Phoenix New Media Reports First Quarter 2017 Unaudited Financial Results

BEIJING, May 14, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Phoenix New Media Limited (NYSE: FENG), a leading new media company in China ("Phoenix New Media", "ifeng" or the "Company"), today announced its unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2017.

"We entered the year of 2017 with a challenging first quarter due to the continuing headwinds and changes in the Chinese advertising industry," stated Mr. Shuang Liu, CEO of Phoenix New Media. "However, we are pleased to see continued strengths on our ifeng news application, (we also see similar situation in Yidian Zixun, "Yidian" ¹, a strategic investment of ifeng), as our mobile strategy continues to gain traction. Leveraging our strong media DNA and cutting-edge technology, we remain focused on providing our users with high-quality, professional media content tailored to their interests on their preferred medium. ifeng news application's daily active users increased by more than 10% quarter over quarter notwithstanding the Chinese New Year period in the first quarter when media outlets normally experience traffic drops. This clearly demonstrates that our differentiated media content is a top choice for high-end users and further underscores our achievements in balancing algorithm-driven news feeds and high-quality journalism that meets our users' individualized needs and interests. We remain confident that we have the right team and strategy in place to withstand the headwinds in the market and expand our market share with the increasing demand of newsfeed services throughout China."

Mr. Ya Li, co-president of Phoenix New Media, further stated, "In the past quarter, we continued to focus on and invest in content development, particularly through our consolidated we-media business and Feng Zhibo, our own live broadcasting brand. We live broadcasted more than 1,600 sessions in the first quarter of 2017, all of which were highly popular with our users and provided potential monetization opportunities. Looking ahead, in the mobile Internet era, the credibility of media outlets is becoming increasingly more important to both users and communities. Leveraging ifeng news application, we will be able to find the ideal balance between algorithm-driven content and professional journalism, making us one of the most efficient and valuable mobile gateways for Chinese users' media consumption, rather than a simple tool of news aggregation and distribution. We believe it applies to Yidian as well."

First Quarter 2017 Financial Results

REVENUES 
Total revenues for the first quarter of 2017 were RMB294.5 million (US$42.8 million), as compared to RMB322.9 million in the first quarter of 2016.

Net advertising revenues (net of advertising agency service fees) for the first quarter of 2017 were RMB241.1 million (US$35.0 million), as compared to RMB271.4 million in the first quarter of 2016, primarily attributable to the 21.5% decrease in PC advertising revenues.

Paid services revenues² for the first quarter of 2017 increased to RMB53.4 million (US$7.8 million) from RMB51.6 million in the first quarter of 2016. Revenues from digital entertainment³ increased to RMB42.3 million (US$6.2 million) from RMB36.2 million in the first quarter of 2016, primarily attributable to the increase in digital reading revenues from RMB7.1 million in the first quarter of 2016 to RMB14.3 million (US$2.1 million) in the first quarter of 2017, representing a 101.6% year-over-year increase, partially offset by the decrease in mobile value-added services ("MVAS") revenues from RMB29.1 million in the first quarter of 2016 to RMB28.0 million (US$4.1 million) in the first quarter of 2017. The decrease in MVAS revenues mainly resulted from the decline in users' demand for services provided through telecom operators in China, which was consistent with the Company's expectations given the shrinking demand for such services in general. Revenues from games and others⁴ for the first quarter of 2017 decreased by 28.2% to RMB11.1 million (US$1.6 million) from RMB15.4 million in the first quarter of 2016, which was primarily attributable to the decrease in revenues generated from web-based games operated on the Company's own platform.

COST OF REVENUES
Cost of revenues for the first quarter of 2017 increased by 2.7% to RMB162.5 million (US$23.6 million) from RMB158.2 million in the first quarter of 2016, primarily attributable to the increase in content and operational cost. Content and operational costs for the first quarter of 2017 increased to RMB106.3 million (US$15.4 million) from RMB95.5 million in the first quarter of 2016, primarily attributable to the increase in content cost and advertisement-related content production cost. Revenue sharing fees to telecom operators and channel partners for the first quarter of 2017 decreased to RMB17.3 million (US$2.5 million) from RMB18.9 million in the first quarter of 2016, primarily attributable to the decrease in the sales of MVAS products. Bandwidth costs for the first quarter of 2017 decreased to RMB14.5 million (US$2.1 million) from RMB17.3 million in the first quarter of 2016. Sales taxes and surcharges for the first quarter of 2017 decreased to RMB24.3 million (US$3.5 million) from RMB26.5 million in the first quarter of 2016. Share-based compensation included in cost of revenues was RMB1.6 million (US$0.2 million) in the first quarter of 2017, as compared to RMB0.9 million in the first quarter of 2016. The change in share-based compensation was due to the newly granted share-based awards and the Company's option exchange program implemented in the fourth quarter of 2016.

GROSS PROFIT
Gross profit for the first quarter of 2017 was RMB132.0 million (US$19.2 million), as compared to RMB164.8 million in the first quarter of 2016. Gross margin for the first quarter of 2017 was 44.8%, as compared to 51.0% in the first quarter of 2016. The decrease in gross margin was primarily attributable to the increase in content and operational cost.

To supplement the financial measures presented in accordance with the United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP"), the Company has presented certain non-GAAP financial measures in this press release, which excluded the impact of certain reconciling items as stated in the "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" section below. The related reconciliations to GAAP financial measures are presented in the accompanying "Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Results of Operation Measures to the Nearest Comparable GAAP Measures".

Non-GAAP gross margin for the first quarter of 2017, which excludes share-based compensation, was 45.4%, as compared to 51.3% in the first quarter of 2016.

OPERATING EXPENSES AND INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS
Total operating expenses for the first quarter of 2017 increased by 6.9% to RMB172.0 million (US$25.0 million) from RMB161.0 million in the first quarter of 2016, primarily attributable to the increase in mobile traffic acquisition expenses. Share-based compensation included in operating expenses was RMB6.6 million (US$1.0 million) in the first quarter of 2017, as compared to RMB3.2 million in the first quarter of 2016.

Loss from operations for the first quarter of 2017 was RMB40.1 million (US$5.8 million), as compared to income from operations of RMB3.8 million in the first quarter of 2016. Operating margin for the first quarter of 2017 was negative 13.6%, as compared to positive 1.2% in the first quarter of 2016, which was primarily attributable to the increase in advertisement-related content production cost and mobile traffic acquisition expenses.

Non-GAAP loss from operations for the first quarter of 2017, which excludes share-based compensation, was RMB31.8 million (US$4.6 million), as compared to non-GAAP income from operations of RMB7.9 million in the first quarter of 2016. Non-GAAP operating margin for the first quarter of 2017, which excludes share-based compensation, was negative 10.8%, as compared to positive 2.4% in the first quarter of 2016.

OTHER INCOME/(LOSS)
Other income/(loss) reflects interest income, interest expense, foreign currency exchange gain/(loss), gain/(loss) from equity investments, including impairments, and others, net⁵. Total other income for the first quarter of 2017 was RMB4.8 million (US$0.7 million), as compared to RMB10.7 million in the first quarter of 2016. Interest income for the first quarter of 2017 was RMB12.7 million (US$1.8 million), as compared to RMB8.1 million in the first quarter of 2016. Interest expense for the first quarter of 2017 was RMB6.3 million (US$0.9 million), as compared to RMB0.8 million in the first quarter of 2016. Foreign currency exchange loss for the first quarter of 2017 was RMB2.3 million (US$0.3 million), as compared to RMB1.9 million in the first quarter of 2016. Loss from equity investments for the first quarter of 2017, including impairments, was RMB0.7 million (US$0.1 million), as compared to gain from equity investments of RMB1.0 million in the first quarter of 2016. Others, net for the first quarter of 2017 was RMB1.4 million (US$0.2 million), as compared to RMB4.2 million in the first quarter of 2016.

NET INCOME/(LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PHOENIX NEW MEDIA LIMITED
Net loss attributable to Phoenix New Media Limited for the first quarter of 2017 was RMB32.2 million (US$4.7 million), as compared to net income attributable to Phoenix New Media Limited of RMB11.6 million in the first quarter of 2016. Net profit margin for the first quarter of 2017 was negative 10.9%, as compared to positive 3.6% in the first quarter of 2016. Net loss per diluted ADS⁶ in the first quarter of 2017 was RMB0.45(US$0.07), as compared to net income per diluted ADS of RMB0.16 in the first quarter of 2016.

Non-GAAP net loss attributable to Phoenix New Media Limited for the first quarter of 2017, which excludes share-based compensation and gain/(loss) from equity investments, including impairments, was RMB23.2 million (US$3.4 million), as compared to non-GAAP net income attributable to Phoenix New Media Limited of RMB14.7 million in the first quarter of 2016. Non-GAAP net profit margin for the first quarter of 2017 was negative 7.9%, as compared to positive 4.5% in the first quarter of 2016. Non-GAAP net loss per diluted ADS in the first quarter of 2017 was RMB0.32(US$0.05), as compared to non-GAAP net income per diluted ADS of RMB0.20 in the first quarter of 2016.

For the first quarter of 2017, the Company's weighted average number of ADSs used in the computation of diluted net income per ADS was 71,741,910. As of March 31, 2017, the Company had a total of 572,259,650 ordinary shares outstanding, or the equivalent of 71,532,456 ADSs.

CERTAIN BALANCE SHEET ITEMS
As of March 31, 2017, the Company's cash and cash equivalents, term deposits and short term investments and restricted cash were RMB1.37 billion (US$199.4 million). Restricted cash represents deposits placed as security for banking facility granted to the Company, which are restricted as to their withdrawal or usage.

Business Outlook
For the second quarter of 2017, the Company expects its total revenues to be between RMB362 million and RMB382 million. Net advertising revenues are expected to be between RMB311 million and RMB326 million. Paid services revenues are expected to be between RMB51 million and RMB56 million. These forecasts reflect the Company's current and preliminary view on the market and operational conditions, which are subject to change.

Conference Call Information
The Company will hold a conference call at 9:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time on May 14, 2017 (May 15, 2017 at 9:00 a.m.Beijing/Hong Kong time) to discuss its first quarter 2017 unaudited financial results and operating performance.

To participate in the call, please use the dial-in numbers and conference ID below:

A replay of the call will be available through May 21, 2017 by using the dial-in numbers and conference ID below:

A live and archived webcast of the conference call will also be available at the Company's investor relations website at http://ir.ifeng.com.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
To supplement the consolidated financial statements presented in accordance with the United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP"), Phoenix New Media Limited uses non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP gross margin, non-GAAP income/(loss) from operations, non-GAAP operating margin, non-GAAP net income/(loss) attributable to Phoenix New Media Limited, non-GAAP net profit margin and non-GAAP net income/(loss) per diluted ADS, each of which is a non-GAAP financial measure. Non-GAAP gross profit is gross profit excluding share-based compensation. Non-GAAP gross margin is non-GAAP gross profit divided by total revenues. Non-GAAP income/(loss) from operations is income/(loss) from operations excluding share-based compensation. Non-GAAP operating margin is non-GAAP income/(loss) from operations divided by total revenues. Non-GAAP net income/(loss) attributable to Phoenix New Media Limited is net income/(loss) attributable to Phoenix New Media Limited excluding share-based compensation and gain/(loss) from equity investments, including impairments. Non-GAAP net profit margin is non-GAAP net income/(loss) attributable to Phoenix New Media Limited divided by total revenues. Non-GAAP net income/(loss) per diluted ADS is non-GAAP net income/(loss) attributable to Phoenix New Media Limited divided by weighted average number of diluted ADSs. The Company believes that separate analysis and exclusion of the aforementioned non-GAAP to GAAP reconciling items add clarity to the constituent parts of its performance. The Company reviews these non-GAAP financial measures together with the related GAAP financial measures to obtain a better understanding of its operating performance. It uses these non-GAAP financial measures for planning, forecasting and measuring results against the forecast. The Company believes that using these non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate its business allows both management and investors to assess the Company's performance against its competitors and ultimately monitor its capacity to generate returns for investors. The Company also believes that these non-GAAP financial measures are useful supplemental information for investors and analysts to assess its operating performance without the effect of items like share-based compensation and loss from equity investments, including impairments, which have been and will continue to be significant and recurring in its business. However, the use of these non-GAAP financial measures has material limitations as an analytical tool. One of the limitations of using these non-GAAP financial measures is that they do not include all items that impact the Company's gross profit, income/(loss) from operations and net income/(loss) attributable to Phoenix New Media Limited for the period. In addition, because these non-GAAP financial measures are not calculated in the same manner by all companies, they may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures used by other companies. In light of the foregoing limitations, you should not consider these non-GAAP financial measures in isolation from, or as an alternative to, the financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Exchange Rate
This announcement contains translations of certain RMB amounts into U.S. dollars ("USD") at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise stated, all translations from RMB to USD were made at the rate of RMB6.8832 to US$1.00, the noon buying rate in effect on March 31, 2017 in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board. The Company makes no representation that the RMB or USD amounts referred could be converted into USD or RMB, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all. For analytical presentation, all percentages are calculated using the numbers presented in the financial statements contained in this earnings release.

About Phoenix New Media Limited
Phoenix New Media Limited (NYSE: FENG) is a leading new media company providing premium content on an integrated Internet platform, including PC and mobile, in China. Having originated from a leading global Chinese language TV network based in Hong Kong, Phoenix TV, the Company enables consumers to access professional news and other quality information and share user-generated content on the Internet through their PCs and mobile devices. Phoenix New Media's platform includes its PC channel, consisting of ifeng.com website, which comprises interest-based verticals and interactive services; its mobile channel, consisting of mobile news applications, mobile video application, digital reading application, fashion application and mobile Internet website; and its operations with the telecom operators that provides mobile value-added services.

Safe Harbor Statement
This announcement contains forward−looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward−looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar statements. Among other things, the business outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as Phoenix New Media's strategic and operational plans, contain forward−looking statements. Phoenix New Media may also make written or oral forward−looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on Forms 20−F and 6−K, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Phoenix New Media's beliefs and expectations, are forward−looking statements. Forward−looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward−looking statement, including but not limited to the following: the Company's goals and strategies; the Company's future business development, financial condition and results of operations; the expected growth of online and mobile advertising, online video and mobile paid services markets in China; the Company's reliance on online and mobile advertising and MVAS for a majority of its total revenues; the Company's expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of its services; the Company's expectations regarding maintaining and strengthening its relationships with advertisers, partners and customers; fluctuations in the Company's quarterly operating results; the Company's plans to enhance its user experience, infrastructure and services offerings; the Company's reliance on mobile operators in China to provide most of its MVAS; changes by mobile operators in China to their policies for MVAS; competition in its industry in China; and relevant government policies and regulations relating to the Company. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company's filings with the SEC, including its registration statement on Form F−1, as amended, and its annual reports on Form 20−F. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and Phoenix New Media does not undertake any obligation to update any forward−looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

For investor and media inquiries please contact:   
Phoenix New Media Limited
Matthew Zhao
Email: investorrelations@ifeng.com

ICR, Inc.
Vera Tang
Tel: +1 (646) 277-1215
Email: investorrelations@ifeng.com

¹ The Company has accounted for its investments in Yidian as available-for-sale investments.
² Prior to 2016, the Company's paid services revenues mainly comprised of the revenues generated from MVAS and games and others. Digital reading was previously classified under "games and others". In order to align with the Company's overall strategies, digital reading was re-classified from "games and others", and digital reading together with MVAS was determined as "digital entertainment". Accordingly, the revenues from digital entertainment and the revenues from games and others for the first quarter of 2016 have been reclassified.
³ Digital entertainment includes MVAS and digital reading. MVAS includes mobile newspaper services, mobile video services, mobile game services, and wireless value-added services, or WVAS.
⁴ Games and others include web-based and mobile games, and other online and mobile paid services through the Company's own platforms.
⁵ "Others, net" primarily consists of government subsidies.
⁶ "ADS" means American Depositary Share of the Company. Each ADS represents eight Class A ordinary shares of the Company.

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SOURCE Phoenix New Media Limited