
    30       (366 )
                 
Earnings/(loss) per share
               
Earnings/(loss) per common share
               
Basic
  $ 0.00     $ (0.02 )
Diluted
  $ 0.00     $ (0.02 )
                 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
               
Basic
    22,186,540       22,182,584  
Diluted
    22,186,540       22,182,584  
 
Revenue
 
The following tables set forth a breakdown of our total revenue, divided into five segments for the periods indicated, with inter-segment transactions eliminated:
 
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US dollars, except percentages)
 
Revenue type
                       
                         
Internet advertisement
  $ 3,711       52.7 %   $ 4,306       28.8 %
Technical services
    100       1.4 %     39       0.3 %
TV advertisement
    2,638       37.4 %     10,369       69.4 %
Bank kiosks
    69       1.0 %     71       0.5 %
Brand management and sales channel building
    531       7.5 %     150       1.0 %
Total
  $ 7,049       100 %   $ 14,935       100 %
 
 
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Total Revenues: Our total revenues decreased to US$7.05 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 from US$14.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, representing a 52.8% decrease. This decrease is primarily due to the significant decrease in low margin TV advertising revenue during the three months ended March 31, 2013 as compared to the same period of last year.
 
We derive the majority of our advertising service revenues from the sale of advertising space on our internet portals and from providing the related technical support and services, internet marketing service and content management services to unrelated third parties and to certain related parties. We also derive revenue from the sale of advertising time purchased from different TV programs. Our advertising services to related parties were provided in the ordinary course of business on the same terms as those provided to our unrelated advertising clients. For the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, our service revenue from related parties in the aggregate was less than 1% of the total revenue we achieved for each respective reporting period.
 
Our advertising service revenues are recorded net of any sales discounts. Sales discounts include volume discounts and other customary incentives offered to our small and medium-sized franchise and merchant clients, including providing them with additional advertising time for their advertisements if we have unused space available on our websites and represent the difference between our official list price and the amount we actually charge our clients. We typically sign service contracts with our small and medium-sized franchisor and other clients that require us to place the advertisements on our portal websites in specified locations on the sites and for agreed periods; and/or place the advertisements onto our purchased advertisement time during specific TV programs for agreed periods. We recognize revenues as the advertisement airs over the contractual term based on the schedule agreed upon with our clients.
 
As a result of the research and development activities conducted and managed by Rise King WFOE, beginning in December 2009, our WFOE began providing a number of value added technical services and management systems to our internet advertisement customers, which services enhance the quality and performance of the internet advertising services provided by Business Opportunity Online. These value added technical services are primarily online technical management systems and platforms. Customers use these technical services to analyze, monitor and manage their advertisements on our key advertising portal, 28.com, their other traffic generating activities and their online marketing campaign activities. Revenues generated by Rise King WFOE are from the provision of technical and management systems including tools, databases and services developed and managed by Rise King WFOE to analyze, monitor and manage a customer’s advertisements on our key advertising portal, 28.com, their traffic generating activities, and their online marketing campaign activities. Most of these services are based on fixed price terms; revenues are then generated and recognized from the use of the online management system and tools on a periodic basis, together with the satisfaction of other applicable performance thresholds, if specified. Rise King WFOE’s customers are similar to our internet advertising customers, with approximately 70% of the WFOE’s customers also being customers of our internet advertisement services. The other 30% of Rise King WFOE’s customers do not directly advertise on our web portal but use Rise King WFOE’s management systems and the internet information collected from our key advertising web portal to monitor and manage their traffic generating activities and online marketing campaign activities. These value added technical services, operated and managed by Rise King WFOE, are primarily developed and offered as additions to the internet advertisement services provided by Business Opportunity Online. The revenue generating activities conducted by Rise King WFOE are not prohibited under the known and existing PRC laws and regulations, as our WFOE is providing value-added technical services to our clients, and is not engaged in the internet advertising business or any other business that is subject to obtaining an Internet Content Provider License. For the internet advertisement services conducted by our VIE, Business Opportunity Online, customers use our internet advertising portal, www. 28.com, to place internet advertisements in different formats, such as: banners, links, logos, buttons, as well as mini-sites. Customers get internet visits and messages from their advertisements placed on our portal. For the value added technical services provided by our WFOE, customers primarily use the technical and management systems offered by it to analyze, monitor and manage their advertisements and traffic generating activities on our advertising portal. For example, Rise King WFOE’s customers can use our management tools to obtain analysis of messages and sales leads received from their internet advertising.
 
The tables below summarize the revenues, cost of sales, gross margin and net income/(loss) generated from each of our VIEs and subsidiaries for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
 
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For the three months ended March 31, 2013:
 
Name of subsidiary or VIE
 
Revenue from
unrelated
parties
   
Revenue
from related
parties
   
Revenue
from inter-
company
   
Total
 
      ($’000)       ($’000)       ($’000)       ($’000)  
                                 
Rise King WFOE
    53       47       -       100  
Business Opportunity Online and subsidiaries
    4,127       12       -       4,139  
Beijing CNET Online and subsidiaries
    2,810       -       -       2,810  
Shanghai Jing Yang
    -       -       -       -  
Total revenue
    6,990       59               7,049  
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2013:
 
               
Name of subsidiary or VIE
   
Cost of Sales
   
Gross Margin
 
        ($’000)       ($’000)  
                   
Rise King WFOE
      -       100  
Business Opportunity Online and subsidiaries
      2,026       2,113  
Beijing CNET Online and subsidiaries
      2,441       369  
Shanghai Jing Yang
      -       -  
Total
      4,467       2,582  
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2013:
       
         
Name of subsidiary or VIE
   
Net (Loss)/Income
 
        ($’000)  
           
Rise King WFOE
      (275 )
Business Opportunity Online and subsidiaries
      663  
Beijing CNET Online and subsidiaries
      (262 )
Shanghai Jing Yang
      (1 )
ChinaNet Online Holdings, Inc.
      (136 )
Total net loss before allocation to the noncontrolling interest
      (11 )
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2012:
 
Name of subsidiary or VIE
 
Revenue from
unrelated
parties
   
Revenue
from related
parties
   
Revenue
from inter-
company
   
Total
 
      ($’000)       ($’000)       ($’000)       ($’000)  
                                 
Rise King WFOE
    39       -       -       39  
Business Opportunity Online and subsidiaries
    12,668       15       -       12,683  
Beijing CNET Online and subsidiaries
    2,213       -       -       2,213  
Shanghai Jing Yang
    -       -       -       -  
Total revenue
    14,920       15       -       14,935  
 
 
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For the three months ended March 31, 2012:
 
               
Name of subsidiary or VIE
   
Cost of Sales
   
Gross Margin
 
        ($’000)       ($’000)  
                   
Rise King WFOE
      2       37  
Business Opportunity Online and subsidiaries
      10,325       2,358  
Beijing CNET Online and subsidiaries
      2,211       2  
Shanghai Jing Yang
      -       -  
Total
      12,538       2,397  
 

For the three months ended March 31, 2012:
       
         
Name of subsidiary or VIE
   
Net (Loss)/Income
 
        ($’000)  
           
Rise King WFOE
      (319 )
Business Opportunity Online and subsidiaries
      413  
Beijing CNET Online and subsidiaries
      (179 )
Shanghai Jing Yang
      (1 )
ChinaNet Online Holdings, Inc.
      (205 )
Total net loss before allocation to the noncontrolling interest
      (291 )
 
Management considers revenues generated from internet advertising and the related technical services as one aggregate business operation and relies upon the consolidated results of all the operations in this business unit to make decisions about allocating resources and evaluating performance.
 
l
Internet advertising revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2013 were approximately US$3.7 million as compared to US$4.3 million for the same period in 2012. Excluding the business tax expenses which was included in revenue before the launching of the Pilot Collection of Value Added Tax in lieu of Business Tax commencing on September 1, 2012 in Beijing, November 1, 2012 in Fujian province and December 1, 2012 in Hubei province of approximately US$0.21 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, our internet advertising revenue decreased by approximately 9% for the three months ended March 31, 2013, as compared to the same period of last year. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in the average internet advertising spending per customer caused by the general decline of China’s economy continued to the first fiscal quarter of 2013.
 
l
Revenues generated from technical services offered by Rise King WFOE were US$0.10 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 as compared to US$0.04 million for the same period in 2012. Due to unexpectedly economic difficulties began from the second quarter of 2011, which only marginally improved in 2012 and the first quarter of 2013, with no significant changes in the overall economy, many of our clients, including our branded clients, who are mostly SMEs, reduced their advertising spending significantly. In response to the overall economic downturn in China, and from the second half of 2011, majority of our clients cancelled the subscription of these services and only continued their basic internet advertising service, which was recorded in as our internet advertising revenue discussed above. Therefore, for both the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, our technical services revenue generated by Rise King WFOE was insignificant.
 
l
Our TV advertising revenue decreased significantly to US$2.64 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 from US$10.37 million for the same period in 2012. We generated this US$2.64 million in TV advertising revenue by selling approximately 1,864 minutes of advertising time that we purchased from different provincial TV stations as compared with approximately 10,396 minutes we sold in the same period of 2012. For the three months ended March 31, 2012, we had significantly increased the quantity of time slots purchased from TV stations as compared with previous years with the purpose to strategically bind the cooperating with the TV station for the launching of our entrepreneurial reality show, and consecutively to facilitate more general public visits to our entrepreneurial website, Chuanye.com, create additional traffic on our advertising portals, 28.com and Liansuo.com, and to monetize more branded larger size small and medium enterprises for our services and secure our competitive advantage and resources in the TV business segment against our competitors in concordance. However, due to the Chinese New Year holiday effect in the first quarter of each fiscal year, which is correspondingly considered to be the slowest time of the year, we had to strategically bundle the time slots at cost for other quarter’s slots in order to achieve the expected sale results. Therefore, we achieved only 0.2% gross margin for this segment for the three months ended March 31, 2012. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, in consideration of the Chinese New Year holiday effect, we kept limited TV time slots at an affordable cost to the needed customers at an agreed profitable price, which enabled us to improve the gross margin for this business segment to 5% for the period. We will continue to monitor our customers’ needs of the TV advertising services and improve the profitability of this business segment in 2013.
 
 
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l
For the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, we earned both approximately US$0.07 million of revenue from the bank kiosk business segment. The bank kiosk advertising business is not intended to expand at the moment as management’s primary focus is on expanding internet business. The kiosk business’ many details still need to be further analyzed and confirmed before allocating more capital to this business unit. Therefore, it was not a significant contributor to revenue for either the three months ended March 31, 2013 or 2012. Management currently maintains this business without any expansion plans and some of the technology used in this business unit will be fully integrated into the overall advertising and marketing platform.
 
l
For the three months ended March 31, 2013, we achieved approximately US$0.53 million service revenue from our brand management and sales channel building segment as compared to US$0.15 million service revenue generated in the same period of 2012, which was primarily due to different number of projects engaged and completed in these periods. Due to the estimated slow recovery of economy in 2013 and the fact that management’s primary focus is on expanding internet business, we only expect moderate growth in this business segment in 2013.
 
Cost of revenues
 
Our cost of revenue consisted of costs directly related to the offering of our advertising services, technical services, marketing services and brand management and sales channel building services.  The following table sets forth our cost of revenues, divided into five segments, by amount and gross profit ratio for the periods indicated, with inter-segment transactions eliminated:
 
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US dollars, except percentages)
 
   
Revenue
   
Cost
   
GP ratio
   
Revenue
   
Cost
   
GP ratio
 
                                     
Internet advertisement
  $ 3,711     $ 1,644       56 %   $ 4,306     $ 2,090       51 %
Technical service
    100       -       100 %     39       2       95 %
TV advertisement
    2,638       2,500       5 %     10,369       10,344       0.2 %
Bank kiosk
    69       -       100 %     71       6       92 %
Brand management and sales channel building
    531       323       39 %     150       96       36 %
Total
  $ 7,049     $ 4,467       37 %   $ 14,935     $ 12,538       16 %
 
Cost of revenues: Our total cost of revenues decreased to US$4.47 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 from US$12.54 million for the same period in 2012. This was primarily due to the significant decrease in costs associated with our TV advertisement business segment, which was in line with the decrease in our TV advertisement revenue as discussed above. Our cost of revenues related to the offering of our advertising and marketing services primarily consists of internet resources purchased from other portal websites and technical services providers related to lead generation, sponsored search, TV advertisement time costs purchased from TV stations, direct labor cost associated with providing services.
 
l
Cost associated with obtaining internet resources was the largest component of our cost of revenue for internet advertisement, accounting for over 80% of our total internet advertisement cost of sales. We purchased these internet resources from other well-known portal websites in China, such as: Baidu, Google and Tecent (QQ). Our purchasing of these internet resources in large volumes for ultimate use by our customers allowed us to negotiate discounts with our suppliers. The majority of the resources purchased were used by the internet advertising unit to attract more internet traffic to our advertising portals, assist our internet advertisement clients to obtain more diversified exposure and to generate more visits to their advertisements and mini-sites placed on our portal websites. For the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, our total cost of sales for internet advertising was US$1.64 million and US$2.09 million, respectively. Excluding the business tax expenses which was included in cost of sales before the launching of the Pilot Collection of Value Added Tax in lieu of Business Tax commencing on September 1, 2012 in Beijing, November 1, 2012 in Fujian province and December 1, 2012 in Hubei province of approximately US$0.21 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, our internet advertising cost decreased by approximately 12% for the three months ended March 31, 2013 as compared to the same period of last year. The decrease in our internet advertising cost was in line with the decrease of our internet advertising revenue as discussed above, and partially benefited from our efforts in, first, actively engaging in mobile marketing tools, such as Weibo and WeChat; second, actively participating in various franchise exhibitions and other related events, which indirectly promoted our brand recognition, and in return created additional traffic to our advertising portals and enabled us to save certain of our internet resources cost. As a result, our gross profit ratio for internet advertising revenue increased to 56% for the three months ended March 31, 2013 from 51% for the same period of last year.
 
 
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l
TV advertisement time cost is the largest component of cost of revenue for TV advertisement revenue. We purchase TV advertisement time from different provincial TV stations and resell it to our TV advertisement clients. Our TV advertisement time cost was approximately US$2.5 million and US$10.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The significant decrease in our total TV advertisement time cost was in line with the significant decrease of TV advertising revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2013 as compared to that in the same period of 2012, as discussed above.
 
l
Cost recognized for Brand management and sales channel building business segment mainly consisted of director labor cost for providing these services to our customers.
 
Gross Profit
 
As a result of the foregoing, our gross profit was US$2.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 as compared to US$2.4 million for the same period in 2012. Our overall gross margin increased to 37% for the three months ended March 31, 2013 as compared with 16% for the same period in 2012. This increase is a direct result of the significant decrease in the low margin TV advertising revenue, which accounted for approximately 37% of our total revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2013 as compared to 69% in the same period of 2012.
 
Operating Expenses and Net Income
 
Our operating expenses consist of selling expenses, general and administrative expenses and research and development expenses. The following tables set forth our operating expenses, divided into their major categories by amount and as a percentage of our total revenues for the periods indicated.
 
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US dollars, except percentages)
 
   
Amount
   
% of total
revenue
   
Amount
   
% of total
revenue
 
                         
Total Revenue
  $ 7,049       100 %   $ 14,935       100 %
Gross Profit
    2,582       37 %     2,397       16 %
Selling expenses
    788       11 %     689       5 %
General and administrative expenses
    1,402       20 %     1,243       8 %
Research and development expenses
    449       6 %     331       2 %
Total operating expenses
  $ 2,639       37 %   $ 2,263       15 %
 
Operating Expenses:   Our operating expenses increased to US$2.64 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 from US$2.26 million for the same period of 2012.
 
l
Selling expenses: Selling expenses increased to US$0.79 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 from US$0.69 million for the same period of 2012. Our selling expenses primarily consist of advertising expenses for brand development that we pay to TV stations and other media outlets for the promotion and marketing of our advertising web portals, other advertising and promotional expenses, website server hosting and broadband leasing expenses, staff salaries, staff benefits, performance bonuses, travelling expenses, communication expenses and other general office expenses of our sales department. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, the change in our selling expenses was primarily due to the following reasons: (1) the increase in staff salary, bonus, employee related benefit expenses and other general selling expenses, such as travelling expenses, business and entertainment expenses and communication expenses of approximately US$0.08 million, primarily due to expansion of our sales department; (2) the increase in website server hosting and broadband leasing expense of approximately US$0.07 million to enhance the safety of our network platforms; and (3) the decrease in our brand development advertising expenses for our advertising web portals of approximately US$0.05 million. Due to the current economic downturn, the increase of TV advertising cost and our overall cost reduction plan, we decided to slow down the brand-building activities until the recovery of the economy based on the factor that our key advertising web portal, 28.com, has been already recognized as one of the most popular Chinese internet portals providing internet advertising and marketing services with sales leads, and other value-added services to SMEs, particularly for small and medium-sized franchisors, in the PRC, by the investment we made in brand building over previous years. In 2013, we will continue to actively participate in both domestic and international franchise exhibitions and in government supported employment promotion programs, which are considered as more cost-effective ways for our continue brand building efforts.
 
 
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l
General and administrative expenses: General and administrative expenses increased to US$1.40 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 from US$1.24 million for the same period in 2012. Our general and administrative expenses primarily consist of salaries and benefits for management, accounting and administrative personnel, office rentals, depreciation of office equipment, professional service fees, maintenance, utilities and other office expenses. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, the change in our general and administrative expenses was primarily due to the following reasons: (1) the decrease in general administrative expenses, such as: office supplies, travelling expenses and entertainment expenses of approximately US$0.05 million, due to the cost reduction plan executed by management; (2) the increase in allowances for doubtful debts of approximately US$0.26 million related to our overdue TV advertising contract guarantee deposits; and (3) the decrease in professional service (such as: investor relations, legal, etc.) charges of approximately US$0.05 million, primarily due to decrease in the related services required from these parties as compared to the same period of last year.
 
l
Research and development expenses: Research and development expenses increased to US$0.45 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 from US$0.33 million for the same period of 2012. Our research and development expenses primarily consist of salaries and benefits for the research and development staff, equipment depreciation expenses, and office utilities and supplies allocated to our research and development department. The increase in research and development expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was primarily due to the increase in the research and development activities related to the cloud-based application software and the new mobile platform for internet advertising during the period.
 
Loss/(income) from opeatings: As a result of the foregoing, we incurred a loss from operations of approximately US$0.06 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 as compared to an income from operations of approximately US$0.13 million for the same period in 2012.
 
Interest income: For the three months ended March 31, 2013, we earned approximately US$0.03 million interests income which primarily contributed from the approximately US$3.4 million term deposit we placed in one of the major financial institutions in the PRC.
 
Loss/(income) before income tax expense, equity method investments and noncontrolling interests: As a result of the foregoing, we incurred a loss before income tax expense, equity method investment and noncontrolling interest of approximately US$0.03 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 as compared to an income before income tax expense, equity method investment and noncontrolling interest of approximately US$0.14 million for the same period in 2012.
 
Income Tax benefit/(expenses): We recognized a net income tax benefit of approximately US$0.09 million and a net income tax expense of approximately US$0.24 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, current income tax expense was approximately US$0.10 million and US$0.62 million, respectively. The decrease in the current income tax expense was primarily due to the decrease in the effective income tax rates of Business Opportunity Online Hubei for the three months ended March 31, 2013. Business Opportunity Online was still in the process applying its software company qualification during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and used 25% to accrue its income tax expense for the period. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, our net income tax benefit also included an approximately US$0.06 million deferred income tax benefit in relation to the amortization expenses of the intangible assets identified in the acquisition transactions consummated in 2011 and an approximately US$0.13 million net deferred income tax benefit in relation to the net operating loss incurred by our PRC operating VIEs for the three months ended March 31, 2013, which we consider likely to be able to be utilized with respect to future earnings of the entities to which the operating losses relate. For the three months ended March 31, 2012, our net income tax expense also included an approximately US$0.05 million deferred income tax benefit in relation to the amortization expenses of the intangible assets identified in the acquisition transactions consummated in 2011 and an approximately US$0.33 million deferred income tax benefit in relation to the net operating loss incurred by our PRC operating VIEs for the three months ended March 31, 2012, which we consider likely to be able to be utilized with respect to future earnings of the entities to which the operating losses relate.
 
 
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Income/(loss) before equity method investments and noncontrolling interests: As a result of the foregoing, our income before equity method investments and noncontrolling interests was approximately US$0.06 million as compared to a loss before equity method investments and noncontrolling interests of approximately US$0.10 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012.
 
Share of losses in equity investment affiliates: For the three months ended March 31, 2013, we beneficially own 23.18% and 25.5% equity interest in Shenzhen Mingshan and Zhao Shang Ke Hubei, respectively. Accordingly, we recognized our pro-rata share of losses in Shenzhen Mingshan and Zhao Shang Ke Hubei of approximately US$0.026 and US$0.045 million, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2012, we beneficially own 20.4% and 25.5% equity interest in Shenzhen Mingshan and Zhao Shang Ke Hubei, respectively. Accordingly, we recognized our pro-rata share of losses in Shenzhen Mingshan and Zhao Shang Ke Hubei of approximately US$0.08 and US$0.11 million, respectively.
 
Net loss: As a result of the foregoing, our net loss incurred for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 was approximately US$0.01 million and US$0.29 million, respectively.
 
Loss/(inome) attributable to noncontrolling interest: Beijing Chuang Fu Tian Xia and Sheng Tian Hubei were 51% owned by Business Opportunity Online and Business Opportunity Online Hubei, respectively, upon incorporation. In December 2011, we, through one of our operating VIEs, acquired a 51% equity interest in Sou Yi Lian Mei and Sou Yi Lian Mei became a majority-owned VIE of ours until September 2012, when we acquired the remaining 49% equity interest in it. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, the aggregate net losses allocated to the noncontrolling interests of Beijing Chuang Fu Tian Xia and Sheng Tian Hubei was approximately US$0.04 million. For the three months ended March 31, 2012 the aggregate net losses allocated to the noncontrolling interest of Beijing Chuang Fu Tian Xia and Sheng Tian Hubei was approximately US$0.08 million, and net income allocated to the noncontrolling interest of Sou Yi Lian Mei was approximately US$0.16 million. Given the foregoing, net amount recognized as net income attributable to noncontrolling interests for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was approximately US$0.08 million.
 
Net income/(loss) attributable to ChinaNet Online Holdings, Inc.: Total net loss as adjusted by the net loss/(income) attributable to the noncontrolling interest shareholders as discussed above yields the net income/(loss) attributable to ChinaNet Online Holdings, Inc. Our net income attributable to ChinaNet Online Holdigs, Inc. was approximately US$0.03 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 as compared to a net loss attributable to ChinaNet Online Holdings, Inc. of approximately US$0.37 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012.
 
B. 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
Cash and cash equivalents represent cash on hand and deposits held at call with banks. We consider all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. As of March 31, 2013, we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately US$3.8 million and we also have approximately US$3.4 million of term deposit placed in one of the major financial institutions in China which will expire in July 2013.
 
Our liquidity needs include (i) net cash used in operating activities that consists of (a) cash required to fund the initial build-out and continued expansion of our network and (b) our working capital needs, which include deposits and advance payment to TV advertising slots and internet resource providers, payment of our operating expenses and financing of our accounts receivable; and (ii) net cash used in investing activities that consist of the payment for acquisitions to further expand our business and client base, investment in software technologies to enhance the functionality of the management tools provided by our advertising portals and investment in other general office equipment. To date, we have financed our liquidity need primarily through proceeds from operating activities we generated in prior years. Our existing cash is adequate to fund operations for the next 12 months.
 
 
39

 
The following table provides detailed information about our net cash flow for the periods indicated:
 
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
Amounts in thousands of US dollars
 
             
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
  $ (431 )   $ 363  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (1,283 )     (2,461 )
Net cash provided by financing activities
    -       311  
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash
    23       56  
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
  $ (1,691 )   $ (1,731 )
 
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2013, our net cash used in operating activities of approximately US$0.43 million were primarily attributable to:
 
(1)  
net income excluding an approximately US$0.19 million net deferred income tax benefit, a US$0.50 million non-cash expenses of depreciation, amortizations, share-based compensation and our share of losses in equity investment affiliates, and a US$0.26 million of allowances for doubtful debts of approximately US$0.56 million;
 
(2)  
the receipt of cash from operations from changes in operating assets and liabilities such as:
 
-  
accounts payable increased by approximately US$0.11 million;
 
-  
advances from customers increased by approximately US$0.56 million; and
 
-  
taxes payable increased by approximately US$0.13 million.
 
(3)  
offset by the use from operations from changes in operating assets and liabilities such as:
 
-  
accounts receivable and due from related parties for the advertising services provided increased by approximately US$1.35 million;
 
-  
prepayment to suppliers increased by approximately US$0.41 million; and
 
-  
net increase in other current assets and decease in other current liabilities of approximately US$0.04 million.
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2012, our net cash provided by operating activities of approximate US$0.36 million was primarily attributable to:
 
(1)  
net loss excluding an approximately US$0.38 million net deferred income tax benefit and a US$0.62 million non-cash expenses of depreciation, amortizations, share-based compensation and our share of losses in equity investment affiliates of approximately US$0.05 million;
 
(2)  
the receipt of cash from operations from changes in operating assets and liabilities such as:
 
-  
other receivables decreased by approximately US$0.26 million, which was primarily due to the collection of overdue contact deposit for TV adverting resources purchased;
 
-  
prepayment and deposit to suppliers decreased by approximately US$1.74 million, which was primarily due to the transferring of prepayment to suppliers to cost of sales when the related services had been provided by the suppliers.
 
-  
advances from customers increased by approximately U$S1.16 million; and
 
-  
taxes payable increased by approximately US$0.63 million.
 
(3)  
offset by the use from operations from changes in operating assets and liabilities such as:
 
-  
accounts receivable and due from related parties for the advertising services provided increased by approximately US$3.11 million;
 
40

 
 
-  
due to related parties decreased by approximately US$0.08 million, due to returning the nominal shareholders of Shanghai Jing Yang for their original paid-in capital contribution;
 
-  
accrued payroll and other accruals decreased by approximately US$0.13 million; and
 
-  
net increase in other current assets and decease in other current liabilities of approximately US$0.08 million.
 
Net cash used in investing activities:
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2013, our cash used in investing activities included the following transactions: (1) we spent approximately US$0.01 million for purchasing of general office equipments; and (2) we paid approximately US$1.27 million to settle the outstanding payment for the acquisition of the 49% equity interest in Sou Yi Lian Mei. In the aggregate, these transactions resulted in a net cash outflow from investing activities of approximately US$1.28 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013.
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2012, our net cash used in investing activities included the following transactions: (1) we spent approximately US$0.01 million for purchasing of general office equipments; and (2) we made an approximately US$2.45 million project development deposit to a third party project development and management company for the participation of the Xiaogan TMT Zone development and management. This TMT zone is intended to become the headquarters for the SMEs, especially the small and medium sized franchising business, with all the supporting TMT services. The deposit is refundable subject to upcoming planning and further evaluation of the development of the Xiaogan TMT Zone. If after evaluation, further involvement in the development is not economical or efficient for us and we decide to exit, the deposit will be refunded within year 2012. In the aggregate, these transactions resulted in a net cash outflow from investing activities of approximately US$2.46 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012.
 
Net cash provided by financing activities:
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2013, no cash generated from financing activities or spent for financing activities.
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2012, our net cash provided by financing activities was approximately US$0.31 million which primarily consisted of the following transactions: (1) cash dividends paid to our preferred stockholders of approximately US$0.01 million and (2) one of our VIEs borrowed an approximately US$0.32 million working capital loan from Zhao Shang Ke Hubei, our equity investment affiliate, which was recorded as cash inflow from financing activities.
 
Restricted Net Assets
 
As most of our operations are conducted through our PRC subsidiary and VIEs, our ability to pay dividends is primarily dependent on receiving distributions of funds from our PRC subsidiary and VIEs. Relevant PRC statutory laws and regulations permit payments of dividends by our PRC subsidiary and VIEs only out of their retained earnings, if any, as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations and after it has met the PRC requirements for appropriation to statutory reserves. Paid in capital of the PRC subsidiary and VIEs included in our consolidated net assets are also not distributable for dividend purposes.
 
In accordance with the PRC regulations on Enterprises with Foreign Investment, a WFOE established in the PRC is required to provide certain statutory reserves, namely general reserve fund, the enterprise expansion fund and staff welfare and bonus fund which are appropriated from net profit as reported in the enterprise’s PRC statutory accounts. A WFOE is required to allocate at least 10% of its annual after-tax profit to the general reserve until such reserve has reached 50% of its registered capital based on the enterprise’s PRC statutory accounts. Appropriations to the enterprise expansion fund and staff welfare and bonus fund are at the discretion of the board of directors. The aforementioned reserves can only be used for specific purposes and are not distributable as cash dividends. Rise King WFOE is subject to the above mandated restrictions on distributable profits. Additionally, in accordance with the Company Law of the PRC, a domestic enterprise is required to provide a statutory common reserve of at least 10% of its annual after-tax profit until such reserve has reached 50% of its registered capital based on the enterprise’s PRC statutory accounts. A domestic enterprise is also required to provide for a discretionary surplus reserve, at the discretion of the board of directors. The aforementioned reserves can only be used for specific purposes and are not distributable as cash dividends. All of our PRC VIEs are subject to the above mandated restrictions on distributable profits.
 
As a result of these PRC laws and regulations, our PRC subsidiary and VIEs are restricted in their ability to transfer a portion of their net assets to us. As of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012,  net assets restricted in the aggregate, which includes paid-in capital and statutory reserve funds of our PRC subsidiary and VIEs that are included in our consolidated net assets, was approximately US$5.5 million.
 
41

 
 
The current PRC Enterprise Income Tax (“EIT”) Law also imposed a 10% withholding income tax for dividends distributed by a foreign invested enterprise to its immediate holding company outside China. A lower withholding tax rate will be applied if there is a tax treaty arrangement between mainland China and the jurisdiction of the foreign holding company. Holding companies in Hong Kong, for example, will be subject to a 5% rate. Rise King WFOE is invested by its immediate holding company in Hong Kong and will be entitled to the 5% preferential withholding tax rate upon distribution of the dividends to its immediate holding company.
 
The ability of our PRC subsidiaries to make dividends and other payments to us may also be restricted by changes in applicable foreign exchange and other laws and regulations.
 
Foreign currency exchange regulation in China is primarily governed by the following rules:
 
l
Foreign Exchange Administration Rules (1996), as amended in August 2008, or the Exchange Rules;
 
l
Administration Rules of the Settlement, Sale and Payment of Foreign Exchange (1996), or the Administration Rules.
 
Currently, under the Administration Rules, Renminbi is freely convertible for current account items, including the distribution of dividends, interest payments, trade and service related foreign exchange transactions, but not for capital account items, such as direct investments, loans, repatriation of investments and investments in securities outside of China, unless the prior approval of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (the “SAFE”) is obtained and prior registration with the SAFE is made. Foreign-invested enterprises like Rise King WFOE that need foreign exchange for the distribution of profits to its shareholders may effect payment from their foreign exchange accounts or purchase and pay foreign exchange rates at the designated foreign exchange banks to their foreign shareholders by producing board resolutions for such profit distribution. Based on their needs, foreign-invested enterprises are permitted to open foreign exchange settlement accounts for current account receipts and payments of foreign exchange along with specialized accounts for capital account receipts and payments of foreign exchange at certain designated foreign exchange banks.
 
Although the current Exchange Rules allow the convertibility of Chinese Renminbi into foreign currency for current account items, conversion of Chinese Renminbi into foreign exchange for capital items, such as foreign direct investment, loans or securities, requires the approval of SAFE, which is under the authority of the People’s Bank of China. These approvals, however, do not guarantee the availability of foreign currency conversion. We cannot be sure that it will be able to obtain all required conversion approvals for our operations or the Chinese regulatory authorities will not impose greater restrictions on the convertibility of Chinese Renminbi in the future. Currently, most of our retained earnings are generated in Renminbi. Any future restrictions on currency exchanges may limit our ability to use retained earnings generated in Renminbi to make dividends or other payments in U.S. dollars or fund possible business activities outside China.
 
As of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, there were approximately US$38.5 million and US$38.1 million retained earnings in the aggregate, respectively, which were generated by our PRC subsidiary and VIEs in Renminbi included in our consolidated net assets, aside from US$2.5 million and US$2.4 million statutory reserve funds as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, that may be affected by increased restrictions on currency exchanges in the future and accordingly may further limit our PRC subsidiary’s or VIEs’ ability to make dividends or other payments in U.S. dollars to us, in addition to the approximately US$5.5 million restricted net assets as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, as discussed above.
 
C. 
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
 
None.
 
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
Not applicable to smaller reporting companies.
 
Controls and Procedures
 
 
42

 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal accounting and financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2013, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that during the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of such date to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in our Exchange Act reports 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 our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
 
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the first fiscal quarter of 2013 covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION
 
Legal Proceedings
 
We are currently not a party to any legal or administrative proceedings and are not aware of any pending or threatened legal or administrative proceedings against us in all material aspects. We may from time to time become a party to various legal or administrative proceedings arising in the ordinary course of our business.
 
Risk Factors
 
This information has been omitted based on the Company’s status as a smaller reporting company.
 
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
None.
 
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
 
None.
 
Mine Safety Disclosures
 
None.
 
Other Information
 
None.
 
Exhibits
 
The exhibits listed on the Exhibit Index below are provided as part of this report.
 
 
43

 
 
 
Exhibit No.
 
Document Description
31.1
 
Certification of the Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13A-14(A)/15D-14(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
31.2
 
Certification of the Principal Accounting and Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13A-14(A)/15D-14(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
32.1
 
Certification of the Principal Executive Officer and of the Principal Accounting and Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350 (Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002).
     
101
 
Interactive Data Files

 
 
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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
     
 
CHINANET ONLINE HOLDINGS, INC.
     
Date: May 20, 2013
By:
/s/ Handong Cheng
   
Name: Handong Cheng
   
Title: Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
     
 
By:
/s/ Zhige Zhang
   
Name: Zhige Zhang
   
Title: Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)
     
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
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