FORM 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

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, 2014

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 0-30961

 

 

Sohu.com Inc.

(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)

 

 

 

Delaware   98-0204667

(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF

INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)

 

(I.R.S. EMPLOYER

IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)

Level 18, Sohu.com Media Plaza

Block 3, No. 2 Kexueyuan South Road, Haidian District

Beijing 100190

People’s Republic of China

(011) 8610-6272-6666

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

 

 

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

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. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer   x    Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   ¨    Smaller reporting company   ¨

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

The number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

 

Class

  

Outstanding at March 31, 2014

Common stock, $.001 par value    38,470,816

 

 

 


Table of Contents

SOHU.COM INC.

Table of Contents

 

         PAGE  

PART I

 

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  

Item 1

 

Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

     3   
 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013

     3   
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013

     4   
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013

     5   
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013

     6   
 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

     8   

Item 2

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     41   

Item 3

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

     65   

Item 4

 

Controls and Procedures

     67   

PART II

 

OTHER INFORMATION

  

Item 1

 

Legal Proceedings

     67   

Item 1A

 

Risk Factors

     67   

Item 2

 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

     67   

Item 3

 

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

     67   

Item 4

 

Mine Safety Disclosures

     67   

Item 5

 

Other Information

     67   

Item 6

 

Exhibits

     67   
 

Signatures

     68   
 

Exhibit Index

     69   

 

-2-


Table of Contents

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SOHU.COM INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited)

(In thousands, except par value)

 

     As of  
     March 31,
2014
    December 31,
2013
 

ASSETS

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 1,144,425      $ 1,287,288   

Restricted time deposits

     372,101        393,087   

Short-term investments

     0        2,827   

Investments in debt securities

     0        82,009   

Accounts receivable, net

     144,485        154,342   

Prepaid and other current assets

     132,577        132,002   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     1,793,588        2,051,555   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fixed assets, net

     553,664        564,442   

Goodwill

     208,033        208,795   

Intangible assets, net

     104,023        107,108   

Restricted time deposits

     9,305        40,961   

Prepaid non-current assets

     8,983        9,527   

Other assets

     21,278        16,327   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 2,698,874      $ 2,998,715   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

    

Current liabilities:

    

Accounts payable (including accounts payable of consolidated variable interest entities (“VIEs”) without recourse to the Company of $13,281 and $16,167, respectively, as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013)

   $ 132,919      $ 125,896   

Accrued liabilities (including accrued liabilities of consolidated VIEs without recourse to the Company of $74,620 and $79,041, respectively, as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013)

     210,018        227,018   

Receipts in advance and deferred revenue (including receipts in advance and deferred revenue of consolidated VIEs without recourse to the Company of $44,976 and $60,140, respectively, as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013)

     103,517        113,328   

Accrued salary and benefits (including accrued salary and benefits of consolidated VIEs without recourse to the Company of $2,850 and $3,241, respectively, as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013)

     100,022        90,901   

Taxes payable (including taxes payable of consolidated VIEs without recourse to the Company of $6,915 and $7,616, respectively, as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013)

     38,289        48,324   

Deferred tax liabilities (including deferred tax liabilities of consolidated VIEs without recourse to the Company of $3 and $3, respectively, as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013)

     20,026        18,813   

Short-term bank loans (including short-term bank loans of consolidated VIEs without recourse to the Company of nil as of both March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013)

     257,000        410,331   

Other short-term liabilities (including other short-term liabilities of consolidated VIEs without recourse to the Company of $19,080 and $253,933, respectively, as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013)

     64,171        79,798   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     925,962        1,114,409   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Long-term accounts payable (including long-term accounts payable of consolidated VIEs without recourse to the Company of $1,551 and $1,621 as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013)

     5,226        6,252   

Long-term taxes payable (including long-term taxes payable of consolidated VIEs without recourse to the Company of nil as of both March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013)

     24,820        24,835   

Deferred tax liabilities (including deferred tax liabilities of consolidated VIEs without recourse to the Company of $3,453 and $3,777, respectively, as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013)

     11,701        12,337   

Contingent consideration (including contingent consideration of consolidated VIEs without recourse to the Company of $4,243 and $4,162, respectively, as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013)

     4,243        4,162   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total long-term liabilities

     45,990        47,586   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     971,952        1,161,995   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

    

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

Sohu.com Inc. shareholders’ equity:

    

Common stock: $0.001 par value per share (75,400 shares authorized; 38,471 shares and 38,326 shares, respectively, issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013)

     44        44   

Additional paid-in capital

     634,695        601,633   

Treasury stock (5,889 shares as of both March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013)

     (143,858     (143,858

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     107,171        116,304   

Retained earnings

     673,728        752,582   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Sohu.com Inc. shareholders’ equity

     1,271,780        1,326,705   

Noncontrolling interest

     455,142        510,015   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

     1,726,922        1,836,720   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 2,698,874      $ 2,998,715   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

-3-


Table of Contents

SOHU.COM INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (unaudited)

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

     Three Months Ended  
     March 31,  
     2014     2013  

Revenues:

    

Online advertising:

    

Brand advertising

   $ 111,103      $ 80,237   

Search and others

     64,309        36,052   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Subtotal of online advertising revenues

     175,412        116,289   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Online games

     163,388        167,421   

Others

     26,515        23,886   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     365,315        307,596   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cost of revenues:

    

Online advertising:

    

Brand advertising

     64,140        44,878   

Search and others

     31,737        20,792   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Subtotal of cost of online advertising revenues

     95,877        65,670   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Online games

     26,586        22,650   

Others

     16,035        15,209   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total cost of revenues

     138,498        103,529   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

     226,817        204,067   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

    

Product development

     117,722        51,819   

Sales and marketing

     142,354        58,723   

General and administrative

     35,354        22,589   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     295,430        133,131   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating profit /(loss)

     (68,613     70,936   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other income

     3,750        2,531   

Interest income

     8,457        6,701   

Exchange difference

     578        (1,985
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income /(loss) before income tax expense

     (55,828     78,183   

Income tax expense

     214        20,018   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income /(loss)

     (56,042     58,165   

Less: Net income /(loss) attributable to the mezzanine-classified noncontrolling interest shareholders

     0        10,668   

Net income /(loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest shareholders

     (4,935     23,066   

Deemed dividend to noncontrolling Sogou Series A Preferred shareholders

     27,747        0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income /(loss) attributable to Sohu.com Inc.

   $ (78,854   $ 24,431   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income /(loss)

   $ (56,042   $ 58,165   

Other comprehensive income /(loss): Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax

     (12,824     4,803   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income /(loss)

     (68,866     62,968   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less: Comprehensive income /(loss) attributable to the mezzanine-classified noncontrolling interest shareholders

     0        10,668   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 Comprehensive income /(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest shareholders

     (8,626     24,132   

 Deemed dividend to noncontrolling Sogou Series A Preferred shareholders

     27,747        0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income /(loss) attributable to Sohu.com Inc.

     (87,987     28,168   

Basic net income /(loss) per share attributable to Sohu.com Inc.

   $ (2.05   $ 0.64   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares used in computing basic net income /(loss) per share attributable to Sohu.com Inc.

     38,411        38,169   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted net income /(loss) per share attributable to Sohu.com Inc.

   $ (2.05   $ 0.60   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares used in computing diluted net income /(loss) per share attributable to Sohu.com Inc.

     38,411        38,429   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

-4-


Table of Contents

SOHU.COM INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  
     2014     2013  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net income

   $ (56,042   $ 58,165   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation

     19,274        11,169   

Share-based compensation expense

     5,240        1,086   

Amortization of intangible assets and purchased video content in prepaid expense

     28,436        16,064   

Impairment of intangible assets

     140        428   

Provision for allowance for doubtful accounts

     39        111   

Investment income from investments in debt securities

     (1,370     (1,355

Change in fair value of put option

     (2,304     0   

Others

     148        (714

Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisition:

    

Accounts receivable

     8,781        (17,688

Prepaid and other assets

     (840     (7,538

Accounts payable

     11,401        (2,170

Receipts in advance and deferred revenue

     (9,171     (7,828

Taxes payable

     (9,900     3,541   

Deferred tax

     (8,567     2,009   

Accrued and other short-term liabilities

     (20,256     (8,512
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by /(used in) operating activities

     (34,991     46,768   

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Purchase of fixed assets

     (10,082     (28,112

Purchase of intangible and other assets

     (28,412     (18,945

Proceeds received from maturity of debt securities

     82,009        0   

Cash received /(paid) related to restricted time deposits

     48,764        (39,787

Proceeds from /(purchase of) short-term investments, net

     2,827        (18,010

Other cash proceeds related to investing activities

     1,550        1,287   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by /(used in) investing activities

     96,656        (103,567

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Issuance of common stock

     348        443   

Repurchase of Sogou Series A Preferred Shares from noncontrolling shareholders

     (47,285     0   

Proceeds /(repayments) of loans from offshore banks

     (153,193     30,000   

Payment of contingent consideration

     0        (19,658

Exercise of share-based awards in subsidiary

     0        1,329   

Proceeds received from early exercise of share-based awards in subsidiary

     0        5,258   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by /(used in) financing activities

     (200,130     17,372   

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     (4,398     4,222   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     (142,863     (35,205

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     1,287,288        833,535   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 1,144,425      $ 798,330   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental cash flow disclosures:

    

Barter transactions

     716        43   

Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing activity:

    

Consideration payable for acquisition of Shi Ji Guang Su

     24,382        0   

Consideration payable for acquisition of Doyo

     5,026        0   

Consideration payable for the purchase of noncontrolling interest in 7Road

     2,000        0   

Changes in government grant in prepaid and other current assets

     0        210   

Supplemental schedule of non-cash financing activity:

    

Transaction expenses payable for issuance of Sogou Series B Preferred Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares

     471        0   

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

 

-5-


Table of Contents

SOHU.COM INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (unaudited)

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014

(In thousands)

 

           Sohu.com Inc. Shareholders’ Equity        
     Total     Common
Stock
     Additional
Paid-in
Capital
     Treasury
Stock
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
    Retained
Earnings
    Noncontrolling
Interest
 

Beginning balance

   $ 1,836,720      $ 44       $ 601,633       $ (143,858   $ 116,304      $ 752,582      $ 510,015   

Issuance of common stock

     348        0         348         0        0        0        0   

Repurchase of Sogou Series A Preferred Shares from noncontrolling shareholders

     (47,285     0         26,276         0        0        (27,747     (45,814

Exercise of right to repurchase from China Web

     1,584        0         1,584         0        0        0        0   

Share-based compensation expense

     5,230        0         4,215         0        0        0        1,015   

Settlement of share-based awards in subsidiary

     0        0         628         0        0        0        (628

Purchase equity interests of a VIE from a third party shareholder

     (809     0         11         0        0        0        (820

Net income attributable to Sohu.com Inc. and noncontrolling interest Shareholders

     (56,042     0         0         0        0        (51,107     (4,935

Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax

     (12,824     0         0         0        (9,133     0        (3,691
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance

   $ 1,726,922      $ 44         634,695         (143,858     107,171        673,728        455,142   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

-6-


Table of Contents

SOHU.COM INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (unaudited)

Three Months Ended March 31, 2013

(In thousands)

 

            Sohu.com Inc. Shareholders’ Equity         
     Total      Common
Stock
     Additional
Paid-in
Capital
     Treasury
Stock
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
     Retained
Earnings
     Noncontrolling
Interest
 

Beginning balance

   $ 1,315,217       $ 44       $ 364,092       $ (143,858   $ 79,542       $ 784,403       $ 230,994   

Issuance of common stock

     443         0         443         0        0         0         0   

Share-based compensation expense

     1,067         0         861         0        0         0         206   

Settlement of share-based awards in subsidiary

     1,329         0         5,856         0        0         0         (4,527

Net income attributable to Sohu.com Inc. and noncontrolling interest Shareholders

     47,497         0         0         0        0         24,431         23,066   

Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax

     4,803         0         0         0        3,737         0         1,066   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ending balance

   $ 1,370,356       $ 44       $ 371,252       $ (143,858   $ 83,279       $ 808,834       $ 250,805   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

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

 

-7-


Table of Contents

SOHU.COM INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

1. The Company and Basis of Presentation

Nature of Operations

Sohu.com Inc. (“Sohu” or the “Company”), a Delaware corporation organized in 1996, is a leading Chinese online media, search and game service group providing comprehensive online products and services on PCs and mobile devices in the People’s Republic of China (the “PRC” or “China”). The Company, together with its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries and variable interest entities (collectively the “Sohu Group” or the “Group”), mainly offers online advertising services and online game services.

Online advertising and online games are the core businesses of the Sohu Group.

Online Advertising

The online advertising business consists of the brand advertising business as well as the search and others business.

Brand Advertising Business

The Sohu Group’s brand advertising business offers to its users, over its matrices of Chinese language Web content and services, various products and services (such as free of charge content, including news, video, interactive community and other competitive Internet services) across multiple Internet-enabled devices, such as PCs, mobile phones and tablets. It also offers advertisements on Sohu Group Web properties to companies mainly seeking to increase their brand awareness online.

Search and Others Business

The search and others business, provided by Sohu’s search subsidiary Sogou Inc. (“Sogou”), primarily offers customers pay-for-click services, as well as online marketing services on the Sogou Web Directory.

On September 16, 2013, pursuant to a Subscription Agreement entered into on that date by and among Sogou, THL A21 Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tencent Holdings Limited (Tencent Holdings Limited together with its subsidiaries, “Tencent”); Sohu’s wholly-owned subsidiary Sohu.com (Search) Limited, a Cayman Islands company (“Sohu Search”); and Photon Group Limited (“Photon”), the investment vehicle of the Sohu Group’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Charles Zhang, and a series of other contracts also entered into on that date between Sogou and Tencent, Tencent invested a net amount of $448 million in cash in Sogou and transferred its Soso search-related businesses and certain other assets to Sogou (collectively, the “Sogou-Tencent Transactions”).

On September 16, 2013, Sogou entered into (i) a Repurchase Option Agreement with Sohu Search, exercisable commencing March 16, 2014, granting to Sogou the right to purchase 24 million Series A Preferred Shares of Sogou held by Sohu Search for an aggregate purchase price of $78.8 million; (ii) a Repurchase Option Agreement with Photon, also exercisable commencing March 16, 2014, granting to Sogou the right to purchase 6.4 million Series A Preferred Shares of Sogou held by Photon for an aggregate purchase price of $21 million; and (iii) a Repurchase/Put Option Agreement with China Web Search (HK) Limited (“China Web”), an investment vehicle of Yunfeng Capital, granting to Sogou the right to purchase at any time from March 16, 2014 to July 31, 2014, and granting to China Web the right to put to Sogou at any time prior to July 31, 2014, 14.4 million Series A Preferred Shares of Sogou held by China Web for an aggregate purchase price of $47.3 million.

On September 16, 2013, Sogou, Sohu Search, Photon, Mr. Xiaochuan Wang, four other members of Sogou’s management (collectively, the “Sohu Parties”) and Tencent entered into a Shareholders Agreement (the “Shareholders Agreement”) under which the parties agreed to vote their Sogou voting shares in all elections of directors to elect three designees of Sohu Search and two designees of Tencent.

On September 17, 2013, Sogou paid a special dividend to the three holders of Series A Preferred Shares of Sogou in the aggregate amount of $301 million, of which Sohu Search received $161 million, Photon received $43 million, and China Web received $97 million.

On December 2, 2013, Tencent invested $1.5 million in cash in Beijing Sogou Information Service Co., Ltd. (“Sogou Information”), a VIE of Sogou, as additional consideration in connection with the Sogou-Tencent Transactions.

On March 24, 2014, Sogou purchased from China Web, pursuant to the Repurchase/Put Option Agreement between Sogou and China Web, 14.4 million Series A Preferred Shares of Sogou, for an aggregate purchase price of $47.3 million.

 

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Pursuant to the Shareholders Agreement, Sohu will hold approximately 53% of the total voting power for the election of the Board of Directors of Sogou, assuming that the remaining repurchase options are exercised, Tencent’s non-voting Class B Ordinary Shares are converted to voting shares, and all share options under the Sogou 2010 Share Incentive Plan and all share options under an arrangement providing for Sogou share-based awards to be available for grants to Sohu management and key employees (the “Sohu Management Sogou Share Option Arrangement”) are granted and exercised. As Sohu is the controlling shareholder of Sogou, Sohu consolidates Sogou in the Sohu Group’s consolidated financial statements, and recognizes noncontrolling interest reflecting economic interests in Sogou held by shareholders other than Sohu.

Online Games

The online game business is conducted by Sohu’s majority-owned subsidiary Changyou.com Limited (“Changyou”). Changyou is a leading online game developer and operator in China as measured by the popularity of its massively multiplayer online game (“MMOG”) Tian Long Ba Bu (“TLBB”) and its Web games DDTank and Wartune (also known as “Shen Qu”), which Changyou developed in-house. Changyou engages in the development, operation and licensing of online games for PCs and mobile devices. Changyou’s online games include MMOGs, which are interactive online games that may be played simultaneously by hundreds of thousands of game players, Web games, which are played over the Internet using a Web browser, and mobile games, which are played on mobile devices with an Internet connection.

Basis of Consolidation and Recognition of Noncontrolling Interest

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Sohu and its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries and consolidated VIEs. All intercompany transactions are eliminated.

VIE Consolidation

The Sohu Group adopted the guidance of accounting for VIEs, which requires VIEs to be consolidated by the primary beneficiary of the entity. For consolidated VIEs, management made evaluations of the relationships between the Sohu Group and the VIEs and the economic benefit flow of contractual arrangements with the VIEs. In connection with such evaluation, management also took into account the fact that, as a result of such contractual arrangements, the Group controls the shareholders’ voting interests in these VIEs. As a result of such evaluation, management concluded that the Sohu Group is the primary beneficiary of its consolidated VIEs. The Sohu Group has one VIE that is not consolidated since the Group is not the primary beneficiary.

Noncontrolling Interest Recognition

Noncontrolling interests are recognized to reflect the portion of the equity of majority-owned subsidiaries and VIEs which is not attributable, directly or indirectly, to the controlling shareholders.

Basis of Presentation

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related footnotes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented. Results for the three months ended March 31, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full fiscal year or for any future period.

Reclassification of Mobile Business to Others Business

Commencing in the first quarter of 2014, the Group reclassified the mobile business to the others business, because the Group did not consider the mobile business to be significant enough to constitute a separately-disclosed revenue stream. The mobile business offers mobile related services through mobile products to mobile phone users through cooperation with China mobile network operators. The mobile products consist primarily of short messaging services (“SMS”), interactive voice response (“IVR”), ring-back tones (“RBT”), and mobile video. A majority of the content is purchased from third-party content providers. To conform to current period presentations, certain comparative figures for prior periods have been reclassified accordingly. Such reclassifications amounted to $13.8 million for revenues and $9.3 million for costs for the three months ended March 31, 2013.

 

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2. Segment Information

The Sohu Group’s segments are business units that offer different services and are reviewed separately by the chief operating decision maker (the “CODM”), or the decision making group, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Group’s CODM is Sohu.com Inc.’s Chief Executive Officer. Some items, such as share-based compensation expense, operating expenses, other income and expense, and income tax expense, are not reviewed by the CODM. These items are disclosed in the segment information for reconciliation purposes only.

In connection with the reclassification of the mobile business to the others business, as the CODM does not consider mobile to be a significant business that should be separately reviewed, the Group reclassified the mobile segment to the others segment. There are four reportable segments in the Group, consisting of brand advertising, Sogou (which mainly consists of the search and others business), Changyou (which mainly consists of the online game business) and Others. The Group has restated the presentation of its reportable segments for prior periods to conform to the current presentation.

The following tables present summary information by reportable segment (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended March 31, 2014  
     Brand Advertising and Others                          
     Brand
Advertising
    Others     Brand
Advertising
and Others
    Sogou     Changyou     Eliminations     Consolidated  

Revenues (1)

   $ 104,570      $ 13,414      $ 117,984      $ 69,972      $ 180,753      $ (3,394   $ 365,315   

Segment cost of revenues

     (60,869     (7,234     (68,103     (31,701     (39,144     236        (138,712
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment gross profit /(loss)

   $ 43,701      $ 6,180        49,881        38,271        141,609        (3,158     226,603   
  

 

 

   

 

 

           

SBC (2) in cost of revenues

         356        (31     (111     0        214   
      

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

         50,237        38,240        141,498        (3,158     226,817   
      

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

              

Product development

         (22,507     (24,183     (69,558     1,179        (115,069

Sales and marketing

         (53,444     (11,040     (80,573     3,406        (141,651

General and administrative

         (9,315     (2,597     (21,168     (176     (33,256

SBC (2) in operating expenses

         (2,745     (2,826     (196     313        (5,454
      

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

         (88,011     (40,646     (171,495     4,722        (295,430
      

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating profit /(loss)

         (37,774     (2,406     (29,997     1,564        (68,613

Other income

         2,028        2,356        617        (1,251     3,750   

Interest income

         1,914        452        6,091        0        8,457   

Exchange difference

         (74     (85     737        0        578   

Income /(loss) before income tax expense

         (33,906     317        (22,552     313        (55,828
      

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax (expense) /benefit

         (2,897     0        2,683        0        (214
      

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income /(loss)

       $ (36,803   $ 317      $ (19,869   $ 313      $ (56,042
      

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Note (1):    The elimination for segment revenues mainly consists of marketing services provided by the brand advertising segment (banner advertisements etc.) to the Changyou segment.
Note (2):    “SBC” stands for share-based compensation expense.

 

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     Three Months Ended March 31, 2013  
     Brand Advertising and Others                          
     Brand
Advertising
    Others     Brand
Advertising
and Others
    Sogou     Changyou     Eliminations     Consolidated  

Revenues (1)

   $ 75,668      $ 18,403      $ 94,071      $ 39,330      $ 177,585      $ (3,390   $ 307,596   

Segment cost of revenues

     (42,221     (10,543     (52,764     (20,790     (30,029     124        (103,459
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment gross profit /(loss)

   $ 33,447      $ 7,860        41,307        18,540        147,556        (3,266     204,137   
  

 

 

   

 

 

           

SBC (2) in cost of revenues

         (78     (2     10        0        (70
      

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

         41,229        18,538        147,566        (3,266     204,067   
      

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

              

Product development

         (18,693     (12,781     (19,995     0        (51,469

Sales and marketing

         (40,873     (7,927     (13,017     3,266        (58,551

General and administrative

         (7,751     (1,640     (12,704     0        (22,095

SBC (2) in operating expenses

         (624     (150     (242     0        (1,016
      

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

         (67,941     (22,498     (45,958     3,266        (133,131
      

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating profit /(loss)

         (26,712     (3,960     101,608        0        70,936   

Other income

         1,224        4        1,303        0        2,531   

Interest income

         2,467        334        3,900        0        6,701   

Exchange difference

         (124     4        (1,865     0        (1,985

Income /(loss) before income tax expense

         (23,145     (3,618     104,946        0        78,183   
      

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax (expense) /benefit

         (3,385     0        (16,633     0        (20,018
      

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income /(loss)

       $ (26,530   $ (3,618   $ 88,313      $ 0      $ 58,165   
      

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Note (1):    The elimination for segment revenues mainly consists of marketing services provided by the brand advertising segment (banner advertisements etc.) to the Changyou segment.
Note (2):    “SBC” stands for share-based compensation expense.

 

     As of March 31, 2014  
     Brand
Advertising
and Others
     Sogou      Changyou      Eliminations     Consolidated  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 535,980       $ 198,978       $ 409,467      $ 0      $ 1,144,425   

Accounts receivable, net

     89,812         19,293         35,751        (371     144,485   

Fixed assets, net

     253,337         53,192         247,135        0        553,664   

Total assets (1)

   $ 1,144,770       $ 298,846       $ 1,407,566      $ (152,308   $ 2,698,874   

 

Note (1):    The elimination for segment assets mainly consists of elimination of long-term investments in subsidiaries and consolidated VIEs.

 

     As of December 31, 2013  
     Brand
Advertising
and Others
     Sogou      Changyou      Eliminations     Consolidated  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 498,058       $ 240,746       $ 548,484      $ 0      $ 1,287,288   

Accounts receivable, net

     102,823         15,705         35,996        (182     154,342   

Fixed assets, net

     257,307         60,461         246,674        0        564,442   

Total assets (1)

   $ 1,221,003       $ 350,256       $ 1,585,212      $ (157,756   $ 2,998,715   

 

Note (1):    The elimination for segment assets mainly consists of elimination of long-term investments in subsidiaries and consolidated VIEs.

 

3. Share-Based Compensation Expense

Sohu, Changyou, Sogou, and Fox Video Limited (“Sohu Video”) have incentive plans, and prior to June 28, 2013 7Road.com Limited (“7Road”) had an incentive plan, for the granting of share-based awards, including common stock or ordinary shares, share options, restricted shares and restricted share units, to their executive officers, management and employees.

 

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Sohu, Changyou, and Sogou Share-based Awards

For Sohu, Changyou and Sogou, share-based compensation expense is recognized as costs and /or expenses in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income based on the fair value of the related share-based awards on their grant dates. For Tencent restricted share units that Tencent had granted to employees who transferred to Sogou with the Soso search-related businesses, share-based compensation expense is recognized by Sogou in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income based on the then-current fair value at each reporting date.

Share-based compensation expense is charged to the shareholders’ equity or noncontrolling interest section in the consolidated balance sheets.

Sohu Video Share-based Awards

On January 4, 2012, Sohu Video, the holding entity of Sohu’s video division, adopted a 2011 Share Incentive Plan (the “Video 2011 Share Incentive Plan”) which provides for the issuance of up to 25,000,000 ordinary shares of Sohu Video (amounting to 10% of the outstanding Sohu Video shares on a fully-diluted basis) to management and key employees of the video division and to Sohu management. As of March 31, 2014, grants of options for the purchase of 16,368,200 ordinary shares of Sohu Video had been made and were effective under the Video 2011 Share Incentive Plan.

For purposes of ASC 718, no grant date may be established until mutual understanding of the option awards’ key terms and conditions between Sohu Video and the recipients can be reached, and such mutual understanding cannot be reached until the enterprise value of Sohu Video and hence the fair value of the options is determinable and can be accounted for.

Management concluded that as of March 31, 2014 certain significant factors necessary to determine the fair value of Sohu’s video division remained uncertain. On the basis that the broader terms and conditions of the option awards had neither been finalized nor mutually agreed with the recipients, no grant of options had occurred for purposes of ASC 718 and hence no share-based compensation expense was recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2014.

7Road Share-based Awards

On July 10, 2012, 7Road adopted a 2012 Share Incentive Plan (the “7Road 2012 Share Incentive Plan”), which initially provided for the issuance to selected directors, officers, employees, consultants and advisors of 7Road of up to 5,100,000 ordinary shares of 7Road (amounting to 5.1% of the then outstanding 7Road shares on a fully-diluted basis). On November 2, 2012, 7Road’s Board of Directors and its shareholders approved an increase from 5,100,000 to 15,100,000 ordinary shares (amounting to 13.7% of the then outstanding 7Road shares on a fully-diluted basis) under the 7Road 2012 Share Incentive Plan.

On May 1, 2013, Changyou entered into an agreement to acquire all of the outstanding ordinary shares of 7Road held by noncontrolling shareholders. The acquisition closed on June 5, 2013.

On June 28, 2013, 7Road’s Board of Directors approved the cancellation of the 7Road 2012 Share Incentive Plan. 7Road concurrently offered to a total of 42 7Road employees holding an aggregate of 2,223,750 restricted share units which had been granted under the 7Road 2012 Share Incentive Plan the right to exchange their restricted share units for, at each employee’s election, in each case subject to the employee’s continued employment by 7Road, either (i) Scheme I: the right to a cash payment of up to an aggregate of $2.90 per restricted share unit exchanged, vesting and payable at the rate of 40%, 30% and 30%, respectively, on the first, second and third anniversaries of July 18, 2012, which is the date when the surrendered restricted share units were granted under the 7Road 2012 Share Incentive Plan, or (ii) Scheme II: the right to receive an annual cash bonus, over a seven-year period commencing July 1, 2013, based on the adjusted annual cumulative net income of 7Road. All restricted share units held by these 42 holders under the 7Road 2012 Share Incentive Plan as of June 28, 2013 were included in this exchange program.

As the original awards of restricted share units made under the 7Road 2012 Share Incentive Plan included as a vesting condition the completion of an initial public offering, which is not considered probable until it occurs, no share-based compensation expense was recognized for the fair value of the original awards. Incremental compensation expense, which is not classified as share-based compensation expense, is equal to the fair values of the two new compensation schemes included in the exchange program as of the date of the modification resulting from the exchange program.

For Scheme I, the modification resulted in total incremental compensation expense of $5.7 million, which will be recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income ratably over the remaining vesting period of the awards for each tranche. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, compensation expense of $0.3 million was recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. As of March 31, 2014, 7Road paid $2.6 million in cash bonuses under Scheme I.

 

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For Scheme II, the incremental compensation expense varies depending on 7Road’s financial performance. In the third quarter of 2013, 7Road granted to an additional 48 7Road employees the right to receive an annual cash bonus under Scheme II with the same terms as described above. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, compensation expense of $32,000 was recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

Share-based Compensation Expense Recognition

Share-based compensation expense was recognized in costs and /or expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  
Share-based compensation expense    2014     2013  

Cost of revenues (1)

   $ (214   $ 70   

Product development expenses

     2,653        350   

Sales and marketing expenses

     703        172   

General and administrative expenses

     2,098        494   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 5,240      $ 1,086   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Note (1):    In the first quarter of 2014, the Group trued up the shared-based compensation expense for forfeited restricted share units which would have become fully vested during the quarter.

Share-based compensation expense was recognized for share awards of Sohu, Changyou and Sogou as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  
Share-based compensation expense    2014      2013  

For Sohu share-based awards

   $ 2,628       $ 861   

For Changyou share-based awards

     280         209   

For Sogou share-based awards (2)

     2,332         16   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 5,240       $ 1,086   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Note (2):    Also includes compensation expense for Tencent restricted share units that Tencent had granted to employees who transferred to Sogou with the Soso search-related businesses. See Note 11 - Sohu.com Inc. Shareholders’ Equity.

There was no share-based compensation expense recognized for the share-based awards of Sohu Video and 7Road for any of the periods presented in the above table.

There was no capitalized share-based compensation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.

 

4. Changyou Employee Incentive Plans

On February 8, 2014, Changyou’s Board of Directors approved three new employee incentive plans with terms of 10 years, effective January 1, 2014, under which Changyou may pay compensation to employees based on Changyou’s profits, or the profits of specified projects. Eligible employees will receive a cash award from the plans as a bonus based on the number of employee incentive instruments they hold in the plans.

Under two of these three plans, Changyou may pay compensation to employees based on Changyou’s profits. Changyou will distribute to eligible employees who participate in the plans up to 5% of Changyou’s annual adjusted net profits. Combined, these two plans will distribute up to 10% of Changyou’s annual adjusted net profits. Eligible employees will participate in these plans by paying an amount to purchase instruments that will entitle them, while they are employed by Changyou, to receive annual compensation under the plans. After four years of service to Changyou, employees who participate in either of these two plans will be entitled to sell their instruments to other employees at any time during their employment with Changyou at a price negotiated between the two employees, and by doing so would be compensated with the present value of their expected future cash bonuses for the remaining period of the incentive plans. Management concluded that compensation expense associated with these two plans should be accounted for by analogy to deferred compensation arrangements, and that the present value of the amounts forecasted to be distributed under the plans should be amortized over the first four years after the effective date of the plans, before the instruments are first allowed to be transferred to other employees; that the present value of future cash bonuses in the remaining period should be re-measured at each reporting date; that the gain or loss resulting from the re-measurement in the first four years should be amortized over the remaining portion of the four-year period; and that the gain or loss after the four-year period should be booked immediately. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, compensation expense recognized for these two plans was $1.3 million.

 

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The third employee incentive plan is structured to allow eligible employees to receive up to 20% of the annual adjusted net profits of projects that they work on. Unlike under the first two plans, certain of the incentive instruments to be issued under this plan will permit participating employees to sell the instruments to other employees at any time during their employment, and certain of the incentive instruments will not permit participating employees to sell their instruments to other employees. Management concluded that compensation expense in the former case should be accounted for by analogy to deferred compensation arrangements, and accordingly should be accrued as of the effective date of the plan at the then present value of the amounts forecasted to be distributed under the plan; that the gain or loss resulting from the re-measurement of the cash bonus in the remaining period of the plan should be booked immediately; and that compensation expense in the latter case should be recognized when the amount of relevant distributions under these plans is determined and Changyou’s obligations are established each year. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, compensation expense recognized for this plan was $25.2 million.

 

5. Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Sohu Group’s financial instruments include cash equivalents, restricted time deposits, short-term investments, investments in debt securities, accounts receivable, prepaid and other current assets, prepaid non-current assets, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, receipts in advance and deferred revenue, short-term bank loans, other short-term liabilities, long-term accounts payable and long-term bank loans, as well as the repurchase options and the repurchase/put option with respect to Sogou Series A Preferred Shares.

U.S. GAAP establishes a three-tier hierarchy to prioritize the inputs used in the valuation methodologies in measuring the fair value of financial instruments. This hierarchy also requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The three-tier fair value hierarchy is:

Level 1 - observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

Level 2 - include other inputs that are directly or indirectly observable in the market place.

Level 3 - unobservable inputs which are supported by little or no market activity.

The following table sets forth the financial instruments, measured at fair value, by level within the fair value hierarchy as of March 31, 2014 (in thousands):

 

            Fair value measurements at reporting date using  

Items

   As of
March 31,
2014
     Quoted Prices
in Active Markets
for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
     Significant
Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)
 

Cash equivalents

   $ 357,832       $ 0       $ 357,832       $ 0   

Restricted time deposits

     381,406         0         381,406         0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Assets

   $ 739,238       $ 0       $ 739,238       $ 0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table sets forth the financial instruments, measured at fair value, by level within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2013 (in thousands):

 

            Fair value measurements at reporting date using  

Items

   As of
December 31,
2013
     Quoted Prices
in Active Markets
for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
     Significant
Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)
 

Cash equivalents

   $ 359,289       $ 0       $ 359,289       $ 0   

Restricted time deposits

     434,048         0         434,048         0   

Short-term investments

     2,827         0         2,827         0   

Investments in debt securities

     82,009         0         0         82,009   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Assets

   $ 878,173       $ 0       $ 796,164       $ 82,009   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Put option recognized as other short-term liability

   $ 3,888       $ 0       $ 0       $ 3,888   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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The following table sets forth the reconciliation of the fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (level 3) from December 31, 2013 to March 31, 2014 (in thousands):

 

     Fair Value Measurements Using
Significant Unobservable Inputs

(Level 3)
 
   Debt
Securities
    Put Option  

Beginning balance at December 31, 2013

   $ 82,009      $ 3,888   

Transactions:

    

Change in fair value

     0        (2,304

Currency translation adjustment

     (736     0   

Financial instruments matured /exercised

     (81,273     (1,584
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance at March 31, 2014

   $ 0      $ 0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash Equivalents

The Sohu Group’s cash equivalents mainly consist of time deposits placed with banks with an original maturity of three months or less. The fair value of time deposits is determined based on the pervasive interest rates in the market, which are also the interest rates as stated in the contracts with the banks. The Group classifies the valuation techniques that use the pervasive interest rates input as Level 2 of fair value measurements. Generally there are no quoted prices in active markets for identical time deposits at the reporting date. In order to determine the fair value, the Group must use the discounted cash flow method and observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

Restricted Time Deposits

Restricted time deposits are valued based on the prevailing interest rates in the market using the discounted cash flow method. The Sohu Group classifies the valuation techniques that use these inputs as Level 2 of fair value measurements.

Changyou Loans from Offshore Banks, Secured by Time Deposits

In 2012 and 2013, Changyou drew down loans from offshore branches of certain banks for the purposes of expediting the payment of a special one-time cash dividend to its shareholders, providing working capital to support its overseas operations, and funding its acquisitions and its share repurchase program. These bank loans are secured by an equivalent or greater amount of RMB deposits by Changyou in the onshore branches of such banks. The loans from the offshore branches of the lending banks are classified as short-term bank loans or long-term bank loans according to their payment terms.

As of March 31, 2014, the total amount of the bank loans was $257 million, all of which carried a floating rate of interest based on the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013, interest income from the restricted time deposits securing the loans was $4.2 million and $2.8 million, respectively, and interest expense on the bank loans was $1.7 million and $1.9 million, respectively.

Collateral related to Sogou Incentive Shares Trust Arrangements

In February 2013, Sohu deposited $9 million in cash into restricted time deposit accounts at a bank as collateral for credit facilities provided by the bank to certain Sogou employees. The facilities were intended to fund the employees’ early exercise of Sogou share options and related PRC individual income tax. Sohu is not subject to any additional potential payments other than the restricted time deposit amounts, and believes that the fair value of its guarantee liability is immaterial.

Short-term Investments

In accordance with ASC 825, for investments in financial instruments with a variable interest rate indexed to performance of underlying assets, the Sohu Group elected the fair value method at the date of initial recognition and carried these investments at fair value. Changes in the fair value are reflected in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income as other income /(expense). To estimate fair value, the Group refers to the quoted rate of return provided by banks at the end of each period using the discounted cash flow method. The Group classifies the valuation techniques that use these inputs as Level 2 of fair value measurements.

 

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As of March 31, 2014, the Sohu Group’s investment in financial instruments was nil. For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, the Sohu Group recorded in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income change in the fair value of short-term investments in the amount of $16,000 and $0.7 million, respectively.

Investments in Debt Securities

In September 2010, Sohu purchased from a PRC-based company (the “Debtor”) a convertible debt security in the principal amount of $74.6 million (or RMB0.5 billion) with interest, payable quarterly in cash, of 3.8% per annum and an initial maturity of twelve months, subject to extension in Sohu’s sole discretion for additional six-month periods. The Debtor’s obligations on the debt were secured by a pledge from the Debtor’s parent company of its entire equity interest in the Debtor. The Company extended the maturity of the security, at an interest rate of 6.8% per annum, for successive six-month periods through March 2014. Under the terms of the security, the Company had the option, exercisable on March 31, 2014, to convert the outstanding principal into fixed percentages of equity interests in two companies which are affiliates of the Debtor. On March 31, 2014, the Company neither extended the debt security nor exercised the option, and accordingly the $81.3 million (or RMB0.5 billion) principal amount of the security was repaid to the Company on that date.

For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, interest income from this debt security amounted to $1.37 million and $1.35 million, respectively.

The Sohu Group elected the fair value option to account for its investments in debt securities at their initial recognition. Changes in fair value were recognized in other income /(expense). For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, there was no change in fair value. To estimate fair value, the Group used the income approach, which considers the estimated future return from the investment and the probabilities of getting these returns. The Group classifies the valuation techniques that use these inputs as Level 3 of fair value measurements.

Repurchase Options and Put Option for Sogou Series A Preferred Shares

As discussed in Note 1 - The Company and Basis of Presentation, in September 2013, Sogou entered into Repurchase Option Agreements with Sohu Search and Photon, and a Repurchase/Put Option Agreement with China Web, with respect to Series A Preferred Shares of Sogou held by them. On March 24, 2014, Sogou purchased from China Web, pursuant to the Repurchase/Put Option Agreement between Sogou and China Web, 14.4 million Series A Preferred Shares of Sogou, for an aggregate purchase price of $47.3 million.

Sogou’s repurchase options with Photon and China Web were initially recognized in additional paid-in capital in the Sohu Group’s consolidated balance sheets at fair value when the agreements were signed. Any subsequent changes in the fair values of the repurchase options were not and will not be recognized. On March 24, 2014, the repurchase option with China Web was exercised by Sogou. As of March 31, 2014, the remaining balance for the repurchase option with Photon in additional paid-in capital was $1.2 million, based on the fair value of the repurchase option on September 16, 2013.

China Web’s put option with Sogou was initially recognized in other short-term liabilities in the Sohu Group’s consolidated balance sheets at fair value when the agreement was signed. Subsequent changes in the fair values of the put option were recognized quarterly in other income /(expense) in the Sohu Group’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income. In the first quarter of 2014, while the put option remained outstanding, the changes in the fair value of the put option of $2.3 million were recognized in other income in the Sohu Group’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income. After Sogou’s repurchase of the Series A Preferred Shares from China Web, the other short-term liabilities recognized with respect to China Web were reversed to zero.

Management determined the fair values of the repurchase options with Photon and China Web when the agreements were signed, and of the put option with China Web before Sogou exercised the repurchase option, using the binominal model, with a discount for lack of marketability, given that the repurchase options and the put option were not publicly traded at the time of grant. Management made the determination with the assistance of a qualified professional appraiser using management’s estimates and assumptions. The Sohu Group classifies the valuation techniques that use these inputs as Level 3 of fair value measurements.

Other Financial Instruments

The following are other financial instruments not measured at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets, but for which the fair value was estimated for disclosure purposes.

 

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Short-term Receivables and Payables

Accounts receivable and prepaid and other current assets are financial assets with carrying values that approximate fair value due to their short-term nature. Short-term accounts payable, accrued liabilities, receipts in advance and deferred revenue, short-term bank loans and other short-term liabilities are financial liabilities with carrying values that approximate fair value due to their short term nature.

For short-term bank loans, the rates of interest under the agreements with the lending banks were determined based on the prevailing interest rates in the market. The Sohu Group classifies the valuation techniques that use these inputs as Level 2 of fair value measurements. For other short-term receivables and payables, the Group estimated fair values using the discounted cash flow method, which is unobservable in the market. The Group classifies the valuation technique as Level 3 of fair value measurements.

Prepaid Non-current Assets and Long-term Payables

Prepaid non-current assets are financial assets with carrying values that approximate fair value because the impact of applying a discount rate to the carrying values would be immaterial. Long-term accounts payable and long-term bank loans are financial liabilities with carrying values that approximate fair value due to any changes in fair value, after considering the discount rate, being immaterial.

For long-term bank loans, the rates of interest under Changyou’s agreements with lending banks were determined based on the prevailing interest rates in the market. The Sohu Group classifies the valuation techniques that use these inputs as Level 2 of fair value measurements. For prepaid non-current assets and long-term accounts payable, the Group estimated fair values using the discounted cash flow method, which is unobservable in the market. The Sohu Group classifies the valuation technique as Level 3 of fair value measurements.

 

6. Goodwill

The changes in the carrying value of goodwill by segment are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Brand Advertising
and others
    Sogou     Changyou     Total  

Balance as of December 31, 2013

        

Goodwill

   $ 58,042      $ 6,290      $ 185,452      $ 249,784   

Accumulated impairment losses

     (35,788     0        (5,201     (40,989
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 22,254      $ 6,290      $ 180,251      $ 208,795   

Transactions in 2014

        

Measurement period adjustment of goodwill for the acquisition of Soso search-related businesses from Tencent

     0        519        0        519   

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     (2     (57     (1,222     (1,281
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of March 31, 2014

   $ 22,252      $ 6,752      $ 179,029      $ 208,033   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of March 31, 2014

        

Goodwill

   $ 58,040      $ 6,752      $ 184,230      $ 249,022   

Accumulated impairment losses

     (35,788     0        (5,201     (40,989
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 22,252      $ 6,752      $ 179,029      $ 208,033   

 

7. Taxation

Sohu.com Inc. is subject to United States (“U.S.”) income tax, and Changyou’s income that is from a U.S. source is generally subject to U.S. income tax. The majority of the subsidiaries and VIEs of the Sohu Group are based in mainland China and are subject to income taxes in the PRC. These China-based subsidiaries and VIEs conduct substantially all of the Sohu Group’s operations, and generate most of the Sohu Group’s income or losses.

 

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The Group did not have any penalties or significant interest associated with tax positions for the three months ended March 31, 2014, nor did the Group have any significant unrecognized uncertain tax positions for the three months ended March 31, 2014.

PRC Corporate Income Tax

The PRC Corporate Income Tax Law (the “CIT Law”) applies an income tax rate of 25% to all enterprises but grants preferential tax treatment to High and New Technology Enterprises (“HNTEs”). Under this preferential tax treatment, HNTEs can enjoy an income tax rate of 15% for three years, but need to re-apply after the end of the three-year period. In addition, the CIT Law and its implementing regulations provide that a “Software Enterprise” can enjoy an income tax exemption for two years beginning with its first profitable year and a 50% reduction to a rate of 12.5% for the subsequent three years. An entity that qualifies as a “Key National Software Enterprise” can enjoy a further reduced preferential income tax rate of 10% for two years, but need to re-apply after the end of the two-year period.

Entities Qualified as HNTEs

As of March 31, 2014, the following entities were qualified as HNTEs: Beijing Sohu New Era Information Technology Co., Ltd. (“Sohu Era”), Beijing Sohu New Media Information Technology Co., Ltd. (“Sohu Media”), Beijing Sohu Internet Information Service Co., Ltd. (“Sohu Internet”), Beijing Sogou Technology Development Co., Ltd. (“Sogou Technology”), Sogou Information, Changyou’s China-based subsidiary Beijing AmazGame Age Internet Technology Co., Ltd. (“AmazGame”), Changyou’s China-based VIE Beijing Gamease Age Digital Technology Co., Ltd. (“Gamease”), and Shenzhen 7Road Technology Co., Ltd. (“Shenzhen 7Road”).

Entities Qualified as Software Enterprises

As of March 31, 2014, the following entities were qualified as Software Enterprises: AmazGame, Shenzhen 7Road, Beijing Changyou Gamespace Software Technology Co., Ltd. (“Gamespace”), ICE Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (“ICE Information”), Shanghai ICE Information Technology Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai ICE”) and Shenzhen 7Road Network Technologies Co., Ltd. (“7Road Technology”). AmazGame also qualified as a “Key National Software Enterprise.”

Applicable Income Tax Rate

For the three months ended March 31, 2014, Sohu Era, Sohu Media, Sohu Internet, Sogou Technology, Sogou Information, Gamease and Shenzhen7Road were entitled to an income tax rate of 15% as HNTEs. Gamespace and Shanghai ICE were entitled to an income tax rate of 12.5% as Software Enterprises. 7Road Technology was in its second income tax exemption year as a Software Enterprise. AmazGame was entitled to an income tax rate of 10% as a Key National Software Enterprise. ICE Information was not subject to income tax as it has been incurring losses.

Sohu Era, Sohu Media, Sogou Technology, AmazGame, Gamease and Shenzhen 7Road will need to re-apply for HNTE status at least three months prior to September 2014, Sohu Internet and Sogou Information will need to re-apply for HNTE status in 2015, and AmazGame will need to re-apply for Key National Software Enterprise in 2014.

PRC Withholding Tax on Dividends

The CIT Law imposes a 10% withholding income tax for dividends distributed by foreign invested enterprises to their immediate holding companies outside mainland 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. A holding company in Hong Kong, for example, will be subject to a 5% withholding tax rate under the Arrangement Between the PRC and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on the Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income and Capital (the “China-HK Tax Arrangement”) if such holding company is considered a non-PRC resident enterprise and holds at least 25% of the equity interests in the PRC foreign invested enterprise distributing the dividends, subject to approval of the PRC local tax authority. However, if the Hong Kong holding company is not considered to be the beneficial owner of such dividends under applicable PRC tax regulations, such dividend will remain subject to a withholding tax rate of 10%.

In order to fund the distribution of a dividend to shareholders of Sohu’s majority-owned subsidiary Changyou, Changyou’s board of directors determined to cause one of its PRC subsidiaries to declare and distribute a cash dividend of all of its 2012 stand alone earnings and half of its 2013 and 2014 stand alone earnings to its direct overseas parent company, Changyou HK. With the exception of that dividend, the Sohu Group does not intend to have any of its PRC subsidiaries distribute any undistributed profits of such subsidiaries to their direct overseas parent companies, but rather intends that such profits will be permanently reinvested by such subsidiaries for their PRC operations.

 

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PRC Value-Added Tax and Business Tax

Effective September 1, 2012, a pilot program (the “Pilot Program”) for transition from the imposition of PRC business tax (“Business Tax”) to the imposition of value-added tax (“VAT”) for revenues from certain industries was expanded from Shanghai to eight other cities and provinces in China, including Beijing and Tianjin. Commencing August 1, 2013 the Pilot Program was expanded to all regions in the PRC. All the Sohu Group’s brand advertising and search revenues as well as certain online game revenues were subject to the Pilot Program.

VAT payable on advertising and search revenues as well as online game revenues from Changyou’s Web game operations that were not developed in house is the difference between the output VAT (at a rate of 6%) and available input VAT amount (at the rate applicable to the supplier). Other online game revenues were not affected by the Pilot Program. Before and after the Pilot Program, revenues from MMOG operations are subject to a 5% Business Tax, and revenues of 7Road that deemed to be derived from the sale of software are subject to VAT. VAT payable by 7Road is at a rate of 17%, with a 14% immediate tax refund irrespective of the availability of any input VAT, resulting in a net rate of 3%.

The Group adopted the net presentation method for its brand advertising and search businesses both before and after the implementation of the Pilot Program. The Group adopted the gross presentation method for revenues of 7Road deemed to be derived from the sale of software both before and after the implementation of the Pilot Program.

U.S. Corporate Income Tax

Sohu.com Inc. is a Delaware corporation that is subject to U.S. corporate income tax on its taxable income at a rate of 34% or 35%. To the extent that it has U.S. taxable income, the Sohu Group accrues U.S. corporate income tax in its consolidated statements of comprehensive income and makes estimated tax payments as and when required by U.S. law.

 

8. Commitments and Contingencies

Unconditional Obligations

As of March 31, 2014, the Sohu Group had commitments for bandwidth purchases in the amount of $79.2 million, commitments for operating leases in the amount of $68.3 million, commitments for purchases of games developed by third-parties in the amount of $49.5 million, commitments for video content purchases in the amount of $39.3 million, commitments for purchases of cinema advertisement slot rights in the amount of $29.2 million and commitments for other content and service purchases in the amount of $25.0 million.

Litigation

The Sohu Group is a party to various litigation matters which it considers routine and incidental to its business. Management does not expect the results of any of these actions to have a material adverse effect on the Group’s business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

PRC Law and Regulations

The Chinese market in which the Sohu Group operates poses certain macro-economic and regulatory risks and uncertainties. These uncertainties extend to the ability to operate an Internet business and to conduct brand advertising, search and others, online game, and others services in the PRC. Though the PRC has, since 1978, implemented a wide range of market-oriented economic reforms, continued reforms and progress towards a full market-oriented economy are uncertain. In addition, the telecommunication, information, and media industries remain highly regulated. Restrictions are currently in place and are unclear with respect to which segments of these industries foreign-owned entities, like the Sohu Group, may operate. The Chinese government may issue from time to time new laws or new interpretations of existing laws to regulate areas such as telecommunication, information and media. Certain risks related to PRC law that could affect the Sohu Group’s VIE structure are discussed in Note 10 - VIE.

Regulatory risks also encompass interpretation by PRC tax authorities of current tax law, including the applicability of certain preferential tax treatments. The Sohu Group’s legal structure and scope of operations in China could be subject to restrictions, which could result in limits on its ability to conduct business in the PRC.

The Sohu Group’s sales, purchase and expense transactions are generally denominated in RMB and a significant portion of its assets and liabilities are denominated in RMB. The RMB is not freely convertible into foreign currencies. In China, foreign exchange transactions are required by law to be transacted only by authorized financial institutions. Remittances in currencies other than RMB by its subsidiaries in China may require certain supporting documentation in order to effect the remittance.

 

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9. Contingent Consideration

The agreement for Changyou’s acquisition of Beijing Doyo Internet Technology Co., Ltd. (“Doyo”) includes a contingent consideration arrangement that requires additional consideration to be paid by Changyou based on the achievement of specified performance milestones by Doyo for the fiscal years 2013 through 2015. The range of the undiscounted amounts Changyou could pay under the contingent consideration agreement is between nil and $7.3 million. The fair value of the contingent consideration, in the amount of $4.8 million, was recognized on the acquisition date using the income approach /discounted cash flow method with a scenario analysis applied. There were no indemnification assets involved. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, change in the fair value of the contingent consideration was nil.

The agreement for Changyou’s acquisition of the RaidCall Business includes a contingent consideration arrangement that gives Changyou the right to acquire additional shares of TalkTalk Limited (“TalkTalk”) at no cost if specified conditions occur through the 2014 fiscal year. The range of the additional shares of TalkTalk that Changyou could acquire under the contingent consideration arrangement is between nil and 7.5% of the outstanding shares of TalkTalk on a post-issuance fully-diluted basis. The fair value of the contingent consideration recognized on the acquisition date was nil, as management determined that it is unlikely that the specified conditions will occur and that as a result the fair value and the financial impact on recognition of the noncontrolling interest was zero. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, change in the fair value of the contingent consideration was nil.

 

10. VIE

Background

PRC laws and regulations prohibit or restrict foreign ownership of companies that operate Internet information and content, Internet access, online games, mobile, value added telecommunications and certain other businesses in which the Sohu Group is engaged or could be deemed to be engaged. Consequently, the Sohu Group conducts certain of its operations and businesses in the PRC through its VIEs.

The Sohu Group consolidates in its consolidated financial statements all of the VIEs of which the Group is the primary beneficiary. The Sohu Group has one VIE that is not consolidated in the Group’s consolidated financial statements because the Group is not the primary beneficiary.

VIEs Consolidated within the Sohu Group

The Sohu Group adopted the guidance of accounting for VIEs, which requires VIEs to be consolidated by the primary beneficiary of the entity. Management made evaluations of the relationships between the Sohu Group and its VIEs and the economic benefit flow of contractual arrangements with the VIEs. In connection with such evaluation, management also took into account the fact that, as a result of contractual arrangements with its consolidated VIEs, the Sohu Group controls the shareholders’ voting interests in those VIEs. As a result of such evaluation, the management concluded that the Sohu Group is the primary beneficiary of the VIEs which the Group consolidates.

All of the consolidated VIEs are incorporated and operated in the PRC, and are directly or indirectly owned by Dr. Charles Zhang, Sohu’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, or other executive officers and employees of the Sohu Group identified below. Capital for the consolidated VIEs was funded by the Sohu Group through loans provided to Dr. Charles Zhang and those other executive officers and employees, and was initially recorded as loans to related parties. These loans are eliminated for accounting purposes against the capital of the VIEs upon consolidation.

Under contractual agreements with the Sohu Group, Dr. Charles Zhang and those other executive officers and employees of the Sohu Group who are shareholders of the consolidated VIEs are required to transfer their ownership in these entities to the Group, if permitted by PRC laws and regulations, or, if not so permitted, to designees of the Group at any time as requested by the Group to repay the loans outstanding. All voting rights of the consolidated VIEs are assigned to the Sohu Group, and the Group has the right to designate all directors and senior management personnel of the consolidated VIEs, and also has the obligation to absorb losses of the consolidated VIEs. Dr. Charles Zhang and those other executive officers and employees of the Sohu Group who are shareholders of the consolidated VIEs have pledged their shares in the consolidated VIEs as collateral for the loans. As of March 31, 2014, the aggregate amount of these loans was $14.9 million.

 

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Under its contractual arrangements with the consolidated VIEs, the Sohu Group has the power to direct activities of the VIEs, and can have assets transferred freely out of the VIEs without any restrictions. Therefore, the Group considers that there is no asset of a consolidated VIE that can be used only to settle obligations of the VIEs, except for registered capital and PRC statutory reserves of the VIEs. As of March 31, 2014, the registered capital and PRC statutory reserves of the consolidated VIEs totaled $56.4 million. As all of the consolidated VIEs are incorporated as limited liability companies under the PRC Company Law, creditors of the consolidated VIEs do not have recourse to the general credit of the Sohu Group for any of the liabilities of the consolidated VIEs. Currently there is no contractual arrangement that could require the Sohu Group to provide additional financial support to the consolidated VIEs. As the Sohu Group is conducting certain business in the PRC mainly through the consolidated VIEs, the Group may provide such support on a discretionary basis in the future, which could expose the Group to a loss.

The following is a summary of the consolidated VIEs within the Sohu Group:

Basic Information

Corporate

High Century

Beijing Century High Tech Investment Co., Ltd. (“High Century”) was incorporated in 2001. As of March 31, 2014, the registered capital of High Century was $4.6 million and Dr. Charles Zhang and Wei Li held 80% and 20% interests, respectively, in this entity.

Sohu Entertainment

Sohu Entertainment was incorporated in 2002. As of March 31, 2014, the registered capital of Sohu Entertainment was $1.2 million and Xin Wang (Belinda Wang), Sohu’s outgoing Co-President and Chief Operating Officer, and Ye Deng, a Vice President of Sohu, held 80% and 20% interests, respectively, in this entity. In April 2014, after Xin Wang’s resignation, Xin Wang and Ye Deng, respectively, transferred their equity interests to Dr. Charles Zhang and Wei Li.

Sohu Internet

Sohu Internet was incorporated in 2003. As of March 31, 2014, the registered capital of Sohu Internet was $1.6 million and High Century and Sohu Entertainment held 75% and 25% interests, respectively, in this entity.

SohuPay

SohuPay Science and Technology Co., Ltd. (“SohuPay”) was incorporated in January 2014. As of March 31, 2014, the registered capital of SohuPay was $16.4 million and Sohu Internet held 100% of the equity interests in this entity.

For the Online Advertising Business

Brand Advertising Business

Donglin

Beijing Sohu Donglin Advertising Co., Ltd. (“Donglin”) was incorporated in 2010. As of March 31, 2014, the registered capital of Donglin was $1.5 million and High Century and Sohu Internet each held a 50% interest in this entity.

Pilot New Era

Beijing Pilot New Era Advertising Co., Ltd. (“Pilot New Era”) was incorporated in 2010. As of March 31, 2014, the registered capital of Pilot New Era was $0.7 million and High Century and Sohu Internet each held a 50% interest in this entity.

Focus Yiju

Beijing Focus Yiju Network Information Technology Co., Ltd. (“Focus Yiju”) was acquired in 2011. As of March 31, 2014, the registered capital of Focus Yiju was $1.6 million and High Century held 100% of the equity interests in this entity.

 

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Tianjin Jinhu

Tianjin Jinhu Culture Development Co., Ltd. (“Tianjin Jinhu”) was incorporated in 2011. As of March 31, 2014, the registered capital of Tianjin Jinhu was $0.5 million and Ye Deng and Xuemei Zhang each held a 50% interest in this entity.

Search and Others Business

Sogou Information

Sogou Information was incorporated in 2005. As of March 31, 2014, the registered capital of Sogou Information was $2.5 million and Xiaochuan Wang, Sogou’s Chief Executive Officer, High Century and Tencent held 10%, 45% and 45% interests, respectively, in this entity.

Shi Ji Guang Su

Shenzhen Shi Ji Guang Su Information Technology Co., Ltd. (“Shi Ji Guang Su”) was acquired in September 2013. As of March 31, 2014, the registered capital of Shi Ji Guang Su was $3.2 million and Sogou Information held 100% of the equity interests in this entity.

For the Online Game Business

Gamease

Gamease was incorporated in 2007. As of March 31, 2014, the registered capital of Gamease was $1.3 million and Tao Wang, Chief Executive Officer of Changyou, and Dewen Chen, President of Changyou, held 60% and 40% interests, respectively, in this entity.

Shanghai ICE

Shanghai ICE was acquired by Changyou in 2010. As of March 31, 2014, the registered capital of Shanghai ICE was $1.2 million and Runa Pi and Rong Qi each held a 50% interest in this entity.

Guanyou Gamespace

Guanyou Gamespace was incorporated in 2010. As of March 31, 2014, the registered capital of Guanyou Gamespace was $1.5 million and Tao Wang and Dewen Chen held 60% and 40% interests, respectively, in this entity.

Zhi Hui You

Beijing Zhi Hui You Information Technology Co., Ltd. (“Zhi Hui You”) was incorporated in 2011. Initially Jing Zhou, who is a Sohu employee, and a third party entity each held 50% of the equity interests in this entity. In the first quarter of 2014, Jing Zhou and the third party entity transferred all of their equity interests in Zhi Hui You to Changyou’s VIE Guanyou Gamespace. As of March 31, 2014, the registered capital of Zhi Hui You was $1.6 million and Guanyou Gamespace held 100% of the equity interests in this entity.

Shenzhen 7Road

68.258% of the equity interests of Shenzhen 7Road were acquired by Gamease in 2011. The remaining 31.742% of the equity interests of Shenzhen 7Road were acquired by Gamease on May 1, 2013. As of March 31, 2014, the registered capital of Shenzhen 7Road was $1.5 million and Gamease held 100% of the equity interests in this entity.

Doyo

Doyo was acquired by Guanyou Gamespace in November 2013. As of March 31, 2014, the registered capital of Doyo was $1.6 million and Guanyou Gamespace held 100% of the equity interests in this entity.

Changyou e-pay

Beijing Changyou e-pay Co. Ltd. (“Changyou e-pay”) was incorporated in 2013. As of March 31, 2014, the registered capital of Changyou e-pay was $1.6 million and Gamease held 100% of the equity interests in this entity.

 

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For the Others Business

GoodFeel

Beijing GoodFeel Technology Co., Ltd. (“GoodFeel”) was acquired in 2004. As of March 31, 2014, the registered capital of GoodFeel was $1.2 million and James Deng and Jing Zhou, held 58.1% and 41.9% interests, respectively, in this entity.

21 East Beijing

Beijing 21 East Culture Development Co., Ltd. (“21 East Beijing”) was acquired in 2006. As of March 31, 2014, the registered capital of 21 East Beijing was $1.6 million and High Century held 100% of the equity interests in this entity.

Yi He Jia Xun

Beijing Yi He Jia Xun Information Technology Co., Ltd. (“Yi He Jia Xun”) was acquired in September 2011. As of March 31, 2014, the registered capital of Yi He Jia Xun was $2.1 million and Gang Fang and Yanfeng Lv each held a 50% interest in this entity.

Financial Information

The following financial information of the Sohu Group’s consolidated VIEs is included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements (in thousands):

 

     As of  
     March 31, 2014      December 31, 2013  

ASSETS:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

     78,056         112,316   

Short-term investments

     0         2,460   

Accounts receivable, net

     80,122         95,595   

Prepaid and other current assets

     43,467         41,838   

Intercompany receivables due from the Company’s subsidiaries

     113,931         223,877   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current assets

   $ 315,576       $ 476,086   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Fixed assets, net

     7,997         8,190   

Goodwill

     138,733         139,478   

Intangible assets, net

     36,911         35,135   

Other non-current assets

     60,700         61,550   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 559,917       $ 720,439   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

LIABILITIES:

     

Accounts payable

     13,281         16,167   

Accrued and other short-term liabilities

     103,468         343,834   

Receipts in advance and deferred revenue

     44,976         60,140   

Intercompany payables due to the Company’s subsidiaries

     159,400         12,059   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

   $ 321,125       $ 432,200   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other long-term liabilities

     9,247         9,560   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   $ 330,372       $ 441,760   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

      Three months ended March 31,   
             2014                       2013              

Net revenue

   $  251,120      $ 246,421   

Net income /(loss)

   $ (44,674   $ 10,782   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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For the table below, consolidated VIEs under the Brand advertising, Sogou and Others segments are classified as Sohu’s VIEs, and consolidated VIEs under the Changyou segment are classified as Changyou’s VIEs.

Cash flows of Sohu’s VIEs

 

     Three months ended March 31,  
     2014      2013  

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 14,274       $ 404   

Net cash provided by /(used in) investing activities

   $ 699       $ (11

Net cash provided by financing activities

   $ 0       $ 0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash flows of Changyou’s VIEs

 

     Three months ended March 31,  
     2014     2013  

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 24,608      $ 14,271   

Net cash used in investing activities

   $ (73,092   $ (20,860

Net cash provided by financing activities

   $ 0      $ 0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Summary of Significant Agreements Currently in Effect

Agreements between Consolidated VIEs and Nominee Shareholders

Loan and share pledge agreements between Sohu Era and the respective shareholders of High Century and Sohu Entertainment: These loan agreements provide for loans to the shareholders of High Century and Sohu Entertainment for them to make contributions to the registered capital of High Century and Sohu Entertainment in exchange for the equity interests in High Century and Sohu Entertainment, and under these pledge agreements the shareholders pledge those equity interests to Sohu Era as security for the loans. The loan agreements include powers of attorney that give Sohu Era the power to appoint nominees to act on behalf of the shareholders of High Century and Sohu Entertainment in connection with all actions to be taken by High Century and Sohu Entertainment. Pursuant to the loan agreements, the shareholders executed in blank transfers of their equity interests in High Century and Sohu Entertainment, which transfers are held by the Sohu Group’s legal department and may be completed and effected at Sohu Era’s election.

Loan and share pledge agreements between Sogou Technology and the shareholders of Sogou Information. The loan agreement provides for a loan to Xiaochuan Wang, the individual shareholder of Sogou Information, to be used by him to make contributions to the registered capital of Sogou Information in exchange for his equity interest in Sogou Information. The loan is interest free-and is repayable on demand, but the shareholder may repay the loan only by transferring to Sogou Technology his equity interest in Sogou Information. Under the pledge agreement, all of the shareholders of Sogou Information pledge their equity interests to Sogou Technology to secure the performance of their obligations under the various VIE-related agreements. If any shareholder of Sogou Information breaches any of his or its obligations under any VIE-related agreements, Sogou Technology is entitled to exercise its right as the beneficiary under the share pledge agreement. The share pledge agreement terminates only after all of the obligations of the shareholders under the various VIE-related agreements are no longer in effect.

Exclusive equity interest purchase right agreements between Sogou Technology, Sogou Information and the shareholders of Sogou Information. Pursuant to these agreements, Sogou Technology and any third party designated by it have the right, exercisable at any time when it becomes legal to do so under PRC law, to purchase from the shareholders of Sogou Information all or any part of their equity interests at a purchase price equal to the shareholders’ initial contributions to registered capital.

Business operation agreement among Sogou Technology, Sogou Information and the shareholders of Sogou Information. The agreement sets forth the right of Sogou Technology to control the actions of the shareholders of Sogou Information. The agreement has a term of 10 years, renewable at the request of Sogou Technology.

Powers of Attorney executed by the shareholders of Sogou Information in favor of Sogou Technology with a term of 10 years, extendable at the request of Sogou Technology. These powers of attorney give Sogou Technology the right to appoint nominees to act on behalf of each of the three Sogou Information shareholders in connection with all actions to be taken by Sogou Information.

 

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Loan and share pledge agreements between Sohu Era and the respective shareholders of GoodFeel: These loan agreements provide for loans to the shareholders of GoodFeel for them to make contributions to the registered capital of GoodFeel in exchange for the equity interests in GoodFeel, and under these pledge agreements the shareholders pledge those equity interests to Sohu Era as security for the loans. The loan agreements include powers of attorney that give Sohu Era the power to appoint nominees to act on behalf of the shareholders of GoodFeel in connection with all actions to be taken by GoodFeel. Pursuant to the loan agreements, the shareholders executed in blank transfers of their equity interests in GoodFeel, which transfers are held by the Sohu Group’s legal department and may be completed and effected at Sohu Era’s election.

Loan and share pledge agreements between Sohu Era and the shareholders of Yi He Jia Xun. The loan agreement provides for loans to the individual shareholders of Yi He Jia Xun, to be used by them to make contributions to the registered capital of Yi He Jia Xun in exchange for the equity interest in Yi He Jia Xun. The loans are interest free-and are repayable on demand, but the shareholders may repay the loans only by transferring to Sohu Era their equity interest in Yi He Jia Xun. Under the pledge agreements, all of the shareholders of Yi He Jia Xun pledge their equity interests to Sohu Era to secure the performance of their obligations under the various VIE-related agreements. If any shareholder of Yi He Jia Xun breaches any of his or its obligations under any VIE-related agreements, Sohu Era is entitled to exercise its right as the beneficiary under the share pledge agreement. The share pledge agreement terminates only after all of the obligations of the shareholders under the various VIE-related agreements are no longer in effect.

Exclusive equity interest purchase right agreements between Sohu Era, Yi He Jia Xun and the shareholders of Yi He Jia Xun. Pursuant to these agreements, Sohu Era and any third party designated by it have the right, exercisable at any time when it becomes legal to do so under PRC law, to purchase from the shareholders of Yi He Jia Xun all or any part of their equity interests at a purchase price equal to the shareholders’ initial contributions to registered capital.

Business operation agreement among Sohu Era, Yi He Jia Xun and the shareholders of Yi He Jia Xun. The agreement sets forth the right of Sohu Era to control the actions of the shareholders of Yi He Jia Xun. The agreement has a term of 10 years, renewable at the request of Sohu Era.

Powers of Attorney executed by the shareholders of Yi He Jia Xun in favor of Sohu Era with a term of 10 years, extendable at the request of Sohu Era. These powers of attorney give Sohu Era the right to appoint nominees to act on behalf of each of the two Yi He Jia Xun shareholders in connection with all actions to be taken by Yi He Jia Xun.

Loan agreements and equity pledge agreements between AmazGame and the shareholders of Gamease and between Gamespace and the shareholders of Guanyou Gamespace. The loan agreements provide for loans to the shareholders of Gamease and Guanyou Gamespace, respectively, for them to make contributions to the registered capital of Gamease and Guanyou Gamespace in exchange for the equity interests in Gamease and Guanyou Gamespace, respectively. Under the equity pledge agreements the shareholders of Gamease and Guanyou Gamespace, respectively, pledge to AmazGame and Gamespace, respectively, their equity interests in Gamease and Guanyou Gamespace, respectively, to secure the performance of their obligations under the loan agreements and Gamease’s and Guanyou Gamespace’s obligations to AmazGame and Gamespace under their business agreements. The loans are interest free and are repayable on demand, but the shareholders can only repay the loans by transferring to AmazGame and Gamespace, respectively, their equity interests in Gamease and Guanyou Gamespace.

Equity interest purchase right agreements between AmazGame and the shareholders of Gamease and between Gamespace and the shareholders of Guanyou Gamespace. Pursuant to these agreements, AmazGame and Gamespace, respectively, have the right, and any third party designated by them has the right, exercisable at any time during the terms of the agreements, if and when it becomes legal to do so under PRC law, to purchase from the shareholders of Gamease and Guanyou Gamespace, respectively, all or any part of their equity interests at a purchase price equal to their initial contributions to the registered capital of Gamease and Guanyou Gamespace or the proportional amount of such initial contribution in the case of a partial purchase of such equity interests.

Business operation agreements among AmazGame, Gamease and the shareholders of Gamease and among Gamespace, Guanyou Gamespace and the shareholders of Guanyou Gamespace. These agreements set forth the rights of AmazGame and Gamespace, respectively, to control the actions of the shareholders of Gamease and Guanyou Gamespace, respectively. The agreements have a term of 10 years.

Powers of attorney executed by the shareholders of Gamease in favor of AmazGame and the shareholders of Guanyou Gamespace in favor of Gamespace, with a term of 10 years. These powers of attorney give AmazGame and Gamespace, respectively, the exclusive right to appoint nominees to act on behalf of the shareholders in connection with all actions to be taken by Gamease and Guanyou Gamespace, respectively.

 

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Call option agreement among ICE Information, Shanghai ICE and Shanghai ICE shareholders. This agreement provides to ICE Information and any third party designated by ICE Information the right, exercisable at any time during the terms of the agreements, if and when it becomes legal to do so under PRC law, to purchase from the shareholders all or any part of their shares in Shanghai ICE or purchase from Shanghai ICE all or part of its assets or business at the lowest purchase price permissible under PRC law. The agreement is terminable only if ICE Information is dissolved.

Share pledge agreement among ICE Information, Shanghai ICE and the shareholders of Shanghai ICE. Under this agreement the shareholders pledge to ICE Information their equity interests in Shanghai ICE to secure the performance of their obligations under the call option agreement described above and Shanghai ICE’s obligations to ICE Information under their business agreements described below.

Business operation agreement among ICE Information, Shanghai ICE and the shareholders of Shanghai ICE. This agreement sets forth the right of ICE Information to control the actions of the shareholders of Shanghai ICE. The agreement is terminable only if ICE Information is dissolved.

Amended and restated equity interest purchase right agreement among 7Road Technology, Shenzhen 7Road and Gamease, which is Shenzhen 7Road’s sole shareholder. Under this agreement, 7Road Technology and any third-party designated by 7Road Technology have the right, exercisable at any time during the term of the agreement, if and when it is legal to do so under PRC law, to purchase from Gamease all or any part of its shares in Shenzhen 7Road at a nominal purchase price. This agreement has a term of 10 years, is renewable by 7Road Technology for such term as it may determine and is terminable by 7Road Technology by notice to the other parties at any time when, under PRC law as then in effect, 7Road Technology cannot exercise its purchase right, and is also terminable if Shenzhen 7Road’s or 7Road Technology’s existence is terminated, by mutual agreement of the parties or upon the written request of 7Road Technology. Neither Gamease nor Shenzhen 7Road has any power to terminate the agreement.

Equity interest pledge agreement among 7Road Technology, Shenzhen 7Road and Gamease. Under this agreement, Gamease agreed to pledge to 7Road Technology its equity interests in Shenzhen 7Road to secure the performance of its obligations and Shenzhen 7Road’s obligations under the various VIE-related agreements. If Gamease or Shenzhen 7Road breaches its obligations under any VIE-related agreements, 7Road Technology is entitled to exercise its rights as the beneficiary under the Equity Interest Pledge Agreement. This agreement terminates only after all of the obligations of Gamease and of Shenzhen 7Road under the various VIE-related agreements are no longer in effect.

Business operation agreement among 7Road Technology, Shenzhen 7Road and Gamease. This agreement grants to 7Road Technology the right to control the actions of Shenzhen 7Road and the actions of Gamease in its capacity as the shareholder of Shenzhen 7Road. This agreement has a term of 10 years, is renewable by 7Road Technology for such term as it may determine and is terminable early if the existence of Shenzhen 7Road or 7Road Technology is terminated, by mutual agreement of the parties or upon the written request of 7Road Technology.

Power of attorney executed by Gamease in favor of 7Road Technology. This power of attorney gives 7Road Technology the exclusive right to appoint designees to act on behalf of Gamease in connection with all actions to be taken by Shenzhen 7Road requiring shareholder approval.

Business Arrangements between Subsidiaries and Consolidated VIEs

Exclusive technology consulting and service agreement between Sohu Era and Sohu Internet. Pursuant to this agreement Sohu Era has the exclusive right to provide technical consultation and other related services to Sohu Internet, in exchange for a percentage of the gross income of Sohu Internet. The agreement has an initial term of two years, and is renewable at the request of Sohu Era.

Exclusive technology consulting and service agreement between GoodFeel and Sohu Era. Pursuant to this agreement Sohu Era has the exclusive right to provide technical consultation and other related services to GoodFeel in exchange for a fee. The agreement has a term of two years, and is renewable at the request of Sohu Era.

Exclusive technology consulting and service agreement between Yi He Jia Xun and Sohu Era. Pursuant to this agreement Sohu Era has the exclusive right to provide technical consultation and other related services to Yi He Jia Xun in exchange for a fee. The agreement has a term of ten years, and is renewable at the request of Sohu Era.

Business cooperation agreement between Sogou Technology and Sogou Information. Pursuant to this agreement, Sogou Information provides Internet information services to Sogou Technology’s customers in exchange for a fee payable to Sogou Information. The agreement has a term of 10 years, and is renewable at the request of Sogou Technology.

 

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Exclusive technology consulting and service agreement between Sogou Technology and Sogou Information. Pursuant to this agreement Sogou Technology has the exclusive right to provide technical consultation and other related services to Sogou Information in exchange for a fee. The agreement has a term of 10 years and is renewable at the request of Sogou Technology.

Technology support and utilization agreements between AmazGame and Gamease and between Gamespace and Guanyou Gamespace. Pursuant to these agreements, AmazGame and Gamespace, respectively, have the exclusive right to provide certain product development and application services and technology support to Gamease and Guanyou Gamespace, respectively, for a fee equal to a predetermined percentage, subject to adjustment by AmazGame or Gamespace at any time, of Gamease’s and Guanyou Gamespace’s respective revenues. These agreements will be terminated only when AmazGame and Gamespace are dissolved.

Services and maintenance agreements between AmazGame and Gamease between Gamespace and Guanyou Gamespace. Pursuant to these agreements, AmazGame and Gamespace, respectively, provide marketing, staffing, business operation and maintenance services to Gamease and Guanyou Gamespace, respectively, in exchange for a fee equal to the cost of providing such services plus a predetermined margin. These agreements will be terminated only when AmazGame and Gamespace are dissolved.

Exclusive business cooperation agreement between ICE Information and Shanghai ICE. This agreement sets forth the exclusive right of ICE Information to provide business support and technical services to Shanghai ICE. The agreement will be terminated only when ICE Information is dissolved.

Exclusive technology consulting and services agreement between ICE Information and Shanghai ICE. This agreement provides to ICE Information the exclusive right to provide technical consultation and other related services to Shanghai ICE in exchange for a fee equal to the balance of Shanghai ICE’s gross income after deduction of related costs and expenses. The agreement will be terminated only when ICE Information is dissolved.

Technology development and utilization agreement between 7Road Technology and Shenzhen 7Road. Under this agreement, 7Road Technology has the exclusive right to provide product development and application services and technology support to Shenzhen 7Road for a fee based on Shenzhen 7Road’s revenues, which fee can be adjusted by 7Road Technology at any time in its sole discretion. The fee is eliminated upon consolidation. This agreement will terminate if the existence of 7Road Technology or Shenzhen 7Road is terminated, by mutual agreement of the parties or upon failure to perform due to a force majeure event.

Services and maintenance agreement between 7Road Technology and Shenzhen 7Road. Pursuant to this agreement, 7Road Technology provides marketing and maintenance services to Shenzhen 7Road in exchange for a fee equal to the cost of providing such services plus a predetermined margin. This agreement will terminate if the existence of 7Road Technology or Shenzhen 7Road is terminated, by mutual agreement of the parties or upon failure to perform due to a force majeure event.

Certain of the contractual arrangements described above between the VIEs and the related wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Sohu Group are silent regarding renewals. However, because the VIEs are controlled by the Sohu Group through powers of attorney granted to the Sohu Group by the shareholders of the VIEs, the contractual arrangements can be, and are expected to be, renewed at the subsidiaries’ election.

VIE-Related Risks

It is possible that the Sohu Group’s operation of certain of its operations and businesses through VIEs could be found by PRC authorities to be in violation of PRC laws and regulations prohibiting or restricting foreign ownership of companies that engage in such operations and businesses. If such a finding were made, regulatory authorities with jurisdiction over the licensing and operation of such operations businesses would have broad discretion in dealing with such a violation, including levying fines, confiscating the Group’s income, revoking the business or operating licenses of the affected businesses, requiring the Group to restructure its ownership structure or operations, or requiring the Group to discontinue all or any portion of its operations. Any of these actions could cause significant disruption to the Group’s business operations, and have a materially adverse impact on the Group’s cash flows, financial position and operating performance. The Group’s management considers the possibility of such a finding by PRC regulatory authorities to be remote.

In addition, it is possible that the contracts with the Sohu Group, the Sohu Group’s VIEs and shareholders of its VIEs would not be enforceable in China if PRC government authorities or courts were to find that such contracts contravene PRC laws and regulations or are otherwise not enforceable for public policy reasons. In the event that the Sohu Group was unable to enforce these contractual arrangements, the Group would not be able to exert effective control over the affected VIEs. Consequently, such VIE’s results of operations, assets and liabilities would not be included in the Sohu Group’s consolidated financial statements. If such were the case, the Group’s cash flows, financial position and operating performance would be materially adversely affected. The Sohu Group’s contractual arrangements with respect to its consolidated VIEs are approved and in place. The management believes that such contracts are enforceable, and considers the possibility remote that PRC regulatory authorities with jurisdiction over the Sohu Group’s operations and contractual relationships would find the contracts to be unenforceable.

 

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The Sohu Group’s operations and businesses rely on the operations and businesses of its VIEs, which hold certain recognized and unrecognized revenue-producing assets. The recognized revenue-producing assets include goodwill and intangible assets acquired through business acquisitions. Goodwill primarily represents the expected synergies from combining an acquired business with the Group. Intangible assets acquired through business acquisitions mainly consist of customer relationships, non-compete agreements, user bases, copyrights, trademarks and developed technologies. Unrecognized revenue-producing assets mainly consist of licenses and intellectual property. Licenses include operations licenses, such as internet information service licenses and licenses for providing content. Intellectual property developed by Sohu mainly consists of patents, copyrights, trademarks, and domain names. The Group’s operations and businesses may be adversely impacted if the Group loses the ability to use and enjoy assets held by these VIEs.

VIE Not Consolidated within the Sohu Group

In December 2012, the Sohu Group acquired, for a price of $1.6 million, a 25% equity interest in a VIE to support the Group’s brand advertising business. Since the Sohu Group neither has the power to direct this VIE’s activities that will significantly impact its economic performance nor has the obligation to absorb losses of, or the right to receive benefits from, this VIE that could potentially be significant to this VIE, the Group is not the primary beneficiary and, accordingly, the Group recognizes the investment under the equity method. In assessing its maximum exposure to a loss on the investment compared to the cost of its investment, the Sohu Group determined that it did not have further obligations exceeding the cost of the investment and that there were no terms of the investment arrangement that could require the Sohu Group to provide further financial support to the VIE.

 

11. Sohu.com Inc. Shareholders’ Equity

Takeover Defense

Sohu intends to adopt appropriate defensive measures in the future on a case by case basis as and to the extent that Sohu’s Board of Directors determines that such measures are necessary or advisable to protect Sohu stockholder value in the face of any coercive takeover threats or to prevent an acquirer from gaining control of Sohu without offering fair and adequate price and terms.

Treasury Stock

Treasury stock consists of shares repurchased by Sohu that are no longer outstanding and are held by Sohu. Treasury stock is accounted for under the cost method.

For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock.

Stock Incentive Plan

Sohu, Changyou, Sogou, and Sohu Video have incentive plans, and prior to June 28, 2013 7Road had an incentive plan, for the granting of share-based awards, including common stock or ordinary shares, share options, restricted shares and restricted share units, to their directors, executive officers, and employees.

1) Sohu.com Inc. Share-based Awards

Sohu’s 2000 Stock Incentive Plan

Sohu’s 2000 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Sohu 2000 Stock Incentive Plan”) provided for the issuance of up to 9,500,000 shares of common stock, including those issued pursuant to the exercise of share options and upon vesting and settlement of restricted share units. Most of these awards vest over a period of four years. The maximum term of any issued stock right under the Sohu 2000 Stock Incentive Plan is ten years from the grant date. The Sohu 2000 Stock Incentive Plan expired on January 24, 2010. As of the expiration date, 9,128,724 shares of common stock had been issued or were subject to issuance upon the vesting and exercise of share options or the vesting and settlement of restricted share units granted under the plan. A new plan (the “Sohu 2010 Stock Incentive Plan”) was adopted by Sohu’s shareholders on July 2, 2010.

For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, total share-based compensation expense recognized for awards under the Sohu 2000 Stock Incentive Plan was $1.4 million and $0.7 million, respectively.

 

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i) Summary of share option activity

A summary of share option activity under the Sohu 2000 Stock Incentive Plan as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2014 is presented below:

 

Options

   Number
Of
Shares
(in thousands)
    Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
     Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (Years)
     Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value (1)
(in thousands)
 

Outstanding at January 1, 2014

     147      $ 18.87         1.39       $ 7,958   

Exercised

     (18     19.27         

Forfeited or expired

     0           
  

 

 

         

Outstanding at March 31, 2014

     129        18.81         1.15         5,976   
  

 

 

         

Vested at March 31, 2014

     129        18.81         1.15         5,976   
  

 

 

         

Exercisable at March 31, 2014

     129        18.81         1.15         5,976   
  

 

 

         

 

Note (1):    The aggregate intrinsic value in the preceding table represents the difference between Sohu’s closing stock price of $65.09 on March 31, 2014 and the exercise price of share options. The total intrinsic value of share options exercised for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was $1.1 million.

No options have been granted under Sohu’s 2000 Stock Incentive Plan since 2006. For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, no share-based compensation expense was recognized for share options because the requisite service periods for share options had ended by the end of 2009.

For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, total cash received from the exercise of share options amounted to $348,120 and $493,437, respectively.

ii) Summary of restricted share unit activity

A summary of restricted share unit activity under the Sohu 2000 Stock Incentive Plan as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2014 is presented below:

 

Restricted Share Units

   Number of
Units

(in thousands)
    Weighted-Average
Grant-Date

Fair Value
 

Unvested at January 1, 2014

     123      $ 61.27   

Granted

     0     

Vested

     (121     61.27   

Forfeited

     (2     61.27   
  

 

 

   

Unvested at March 31, 2014

     0     
  

 

 

   

Expected to vest after March 31, 2014

     0     
  

 

 

   

For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, total share-based compensation expense recognized for restricted share units was $1.4 million and $0.7 million, respectively.

There was no unrecognized compensation expense for restricted share units as of March 31, 2014, because all remaining unvested restricted shares units vested during the three months ended March 31, 2014. The total fair value on their respective vesting dates of restricted share units that vested during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was $9.3 million and $6.2 million, respectively.

Sohu’s 2010 Stock Incentive Plan

On July 2, 2010, Sohu’s shareholders adopted the Sohu 2010 Stock Incentive Plan, which provides for the issuance of up to 1,500,000 shares of common stock, including shares issued pursuant to the vesting and settlement of restricted share units and pursuant to the exercise of share options. The maximum term of any stock right granted under the Sohu 2010 Stock Incentive Plan is ten years from the grant date. The Sohu 2010 Stock Incentive Plan will expire on July 1, 2020. As of March 31, 2014, 1,310,513 shares were available for grant under the Sohu 2010 Stock Incentive Plan.

 

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A summary of restricted share unit activity under the Sohu 2010 Stock Incentive Plan as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2014 is presented below:

 

Restricted Share Units

   Number of
Units

(in thousands)
    Weighted-Average
Grant-Date

Fair Value
 

Unvested at January 1, 2014

     123      $ 84.82   

Granted

     24        72.92   

Vested

     0     

Forfeited

     (1     70.88   
  

 

 

   

Unvested at March 31, 2014

     146        82.89   
  

 

 

   

Expected to vest after March 31, 2014

     109        82.68   
  

 

 

   

For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, total share-based compensation expense recognized for restricted share units was $1.2 million and $0.2 million, respectively.

As of March 31, 2014, there was $7.0 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted share units. The expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.19 years. The total fair value on their respective vesting dates of restricted share units that vested both during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was nil.

2) Changyou.com Limited Share-based Awards

Changyou’s 2008 Share Incentive Plan

Changyou’s 2008 Share Incentive Plan (the “Changyou 2008 Share Incentive Plan”) originally provided for the issuance of up to 2,000,000 ordinary shares, including ordinary shares issued pursuant to the exercise of share options and upon vesting and settlement of restricted share units. The 2,000,000 reserved shares became 20,000,000 ordinary shares in March 2009 when Changyou effected a ten-for-one share split of its ordinary shares. Most of the awards granted under the Changyou 2008 Share Incentive Plan vest over a period of four years. The maximum term of any share right granted under the Changyou 2008 Share Incentive Plan is ten years from the grant date. The Changyou 2008 Share Incentive Plan will expire in August 2018.

Through March 31, 2014, Changyou had granted under the Changyou 2008 Share Incentive Plan 15,000,000 ordinary shares to its chief executive officer Tao Wang, through Prominence Investments Ltd., which is an entity that may deemed under applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission to be beneficially owned by Tao Wang. As of March 31, 2014, Changyou had also granted under the Changyou 2008 Share Incentive Plan restricted share units, settleable upon vesting by the issuance of an aggregate of 4,863,552 ordinary shares, to its executive officers other than Tao Wang, and certain other Changyou employees.

For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, total share-based compensation expense recognized for awards under the Changyou 2008 Share Incentive Plan was $0.3 million and $0.2 million, respectively.

Share-based Awards Granted before Changyou’s Initial Public Offering

In January and April 2008, before Changyou had completed its initial public offering (“IPO”), Changyou granted Changyou ordinary shares to Tao Wang and restricted share units to its executive officers other than Tao Wang and certain key Changyou employees. All of these ordinary shares and restricted share units had become vested as of the end of 2012; hence there has been no share-based compensation expense recognized with respect to such ordinary shares and restricted share units for periods commencing after December 31, 2012.

In February 2009, Changyou granted restricted share units to certain other Changyou employees. The fair value of these restricted share units as of the grant date was determined based on Changyou’s offering price for its IPO, which was $8.00 per ordinary share. All of these restricted share units had become vested in the first quarter of 2013; hence there has been no share-based compensation expense recognized for periods after March 31, 2013. For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, share-based compensation expense recognized for these restricted share units was nil and negative $0.3 million, respectively. The negative $0.3 million resulted from Changyou’s true-up of the shared-based compensation expense for forfeited restricted share units in the first quarter of 2013. The total fair value on their respective vesting dates of these restricted share units that vested during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was nil for both periods.

 

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Share-based Awards Granted after Changyou’s Initial Public Offering

Through March 31, 2014, in addition to the share-based awards granted before Changyou’s IPO, Changyou had granted restricted share units, settleable upon vesting with the issuance of an aggregate of 1,667,552 ordinary shares, to certain of its executive officers other than Tao Wang and to certain of its other employees. These restricted share units are subject to vesting over a four-year period commencing on their grant dates. Share-based compensation expense for such restricted share units is recognized on an accelerated basis over the requisite service period. The fair value of restricted share units was determined based on the market price of Changyou’s American depositary shares (“ADSs”) on the grant date.

A summary of activity for these restricted share units as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2014 is presented below:

 

Restricted Share Units

   Number of
Units
(in thousands)
    Weighted-Average
Grant-Date

Fair Value
 

Unvested at January 1, 2014

     218      $ 14.46   

Granted

     40        13.37   

Vested

     (28     16.29   

Forfeited

     (5     17.19   
  

 

 

   

Unvested at March 31, 2014

     225        13.98   
  

 

 

   

Expected to vest after March 31, 2014

     215        14.00   
  

 

 

   

For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, total share-based compensation expense recognized for the above restricted share units was $0.3 million and $0.5 million, respectively.

As of March 31, 2014, there was $1.6 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to these unvested restricted share units. The expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.08 years. The total fair value of these restricted share units vested during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was $0.4 million and $0.3 million, respectively.

3) Sogou Inc. Share-based Awards

Sogou 2010 Share Incentive Plan

Sogou adopted a share incentive plan on October 20, 2010 and amended it on June 18, 2013 to increase to 36,000,000 the number of Sogou ordinary shares issuable under the plan (as amended, the “Sogou 2010 Share Incentive Plan”). Awards of share rights may be granted under the Sogou 2010 Share Incentive Plan to management and employees of Sogou and of any present or future parents or subsidiaries or variable interest entities of Sogou. The maximum term of any share right granted under the Sogou 2010 Share Incentive Plan is ten years from the grant date. The Sogou 2010 Share Incentive Plan will expire on October 19, 2020. As of March 31, 2014, Sogou had issued options for the purchase of 35,255,125 ordinary shares under the 2010 Sogou Share Incentive Plan.

Of the 35,255,125 issued share options, 23,025,125 share options will become vested and exercisable in four equal installments, with each installment vesting upon a service period requirement for management and key employees being met, as well as Sogou’s achievement of performance targets for the corresponding period. The performance target for each installment will be set at the beginning of each vesting period. Accordingly, for purposes of recognition of share-based compensation expense, each installment is considered to be granted as of that date. As of March 31, 2014, performance targets had been set for 15,748,900 share options, subject to vesting upon service period requirements for management and key employees being met and Sogou’s achievement of performance targets and, accordingly, such options were considered granted for purposes of recognition of share-based compensation expense. As of March 31, 2014, 12,847,638 share options had become vested and exercisable because both the service period and the performance requirements had been met, and of such vested options, 10,034,525 share options had been exercised.

Of the issued share options, 8,270,000 share options will become vested and exercisable in four or five equal installments, with (i) the first installment vesting upon Sogou’s completion of an IPO of its ordinary shares (“Sogou’s IPO”) and the expiration of all underwriters’ lockup periods applicable to Sogou’s IPO, and (ii) each of the three or four subsequent installments vesting on the first, second, third and, if applicable, fourth anniversary dates, respectively, of the closing of Sogou’s IPO.

The remaining issued share options, for the purchase of 3,960,000 Sogou ordinary shares, will become vested and exercisable in four equal installments, with (i) the first installment vesting upon the first anniversary of the occurrence of either of the following events (“Event”): (a) completion of Sogou’s IPO; (b) the consolidation of Sogou with or the acquisition of Sogou by another person or entity in a sale of all or substantially all of its assets or shares, and (ii) each of the three subsequent installments vesting on the second, third and fourth anniversary dates, respectively, of the occurrence of an Event. If there has not been an Event within 24 months after June 15, 2013, all installments of these remaining 3,960,000 share options will cease to vest.

 

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All installments of 8,270,000 share options that are subject to vesting upon completion of Sogou’s IPO and 3,960,000 share options that are subject to vesting upon the completion of an Event were considered granted upon the issuance of the options. The completion of an Event is considered to be a performance condition of the awards. An IPO or other Event is not considered to be probable until it is completed. Under ASC 718, compensation cost should be accrued if it is probable that the performance condition will be achieved and should not be accrued if it is not probable that the performance condition will be achieved. As a result, no compensation expense will be recognized related to these options until the completion of an Event, and hence no share-based compensation expense was recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2014 for the 8,270,000 share options that are subject to vesting upon completion of Sogou’s IPO or for 3,960,000 share options that are subject to vesting upon the completion of an Event.

A summary of share option activity under the Sogou 2010 Stock Incentive Plan as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2014 is presented below:

 

Options

   Number
Of
Shares
(in thousands)
    Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
     Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (Years)
 

Outstanding at January 1, 2014

     17,953      $ 0.251      

Granted

     0        

Exercised

     0        

Forfeited or expired

     (9     0.001      
  

 

 

      

Outstanding at March 31, 2014

     17,944        0.251         8.40   
  

 

 

      

Vested at March 31, 2014 and expected to vest thereafter

     5,658        
  

 

 

      

Exercisable at March 31, 2014

     2,813        
  

 

 

      

For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, total share-based compensation expense recognized for share options under the Sogou 2010 Share Incentive Plan was $383,000 and $16,000, respectively.

As of March 31, 2014, there was $388,000 of unrecognized compensation expense related to the unvested share options. The expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.25 years.

The fair value of the ordinary shares of Sogou was assessed using the income approach /discounted cash flow method, with a discount for lack of marketability, given that the shares underlying the award were not publicly traded at the time of grant, and was determined with the assistance of a qualified professional appraiser using management’s estimates and assumptions. This assessment required complex and subjective judgments regarding Sogou’s projected financial and operating results, its unique business risks, the liquidity of its ordinary shares and its operating history and prospects at the time the grants were made.

The fair value of the options granted to Sogou management and key employees was estimated on the date of grant using the Binomial option - pricing model (the “BP Model”) with the following assumptions used:

 

Granted to Employees

   2014

Average risk-free interest rate

   2.10%~2.87%

Exercise multiple

   2~3

Expected forfeiture rate (Post-vesting)

   1.3%~6.0%

Weighted average expected option life

   10

Volatility rate

   47.00%~49.00%

Dividend yield

   0%

Fair value

   0.67

Sogou estimated the risk free rate based on the yield to maturity of China Sovereign bonds denominated in United States dollars as of the valuation date. An exercise multiple was estimated as the ratio of fair value of the shares over the exercise price as of the time the option is exercised, based on consideration of research studies regarding exercise patterns based on historical statistical data. In Sogou’s valuation analysis, a multiple of two was applied for employees and a multiple of three was applied for management. Sogou estimated the forfeiture rate to be 1.3% for Sogou management’s share options granted as of March 31, 2014 and 6.0% for Sogou employees’ share options granted as of March 31, 2014. The life of the share options is the contract life of the option. Based on the option agreement, the contract life of the option is 10 years. The expected volatility at the valuation date was estimated based on the historical volatility of comparable companies for the period before the grant date with length commensurate with the expected term of the options. Sogou has no history or expectation of paying dividends on its ordinary shares. Accordingly, the dividend yield is estimated to be 0%.

 

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Share-based Awards to Sohu Management

Under the Sohu Management Sogou Share Option Arrangement, which was approved by the boards of directors of Sohu and Sogou in March 2011, Sohu has the right to provide to Sohu management and key employees the opportunity to purchase from Sohu up to 12,000,000 ordinary shares of Sogou at a fixed exercise price of $0.625 per share. Of these 12,000,000 ordinary shares, 8,800,000 are Sogou ordinary shares previously held by Sohu and 3,200,000 are Sogou ordinary shares that were newly-issued on April 14, 2011 by Sogou to Sohu at a price of $0.625 per share, or a total of $2 million. As of March 31, 2014, Sohu had issued options for the purchase of 10,776,000 Sogou ordinary shares to Sohu management and key employees under the Sohu Management Sogou Share Option Arrangement.

Of the 10,776,000 issued share options, 8,376,000 share options will become vested and exercisable in four equal installments, with each installment vesting upon a service period requirement for management and key employees being met, as well as Sogou’s achievement of performance targets for the corresponding period. The performance target for each installment will be set at the beginning of each vesting period. Accordingly, for purposes of recognition of share-based compensation expense, each installment is considered to be granted as of that date. As of March 31, 2014, performance targets had been set for 6,585,750 share options vesting upon service period requirements for management and key employees being met and Sogou’s achievement of performance targets and, accordingly, such share options were considered granted. As of March 31, 2014, 5,845,625 share options had become vested and exercisable because both the service period and the performance requirements had been met, and 5,105,500 of the vested share options had been exercised.

The remaining 2,400,000 share options will become vested and exercisable in five equal installments, with (i) the first installment vesting upon Sogou’s IPO and the expiration of all underwriters’ lockup periods applicable to the IPO, and (ii) each of the four subsequent installments vesting on the first, second, third and fourth anniversary dates, respectively, of the closing of Sogou’s IPO. All installments of the 2,400,000 share options that are subject to vesting upon the completion of Sogou’s IPO were considered granted upon the issuance of the options. The completion of a firm commitment IPO is considered to be a performance condition of the awards. An IPO event is not considered to be probable until it is completed. Under ASC 718, compensation cost should be accrued if it is probable that the performance condition will be achieved and should not be accrued if it is not probable that the performance condition will be achieved. As a result, no compensation expense will be recognized related to these options until the completion of an IPO, and hence no share-based compensation expense was recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2014 for these 2,400,000 share options.

A summary of share option activity as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2014 is presented below:

 

Options

   Number
Of
Shares
(in thousands)
     Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
     Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (Years)
 

Outstanding at January 1, 2014

     3,880       $ 0.625      

Granted

     0         

Exercised

     0         

Forfeited or expired

     0         
  

 

 

       

Outstanding at March 31, 2014

     3,880         0.625         8.24   
  

 

 

       

Vested at March 31, 2014

     1,477         
  

 

 

       

Exercisable at March 31, 2014

     740         
  

 

 

       

For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, total share-based compensation expense recognized for share options under the Sohu Management Sogou Share Option Arrangement was $50,000 and nil, respectively.

As of March 31, 2014, there was $50,000 of unrecognized compensation expense related to the unvested share options. The expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.25 years.

 

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The method used to determine the fair value of share options granted to Sohu management and key employees was the same as the method used for the share options granted to Sogou’s management and key employees as described above, except for the assumptions used in the BP Model as presented below:

 

Granted to Employees

   2014

Average risk-free interest rate

   2.10%~2.87%

Exercise multiple

   2~3

Expected forfeiture rate (Post-vesting)

   0%-8%

Weighted average expected option life

   10

Volatility rate

   47.00%-48.00%

Dividend yield

   0%

Fair value

   0.27-0.38

Option Modification

In the first and second quarter of 2013, a portion of the share options granted under the Sogou 2010 Share Incentive Plan and the Sohu Management Sogou Share Option Arrangement were exercised early, and the resulting Sogou ordinary shares were transferred to trusts with the original option grantees as beneficiaries. The trusts will distribute the shares to those beneficiaries in installments based on the vesting requirements under the original option agreements. Although these trust arrangements caused a modification of the terms of these share options, the modification was not considered substantive. Accordingly, no incremental fair value related to these shares resulted from the modification, and the remaining share-based compensation expense for these shares will continue to be recognized over the original remaining vesting period.

As of March 31, 2014, 19,245,000 share options granted under the Sogou 2010 Share Incentive Plan and 1,225,000 share options granted under the Sohu Management Sogou Share Option Arrangement, or a total of 20,470,000 share options, had been exercised early.

Tencent Share-based Awards Issued to Employees Who Transferred to Sogou with Soso Search-related Businesses

Certain persons who became Sogou employees when Tencent’s Soso search-related businesses were transferred to Sogou on September 16, 2013 had been granted restricted share units under Tencent’s share award arrangements prior to the transfer of the businesses to Sogou. These Tencent restricted share units will continue to vest under the original Tencent share award arrangements provided the transferred employees continue to be employed by Sogou during the requisite service period. After the transfer of the Soso search-related businesses to Sogou, Sogou applied the guidance in ASC 505-50 to measure the related compensation expense, based on the then-current fair value at each reporting date, which is deemed to have been incurred by Tencent as an investor on Sogou’s behalf. To determine the then-current fair value of the Tencent restricted share units granted to these employees, the public market price of the underlying shares at each reporting date was applied. Because Sogou is not required to reimburse Tencent for such share-based compensation expense, the related amount was recorded by Sogou as a capital contribution from Tencent.

As of March 31, 2014, unvested Tencent restricted share unit awards held by these employees provided for the issuance of up to 145,644 ordinary shares of Tencent. Share-based compensation expense of $1.8 million related to these Tencent restricted share units was recognized in the Group’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2014. As of March 31, 2014, there was $5.9 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to these unvested restricted share units. This amount is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.01 years.

4) Sohu Video Share-based Awards and 7Road Share-based Awards

See Note 3 - Share-Based Compensation Expense.

 

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12. Business Transactions

Sogou Transactions

On October 22, 2010, Sogou issued and sold 24.0 million, 14.4 million and 38.4 million, respectively, of its newly-issued Series A Preferred Shares to Alibaba Investments Limited (“Alibaba”), China Web and Photon for $15 million, $9 million, and $24 million, respectively. On June 29, 2012, Sohu purchased Alibaba’s 24.0 million Sogou Series A Preferred Shares for a purchase price of $25.8 million.

On September 16, 2013, Sogou entered into a series of agreements with Tencent, Sohu Search and Photon pursuant to which Sogou issued Series B Preferred Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares to Tencent for a net amount of $448 million in cash and Tencent transferred its Soso search-related businesses and certain other assets to Sogou. Also on that date, Sogou entered into Repurchase Option Agreements with Sohu Search and Photon, and a Repurchase/Put Option Agreement with China Web, with respect to all of the Series A Preferred Shares of Sogou held by Sohu Search and China Web, and a portion of the Series A Preferred Shares of Sogou held by Photon. On September 17, 2013, Sogou paid a special dividend to the three holders of Series A Preferred Shares of Sogou in the aggregate amount of $301 million, of which Sohu Search received $161 million, Photon received $43 million, and China Web received $97 million. On December 2, 2013, Tencent invested $1.5 million in cash in Sogou’s VIE Sogou Information, as additional consideration for the Sogou-Tencent Transactions, in return for a 45% equity interest in Sogou Information. Through a share pledge agreement and an exclusive equity interest purchase right agreement between Tencent and Sogou Technology, and similar agreements between the other two shareholders of Sogou Information, Sogou Technology controls all shareholder voting rights in Sogou Information, has the power to direct the activities of Sogou Information, and is the primary beneficiary of Sogou Information, and Tencent and the other two shareholders of Sogou Information act as Sohu Technology’s nominees.

On March 24, 2014, Sogou purchased from China Web, pursuant to the Repurchase/Put Option Agreement between Sogou and China Web, 14.4 million Series A Preferred Shares of Sogou, for an aggregate purchase price of $47.3 million.

As of March 31, 2014, Sogou had outstanding a combined total of 356,371,908 ordinary shares and preferred shares held as follows:

 

(i) Sohu:

134,107,750 Class A Ordinary Shares and 24,000,000 Series A Preferred Shares. Of the Class A Ordinary Shares, 6,907,750 shares are subject to purchase from Sohu under options held by Sohu management and key employees. All of the 24,000,000 Series A Preferred Shares are subject to repurchase by Sogou commencing March 16, 2014;

 

(ii) Photon:

38,400,000 Series A Preferred Shares, of which 6,400,000 are subject to repurchase by Sogou commencing March 16, 2014;

 

(iii) Tencent:

6,757,875 Class A Ordinary Shares, 65,431,579 Series B Preferred Shares and 79,368,421 non-voting Class B Ordinary Shares; and

 

(iv) Various employees of Sogou and Sohu: 8,306,283 Class A Ordinary Shares.

Since Sohu controls the election of the Board of Directors of Sogou, Sohu is Sogou’s controlling shareholder. Therefore, Sohu consolidates Sogou in the Sohu Group’s consolidated financial statements, and recognizes noncontrolling interest reflecting economic interests in Sogou held by shareholders other than Sohu.

Because no ordinary shares will be issued with respect to share options granted by Sogou until they are vested and exercised, share options granted by Sogou that have not vested and vested share options that have not yet been exercised are not included as outstanding shares of Sogou and have no impact on the Sohu Group’s basic net income per share. Unvested share options with performance targets achieved and vested share options that have not yet been exercised do, however, have a dilutive impact on the Sohu Group’s dilutive net income per share. See Note 15 - Net Income /(Loss) per Share.

Terms of Sogou Preferred Shares

In connection with the Sogou-Tencent Transactions, Sogou’s shareholders adopted a Fifth Amended and Restated Memorandum of Association and Second Amended and Restated Articles of Association (together, the “Revised Sogou Memorandum and Articles”), which became effective on September 16, 2013. The following is a summary of some of the key terms of the Sogou Series A Preferred Shares and Series B Preferred Shares (collectively, the “Sogou Preferred Shares”) under the Revised Sogou Memorandum and Articles.

 

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Dividend Rights

Sogou may not declare or pay dividends on its Class A Ordinary Shares or Class B Ordinary Shares (collectively, “Ordinary Shares”) unless the holders of the Sogou Preferred Shares then outstanding first receive a dividend on each outstanding Preferred Share in an amount at least equal to the sum of (i) the dividends that would have been payable to the holder of such Preferred Share if such share had been converted into Ordinary Shares, at the then-applicable conversion rate, immediately prior to the record date for such dividend, and (ii) all accrued and unpaid Accruing Dividends. “Accruing Dividends” are calculated from the date of issuance of the Series A Preferred Shares at the rate per annum of $0.0375 per Series A Preferred Share and from the date of issuance of the Series B Preferred Shares at the rate per annum of $0.411 per Series B Preferred Share.

Liquidation Rights

In the event of any “Liquidation Event,” such as the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Sogou, a merger or consolidation of Sogou resulting in a change of control, the sale of substantially all of Sogou’s assets or similar events, the holders of Series B Preferred Shares are entitled to receive an amount per share equal to the greater of (i) $6.847 plus any unpaid Accruing Dividends or (ii) such amount per share as would have been payable if the Series B Preferred Shares had been converted into Ordinary Shares prior the Liquidation Event, and holders of Series A Preferred Shares are entitled to receive, after payment to the holders of the Series B Preferred Shares but before any payment to holders of Ordinary Shares, an amount equal to the greater of (i) 1.3 times their original investment in the Series A Preferred Shares plus all accrued but unpaid Accruing Dividends or (ii) such amount per share as would be payable if the Series A Preferred Shares had been converted into Ordinary Shares immediately prior to the Liquidation Event.

Redemption Rights

The Sogou Preferred Shares are not redeemable at the option of the holders.

Conversion Rights

Each Sogou Preferred Share is convertible, at the option of the holder, at any time, and without the payment of additional consideration by the holder. Each Sogou Preferred Share is convertible into such number of Class A Ordinary Shares as is determined, in the case of Series A Preferred Shares, by dividing $0.625 by the then-effective conversion price for Series A Preferred Shares, which is initially $0.625, and, in the case of Series B Preferred Shares, by dividing $7.267 by the then-effective conversion price for Series B Preferred Shares, which is initially $7.267. The conversion prices of the Sogou Preferred Shares are subject to adjustment on a weighted average basis upon the issuance of additional equity shares, or securities convertible into equity shares, at a price per share less than $0.625, in the case of Series A Preferred Shares, or less than $7.267, in the case of Series B Preferred Shares, subject to certain customary exceptions, such as shares issued pursuant to the Sogou 2010 Share Incentive Plan. Each Sogou Preferred Share will be automatically converted into Class A Ordinary Shares of Sogou upon the closing of a qualified initial public offering of Sogou based on the then-effective conversion ratio of such Sogou Preferred Share, which is currently one-for-one for both Series A Preferred Shares and Series B Preferred Shares.

Voting Rights

Each holder of Sogou Preferred Shares is entitled to cast the number of votes equal to the number of Class A Ordinary Shares into which the Sogou Preferred Shares held by such holder are then convertible.

Other Rights

The holders of Sogou Preferred Shares have various other rights typical of preferred share investments.

Terms of Sogou Class A Ordinary Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares

The Class A Ordinary Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares have identical rights, except that Class B Ordinary Shares do not have voting rights unless the holders of at least a majority of the then outstanding Class B Ordinary Shares elect, by written notice to Sogou, to convert them into shares with voting rights.

Changyou Share Repurchase Transactions

On July 27, 2013, Changyou’s Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to $100 million of the outstanding ADSs of Changyou over a two-year period from July 27, 2013 to July 26, 2015. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, Changyou did not repurchase any of its ADSs under the share repurchase program.

 

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13. Mezzanine Equity

Mezzanine Equity consisted of noncontrolling interest in 7Road and a put option pursuant to which the noncontrolling shareholders would have had the right to put their ordinary shares in 7Road to Changyou at a pre-determined price if 7Road achieved specified performance milestones before the expiration of the put option and 7Road did not complete an IPO on NASDAQ, the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) or the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (the “HKEX”). The put option was due to expire in 2014. Since the occurrence of the sale was not solely within the control of Changyou, the noncontrolling interest was classified as mezzanine equity instead of permanent equity in the Sohu Group’s and Changyou’s consolidated financial statements.

Under ASC 480-10, the Sohu Group calculated, on an accumulative basis from the acquisition date, (i) the amount of accretion that would increase the balance of noncontrolling interest to its estimated redemption value over the period from the date of the Shenzhen 7Road acquisition to the earliest redemption date of the noncontrolling interest in 7Road and (ii) the amount of net profit attributable to noncontrolling shareholders of 7Road based on their ownership percentage. The carrying value of the noncontrolling interest as mezzanine equity was adjusted by an accumulative amount equal to the higher of (i) and (ii).

On May 1, 2013, Changyou entered into an agreement to acquire all of the ordinary shares of 7Road held by the noncontrolling shareholders. The acquisition closed on June 5, 2013.

For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, accretion charges of nil and $10.7 million, respectively, were recorded in the Sohu Group’s statements of comprehensive income as net income attributable to the mezzanine-classified noncontrolling interest shareholders of 7Road.

 

14. Noncontrolling Interest

The primary majority-owned subsidiaries and VIEs of the Sohu Group which are consolidated in its consolidated financial statements but with noncontrolling interest recognized are Changyou and Sogou.

Noncontrolling Interest for Changyou

As Sohu is Changyou’s controlling shareholder, Changyou’s financial results have been consolidated with those of Sohu for all periods presented. To reflect the economic interest in Changyou held by shareholders other than Sohu (the “Changyou noncontrolling shareholders”), Changyou’s net income/(loss) attributable to the Changyou noncontrolling shareholders is recorded as noncontrolling interest in the Sohu Group’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income, based on their share of the economic interest in Changyou. Changyou’s cumulative results of operations attributable to the Changyou noncontrolling shareholders, along with changes in shareholders’ equity, adjustment for share-based compensation expense in relation to those share-based awards which are unvested and vested but not yet settled and adjustment for changes in Sohu’s ownership in Changyou, are recorded as noncontrolling interest in the Sohu Group’s consolidated balance sheets.

Noncontrolling Interest for Sogou

Since Sohu controls the election of the Board of Directors of Sogou, Sohu is Sogou’s controlling shareholder. Therefore, Sogou’s financial results have been consolidated with those of Sohu for all periods presented. To reflect the economic interest in Sogou held by shareholders other than Sohu (the “Sogou noncontrolling shareholders”), Sogou’s net income /(loss) attributable to the Sogou noncontrolling shareholders is recorded as noncontrolling interest in the Sohu Group’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Sogou’s cumulative results of operations attributable to the Sogou noncontrolling shareholders, along with changes in shareholders’ equity /(deficit) and adjustment for share-based compensation expense in relation to those share-based awards which are unvested and vested but not yet settled and the Sogou noncontrolling shareholders’ investments in Sogou Preferred Shares and Ordinary Shares are accounted for as a noncontrolling interest classified as permanent equity in the Sohu Group’s consolidated balance sheets, as redemption of the noncontrolling interest is solely within the control of Sohu. These treatments are based on the terms governing investment, and on the terms of the classes of Sogou shares held, by the noncontrolling shareholders in Sogou.

By virtue of these terms, Sogou’s losses have been and will be allocated in the following order:

 

(i) net losses were allocated to holders of Sogou Class A Ordinary Shares and the holder of Sogou Class B Ordinary Shares until their basis in Sogou decreased to zero;

 

(ii) additional net losses were allocated to holders of Sogou Series A Preferred Shares until their basis in Sogou decreased to zero;

 

(iii) additional net losses will be allocated to the holder of Sogou Series B Preferred Shares until its basis in Sogou decreases to zero; and

 

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(iv) further net losses will be allocated between Sohu and noncontrolling shareholders based on their shareholding percentage in Sogou.

Net income from Sogou has been, and future net income from Sogou will be, allocated in the following order:

 

(i) net income will be allocated between Sohu and noncontrolling shareholders based on their shareholding percentage in Sogou until their basis in Sogou increases to zero;

 

(ii) additional net income will be allocated to the holder of Sogou Series B Preferred Shares to bring its basis back;

 

(iii) additional net income will be allocated to holders of Sogou Series A Preferred Shares to bring their basis back;

 

(iv) further net income will be allocated to holders of Sogou Class A Ordinary Shares and the holder of Sogou Class B Ordinary Shares to bring their basis back; and

 

(v) further net income will be allocated between Sohu and noncontrolling shareholders based on their shareholding percentage in Sogou.

Noncontrolling Interest in the Consolidated Balance Sheets

As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, noncontrolling interest in the consolidated balance sheets was $455.1 million and $510.0 million, respectively.

 

     As of  
     March 31, 2014
(in thousands)
     December 31, 2013
(in thousands)
 

Changyou

   $ 297,811       $ 307,898   

Sogou

     154,571         199,059   

Others

     2,760         3,058   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 455,142       $ 510,015   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Noncontrolling Interest of Changyou

As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, noncontrolling interest of Changyou of $297.8 million and $307.9 million, respectively, was recognized in the Sohu Group’s consolidated balance sheets, representing a 32% economic interest as of both March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 in Changyou’s net assets held by shareholders other than Sohu and reflecting the reclassification of Changyou’s share-based compensation expense from shareholders’ additional paid-in capital to noncontrolling interest.

Noncontrolling Interest of Sogou

As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, noncontrolling interest of Sogou of $154.6 million and $199.1 million, respectively, was recognized in the Sohu Group’s consolidated balance sheets, representing Sogou’s cumulative results of operations attributable to shareholders other than Sohu, Sogou’s share-based compensation expense, and the investments of shareholders other than Sohu in Preferred Shares and Ordinary Shares of Sogou, the adjustment of the investment basis of shareholders other than Sohu due to the special dividend paid to holders of Series A Preferred Shares of Sogou on September 17, 2013, and the repurchase of Sogou Series A Preferred Shares from China Web on March 24, 2014.

Noncontrolling Interest in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, $4.9 million net loss and $23.1 million net income, respectively, attributable to the noncontrolling interest was recognized in the Sohu Group’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  
     2014
(in thousands)
    2013
(in thousands)
 

Changyou

   $ (6,630   $ 25,235   

Sogou

     1,118        (1,929

Others

     577        (240
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ (4,935   $ 23,066   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Noncontrolling Interest of Changyou

For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, $6.6 million net loss and $25.2 million net income, respectively, attributable to the noncontrolling interest of Changyou was recognized in the Sohu Group’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income, representing both a 32% economic interest in Changyou attributable to shareholders other than Sohu.

Noncontrolling Interest of Sogou

For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, $1.1 million net income and $1.9 million net loss, respectively, attributable to the noncontrolling interest of Sogou was recognized in the Sohu Group’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income, representing Sogou’s net income /(loss) attributable to shareholders other than Sohu.

 

15. Net Income /(Loss) per Share

Basic net income /(loss) per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income /(loss) per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares and, if dilutive, potential common shares outstanding during the period. Potential common shares comprise shares issuable upon the exercise or settlement of share-based awards using the treasury stock method. The dilutive effect of share-based awards with performance requirements is not considered before the performance targets are actually met. The computation of diluted net income /(loss) per share does not assume conversion, exercise, or contingent issuance of securities that would have an anti-dilutive effect (i.e. an increase in earnings per share amounts or a decrease in loss per share amounts) on net income /(loss) per share. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, 148,000 potential common shares issuable upon the exercise or settlement of share-based awards using the treasury stock method were anti-dilutive and excluded from the denominator for calculation of diluted net loss per share.

Additionally, for purposes of calculating the numerator of diluted net income /(loss) per share, the net income /(loss) attributable to the Sohu Group is adjusted as follows. The adjustment will not be made if there is an anti-dilutive effect.

 

(1) Changyou’s net income /(loss) attributable to the Sohu Group is determined using the percentage that the weighted average number of Changyou shares held by Sohu represents of the weighted average number of Changyou ordinary shares and shares issuable upon the exercise or settlement of share-based awards under the treasury stock method, and not by using the percentage held by Sohu of the total economic interest in Changyou, which is used for the calculation of basic net income per share.

In the calculation of the Sohu Group’s diluted net income /(loss) per share, assuming a dilutive effect, all of Changyou’s existing unvested restricted share units, and vested restricted share units that have not yet been settled, are treated as vested and settled by Changyou under the treasury stock method, causing the percentage of the weighted average number of shares held by Sohu in Changyou to decrease. As a result, Changyou’s net income /(loss) attributable to the Sohu Group on a diluted basis decreased accordingly. The effect of this calculation is presented as “incremental dilution from Changyou” in the table below.

In the first quarter of 2014, all of these Changyou restricted share units would have had an anti-dilutive effect, and were excluded from the calculation of the Sohu Group’s diluted net loss per share. As a result, Changyou’s net operating loss attributable to the Sohu Group on a diluted basis equals the net operating loss used for the calculation of the Sohu Group’s basic net loss per share, and the “incremental dilution from Changyou” in the table below was nil.

 

(2) Sogou’s net income /(loss) attributable to the Sohu Group is determined using the percentage that the weighted average number of Sogou shares held by Sohu represents of the weighted average number of Sogou Preferred Shares and Ordinary Shares, shares issuable upon the conversion of convertible preferred shares under the if-converted method, and shares issuable upon the exercise or settlement of share-based awards under the treasury stock method, and is not determined by allocating Sogou’s net income /(loss) to the Sohu Group using the methodology for the calculation of net income /(loss) attributable to the Sogou noncontrolling shareholders discussed in Note 14 - Noncontrolling Interest.

In the calculation of the Sohu Group’s diluted net income /(loss) per share, assuming a dilutive effect, the percentage of the Sohu Group’s shareholding in Sogou was calculated by treating convertible preferred shares issued by Sogou as having been converted at the beginning of the period and unvested share options with the performance targets achieved as well as vested but unexercised share options as having been exercised during the period. The dilutive effect of share-based awards with a performance requirement was not considered before the performance targets were actually met. The effect of this calculation is presented as “incremental dilution from Sogou” in the table below.

In the first quarter of 2014, all of these Sogou shares and share options would have had an anti-dilutive effect, and were excluded from the calculation of the Sohu Group’s diluted net loss per share. As a result, Sogou’s net income attributable to the Sohu Group on a diluted basis equals the net income used for the calculation of the Sohu Group’s basic net loss per share, and the “incremental dilution from Sogou” in the table below was nil.

 

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As discussed in Note 1 - Organization and Nature of Operations, on March 24, 2014 Sogou purchased from China Web 14.4 million Series A Preferred Shares of Sogou for an aggregate purchase price of $47.3 million. The transaction gave rise to a deemed dividend amounting to $27.7 million, which was deemed to have been contributed by Sohu, as a holder of ordinary shares of Sogou, for the difference between the price Sogou paid to China Web for the Series A Preferred Shares and the carrying amount of these 14.4 million Series A Preferred Shares in the Group’s consolidated financial statements. This deemed dividend has been subtracted from net income attributable to Sohu.com Inc. for the three months ended March 31, 2014 in the table below when calculating the basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to Sohu.com Inc.

The following table presents the calculation of the Sohu Group’s basic and diluted net income /(loss) per share (in thousands, except per share data).

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  
     2014     2013  

Numerator:

    

Net income /(loss) attributable to Sohu.com Inc., basic (after subtracting the deemed dividend to noncontrolling Sogou Series A Preferred shareholders)

   $ (78,854   $ 24,431   

Effect of dilutive securities:

    

Incremental dilution from Changyou

     0        (325

Incremental dilution from Sogou

     0        (1,118
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income /(loss) attributable to Sohu.com Inc., diluted

   $ (78,854   $ 22,988   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Denominator:

    

Weighted average basic common shares outstanding

     38,411        38,169   

Effect of dilutive securities:

    

Share options and restricted share units

     0        260   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding

     38,411        38,429   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic net income /(loss) per share attributable to Sohu.com Inc.

   $ (2.05   $ 0.64   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted net income /(loss) per share attributable to Sohu.com Inc.

   $ (2.05   $ 0.60   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

16. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

The FASB issued Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity, which changes the threshold for reporting discontinued operations and adds new disclosures. The new guidance defines a discontinued operation as a disposal that “represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results.” The standard is required to be adopted by public business entities in annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those annual periods. Entities may “early adopt” the guidance for new disposals. The Group is currently evaluating the impact on its consolidated financial statements of adopting this guidance.

 

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

As used in this report, references to “us,” “we,” “our,” “our company,” “our Group,” the “Group,” “Sohu,” the “Sohu Group,” and “Sohu.com” are to Sohu.com Inc. and, except where the context requires otherwise, our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries and variable interest entities (“VIEs”) Sohu.com Limited, Sohu.com (Hong Kong) Limited (“Sohu Hong Kong”), All Honest International Limited, Sohu.com (Game) Limited (“Sohu Game”), Go2Map Inc., Sohu.com (Search) Limited (“Sohu Search”), Sogou Inc. (“Sogou”), Sogou (BVI) Limited, Sogou Hong Kong Limited, Vast Creation Advertising Media Services Limited (“Vast Creation”), Fox Video Investment Holding Limited (“Video Investment”), Fox Video Limited (“Sohu Video”), Fox Video (HK) Limited (“Video HK”), Focus Investment Holding Limited (“Focus Investment”), Sohu Focus Limited (“Sohu Focus”), Sohu Focus (HK) Limited (“Focus HK”), Beijing Sohu New Era Information Technology Co., Ltd. (“Sohu Era”), Beijing Sohu Software Technology Co., Ltd. (“New Software”), Beijing Sohu Interactive Software Co., Ltd. (“Sohu Software”), Go2Map Software (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (“Go2Map Software”), Beijing Sogou Technology Development Co., Ltd. (“Sogou Technology”), Beijing Sogou Network Technology Co., Ltd (“Sogou Network”), Fox Information Technology (Tianjin) Limited (“Video Tianjin”), Beijing Sohu New Media Information Technology Co., Ltd. (“Sohu Media”), Beijing Focus Time Advertising Media Co., Ltd. (“Focus Time”), Beijing Sohu New Momentum Information Technology Co., Ltd. (“Sohu New Momentum”), Beijing Century High Tech Investment Co., Ltd. (“High Century”), Beijing Sohu Entertainment Culture Media Co., Ltd. (“Sohu Entertainment,” formerly known as Beijing Hengda Yitong Internet Technology Development Co., Ltd., or “Hengda”), Beijing Sohu Internet Information Service Co., Ltd. (“Sohu Internet”), Beijing GoodFeel Technology Co., Ltd. (“GoodFeel”), Beijing Sogou Information Service Co., Ltd. (“Sogou Information”), Beijing 21 East Culture Development Co., Ltd. (“21 East Beijing”), Beijing Sohu Donglin Advertising Co., Ltd.(“Donglin”), Beijing Pilot New Era Advertising Co., Ltd. (“Pilot New Era”), Beijing Focus Yiju Network Information Technology Co., Ltd. (“Focus Yiju”), SohuPay Science and Technology Co., Ltd. (“SohuPay”), Beijing Yi He Jia Xun Information Technology Co., Ltd. (“Yi He Jia Xun”), Tianjin Jinhu Culture Development Co., Ltd. (“Tianjin Jinhu”), Shenzhen Shi Ji Guang Su Information Technology Co., Ltd. (“Shi Ji Guang Su”), Beijing Intelligence World Network Technology Co., Ltd. (“Intelligence World”) and our independently-listed majority-owned subsidiary Changyou.com Limited (“Changyou,” formerly known as TL Age Limited) as well as the following direct and indirect subsidiaries and VIEs of Changyou: Changyou.com HK Limited (“Changyou HK,” formerly known as TL Age Hong Kong Limited), Changyou.com Webgames (HK) Limited (“Changyou HK Webgames”), Changyou.com Gamepower (HK) Limited (“Changyou HK Gamepower”), ICE Entertainment (HK) Limited (“ICE HK”), Changyou.com Gamestar (HK) Limited (“Changyou HK Gamestar”), Changyou.com (US) LLC. (formerly known as AmazGame Entertainment (US) Inc.), Changyou.com (UK) Company Limited (“Changyou UK”), ChangyouMy Sdn. Bhd (“Changyou Malaysia”), Changyou.com Korea Limited (“Changyou Korea”), Changyou.com India Private Limited (“Changyou India”), Changyou BİLİŞİM HİZMETLERİ TİCARET LİMİTED ŞİRKETİ (“Changyou Turkey”), Kylie Enterprises Limited, Mobogarden Enterprises Limited, Heroic Vision Holdings Limited (“Heroic”), TalkTalk Limited (“TalkTalk”), RaidCall (HK) Limited (“RaidCall HK”), 7Road.com Limited (“7Road”), 7Road.com HK Limited (“7Road HK”), Beijing AmazGame Age Internet Technology Co., Ltd. (“AmazGame”), Beijing Changyou Gamespace Software Technology Co., Ltd. (“Gamespace”), ICE Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (“ICE Information”), Beijing Changyou RaidCall Internet Technology Co., Ltd. (“RaidCall”), Beijing Yang Fan Jing He Information Consulting Co., Ltd. (“Yang Fan Jing He”), Shanghai Jingmao Culture Communication Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai Jingmao”), Shanghai Hejin Data Consulting Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai Hejin”), Beijing Changyou Jingmao Film & Culture Communication Co., Ltd. (“Beijing Jingmao”), Beijing Gamease Age Digital Technology Co., Ltd. (“Gamease”), Beijing Guanyou Gamespace Digital Technology Co., Ltd. (“Guanyou Gamespace”), Beijing Doyo Internet Technology Co., Ltd. (“Doyo Internet”), Beijing Zhi Hui You Information Technology Co., Ltd. (“Zhi Hui You”), Shanghai ICE Information Technology Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai ICE”), Shenzhen 7Road Network Technologies Co., Ltd. (“7Road Technology”), Shenzhen 7Road Technology Co., Ltd. (“Shenzhen 7Road”), and Beijing Changyou e-pay Co. Ltd. (“Changyou e-pay”), and these references should be interpreted accordingly. Unless otherwise specified, references to “China” or “PRC” refer to the People’s Republic of China and do not include the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Macau Special Administrative Region or Taiwan. This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including, without limitation, statements regarding our expectations, beliefs, intentions or future strategies that are signified by the words “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “believe,” or similar language. All forward-looking statements included in this document are based on information available to us on the date hereof, and we assume no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. 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 Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 28, 2014, as updated by Part II Item 1A of this report. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

 

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OVERVIEW

Sohu (NASDAQ: SOHU) is a leading Chinese online media, search and game service group providing comprehensive online products and services on PCs and mobile devices. We operate one of the most comprehensive matrices of Chinese language content and services, and developed and operate in China one of the most popular Chinese search engines, one of the most popular massively multiplayer online games (“MMOGs”) and two popular Web games. Most of our operations are conducted through our indirect wholly-owned and majority-owned China-based subsidiaries and variable interest entities.

Our businesses consist of the online advertising business, which consists of the brand advertising business as well as the search and others business, the online game business and the others business, of which online advertising and online games are our core businesses.

Factors and Trends Affecting our Business

With the accelerated shift in user activities from desktop computers (“PCs”) to mobile devices and the increase in the number of Internet users, during the first quarter of 2014 our portfolio of mobile properties gained traction. Sohu WAP portal, Sohu News App, and Sohu Video App all grew rapidly. Notably, in the first quarter of 2014 mobile video traffic surpassed PC traffic. At Sohu.com we kicked off mobile monetization in the second half of 2013, starting with our online video business, while during the first quarter of 2014 we conducted pilot testing of mobile advertising on Sohu News App. For the first quarter of 2014, mobile video advertising revenues reached the mid-teens as a percentage of total video revenues, while advertising revenues from Sohu News App contributed mid-single digits as a percentage of portal revenues. We have incurred operating losses in the online video business in the past few years, despite solid revenue growth. Key factors that have negatively impacted our profitability include intensified competition for premium licensed content, which resulted in increased content costs; surging mobile video traffic, which drove up bandwidth costs; and increased development and promotional costs associated with our Sohu Video App.

On September 16, 2013, we entered into a strategic cooperation with Tencent Holdings Limited (Tencent Holdings Limited together with its subsidiaries, “Tencent”), in connection with which Tencent invested in our search subsidiary Sogou. We believe that this strategic cooperation has reinforced and strengthened Sogou as a leader in the large and fast-growing China market for search and Internet services, particularly for the mobile platform. In the online search sector, Sogou is one of the top three PC search players in China, and we have improved our competitiveness in mobile search (we are currently number two in mobile search). In the first quarter of 2014, with multiple measures that we implemented to improve our search quality, PC search traffic increased moderately, while mobile search traffic grew 24% quarter over quarter. On the monetization front, in the first quarter of 2014, major operating metrics, including the number of advertisers, click-through rate, cost per click and revenue per thousand impressions, grew nicely year on year. We also saw an increase in the number of customers who chose to spend on mobile search. We expect our search and others business to sustain healthy growth through 2014.

For our online games business conducted by Changyou, in 2014, we will continue to release three to four expansion packs on a regular basis. We developed and currently operate in China three popular games, Tian Long Ba Bu (“TLBB”), Wartune (also known as “Shen Qu”) and DDTank, which account for a majority of our online game revenues. We expect to launch new MMOGs, Web games and mobile games to diversify our product offering and revenues. With more Internet users playing games across multiple devices, in order to strengthen our capabilities across different devices and capture the emerging business opportunities from the trend toward multiple devices, Changyou has been ramping up its investment in its platform initiatives surrounding its 17173 property as well as growing its various software applications. As a result of the significant resources devoted and proactive marketing efforts, we saw good user traffic growth on the 17173 website and our software applications during the first quarter of 2014. For the rest of the year, we will continue to invest aggressively in the platform business to develop and promote our products. As a result, Changyou has recently generated net losses, and we expected it to continue to do so through the remainder of 2014.

Summary of Our Business

Online Advertising Business

Brand Advertising Business

Our brand advertising business offers to users, over our matrices of Chinese language Web content and services, various products and services (such as free of charge content, including news, video, interactive community and other competitive Internet services) across multiple Internet-enabled devices, such as PCs, mobile phones and tablets. It also offers advertisements on Sohu Group Web properties to companies seeking to increase their brand awareness online.

The majority of our products and services are provided on the following platforms:

 

    Sohu.com (including Sohu Video, tv.sohu.com), a leading mass portal and media destination;

 

    Focus.cn, a top real estate Website; and

 

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    17173.com, a leading game information portal. Since December 15, 2011, 17173.com has been owned and operated by our majority-owned subsidiary Changyou.

For the first quarter of 2014, brand advertising revenues were $111.1 million, which represented 30% of our total revenues, of which $9.2 million was attributable to 17173.com.

Search and Others Business

Our search and others business, operated by our search subsidiary Sogou, primarily offers customers pay-for-click services, as well as online marketing services on the Sogou Web Directory. Pay-for-click services enable our advertisers’ promotional links to be displayed on Sogou search result pages and Sogou Website Alliance members’ Websites where the links are relevant to the subject and content of such Web pages. Both pay-for-click services and online marketing services on the Sogou Web Directory expand distribution of our advertisers’ Website links and advertisements by leveraging traffic on Sogou Website Alliance members’ Websites.

For the first quarter of 2014, our search and others revenues were $64.3 million, which represented 18% of our total revenues.

Online Game Business

Our online game business is conducted by our majority-owned subsidiary Changyou. Changyou is a leading online game developer and operator in China as measured by the popularity of its MMOG TLBB and its Web games DDTank and Wartune, which Changyou developed in-house. Changyou engages in the development, operation and licensing of online games for PCs and mobile devices. Changyou’s online games include MMOGs, which are interactive online games that may be played simultaneously by hundreds of thousands of game players, Web games, which are played over the Internet using a Web browser, and mobile games, which are played on mobile devices with an Internet connection.

For the first quarter of 2014, our online game revenues were $163.4 million, which represented 45% of our total revenues.

Others Business

Our others business revenues are primarily generated from our business of offering traditional mobile products to mobile phone users through cooperation with China mobile network operators, offering Internet value-added services (“IVAS”) with respect to the operation of Web games and services provided to software application users, and offering slots for advertisements to be shown in cinemas before the screening of movies.

Business Transactions

Sogou Transactions

On October 22, 2010, Sogou issued and sold 24.0 million, 14.4 million and 38.4 million, respectively, of its newly-issued Series A Preferred Shares to Alibaba Investment Limited (“Alibaba”), a private investment subsidiary of Alibaba Group Holding Limited, China Web Search (HK) Limited (“China Web”), an investment vehicle of Yunfeng Capital, and Photon Group Limited (“Photon”), the investment vehicle of Sohu Group’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Charles Zhang, for $15 million, $9 million, and $24 million, respectively. On June 29, 2012, Sohu purchased Alibaba’s 24.0 million Sogou Series A Preferred Shares for a purchase price of $25.8 million.

On September 16, 2013, pursuant to a Subscription Agreement entered into on that date by and among Sogou, Tencent, Sohu Search, and Photon, and a series of other contracts also entered into on that date between Sogou and Tencent, Tencent invested a net amount of $448 million in cash in Sogou and transferred its Soso search-related businesses and certain other assets to Sogou (collectively, the “Sogou-Tencent Transactions”).

On September 16, 2013, Sogou entered into (i) a Repurchase Option Agreement with Sohu Search, exercisable commencing March 16, 2014, granting to Sogou the right to purchase 24 million Series A Preferred Shares of Sogou held by Sohu Search for an aggregate purchase price of $78.8 million; (ii) a Repurchase Option Agreement with Photon, also exercisable commencing March 16, 2014, granting to Sogou the right to purchase 6.4 million Series A Preferred Shares of Sogou held by Photon for an aggregate purchase price of $21 million; and (iii) a Repurchase/Put Option Agreement with China Web, granting to Sogou the right to purchase at any time from March 16, 2014 to July 31, 2014, and granting to China Web the right to put to Sogou at any time prior to July 31, 2014, 14.4 million Series A Preferred Shares of Sogou held by China Web for an aggregate purchase price of $47.3 million.

On September 16, 2013, Sogou, Sohu Search, Photon, Mr. Xiaochuan Wang, four other members of Sogou’s management (collectively, the “Sohu Parties”) and Tencent entered into a Shareholders Agreement (the “Shareholders Agreement”) under which the parties agreed to vote their Sogou voting shares in all elections of directors to elect three designees of Sohu Search and two designees of Tencent.

 

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On September 17, 2013, Sogou paid a special dividend to the three holders of Series A Preferred Shares of Sogou in the aggregate amount of $301 million, of which Sohu Search received $161 million, Photon received $43 million, and China Web received $97 million.

On December 2, 2013, Tencent invested $1.5 million in cash in Sogou Information, which is a VIE of Sogou, as additional consideration in connection with the Sogou-Tencent Transactions.

On March 24, 2014, Sogou purchased from China Web, pursuant to the Repurchase/Put Option Agreement between Sogou and China Web, 14.4 million Series A Preferred Shares of Sogou, for an aggregate purchase price of $47.3 million.

Pursuant to the Shareholders Agreement, Sohu will hold approximately 53% of the total voting power for the election of the Board of Directors of Sogou, assuming that the remaining repurchase options are exercised, Tencent’s non-voting Class B Ordinary Shares are converted to voting shares, and all share options under the Sogou 2010 Share Incentive Plan and all share options under an arrangement providing for Sogou share-based awards to be available for grants to Sohu management and key employees are granted and exercised. As Sohu is the controlling shareholder of Sogou, we consolidate Sogou in the Sohu Group’s consolidated financial statements, and recognize noncontrolling interest reflecting economic interests in Sogou held by shareholders other than Sohu.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND MANAGEMENT ESTIMATES

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations relates to our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, costs and expenses, and related disclosures. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Identified below are the accounting policies that reflect our more significant estimates and judgments, and those that we believe are the most critical to fully understanding and evaluating our consolidated financial statements.

Basis of Consolidation

Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Sohu.com Inc. and its direct and indirect wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries and consolidated VIEs. All intercompany transactions are eliminated.

VIE Consolidation

Our Group adopted the guidance of accounting for VIEs, which requires VIEs to be consolidated by the primary beneficiary of the entity. For our consolidated VIEs, management made evaluations of the relationships between us and our VIEs and the economic benefit flow of contractual arrangements with the VIEs. In connection with such evaluation, management also took into account the fact that, as a result of such contractual arrangements, we control the shareholders’ voting interests in these VIEs. As a result of such evaluation, management concluded that we are the primary beneficiary of our consolidated VIEs. Our Group has one VIE that is not consolidated, since we are not the primary beneficiary.

Noncontrolling Interest Recognition

Noncontrolling interests are recognized to reflect the portion of the equity of majority-owned subsidiaries and VIEs which is not attributable, directly or indirectly, to the controlling shareholder. Currently, the noncontrolling interests in our consolidated financial statements primarily consist of noncontrolling interests for Changyou and Sogou.

Noncontrolling Interest for Changyou

As of March 31, 2014, Sohu held approximately 68% of the combined total of Changyou’s outstanding ordinary shares and controlled approximately 83% of the total voting power in Changyou. As Sohu is Changyou’s controlling shareholder, we consolidate Changyou in our consolidated financial statements, but recognize noncontrolling interest reflecting the economic interest in Changyou held by shareholders other than Sohu.

To reflect the economic interest in Changyou held by shareholders other than Sohu (“Changyou noncontrolling shareholders”), Changyou’s net income/(loss) attributable to the Changyou noncontrolling shareholders is recorded as noncontrolling interest in Sohu’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income, based on their share of the economic interest in Changyou. Changyou’s cumulative results of operations attributable to the Changyou noncontrolling shareholders, along with changes in shareholders’ equity, adjustment for share-based compensation expense in relation to those share-based awards which are unvested and vested but not yet settled and adjustment for changes in Sohu’s ownership in Changyou, are recorded as noncontrolling interest in our consolidated balance sheets.

 

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Noncontrolling Interest for Sogou

Since Sohu controls the election of the Board of Directors of Sogou, Sohu is Sogou’s controlling shareholder. Therefore we consolidate Sogou in the Sohu Group’s consolidated financial statements, and recognize noncontrolling interest reflecting economic interests in Sogou held by shareholders other than Sohu. To reflect the economic interest in Sogou held by shareholders other than Sohu (the “Sogou noncontrolling shareholders”), Sogou’s net income /(loss) attributable to the Sogou noncontrolling shareholders is recorded as noncontrolling interest in the Sohu Group’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Sogou’s cumulative results of operations attributable to the Sogou noncontrolling shareholders, along with changes in shareholders’ equity /(deficit) and adjustment for share-based compensation expense in relation to those share-based awards which are unvested and vested but not yet settled and the Sogou noncontrolling shareholders’ investments in Sogou Preferred Shares and Ordinary Shares are accounted for as a noncontrolling interest classified as permanent equity in the Sohu Group’s consolidated balance sheets, as redemption of the noncontrolling interest is solely within the control of Sohu. These treatments are based on the terms governing investment, and on the terms of the classes of Sogou shares held by the noncontrolling shareholders in Sogou.

By virtue of these terms, Sogou’s losses have been and will be allocated in the following order:

 

(i) net losses were allocated to holders of Sogou Class A Ordinary Shares and the holder of Sogou Class B Ordinary Shares until their basis in Sogou decreased to zero;

 

(ii) additional net losses were allocated to holders of Sogou Series A Preferred Shares until their basis in Sogou decreased to zero;

 

(iii) additional net losses will be allocated to the holder of Sogou Series B Preferred Shares until its basis in Sogou decreases to zero; and

 

(iv) further net losses will be allocated between Sohu and noncontrolling shareholders based on their shareholding percentage in Sogou.

Net income from Sogou has been, and future net income from Sogou will be, allocated in the following order:

 

(i) net income will be allocated between Sohu and noncontrolling shareholders based on their shareholding percentage in Sogou until their basis in Sogou increases to zero;

 

(ii) additional net income will be allocated to the holder of Sogou Series B Preferred Shares to bring its basis back;

 

(iii) additional net income will be allocated to holders of Sogou Series A Preferred Shares to bring their basis back;

 

(iv) further net income will be allocated to holders of Sogou Class A Ordinary Shares and the holder of Sogou Class B Ordinary Shares to bring their basis back; and

 

(v) further net income will be allocated between Sohu and noncontrolling shareholders based on their shareholding percentage in Sogou.

Segment Reporting

Our Group’s segments are business units that offer different services and are reviewed separately by the chief operating decision maker (the “CODM”), or the decision making group, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The CODM is Sohu.com Inc.’s Chief Executive Officer.

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. The recognition of revenues involves certain management judgments. The amount and timing of our revenues could be materially different for any period if management made different judgments or utilized different estimates.

Under ASC 845, barter trade transactions in which physical goods or services (other than advertising services) are received in exchange for advertising services should be recorded based on the fair values of the goods and/or services received. For our online advertising-for-online advertising barter transactions, no revenue or expense is recognized because the fair value of neither the advertising surrendered nor the advertising received is determinable.

Online Advertising Revenues

Online advertising revenues include revenues from brand advertising services as well as search and others services.

 

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We recognize gross revenue for the amount of fees we receive from our advertisers. Determining whether revenue should be reported gross or net is based on an assessment of various factors. The primary factor is whether we are acting as the principal in offering services to the customer or whether we are acting as an agent in the transaction. Whether we are serving as principal or agent in a transaction is judgmental in nature and is determined by evaluating the terms of the arrangement. Our revenues from online advertising services are recognized on a gross basis, as we have the primary responsibility for fulfillment and acceptability. These revenues are recognized after deducting agent rebates and net of value-added tax (“VAT”) and related surcharges.

Brand Advertising Revenues

Business Model

Through PCs and mobile devices, we provide advertisement placements to our advertisers on different Website channels and in different formats, which include, among other things, banners, links, logos, buttons, full screen, pre-roll, mid-roll, and post-roll video screens, as well as pause video screens.

Currently we have three main types of pricing models, consisting of the Fixed Price model, the Cost Per Impression (“CPM”) pricing model, and the E-commerce model.

Fixed Price model

Under the Fixed Price model, a contract is signed to establish a fixed price for the advertising services to be provided.

CPM pricing model

Under the CPM pricing model, the unit price for each qualifying display is fixed, but there is no overall fixed price for the advertising services stated in the contract with the advertiser. A qualifying display is defined as the appearance of an advertisement, where the advertisement meets criteria specified in the contract. Advertising fees are charged to the advertisers based on the unit prices and the number of qualifying displays.

E-commerce model

Our e-commerce revenues are principally generated from selling membership cards to potential home buyers. The membership card allows a buyer to purchase specified properties from real estate developers at a discount greater than the price that we charge for the card. Membership fees are refundable until the potential home buyer uses the discounts to purchase properties. We recognize such e-commerce revenues upon obtaining confirmation that the membership card has been redeemed to purchase a property.

Revenue Recognition

For brand advertising revenue recognition, prior to entering into contracts, we make a credit assessment of the customer. For contracts for which collectability is determined to be reasonably assured, we recognize revenue when all revenue recognition criteria are met. In other cases, we only recognize revenue when the cash is received and all other revenue recognition criteria are met.

In accordance with ASU No. 2009 -13, we treat advertising contracts with multiple deliverable elements as separate units of accounting for revenue recognition purposes and to recognize revenue on a periodic basis during the contract when each deliverable service is provided. Since the contract price is for all deliverables, we allocate the arrangement consideration to all deliverables at the inception of the arrangement on the basis of their relative selling prices.

Search and Others Revenues

Search and others services mainly include pay-for-click services, as well as online marketing services on the Sogou Web Directory.

Pay-for-click Services

Pay-for-click services are services that enable our advertisers’ promotional links to be displayed on Sogou search result pages and Sogou Website Alliance members’ Websites where the links are relevant to the subject and content of such Web pages. For pay-for-click services, we introduce Internet users to our advertisers through our auction-based pay-for-click systems and charge advertisers on a per-click basis when the users click on the displayed links. Revenue for pay-for-click services is recognized on a per-click basis when the users click on the displayed links.

 

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Online Marketing Services on the Sogou Web Directory

Online marketing services on the Sogou Web Directory mainly consist of displaying advertiser Website links on the Web pages of the Sogou Web Directory. The Sogou Web Directory is a Chinese Web directory navigation site which serves as a key access point to popular and preferred Websites and applications. Revenue for online marketing services on the Sogou Web Directory is normally recognized on a straight-line basis over the contract period, provided our obligations under the contract have been met and all revenue recognition criteria have been met.

Sogou Website Alliance

Both pay-for-click services and online marketing services on the Sogou Web Directory expand distribution of advertisers’ Website links or advertisements by leveraging traffic on Sogou Website Alliance members’ Websites. We recognize gross revenue for the amount of fees we receive from advertisers, as we have the primary responsibility for fulfillment and acceptability. Payments made to Sogou Website Alliance members are included in cost of search and others revenues as traffic acquisition costs. We pay Sogou Website Alliance members based on either revenue-sharing arrangements, under which we pay a percentage of pay-for-click revenues generated from clicks by users of their properties, or on a pre-agreed unit price.

Online Game Revenues

Our online game revenues are generated from MMOG operation revenues, Web game revenues and overseas licensing revenues.

MMOG operations revenues

Revenues are recorded after deducting applicable Business Tax, discounts and rebates to distributors.

Online game revenues from Changyou’s operation of MMOGs are earned by providing online services to players pursuant to the item-based revenue model. Under the item-based revenue model, the basic game play functions are free of charge and players are charged for purchases of in-game virtual items. Online game revenues are recognized over the estimated lives of the virtual items purchased or as the virtual items are consumed. If different assumptions were used in deriving the estimated lives of the virtual items, the timing of our recording of the revenues would be impacted.

MMOG game operation revenues are collected by Changyou’s VIEs through the sale of Changyou’s prepaid cards, which it sells in both virtual and physical forms to third-party distributors and players. Proceeds received from sales of prepaid cards are initially recorded as receipts in advance from customers and, upon activation or charge of the prepaid cards, are transferred from receipts in advance from customers to deferred revenues. As Changyou does not have control of, and generally does not know, the ultimate selling price of the prepaid cards sold by distributors, net proceeds from distributors form the basis of revenue recognition. Prepaid cards will expire two years after the date of card production if they have never been activated. The proceeds from the expired game cards are recognized as revenue upon expiration of cards. Once the prepaid cards are activated and credited to a player’s personal game account, they will not expire as long as the personal game account remains active. Changyou is entitled to suspend and close a player’s personal game account if it has been inactive for a period of 180 consecutive days. The unused balances in an inactive player’s personal game account are recognized as revenues when the account is suspended and closed.

Web game revenue

Changyou began generating Web game revenue after its acquisition of a controlling interest in 7Road in May 2011. Revenues from Web games are derived mainly from revenue-sharing payments from third-party joint operators of Changyou’s games and license fees from certain of these joint operators. Changyou also derives revenues from direct operation of Wartune and DDTank on its own Websites for the games. Web games are operated primarily under the item-based revenue model, in which game players can access the games free of charge, but may purchase consumable virtual items, including those with a predetermined expiration time, or perpetual virtual items, such as certain costumes that stay bound to a game player throughout the life of the game. In certain of the joint operation arrangements, Changyou provides the games and related services to a third-party joint operator at no upfront fee. In these arrangements, Changyou is entitled to a single stream of revenue-sharing payments from the joint operator when game players convert the joint operator’s virtual currency into Changyou’s game coins or purchase Changyou’s game coins directly through such operator’s Websites or game platform. Certain of the joint operators pay Changyou license fees for the exclusive right to operate its games in specified geographic areas or upon achievement of certain performance milestones from the joint operators’ operation of the games. Certain of the joint operators also pay Changyou license fees for the right to be among a selected few who will have the initial right ahead of other operators to jointly operate Changyou’s Web games in China during a specified period after their launch.

 

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When Changyou’s Web games are jointly operated through the Websites or platforms of third-party joint operators, the games may be hosted either on the third-party operators’ servers or on servers that Changyou owns or leases from Internet data centers. In its arrangements with third-party joint operators, Changyou views the third-party joint operators as its customers and does not view itself as the primary obligor, as Changyou does not have the primary responsibility for fulfillment and acceptability of the game services. For Changyou’s direct operation of Wartune and DDTank through its Websites for the games, Changyou is obligated to provide on-going services to the game players, and such obligation is not deemed to be inconsequential and perfunctory after game players purchase its game coins directly through its Websites for the games. Therefore, Changyou’s revenues from direct operation of Wartune and DDTank on its Websites for the games are first recorded as deferred revenues and subsequently recognized as revenues over the service period during which Changyou is obligated to provide services to the game players to enable them to consume their virtual items.

PRC tax authorities have determined that all of the game revenues from the joint operation of Changyou’s Web games within China, which are generated through Shenzhen 7Road and are deemed to be derived from the sale of software, are subject to 17% PRC VAT, and that Shenzhen 7Road, as a “Software Enterprise,” is entitled to a 14% VAT refund immediately upon the filing of its VAT returns, with the result that 7Road’s net effective PRC VAT rate is 3%. Shenzhen 7Road presents PRC VAT on a gross basis, by which VAT at the rate of 17% is included in revenues, and Shenzhen 7Road’s net effective PRC VAT rate of 3% is included in cost of revenues, because Shenzhen 7Road’s 17% VAT obligation and its entitlement to a 14% VAT refund are one integrated preferential VAT policy.

Overseas licensing revenue

Changyou enters into licensing arrangements with third-party operators to operate its MMOGs in other countries and regions. These licensing agreements provide two revenue streams, consisting of an initial license fee and a monthly revenue-based royalty fee based on monthly revenue and sales from ancillary products related to the games. The initial license fees are based on both a fixed amount and additional amounts receivable upon the games’ achieving certain sales targets. Since Changyou is obligated to provide post-sales services such as technical support and provision of updates and when-and-if-available upgrades to the licensees during the license period, the initial license fee from the licensing arrangement is recognized as revenue ratably over the license period. The fixed amount of the initial license fee is recognized ratably over the remaining license period from the launch of the game and the additional amount is recognized ratably over the remaining license period from the date when such additional amount is certain. The monthly revenue-based royalty fee is recognized when relevant services are delivered, provided that collectability is reasonably assured.

Others Revenues

Others revenues are primarily generated from our business of offering traditional mobile products to mobile phone users through cooperation with China mobile network operators, offering IVAS with respect to the operation of Web games and services provided to software application users, and offering slots for advertisements to be shown in cinemas before the screening of movies.

Revenues from mobile products

The mobile products we provided to mobile phone users mainly consist of short messaging services (“SMS”), interactive voice response (“IVR”), ring-back tones (“RBT”), and mobile video. We obtain fees from the China mobile network operators, which charge users on a monthly or per message /download basis for mobile services we provide. After the receipt of service fees from China mobile network operators, we make payments to third-party mobile service alliance members and content providers based on revenue-sharing arrangements. Such revenues are recognized on either a gross or a net basis, which is determined by evaluating the terms of the arrangement to determine whether we are serving as principal or agent in a transaction.

Revenues from IVAS

Our IVAS revenues are currently derived from our operation of Web games and services we provide to users of our software applications. We offer Web games, including licensed and self-developed games on our Websites, collect payment from the end users, and pay a pre-agreed percentage of the proceeds to third-party developers for the licensed games. We provide online music and entertainment services to users of our software applications, such as RaidCall. Revenues from IVAS are recognized when our obligations under the agreements and all other revenue recognition criteria have been met.

 

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Revenues from cinema advertisements

For cinema advertising services, a contract is signed with the advertiser to establish a fixed price and specify the advertising services to be provided. Pursuant to the contracts, we provide advertisement placements in advertising slots to be shown in cinemas before the screening of movies. When all the recognition criteria are met, revenues from cinema advertising are recognized under either the proportional performance method or the straight-line method, depending on the terms of the customer contract. Under the proportional performance method, revenues are generally recognized based on a percentage of the advertising slots actually delivered. Under the straight-line method, revenues are recognized on a straight-line basis over the contract period.

Share-based Compensation Expense

Sohu, Changyou, Sogou, and Sohu Video have incentive plans, and prior to June 28, 2013 7Road had an incentive plan, for the granting of share-based awards, including common stock or ordinary shares, share options, restricted shares and restricted share units, to their executive officers, management and employees.

Share-based compensation expense is recognized as costs and /or expenses in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income based on the fair value of the related share-based awards on their grant dates. Share-based compensation expense is charged to the shareholders’ equity or noncontrolling interest section in the consolidated balance sheets. The assumptions used in share-based compensation expense recognition represent management’s best estimates, but these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management judgment. If factors change or different assumptions are used, our share-based compensation expense could be materially different for any period. Moreover, the estimates of fair value are not intended to predict actual future events or the value that ultimately will be realized by employees who receive equity awards, and subsequent events are not indicative of the reasonableness of the original estimates of fair value made by us for accounting purposes.

Sohu, Changyou, and Sogou Share-based Awards

In determining the fair value of share options granted by Sohu as share-based awards, the Black-Scholes valuation model is applied; in determining the fair value of restricted share units granted, the public market price of the underlying shares on the grant dates is applied.

In determining the fair value of ordinary shares and restricted share units granted by Changyou as share-based awards in 2008, the income approach /discounted cash flow method with a discount for lack of marketability was applied, given that the shares underlying the awards were not publicly traded at the time of grant. In determining the fair value of restricted share units granted in 2009 before Changyou’s initial public offering, the fair value of the underlying shares was determined based on Changyou’s offering price for its initial public offering. In determining the fair value of restricted share units granted after Changyou’s initial public offering, the public market price of the underlying shares on the grant dates is applied.

In determining the fair value of share options granted by Sogou as share-based awards, the income approach /discounted cash flow method with a discount for lack of marketability was applied, given that the shares underlying the awards were not publicly traded at the time of grant. Certain persons who became Sogou employees when Tencent’s Soso search-related businesses were transferred to Sogou on September 16, 2013 had been granted restricted share units under Tencent’s share award arrangements prior to the transfer of the businesses to Sogou. These Tencent restricted share units will continue to vest under the original Tencent share award arrangements provided the transferred employees continue to be employed by Sogou during the requisite service period. After the transfer of the Soso search-related businesses to Sogou, Sogou applied the guidance in ASC 505-50 to measure the related compensation expense, based on the then-current fair value at each reporting date, which is deemed to have been incurred by Tencent as an investor on Sogou’s behalf. To determine the then-current fair value of the Tencent restricted share units granted to these employees, the public market price of the underlying shares at each reporting date was applied. Because Sogou is not required to reimburse Tencent for such share-based compensation expense, the related amount was recorded by Sogou as a capital contribution from Tencent.

Share-based compensation expense for ordinary shares granted is fully recognized in the quarter during which the ordinary shares are granted. For share options, restricted shares and restricted share units granted with respect to Sohu shares and Changyou shares, compensation expense is recognized on an accelerated basis over the requisite service period. For share options granted with respect to Sogou shares, compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the estimated period during which the service period requirement and performance target will be met. For Tencent restricted share units that Tencent had granted to employees who transferred to Sogou with the Soso search-related businesses, compensation expense is recognized by Sogou on an accelerated basis over the requisite service period, and the fair value of the share-based compensation is remeasured at each reporting date until a measurement date occurs. The number of share-based awards for which the service is not expected to be rendered over the requisite period is estimated, and no compensation expense is recorded for the number of awards so estimated.

 

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Sohu Video Share-based Awards

On January 4, 2012, Sohu Video, the holding entity of Sohu’s video division, adopted a 2011 Share Incentive Plan (the “Video 2011 Share Incentive Plan”) which provides for the issuance of up to 25,000,000 ordinary shares of Sohu Video (amounting to 10% of the outstanding Sohu Video shares on a fully-diluted basis) to management and key employees of the video division and to Sohu management. As of March 31, 2014, grants of options for the purchase of 16,368,200 ordinary shares of Sohu Video had been made and were effective under the Video 2011 Share Incentive Plan.

For purposes of ASC 718, no grant date may be established until mutual understanding of the option awards’ key terms and conditions between Sohu Video and the recipients can be reached, and such mutual understanding cannot be reached until the enterprise value of Sohu Video and hence the fair value of the options is determinable and can be accounted for.

Management concluded that as of March 31, 2014 certain significant factors necessary to determine the fair value of Sohu’s video division remained uncertain. On the basis that the broader terms and conditions of the option awards had neither been finalized nor mutually agreed with the recipients, no grant of options had occurred for purposes of ASC 718 and hence no share-based compensation expense was recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2014.

7Road Share-based Awards

On July 10, 2012, 7Road adopted a 2012 Share Incentive Plan (the “7Road 2012 Share Incentive Plan”), which initially provided for the issuance to selected directors, officers, employees, consultants and advisors of 7Road of up to 5,100,000 ordinary shares of 7Road (amounting to 5.1% of the then outstanding 7Road shares on a fully-diluted basis). On November 2, 2012, 7Road’s Board of Directors and its shareholders approved an increase from 5,100,000 to 15,100,000 ordinary shares (amounting to 13.7% of the then outstanding 7Road shares on a fully-diluted basis) under the 7Road 2012 Share Incentive Plan.

On May 1, 2013, Changyou entered into an agreement to acquire all of the outstanding ordinary shares of 7Road held by noncontrolling shareholders. The acquisition closed on June 5, 2013.

On June 28, 2013, 7Road’s Board of Directors approved the cancellation of the 7Road 2012 Share Incentive Plan. 7Road concurrently offered to a total of 42 7Road employees holding an aggregate of 2,223,750 restricted share units which had been granted under the 7Road 2012 Share Incentive Plan the right to exchange their restricted share units for, at each employee’s election, in each case subject to the employee’s continued employment by 7Road, either (i) Scheme I: the right to a cash payment of up to an aggregate of $2.90 per restricted share unit exchanged, vesting and payable at the rate of 40%, 30% and 30%, respectively, on the first, second and third anniversaries of July 18, 2012, which is the date when the surrendered restricted share units were granted under the 7Road 2012 Share Incentive Plan, or (ii) Scheme II: the right to receive an annual cash bonus, over a seven-year period commencing July 1, 2013, based on the adjusted annual cumulative net income of 7Road. All restricted share units held by these 42 holders under the 7Road 2012 Share Incentive Plan as of June 28, 2013 were included in this exchange program.

As the original awards of restricted share units made under the 7Road 2012 Share Incentive Plan included as a vesting condition the completion of an initial public offering, which is not considered probable until it occurs, no share-based compensation expense was recognized for the fair value of the original awards. Incremental compensation expense, which is not classified as share-based compensation expense, is equal to the fair values of the two new compensation schemes included in the exchange program as of the date of the modification resulting from the exchange program.

For Scheme I, the modification resulted in total incremental compensation expense of $5.7 million, which will be recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income ratably over the remaining vesting period of the awards for each tranche. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, compensation expense of $0.3 million was recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. As of March 31, 2014, 7Road paid $2.6 million in cash bonuses under Scheme I.

For Scheme II, the incremental compensation expense varies depending on 7Road’s financial performance. In the third quarter of 2013, 7Road granted to an additional 48 7Road employees the right to receive an annual cash bonus under Scheme II with the same terms as described above. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, compensation expense of $32,000 was recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

Changyou Employee Incentive Plans

On February 8, 2014, Changyou’s Board of Directors approved three new employee incentive plans with terms of 10 years, effective January 1, 2014, under which Changyou may pay compensation to employees based on Changyou’s profits, or the profits of specified projects. Eligible employees will receive a cash award from the plans as a bonus based on the number of employee incentive instruments they hold in the plans.

 

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Under two of these three plans, Changyou may pay compensation to employees based on Changyou’s profits. Changyou will distribute to eligible employees who participate in the plans up to 5% of Changyou’s annual adjusted net profits. Combined, these two plans will distribute up to 10% of Changyou’s annual adjusted net profits. Eligible employees will participate in these plans by paying an amount to purchase instruments that will entitle them, while they are employed by Changyou, to receive annual compensation under the plans. After four years of service to Changyou, employees who participate in either of these two plans will be entitled to sell their instruments to other employees at any time during their employment with Changyou at a price negotiated between the two employees, and by doing so would be compensated with the present value of their expected future cash bonuses for the remaining period of the incentive plans. Management concluded that compensation expense associated with these two plans should be accounted for by analogy to deferred compensation arrangements, and that the present value of the amounts forecasted to be distributed under the plans should be amortized over the first four years after the effective date of the plans, before the instruments are first allowed to be transferred to other employees; that the present value of future cash bonuses in the remaining period should be re-measured at each reporting date; that the gain or loss resulting from the re-measurement in the first four years should be amortized over the remaining portion of the four-year period; and that the gain or loss after the four-year period should be booked immediately. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, compensation expense recognized for these two plans was $1.3 million.

The third employee incentive plan is structured to allow eligible employees to receive up to 20% of the annual adjusted net profits of projects that they work on. Unlike under the first two plans, certain of the incentive instruments to be issued under this plan will permit participating employees to sell the instruments to other employees at any time during their employment, and certain of the incentive instruments will not permit participating employees to sell their instruments to other employees. Management concluded that compensation expense in the former case should be accounted for by analogy to deferred compensation arrangements, and accordingly should be accrued as of the effective date of the plan at the then present value of the amounts forecasted to be distributed under the plan; that the gain or loss resulting from the re-measurement of the cash bonus in the remaining period of the plan should be booked immediately; and that compensation expense in the latter case should be recognized when the amount of relevant distributions under these plans is determined and Changyou’s obligations are established each year. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, compensation expense recognized for this plan was $25.2 million.

Taxation

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for using an asset and liability approach which requires the recognition of income taxes payable or refundable for the current year and deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. Deferred income taxes are determined based on the differences between the accounting basis and the tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the currently enacted tax rates and laws. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance, if based on available evidence, it is considered that it is more likely than not that some portion of or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In making such determination, we consider factors including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, future profitability, and tax planning strategies. If events were to occur in the future that would allow us to realize more of our deferred tax assets than the presently recorded net amount, an adjustment would be made to the deferred tax assets that would increase income for the period when those events occurred. If events were to occur in the future that would require us to realize less of our deferred tax assets than the presently recorded net amount, an adjustment would be made to the valuation allowance against deferred tax assets that would decrease income for the period when those events occurred. Significant management judgment is required in determining income tax expense and deferred tax assets and liabilities.

Our deferred tax assets relate to net operating losses and temporary differences between accounting basis and tax basis for our China-based subsidiaries and VIEs, which are subject to corporate income tax in the PRC under the PRC Corporate Income Tax Law (the “CIT Law”).

PRC Withholding Tax on Dividends

The CIT Law imposes a 10% withholding income tax on dividends distributed by foreign invested enterprises to their immediate holding companies outside mainland China. A lower withholding tax rate may be applied if there is a tax treaty between mainland China and the jurisdiction of the foreign holding company. A holding company in Hong Kong, for example, will be subject to a 5% withholding tax rate under the Arrangement Between the PRC and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on the Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income and Capital, (the “China-HK Tax Arrangement”), if such holding company is considered a non-PRC resident enterprise and holds at least 25% of the equity interests in the PRC foreign invested enterprise distributing the dividends, subject to approval of the PRC local tax authority. However, if the Hong Kong holding company is not considered to be the beneficial owner of such dividends under applicable PRC tax regulations, such dividend will remain subject to a withholding tax rate of 10%.

 

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PRC Value Added Tax and Business Tax

Effective September 1, 2012, a pilot program (the “Pilot Program”) for transition from the imposition of PRC business tax (“Business Tax”) to the imposition of VAT for revenues from certain industries was expanded from Shanghai to eight other cities and provinces in China, including Beijing and Tianjin. Commencing August 1, 2013 the Pilot Program was expanded to all regions in the PRC. Our brand advertising and search revenues as well as certain online game revenues were subject to the Pilot Program.

VAT payable on advertising and search revenues as well as online game revenues from Changyou’s Web game operations that were not developed in house is the difference between the output VAT (at a rate of 6%) and available input VAT amount (at the rate applicable to the supplier). Other online game revenues were not affected by the Pilot Program. Before and after the Pilot Program, revenues from MMOG operations are subject to a 5% Business Tax, and revenues of 7Road that deemed to be derived from the sale of software are subject to VAT. VAT payable by 7Road is at a rate of 17%, with a 14% immediate tax refund irrespective of the availability of any input VAT, resulting in a net rate of 3%.

The Group adopted the net presentation method for its brand advertising and search businesses both before and after the implementation of the Pilot Program. The Group adopted the gross presentation method for revenues of 7Road deemed to be derived from the sale of software both before and after the implementation of the Pilot Program.

U.S. Corporate Income Tax

Sohu.com Inc. is a Delaware corporation that is subject to U.S. corporate income tax on its taxable income at a rate of 34% or 35%. To the extent that Sohu.com Inc. has U.S. taxable income, we accrue U.S. corporate income tax in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income and make estimated tax payments as and when required by U.S. law.

Uncertain Tax Positions

In order to assess uncertain tax positions, we apply a more likely than not threshold and a two-step approach for tax position measurement and financial statement recognition. For the two-step approach, the first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely to be realized upon settlement.

Net Income /(Loss) per Share

Basic net income/(loss) per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income/(loss) per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares and, if dilutive, potential common shares outstanding during the period. Potential common shares comprise shares issuable upon the exercise or settlement of share-based awards using the treasury stock method. The dilutive effect of share-based awards with performance requirements is not considered before the performance targets are actually met. The computation of diluted net income/(loss) per share does not assume conversion, exercise, or contingent issuance of securities that would have an anti-dilutive effect (i.e. an increase in earnings per share amounts or a decrease in loss per share amounts) on net income/(loss) per share. Additionally, for purposes of calculating the numerator of diluted net income/(loss) per share, the net income/(loss) attributable to the Sohu Group is adjusted as follows. The adjustment will not be made if there is an anti-dilutive effect.

 

(1) Changyou’s net income/ (loss) attributable to the Sohu Group is determined using the percentage that the weighted average number of Changyou shares held by Sohu represents of the weighted average number of Changyou ordinary shares and shares issuable upon the exercise or settlement of share-based awards under the treasury stock method, and not by using the percentage held by Sohu of the total economic interest in Changyou, which is used for the calculation of basic net income per share.

In the calculation of the Sohu Group’s diluted net income/ (loss) per share, assuming a dilutive effect, all of Changyou’s existing unvested restricted share units, and vested restricted share units that have not yet been settled, are treated as vested and settled by Changyou under the treasury stock method, causing the percentage of the weighted average number of shares held by Sohu in Changyou to decrease. As a result, Changyou’s net income/ (loss) attributable to the Sohu Group on a diluted basis decreased accordingly. Assuming an anti-dilutive effect, all of these Changyou restricted share units are excluded from the calculation of the Sohu Group’s diluted net income/ (loss) per share. As a result, Changyou’s net income/ (loss) attributable to the Sohu Group on a diluted basis equals the number used for the calculation of the Sohu Group’s basic net income/(loss) per share.

 

(2) Sogou’s net income /(loss) attributable to the Sohu Group is determined using the percentage that the weighted average number of Sogou shares held by Sohu represents of the weighted average number of Sogou Preferred Shares and Ordinary Shares, shares issuable upon the conversion of convertible preferred shares under the if-converted method, and shares issuable upon the exercise or settlement of share-based awards under the treasury stock method, and is not determined by allocating Sogou’s net income /(loss) to the Sohu Group using the methodology for the calculation of net income /(loss) attributable to the Sogou noncontrolling shareholders.

 

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In the calculation of the Sohu Group’s diluted net income /(loss) per share, assuming a dilutive effect, the percentage of the Sohu Group’s shareholding in Sogou was calculated by treating convertible preferred shares issued by Sogou as having been converted at the beginning of the period and unvested share options with the performance targets achieved as well as vested but unexercised share options as having been exercised during the period. The dilutive effect of share-based awards with a performance requirement was not considered before the performance targets were actually met. Assuming an anti-dilutive effect, all of these Sogou shares and share options are excluded from the calculation of the Sohu Group’s diluted income /(loss) per share. As a result, Sogou’s net income /(loss) attributable to the Sohu Group on a diluted basis equals the number used for the calculation of the Sohu Group’s basic net income /(loss) per share.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

U.S. GAAP establishes a three-tier hierarchy to prioritize the inputs used in the valuation methodologies in measuring the fair value of financial instruments. This hierarchy also requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The three-tier fair value hierarchy is:

Level 1 - observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

Level 2 - include other inputs that are directly or indirectly observable in the market place.

Level 3 - unobservable inputs which are supported by little or no market activity.

Our financial instruments include cash equivalents, restricted time deposits, short-term investments, investments in debt securities, accounts receivable, prepaid and other current assets, prepaid non-current assets, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, receipts in advance and deferred revenue, short-term bank loans, other short-term liabilities, long-term accounts payable and long-term bank loans, as well as the repurchase options and the repurchase/put option with respect to Sogou Series A Preferred Shares.

Cash Equivalents

Our cash equivalents mainly consist of time deposits placed with banks with an original maturity of three months or less.

Restricted time deposits

Restricted time deposits are valued based on the prevailing interest rates in the market using the discounted cash flow method.

Changyou loans from offshore banks, secured by time deposits

As of March 31, 2014 we had, through Changyou, loans from offshore banks secured by RMB deposits in onshore branches of those banks. The loans from the offshore branches of the lending banks are classified as short-term bank loans or long-term bank loans based on their repayment period. The rates of interest under the loan agreements with the lending banks were determined based on the prevailing interest rates in the market. The RMB onshore deposits securing the offshore loans are treated as restricted time deposits on our consolidated balance sheets.

Collateral related to Sogou incentive shares trust arrangements

In February 2013, we deposited $9 million in cash into restricted time deposit accounts at a bank as collateral for credit facilities provided by the bank to certain Sogou employees. The facilities were intended to fund the employees’ early exercise of Sogou share options and related PRC individual income tax. We are not subject to any additional potential payments other than the restricted time deposit amounts, and believe that the fair value of our guarantee liability is immaterial.

Short-term Investments

For investments in financial instruments with a variable interest rate indexed to the performance of underlying assets, we elected the fair value method at the date of initial recognition and carried these investments subsequently at fair value. Changes in the fair value are reflected in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

Investments in Debt Securities

We invest our excess cash in certain debt securities of high-quality corporate issuers. We elected the fair value option to account for our investments in debt securities at their initial recognition. Changes in the fair value are reflected in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income as other income /(expense). The fair value election was made to mitigate accounting mismatches and to achieve operational simplicity.

 

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Accounts Receivable, Net

The carrying value of accounts receivable is reduced by an allowance that reflects our best estimate of the amounts that will not be collected. We make estimations of the collectability of accounts receivable. Many factors are considered in estimating the general allowance, including reviewing delinquent accounts receivable, performing an aging analysis and a customer credit analysis, and analyzing historical bad debt records and current economic trends. Additional allowance for specific doubtful accounts might be made if the financial conditions of our customers or the China mobile network operators deteriorate or the China mobile network operators are unable to collect fees from their end customers, resulting in their inability to make payments due to us.

Equity Investments

Investments in entities over which we do not have significant influence are accounted for by the cost method. Investments in entities over which we have significant influence but do not control are accounted for by the equity method. Under the equity method, our share of the post-acquisition profits or losses of the equity investment is recognized in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income; and our share of post-acquisition movements in equity investments is recognized in equity in our consolidated balance sheets. Unrealized gains on transactions between us and our equity investees are eliminated to the extent of the interest in the equity investments. Unrealized losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred. When our share of losses in an equity investment equals or exceeds our interest in the equity investment, we do not recognize further losses, unless we have incurred obligations or made payments on behalf of the equity investee.

Repurchase Options and Put Option for Sogou Series A Preferred Shares

As discussed in “Business Transactions-Sogou Transactions,” in September 2013 Sogou entered into Repurchase Option Agreements with Sohu Search and Photon, and a Repurchase/Put Option Agreement with China Web, with respect to Series A Preferred Shares of Sogou held by them. On March 24, 2014, Sogou purchased from China Web, pursuant to the Repurchase/Put Option Agreement between Sogou and China Web, 14.4 million Series A Preferred Shares of Sogou, for an aggregate purchase price of $47.3 million.

Sogou’s repurchase options with Photon and China Web were initially recognized in additional paid-in capital in the Sohu Group’s consolidated balance sheets at fair value when the agreements were signed. Any subsequent changes in the fair values of the repurchase options were not and will not be recognized. On March 24, 2014, the repurchase option with China Web was exercised by Sogou. As of March 31, 2014, the remaining balance for the repurchase option with Photon in additional paid-in capital was $1.2 million, based on the fair value of the repurchase option on September 16, 2013.

China Web’s put option with Sogou was initially recognized in other short-term liabilities in the Sohu Group’s consolidated balance sheets at fair value when the agreement was signed. Subsequent changes in the fair values of the put option were recognized quarterly in other income /(expense) in the Sohu Group’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income. In the first quarter of 2014, while the put option remained outstanding, the changes in the fair value of the put option of $2.3 million were recognized in other income in the Sohu Group’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income. After Sogou’s repurchase of the Series A Preferred Shares from China Web, the other short-term liabilities recognized with respect to China Web were reversed to zero.

Management determined the fair values of the repurchase options with Photon and China Web when the agreements were signed, and of the put option with China Web before Sogou exercised the repurchase option, using the binominal model, with a discount for lack of marketability, given that the repurchase options and the put option were not publicly traded at the time of grant. Management made the determination with the assistance of a qualified professional appraiser using management’s estimates and assumptions. We classify the valuation techniques that use these inputs as Level 3 of fair value measurements.

Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets include fixed assets, intangible assets and prepaid non-current assets.

Fixed Assets

Fixed assets mainly comprise office buildings, building improvements, leasehold improvements, vehicles, office furniture, and computer equipment and hardware. Fixed assets are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation with no residual value. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.

Expenditure for maintenance and repairs is expensed as incurred.

 

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The gain or loss on the disposal of fixed assets is the difference between the net sales proceeds and the lower of the carrying value or fair value less cost to sell the relevant assets and is recognized in operating expenses in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets mainly comprise video content and license, customer lists, developed technologies, domain names and trademarks, operating rights for licensed games and computer software purchased from unrelated third parties. Intangible assets are recorded at cost less accumulated amortization with no residual value. Amortization of intangible assets other than licensed video content is computed using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives.

Commencing in the third quarter of 2011, we amortize licensed video content over the shorter of the term of the estimated period over which the benefits of the license agreement will be enjoyed, based on the trend in viewership accumulation, or the applicable license period. We update our accounting estimates for amortization of licensed video content costs if there is change in viewership patterns. Any such change in accounting estimates will be applied prospectively. Commencing in the first quarter of 2014, in order to match the current trend in viewership accumulation, we adopted an accelerated amortization patterns for certain of our purchased video content.

Prepaid non-current Assets

Prepaid non-current assets primarily include prepaid PRC income tax arising from the sale of certain assets associated with the 17173 Business by Sohu to Changyou. The prepaid PRC income tax will be amortized over the period of the weighted average remaining life of the 17173 Business-related assets sold to Changyou.

Impairment of Long-lived Assets

In accordance with ASC 360-10-35, we review the carrying values of long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. Based on the existence of one or more indicators of impairment, we measure any impairment of long-lived assets using the projected discounted cash flow method at the asset group level. The estimation of future cash flows requires significant management judgment based on our historical results and anticipated results and is subject to many factors. The discount rate that is commensurate with the risk inherent in our business model is determined by our management. An impairment loss would be recorded if we determined that the carrying value of long-lived assets may not be recoverable. The impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying values of the assets exceed the fair value of the assets.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired as a result of our acquisitions of interests in our subsidiaries and consolidated VIEs. If the initial accounting for a business combination is incomplete by the end of the reporting period in which the combination occurs, we report in our financial statements provisional amounts for the items for which the accounting is incomplete. If a measurement period adjustment is identified, we recognize the adjustment as part of the acquisition accounting. We increase or decrease the provisional amounts of identifiable assets or liabilities by means of increases or decreases in goodwill for measurement period adjustments.

We test goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis as of October 1, and between annual tests when an event occurs or circumstances change that could indicate that the asset might be impaired. Commencing in September 2011, we adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) revised guidance on “Testing of Goodwill for Impairment.” Under this guidance, we have the option to choose whether we will apply the qualitative assessment first and then the quantitative assessment, if necessary, or to apply the quantitative assessment directly. For reporting units applying a qualitative assessment first, we start the goodwill impairment test by assessing qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If we determine that it is more-likely-than-not the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test is mandatory. Otherwise, no further testing is required. The quantitative impairment test consists of a comparison of the fair value of goodwill with its carrying value. For reporting units directly applying the quantitative assessment, we perform the goodwill impairment test by quantitatively comparing the fair values of those reporting units to their carrying amounts.

Application of a goodwill impairment test requires significant management judgment, including the identification of reporting units, assigning assets and liabilities to reporting units, assigning goodwill to reporting units, and determining the fair value of each reporting unit. The judgment in estimating the fair value of reporting units includes estimating future cash flows, determining appropriate discount rates and making other assumptions. Changes in these estimates and assumptions could materially affect the determination of fair value for each reporting unit.

 

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Contingent Consideration

Changyou’s acquisition of Beijing Doyo Internet Technology Co., Ltd. (“Doyo”) includes a contingent consideration arrangement that requires additional consideration to be paid by Changyou based on the achievement of specified performance milestones by Doyo for the fiscal years 2013 through 2015. The fair value of the contingent consideration was recognized on the date of the acquisition with the income approach applied. There were no indemnification assets involved.

Changyou’s acquisition of the RaidCall Business includes a contingent consideration arrangement that gives Changyou the right to acquire additional shares of TalkTalk Limited (“TalkTalk”) at no cost if specified conditions occur through the 2014 fiscal year. The fair value of the right, which was nil, was recognized as contingent consideration on the date of the acquisition.

Mezzanine Equity

Mezzanine Equity consisted of noncontrolling interest in 7Road and a put option pursuant to which the noncontrolling shareholders would have had the right to put their ordinary shares in 7Road to Changyou at a pre-determined price if 7Road achieved specified performance milestones before the expiration of the put option and 7Road did not complete an IPO on NASDAQ, the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) or the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (the “HKEX”). The put option was due to expire in 2014. Since the occurrence of the sale was not solely within the control of Changyou, the noncontrolling interest was classified as mezzanine equity instead of permanent equity in the Sohu Group’s and Changyou’s consolidated financial statements.

Under ASC 480-10, we calculated, on an accumulative basis from the acquisition date, (i) the amount of accretion that would increase the balance of noncontrolling interest to its estimated redemption value over the period from the date of the Shenzhen 7Road acquisition to the earliest redemption date of the noncontrolling interest in 7Road and (ii) the amount of net profit attributable to noncontrolling shareholders of 7Road based on their ownership percentage. The carrying value of the noncontrolling interest as mezzanine equity was adjusted by an accumulative amount equal to the higher of (i) and (ii).

On May 1, 2013, Changyou entered into an agreement to acquire all of the ordinary shares of 7Road held by the noncontrolling shareholders. The acquisition closed on June 5, 2013.

For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, accretion charges of nil and $10.7 million, respectively, were recorded in our statements of comprehensive income as net income attributable to the mezzanine-classified noncontrolling interest shareholders of 7Road.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income is defined as the change in equity of a company during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances excluding transactions resulting from investments from owners and distributions to owners. Accumulated other comprehensive income, as presented on our consolidated balance sheets, includes a cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment.

Functional Currency and Foreign Currency Translation

Functional Currency

An entity’s functional currency is the currency of the primary economic environment in which it operates, normally that is the currency of the environment in which the entity primarily generates and expends cash. Management’s judgment is essential to determine the functional currency by assessing various indicators, such as cash flows, sales price and market, expenses, financing and inter-company transactions and arrangements. The functional currency of Sohu.com Inc. is the U.S. dollar. The functional currency of our subsidiaries in the U.S., the Cayman Islands, the British Virgin Islands and Hong Kong is the U.S. dollar. The functional currencies of our subsidiaries and VIEs in the PRC, Korea, Malaysia, India and the United Kingdom are the national currencies of those counties.

Foreign Currency Translation

Assets and liabilities of our China-based subsidiaries and VIEs, the United Kingdom, Malaysia and Korea are translated into U.S. dollars, our reporting currency, at the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheets date and revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates in effect during the reporting period. Foreign currency translation adjustments are not included in determining net income for the period but are accumulated in a separate component of equity in our consolidated balance sheets.

 

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Foreign currency transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the balance sheet date are re-measured at the applicable rates of exchange in effect at that date. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency re-measurement are included in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2014 AND 2013

Reclassification of Mobile Business and Mobile Segment

Commencing in the first quarter of 2014, we reclassified the mobile business and mobile segment to the others business and the others segment, respectively, because we did not consider the mobile business to be significant enough to constitute a separate business and the CODM no longer reviewed the mobile business as a separate segment. The mobile business offers mobile related services through mobile products to mobile phone users through cooperation with China mobile network operators. The mobile products consist primarily of SMS, IVR, RBT, and mobile video. A majority of the content is purchased from third-party content providers. To conform to current period presentations, the relevant amounts for prior periods have been reclassified accordingly. Such reclassifications amounted to $13.8 million for revenues and $9.3 million for costs for the three months ended March 31, 2013.

Revenues

The following table presents our revenues by revenue source and by proportion for the periods indicated (in thousands, except percentages):

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  
     2014     2013     2014 VS 2013  

Revenues:

            

Online advertising:

            

Brand advertising

   $ 111,103         30   $ 80,237         26   $ 30,866   

Search and others

     64,309         18     36,052         12     28,257   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Subtotal of online advertising Revenues

     175,412         48     116,289         38     59,123   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Online game

     163,388         45     167,421         55     (4,033

Others

     26,515         7     23,886         7     2,629   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total revenues

   $ 365,315         100   $ 307,596         100   $ 57,719   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total revenues were $365.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to $307.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013. The year-on-year increase in total revenues for the first quarter of 2013 was $57.7 million. The increase was mainly attributable to increases in online advertising revenues.

Online Advertising Revenues

Online advertising revenues were $175.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to $116.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013. The year-on-year increase in online advertising revenues for the first quarter of 2014 was $59.1 million. The increase was mainly attributable to increases in brand advertising revenues and search and others revenues.

Brand Advertising Revenues

Brand advertising revenues were $111.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to $80.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013. The year-on-year increase in brand advertising revenues for the first quarter of 2014 was $30.9 million. The increase was mainly attributable to increases in revenues from the online video and real estate advertising businesses.

We expect brand advertising revenues to increase in the second quarter of 2014, compared to the first quarter of 2014.

Search and Others Revenues

Search and others revenues were $64.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to $36.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013. The year-on-year increase in search and others revenues for the first quarter of 2014 was $28.3 million. The increase was mainly due to increased traffic and improved monetization, as well as the effect of synergies from the Soso search-related businesses acquired from Tencent in the third quarter of 2013

We expect search and others revenues to increase in the second quarter of 2014, compared to the first quarter of 2014.

 

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Online Game Revenues

Online game revenues were $163.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to $167.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013. The year-on-year decrease in online game revenues for the first quarter of 2014 was $4.0 million. The decrease was mainly due to decreased revenue from Wartune in China, and decreased revenue from DDTank.

We expect online game revenues to be stable in the second quarter of 2014, compared to the first quarter of 2014.

Others Revenues

Revenues for other services were $26.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to $23.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013. The year-on-year increase in others revenues for the first quarter of 2013 was $2.6 million. The increase was mainly due to increased revenues from IVAS and cinema advertising.

Costs and Expenses

Cost of Revenues

The following table presents our cost of revenues by source and by proportion for the periods indicated (in thousands, except percentages):

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  
     2014     2013     2014 VS 2013  

Cost of revenues:

            

Online advertising:

            

Brand advertising

   $ 64,140         46   $ 44,878         43   $ 19,262   

Search and others

     31,737         23     20,792         20     10,945   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Subtotal of cost of online advertising revenues

     95,877         69     65,670         63     30,207   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Online game

     26,586         21     22,650         22     3,936   

Others

     16,035         10     15,209         15     826   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total cost of revenues

   $ 138,498         100   $ 103,529         100   $ 34,969   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total cost of revenues was $138.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to $103.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013. The increase in total cost of revenues for the first quarter of 2014 was $35.0 million. The increase was mainly attributable to increases in cost of online advertising revenues.

Cost of Online Advertising Revenues

Cost of online advertising revenues was $95.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to $65.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013. The year-on-year increase in cost of online advertising revenues for the first quarter of 2014 was $30.2 million. The increase was mainly attributable to increases in cost of brand advertising revenues.

Cost of Brand Advertising Revenues

Cost of brand advertising revenues mainly consists of content and license costs, bandwidth leasing costs, salary and benefits expenses, and depreciation expenses.

Cost of brand advertising revenues was $64.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to $44.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013. The year-on-year increase in cost of brand advertising revenues for the first quarter of 2014 was $19.3 million. The increase mainly consisted of a $7.6 million increase in the amortization of content and license costs, of which $3.8 million was due to adjustments in the amortization pattern for certain of our purchased video content in the quarter ended March 31, 2014, a $7.5 million increase in bandwidth leasing costs, a $1.7 million increase in salary and benefits expenses, and a $1.3 million increase in depreciation expenses.

Our brand advertising gross margin was 42% and 44%, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. The decrease in our brand advertising gross margin was mainly due to the increase in the amortization of content and license costs and in bandwidth leasing costs.

 

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Cost of Search and Others Revenues

Cost of search and others revenues mainly consists of traffic acquisition costs, depreciation expenses, bandwidth leasing costs, as well as salary and benefits expenses.

Cost of search and others revenues was $31.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to $20.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013. The year-on-year increase in cost of search and others revenues for the first quarter of 2014 was $10.9 million. The increase mainly consisted of a $4.4 million increase in traffic acquisition costs, a $3.6 million increase in depreciation expenses, and a $2.6 million increase in bandwidth leasing costs.

Our search and others gross margin was 51% and 42%, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. The increase in our search and others gross margin was mainly due to higher revenues from increased traffic and the improved monetization of traffic, as well as traffic acquisition costs constituting a lower percentage of search and others revenues.

Cost of Online Game Revenues

Cost of online game revenues mainly consists of salary and benefits expenses, bandwidth leasing costs, revenue-based royalty payments to game developers, Business Tax and VAT arising from transactions between Changyou’s subsidiaries and its VIEs, and depreciation and amortization expenses.

Cost of online game revenues was $26.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to $22.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013. The year-on-year increase in cost of online game revenues for the first quarter of 2014 was $3.9 million. The increase included a $1.8 million increase in revenue-based royalty payments to game developers, and a $0.3 million increase in salary and benefits expense.

Our online game gross margin was 84% and 86%, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. The decreases in our online game gross margin were mainly due to higher revenue-sharing amounts being paid to third-party game developers in the first quarter of 2014.

Cost of Revenues for Other Services

Cost of revenues for other services mainly consists of revenue-sharing payments paid to China mobile network operators, payments to theatres and film production companies for pre-film screening advertisement slots and revenue-sharing payments related to the IVAS business. Cost of revenues for other services was $16.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to $15.2 million for three months ended March 31, 2013. The year-on-year increase in cost of revenues for the first quarter of 2014 was $0.8 million.

Operating Expenses

The following table presents our operating expenses by nature and by proportion for the periods indicated (in thousands, except percentages):

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  
     2014     2013     2014 VS 2013  

Operating expenses:

            

Product development

   $ 117,722         40   $ 51,819         39   $ 65,903   

Sales and marketing

     142,354         48     58,723         44     83,631   

General and administrative

     35,354         12     22,589         17     12,765   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

   $ 295,430         100   $ 133,131         100   $ 162,299   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total operating expenses were $295.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to $133.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013. The year-on-year increase in total operating expenses for the first quarter of 2014 was $162.3 million. The increase was mainly due to increases in sales and marketing expenses and product development expenses.

Product Development Expenses

Product development expenses mainly consist of personnel-related expenses incurred for enhancement and maintenance of our Websites, and costs associated with new product development and maintenance, as well as enhancement of existing products and services, which mainly include the development costs of online games prior to the establishment of technological feasibility and maintenance costs after the online games are available for marketing.

 

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Product development expenses were $117.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to $51.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013. The year-on-year increase in product development expenses for the first quarter of 2014 was $65.9 million. The increase mainly consisted of a $26.1 million increase in salary and benefits expenses, which was mainly attributable to increased headcount and increased average compensation, a $25.9 million increase in compensation expense related to Changyou’s three new employee incentive plans, a $2.4 million increase in depreciation expenses, a $2.3 million increase in share-based compensation expense, which was related to Tencent restricted share units that Tencent had granted to employees who transferred to Sogou with the Soso search-related businesses, and a $2.0 million increase in facility expenses.

Sales and Marketing Expenses

Sales and marketing expenses mainly consist of advertising and promotional expenditures, salary and benefits expenses, travel expenses, and facility expenses.

Sales and marketing expenses were $142.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to $58.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013. The year-on-year increase in sales and marketing expenses for the first quarter of 2014 was $83.6 million. The increase mainly consisted of a $61.9 million increase in expenses for Changyou’s heavy promotion related to its platform initiatives surrounding its 17173 property as well as growing its various software applications, a $10.0 million increase in salary and benefits expenses, which was mainly attributable to increased headcount and increased average compensation, a $6.8 million increase in advertising and promotional expenditures, and a $2.6 million increase in travel expenses.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses mainly consist of salary and benefits expenses, professional service fees, travel expenses, and facility expenses.

General and administrative expenses were $35.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to $22.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013. The year-on-year increase in general and administrative expenses for the first quarter of 2014 was $12.8 million. The increase mainly consisted of a $8.7 million increase in salary and benefits expenses, which was mainly attributable to increased headcount and increased average compensation, a $1.6 million increase in share-based compensation expense, which was mainly due to Sohu’s true-up of the shared-based compensation expense for forfeited restricted share units which would have become fully vested in the first quarter of 2014, a $1.3 million increase in facility expenses, and a $1.3 million increase in depreciation expenses.

Share-based Compensation Expense

Sohu, Changyou, Sogou, and Sohu Video have incentive plans, and prior to June 28, 2013 7Road had an incentive plan, for the granting of share-based awards, including common stock or ordinary shares, share options, restricted shares and restricted share units, to their executive officers, management and employees.

For Sohu, Changyou and Sogou, share-based compensation expense is recognized as costs or expenses in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income based on the fair value of the related share-based awards on their grant dates. For Tencent restricted share units that Tencent had granted to employees who transferred to Sogou with the Soso search-related businesses, share-based compensation expense is recognized by Sogou in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income based on the then-current fair value at each reporting date. Share-based compensation expense is charged to the shareholders’ equity or noncontrolling interest section in the consolidated balance sheets.

Share-based compensation expense was recognized in costs and/or expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  
Share-based compensation expense    2014     2013  

Cost of revenues (1)

   $ (214   $ 70   

Product development expenses

     2,653        350   

Sales and marketing expenses

     703        172   

General and administrative expenses

     2,098        494   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 5,240      $ 1,086   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Note(1):    In the first quarter of 2014, we trued up the shared-based compensation expense for forfeited restricted share units which would have become fully vested during the quarter.

 

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Share-based compensation expense recognized for share awards of Sohu, Changyou and Sogou, was as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  
Share-based compensation expense    2014      2013  

For Sohu share-based awards

   $ 2,628       $ 861   

For Changyou share-based awards

     280         209   

For Sogou share-based awards (2)

     2,332         16   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 5,240       $ 1,086   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Note(2):    Also includes compensation expense for Tencent restricted share units that Tencent had granted to employees who transferred to Sogou with the Soso search-related businesses.

For Sohu share options, as of March 31, 2014 there was no unrecognized compensation expense because the requisite service periods for the remaining share options had ended by the end of 2009. For Sohu restricted share units, as of March 31, 2014, there was $7.0 million of unrecognized compensation expense.

For Changyou share-based awards, as of March 31, 2014, there was $1.6 million of unrecognized compensation expense.

For Sogou share-based awards, as of March 31, 2014, there was $6.3 million of unrecognized compensation expense, which also included the compensation expense for employees who transferred from Tencent with Soso search-related businesses.

There was no share-based compensation expense recognized for the share-based awards of Sohu Video and 7Road for any of the periods presented in the above table.

Operating Profit/ (Loss)

As a result of the foregoing, our operating loss was $68.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to operating profit of $70.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013. This change was mainly due to Changyou. Changyou’s operating loss was $30.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to operating profit of $101.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013. Changyou’s operating loss was mainly because of higher advertising costs related to its platform initiatives surrounding its 17173 property as well as growing its various software applications, increased salary and benefits expenses and increases in other compensation expenses related to its three new employee incentive plans in the first quarter of 2014.

Other Income

Other income was $3.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to $2.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013.

Interest Income

Interest income was $8.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to $6.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013.

Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense was $214,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to $20.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013.

The year-on-year decrease in income tax expense in the first quarter of 2014 was mainly due to Changyou’s having recognized deferred tax assets arising from the net operating loss that it incurred in the first quarter of 2014.

Net Income/ (Loss)

Net loss was $56.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to net income of $58.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013.

 

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Net Income/ (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest was $4.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to net income attributable to noncontrolling interest of $23.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013.

The year-on-year decrease in net income attributable to noncontrolling interest was $28.0 million. The decrease was mainly due to Changyou’ having incurred a net loss in the first quarter of 2014.

We expect the net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest recognized for Changyou to be flat in the second quarter of 2014 compared to the first quarter of 2014, due to our expectation that Changyou’s net loss will be flat.

Deemed dividend to noncontrolling Sogou Series A Preferred shareholders

Deemed dividend to noncontrolling Sogou Series A Preferred shareholders was $27.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to nil for the three months ended March 31, 2013.

The deemed dividend resulted from Sogou’s repurchase of 14.4 million Sogou Series A Preferred Shares from China Web, and was deemed to have been contributed by Sohu, as a holder of ordinary shares of Sogou, in an amount equal to the proportionate difference between the price Sogou paid to China Web for the Series A Preferred Shares and the carrying amount of these 14.4 million Series A Preferred Shares in our consolidated financial statements.

Net Income/ (Loss) attributable to Sohu.com Inc.

As a result of the foregoing, we had net loss attributable to Sohu of $78.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to net income attributable to Sohu of $24.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Resources Analysis

Liquidity Sources and Balance

Our principal sources of liquidity are cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, as well as the cash flows generated from our operations. Cash equivalents primarily comprise time deposits.

As of March 31, 2014, we had cash and cash equivalents, and short-term investments of approximately $1,144 million. In addition, as of March 31, 2014, we had, through Changyou, loans from offshore banks in the principal amount of $257 million. These loans are secured by RMB deposits in onshore branches of those banks in the total amount of $372 million which is recognized as restricted time deposits.

As of March 31, 2014, we also had commitments for bandwidth purchases in the amount of $79.2 million, commitments for operating leases in the amount of $68.3 million, commitments for purchases of games developed by third-parties in the amount of $49.5 million, commitments for video content purchases in the amount of $39.3 million, commitments for purchases of cinema advertisement slot rights in the amount of $29.2 million and commitments for other content and service purchases in the amount of $25.0 million.

Significant Cash Related Activities

On March 24, 2014, Sogou purchased from China Web, pursuant to the Repurchase/Put Option Agreement between Sogou and China Web, 14.4 million Series A Preferred Shares of Sogou, for an aggregate purchase price of $47.3 million.

We believe our current liquidity and capital resources are sufficient to meet anticipated working capital needs (net cash used in operating activities), commitments and capital expenditures over the next twelve months. We may, however, require additional cash resources due to changes in business conditions and other future developments, or changes in general economic conditions.

 

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Cash Generating Ability

Our cash flows were summarized below (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  
     2014     2013  

Net cash (used in)/ provided by operating activities

   $ (34,991   $ 46,768   

Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities

     96,656        (103,568

Net cash (used in)/ provided by financing activities

     (200,130     17,373   

Effect of exchange rate change on cash and cash equivalents

     (4,398     4,222   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     (142,863     (35,205

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     1,287,288        833,535   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 1,144,425      $ 798,330   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Cash (used in)/ Provided by Operating Activities

For the three months ended March 31, 2014, $35.0 million net cash used in operating activities was primarily attributable to our net loss of $56.0 million, adjusted by non-cash items of depreciation and amortization of $47.7 million, share-based compensation expense of $5.2 million, impairment of intangible assets of $0.2 million, and other non-cash items of $0.2 million, offset by a decrease in cash from working capital items of $28.6 million, non-cash item of change in put option fair value of $2.3 million, and income from investments in debt securities of $1.4 million.

For the three months ended March 31, 2013, $46.8 million net cash provided by operating activities was primarily attributable to our net income of $58.2 million, adjusted by non-cash items of depreciation and amortization of $27.2 million, share-based compensation expense of $1.1 million, and impairment of other intangible assets of $0.4 million, offset by a decrease in cash from working capital items of $38.2 million, income from investments in debt securities of $1.4 million, and other miscellaneous non-cash expenses of $0.5 million.

Net Cash provided by/ (Used in) Investing Activities

For the three months ended March 31, 2014, $96.7 million net cash provided by investing activities was primarily attributable to proceeds received from maturity of debt securities of $82.0 million, withdrawal of restricted time deposits originally used as collateral for Changyou loans from offshore banks of $48.8 million, proceeds from short-term investments of $2.8 million, investment income from investments in debt securities of $1.4 million, and proceeds from other investing activities of $0.2 million, offset by $38.5 million used to acquire fixed assets and intangible assets.

For the three months ended March 31, 2013, $103.6 million net cash used in investing activities was primarily attributable to $47.0 million used to acquire fixed assets and intangible assets (including a $2.3 million payment for an office building acquired by Sohu and a $16.0 million payment for an office building acquired by Changyou), restricted time deposits used as collateral for Changyou loans from offshore banks of $30.8 million, restricted time deposits used as collateral for credit facilities provided by banks to certain Sogou employees of $9.0 million, and purchase of short-term investments of $18.2 million, offset by income from investments in debt securities of $1.4 million.

Net Cash (Used in) /Provided by Financing Activities

For the three months ended March 31, 2014, $200.1 million net cash used in financing activities was primarily attributable to Changyou’s repayment of $153.2 million loans to offshore banks, $47.3 million used in Sogou’s repurchase of Series A Preferred Shares of Sogou from China Web, offset by $0.4 million received from the issuance of common stock upon the exercise of share options granted under our stock incentive plan.

For the three months ended March 31, 2013, $17.4 million net cash provided by financing activities was primarily attributable to $30.0 million of Changyou loans from offshore banks, $5.4 million in proceeds received from early exercise of share-based awards in subsidiary, $1.3 million from the exercise of share-based awards in a subsidiary, and $0.4 million from the issuance of common stock upon the exercise of share options granted under our stock incentive plan, offset by $19.7 million used for contingent consideration paid by Changyou to 7Road’s noncontrolling shareholders.

 

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Restrictions and Limitations on Cash Available to Sohu.com Inc.

To fund any cash requirements it may have, Sohu.com Inc. may need to rely on dividends and other distributions on equity paid by our wholly-owned subsidiary Sohu.com Limited or our majority-owned subsidiary Changyou.com Limited. Since substantially all of our operations are conducted through our indirect wholly-owned and majority-owned China-based subsidiaries and VIEs, Sohu.com Limited and Changyou.com Limited may need to rely on dividends, loans or advances made by our PRC subsidiaries in order to make dividends and other distributions to us.

The ability of Sohu.com Limited and Changyou.com Limited to receive dividends and distributions from our China-based subsidiaries and VIEs, and the amount of cash available for distribution to, and use by, Sohu.com Inc., are subject to certain restrictions and limitations related to PRC law, our VIE structure and U.S. corporate income tax. We do not expect any of such restrictions or taxes to have a material impact on our ability to meet our cash obligations.

PRC profit appropriation, withholding tax on dividends and regulation of foreign currency exchange

Regulations in the PRC currently permit payment of dividends of a PRC company only out of accumulated profits as determined in accordance with accounting standards and regulations in China. Our China-based subsidiaries, which are wholly foreign-owned enterprises (“WFOEs”) under PRC law, are also required to set aside each year to their general reserves at least 10% of their after-tax profit based on PRC accounting standards, until the cumulative amount reaches 50% of their paid-in capital. These reserves may not be distributed as cash dividends, or as loans or advances. Our WFOEs may also allocate a portion of their after-tax profits, at the discretion of their Boards of Directors, to their staff welfare and bonus funds. Any amounts so allocated may not be distributed to Sohu.com Limited or Changyou.com Limited and, accordingly, would not be available for distribution to Sohu.com Inc.

The PRC CIT Law generally imposes a 10% withholding tax on dividends distributed by WFOEs to their immediate holding companies outside mainland China, provided that a lower rate may apply under tax treaties between mainland China and other jurisdictions. For example, withholding tax for dividends to a holding company in Hong Kong may, under certain circumstances, be 5% rather than 10%. As of March 31, 2014, we had accrued deferred tax liabilities in the amount of $20.0 million for withholding taxes associated with dividends paid by Changyou’s mainland China-based WFOEs to Changyou’s Hong Kong subsidiary.

Under regulations of the PRC State Administration of Foreign Exchange (“SAFE”), the RMB is not convertible into foreign currencies for capital account items, such as loans, repatriation of investments and investments outside of mainland China, unless prior approval of the SAFE is obtained and prior registration with the SAFE is made.

PRC restrictions related to our VIE structure

While generally our VIEs generate revenues and cash, most of our VIEs incurred deficits as a result of significant costs involved in their operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014.

Substantially all of Changyou’s operations are conducted through its VIEs, which generate most of Changyou’s online game revenues. Although Changyou’s subsidiaries received or absorbed a majority of the VIEs’ profits or losses pursuant to contractual agreements between the VIEs and Changyou’s PRC subsidiaries providing for payments to the subsidiaries in return for services provided to the VIEs by the PRC subsidiaries, significant cash balances remained in Changyou’s VIEs as of March 31, 2014. As Changyou’s VIEs are not owned by Changyou’s PRC subsidiaries, the VIEs are not able to make dividend payments to the subsidiaries. Therefore, in order for Sohu.com Inc. or our subsidiaries outside of mainland China to receive any dividends, loans or advances from Changyou’s PRC subsidiaries, we will need to rely on these contractual payments made by Changyou’s VIEs to Changyou’s PRC subsidiaries. Depending on the nature of services provided by Changyou’s PRC subsidiaries to their corresponding VIEs, certain of these payments will subject to PRC taxes, including Business Tax and VAT, which will effectively reduce the amount that the PRC subsidiary receives from its corresponding VIE. In addition, the PRC government could impose restrictions on such payments or change the tax rates applicable to such payments.

U.S. corporate income tax

Sohu.com Inc. is a Delaware corporation and is subject to corporate income tax in the United States. Although in the past Sohu.com Inc. has been able to use NOLs to offset a portion of its U.S. taxable income, at the end of its 2012 taxable year it had no further NOLs available for offsetting any U.S. taxable income. The majority of our subsidiaries and VIEs are based in China and are subject to income taxes in the PRC. These China-based subsidiaries and VIEs conduct substantially all of our operations and, as a result, we generate most of our consolidated income or losses in China. The amount of cash derived from our operations that can be used to buy back our shares of common stock in the market, paid as dividends to Sohu.com Inc.’s shareholders or used for other corporate purposes of Sohu.com Inc. may be limited by the imposition of U.S. corporate income tax on Sohu.com Inc.’s income.

 

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In accordance with U.S. GAAP, we do not provide for U.S. federal income taxes or tax benefits on the undistributed earnings or losses of our non-U.S. subsidiaries or consolidated VIEs because, for the foreseeable future, we do not have the intention to repatriate those undistributed earnings or losses to the U.S. However, certain activities conducted in the PRC may give rise to U.S. corporate income tax, even if there are no distributions to Sohu.com Inc. U.S. corporate income taxes would be imposed on Sohu.com Inc. when its subsidiaries that are controlled foreign corporations (“CFCs”) generate income that is subject to Subpart F of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code (“Subpart F”). Passive income, such as rents, royalties, interest and dividends, is among the types of income subject to taxation under Subpart F. Any income taxable under Subpart F is taxable in the U.S. at federal corporate income tax rates of 34% or 35%. Subpart F income also includes certain income from intercompany transactions between Sohu.com Inc.’s non-U.S. subsidiaries and VIEs and Changyou’s non-U.S. subsidiaries and VIEs, or where Sohu.com Inc.‘s non-U.S. subsidiaries or VIEs make an “investment in U.S. property,” such as holding the stock in, or making a loan to, a U.S. corporation. Under a temporary provision of the U.S. tax code commonly referred to as the CFC look-through rule, Sohu.com Inc. has not had to treat dividends received by its CFC subsidiaries as Subpart F income includible in Sohu.com Inc.’s taxable income in the U.S. The CFC look-through rule, which is currently scheduled to expire for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2013, has been extended several times by the U.S. Congress. Unless further extended, the CFC look-through rule will be available for Sohu.com Inc.’s CFC subsidiaries and their VIEs only through their taxable years ending November 30, 2014.

Dividend Policy

The Sohu Group intends to retain all available funds and any future earnings for use in the operation and expansion of its own business, and does not anticipate paying any cash dividends on Sohu.com Inc.’s common stock or causing Changyou to pay any dividends on Changyou.com Limited’s ordinary shares, including ordinary shares represented by Changyou.com Limited’s ADSs, or causing Sogou to pay any dividends on Sogou.com Inc.’s ordinary shares and preferred shares, for the foreseeable future. Future cash dividends distributed by Sohu.com Inc., Changyou.com Limited, or Sogou.com Inc., if any, will be declared at the discretion of their respective Boards of Directors and will depend upon their future operations and earnings, capital requirements and surplus, general financial condition, contractual restrictions and such other factors as their respective Boards of Directors may deem relevant.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET COMMITMENTS AND ARRANGEMENTS

We have not entered into any financial guarantees or other commitments to guarantee the payment obligations of third parties, except for a $9 million restricted time deposit acting as collateral for credit facilities provided by a bank to certain Sogou employees. We are not subject to any additional potential payments other than the restricted time deposit amount, and believe that the fair value of our guarantee liability is immaterial. We have not entered into any derivative contracts that are indexed to our shares and classified as shareholder’s equity, or that are not reflected in our consolidated financial statements. Furthermore, we do not have any retained or contingent interest in assets transferred to an unconsolidated entity that serves as credit, liquidity or market risk support to such entity. We do not have any variable interest in any unconsolidated entity that provides financing, liquidity, market risk or credit support to us or that engages in leasing, hedging or product development services with us.

IMPACT OF RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

The FASB issued Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity, which changes the threshold for reporting discontinued operations and adds new disclosures. The new guidance defines a discontinued operation as a disposal that “represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results.” The standard is required to be adopted by public business entities in annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those annual periods. Entities may “early adopt” the guidance for new disposals. The Group is currently evaluating the impact on its consolidated financial statements of adopting this guidance.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE RISK

While our reporting currency is the U.S. dollar, to date the majority of our revenues and costs are denominated in RMB and a significant portion of our assets and liabilities are denominated in RMB. As a result, we are exposed to foreign exchange risk as our revenues and results of operations may be affected by fluctuations in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the RMB. If the RMB depreciates against the U.S. dollar, the value of our RMB revenues and assets as expressed in our U.S. dollar financial statements will decline. We do not hold any derivative or other financial instruments that expose us to substantial market risk.

 

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The RMB is currently freely convertible under the “current account,” which includes dividends, trade and service-related foreign exchange transactions, but not under the “capital account,” which includes foreign direct investment. In addition, commencing on July 21, 2005, China reformed its exchange rate regime by changing to a managed floating exchange rate regime based on market supply and demand with reference to a basket of currencies. Under the managed floating exchange rate regime, the RMB is no longer pegged to the U.S. dollar. The exchange rate of the RMB against the U.S. dollar was adjusted to RMB8.11 per U.S. dollar as of July 21, 2005, representing an appreciation of about 2%. The People’s Bank of China will announce the closing prices of foreign currencies such as the U.S. dollar traded against the RMB in the inter-bank foreign exchange market after the closing of the market on each business day, and will make such prices the central parity for trading against the RMB on the following business day. On May 19, 2007, the People’s Bank of China announced a policy to expand the maximum daily floating range of RMB trading prices against the U.S. dollar in the inter-bank spot foreign exchange market from 0.3% to 0.5%. While the international reactions to the RMB revaluation and widening of the RMB’s daily trading band have generally been positive, with the increased floating range of the RMB’s value against foreign currencies, the RMB may appreciate or depreciate significantly in value against the U.S. dollar or other foreign currencies in the long term, depending on the fluctuation of the basket of currencies against which it is currently valued. On June 19, 2010, the People’s Bank of China announced that it has decided to proceed further with the reform of the RMB exchange rate regime to enhance the flexibility of the RMB exchange rate and that emphasis would be placed on reflecting market supply and demand with reference to a basket of currencies. While so indicating its intention to make the RMB’s exchange rate more flexible, the People’s Bank of China ruled out any sharp fluctuations in the currency or a one-off adjustment. On April 16, 2012, the People’s Bank of China announced a policy to expand the maximum daily floating range of RMB trading prices against the U.S. dollar in the inter-bank spot foreign exchange market from 0.5% to 1%. On March 17, 2014, the People’s Bank of China announced a policy to further expand the maximum daily floating range of RMB trading prices against the U.S. dollar in the inter-bank spot foreign exchange market to 2%. In the long term, the RMB may appreciate or depreciate more significantly in value against the U.S. dollar or other foreign currencies, depending on the market supply and demand with reference to a basket of currencies.

To date, we have not entered into any hedging transactions in an effort to reduce our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk. While we may decide to enter into hedging transactions in the future, the effectiveness of these hedges may be limited and we may not be able to successfully hedge our exposure. Accordingly, we may incur economic losses in the future due to foreign exchange rate fluctuations, which could have a negative impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

The following table sets forth a summary of our foreign currency sensitive financial instruments as of March 31, 2014, which consisted of cash and cash equivalents, restricted time deposits, accounts receivable, prepaid and other current assets, current liabilities, long-term accounts payable and long-term bank loans. These financial instruments are recorded at their fair value.

 

     Denominated in (in thousands)         
     US$      RMB      HK$      Others      Total  

Cash and cash equivalents

     554,711         584,678         2,746         2,281         1,144,425   

Restricted time deposits

     9,305         372,101         0         0         381,406   

Accounts receivable

     2,199         141,923         19         344         144,485   

Prepaid and other current assets

     2,103         129,840         29         605         132,577   

Current liabilities

     279,158         645,950         2         852         925,962   

Long-term accounts payable

     0         5,226         0         0         5,226   

INTEREST RATE RISK

The basic objectives of our investment program are to protect the invested funds from excessive risk and to provide for liquidity that is sufficient to meet operating and investment cash requirements. Under the investment policy, our excess cash is invested in high-quality securities which are limited as to length of time to maturity and the amount of credit exposure.

Our exposure to interest rate risk primarily relates to the interest income generated from excess cash invested in demand deposits and debt securities, and interest expense generated from loans to Changyou from offshore banks. We have not used derivative financial instruments in our investment portfolio in order to reduce this risk. We have not been exposed nor do we anticipate being exposed to material risks due to changes in interest rates.

INFLATION RATE RISK

According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, the consumer price index grew 2.3% in the first three months of 2014. While this rate of inflation represents a decline compared to the rate for the previous quarter, there may be further increased inflation in the future, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

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ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of our “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report (the “Evaluation Date”), have concluded that as of the Evaluation Date our disclosure controls and procedures were effective and designed to ensure that all material information relating to Sohu required to be included in our reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission and to ensure that information required to be disclosed is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

During the period covered by this quarterly report, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

There have been no material developments in the legal proceedings reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 filed with the SEC on February 28, 2014.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There are no material changes or updates to the risk factors previously disclosed in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 filed with the SEC on February 28, 2014.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Use of Proceeds

On July 17, 2000, Sohu completed an underwritten initial public offering of its common stock pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-1 (SEC file No. 333-96137), which became effective on July 10, 2000. Public trading of the common stock offered in the initial public offering commenced on July 12, 2000. Sohu sold an aggregate of 4,600,000 shares of common stock in the offering at a price to the public of $13 per share, resulting in gross proceeds of $59.8 million. Sohu’s net proceeds, after deduction of the underwriting discount of $4.2 million and other offering expenses of $3.2 million, were approximately $52.4 million. All shares sold in the offering were sold by Sohu.

During the three months ended March 31, 2014, Sohu did not use any proceeds from the offering. The remaining net proceeds from the offering have been invested in cash and cash equivalents. The use of the proceeds from the offering does not represent a material change in the use of proceeds described in the prospectus contained in the Registration Statement on Form S-1 described above.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

Please see the Exhibit Index attached hereto.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

Dated: May 9, 2014

 

SOHU.COM INC.
By:  

/s/ Carol Yu

 

Carol Yu

Co-President and Chief Financial Officer

 

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Sohu.com Inc.

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for Quarter Ended March 31, 2014

EXHIBITS INDEX

 

  10.1    English Translation of Share Pledge Agreement, dated December 28, 2009, between Sohu Era and Jing Zhou.
  10.2    English Translation of Share Pledge Agreement, dated October 26, 2011, between Sohu Era and Xiufeng Deng.
  10.3    English Translation of Loan Agreement, dated August 15, 2011, between Sohu Era and Gang Fang.
  10.4    English Translation of Loan Agreement, dated August 15, 2011, between Sohu Era and Yanfeng Lv.
  10.5    English Translation of Share Pledge Agreement, dated August 30, 2011, among Sohu Era, Gang Fang and Yanfeng Lv.
  10.6    English Translation of Exclusive Equity Interest Purchase Rights Agreement, dated August 30, 2011, among Sohu Era, Yi He Jia Xun and the shareholders of Yi He Jia Xun.
  10.7    English Translation of Business Operation Agreement, dated August 30, 2011, among Sohu Era, Yi He Jia Xun and the shareholders of Yi He Jia Xun.
  10.8    English Translation of Power of Attorney, dated August 30, 2011, by the shareholders of Yi He Jia Xun in favor of Sohu Era.
  10.9    Termination Agreement entered into between Sohu.com Inc. and Ms. Belinda Wang, dated March 5, 2014.
  31.1    Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Charles Zhang
  31.2    Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Carol Yu
  32.1    Section 1350 Certification of Charles Zhang
  32.2    Section 1350 Certification of Carol Yu
  101    Interactive data files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T: (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013; (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013; (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013; (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013; and (v) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged using four different levels of detail.

 

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EX-10.1

Exhibit 10.1

English Translation

Share Pledge Agreement

Between

Beijing Sohu New Era Information Technology Co., Ltd.

And

Jing Zhou

December 28, 2009

This Share Pledge Agreement (hereinafter referred to as the “Agreement”) is entered into by and between the following parties on December 28, 2009:

 

Party A: Beijing Sohu New Era Information Technology Co., Ltd., Registered Address: Level 15, Sohu Internet Plaza, Zhongguancun East Road, Haidian District, Beijing

 

Party B: Jing Zhou, Address: Sohu Internet Plaza, Zhongguancun East Road, Haidian District, Beijing

In this Agreement, Party A and Party B are referred to as the “parties” collectively or “a party” individually. Party A is also referred to as the “Pledgee” and Party B as the “Pledgor”.

Whereas:

 

1 Party A is a wholly foreign-invested limited liability company incorporated and existing under laws of the People’s Republic of China.

 

2 Beijing GoodFeel Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “GoodFeel”) is a domestic limited liability company incorporated and existing under laws of the People’s Republic of China.

 

3 Party B is the shareholder of GoodFeel, holding 41.9% of stock equity of GoodFeel.

 

4 In order to ensure Party B and GoodFeel’s performance of the obligations under the Agreement, the Pledgor places into pledge the full equity it owns in GoodFeel, and Pledgee is Party A.


Through friendly negotiation and on the principle of equality and mutual benefit, the parties hereto therefore reach the following Agreement for performance:

 

I. Definitions

Unless otherwise stated herein, the following terms shall respectively have the meanings defined here below:

 

  1. The Pledge shall refer to all items listed in Article II hereof.

 

  2. The Equity shall refer to the equity that the Pledgor jointly and lawfully hold in GoodFeel and all rights and interests that they currently have or may have in the future based on the said equity.

 

  3. An Event of Default shall refer to any of the events set forth in Article VII hereof.

 

  4. A Default Notice shall refer to a notice that Party A gives according to this Agreement to declare an event of default.

 

II. Pledge

 

  1. The Pledgor pledges to Party A the full equity it owns in GoodFeel as guarantee for performance of the Pledgor and GoodFeel of their obligations and debts under the Agreements.

 

  2. The scope of guarantee offered by the share pledge hereunder includes all fees (including legal fares) and expenses payable to Party A and all losses, interest, penalties, damages, costs of exercise of creditor’s rights to be borne by GoodFeel and (or) the Pledgor under the Agreements, and all liabilities that GoodFeel and the Pledgor shall assume to Party A in the event of termination, cancellation or full or partial invalidation of the Agreements due to whatsoever reasons.

 

  3. The Pledgee’s Right hereunder shall refer to the right of Party A to receive prioritized payment out of the proceeds from converting the Equity pledged to Party A by the Pledgor into money or auctioning or selling off the Equity.

 

  4. Unless Party A otherwise agrees in writing explicitly after this Agreement takes effect, the Pledge hereunder shall be relieved only if and when GoodFeel and the Pledgor have duly performed all of their obligations and responsibilities under the Agreement and a written acknowledgement thereof has been obtained from Party A. If GoodFeel and the Pledgor fail to fully perform all or any part of their obligations or responsibilities under the Agreements as of expiration of the terms specified in the Agreements, Party A shall continue to be entitled to the Pledgee’s Right set forth herein until the aforesaid obligations and responsibilities are fully performed in a manner that is to the reasonable satisfaction of Party A.

 

III. Effectiveness

 

  1. This Pledge Agreement shall become established and take effect as of the first written date of execution after it is stamped by Party A, signed by Party B.


  2. The Pledgor shall have the share pledge arrangement (hereinafter referred to as the “Share Pledge”) hereunder registered in the shareholders’ register of GoodFeel within 15 working days from execution of this Agreement or within any time reached with unanimity, and deliver its shareholders’ register to the Pledgee (Please see Attachment I for the form of the register), of which the form and substance shall be satisfactory to the Pledgee. The Pledgor shall, within 45 working days from the date of execution of this Agreement or within any time reached with unanimity, fulfill the share pledge registration procedure and deliver to the Pledgee the document proving registration of the share pledge with the administration of industry and commerce.

 

  3. During the pledge process, if GoodFeel fails to pay the service fee under the Exclusive Technology Consulting and Service Agreement or to perform other terms and conditions thereof, or if GoodFeel or Party B fails to perform any clause of the Loan Agreements, the Exclusive Equity Interest Purchase Rights Agreement or the Business Operation Agreement, Party A shall, subject to giving of reasonable notification, have the right to exercise its Pledgee’s Right as per the provisions herein.

 

IV. Possession and Keeping of Pledge Certificate

 

  1. The Pledgor shall, within fifteen working days from the date of execution of this Agreement or an otherwise period agreed upon by all parties, deliver the certificate of its equity investment in GoodFeel (original copy. Please see Attachment II for the form of the certificate) into custody by Party A, and deliver to Party A the proof showing that the Pledge hereunder has been properly registered in the shareholders’ register, and shall fulfill all review, approval, registration and filing procedures required by laws and regulations of the People’s Republic of China within 45 working days from the date of execution of this Agreement or within any time reached with unanimity, and submit the certificate of share pledge registration to Party A after completing the share pledge registration.

 

  2. If any change occurs to the registered items of the pledge and such change is to be registered as required by law, Party A along with Party B shall make the registration of the change within 10 working days from the date of the change, and submit relevant change registration documents.

 

  3. During the term of the Share Pledge, the Pledgor shall instruct GoodFeel not to distribute any dividends or bonuses or adopt any profit sharing scheme. If the Pledgor shall receive any financial benefits of whatsoever nature other than dividends, bonuses or other profit sharing schemes with regard to the Pledged Equity, they shall, as requested by Party A, instruct GoodFeel to directly transfer the relevant amounts (after encashment) into the bank account designated by Party A, which the Pledgor shall not use without the prior written consent of Party A.

 

  4. During the term of the Share Pledge, if the Pledgor subscribe new registered capital of GoodFeel or are assigned the equity owned by other Pledgor (hereinafter referred to as “Additional Equity”), the Additional Equity will automatically become a portion of the Pledged Equity hereunder and the Pledgor shall fulfill all procedures required for consummating pledge of the Additional Equity within 10 working days after acquiring the Additional Equity. If the Pledgor fail to fulfill the procedures as per the foregoing provision, Party A shall have the right to immediately exercise the Pledgee’s Right according to the provisions of Article VIII hereof.


V. The Pledgor’ Representations and Warranties

The Pledgor makes the following representations and warranties to Party A when signing this Agreement, and acknowledges that Party A relies on the said representations and warranties in executing and performing this Agreement:

 

  1. The Pledgor lawfully holds the equity hereunder that it owns in GoodFeel and has the right to pledge the equity to Party A.

 

  2. From the date of execution of this Agreement and throughout the period when Party A is entitled to the Pledgee’s Right as per the provisions of Paragraph 4 of Article II, once Party A exercises at any time its rights or the Pledgee’s Right according to this Agreement, there shall not be any lawful claims or proper interference from any other parties.

 

  3. Party A has the right to exercise the Pledgee’s Right in the manner provided by laws and regulations and set forth in this Agreement.

 

  4. The Pledgor has obtained all requisite corporate authorizations for its execution of this Agreement and performance of its obligations hereunder, such execution and performance is not against the provisions of any applicable laws or regulations, and its authorized signatory for the purpose of this Agreement has gained lawful and valid authorization.

 

  5. Except for those that have been disclosed, the equity held by the Pledgor is free of any other encumbrance or any form of third-person security interest (including but not limited to pledges).

 

  6. There are no ongoing civil, administrative or criminal proceedings and administrative punishment or arbitration involving the Equity and there are no such civil, administrative or criminal proceedings, administrative punishment or arbitration that will occur.

 

  7. Except for those that have been disclosed, there are no taxes, fees payable but unpaid and no legal procedures and formalities to be fulfilled but not fulfilled with regard to the Equity.

 

  8. All terms and conditions of this Agreement represent expression of the Pledgor’s true intent and are legally binding upon the Pledgor.


VI. Pledgor’ Undertakings

 

  1. During the term of existence of this Agreement, the Pledgor undertakes to Party A that:

 

  (a) it shall not assign the Equity, not set or allow the existence of any pledge or otherwise encumbrance or any form of third-person security interest that may affect the rights and interests of Party A without the prior written consent of Party A except for assignment of the Equity, as requested by Party A, to Party A or to the person designated by Party A.

 

  (b) it shall abide by and perform the provisions of all applicable laws and regulations, and display the notices, instructions or advice, if any, issued or prepared by the authority in charge with regard to pledges to Party A within five working days upon receipt of the same, and take actions as reasonably instructed by Party A.

 

  (c) it shall promptly notify Party A of any event or received notice that may affect the Pledgor’s equity or the rights to and in any part thereof, and any event or received notice that may change any of the Pledgor’s obligations hereunder or prevent the Pledgor from performing its obligations hereunder, and shall take actions as reasonably instructed by Party A.

 

  2. The Pledgor agrees that the exercise of Party A of its rights under the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall not be interrupted or hampered by the Pledgor or the Pledgor’ successors or assignees or any other persons.

 

  3. Pledgor undertakes to Party A that, in order to protect and improve the guarantee under this Agreement for performance of the obligations of the Pledgor and (or) GoodFeel under the Agreements, the Pledgor will make any and all requisite amendments to its articles of association and the articles of association of the Company (if applicable), sign in good faith and cause other parties interested in the Pledged Equity to sign all right certificates and deeds required by Party A, and/or perform and cause other interested parties to perform the actions requested by Party A, provide convenience to Party A for its exercise of the Pledgee’s Right, sign all documents associated with changes to the equity certificate with Party A or with any third party designated by Party A, and provide Party A within a reasonable period with all documents relating to the Pledge that Party A may deem necessary.

 

  4. Pledgor undertakes to Party A that, for the interest of Party A, the Pledgor will abide by and perform all its warranties, undertakings, agreements and representations. If the Pledgor fails to perform or to fully perform its warranties, undertakings, agreements or representations, it shall indemnify Party A for any and all losses that Party A may suffer as result thereof.

 

VII. Events of Default

 

  1. All of the following events are regarded as events of default:

 

  (a) GoodFeel or its successor or assignee fails to fully pay any amount due and payable under the Agreements, or GoodFeel, a Pledgor or its successor or assignee fails to perform its obligations under the Loan Agreement, the Exclusive Technology Consulting and Service Agreement, the Exclusive Equity Interest Purchase Rights Agreement and the Business Operation Agreement


  (b) Any representations, warranties or undertakings made by the Pledgor in Articles V and VI hereof are substantially misleading or incorrect, and/or the Pledgor violate the representations, warranties or undertakings in Articles V and VI hereof.

 

  (c) The Pledgor materially breaches any clause of this Agreement.

 

  (d) The Pledgor abandon or assign the pledged equity without the written consent of Party A.

 

  (e) Any external loan, guarantee, indemnity, undertaking or other debt-paying liability of the Pledgor is made subject to early payment or performance as result of a default or cannot be paid or performed as scheduled after it becomes due, which gives Party A the reason to believe that the Pledgor’ ability to perform their obligations hereunder is impaired and the interest of Party A is in turn affected.

 

  (f) The Pledgor are unable to pay general debts or other debts, which in turn affects the interest of Party A.

 

  (g) The promulgation of an applicable law makes this Agreement unlawful and invalid or prevents the Pledgor from continuing to perform their obligations hereunder.

 

  (h) Any governmental consent, permit, approval or authorization required in order to make this Agreement enforceable or valid or effective is revoked, terminated, invalidated or is materially changed.

 

  (i) Any negative change occurs to the assets owned by the Pledgor, which causes Party A to believe that the Pledgor’ ability to perform their obligations hereunder has been impaired.

 

  (j) Other circumstances where Party A cannot exercise or dispose of the Pledgee’s Right according to the provisions of applicable laws.

 

  2. If becoming aware of or discovering any situation stated in Paragraph 1 of the present article or any event that may give rise to such situation, the Pledgor shall immediately notify Party A in writing.

 

  3. Unless an event of default set forth in Paragraph 1 of the present article has been successfully resolved to the satisfaction of Party A, Party A may send a written notice of default to the Pledgor at the time of or at any time after occurrence of the event of default by the Pledgor, requesting the Pledgor to immediately pay the amounts owed and all other amounts payable under the Agreements or to perform their obligations under the Agreements in a timely manner. If the Pledgor or GoodFeel fails to correct the default or take necessary remedial act within ten days from the date of sending of the said written notice, Party A shall have the right to exercise the Pledgee’s Right as per the provisions of Article VIII hereof.


VIII. Exercise of Pledgee’s Right

 

  1. Before all amounts and obligations under the Agreements are fully paid and performed, the Pledgor shall not assign the Equity without the written consent of Party A.

 

  2. When exercising the Pledgee’s Right, Party A shall give a notice of default to the Pledgor as required by Paragraph 3 of Article VII hereof.

 

  3. Subject to the provisions of Paragraph 3 of Article VII, Party A may exercise the Pledgee’s Right at any time after sending the notice of default according to Paragraph 3 of Article VII.

 

  4. Party A shall have the right to convert the equity hereunder into money either in entirety or partly according to legal procedures, or get prioritized payment out of the proceeds from auction or sale of the equity until all outstanding service fees and any and all amounts due and payable under the Agreements are fully paid and all obligations under the Agreements are performed.

 

  5. When Party A exercises the Pledgee’s Right as per this Agreement, the Pledgor shall not set obstacles and shall instead furnish necessary assistance to enable Party A to exercise the Pledgee’s Right.

 

IX. Assignment of Agreement

 

  1. Unless with the explicit prior written consent of Party A, the Pledgor shall have no right to assign any of their rights and/obligations hereunder to third parties.

 

  2. This Agreement is binding upon the Pledgor and their successors and is valid and effective upon Party A and its successor or assignee.

 

  3. Party A may at any time assign all or any of its rights and obligations under the Agreement to any third party designated by it, in which event the assignee shall enjoy the rights and assume the obligations that Party A enjoys and assumes under this Agreement. When Party A assigns its rights and obligations under the Agreements, the Pledgor shall sign relevant agreements and/or documents for the purpose of the assignment as requested by Party A.

 

  4. If such assignment results in change of the pledgee, the Pledgor shall sign a new pledge agreement with the new pledge and shall be responsible for fulfilling all applicable registration procedures.


X. Taxes

Party A shall bear all taxes incurred by the parties during performance of this Agreement.

 

XI. Responsibility for Defaults

 

  1. Unless otherwise stated herein, a party hereto shall be deemed as in default of this Agreement if and to the extent that it fails to fully perform or suspends performance of its obligations hereunder and fails to correct the said act within thirty days after receiving the other parties’ notice, or if and to the extent that its representations and warranties are untrue.

 

  2. If a party hereto breaches this Agreement or any representation or warranty it has made herein, the non-defaulting parties may give a written notice to the defaulting party, requesting the defaulting party to correct the default within ten days after receiving the notice, take appropriate measures to effectively and promptly prevent occurrence of detrimental consequences, and continue to perform this Agreement.

 

  3. If a breach of a party hereto of this Agreement causes the other parties to bear any expense, liability or suffer any loss (including but not limited to loss of profit), the defaulting party shall indemnity the non-defaulting for any and all of the foregoing expenses, liabilities or losses (including but not limited to interest and attorney’s fee paid or lost as result of the default). The sum of the indemnities paid by the defaulting party to the non-defaulting party shall be equal to the losses resulting from the default, and the indemnities shall include the benefits that the non-defaulting party should have received as result of performance of the Agreement, provided that the indemnities shall not go beyond the reasonable expectation of the parties hereto.

 

XII. Governing Law and Settlement of Disputes

 

  1. Governing Law

The execution, effectiveness, performance, construction and interpretation of and the settlement of disputes over this Agreement shall be governed by Chinese laws.

 

  2. Arbitration

When any dispute occurs between both parties with regard to the interpretation and performance of any clauses herein, the parties shall seek settlement of the dispute through good-faith negotiation. If both parties cannot reach any agreement on settlement of the dispute within thirty (30) days after any party hereto sends to the other parties the written notice requesting resolution through negotiation, any party hereto may refer the dispute to China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission for determination according to the arbitration rules of the said Commission as then prevailing. Arbitration shall occur in Beijing and the language of arbitration shall be Chinese. The arbitration ruling shall be final and binding upon both parties. This clause shall survive regardless of termination or cancellation of this Agreement.


XIII. Force Majeure

 

  1. Force majeure shall refer to all events that are uncontrollable and unforeseeable by a party hereto or that are inevitable even if foreseeable and prevent that party from performing or from fully performing the obligations hereunder. Such events include, without limitation to, any strikes, factory closedowns, explosions, marine perils, natural disasters or acts of public enemy, fire, floods, destructive activities, accidents, wars, riots, rebellions and any other similar events.

 

  2. If a force majeure event occurs and prevents the affected party from performing any obligation hereunder, the obligation so prevented shall be suspended throughout the duration of the force majeure event and the date of performance of the obligation shall be automatically extended to the date of completion of the force majeure event, and the party so prevented from performing the obligation shall not be subject to any punishment.

 

  3. The party encountering a force majeure event shall immediately give a written notice to the other party, and deliver appropriate proof of the occurrence and duration of the force majeure event. The party encountering a force majeure event shall also make any and all reasonable efforts to terminate the force majeure event.

 

  4. Once a force majeure event occurs, both parties shall immediately negotiate to find an equitable solution, and shall also make any and all reasonable efforts to minimize the consequences of the force majeure event.

 

  5. If a force majeure event lasts for over ninety (90) days and both parties cannot reach any agreement on an equitable solution, any party hereto shall then have the right to terminate this Agreement. Upon termination of the Agreement as per the foregoing provision, no further rights or obligations will accrue to any party hereto, provided that the rights and obligations of each party that already accrue as of the date of termination of this Agreement shall not be affected by the termination.

 

XIV. Miscellaneous

 

  1. Special Covenant

Each Pledgor undertakes that all terms and conditions of this Agreement shall remain legally binding upon the Pledgor regardless of any and all changes that may occur to the Pledgor’s percent of equity holding in GoodFeel, and that the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall also apply to all equity of GoodFeel then held by the Pledgor.


  2. Amendments to Agreement

 

  (a) The parties hereto hereby acknowledge that this Agreement is a fair and reasonable agreement reached by and between them on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. In the event of any inconsistence, this Agreement shall prevail over all discussions, negotiations and written covenants reached by and between both parties with regard to the subject matter hereof before execution of this Agreement.

 

  (b) Any and all amendments, additions or alterations to this Agreement shall be made in written and shall not take effect until and before being stamped by Party A and signed by Party B. The parties’ amendments and additions to this Agreement shall constitute an integral part of and enjoy equal legal effectiveness as this Agreement.

 

  3. Notices

Notices or other correspondence that any party hereto shall give as required by this Agreement shall be made in writing and in Chinese and delivered by person (including express mail service) or by registered airmail. All notices and correspondence shall be sent to the following addresses unless any otherwise address has been informed by written notification:

 

Party A:    Beijing Sohu New Era Information Technology Co., Ltd.
Address:    Level 15, Sohu Internet Plaza, Zhongguancun East Road, Haidian District, Beijing
Postcode:    100084
Party B:    Jing Zhou
Address:    Sohu Internet Plaza, Zhongguancun East Road, Haidian District, Beijing

 

  4. Service of Notices

Notices and correspondence shall be deemed as given:

 

  (a) If delivered by person (including by express mail service): on the date of sign-in by the receiving party.

 

  (b) If delivered by registered mail: on the 3rd day from the date of receipt issued by the post office.

 

  5. Severity of Agreement

Without affecting other terms and conditions of this Agreement, if any provision or part of this Agreement is held invalid, unlawful or unenforceable according to Chinese laws or is against public interest, the effectiveness, validity and enforceability of the terms and conditions in all other parts of the Agreement shall not be affected and impaired in any way. The parties shall negotiate in good faith to discuss and determine a clause to the satisfaction of the parties in order to replace the invalid provision.


  6. Successors and Assignees

This Agreement shall be equally binding upon each party’s lawful successors and assignees.

 

  7. Waivers

The failure or delay of any party hereto in exercising any of its rights hereunder shall not be regarded as its waiver of the right and single exercise of any right shall not prevent future exercise of any other right.

 

  8. Language and Counterparts

This Agreement is executed in Chinese in three identical copies, of which each party respectively holds ONE and the pledge registration authority keeps ONE on the record, and all enjoy equal legal effectiveness.

 

  9. Party A shall, as soon as the execution of this Agreement, fulfill the Share Pledge registration procedure.

(There is no text hereinafter. Followed is the signing page.)


(This page contains no text and is the signing page.)

 

Party A: Beijing Sohu New Era Information Technology Co., Ltd.
(Seal)
Party B: Jing Zhou
(Signature)
EX-10.2

Exhibit 10.2

English Translation

Share Pledge Agreement

Between

Beijing Sohu New Era Information Technology Co., Ltd.

And

Xiufeng Deng

October 26, 2011

This Share Pledge Agreement (hereinafter referred to as the “Agreement”) is entered into by and between the following parties on October 26, 2011:

 

Party A: Beijing Sohu New Era Information Technology Co., Ltd., Registered Address: Level 15, Sohu Internet Plaza, Zhongguancun East Road, Haidian District, Beijing

 

Party B: Xiufeng Deng, Address: Sohu Internet Plaza, Zhongguancun East Road, Haidian District, Beijing

In this Agreement, Party A and Party B are referred to as the “parties” collectively or “a party” individually. Party A is also referred to as the “Pledgee” and Party B as the “Pledgor”.

Whereas:

 

1 Party A is a wholly foreign-invested limited liability company incorporated and existing under laws of the People’s Republic of China.

 

2 Beijing GoodFeel Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “GoodFeel”) is a domestic limited liability company incorporated and existing under laws of the People’s Republic of China.

 

3 Party B is the shareholder of GoodFeel, holding 58.1% of stock equity of GoodFeel.

 

4 In order to ensure Party B and GoodFeel’s performance of the obligations under the Agreement, the Pledgor places into pledge the full equity it owns in GoodFeel, and Pledgee is Party A.


Through friendly negotiation and on the principle of equality and mutual benefit, the parties hereto therefore reach the following Agreement for performance:

 

I. Definitions

Unless otherwise stated herein, the following terms shall respectively have the meanings defined here below:

 

  1. The Pledge shall refer to all items listed in Article II hereof.

 

  2. The Equity shall refer to the equity that the Pledgor jointly and lawfully hold in GoodFeel and all rights and interests that they currently have or may have in the future based on the said equity.

 

  3. An Event of Default shall refer to any of the events set forth in Article VII hereof.

 

  4. A Default Notice shall refer to a notice that Party A gives according to this Agreement to declare an event of default.

 

II. Pledge

 

  1. The Pledgor pledges to Party A the full equity it owns in GoodFeel as guarantee for performance of the Pledgor and GoodFeel of their obligations and debts under the Agreements.

 

  2. The scope of guarantee offered by the share pledge hereunder includes all fees (including legal fares) and expenses payable to Party A and all losses, interest, penalties, damages, costs of exercise of creditor’s rights to be borne by GoodFeel and (or) the Pledgor under the Agreements, and all liabilities that GoodFeel and the Pledgor shall assume to Party A in the event of termination, cancellation or full or partial invalidation of the Agreements due to whatsoever reasons.

 

  3. The Pledgee’s Right hereunder shall refer to the right of Party A to receive prioritized payment out of the proceeds from converting the Equity pledged to Party A by the Pledgor into money or auctioning or selling off the Equity.

 

  4. Unless Party A otherwise agrees in writing explicitly after this Agreement takes effect, the Pledge hereunder shall be relieved only if and when GoodFeel and the Pledgor have duly performed all of their obligations and responsibilities under the Agreement and a written acknowledgement thereof has been obtained from Party A. If GoodFeel and the Pledgor fail to fully perform all or any part of their obligations or responsibilities under the Agreements as of expiration of the terms specified in the Agreements, Party A shall continue to be entitled to the Pledgee’s Right set forth herein until the aforesaid obligations and responsibilities are fully performed in a manner that is to the reasonable satisfaction of Party A.

 

III. Effectiveness

 

  1. This Pledge Agreement shall become established and take effect as of the first written date of execution after it is stamped by Party A, signed by Party B.


  2. The Pledgor shall have the share pledge arrangement (hereinafter referred to as the “Share Pledge”) hereunder registered in the shareholders’ register of GoodFeel within 15 working days from execution of this Agreement or within any time reached with unanimity, and deliver its shareholders’ register to the Pledgee (Please see Attachment I for the form of the register), of which the form and substance shall be satisfactory to the Pledgee. The Pledgor shall, within 45 working days from the date of execution of this Agreement or within any time reached with unanimity, fulfill the share pledge registration procedure and deliver to the Pledgee the document proving registration of the share pledge with the administration of industry and commerce.

 

  3. During the pledge process, if GoodFeel fails to pay the service fee under the Exclusive Technology Consulting and Service Agreement or to perform other terms and conditions thereof, or if GoodFeel or Party B fails to perform any clause of the Loan Agreements, the Exclusive Equity Interest Purchase Rights Agreement or the Business Operation Agreement, Party A shall, subject to giving of reasonable notification, have the right to exercise its Pledgee’s Right as per the provisions herein.

 

IV. Possession and Keeping of Pledge Certificate

 

  1. The Pledgor shall, within fifteen working days from the date of execution of this Agreement or an otherwise period agreed upon by all parties, deliver the certificate of its equity investment in GoodFeel (original copy. Please see Attachment II for the form of the certificate) into custody by Party A, and deliver to Party A the proof showing that the Pledge hereunder has been properly registered in the shareholders’ register, and shall fulfill all review, approval, registration and filing procedures required by laws and regulations of the People’s Republic of China within 45 working days from the date of execution of this Agreement or within any time reached with unanimity, and submit the certificate of share pledge registration to Party A after completing the share pledge registration.

 

  2. If any change occurs to the registered items of the pledge and such change is to be registered as required by law, Party A along with Party B shall make the registration of the change within 10 working days from the date of the change, and submit relevant change registration documents.

 

  3. During the term of the Share Pledge, the Pledgor shall instruct GoodFeel not to distribute any dividends or bonuses or adopt any profit sharing scheme. If the Pledgor shall receive any financial benefits of whatsoever nature other than dividends, bonuses or other profit sharing schemes with regard to the Pledged Equity, they shall, as requested by Party A, instruct GoodFeel to directly transfer the relevant amounts (after encashment) into the bank account designated by Party A, which the Pledgor shall not use without the prior written consent of Party A.

 

  4. During the term of the Share Pledge, if the Pledgor subscribe new registered capital of GoodFeel or are assigned the equity owned by other Pledgor (hereinafter referred to as “Additional Equity”), the Additional Equity will automatically become a portion of the Pledged Equity hereunder and the Pledgor shall fulfill all procedures required for consummating pledge of the Additional Equity within 10 working days after acquiring the Additional Equity. If the Pledgor fail to fulfill the procedures as per the foregoing provision, Party A shall have the right to immediately exercise the Pledgee’s Right according to the provisions of Article VIII hereof.


V. The Pledgor’ Representations and Warranties

The Pledgor makes the following representations and warranties to Party A when signing this Agreement, and acknowledges that Party A relies on the said representations and warranties in executing and performing this Agreement:

 

  1. The Pledgor lawfully holds the equity hereunder that it owns in GoodFeel and has the right to pledge the equity to Party A.

 

  2. From the date of execution of this Agreement and throughout the period when Party A is entitled to the Pledgee’s Right as per the provisions of Paragraph 4 of Article II, once Party A exercises at any time its rights or the Pledgee’s Right according to this Agreement, there shall not be any lawful claims or proper interference from any other parties.

 

  3. Party A has the right to exercise the Pledgee’s Right in the manner provided by laws and regulations and set forth in this Agreement.

 

  4. The Pledgor has obtained all requisite corporate authorizations for its execution of this Agreement and performance of its obligations hereunder, such execution and performance is not against the provisions of any applicable laws or regulations, and its authorized signatory for the purpose of this Agreement has gained lawful and valid authorization.

 

  5. Except for those that have been disclosed, the equity held by the Pledgor is free of any other encumbrance or any form of third-person security interest (including but not limited to pledges).

 

  6. There are no ongoing civil, administrative or criminal proceedings and administrative punishment or arbitration involving the Equity and there are no such civil, administrative or criminal proceedings, administrative punishment or arbitration that will occur.

 

  7. Except for those that have been disclosed, there are no taxes, fees payable but unpaid and no legal procedures and formalities to be fulfilled but not fulfilled with regard to the Equity.

 

  8. All terms and conditions of this Agreement represent expression of the Pledgor’s true intent and are legally binding upon the Pledgor.


VI. Pledgor’ Undertakings

 

  1. During the term of existence of this Agreement, the Pledgor undertakes to Party A that:

 

  (a) it shall not assign the Equity, not set or allow the existence of any pledge or otherwise encumbrance or any form of third-person security interest that may affect the rights and interests of Party A without the prior written consent of Party A except for assignment of the Equity, as requested by Party A, to Party A or to the person designated by Party A.

 

  (b) it shall abide by and perform the provisions of all applicable laws and regulations, and display the notices, instructions or advice, if any, issued or prepared by the authority in charge with regard to pledges to Party A within five working days upon receipt of the same, and take actions as reasonably instructed by Party A.

 

  (c) it shall promptly notify Party A of any event or received notice that may affect the Pledgor’s equity or the rights to and in any part thereof, and any event or received notice that may change any of the Pledgor’s obligations hereunder or prevent the Pledgor from performing its obligations hereunder, and shall take actions as reasonably instructed by Party A.

 

  2. The Pledgor agrees that the exercise of Party A of its rights under the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall not be interrupted or hampered by the Pledgor or the Pledgor’ successors or assignees or any other persons.

 

  3. Pledgor undertakes to Party A that, in order to protect and improve the guarantee under this Agreement for performance of the obligations of the Pledgor and (or) GoodFeel under the Agreements, the Pledgor will make any and all requisite amendments to its articles of association and the articles of association of the Company (if applicable), sign in good faith and cause other parties interested in the Pledged Equity to sign all right certificates and deeds required by Party A, and/or perform and cause other interested parties to perform the actions requested by Party A, provide convenience to Party A for its exercise of the Pledgee’s Right, sign all documents associated with changes to the equity certificate with Party A or with any third party designated by Party A, and provide Party A within a reasonable period with all documents relating to the Pledge that Party A may deem necessary.

 

  4. Pledgor undertakes to Party A that, for the interest of Party A, the Pledgor will abide by and perform all its warranties, undertakings, agreements and representations. If the Pledgor fails to perform or to fully perform its warranties, undertakings, agreements or representations, it shall indemnify Party A for any and all losses that Party A may suffer as result thereof.


VII. Events of Default

 

  1. All of the following events are regarded as events of default:

 

  (a) GoodFeel or its successor or assignee fails to fully pay any amount due and payable under the Agreements, or GoodFeel, a Pledgor or its successor or assignee fails to perform its obligations under the Loan Agreement, the Exclusive Technology Consulting and Service Agreement, the Exclusive Equity Interest Purchase Rights Agreement and the Business Operation Agreement

 

  (b) Any representations, warranties or undertakings made by the Pledgor in Articles V and VI hereof are substantially misleading or incorrect, and/or the Pledgor violate the representations, warranties or undertakings in Articles V and VI hereof.

 

  (c) The Pledgor materially breaches any clause of this Agreement.

 

  (d) The Pledgor abandon or assign the pledged equity without the written consent of Party A.

 

  (e) Any external loan, guarantee, indemnity, undertaking or other debt-paying liability of the Pledgor is made subject to early payment or performance as result of a default or cannot be paid or performed as scheduled after it becomes due, which gives Party A the reason to believe that the Pledgor’ ability to perform their obligations hereunder is impaired and the interest of Party A is in turn affected.

 

  (f) The Pledgor are unable to pay general debts or other debts, which in turn affects the interest of Party A.

 

  (g) The promulgation of an applicable law makes this Agreement unlawful and invalid or prevents the Pledgor from continuing to perform their obligations hereunder.

 

  (h) Any governmental consent, permit, approval or authorization required in order to make this Agreement enforceable or valid or effective is revoked, terminated, invalidated or is materially changed.

 

  (i) Any negative change occurs to the assets owned by the Pledgor, which causes Party A to believe that the Pledgor’ ability to perform their obligations hereunder has been impaired.

 

  (j) Other circumstances where Party A cannot exercise or dispose of the Pledgee’s Right according to the provisions of applicable laws.

 

  2. If becoming aware of or discovering any situation stated in Paragraph 1 of the present article or any event that may give rise to such situation, the Pledgor shall immediately notify Party A in writing.

 

  3. Unless an event of default set forth in Paragraph 1 of the present article has been successfully resolved to the satisfaction of Party A, Party A may send a written notice of default to the Pledgor at the time of or at any time after occurrence of the event of default by the Pledgor, requesting the Pledgor to immediately pay the amounts owed and all other amounts payable under the Agreements or to perform their obligations under the Agreements in a timely manner. If the Pledgor or GoodFeel fails to correct the default or take necessary remedial act within ten days from the date of sending of the said written notice, Party A shall have the right to exercise the Pledgee’s Right as per the provisions of Article VIII hereof.


VIII. Exercise of Pledgee’s Right

 

  1. Before all amounts and obligations under the Agreements are fully paid and performed, the Pledgor shall not assign the Equity without the written consent of Party A.

 

  2. When exercising the Pledgee’s Right, Party A shall give a notice of default to the Pledgor as required by Paragraph 3 of Article VII hereof.

 

  3. Subject to the provisions of Paragraph 3 of Article VII, Party A may exercise the Pledgee’s Right at any time after sending the notice of default according to Paragraph 3 of Article VII.

 

  4. Party A shall have the right to convert the equity hereunder into money either in entirety or partly according to legal procedures, or get prioritized payment out of the proceeds from auction or sale of the equity until all outstanding service fees and any and all amounts due and payable under the Agreements are fully paid and all obligations under the Agreements are performed.

 

  5. When Party A exercises the Pledgee’s Right as per this Agreement, the Pledgor shall not set obstacles and shall instead furnish necessary assistance to enable Party A to exercise the Pledgee’s Right.

 

IX. Assignment of Agreement

 

  1. Unless with the explicit prior written consent of Party A, the Pledgor shall have no right to assign any of their rights and/obligations hereunder to third parties.

 

  2. This Agreement is binding upon the Pledgor and their successors and is valid and effective upon Party A and its successor or assignee.

 

  3. Party A may at any time assign all or any of its rights and obligations under the Agreement to any third party designated by it, in which event the assignee shall enjoy the rights and assume the obligations that Party A enjoys and assumes under this Agreement. When Party A assigns its rights and obligations under the Agreements, the Pledgor shall sign relevant agreements and/or documents for the purpose of the assignment as requested by Party A.

 

  4. If such assignment results in change of the pledgee, the Pledgor shall sign a new pledge agreement with the new pledge and shall be responsible for fulfilling all applicable registration procedures.


X. Taxes

Party A shall bear all taxes incurred by the parties during performance of this Agreement.

 

XI. Responsibility for Defaults

 

  1. Unless otherwise stated herein, a party hereto shall be deemed as in default of this Agreement if and to the extent that it fails to fully perform or suspends performance of its obligations hereunder and fails to correct the said act within thirty days after receiving the other parties’ notice, or if and to the extent that its representations and warranties are untrue.

 

  2. If a party hereto breaches this Agreement or any representation or warranty it has made herein, the non-defaulting parties may give a written notice to the defaulting party, requesting the defaulting party to correct the default within ten days after receiving the notice, take appropriate measures to effectively and promptly prevent occurrence of detrimental consequences, and continue to perform this Agreement.

 

  3. If a breach of a party hereto of this Agreement causes the other parties to bear any expense, liability or suffer any loss (including but not limited to loss of profit), the defaulting party shall indemnity the non-defaulting for any and all of the foregoing expenses, liabilities or losses (including but not limited to interest and attorney’s fee paid or lost as result of the default). The sum of the indemnities paid by the defaulting party to the non-defaulting party shall be equal to the losses resulting from the default, and the indemnities shall include the benefits that the non-defaulting party should have received as result of performance of the Agreement, provided that the indemnities shall not go beyond the reasonable expectation of the parties hereto.

 

XII. Governing Law and Settlement of Disputes

 

  1. Governing Law

The execution, effectiveness, performance, construction and interpretation of and the settlement of disputes over this Agreement shall be governed by Chinese laws.

 

  2. Arbitration

When any dispute occurs between both parties with regard to the interpretation and performance of any clauses herein, the parties shall seek settlement of the dispute through good-faith negotiation. If both parties cannot reach any agreement on settlement of the dispute within thirty (30) days after any party hereto sends to the other parties the written notice requesting resolution through negotiation, any party hereto may refer the dispute to China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission for determination according to the arbitration rules of the said Commission as then prevailing. Arbitration shall occur in Beijing and the language of arbitration shall be Chinese. The arbitration ruling shall be final and binding upon both parties. This clause shall survive regardless of termination or cancellation of this Agreement.


XIII. Force Majeure

 

  1. Force majeure shall refer to all events that are uncontrollable and unforeseeable by a party hereto or that are inevitable even if foreseeable and prevent that party from performing or from fully performing the obligations hereunder. Such events include, without limitation to, any strikes, factory closedowns, explosions, marine perils, natural disasters or acts of public enemy, fire, floods, destructive activities, accidents, wars, riots, rebellions and any other similar events.

 

  2. If a force majeure event occurs and prevents the affected party from performing any obligation hereunder, the obligation so prevented shall be suspended throughout the duration of the force majeure event and the date of performance of the obligation shall be automatically extended to the date of completion of the force majeure event, and the party so prevented from performing the obligation shall not be subject to any punishment.

 

  3. The party encountering a force majeure event shall immediately give a written notice to the other party, and deliver appropriate proof of the occurrence and duration of the force majeure event. The party encountering a force majeure event shall also make any and all reasonable efforts to terminate the force majeure event.

 

  4. Once a force majeure event occurs, both parties shall immediately negotiate to find an equitable solution, and shall also make any and all reasonable efforts to minimize the consequences of the force majeure event.

 

  5. If a force majeure event lasts for over ninety (90) days and both parties cannot reach any agreement on an equitable solution, any party hereto shall then have the right to terminate this Agreement. Upon termination of the Agreement as per the foregoing provision, no further rights or obligations will accrue to any party hereto, provided that the rights and obligations of each party that already accrue as of the date of termination of this Agreement shall not be affected by the termination.

 

XIV. Miscellaneous

 

  1. Special Covenant

Each Pledgor undertakes that all terms and conditions of this Agreement shall remain legally binding upon the Pledgor regardless of any and all changes that may occur to the Pledgor’s percent of equity holding in GoodFeel, and that the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall also apply to all equity of GoodFeel then held by the Pledgor.


  2. Amendments to Agreement

 

  (a) The parties hereto hereby acknowledge that this Agreement is a fair and reasonable agreement reached by and between them on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. In the event of any inconsistence, this Agreement shall prevail over all discussions, negotiations and written covenants reached by and between both parties with regard to the subject matter hereof before execution of this Agreement.

 

  (b) Any and all amendments, additions or alterations to this Agreement shall be made in written and shall not take effect until and before being stamped by Party A and signed by Party B. The parties’ amendments and additions to this Agreement shall constitute an integral part of and enjoy equal legal effectiveness as this Agreement.

 

  3. Notices

Notices or other correspondence that any party hereto shall give as required by this Agreement shall be made in writing and in Chinese and delivered by person (including express mail service) or by registered airmail. All notices and correspondence shall be sent to the following addresses unless any otherwise address has been informed by written notification:

 

Party A:    Beijing Sohu New Era Information Technology Co., Ltd.
Address:    Level 15, Sohu Internet Plaza, Zhongguancun East Road, Haidian District, Beijing
Postcode:    100084
Party B:    Xiufeng Deng
Address:    Sohu Internet Plaza, Zhongguancun East Road, Haidian District, Beijing

 

  4. Service of Notices

Notices and correspondence shall be deemed as given:

 

  (a) If delivered by person (including by express mail service): on the date of sign-in by the receiving party.

 

  (b) If delivered by registered mail: on the 3rd day from the date of receipt issued by the post office.

 

  5. Severity of Agreement

Without affecting other terms and conditions of this Agreement, if any provision or part of this Agreement is held invalid, unlawful or unenforceable according to Chinese laws or is against public interest, the effectiveness, validity and enforceability of the terms and conditions in all other parts of the Agreement shall not be affected and impaired in any way. The parties shall negotiate in good faith to discuss and determine a clause to the satisfaction of the parties in order to replace the invalid provision.


  6. Successors and Assignees

This Agreement shall be equally binding upon each party’s lawful successors and assignees.

 

  7. Waivers

The failure or delay of any party hereto in exercising any of its rights hereunder shall not be regarded as its waiver of the right and single exercise of any right shall not prevent future exercise of any other right.

 

  8. Language and Counterparts

This Agreement is executed in Chinese in three identical copies, of which each party respectively holds ONE and the pledge registration authority keeps ONE on the record, and all enjoy equal legal effectiveness.

 

  9. Party A shall, as soon as the execution of this Agreement, fulfill the Share Pledge registration procedure.

(There is no text hereinafter. Followed is the signing page.)


(This page contains no text and is the signing page.)

 

Party A: Beijing Sohu New Era Information Technology Co., Ltd.
(Seal)
Party B: Xiufeng Deng
(Signature)

Exhibits:

 

1. Shareholders’ Register of GoodFeel

 

2. Certificate of Investment of Shareholder of GoodFeel


Exhibit I

Shareholders’ Register of GoodFeel

 

Name of Shareholder

  

address

  

Form of
Investment

   Amount of
Investment
(RMB)
     Percent of
Investment
   

Date of
Investment

   No. of
Investment
Certificate
    

remarks

Xiufeng DENG

   Sohu Internet Plaza, Zhongguancun East Road, Haidian District, Beijing    Cash      5,810,000        58.1   September 8, 2010      001       The equity was pledged to Beijing Sohu New Era Information Technology Co., Ltd., on Date/ Month/ 2011.

Jing ZHOU

   Sohu Internet Plaza, Zhongguancun East Road, Haidian District, Beijing    Cash      4,190,000        41.9   September 8, 2010      002       The equity was pledged to Beijing Sohu New Era Information Technology Co., Ltd on Date/ Month/ 2011.

 

Company Seal: Beijing GoodFeel Technology Co., Ltd.
  Date:


Exhibit II

Investment Certificate of Shareholder of Beijing GoodFeel Technology Co., Ltd.

(No: 001)

Beijing GoodFeel Technology Co., Ltd. (the “Company”) was founded on November 31, 2001 and has been registered with Haidian Division of Beijing Administration of Industry and Commerce, whose registration number is 110108003429755. The Company’s current registered capital is RMB10, 000,000.

Shareholder Xiufeng Deng of the Company has paid in its investment in the amount of RMB5,810,000. The Company hereby issues this certificate in testimony thereof.

 

Beijing GoodFeel Technology Co., Ltd.

(Seal)

Date:


Investment Certificate of Shareholder of Beijing GoodFeel Technology Co., Ltd.

(No: 002)

Beijing GoodFeel Technology Co., Ltd. (the “Company”) was founded on November 31, 2001 and has been registered with Haidian Division of Beijing Administration of Industry and Commerce, whose registration number is 110108003429755. The Company’s current registered capital is RMB10, 000,000.

Shareholder Jing Zhou of the Company has paid in its investment in the amount of RMB4,190,000. The Company hereby issues this certificate in testimony thereof.

 

Beijing GoodFeel Technology Co., Ltd.

(Seal)

Date:

EX-10.3

Exhibit 10.3

English Translation

Loan Agreement

Between

Beijing Sohu New Era Information Technology Co., Ltd.

And

Gang Fang

August 15, 2011

This Loan Agreement (hereinafter referred to as the “Agreement”) is entered into by and between the following two parties on August 15, 2011:

 

Party A: Beijing Sohu New Era Information Technology Co., Ltd., Registered Address: Level 15, Sohu Internet Plaza, Zhongguancun East Road, Haidian District, Beijing (hereinafter referred to as the “Lender”)

 

Party B: Gang Fang, Address: Sohu Internet Plaza, Zhongguancun East Road, Haidian District, Beijing (hereinafter referred to as the “Borrower”);

In this Agreement, Party A and Party B are referred to as the “parties” collectively or “a party” individually.

Whereas:

 

1 Party A is a wholly foreign-invested limited liability company incorporated and existing under laws of the People’s Republic of China.

 

2 Beijing Yi He Jia Xun Information Technology Co., Ltd. is a domestic limited liability company incorporated and existing under laws of the People’s Republic of China (hereinafter referred to as “Yi He Jia Xun”).

 

3 The Lender, the Borrower and the other shareholder of Yi He Jia Xun enter into Share Pledge Agreement on August 15, 2011.

 

4 The Lender, the Borrower, Yi He Jia Xun and the other shareholder sign an Exclusive Purchase Option Agreement and a Business Operation Agreement on August 30, 2011.


Through friendly negotiation and on the principle of equality and mutual benefit, both parties hereby enter into the following agreement for mutual performance:

I. Loan

 

  1. Grant of Loan

The Borrower applies for a loan from the Lender. The Lender agrees to grant the loan to the Borrower in pursuance of the provisions herein, the amount of the Loan is RMB4,800,000, and the Loan is used to pay the consideration payable by the Borrower of the stock option of 50% equity of Yi He Jia Xun.

 

  2. Term of Loan

The term of the Loan is ten years from the date of grant of the Loan. If the Borrower remains unable to pay the Loan as per the terms set forth in Paragraph 4 of Article I hereof on expiration of the term of the Loan due to restrictions of applicable laws, the term of the Loan shall be automatically extended until applicable laws permit and the Lender agrees to accept the Borrower’s payment of the Loan as per the terms stipulated in Paragraph 4 of Article I hereof.

The Borrower shall not request early payment of the Loan unless as per the provisions in Paragraph 5 of Article I hereof.

 

  3. Use of Loan

The Borrower hereby agrees and warrants that it will use the Loan only for the purpose of paying the consideration payable by it of the stock option of 10% equity of Yi He Jia Xun. Without the prior written consent of the Lender, the Borrower shall not use the said Loan for any other purpose, and not assign, pledge or mortgage its shareholding or other rights and interests it holds in Yi He Jia Xun to the Lender or to any party other than the third party designated by the Lender.

 

  4. Terms of Repayment of Loan

As long as permitted by Chinese laws, the Borrower shall pay the Loan by transferring the Borrower’s shareholding in Yi He Jia Xun to the Lender or to the third party designated by the Lender on the date of maturity of the Loan.

After completion of the share transfer to the Lender or the third party designated by the Lender, the Borrower will no longer bear the payment obligation hereunder.

 

  5. Early Repayment of Loan

Once any of the following events occurs within the term of the Loan or the extended term thereof, and as requested by the Lender in writing, the Borrower shall be obliged to immediately pay the Loan early in full amount as per the terms set forth in Paragraph 4 of Article I hereof.

 

  (a) The Borrower dies or becomes a person without capacity of civil conduct or with limited capacity of civil conduct.

 

  (b) The Borrower breaches the obligations set forth herein or the statements and warranties in Article IV.

 

  (c) The Borrower leaves, is suspended from office, resigns from or is dismissed by the Lender or the Lender’s affiliated company.


  (d) The Borrower transfers the stock equity it holds in the Lender or the Lender’s affiliated company to any third party other than the parties hereto without the Lender’s consent.

 

  (e) The Borrower commits any crime or is involved in any criminal activity.

 

  (f) The Borrower is sentenced to bear indemnities exceeding one hundred thousand RMB yuan or any third party other than the parties hereto claims against the Borrower for indemnities beyond one hundred thousand RMB yuan.

 

  (g) According to applicable laws, wholly foreign-invested ventures are allowed to conduct the business of offering value-added telecommunication services and the authorities in charge begin to review and approve applications for such business.

According to the Exclusive Purchase Option Agreement, the Lender has the right but is not obliged to purchase at any time or appoint any other natural person, corporation or unincorporated entity other than the parties hereto to purchase all or a part of the stock equity that the Borrower holds in Company A (hereinafter referred to as the “Purchased Stock equity”). Once the Lender gives the notice of exercising the right, the Borrower shall immediately transfer the Purchased Stock equity it owns in Yi He Jia Xun to the Lender or the other natural person or entity appointed by the Lender as instructed by the exercise notice. Both parties hereby agree and acknowledge that, as long as permitted by applicable laws, the Borrower shall, after it completes the transfer of the Purchased Stock equity to the Lender or the Lender’s appointed natural person or entity, be deemed as having paid the Loan to the Lender in the amount equal to the corresponding percent of the original capital contribution that the Borrower has used to acquire the Purchased Stock equity (hereinafter referred to as the “Paid Portion of the Loan”), and the Borrower shall be deemed as no longer bearing the payment obligation hereunder with regard to the Paid Portion of the Loan. If the Purchased Stock equity is a part of the equity that the Borrower holds in Company, the Borrower shall continue to pay the rest amount of the Loan as per the provisions of Paragraph 4 of Article I hereof.

 

  6. Interest

Both parties hereby agree and acknowledge that, unless otherwise agreed herein, the Loan hereunder shall be free of interest. Nevertheless, when Party B needs to assign the equity to Party A or to the person designated by Party A due to maturity of the Loan or because of the Lender’s exercise of its rights under the Exclusive Purchase Option Agreement, and if the actual share transfer price (including the amount deemed as the “Paid Portion of the Loan” after the Borrower’s transfer of stock equity as per Paragraph 5 of Article I hereof as result of the Lender’s exercise of the exclusive Purchase Option) is higher than the principal of the Borrower’s loan with regard to the transferred stock equity, the portion of the proceeds receivable by the Borrower from transfer of the stock equity that is in excess of the loan principal shall, to the extent permitted by law, be regarded as interest of the Loan or cost of funds use, and shall be paid to the Lender along with the principal of the Loan.


II. Assignment of Agreement

Without the prior written consent of the Lender, the Borrower shall not assign any of its rights and/or obligations hereunder to any third party, while the Lender, after giving a notice to the Borrower, shall have the right to assign any of its rights and/or obligations hereunder to the third party appointed by it.

III. Equity Pledge

In order for proper performance of the obligations hereunder, the Lender and the Borrower enter into an Equity Pledge Agreement, whereby the Borrower places in pledge the stock equity it holds in Yi He Jia Xun and all other rights associated with the shareholding.

IV. Representations and Warranties

 

  1. The Borrower is a Chinese citizen with full capacity of conduct and has full and independent legal standing and capacity to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement, and can independently act as a party of legal actions.

 

  2. The Borrower undertakes not to assign, pledge or mortgage the stock equity or other rights and interests it holds in Yi He Jia Xun to any party other than the Lender or the Lender’s designated third party without the written consent of the Lender.

 

  3. In order to guarantee stability of the value of the stock equity of Company A that the Borrower uses to pay the Loan, the Borrower must ensure normal operation of Yi He Jia Xun, perform the Business Operation Agreement it has signed with the Lender and the Power of Attorney attached thereto, and authorize the Lender and the third party appointed by the Lender to exercise, on behalf of the Borrower, all rights that the Borrower enjoys as a shareholder of Yi He Jia Xun.

V. Responsibility for Defaults

 

  1. Unless otherwise stated herein, a party hereto shall be deemed as in default of this Agreement if and to the extent that it fails to fully perform or suspends performance of its obligations hereunder and fails to correct the said act within thirty days from receipt of the other party’s notice, or if the representations and warranties it has made hereunder are untrue.

 

  2. If either party breaches this Agreement or any representation or warranty it has made herein, the other party may give a written notice to the defaulting party, requesting it to correct the default within ten days from receipt of the notice, take appropriate measures to prevent in a timely manner the occurrence of detrimental consequences, and continue performance of this Agreement.

 

  3. If the defaulting party is unable to correct its default within ten days upon receipt of the notice as set forth hereinabove, the other party shall have the right to request the defaulting party to indemnify any and all expenses, liabilities or losses suffered by the other parties as result of the default (including but not limited to interest and attorney’s fee paid or lost as result of the default).


VI. Taxes

 

  1. The Lender shall bear the taxes incurred by both parties during performance of this Agreement.

VII. Confidentiality Clause

 

  1. Both parties agree to endeavor to take all reasonable measures to keep in confidence the execution, terms and conditions as well as performance of this Agreement, and the confidential data and information of any party that another party may know or access during performance of this Agreement (hereinafter referred to as “Confidential Information”), and shall not disclose, make available or assign such Confidential Information to any third party without the prior written consent of the party providing the information

 

  2. The above restriction is not applicable to:

 

  (a) information that has already become generally available to the public at the time of disclosure;

 

  (b) information that, after the time of disclosure, has become generally available to the public not because of the fault of either party hereto;

 

  (c) information that any party hereto can prove that it has already possessed before the time of disclosure and that has not been directly or indirectly acquired from any other party hereto; and

 

  (d) the foregoing Confidential Information that any party hereto is obliged to disclose to relevant governmental authorities or stock exchanges, among others, as required by law, or that any party hereto discloses to its direct legal counsels and financial advisors as needed during its due course of business.

 

  3. The parties agree that this clause will continue to remain valid and effective regardless of any alteration, cancellation or termination of this Agreement.

VIII. Effectiveness

 

  1. This Agreement shall take effect after being affixed with the company seal of Party A and signed by Party B and as of the first written date of execution.


IX. Governing Law and Settlement of Disputes

 

  1. Governing Law

The execution, effectiveness, performance, construction and interpretation of and the settlement of disputes over this Agreement shall be governed by Chinese laws.

 

  2. Arbitration

When any dispute occurs among the parties with regard to the interpretation and performance of any clauses herein, both parties shall seek settlement of the dispute through good-faith negotiation. If the parties cannot reach any agreement on settlement of the dispute within thirty (30) days after either sends to the other party the written notice requesting resolution through negotiation, either party hereto may refer the dispute to China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission for determination according to the arbitration rules of the said Commission as then prevailing. Arbitration shall occur in Beijing and the language of arbitration shall be Chinese. The arbitration ruling shall be final and binding upon all of the parties. This clause shall survive regardless of termination or cancellation of this Agreement.

X. Force Majeure

 

  1. Force majeure shall refer to all events that are uncontrollable and unforeseeable by a party hereto or that are inevitable even if foreseeable and prevent that party from performing or from fully performing the obligations hereunder. Such events include, without limitation to, any strikes, factory closedowns, explosions, marine perils, natural disasters or acts of public enemy, fire, floods, destructive activities, accidents, wars, riots, rebellions and any other similar events

 

  2. If a force majeure event occurs and prevents the affected party from performing any obligation hereunder, the obligation so prevented shall be suspended throughout the duration of the force majeure event and the date of performance of the obligation shall be automatically extended to the date of completion of the force majeure event, and the party so prevented from performing the obligation shall not be subject to any punishment.

 

  3. The party encountering a force majeure event shall immediately give a written notice to the other parties, and deliver appropriate proof of the occurrence and duration of the force majeure event. The party encountering a force majeure event shall also make any and all reasonable efforts to terminate the force majeure event.

 

  4. Once a force majeure event occurs, the parties shall immediately negotiate to find an equitable solution, and shall also make any and all reasonable efforts to minimize the consequences of the force majeure event.

 

  5. If a force majeure event lasts for over ninety (90) days and the parties cannot reach any agreement on an equitable solution, any party shall then have the right to terminate this Agreement. Upon termination of the Agreement as per the foregoing provision, no further rights or obligations will accrue to any of the parties, provided that the rights and obligations of each party that already accrue as of the date of termination of this Agreement shall not be affected by the termination.


XI. Miscellaneous

 

  1. Entire Agreement

Both parties hereby acknowledge that this Agreement is the equitable and reasonable agreement reached by and between them on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. In the event of any inconsistence, this Agreement shall prevail over all discussions, negotiations and written covenants reached between the parties with regard to the subject matter hereof prior to execution of this Agreement. Any and all amendments, additions or changes to this Agreement shall be made in writing and shall take effect as of the first written date of execution only if stamped by Party A and signed by Party B.

 

  2. Notices

Notices or other correspondence to that any party hereto shall give as required by this Agreement shall be made in writing and in Chinese and delivered by person (including express mail service) or by registered airmail. All notices and correspondence shall be sent to the following addresses unless any otherwise address has been informed by written notification:

 

The Lender: Beijing Sohu New Era Information Technology Co., Ltd.
Address:   

Level 15, Sohu Internet Plaza, Zhongguancun East Road,

Haidian District, Beijing

Postcode: 100084
The Borrower: Gang Fang
Address:   

Level 15, Sohu Internet Plaza, Zhongguancun East Road,

Haidian District, Beijing

Postcode: 100084

 

  3. Service of Notices

Notices and correspondence shall be deemed as being served as per the following terms:

 

  i. If delivered by person (including by express mail service): on the date of sign-in by the receiving party.

 

  ii. If delivered by registered mail: on the 3rd day from the date of receipt issued by the post office.

 

  4. Severity of Agreement

Without affecting other terms and conditions of this Agreement, if any provision or part of this Agreement is held invalid, unlawful or unenforceable according to Chinese laws or is against public interest, the effectiveness, validity and enforceability of the terms and conditions in all other parts of the Agreement shall not be affected and impaired in any way. Both parties shall negotiate in good faith to discuss and determine a clause to satisfaction of both parties in order to replace the invalid provision


  5. Successors and Assignees

This Agreement shall be equally binding upon each party’s lawful successors and assignees.

 

  6. Waivers

Either party’s failure or delay in exercising any of its rights hereunder shall not be regarded as its waiver of the right or single exercise of any right shall not prevent future exercise of any other right.

 

  7. Language and Counterparts

This Agreement is executed in Chinese in THREE identical copies, of which Party A holds TWO and Party B keeps ONE, and all enjoy equal legal effectiveness.

(There is no text hereinafter. Followed is the signing page)


(This page contains no text and is the signing page)

 

The Lender:
Signature:  

 

Authorized Representative:
The Borrower:
Signature:  

 

EX-10.4

Exhibit 10.4

English Translation

Loan Agreement

Between

Beijing Sohu New Era Information Technology Co., Ltd.

And

Yanfeng Lv

August 15, 2011

This Loan Agreement (hereinafter referred to as the “Agreement”) is entered into by and between the following two parties on August 15, 2011:

 

Party A: Beijing Sohu New Era Information Technology Co., Ltd., Registered Address: Level 15, Sohu Internet Plaza, Zhongguancun East Road, Haidian District, Beijing (hereinafter referred to as the “Lender”)

 

Party B: Yanfeng Lv, Address: Sohu Internet Plaza, Zhongguancun East Road, Haidian District, Beijing (hereinafter referred to as the “Borrower”);

In this Agreement, Party A and Party B are referred to as the “parties” collectively or “a party” individually.

Whereas:

 

1 Party A is a wholly foreign-invested limited liability company incorporated and existing under laws of the People’s Republic of China.

 

2 Beijing Yi He Jia Xun Information Technology Co., Ltd. is a domestic limited liability company incorporated and existing under laws of the People’s Republic of China (hereinafter referred to as “Yi He Jia Xun”).

 

3 The Lender, the Borrower and the other shareholder of Yi He Jia Xun enter into Share Pledge Agreement on August 15, 2011.

 

4 The Lender, the Borrower, Yi He Jia Xun and the other shareholder sign an Exclusive Purchase Option Agreement and a Business Operation Agreement on August 30, 2011.


Through friendly negotiation and on the principle of equality and mutual benefit, both parties hereby enter into the following agreement for mutual performance:

I. Loan

 

  1. Grant of Loan

The Borrower applies for a loan from the Lender. The Lender agrees to grant the loan to the Borrower in pursuance of the provisions herein, the amount of the Loan is RMB4,800,000, and the Loan is used to pay the consideration payable by the Borrower of the stock option of 50% equity of Yi He Jia Xun.

 

  2. Term of Loan

The term of the Loan is ten years from the date of grant of the Loan. If the Borrower remains unable to pay the Loan as per the terms set forth in Paragraph 4 of Article I hereof on expiration of the term of the Loan due to restrictions of applicable laws, the term of the Loan shall be automatically extended until applicable laws permit and the Lender agrees to accept the Borrower’s payment of the Loan as per the terms stipulated in Paragraph 4 of Article I hereof.

The Borrower shall not request early payment of the Loan unless as per the provisions in Paragraph 5 of Article I hereof.

 

  3. Use of Loan

The Borrower hereby agrees and warrants that it will use the Loan only for the purpose of paying the consideration payable by it of the stock option of 10% equity of Yi He Jia Xun. Without the prior written consent of the Lender, the Borrower shall not use the said Loan for any other purpose, and not assign, pledge or mortgage its shareholding or other rights and interests it holds in Yi He Jia Xun to the Lender or to any party other than the third party designated by the Lender.

 

  4. Terms of Repayment of Loan

As long as permitted by Chinese laws, the Borrower shall pay the Loan by transferring the Borrower’s shareholding in Yi He Jia Xun to the Lender or to the third party designated by the Lender on the date of maturity of the Loan.

After completion of the share transfer to the Lender or the third party designated by the Lender, the Borrower will no longer bear the payment obligation hereunder.

 

  5. Early Repayment of Loan

Once any of the following events occurs within the term of the Loan or the extended term thereof, and as requested by the Lender in writing, the Borrower shall be obliged to immediately pay the Loan early in full amount as per the terms set forth in Paragraph 4 of Article I hereof.

 

  (a) The Borrower dies or becomes a person without capacity of civil conduct or with limited capacity of civil conduct.

 

  (b) The Borrower breaches the obligations set forth herein or the statements and warranties in Article IV.

 

  (c) The Borrower leaves, is suspended from office, resigns from or is dismissed by the Lender or the Lender’s affiliated company.


  (d) The Borrower transfers the stock equity it holds in the Lender or the Lender’s affiliated company to any third party other than the parties hereto without the Lender’s consent.

 

  (e) The Borrower commits any crime or is involved in any criminal activity.

 

  (f) The Borrower is sentenced to bear indemnities exceeding one hundred thousand RMB yuan or any third party other than the parties hereto claims against the Borrower for indemnities beyond one hundred thousand RMB yuan.

 

  (g) According to applicable laws, wholly foreign-invested ventures are allowed to conduct the business of offering value-added telecommunication services and the authorities in charge begin to review and approve applications for such business.

According to the Exclusive Purchase Option Agreement, the Lender has the right but is not obliged to purchase at any time or appoint any other natural person, corporation or unincorporated entity other than the parties hereto to purchase all or a part of the stock equity that the Borrower holds in Company A (hereinafter referred to as the “Purchased Stock equity”). Once the Lender gives the notice of exercising the right, the Borrower shall immediately transfer the Purchased Stock equity it owns in Yi He Jia Xun to the Lender or the other natural person or entity appointed by the Lender as instructed by the exercise notice. Both parties hereby agree and acknowledge that, as long as permitted by applicable laws, the Borrower shall, after it completes the transfer of the Purchased Stock equity to the Lender or the Lender’s appointed natural person or entity, be deemed as having paid the Loan to the Lender in the amount equal to the corresponding percent of the original capital contribution that the Borrower has used to acquire the Purchased Stock equity (hereinafter referred to as the “Paid Portion of the Loan”), and the Borrower shall be deemed as no longer bearing the payment obligation hereunder with regard to the Paid Portion of the Loan. If the Purchased Stock equity is a part of the equity that the Borrower holds in Company, the Borrower shall continue to pay the rest amount of the Loan as per the provisions of Paragraph 4 of Article I hereof.

 

  6. Interest

Both parties hereby agree and acknowledge that, unless otherwise agreed herein, the Loan hereunder shall be free of interest. Nevertheless, when Party B needs to assign the equity to Party A or to the person designated by Party A due to maturity of the Loan or because of the Lender’s exercise of its rights under the Exclusive Purchase Option Agreement, and if the actual share transfer price (including the amount deemed as the “Paid Portion of the Loan” after the Borrower’s transfer of stock equity as per Paragraph 5 of Article I hereof as result of the Lender’s exercise of the exclusive Purchase Option) is higher than the principal of the Borrower’s loan with regard to the transferred stock equity, the portion of the proceeds receivable by the Borrower from transfer of the stock equity that is in excess of the loan principal shall, to the extent permitted by law, be regarded as interest of the Loan or cost of funds use, and shall be paid to the Lender along with the principal of the Loan.


II. Assignment of Agreement

Without the prior written consent of the Lender, the Borrower shall not assign any of its rights and/or obligations hereunder to any third party, while the Lender, after giving a notice to the Borrower, shall have the right to assign any of its rights and/or obligations hereunder to the third party appointed by it.

III. Equity Pledge

In order for proper performance of the obligations hereunder, the Lender and the Borrower enter into an Equity Pledge Agreement, whereby the Borrower places in pledge the stock equity it holds in Yi He Jia Xun and all other rights associated with the shareholding.

IV. Representations and Warranties

 

  1. The Borrower is a Chinese citizen with full capacity of conduct and has full and independent legal standing and capacity to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement, and can independently act as a party of legal actions.

 

  2. The Borrower undertakes not to assign, pledge or mortgage the stock equity or other rights and interests it holds in Yi He Jia Xun to any party other than the Lender or the Lender’s designated third party without the written consent of the Lender.

 

  3. In order to guarantee stability of the value of the stock equity of Company A that the Borrower uses to pay the Loan, the Borrower must ensure normal operation of Yi He Jia Xun, perform the Business Operation Agreement it has signed with the Lender and the Power of Attorney attached thereto, and authorize the Lender and the third party appointed by the Lender to exercise, on behalf of the Borrower, all rights that the Borrower enjoys as a shareholder of Yi He Jia Xun.

V. Responsibility for Defaults

 

  1. Unless otherwise stated herein, a party hereto shall be deemed as in default of this Agreement if and to the extent that it fails to fully perform or suspends performance of its obligations hereunder and fails to correct the said act within thirty days from receipt of the other party’s notice, or if the representations and warranties it has made hereunder are untrue.

 

  2. If either party breaches this Agreement or any representation or warranty it has made herein, the other party may give a written notice to the defaulting party, requesting it to correct the default within ten days from receipt of the notice, take appropriate measures to prevent in a timely manner the occurrence of detrimental consequences, and continue performance of this Agreement.

 

  3. If the defaulting party is unable to correct its default within ten days upon receipt of the notice as set forth hereinabove, the other party shall have the right to request the defaulting party to indemnify any and all expenses, liabilities or losses suffered by the other parties as result of the default (including but not limited to interest and attorney’s fee paid or lost as result of the default).


VI. Taxes

 

  1. The Lender shall bear the taxes incurred by both parties during performance of this Agreement.

VII. Confidentiality Clause

 

  1. Both parties agree to endeavor to take all reasonable measures to keep in confidence the execution, terms and conditions as well as performance of this Agreement, and the confidential data and information of any party that another party may know or access during performance of this Agreement (hereinafter referred to as “Confidential Information”), and shall not disclose, make available or assign such Confidential Information to any third party without the prior written consent of the party providing the information

 

  2. The above restriction is not applicable to:

 

  (a) information that has already become generally available to the public at the time of disclosure;

 

  (b) information that, after the time of disclosure, has become generally available to the public not because of the fault of either party hereto;

 

  (c) information that any party hereto can prove that it has already possessed before the time of disclosure and that has not been directly or indirectly acquired from any other party hereto; and

 

  (d) the foregoing Confidential Information that any party hereto is obliged to disclose to relevant governmental authorities or stock exchanges, among others, as required by law, or that any party hereto discloses to its direct legal counsels and financial advisors as needed during its due course of business.

 

  3. The parties agree that this clause will continue to remain valid and effective regardless of any alteration, cancellation or termination of this Agreement.

VIII. Effectiveness

 

  1. This Agreement shall take effect after being affixed with the company seal of Party A and signed by Party B and as of the first written date of execution.


IX. Governing Law and Settlement of Disputes

 

  1. Governing Law

The execution, effectiveness, performance, construction and interpretation of and the settlement of disputes over this Agreement shall be governed by Chinese laws.

 

  2. Arbitration

When any dispute occurs among the parties with regard to the interpretation and performance of any clauses herein, both parties shall seek settlement of the dispute through good-faith negotiation. If the parties cannot reach any agreement on settlement of the dispute within thirty (30) days after either sends to the other party the written notice requesting resolution through negotiation, either party hereto may refer the dispute to China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission for determination according to the arbitration rules of the said Commission as then prevailing. Arbitration shall occur in Beijing and the language of arbitration shall be Chinese. The arbitration ruling shall be final and binding upon all of the parties. This clause shall survive regardless of termination or cancellation of this Agreement.

X. Force Majeure

 

  1. Force majeure shall refer to all events that are uncontrollable and unforeseeable by a party hereto or that are inevitable even if foreseeable and prevent that party from performing or from fully performing the obligations hereunder. Such events include, without limitation to, any strikes, factory closedowns, explosions, marine perils, natural disasters or acts of public enemy, fire, floods, destructive activities, accidents, wars, riots, rebellions and any other similar events

 

  2. If a force majeure event occurs and prevents the affected party from performing any obligation hereunder, the obligation so prevented shall be suspended throughout the duration of the force majeure event and the date of performance of the obligation shall be automatically extended to the date of completion of the force majeure event, and the party so prevented from performing the obligation shall not be subject to any punishment.

 

  3. The party encountering a force majeure event shall immediately give a written notice to the other parties, and deliver appropriate proof of the occurrence and duration of the force majeure event. The party encountering a force majeure event shall also make any and all reasonable efforts to terminate the force majeure event.

 

  4. Once a force majeure event occurs, the parties shall immediately negotiate to find an equitable solution, and shall also make any and all reasonable efforts to minimize the consequences of the force majeure event.

 

  5. If a force majeure event lasts for over ninety (90) days and the parties cannot reach any agreement on an equitable solution, any party shall then have the right to terminate this Agreement. Upon termination of the Agreement as per the foregoing provision, no further rights or obligations will accrue to any of the parties, provided that the rights and obligations of each party that already accrue as of the date of termination of this Agreement shall not be affected by the termination.


XI. Miscellaneous

 

  1. Entire Agreement

Both parties hereby acknowledge that this Agreement is the equitable and reasonable agreement reached by and between them on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. In the event of any inconsistence, this Agreement shall prevail over all discussions, negotiations and written covenants reached between the parties with regard to the subject matter hereof prior to execution of this Agreement. Any and all amendments, additions or changes to this Agreement shall be made in writing and shall take effect as of the first written date of execution only if stamped by Party A and signed by Party B.

 

  2. Notices

Notices or other correspondence to that any party hereto shall give as required by this Agreement shall be made in writing and in Chinese and delivered by person (including express mail service) or by registered airmail. All notices and correspondence shall be sent to the following addresses unless any otherwise address has been informed by written notification:

 

The Lender: Beijing Sohu New Era Information Technology Co., Ltd.
Address:   

Level 15, Sohu Internet Plaza, Zhongguancun East Road,

Haidian District, Beijing

Postcode: 100084
The Borrower: Yanfeng Lv
Address:   

Level 15, Sohu Internet Plaza, Zhongguancun East Road,

Haidian District, Beijing

Postcode: 100084

 

  3. Service of Notices

Notices and correspondence shall be deemed as being served as per the following terms:

 

  i. If delivered by person (including by express mail service): on the date of sign-in by the receiving party.

 

  ii. If delivered by registered mail: on the 3rd day from the date of receipt issued by the post office.

 

  4. Severity of Agreement

Without affecting other terms and conditions of this Agreement, if any provision or part of this Agreement is held invalid, unlawful or unenforceable according to Chinese laws or is against public interest, the effectiveness, validity and enforceability of the terms and conditions in all other parts of the Agreement shall not be affected and impaired in any way. Both parties shall negotiate in good faith to discuss and determine a clause to satisfaction of both parties in order to replace the invalid provision


  5. Successors and Assignees

This Agreement shall be equally binding upon each party’s lawful successors and assignees.

 

  6. Waivers

Either party’s failure or delay in exercising any of its rights hereunder shall not be regarded as its waiver of the right or single exercise of any right shall not prevent future exercise of any other right.

 

  7. Language and Counterparts

This Agreement is executed in Chinese in THREE identical copies, of which Party A holds TWO and Party B keeps ONE, and all enjoy equal legal effectiveness.

(There is no text hereinafter. Followed is the signing page)


(This page contains no text and is the signing page)

 

The Lender:
Signature:  

 

Authorized Representative:
The Borrower:
Signature:  

 

EX-10.5

Exhibit 10.5

English Translation

Share Pledge Agreement

Among

Beijing Sohu New Era Information Technology Co., Ltd.

And

Gang Fang, Yanfeng Lv

August 30, 2011

This Share Pledge Agreement (hereinafter referred to as the “Agreement”) is entered into by and between the following parties on August 30, 2011:

 

Party A:    Beijing Sohu New Era Information Technology Co., Ltd., Registered Address: Level 15, Sohu Internet Plaza, Zhongguancun East Road, Haidian District, Beijing
Party B:    Gang Fang, Address: Sohu Internet Plaza, Zhongguancun East Road, Haidian District, Beijing
Party C:    Yanfeng Lv, Address: Sohu Internet Plaza, Zhongguancun East Road, Haidian District, Beijing

In this Agreement, Party A, Party B and Party C are referred to as the “parties” collectively or “a party” individually. Party A is also referred to as the “Pledgee” and each of Party B and Party C as the “Pledgor”.

Whereas:

 

1 Party A is a wholly foreign-invested limited liability company incorporated and existing under laws of the People’s Republic of China.

 

2 Beijing Yi He Jia Xun Information Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Yi He Jia Xun”) is a domestic limited liability company incorporated and existing under laws of the People’s Republic of China.

 

3 Party B and Party C are shareholders of Yi He Jia Xun, with each holding 50% of stock equity of Yi He Jia Xun.

 

4 Party A executed a Loan Agreement with Party B and Party C on August 15, 2011, and Party A, Party B and Party C entered into an Exclusive Equity Interest Purchase Rights Agreement and a Business Operation Agreement with Yi He Jia Xun on August 30, 2011.


5 In order to ensure that Party A can duly receive from Yi He Jia Xun the service fee under the Exclusive Technology Consulting and Service Agreement and to assure performance of the obligations of Party B and Party C under the Loan Agreements, the Exclusive Equity Interest Purchase Rights Agreement and the Business Operation Agreement, each of the Pledgors respectively places into pledge the full equity it owns in Yi He Jia Xun as guarantee for performance of the obligations and debts of the Pledgors and Yi He Jia Xun under the foregoing agreements, and the Pledgee is Party A.

Through friendly negotiation and on the principle of equality and mutual benefit, the parties hereto therefore reach the following Agreement for performance:

 

I. Definitions

Unless otherwise stated herein, the following terms shall respectively have the meanings defined here below:

 

  1. The Pledge shall refer to all items listed in Article II hereof.

 

  2. The Equity shall refer to the equity that the Pledgors jointly and lawfully hold in Yi He Jia Xun and all rights and interests that they currently have or may have in the future based on the said equity.

 

  3. The Agreements shall refer to the Loan Agreements, Exclusive Technology Consulting and Service Agreement, Exclusive Equity Interest Purchase Rights Agreement and the Business Operation Agreement signed by and between/among Party A, Yi He Jia Xun and other relevant parties in August, 2011.

 

  4. An Event of Default shall refer to any of the events set forth in Article VII hereof.

 

  5. A Default Notice shall refer to a notice that Party A gives according to this Agreement to declare an event of default.

 

II. Pledge

 

  1. Each Pledgor pledges to Party A the full equity it owns in Yi He Jia Xun as guarantee for performance of the Pledgor and Yi He Jia Xun of their obligations and debts under the Agreements.

 

  2. The scope of guarantee offered by the share pledge hereunder includes all fees (including legal fares) and expenses payable to Party A and all losses, interest, penalties, damages, costs of exercise of creditor’s rights to be borne by Yi He Jia Xun and (or) the Pledgors under the Agreements, and all liabilities that Yi He Jia Xun and the Pledgors shall assume to Party A in the event of termination, cancellation or full or partial invalidation of the Agreements due to whatsoever reasons.


  3. The Pledgee’s Right hereunder shall refer to the right of Party A to receive prioritized payment out of the proceeds from converting the Equity pledged to Party A by the Pledgors into money or auctioning or selling off the Equity.

 

  4. Unless Party A otherwise agrees in writing explicitly after this Agreement takes effect, the Pledge hereunder shall be relieved only if and when Yi He Jia Xun and the Pledgors have duly performed all of their obligations and responsibilities under the Agreement and a written acknowledgement thereof has been obtained from Party A. If Yi He Jia Xun and the Pledgors fail to fully perform all or any part of their obligations or responsibilities under the Agreements as of expiration of the terms specified in the Agreements, Party A shall continue to be entitled to the Pledgee’s Right set forth herein until the aforesaid obligations and responsibilities are fully performed in a manner that is to the reasonable satisfaction of Party A.

 

III. Effectiveness

 

  1. This Pledge Agreement shall become established and take effect as of the first written date of execution after it is stamped by Party A, signed by Party B and Party C.

 

  2. The Pledgors shall have the share pledge arrangement (hereinafter referred to as the “Share Pledge”) hereunder registered in the shareholders’ register of Yi He Jia Xun within 15 working days from execution of this Agreement or within any time reached with unanimity, and deliver its shareholders’ register to the Pledgee (Please see Attachment I for the form of the register), of which the form and substance shall be satisfactory to the Pledgee. The Pledgors shall, within 45 working days from the date of execution of this Agreement or within any time reached with unanimity, fulfill the share pledge registration procedure and deliver to the Pledgee the document proving registration of the share pledge with the administration of industry and commerce.

 

  3. During the pledge process, if Yi He Jia Xun fails to pay the service fee under the Exclusive Technology Consulting and Service Agreement or to perform other terms and conditions thereof, or if Yi He Jia Xun or Party B or Party C fails to perform any clause of the Loan Agreements, the Exclusive Equity Interest Purchase Rights Agreement or the Business Operation Agreement, Party A shall, subject to giving of reasonable notification, have the right to exercise its Pledgee’s Right as per the provisions herein.

 

IV. Possession and Keeping of Pledge Certificate

 

  1. The Pledgors shall, within fifteen working days from the date of execution of this Agreement or an otherwise period agreed upon by all parties, deliver the certificate of its equity investment in Yi He Jia Xun (original copy. Please see Attachment II for the form of the certificate) into custody by Party A, and deliver to Party A the proof showing that the Pledge hereunder has been properly registered in the shareholders’ register, and shall fulfill all review, approval, registration and filing procedures required by laws and regulations of the People’s Republic of China within 45 working days from the date of execution of this Agreement or within any time reached with unanimity, and submit the certificate of share pledge registration to Party A after completing the share pledge registration.


  2. If any change occurs to the registered items of the pledge and such change is to be registered as required by law, Party A along with Party B and Party C shall make the registration of the change within 10 working days from the date of the change, and submit relevant change registration documents.

 

  3. During the term of the Share Pledge, the Pledgors shall instruct Yi He Jia Xun not to distribute any dividends or bonuses or adopt any profit sharing scheme. If the Pledgors shall receive any financial benefits of whatsoever nature other than dividends, bonuses or other profit sharing schemes with regard to the Pledged Equity, they shall, as requested by Party A, instruct Yi He Jia Xun to directly transfer the relevant amounts (after encashment) into the bank account designated by Party A, which the Pledgors shall not use without the prior written consent of Party A.

 

  4. During the term of the Share Pledge, if the Pledgors subscribe new registered capital of Yi He Jia Xun or are assigned the equity owned by other pledgors (hereinafter referred to as “Additional Equity”), the Additional Equity will automatically become a portion of the Pledged Equity hereunder and the Pledgors shall fulfill all procedures required for consummating pledge of the Additional Equity within 10 working days after acquiring the Additional Equity. If the Pledgors fail to fulfill the procedures as per the foregoing provision, Party A shall have the right to immediately exercise the Pledgee’s Right according to the provisions of Article VIII hereof.

 

V. The Pledgors’ Representations and Warranties

Each Pledgor makes the following representations and warranties to Party A when signing this Agreement, and acknowledges that Party A relies on the said representations and warranties in executing and performing this Agreement:

 

  1. The Pledgor lawfully holds the equity hereunder that it owns in Yi He Jia Xun and has the right to pledge the equity to Party A.

 

  2. From the date of execution of this Agreement and throughout the period when Party A is entitled to the Pledgee’s Right as per the provisions of Paragraph 4 of Article II, once Party A exercises at any time its rights or the Pledgee’s Right according to this Agreement, there shall not be any lawful claims or proper interference from any other parties.

 

  3. Party A has the right to exercise the Pledgee’s Right in the manner provided by laws and regulations and set forth in this Agreement.


  4. The Pledgor has obtained all requisite corporate authorizations for its execution of this Agreement and performance of its obligations hereunder, such execution and performance is not against the provisions of any applicable laws or regulations, and its authorized signatory for the purpose of this Agreement has gained lawful and valid authorization.

 

  5. Except for those that have been disclosed, the equity held by the Pledgor is free of any other encumbrance or any form of third-person security interest (including but not limited to pledges).

 

  6. There are no ongoing civil, administrative or criminal proceedings and administrative punishment or arbitration involving the Equity and there are no such civil, administrative or criminal proceedings, administrative punishment or arbitration that will occur.

 

  7. Except for those that have been disclosed, there are no taxes, fees payable but unpaid and no legal procedures and formalities to be fulfilled but not fulfilled with regard to the Equity.

 

  8. All terms and conditions of this Agreement represent expression of the Pledgor’s true intent and are legally binding upon the Pledgor.

 

VI. Pledgors’ Undertakings

 

  1. During the term of existence of this Agreement, each of the Pledgors undertakes to Party A that:

 

  (a) it shall not assign the Equity, not set or allow the existence of any pledge or otherwise encumbrance or any form of third-person security interest that may affect the rights and interests of Party A without the prior written consent of Party A except for assignment of the Equity, as requested by Party A, to Party A or to the person designated by Party A.

 

  (b) it shall abide by and perform the provisions of all applicable laws and regulations, and display the notices, instructions or advice, if any, issued or prepared by the authority in charge with regard to pledges to Party A within five working days upon receipt of the same, and take actions as reasonably instructed by Party A.

 

  (c) it shall promptly notify Party A of any event or received notice that may affect the Pledgor’s equity or the rights to and in any part thereof, and any event or received notice that may change any of the Pledgor’s obligations hereunder or prevent the Pledgor from performing its obligations hereunder, and shall take actions as reasonably instructed by Party A.

 

  2. The Pledgors agree that the exercise of Party A of its rights under the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall not be interrupted or hampered by the Pledgors or the Pledgors’ successors or assignees or any other persons.


  3. Each Pledgor undertakes to Party A that, in order to protect and improve the guarantee under this Agreement for performance of the obligations of the Pledgor and (or) Yi He Jia Xun under the Agreements, the Pledgor will make any and all requisite amendments to its articles of association and the articles of association of the Company (if applicable), sign in good faith and cause other parties interested in the Pledged Equity to sign all right certificates and deeds required by Party A, and/or perform and cause other interested parties to perform the actions requested by Party A, provide convenience to Party A for its exercise of the Pledgee’s Right, sign all documents associated with changes to the equity certificate with Party A or with any third party designated by Party A, and provide Party A within a reasonable period with all documents relating to the Pledge that Party A may deem necessary.

 

  4. Each Pledgor undertakes to Party A that, for the interest of Party A, the Pledgor will abide by and perform all its warranties, undertakings, agreements and representations. If the Pledgor fails to perform or to fully perform its warranties, undertakings, agreements or representations, it shall indemnify Party A for any and all losses that Party A may suffer as result thereof.

 

VII. Events of Default

 

  1. All of the following events are regarded as events of default:

 

  (a) Yi He Jia Xun or its successor or assignee fails to fully pay any amount due and payable under the Agreements, or Yi He Jia Xun, a Pledgor or its successor or assignee fails to perform its obligations under the Loan Agreement, the Exclusive Technology Consulting and Service Agreement, the Exclusive Equity Interest Purchase Rights Agreement and the Business Operation Agreement

 

  (b) Any representations, warranties or undertakings made by the Pledgors in Articles V and VI hereof are substantially misleading or incorrect, and/or the Pledgors violate the representations, warranties or undertakings in Articles V and VI hereof.

 

  (c) The Pledgors materially breach any clause of this Agreement.

 

  (d) The Pledgors abandon or assign the pledged equity without the written consent of Party A.

 

  (e) Any external loan, guarantee, indemnity, undertaking or other debt-paying liability of the Pledgors is made subject to early payment or performance as result of a default or cannot be paid or performed as scheduled after it becomes due, which gives Party A the reason to believe that the Pledgors’ ability to perform their obligations hereunder is impaired and the interest of Party A is in turn affected.

 

  (f) The Pledgors are unable to pay general debts or other debts, which in turn affects the interest of Party A.


  (g) The promulgation of an applicable law makes this Agreement unlawful and invalid or prevents the Pledgors from continuing to perform their obligations hereunder.

 

  (h) Any governmental consent, permit, approval or authorization required in order to make this Agreement enforceable or valid or effective is revoked, terminated, invalidated or is materially changed.

 

  (i) Any negative change occurs to the assets owned by the Pledgors, which causes Party A to believe that the Pledgors’ ability to perform their obligations hereunder has been impaired.

 

  (j) Other circumstances where Party A cannot exercise or dispose of the Pledgee’s Right according to the provisions of applicable laws.

 

  2. If becoming aware of or discovering any situation stated in Paragraph 1 of the present article or any event that may give rise to such situation, the Pledgors shall immediately notify Party A in writing.

 

  3. Unless an event of default set forth in Paragraph 1 of the present article has been successfully resolved to the satisfaction of Party A, Party A may send a written notice of default to the Pledgors at the time of or at any time after occurrence of the event of default by the Pledgors, requesting the Pledgors to immediately pay the amounts owed and all other amounts payable under the Agreements or to perform their obligations under the Agreements in a timely manner. If the Pledgors or Yi He Jia Xun fails to correct the default or take necessary remedial act within ten days from the date of sending of the said written notice, Party A shall have the right to exercise the Pledgee’s Right as per the provisions of Article VIII hereof.

 

VIII. Exercise of Pledgee’s Right

 

  1. Before all amounts and obligations under the Agreements are fully paid and performed, the Pledgors shall not assign the Equity without the written consent of Party A.

 

  2. When exercising the Pledgee’s Right, Party A shall give a notice of default to the Pledgors as required by Paragraph 3 of Article VII hereof.

 

  3. Subject to the provisions of Paragraph 3 of Article VII, Party A may exercise the Pledgee’s Right at any time after sending the notice of default according to Paragraph 3 of Article VII.

 

  4. Party A shall have the right to convert the equity hereunder into money either in entirety or partly according to legal procedures, or get prioritized payment out of the proceeds from auction or sale of the equity until all outstanding service fees and any and all amounts due and payable under the Agreements are fully paid and all obligations under the Agreements are performed.

 

  5. When Party A exercises the Pledgee’s Right as per this Agreement, the Pledgors shall not set obstacles and shall instead furnish necessary assistance to enable Party A to exercise the Pledgee’s Right.


IX. Assignment of Agreement

 

  1. Unless with the explicit prior written consent of Party A, the Pledgors shall have no right to assign any of their rights and/obligations hereunder to third parties.

 

  2. This Agreement is binding upon the Pledgors and their successors and is valid and effective upon Party A and its successor or assignee.

 

  3. Party A may at any time assign all or any of its rights and obligations under the Agreement to any third party designated by it, in which event the assignee shall enjoy the rights and assume the obligations that Party A enjoys and assumes under this Agreement. When Party A assigns its rights and obligations under the Agreements, the Pledgors shall sign relevant agreements and/or documents for the purpose of the assignment as requested by Party A.

 

  4. If such assignment results in change of the pledgee, the Pledgors shall sign a new pledge agreement with the new pledge and shall be responsible for fulfilling all applicable registration procedures.

 

X. Taxes

Party A shall bear all taxes incurred by the parties during performance of this Agreement.

 

XI. Responsibility for Defaults

 

  1. Unless otherwise stated herein, a party hereto shall be deemed as in default of this Agreement if and to the extent that it fails to fully perform or suspends performance of its obligations hereunder and fails to correct the said act within thirty days after receiving the other parties’ notice, or if and to the extent that its representations and warranties are untrue.

 

  2. If a party hereto breaches this Agreement or any representation or warranty it has made herein, the non-defaulting parties may give a written notice to the defaulting party, requesting the defaulting party to correct the default within ten days after receiving the notice, take appropriate measures to effectively and promptly prevent occurrence of detrimental consequences, and continue to perform this Agreement.

 

  3. If a breach of a party hereto of this Agreement causes the other parties to bear any expense, liability or suffer any loss (including but not limited to loss of profit), the defaulting party shall indemnity the non-defaulting for any and all of the foregoing expenses, liabilities or losses (including but not limited to interest and attorney’s fee paid or lost as result of the default). The sum of the indemnities paid by the defaulting party to the non-defaulting party shall be equal to the losses resulting from the default, and the indemnities shall include the benefits that the non-defaulting party should have received as result of performance of the Agreement, provided that the indemnities shall not go beyond the reasonable expectation of the parties hereto.


XII. Governing Law and Settlement of Disputes

 

  1. Governing Law

The execution, effectiveness, performance, construction and interpretation of and the settlement of disputes over this Agreement shall be governed by Chinese laws.

 

  2. Arbitration

When any dispute occurs between both parties with regard to the interpretation and performance of any clauses herein, the parties shall seek settlement of the dispute through good-faith negotiation. If both parties cannot reach any agreement on settlement of the dispute within thirty (30) days after any party hereto sends to the other parties the written notice requesting resolution through negotiation, any party hereto may refer the dispute to China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission for determination according to the arbitration rules of the said Commission as then prevailing. Arbitration shall occur in Beijing and the language of arbitration shall be Chinese. The arbitration ruling shall be final and binding upon both parties. This clause shall survive regardless of termination or cancellation of this Agreement.

 

XIII. Force Majeure

 

  1. Force majeure shall refer to all events that are uncontrollable and unforeseeable by a party hereto or that are inevitable even if foreseeable and prevent that party from performing or from fully performing the obligations hereunder. Such events include, without limitation to, any strikes, factory closedowns, explosions, marine perils, natural disasters or acts of public enemy, fire, floods, destructive activities, accidents, wars, riots, rebellions and any other similar events.

 

  2. If a force majeure event occurs and prevents the affected party from performing any obligation hereunder, the obligation so prevented shall be suspended throughout the duration of the force majeure event and the date of performance of the obligation shall be automatically extended to the date of completion of the force majeure event, and the party so prevented from performing the obligation shall not be subject to any punishment.

 

  3. The party encountering a force majeure event shall immediately give a written notice to the other party, and deliver appropriate proof of the occurrence and duration of the force majeure event. The party encountering a force majeure event shall also make any and all reasonable efforts to terminate the force majeure event.


  4. Once a force majeure event occurs, both parties shall immediately negotiate to find an equitable solution, and shall also make any and all reasonable efforts to minimize the consequences of the force majeure event.

 

  5. If a force majeure event lasts for over ninety (90) days and both parties cannot reach any agreement on an equitable solution, any party hereto shall then have the right to terminate this Agreement. Upon termination of the Agreement as per the foregoing provision, no further rights or obligations will accrue to any party hereto, provided that the rights and obligations of each party that already accrue as of the date of termination of this Agreement shall not be affected by the termination.

 

XIV. Miscellaneous

 

  1. Special Covenant

Each Pledgor undertakes that all terms and conditions of this Agreement shall remain legally binding upon the Pledgor regardless of any and all changes that may occur to the Pledgor’s percent of equity holding in Yi He Jia Xun, and that the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall also apply to all equity of Yi He Jia Xun then held by the Pledgor.

 

  2. Amendments to Agreement

 

  (a) The parties hereto hereby acknowledge that this Agreement is a fair and reasonable agreement reached by and between them on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. In the event of any inconsistence, this Agreement shall prevail over all discussions, negotiations and written covenants reached by and between both parties with regard to the subject matter hereof before execution of this Agreement.

 

  (b) Any and all amendments, additions or alterations to this Agreement shall be made in written and shall not take effect until and before being stamped by Party A and signed by Party B and Party C. The parties’ amendments and additions to this Agreement shall constitute an integral part of and enjoy equal legal effectiveness as this Agreement.

 

  3. Notices

Notices or other correspondence that any party hereto shall give as required by this Agreement shall be made in writing and in Chinese and delivered by person (including express mail service) or by registered airmail. All notices and correspondence shall be sent to the following addresses unless any otherwise address has been informed by written notification:

 

Party A:

   Beijing Sohu New Era Information Technology Co., Ltd.

Address:

   Level 15, Sohu Internet Plaza, Zhongguancun East Road, Haidian District, Beijing

Postcode:

   100084

Party B:

   Gang Fang

Address:

   Sohu Internet Plaza, Zhongguancun East Road, Haidian District, Beijing

Party C:

   Yanfeng Lv

Address:

   Sohu Internet Plaza, Zhongguancun East Road, Haidian District, Beijing


  4. Service of Notices

Notices and correspondence shall be deemed as given:

 

  (a) If delivered by person (including by express mail service): on the date of sign-in by the receiving party.

 

  (b) If delivered by registered mail: on the 3rd day from the date of receipt issued by the post office.

 

  5. Severity of Agreement

Without affecting other terms and conditions of this Agreement, if any provision or part of this Agreement is held invalid, unlawful or unenforceable according to Chinese laws or is against public interest, the effectiveness, validity and enforceability of the terms and conditions in all other parts of the Agreement shall not be affected and impaired in any way. The parties shall negotiate in good faith to discuss and determine a clause to the satisfaction of the parties in order to replace the invalid provision.

 

  6. Successors and Assignees

This Agreement shall be equally binding upon each party’s lawful successors and assignees.

 

  7. Waivers

The failure or delay of any party hereto in exercising any of its rights hereunder shall not be regarded as its waiver of the right and single exercise of any right shall not prevent future exercise of any other right.

 

  8. Language and Counterparts

This Agreement is executed in Chinese in FIVE identical copies, of which each party respectively holds ONE and the pledge registration authority keeps ONE on the record, and all enjoy equal legal effectiveness.

 

  9. Party A shall, as soon as the execution of this Agreement, fulfill the Share Pledge registration procedure.

(There is no text hereinafter. Followed is the signing page.)


(This page contains no text and is the signing page.)

 

Party A: Beijing Sohu New Era Information Technology Co., Ltd.

(Seal)

Party B: Gang Fang

(Signature)

Party C: Yanfeng Lv

(Signature)

Exhibits:

 

1. Shareholders’ Register of Yi He Jia Xun

 

2. Certificate of Investment of Shareholder of Yi He Jia Xun


Exhibit I

Shareholders’ Register of Yi He Jia Xun

until August 30, 2011

 

Name of Shareholder

  

address

  

Form of
Investment

  

Amount of
Investment
(RMB)

   Percent of
Investment
   

Date of
Investment

   No. of
Investment
Certificate
    

remarks

B

   Sohu Internet Plaza, Zhongguancun East Road, Haidian District, Beijing    Cash and IPR    8,500,000      50   August 30, 2011      001       The equity was pledged to Beijing Sohu New Era Information Technology Co., Ltd., on Date/ Month/ 2011.

C

   Sohu Internet Plaza, Zhongguancun East Road, Haidian District, Beijing    cash and IPR    8,500,000      50   August 30, 2011      002       The equity was pledged to Beijing Sohu New Era Information Technology Co., Ltd on Date/ Month/ 2011.

 

Company Seal: Beijing Yi He Jia Xun Service Co., Ltd.

Date: August 30, 2011


Exhibit II

Investment Certificate of Shareholder of Beijing Yi He Jia Xun Service Co., Ltd.

(No: 001)

Beijing Yi He Jia Xun Service Co., Ltd. (the “Company”) was founded on September 26, 2002 and has been registered with Haidian Division of Beijing Administration of Industry and Commerce, whose registration number is 110108004787417. The Company’s current registered capital is RMB17, 000,000.

Shareholder Gang Fang of the Company has paid in its investment in the amount of RMB8,500,000. The Company hereby issues this certificate in testimony thereof.

 

Beijing Yi He Jia Xun Service Co., Ltd.

(Seal)

Date: August 30, 2011


Investment Certificate of Beijing Yi He Jia Xun Service Co., Ltd.

(No: 002)

Beijing Yi He Jia Xun Service Co., Ltd. (the “Company”) was founded on September 26, 2002 and has been registered with Haidian Division of Beijing Administration of Industry and Commerce, whose registration number is 110108004787417. The Company’s current registered capital is RMB17, 000,000.

Shareholder Yanfeng Lv of the Company has paid in its investment in the amount of RMB8,500,000. The Company hereby issues this certificate in testimony thereof.

 

Beijing Yi He Jia Xun Service Co., Ltd.

(Seal)

Date: August 30, 2011

EX-10.6

Exhibit 10.6

English Translation

Exclusive Equity Interest Purchase Rights Agreement

Among

Beijing Sohu New Era Information Technology Co., Ltd.

And

Gang Fang, Yanfeng Lv

And

Beijing Yi He Jia Xun Information Technology Co., Ltd.

August 30, 2011

This Exclusive Equity Interest Purchase Rights Agreement (hereinafter referred to as the “Agreement”) is entered into by and among the following parties on August 30, 2011:

 

Party A: Beijing Sohu New Era Information Technology Co., Ltd., Registered Address: Level 15, Sohu Internet Plaza, Zhongguancun East Road, Haidian District, Beijing

 

Party B: Gang Fang, Address: Sohu Internet Plaza, Zhongguancun East Road, Haidian District, Beijing

 

Party C: Yanfeng Lv, Address: Sohu Internet Plaza, Zhongguancun East Road, Haidian District, Beijing

 

Party D: Beijing Yi He Jia Xun Information Technology Co., Ltd., Registered Address: Room 801, Sohu Internet Plaza, Zhongguancun East Road, Haidian District, Beijing

In this Agreement, Party A, Party B, Party C and Party D are referred to as the “parties” collectively or “a party” individually.

Whereas:

 

1 Party A is a wholly foreign-invested limited liability company incorporated and existing under laws of the People’s Republic of China

 

2 Party D is a domestic limited liability company incorporated and existing under laws of the People’s Republic of China.

 

3 Party B and Party C are shareholders of Party D, each holding 50% of stock equity of Party D.

 

4 Party B and Party C agree to grant an exclusive equity interest purchase rights to Party A through this Agreement and Party A agrees to accept the said exclusive equity interest purchase rights in order to purchase the full or a part of equity of Party D held by Party B and Party C.


Through friendly negotiation and on the principle of equality and mutual benefit, the parties hereto therefore reach the following Agreement for performance:

 

I. Exclusive Equity Interest Purchase Rights

 

  1. Grant of Right

Each of Party B and Party C hereby irrevocably grants an exclusive equity interest purchase right to Party A, which, from the date of effectiveness of this Agreement and as long as permitted by Chinese laws, empowers from time to time the purchase of all or a part of the equity of Party D held by the authorizing party (hereinafter referred to as the “Specific Authorizing Party”) at the price of one RMB yuan (RMB¥1) or the lowest price allowed by Chinese laws and regulations at the time of exercise of the right. Party D hereby agrees upon the Specific Authorizing Party’s grant of the exclusive equity purchase right to Party A.

The foregoing equity purchase right shall be granted to Party A immediately after this Agreement is signed by the parties and takes effects and the right, once granted, shall remain irrevocable or unchangeable within the term of validity of this Agreement (including any extended term as per Paragraph 2 of the present article).

 

  2. Term

This Agreement shall be signed by the parties and take effect as of the first written date. This Agreement shall remain valid for ten years from the date of effectiveness. Before expiration of the Agreement, if requested by Party A, the parties shall extend the term of this Agreement as requested by Party A and shall sign a new Exclusive Purchase Right Agreement or continue to perform this Agreement as requested by Party A.

 

II. Exercise of Right and Delivery

 

  1. Timing of Exercise of Right

 

  (a) Party B and Party C agree that, as long as permitted by Chinese laws and regulations, Party A may exercise the right hereunder either in entirety or partly at any time after this Agreement is signed and takes effect.


  (b) Party B and Party C agree that Party A may exercise the right without being subject to any limit regarding the times of exercise, unless it has purchased and held all equity of Party D.

 

  (c) Party B and Party C agree that Party A may appoint a third party to represent it to exercise the right, provided that Party A shall give a written notice to the Specific Authorizing Party before exercise of the right.

 

  2. Notice of Right Exercise

If Party A is to exercise the right, it shall give a written notice to the Specific Authorizing Party ten working days in advance of the Delivery Date (as defined hereinafter) and the notice shall contain the following terms and conditions:

 

  (a) the date of effective delivery of the equity after exercise of the right (hereinafter referred to as the “Delivery Date”);

 

  (b) the name of holder of the equity to be registered after exercise of the right;

 

  (c) the number and percent of shares purchased from each Specific Authorizing Party;

 

  (d) the exercise price and the terms of payment of the price;

 

  (e) Power of Attorney (in the event of exercise of the right by a third party designated by Party A).

The parties hereto agree that Party A may appoint a third party from time to time and exercise the right and register the equity in the name of the third party.

 

  3. Transfer of Equity

On each exercise of the right by Party A, within ten working days from receipt of the exercise notice given by Party A pursuant to Paragraph 2 of the present article,

 

  (a) the Specific Authorizing Party shall cause Party D to hold a shareholders’ meeting in a timely manner and a resolution shall be passed at the meeting to approve the authorizing party to transfer its equity to Party A and (or) the third party designated by Party A.

 

  (b) The Specific Authorizing Party shall sign an equity transfer agreement with Party A (or with the third party designated by Party A when applicable).

 

  (c) The Specific Authorizing Party shall execute all other requisite contracts, agreements or documents, obtain all requisite governmental approvals and consents and take all requisite actions to transfer the valid ownership of the purchased equity, free of any security interest, to Party A and (or) the third party designated by Party A, enable Party A or its designated third party to become shareholder of the purchased equity and fulfill the registration procedure with the administration of industry and commerce and deliver to Party A or its designated third party the latest business license, articles of association, approval certificate (if applicable) and other relevant documents issued by or filed on the record of the Chinese authorities of competent jurisdiction and such documents shall reflect the changes to the equity, directors and legal representative of Party D.


III. Representations and Warranties

 

  1. Each of Party B and Party C (hereinafter referred to as “Shareholder of Party D” individually) separately makes and makes jointly with Party D, the following representations and warranties:

 

  (a) All of the Shareholder of Party D and Party D have the full right and authority to sign and perform this Agreement.

 

  (b) The performance of this Agreement and the obligations hereunder by the Shareholder of Party D and by Party D does not violate the laws, regulations and other agreements that are binding upon it and is not subject to any governmental approval or authorization.

 

  (c) Neither the Shareholder of Party D nor Party D is involved in any lawsuits, arbitration or other judicial or administrative proceedings that are pending or may substantially affect the performance of this Agreement.

 

  (d) The Shareholder of Party D and Party D have disclosed to Party A all circumstances that may negatively affect the performance of this Agreement.

 

  (e) The Shareholder of Party D and Party D have not been declared bankrupt and both of them are in sound financial position.

 

  (f) The equity of Party D held by the Shareholder of Party D is free of any pledges, guarantees, obligations and other third-party encumbrances and is not subject to any third-party claims, except for any security interest accruing under the Share Pledge Agreement executed by and among Party A, Party B and Party C on December 2nd, 2013.

 

  (g) The Shareholder of Party D will not set any pledge, obligation and other third-party encumbrance on the equity of Party D held by it and will not dispose of the equity held by it to Party A or the third party designated by Party A by means of assignment, donation, pledge or otherwise.

 

  (h) The right granted to Party A by the Shareholder of Party D is exclusive and the Shareholder of Party D shall by no means grant the right or other similar rights to persons other than Party A or the third party designated by Party A.


  2. Party D represents and warrants as follows:

 

  (a) Within the term of validity of this Agreement, the business conducted by Party D is consistent with laws, statutes, regulations and other administrative regulations and guides issued by the governmental authorities in charge and there is no offense of any foregoing regulations that results in material negative effect on the business or assets of the Company.

 

  (b) Party D will guarantee existence of the Company according to sound financial and commercial standards and practice, prudently and effectively operate its business and transact its matters, make all effort to ensure the Company’s maintenance of the permits, licenses and approvals required during operation of the Company and ensure that the permits, licenses and approvals, among other things, will not be revoked, cancelled or invalidated.

 

  (c) Party D will furnish Party A with information and data about the operation and finance of Party D as requested by Party A.

 

  (d) Party D shall not conduct the following acts before Party A (or its designated third party) exercises the right and acquires all equity or interests and rights in Party D unless with the written consent of Party A (or its designated third party):

 

  (i) Sell, assign, mortgage or otherwise dispose of any asset, business or revenue or allow the setting of any other security interest thereon (except for those occurring during due course of business or day-to-day operations, or those that have been disclosed to Party A and have gained the explicit prior written consent of Party A).

 

  (ii) Conclude any transaction that will substantially and negatively affect its assets, liabilities, operations, equity and other lawful rights (except for those occurring during due course of business or day-to-day operations, or those that have been disclosed to Party A and have gained the explicit prior written consent of Party A).

 

  (iii) Distribute any form of dividends or bonuses to shareholders of Party D.

 

  (iv) Incur, inherit, guarantee or allow the existence of any indebtedness, except for (i) those occurring during due course of business or day-to-day operations other than in the form of loans; (ii) those that have been disclosed to Party A and have gained the explicit prior written consent of Party A.

 

  (v) Pass resolutions at a shareholders’ meeting to increase or reduce the registered capital of Party D or otherwise change the structure of the registered capital.

 

  (vi) Make any form of additions, changes or amendments to the articles of association of Party D or change the business scope of Party D.

 

  (vii) Change or dismiss any director or replace any senior executive of Party D.


  (viii) Change the regular business procedures of Party D or amend any major internal rules and bylaws of the Company.

 

  (ix) Make major adjustments to the business operation model, marketing strategies, business guidelines or customer relations of Party D.

 

  (x) Carry out any activity beyond the normal business scope of Party D or operate the business of the Company in a manner that is inconsistent with the past practice or is unusual.

 

  (xi) Merge or consolidate with any person, or acquire or invest in any person.

 

  3. Party B and Party C represent and warrant as follows:

 

  (a) each Specific Authorizing Party shall not jointly or individually conduct the following acts before Party A (or the third party designated by it) exercises the right and acquires all equity or assets of Party D unless with the explicit written consent of Party A (or the third party designated by it):

 

  (i) make any form of additions, changes or amendments to the constitutional documents of Party D and such additions, changes or amendments will have material negative effect on the assets, liabilities, operation, equity and other lawful rights of Party D (except for equal percent-based increase of capital for the purpose of satisfying requirements of laws) or may prevent the effective performance of this Agreement and other agreements signed by and among Party A, Party B and Party C;

 

  (ii) cause Party D to conclude any transaction that will substantially and negatively affect the assets, liabilities, operation, equity and other lawful rights of Party D (except for those occurring during due course of business or day-to-day operations or those that have been disclosed to and have obtained the explicit prior written consent of Party A).

 

  (iii) cause the shareholders’ meeting of Party D to pass any resolution on distribution of dividends or bonuses;

 

  (iv) sell, assign, mortgage or otherwise dispose of any lawful or beneficial rights and interests in the equity of Party D at any time from the date of effectiveness of this Agreement, or allow the setting or any other security interest thereon;

 

  (v) cause the shareholders’ meeting of Party D to approve the sale, assignment, mortgage or otherwise disposal of the lawful or beneficial rights and interests in any equity or allow the setting of any other security interest thereon;


  (vi) cause the shareholders’ meeting of Party D to approve the merger or consolidation of Party D with any person, or acquisition of or investment in any person, or any other form of restructuring;

 

  (vii) Wind up, liquidate or dissolve Party D at its own discretion.

 

  (b) Before Party A (or the third party designated by it) exercises the right and acquire all equity or assets of Party D, each of Party B and Party C undertakes to:

 

  (i) immediately notify Party A in writing any lawsuit, arbitration or administrative proceedings that may occur with regard to the equity owned by it, or circumstances that may have any negative effect on the equity;

 

  (ii) cause the shareholders’ meeting of Party D to review and approve the assignment of the Purchased Equity contemplated herein, cause Party D to amend its articles of association in order to reflect the transfer of the equity from Party B and Party C to Party A and (or) the third party designated by Party A as well as other changes stated herein, immediately apply for approval from the Chinese authority of competent jurisdiction (if such approval is required by law), go through procedures for registration of the changes and cause Party D to pass resolutions of shareholders’ meeting for approving appointments of the persons nominated by Party A and (or) by the third party designated by Party A as new directors and new legal representative;

 

  (iii) execute all necessary or appropriate documents, take all necessary or appropriate actions, institute all necessary or appropriate accusations or make all necessary and appropriate defense against all claims in order to maintain its lawful and valid ownership to the equity;

 

  (iv) as requested by Party A from time to time, immediately and unconditionally assign at any time the equity held by it to the third party designated by Party A and waive its first refusal with regard to the other existing shareholder’s assignment of the said equity; and

 

  (v) strictly abide by this Agreement and all provisions of other contracts signed by and between the Specific Authorizing Parties and Party A either jointly or separately, faithfully perform all obligations thereunder and not conduct/ignore any act that is sufficient to affect the validity and enforceability of such contracts.

 

  4. Undertakings

Each Specific Authorizing Party undertakes to Party A that it will fulfill all requisite procedures as instructed by Party A to turn Party A and (or) the third party designated by Party A into the shareholder of Party D. The procedures shall include, without limitation to, assisting Party A in obtaining necessary approvals from governmental authorities for the equity assignment, delivering documents including the equity transfer agreement and resolutions of the shareholders’ meeting to the governing administration of industry and commerce in order to amend the articles of association, shareholders’ register and other constitutional documents of the company and the costs and expenses associated therewith shall be borne by Party A.


  5. Each Specific Authorizing Party hereby represents and warrants to Party A as follows as of the date of execution of this Agreement and as of each Delivery Date:

 

  (a) it has the power and capability to sign and deliver this Agreement and any equity transfer agreement to which it is a party that is executed hereunder for each assignment of the Purchased Equity (each such agreement is referred to as a “Transfer Agreement”) and to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder. Once executed, this Agreement and each Transfer Agreement to which it is a party shall constitute a lawful and valid obligation that is binding and enforceable upon it as per the terms thereof.

 

  (b) Neither its execution and delivery of this Agreement or any Transfer Agreement nor its performance of the obligations hereunder and thereunder will: (i) cause offense of any applicable Chinese laws and regulations, (ii) conflict with its articles of association or other organizational documents, (iii) cause a breach of any contract or document to which it is a party or which is binding upon it, or constitute a default under any contract or document to which it is a party or which is binding upon it, or (v) cause the termination or cancellation of or the addition of any conditions on any permit or approval that has been issued to it.

 

  (c) The Specific Authorizing Party possesses sound and sellable ownership to the equity of Party D held by it. The Specific Authorizing Party has not set any security interest on the said equity, except for any security interest accruing under the aforesaid Share Pledge Agreement.

 

  (d) Party D does not have any outstanding debts except for (i) debts occurring in its due course of business and (ii) debts that have been disclosed to and have gained the explicit prior written consent of Party A.

 

  (e) Party D complies with all laws and regulations that are applicable to equity and asset acquisitions.

 

  (f) There are no ongoing or pending or threatened lawsuits, arbitration or administrative proceedings that involve the equity, the assets of Party D, or Party D.

 

IV. Special Covenant

 

  1. Each of Party B and Party C undertakes that all equity of Party D held by it shall remain bound by this Agreement regardless of any change of the percent of its shareholding in Party D and that the terms of this Agreement shall apply to all equity of Party D then held by it.


V. Defaults

 

  1. Unless otherwise stated herein, any party hereto will be deemed as in default of this Agreement if and to the extent that it fails to fully perform or suspends the performance of its obligations hereunder and fails to correct the act within thirty days upon receipt of the other parties’ notice, or if its representations and warranties are untrue.

 

  2. If any party hereto breaches this Agreement or any of the representations or warranties it has made herein, the other parties may give a written notice to the defaulting party, requesting it to correct the default within ten days upon receipt of the notice, take appropriate measures to effectively prevent occurrence of detrimental consequences in a timely manner and continue to perform this Agreement.

 

  3. If the defaulting party is unable to correct its default within ten days after receiving the notice pursuant to the foregoing provision, the other parties shall have the right to request the defaulting party to indemnify any expenses, liabilities or losses incurred by the other parties as result of the default (including but not limited to interest and attorney’s fee paid or lost as result of the default).

 

VI. Taxes

Party A shall bear all taxes incurred by the parties hereto during performance of this Agreement.

 

VII. Confidentiality

 

  1. The parties hereto agree to endeavor to take all reasonable measures to keep in confidence the execution, terms and conditions as well as performance of this Agreement and the confidential data and information of any party hereto that the other parties may know or access during performance of this Agreement (hereinafter referred to as “Confidential Information”) and shall not disclose, make available or assign such Confidential Information to any third party without the prior written consent of the party providing the information.

 

  2. The above restriction is not applicable to:

 

  (a) information that has already become generally available to the public at the time of disclosure;

 

  (b) information that, after the time of disclosure, has become generally available to the public not because of the fault of any party hereto;


  (c) information that any party hereto can prove that it has already possessed before the time of disclosure and that has not been directly or indirectly acquired from the other parties; and

 

  (d) the foregoing Confidential Information that a party hereto is obliged to disclose to relevant governmental authorities or stock exchanges, among others, as required by law, or that a party hereto discloses to its direct legal counsels and financial advisors as needed during its due course of business.

 

  3. The parties hereto agree that this clause will continue to remain valid and effective regardless of any alteration, cancellation or termination of this Agreement

 

VIII. Effectiveness

This Agreement shall take effect as of the first written date of execution after being stamped by Party A and Party D and signed by Party B and Party C.

 

IX. Governing Law and Settlement of Disputes

 

  1. Governing Law

The execution, effectiveness, performance, construction and interpretation of and the settlement of disputes over this Agreement shall be governed by Chinese laws.

 

  2. Arbitration

When any dispute occurs among the parties with regard to the interpretation and performance of any clauses herein, the parties shall seek settlement of the dispute through good-faith negotiation. If the parties cannot reach any agreement on settlement of the dispute within thirty (30) days after any party hereto sends to the other parties the written notice requesting resolution through negotiation, any of them may refer the dispute to China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission for determination according to the arbitration rules of the said Commission as then prevailing. Arbitration shall occur in Beijing and the language of arbitration shall be Chinese. The arbitration ruling shall be final and binding upon each of the parties. This clause shall survive regardless of termination or cancellation of this Agreement


X. Force Majeure

 

  1. Force majeure shall refer to all events that are uncontrollable and unforeseeable by a party hereto or that are inevitable even if foreseeable and prevent that party from performing or from fully performing the obligations hereunder. Such events include, without limitation to, any strikes, factory closedowns, explosions, marine perils, natural disasters or acts of public enemy, fire, floods, destructive activities, accidents, wars, riots, rebellions and any other similar events.

 

  2. If a force majeure event occurs and prevents the affected party from performing any obligation hereunder, the obligation so prevented shall be suspended throughout the duration of the force majeure event and the date of performance of the obligation shall be automatically extended to the date of completion of the force majeure event and the party so prevented from performing the obligation shall not be subject to any punishment.

 

  3. The Party encountering a force majeure event shall immediately give a written notice to the other parties and deliver appropriate proof of the occurrence and duration of the force majeure event. The Party encountering a force majeure event shall also make any and all reasonable efforts to terminate the force majeure event.

 

  4. Once a force majeure event occurs, the parties hereto shall immediately negotiate to find an equitable solution and shall also make any and all reasonable efforts to minimize the consequences of the force majeure event.

 

  5. If a force majeure event lasts for over ninety (90) days and the parties cannot reach any agreement on an equitable solution, any party hereto shall then have the right to terminate this Agreement. Upon termination of the Agreement as per the foregoing provision, no further rights or obligations will accrue to any of the parties hereto, provided that the rights and obligations of each party that already accrue as of the date of termination of this Agreement shall not be affected by the termination.

 

XI. Miscellaneous

 

  1. Amendments to Agreement

The parties hereby acknowledge that this Agreement is a fair and reasonable agreement reached by and among them on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. In the event of any inconsistence, this Agreement shall prevail over all discussions, negotiations and written covenants reached by and among the parties with regard to the subject matter hereof before execution of this Agreement. Any and all amendments, additions or changes to this Agreement shall be made in writing and shall take effect after being stamped by Party A and Party D and signed by Party B and Party C.


  2. Notices

Notices or other correspondence that any party hereto shall give as required by this Agreement shall be made in writing and in Chinese and delivered by person (including express mail service) or by registered airmail. All notices and correspondence shall be sent to the following addresses unless any otherwise address has been informed by written notification:

 

Party A:    Beijing Sohu New Era Information Technology Co., Ltd.
Address:    Level 15, Sohu Internet Plaza, Zhongguancun East Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100084
Party B:    Gang Fang
Address    Sohu Internet Plaza, Zhongguancun East Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100084
Party C:    Yanfeng Lv
Address    Sohu Internet Plaza, Zhongguancun East Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100084
Party D:    Beijing Yi He Jia Xun Information Technology Co., Ltd.
Address:    Room 801, Sohu Internet Plaza, Zhongguancun East Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100084

 

  3. Service of Notices

Notices and correspondence shall be deemed as given as per the following terms:

 

  (a) If delivered by person (including by express mail service): on the date of sign-in by the receiving party;

 

  (b) If delivered by registered mail: on the 3rd day from the date of receipt issued by the post office.

 

  4. Severity of Agreement

Without affecting other terms and conditions of this Agreement, if any provision or part of this Agreement is held invalid, unlawful or unenforceable according to Chinese laws or is against public interest, the effectiveness, validity and enforceability of the terms and conditions in all other parts of the Agreement shall not be affected and impaired in any way. The parties shall negotiate in good faith to discuss and determine a clause to the satisfaction of both parties in order to replace the invalid provision

 

  5. Successors and Assignees

This Agreement shall be equally binding upon each party’s lawful successors and assignees.

 

  6. Waivers

The failure or delay of any party hereto in exercising any of its rights hereunder shall not be regarded as its waiver of the right and single exercise of any right shall not prevent future exercise of any other right.


  7. Language and Counterparts

This Agreement is executed in Chinese in FOUR identical copies, of which each party respectively keeps ONE and all enjoy equal legal effectiveness.

(There is no text hereinafter. Followed is the signing page)


(This page contains no text and is the signing page.)

 

Party A: Beijing Sohu New Era Information Technology Co., Ltd.
(Seal)
Party B: Gang Fang
(Signature)
Party C: Yanfeng Lv
(Signature)
Party D: Beijing Yi He Jia Xun Information Technology Co., Ltd.
(Seal)
EX-10.7

Exhibit 10.7

English Translation

Business Operation Agreement

Beijing Sohu New Era Information Technology Co., Ltd.

And

Beijing Yi He Jia Xun Information Technology Co., Ltd.

And

Gang Fang, Yanfeng Lv

August 30, 2011

This Business Operation Agreement (hereinafter referred to as the “Agreement”) is entered into by and among the following parties on August 30, 2011:

 

Party A: Beijing Sohu New Era Information Technology Co., Ltd., Registered Address: Level 15, Sohu Internet Plaza, Zhongguancun East Road, Haidian District, Beijing

 

Party B: Beijing Yi He Jia Xun Information Technology Co., Ltd., Registered Address: Room 801, Sohu Internet Plaza, Zhongguancun East Road, Haidian District, Beijing

 

Party C: Gang Fang, Address: Sohu Internet Plaza, Zhongguancun East Road, Haidian District, Beijing

 

Party D: Yanfeng Lv, Address: Sohu Internet Plaza, Zhongguancun East Road, Haidian District, Beijing

In this Agreement, Party A, Party B, Party C and Party D are referred to as the “parties” collectively or “a party” individually.

Whereas:

 

1 Party A is a wholly foreign-invested limited liability company incorporated and existing under laws of the People’s Republic of China.

 

2 Party B is a domestic limited liability company incorporated and existing under laws of the People’s Republic of China, and Party C and Party D are shareholders of Party B.

 

3 Party A and Party B have established business relationship by signing agreements including Exclusive Technical Consultancy and Service Agreement, whereby Party B shall pay various fees and amounts to Party A, and day-to-day business activities of Party B will therefore substantially affect its ability to pay the fees and amounts to Party A.


Therefore, the parties hereto reach the following Agreement for performance through friendly negotiation and on the principle of equality and mutual benefit:

 

I. Non-performance Obligation

In order to ensure performance of Party B under the agreements signed with Party A and all obligations it bears to Party A, Party B and its shareholders, namely Party C and Party D, hereby acknowledge and agree that, unless with the prior written consent of Party A or other parties designated by Party A, Party B will not conduct any transaction that may substantially affect its assets, business, staff, obligations, rights or corporate operations, including but not limited to the following transactions:

 

  1. Sell, assign, mortgage or otherwise deal with any asset, business or revenue, or allow the setting of any other security interest thereon (except for those occurring in the due course of business or in day-to-day business operations, or those already disclosed to Party A and with the explicit prior written consent of Party A).

 

  2. Conclude any transaction that will substantially and negatively affect its assets, liabilities, operations, stock equity or other lawful rights (except for those occurring in the due course of business or in day-to-day business operations, or those already disclosed to Party A and with the explicit prior written consent of Party A).

 

  3. Distribute any form of dividends or bonuses to shareholders of Party B.

 

  4. Incur, inherit, guarantee or permit the existence of any debts, except for (i) debts occurring in the due course of business or in day-to-day business operations other than in the form of loans, (ii) debts already disclosed to Party A and with the explicit prior written consent of Party A.

 

  5. Pass shareholders’ meeting resolutions to increase or decrease the Company’s registered capital, or otherwise change the structure of registered capital.

 

  6. Make whatsoever form of addition, alteration or modification to the Company’s articles of association or change the business scope of the Company.

 

  7. Change or dismiss any director or replace any senior executive of the Company.

 

  8. Change the Company’s normal business procedures or amend any major internal rules and bylaws of the Company.

 

  9. Make major adjustments to the Company’s business model, marketing strategy, business guidelines or customer relations.

 

  10. Conduct any activity beyond the normal business scope of the Company or operate the Company in a manner that is inconsistent with the past manner or that is unusual.

 

  11. Merge or consolidate with any person, or acquire any person or invest in any person.


II. Business Management and Staffing

 

  1. Party B and its shareholders, namely Party C and Party D, hereby agree to accept the recommendations that Party A may provide to them with regard to employment and dismissal of employees, day-to-day business management and the financial management system of the Company, and to implement the recommendations faithfully.

 

  2. Party B and its shareholders, namely Party C and Party D, hereby agree that Party C and Party D will elect the persons nominated by Party A as directors of Party B according to the procedures set forth by laws, regulations and the Company’s articles of association, cause the directors to elect the person recommended by Party A as Chairman of the Company, and appoint the persons designated by Party A as General Manager, Financial Director and other senior executives of Party B.

 

  3. The aforesaid directors or senior executives nominated by Party A will lose the capacity of assuming any office in Party B if and when they leave Party A either voluntarily or through termination of employment by Party A. In that situation, Party B, Party C and Party D will immediately remove the said persons from any and all positions they hold in Party B, and will immediately elect and employ the other persons designated by Party A to assume the positions.

 

  4. For the purpose of Paragraph 3 of the present article, Party C and Party D will take any and all necessary internal and external procedures of the Company to fulfill the aforesaid dismissal and employment procedures as required by laws, the articles of association of the Company and the provisions of this Agreement.

 

  5. Each of Party C and Party D hereby respectively agrees that it will sign the power of attorney of the content shown in the attachment hereto when executing this Agreement, by which Party C and Party D will irrevocably authorize the individual appointed by Party A or the board of directors (or Executive Director) of Party A (hereinafter referred to as “Representative of Party A”) to exercise on their behalf the rights they enjoy as shareholders, and to exercise all shareholder’s voting powers in the name of shareholders at shareholders’ meetings of Party B. Party C and Party D further agree that they will replace, from time to time and as requested by Party A, the representative of Party B authorized in the aforesaid power of attorney.

 

III. Entire Agreement and Amendments to Agreement

 

  1. The parties hereby acknowledge that this Agreement is the equitable and reasonable agreement reached by and among them on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. In the event of any inconsistence, this Agreement shall prevail over all discussions, negotiations and written covenants reached among the parties with regard to the subject matter hereof prior to execution of this Agreement.

 

  2. Any and all amendments, additions or changes to this Agreement shall be made in writing and shall take effect only if stamped by Party A and Party B and signed by Party C and Party D. The parties’ amendments and additions to this Agreement shall constitute an integral part of and enjoy equal legal effectiveness as this Agreement.


IV. Confidentiality Clause

 

  1. The parties agree to endeavor to take all reasonable measures to keep in confidence the execution, terms and conditions as well as performance of this Agreement, and the confidential data and information of any party that another party may know or access during performance of this Agreement (hereinafter referred to as “Confidential Information”), and shall not disclose, make available or assign such Confidential Information to any third party without the prior written consent of the party providing the information.

 

  2. The above restriction is not applicable to:

 

  (a) information that has already become generally available to the public at the time of disclosure;

 

  (b) information that, after the time of disclosure, has become generally available to the public not because of the fault of any party hereto;

 

  (c) information that any party hereto can prove that it has already possessed before the time of disclosure and that has not been directly or indirectly acquired from any other party hereto; and

 

  (d) the foregoing Confidential Information that any party hereto is obliged to disclose to relevant governmental authorities or stock exchanges, among others, as required by law, or that any party hereto discloses to its direct legal counsels and financial advisors as needed during its due course of business.

 

  3. The parties agree that this clause will continue to remain valid and effective regardless of any alteration, cancellation or termination of this Agreement.

 

V. Effectiveness and Term of Agreement

 

  1. This Agreement shall take effect after being stamped by Party A and Party B and signed by Party C and Party D and as of the first written date of execution.

 

  2. This Agreement shall remain valid for ten years from the date of effectiveness unless Party A cancels it early. Before expiration of this Agreement, and if requested by Party A, the parties shall extend the term of this Agreement and sign a new Business Operation Agreement or continue to perform this Agreement as requested by Party A.


VI. Termination

 

  1. If any agreement between Party A and Party B terminates or expires, Party A will have the right to determine whether or not to terminate all agreements between Party A and Party B, including but not limited to Exclusive Technical Consultancy and Service Agreement.

 

  2. Within the term of validity of this Agreement, none of Party B or its shareholders, namely Party C and Party D, shall terminate this Agreement early. Party A shall have the right to terminate this Agreement by giving a written notice of 30 days at any time to Party B and the shareholders.

 

  3. The parties may terminate this Agreement as they unanimously agree through negotiation.

 

VII. Governing Law and Settlement of Disputes

 

  1. Governing Law

The execution, effectiveness, performance, construction and interpretation of and the settlement of disputes over this Agreement shall be governed by Chinese laws.

 

  2. Arbitration

When any dispute occurs among the parties with regard to the interpretation and performance of any clauses herein, the parties shall seek settlement of the dispute through good-faith negotiation. If the parties cannot reach any agreement on settlement of the dispute within thirty (30) days after any of the parties sends to the other parties the written notice requesting resolution through negotiation, any party hereto may refer the dispute to China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission for determination according to the arbitration rules of the said Commission as then prevailing. Arbitration shall occur in Beijing and the language of arbitration shall be Chinese. The arbitration ruling shall be final and binding upon all of the parties. This clause shall survive regardless of termination or cancellation of this Agreement.

 

VIII. Force Majeure

 

  1. Force majeure shall refer to all events that are uncontrollable and unforeseeable by a party hereto or that are inevitable even if foreseeable and prevent that party from performing or from fully performing the obligations hereunder. Such events include, without limitation to, any strikes, factory closedowns, explosions, marine perils, natural disasters or acts of public enemy, fire, floods, destructive activities, accidents, wars, riots, rebellions and any other similar events


  2. If a force majeure event occurs and prevents the affected party from performing any obligation hereunder, the obligation so prevented shall be suspended throughout the duration of the force majeure event and the date of performance of the obligation shall be automatically extended to the date of completion of the force majeure event, and the party so prevented from performing the obligation shall not be subject to any punishment.

 

  3. The party encountering a force majeure event shall immediately give a written notice to the other parties, and deliver appropriate proof of the occurrence and duration of the force majeure event. The party encountering a force majeure event shall also make any and all reasonable efforts to terminate the force majeure event.

 

  4. Once a force majeure event occurs, the parties shall immediately negotiate to find an equitable solution, and shall also make any and all reasonable efforts to minimize the consequences of the force majeure event.

 

  5. If a force majeure event lasts for over ninety (90) days and the parties cannot reach any agreement on an equitable solution, any party shall then have the right to terminate this Agreement. Upon termination of the Agreement as per the foregoing provision, no further rights or obligations will accrue to any of the parties, provided that the rights and obligations of each party that already accrue as of the date of termination of this Agreement shall not be affected by the termination.

 

IX. Miscellaneous

 

  1. The written consents, recommendations, appointments hereunder that involve Party A and other decisions with material influence on day-to-day operations of Party B shall be made by the board of directors of Party A.

 

  2. Party C and Party D undertake that all provisions herein shall remain legally binding upon them regardless of any future change that may occur to their respective percent of shareholding in Party B, and that the provisions herein shall apply to all stock equity that Party C and Party D may hold in Party B, unless the percent of shareholding in Party B of Party C, Party D or Party D becomes null.


  3. Notices

Notices or other correspondence to that any party hereto shall give as required by this Agreement shall be made in writing and in Chinese and delivered by person (including express mail service) or by registered airmail. All notices and correspondence shall be sent to the following addresses unless any otherwise address has been informed by written notification:

 

Party A:    Beijing Sohu New Era Information Technology Co., Ltd.
Address:    Sohu Internet Plaza, Zhongguancun East Road, Haidian District, Beijing
Postcode:    100084
Party B:    Beijing Yi He Jia Xun Information Technology Co., Ltd.
Address:    Sohu Internet Plaza, Zhongguancun East Road, Haidian District, Beijing
Postcode:    100084
Party C:    Gang Fang
Address:    Sohu Internet Plaza, Zhongguancun East Road, Haidian District, Beijing
Party D:    Yanfeng Lv
Address:    Sohu Internet Plaza, Zhongguancun East Road, Haidian District, Beijing

 

  4. Service of Notices

Notices and correspondence shall be deemed as being served as per the following terms:

 

  (a) If delivered by person (including by express mail service): on the date of sign-in by the receiving party.

 

  (b) If delivered by registered mail: on the 3rd day from the date of receipt issued by the post office.

 

  5. Severity of Agreement

Without affecting other terms and conditions of this Agreement, if any provision or part of this Agreement is held invalid, unlawful or unenforceable according to Chinese laws or is against public interest, the effectiveness, validity and enforceability of the terms and conditions in all other parts of the Agreement shall not be affected and impaired in any way. Both parties shall negotiate in good faith to discuss and determine a clause to satisfaction of both parties in order to replace the invalid provision.

 

  6. Successors and Assignees

This Agreement shall be equally binding upon each party’s lawful successors and assignees.

 

  7. Waivers

The failure or delay of any party hereto in exercising any of its rights hereunder shall not be regarded as its waiver of the right and single exercise of any right shall not prevent future exercise of any other right.

 

  8. Language and Counterparts

 

  9. This Agreement is executed in Chinese in FOUR identical copies, of which each party respectively holds ONE and all enjoy equal legal effectiveness.


(There is no text hereinafter. Followed is the signing page)


(This page contains no text and is the signing page)

 

Party A: Beijing Sohu New Era Information Technology Co., Ltd.
(Seal)
Party B: Beijing Yi He Jia Xun Information Technology Co., Ltd.
(Seal)
Party C: Gang Fang
(Signature)
Party D: Yanfeng Lv
(Signature)
EX-10.8

Exhibit 10.8

English Translation

Power of Attorney

I, a shareholder of Beijing Yi He Jia Xun Information Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Yi He Jia Xun”), aggregately hold 50% of the equity of the Company and hereby agree to authorize Beijing Sohu New Era Information Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Sohu Era” or the “Authorized Person”) to exercise the shareholder’s rights associated with the said 50% of shareholding, and hereby irrevocably authorize the Authorized Person to exercise the following rights within the term of validity of this Power of Attorney:

I authorize the Authorized Person to act as my full-fledged representative and as the holder of 50% of stock equity of Yi He Jia Xun to exercise all rights that I enjoy as shareholder according to laws and the Company’s articles of association, including the right to propose the holding of shareholders’ meetings, receive any notices regarding the holding of shareholders’ meetings and rules of proceedings, attend shareholders’ meetings of Yi He Jia Xun and exercise all voting powers as the holder of 50% of shares of the Company (including acting as my authorized representative at shareholders’ meetings of Yi He Jia Xun to nominate and appoint directors, General Manager, Financial Director and other senior executives of Yi He Jia Xun, decide dividend distributions, etc.), sell or assign the 50% shareholding that I hold in Yi He Jia Xun, etc.

The Authorized Person has the right to designate the individual appointed by its board of directors (or Executive Director) to exercise the rights granted by the authorizing party hereunder.

This Power of Attorney shall remain valid for ten years from the date of execution unless the Business Operation Agreement signed by and among Yi He Jia Xun, Sohu Era, other shareholders of Yi He Jia Xun and me on August 30, 2011 is terminated early due to whatsoever reason. Upon expiration of the term of this Power of Attorney, if requested by Sohu Era, I shall extend the term of this Power of Attorney as requested.

 

Authorizing Party: Gang Fang
(Signature)

 

Date: August 30, 2011

 

Authorized Person: Beijing Sohu New Era Information Technology Co., Ltd.

(Seal):

 

Date: August 30, 2011


Power of Attorney

I, a shareholder of Beijing Yi He Jia Xun Information Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Yi He Jia Xun”), aggregately hold 50% of the equity of the Company and hereby agree to authorize Beijing Sohu New Era Information Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Sohu Era” or the “Authorized Person”) to exercise the shareholder’s rights associated with the said 50% of shareholding, and hereby irrevocably authorize the Authorized Person to exercise the following rights within the term of validity of this Power of Attorney:

I authorize the Authorized Person to act as my full-fledged representative and as the holder of 50% of stock equity of Yi He Jia Xun to exercise all rights that I enjoy as shareholder according to laws and the Company’s articles of association, including the right to propose the holding of shareholders’ meetings, receive any notices regarding the holding of shareholders’ meetings and rules of proceedings, attend shareholders’ meetings of Yi He Jia Xun and exercise all voting powers as the holder of 50% of shares of the Company (including acting as my authorized representative at shareholders’ meetings of Yi He Jia Xun to nominate and appoint directors, General Manager, Financial Director and other senior executives of Yi He Jia Xun, decide dividend distributions, etc.), sell or assign the 50% shareholding that I hold in Yi He Jia Xun, etc.

The Authorized Person has the right to designate the individual appointed by its board of directors (or Executive Director) to exercise the rights granted by the authorizing party hereunder.

This Power of Attorney shall remain valid for ten years from the date of execution unless the Business Operation Agreement signed by and among Yi He Jia Xun, Sohu Era, other shareholders of Yi He Jia Xun and me on August 30, 2011 is terminated early due to whatsoever reason. Upon expiration of the term of this Power of Attorney, if requested by Sohu Era, I shall extend the term of this Power of Attorney as requested.

 

Authorizing Party: Yanfeng Lv

(Signature)

 

 

Date: August 30, 2011

 

Authorized Person: Beijing Sohu New Era Information Technology Co., Ltd.

(Seal):

 

Date: August 30, 2011

EX-10.9

Exhibit 10.9

March 5, 2014

Charles Zhang

Chairman of the Board

Sohu.com Inc.

Level 18, Sohu.com Media Plaza,

Block 3, No.2 Kexueyuan South Road, Haidian District,

Beijing China

Dear Charles,

Please accept my formal resignation as follows:

a) I have tendered to you my resignation, which will be effective at the close of business on March 31, 2014 (the “Effective Date”), as Co-President and Chief Operating Officer of Sohu.com Inc. (“SOHU”) and from all officer, manager and director positions I hold in SOHU and all of its direct and indirect subsidiary and all of its affiliated and related entities (collectively with SOHU, the “Sohu Group”). From and after the Effective Date I will cease having any rights to use any titles in such entities or with respect to any of the businesses operated by the Sohu Group.

b) Commencing on April 1, 2014 and ending December 31, 2014 (the “Consulting Period”), I will serve as a part-time consultant to the Sohu Group, reporting to Charles Zhang. The Sohu Group will compensate me for such consulting services at the gross rate of RMB100,000, or approximately $16,260, per calendar month. The scope of my consulting services will be limited to providing advisory services regarding management of the Sohu Group’s operations in portal, marketing, public relations, mobile and auto. Within that scope, I agree to provide up to 32 (thirty-two) hours of consulting services per calendar month, as and when requested by Dr. Zhang or his delegate, during the Consulting Period.

c) I hereby agree that, during the Consulting Period and for a period of three months after the end of the Consulting Period (the “Non-Compete Period”), I will not, on my own behalf, or as owner, manager, stockholder, consultant, director, officer or employee of or in any other manner connected with any business entity, participate or be involved in any Competitor without the prior written authorization of Dr. Zhang or his delegate. “Competitor” means any business of the type and character of any business in which the Sohu Group engages or proposes to engage and includes, without limitation, an individual, company, enterprise, partnership enterprise, government office, committee, social organization or other organization that produces, distributes or provides any products or services that are the same as or substantially similar to any product or service provided by the Sohu Group. “Competitor” includes without limitation: Sina.com, Tencent, Netease.com, iFeng, Renren, Youku Tudou, iQiyi, PC Online, SouFun, CRIC, BitAuto, Yahoo, Microsoft, Baidu, Google, Qihoo, Alibaba, Shanda, Perfect World, Giant, NetDragon, Kingsoft, The 9, Ctrip, Elong, Ebay, Dang Dang and Kong Zhong.

 

-1-


d) I hereby agree that, during the Non-Compete Period, I will not, directly or indirectly, including through any entity with which I am affiliated, hire or solicit, or encourage any other person or entity to hire or solicit, any individual who has been employed by any entity in the Sohu Group within one (1) year prior to the date of such hiring or solicitation, or encourage any such individual to leave such employment.

e) I hereby agree that, until I receive written notice from SOHU that I may do so, I will not exercise options for the purchase of 312,500 ordinary shares of Fox Video Limited (“Sohu Video”) held by me that under their current terms would have been exercisable for 90 days after the end of my employment with the Sohu Group, and SOHU hereby agrees that such options will instead be exercisable by me at any time within 90 days after SOHU first gives me such written notice.

f) SOHU hereby agrees that I will be entitled to receive payment of a bonus for the 2013 fiscal year if and to the extent that SOHU’s Board of Directors determines that the bonus has been earned based on the Sohu Group’s and my own performance for the 2013 fiscal year.

g) SOHU agrees that I will cease, effective four (4) days after SOHU announces its 2014 Q1 financial results, to be considered an insider for purposes of SOHU’s insider trading policy.

h) I hereby agree, on my own behalf, and on behalf of my heirs, successors and assigns, that the terms of this letter agreement will be in complete and final settlement of any and all claims, rights, interests, demands, compensation and damages (“Claims”), whether known or unknown, of every name and nature, both in law and equity, I have or may have, or have ever had from the beginning of the world to this date, against any entity in the Sohu Group, or any director, officer, employee, independent contractor, consultant, stockholder, manager, member, partner, trustee, beneficiary or agent of any of the foregoing through the date hereof, in any way relating to or arising out of my employment with SOHU or any entity in the Sohu Group, and the termination of such employment. This release does not release SOHU from any of its obligations under this letter agreement.

i) In exchange for my promises and agreements contained herein, SOHU agrees that the terms of this letter agreement will be in complete and final settlement of any and all Claims, whether known or unknown, of every name and nature, both in law and equity, it has or may have, or has ever had from the beginning of the world to this date, against me through the date it has signed this letter agreement, in any way related to or arising out of my employment with SOHU or any other entity in the Sohu Group and the termination of such employment. This release does not release me from, or waive any of the rights of SOHU or any other entity in the Sohu Group with respect to, (i) any of my obligations under this letter agreement or (ii) any act or omission that constitutes gross negligence, intentional misconduct, fraud, bad faith or a knowing material violation of law.

 

-2-


j) Except for Section 6(f), Section 7(c) and Sections 8, 9, and 10 of the Employment Agreement, which will survive indefinitely, SOHU and I hereby agree that the Employment Agreement will be, and hereby is, terminated effective as of the Effective Date.

 

Very truly yours,

 

Belinda Wang

Accepted and agreed to:

 

Sohu.com Inc.
By:  

 

  Charles Zhang
  Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

 

-3-

EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

I, Charles Zhang, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Sohu.com Inc.;

 

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

 

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

 

4. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America;

 

  c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

 

  a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Dated: May 9, 2014

 

/s/ Charles Zhang

Charles Zhang

Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the

Board of Directors

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

I, Carol Yu, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Sohu.com Inc.;

 

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

 

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

 

4. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America;

 

  c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

 

  a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Dated: May 9, 2014

 

/s/ Carol Yu

Carol Yu
Co-President and Chief Financial Officer
EX-32.1

Exhibit 32.1

SOHU.COM INC.

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE

SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Sohu.com Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2014 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Charles Zhang, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company, certify, pursuant to U.S.C. ss. 1350, as adopted pursuant to ss. 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition of the Company as of March 31, 2014 and results of operations of the Company for the three months ended March 31, 2014.

 

/s/ Charles Zhang

Charles Zhang, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors
May 9, 2014
EX-32.2

Exhibit 32.2

SOHU.COM INC.

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE

SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Sohu.com Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2014 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Carol Yu, Co-President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to U.S.C. ss. 1350, as adopted pursuant to ss. 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition of the Company as of March 31, 2014 and results of operations of the Company for the three months ended March 31, 2014.

 

/s/ Carol Yu

Carol Yu, Co-President and Chief Financial Officer
May 9, 2014