Funtalk China Holdings Limited Reports Fiscal 2010 Third Quarter Financial Results

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March 2, 2010
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Funtalk China Holdings Limited Reports Fiscal 2010 Third Quarter Financial Results

- 3Q FY2010 Revenues Increased 4.3% to $160.9 Million Year-over-year -

- 3Q FY2010 Retail Revenue Increased 86.1% to $92.4 Million Year-over-year -

- 3Q FY2010 Consolidated Gross Margin Increased 310 Basis Points to 18.0%
                             Year-over-year -

  - 3Q FY2010 Net Income Decreased 3.3% to $9.4 Million Year-over-year -

BEIJING, March 2 -- Funtalk China Holdings Limited (the "Company") (NASDAQ:FTLK), a leading China-based retailer and distributor of wireless communications devices, accessories and content, today announced its unaudited financial results for the third fiscal quarter 2010 ended December 31, 2009 (3Q FY2010).

"We showed solid progress in our business in our third fiscal quarter 2010 and are pleased with our overall performance," commented Mr. Fei Dongping, Chief Executive Officer of the Company. "Our momentum was driven by our retail business, which generated strong organic growth and recurring revenue. The decline in revenue in our distribution business was fully expected as we distributed approximately 880,000 units of Samsung model B108, a low-end priced handset, in our third fiscal quarter 2009 due to weaker market conditions at the time, which did not recur in our third fiscal quarter 2010. We have a very strong opportunity to further expand our position as China's leading mobile phone retailer and are capitalizing on the opportunity to further consolidate our position in the fragmented mobile phone product and services market."

Third Quarter Financial Results

The Company reported consolidated revenue of $160.9 million for 3Q FY2010, representing a 4.3% increase from 3Q FY2009. The Company currently generates revenues from two business segments, retail and distribution of mobile phones and related accessories.

Retail revenue for 3Q FY2010 was $92.4 million, representing an 86.1% increase from 3Q FY2009. The strong growth year-over-year in the retail segment was primarily due to the inclusion of sales volume from seven retail companies covering 446 locations in 3Q FY2010, compared to sales volume of six retail companies covering 193 locations in 3Q FY2009. Organic growth (excluding the business acquisition in 3Q FY2010) of the Company's retail segment accounted for an increase of revenue of 64.6% to $81.8 million in 3Q FY2010 from $49.7 million in 3Q FY2009. The Company's acquisition of Shanghai Xieheng Telecommunications Equipment Co., Ltd. in 3Q FY2010 contributed approximately $10.6 million in revenue to the Company's retail segment.

Distribution revenue for 3Q FY2010 was $68.5 million, representing a 34.6% decrease from 3Q FY2009. The decreased distribution revenue year-over-year was primarily due to a 57.5% decrease in the total volume of mobile phones sold, offset by a 33.9% increase in average selling prices of mobile phones. The decrease in wireless devices sold through distribution was caused by a decreased market demand for lower priced handsets. The increase in average selling prices were primarily due to a higher mix of mid-end priced handsets sold and better availability for these devices compared to the same period in FY2009.

Gross profit for 3Q FY2010 increased 26.3% to $28.9 million, or 18.0% of total revenue, compared to $22.9 million, or 14.9% of total revenue, in 3Q FY2009. Gross margins for the distribution segment and retail segment were 18.6% and 17.5%, respectively, for 3Q FY2010, compared to 15.6% and 13.3%, respectively, for 3Q FY2009. The increase in gross margin was primarily due to the receipt of higher pre-tax vendors rebates in the retail segment during the quarter.

Selling and distribution expenses were $7.4 million for 3Q FY2010 compared to $0.5 million in 3Q FY2009. The significant increase was primarily due to the increase in rental expenses resulting from the retail acquisition in 3Q FY2010, the expansion of the Company's direct sales force for retail segment and greater amount of pre-tax vendors rebates offset against selling and distribution expenses in 3Q FY2009. General and administrative expenses were $5.2 million for 3Q FY2010, representing a 7.8% increase from $4.8 million in 3Q FY2009. The increase was primarily due to the increased headcount and an increase in bank service charges associated with the expansion of the Company's operations.

Income from operations decreased by 9.7% to $16.3 million in 3Q FY2010 from $18.0 million in 3Q FY2009. Operating income margin, calculated based on income from operations as a percentage of net revenues, decreased to 10.1% in 3Q FY2010 from 11.7% in 3Q FY2009.

Interest expense was $2.5 million for 3Q FY2010, representing a 100.0% increase from the corresponding period of FY2009. The increase was primarily due to the Company's higher average amount of notes payable and borrowings outstanding during the period. The Company had average outstanding borrowings of $122.2 million, bearing an average interest rate of 5.46%, in 3Q FY2010, as compared to average outstanding borrowings of $76.2 million, bearing an average interest rate of 7.15%, in 3Q FY2009.

Income tax expense was $4.6 million for 3Q FY2010, compared to $7.7 million for 3Q FY2009. The effective tax rate was 30.8% for 3Q FY2010 compared to 45.3% for 3Q FY2009.

Net income attributable to non-controlling interests of the Company's partially owned consolidated subsidiaries was $0.9 million for 3Q FY2010, representing a significant increase from the corresponding period of FY2009. The increase in non-controlling interest's share in net income in 3Q FY2010 was due to the fact that the retail companies with non-controlling interest holders incurred net losses in 3Q FY2009.

Net income attributable to the Company was $9.4 million, or 5.9% of total revenue for 3Q FY2010, representing a 3.3% decrease from $9.7 million, or 6.3% of total revenue for 3Q FY2009. 3Q 2010 diluted EPS was $0.19 based on a diluted share count of 50.3 million shares compared to 3Q FY2009 diluted EPS of $0.22 based on a diluted share count of 45.0 million shares.

As of December 31, 2009, the Company's cash balance (including pledged deposits) was $41.9 million. As of December 31, 2009, the Company's accounts receivable was $58.0 million, representing a decrease of 33.9% from the balance as of September 30, 2009. The accounts receivable turnover days for 3Q FY2010 were 42.7 days compared to 56.1 days in 3Q FY2009.

2010 Third Quarter Business Development Initiatives

On December 22, 2009, the Company completed a public offering of 3,100,000 ordinary shares and received proceeds before expenses of approximately $20.6 million. On December 17, 2009, the Company listed its ordinary shares on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol "FTLK."

On February 8, 2010, the Company announced that it recently signed a cooperation agreement with China United Network Communications Group Co., Ltd ("China Unicom"), one of three national wireless operators in China.

Under the terms of this agreement, the Company will help China Unicom to develop its 3G customer base and sell China Unicom's mobile products and services, including the Company's WCDMA and GSM phone products and services, to customers in select retail stores. The Company will allocate a certain percentage of retail space to China Unicom's mobile phone and netbook product offerings in 143 of the Company's retail store locations and utilize its sales staff to develop 3G subscribers on China Unicom's behalf. China Unicom will pay commissions to the Company based on the number of subscribers that convert to 3G services as well as from the average revenue generated from each user.

Outlook for Fourth Quarter of FY2010

The Company expects its revenue for 4Q FY2010 to be in the range of $200 million to $240 million and its net income attributable to the Company to exceed $10 million. The Company anticipates an even revenue split between its retail and distribution business segments in 4Q FY2010 and projects gross margin to be in the range of 12% to 13% and operating income margin to be in the range of 5% to 6%. Such projections are based on the Company's current views on its operating market conditions and are subject to change.

"We are encouraged with our growth prospects and look forward to strong performance in our fourth fiscal quarter 2010, a stronger seasonal sales trend and the availability of new mid- to high-end priced handsets. With the adoption of the 3G standard in China and increased competition among the major national wireless carriers, we expect our nationwide cooperation agreement with China Unicom to be mutually beneficial and start to generate revenue for the Company in the fiscal year 2011, which starts in April 2010. We will continue to explore opportunities to further expand our presence in the China market and remain focused on providing our growing base of customers with a wide range of mobile phone brands, products, services and content. We look forward to updating you on our developments as we move forward," concluded Mr. Fei.

Interim Financial Information

The unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income and balance sheets accompanying this press release have been prepared by management using U.S. GAAP. This interim financial information is not intended to fully comply with U.S. GAAP because they do not present all of the disclosures required by U.S. GAAP. The March 31, 2009 balance sheet was derived from audited consolidated financial statements of Pypo Digital Company Limited.

Conference Call

Management will host a conference call at 9:00 am ET on Tuesday, March 2nd. Listeners may access the call by dialing #1-201-689-8470. To listen to the live webcast of the event, please go to http://www.viavid.net/ . Listeners may access the call replay, which will be available through March 16th, by dialing #1-201-612-7415. The account number is 3055 and the conference ID number is 345752.

About Funtalk China Holdings Limited

The Company is a retailer and distributor of wireless communications devices, accessories and content in 30 provinces in China. The Company has branch offices and regional distribution centers, operates a chain of mobile phone retail stores, and has an internet retailing platform.

Safe Harbor and Informational Statement

This press release includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. The words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "predict," "project," "will," "would" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. The Company may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements, and investors should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements made by the parties as a result of a number of factors, some of which may be beyond the Company's control. These factors include the risk factors detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Further, the forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any future acquisitions, mergers, dispositions, joint ventures, collaborations, dividends or investments made by the Company or other parties. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

              (Financial Statements on Following Pages)

                     FUNTALK CHINA HOLDINGS LIMITED
       UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                (IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

                                 Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended
                                 Dec. 31,   Dec. 31,   Dec. 31,   Dec. 31,
                                   2009       2008       2009       2008

  Net revenues                   $160,873   $154,243   $566,324   $373,868
  Cost of revenues               -131,951   -131,335   -485,025   -319,840

  Gross profit                     28,922     22,908     81,299     54,028

  Operating expenses:
    Other operating income             --        457      1,153        480
    Selling and distribution
     expenses                      -7,420       -495    -28,537    -13,912
    General and
     administrative expenses       -5,215     -4,837    -14,061    -10,529
    Impairment loss on goodwill        --         --         --        -71

  Total operating expenses        -12,635     -4,875    -41,445    -24,032

  Income from operations           16,287     18,033     39,854     29,996

  Others, net                         745         52     -1,259        141
  Interest income                     486        268        618        516
  Interest expense                 -2,528     -1,264     -6,647     -3,991

  Income before income tax,
   equity in (loss) income of
   affiliated companies and
   non-controlling interests       14,990     17,089     32,566     26,662
  Income tax expense               -4,614     -7,734    -10,358     -9,158
  Equity in (loss) income of
   affiliated companies               -11         38        -11        121

  Net income                       10,365      9,393     22,197     17,625
  Net (income) loss
   attributable to
   non-controlling interests         -946        352     -4,102        -64

  Net income attributable to
   the Company                     $9,419     $9,745    $18,095    $17,561

  Basic net income per share       $0.201     $0.217    $ 0.386    $ 0.390

  Diluted net income per
   share                           $0.187     $0.217    $ 0.370    $ 0.390

  Number of shares used in
   computing basic net income  46,959,171 45,000,000 46,859,232 45,000,000

  Number of shares used in
   computing diluted net
   income                      50,383,535 45,000,000 48,850,469 45,000,000

                        FUNTALK CHINA HOLDINGS LIMITED
              UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                (IN THOUSANDS)

                                                  As of Dec.     As of Mar.
                                                   31, 2009       31, 2009
  ASSETS
  Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents                         $31,057        $33,468
  Restricted bank deposits                           10,859         11,504
  Accounts receivable (less allowance for
   doubtful accounts of $632 for December
   31, 2009 and $735 for March 31, 2009              57,963         72,802
  Inventories                                        96,177         54,701
  Notes receivable                                    1,637          2,982
  Value added tax receivable                          5,178          2,857
  Amounts due from related parties                      366         42,308
  Amount due from an affiliated company                  --         27,946
  Receivable from a vendor                           16,629         21,355
  Other receivable                                   41,302         44,180
  Prepayment and other assets                        22,871          8,314
  Deferred tax assets                                2, 517          4,866

  Total current assets                              286,556        327,283

  Non-current assets:
  Investments in affiliated companies                   347          1,479
  Property and equipment, net                        18,470         15,694
  Intangible assets                                  21,077         19,188
  Goodwill                                           70,029          1,977
  Other assets                                        1,897            320

  Total non-current assets                          111,820         38,658

  TOTAL ASSETS                                     $398,376       $365,941

                           FUNTALK CHINA HOLDINGS LIMITED
                UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)

                                              As of Dec. 31,   As of Mar. 31,
                                                    2009             2009
  LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

  Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable                                 $81,053         $28,290
  Notes payable                                     23,976          23,513
  Provision for rebates and price
   protections                                       6,621           9,048
  Advance payments from customers                    3,090           4,827
  Other payables and accruals                       17,440          20,611
  Income taxes payable                               5,981           8,086
  Amounts due to related parties                        --          20,300
  Amounts due to an affiliated company                 827             790
  Short term borrowings                             88,887          79,457

  Total current liabilities                        227,875         194,922

  Non current liabilities
  Deferred tax liabilities                           4,116           2,005

  Total liabilities                                231,991         196,927

  Total shareholders' equity                       156,695         154,561

  Non-controlling interests                          9,690          14,453

  TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS'
   EQUITY                                         $398,376        $365,941

  For more information, please contact:

   Francis Kwok Cheong Wan
   Senior Vice President
   Phone: +86-10-5852-8027
   Email: franciswan@funtalk.cn

   Bill Zima
   ICR Inc. (US)
   Phone: +1-203-682-8200
   Email: bill.zima@icrinc.com

Source: Funtalk China Holdings Limited
   

CONTACT: Francis Kwok Cheong Wan, Senior Vice President of Funtalk China
Holdings Limited, +86-10-5852-8027, franciswan@funtalk.cn; or Bill Zima of ICR
Inc., +1-203-682-8200, bill.zima@icrinc.com, for Funtalk China Holdings
Limited

Web site: http://www.viavid.net/

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