Sohu.com Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2018 Unaudited Financial Results

BEIJING, Feb. 1, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Sohu.com Limited (NASDAQ: SOHU), China's leading online media, video, search and gaming business group, today reported unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.

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Fourth Quarter Highlights

    --  Total revenues([1]) were US$482 million([2]), down 5% year-over-year and
        up 5% quarter-over-quarter.
    --  Brand advertising revenues were US$57 million, down 20% year-over-year
        and flat quarter-over-quarter.
    --  Search and search related advertising revenues([3]) were US$277 million,
        up 12% year-over-year and 8% quarter-over-quarter.
    --  Online game revenues were US$94 million, down 14% year-over-year and 2%
        quarter-over-quarter.
    --  Operating loss for Sohu Video was US$30 million, compared with a loss of
        US$69 million in the fourth quarter 2017.
    --  GAAP net income attributable to Sohu.com Limited was US$15 million,
        compared with a net loss of US$295 million in the fourth quarter of
        2017.
    --  Non-GAAP net loss attributable to Sohu.com Limited was US$59 million,
        compared with a net loss of US$78 million in the fourth quarter of 2017.
    --  In the fourth quarter of 2018, Changyou recognized a US$16 million
        charge for goodwill impairment. Excluding the effect of this goodwill
        impairment charge, non-GAAP net loss attributable to Sohu.com Limited
        would have been US$48 million.

                        [1] The Company has adopted ASU No. 2014-09,
                         ''Revenue from Contracts with Customers"
                         beginning January 1, 2018. The only
                         significant impact of the standard is that
                         revenues and expenses related to advertising
                         barter transactions will be recognized
                         beginning January 1, 2018. The impact for the
                         fourth quarter of 2018 was approximately US$6
                         million for both revenues and cost of revenues
                         and expenses, most of which were generated
                         from SOGOU.


                        [2] On a constant currency (non-GAAP) basis,
                         if the exchange rate in the fourth quarter of
                         2018 had been the same as it was in the fourth
                         quarter of 2017, or RMB6.61=US$1.00, US$ total
                         revenues in the fourth quarter of 2018 would
                         have been US$504 million, or US$22 million
                         more than GAAP total revenues, and down 1%
                         year-over-year.


                        [3] Search and Search related advertising
                         revenues exclude intra-Group transactions.

Fiscal Year 2018 Highlights

    --  Total revenues were US$1.88 billion, up 1% compared with 2017.
    --  Brand advertising revenues were US$232 million, down 26% compared with
        2017.
    --  Search and search related advertising revenues were US$1.02 billion, up
        28% compared with 2017.
    --  Online game revenues were US$390 million, down 13% compared with 2017.
    --  Operating loss for Sohu Video was US$140 million, compared with a loss
        of US$302 million in 2017.
    --  GAAP net loss attributable to Sohu.com Limited was US$161 million,
        compared with a net loss of US$556 million in 2017. Non-GAAP net loss
        attributable to Sohu.com Limited was US$237 million, compared with a net
        loss of US$310 million in 2017.

Dr. Charles Zhang, Chairman and CEO of Sohu.com Limited, commented, "During 2018, as we faced a challenging macroeconomic environment, we focused our resources on key mobile products and worked hard to improve operating efficiencies. While annual revenues were largely flat compared with 2017, our bottom line performance was meaningfully improved thanks to a variety of cost saving efforts. For Sohu Media Portal, daily active users of Sohu News App, our flagship mobile product, outpaced the industry's growth, benefitting from superior content and continued upgrades of the recommendation engine. For Sohu Video, we focused on original program production, providing users unique and high quality dramas and shows. In the meantime, we significantly cut spending on traditional TV programs and successfully lowered the segment loss over 50% from 2017. In 2018, Sogou's mobile search and mobile keyboard continued to gain user traction while its leading AI capabilities have been not only recognized in international contests, but also applied to new commercial use cases. Lastly, Changyou delivered in-line financial results supported by solid performance of TLBB PC and mobile games. For 2019, Changyou will strengthen its R&D capabilities to launch more hit games."

Fourth Quarter Financial Results

Revenues

Total revenues for the fourth quarter of 2018 were US$482 million, down 5% year-over-year and up 5% quarter-over-quarter.

Total online advertising revenues, which include revenues from the brand advertising and search and search-related advertising businesses, for the fourth quarter of 2018 were US$334 million, up 5% year-over-year and 7% quarter-over-quarter.

Brand advertising revenues for the fourth quarter of 2018 totaled US$57 million, down 20% year-over-year and flat quarter-over-quarter. The year-over-year decrease was mainly due to decreases in video and real estate advertising revenues.

Search and search-related advertising revenues for the fourth quarter of 2018 were US$277 million, up 12% year-over-year and 8% quarter-over-quarter.

Online game revenues for the fourth quarter of 2018 were US$94 million, down 14% year-over-year and 2% quarter-over-quarter. The year-over-year decrease was due to the natural decline in revenue of the Company's older games, including Legacy TLBB Mobile.

Gross Margin

Both GAAP and non-GAAP([4]) gross margin was 43% for the fourth quarter of 2018, compared with 46% in the fourth quarter of 2017 and 43% in the third quarter of 2018.

Both GAAP and non-GAAP gross margin for the online advertising business for the fourth quarter of 2018 was 32%, compared with 37% in the fourth quarter of 2017 and 32% in the third quarter of 2018.

GAAP gross margin for the brand advertising business in the fourth quarter of 2018 was 26%, compared with negative 16% in the fourth quarter of 2017 and 23% in the third quarter of 2018. Non-GAAP gross margin for the brand advertising business was 26%, compared with negative 17% in the fourth quarter of 2017 and 23% in the third quarter of 2018. The year-over-year margin improvement was mainly due to decreased video content cost and impairment charges for video content cost recognized in the fourth quarter of 2017.

Both GAAP and non-GAAP gross margin for the search and search-related advertising business in the fourth quarter of 2018 was 34%, compared with 52% in the fourth quarter of 2017 and 34% in the third quarter of 2018. The year-over-year decrease primarily resulted from increases in traffic acquisition costs outpacing revenue growth.

Both GAAP and non-GAAP gross margin for online games in the fourth quarter of 2018 was 85%, compared with 84% in the fourth quarter of 2017 and 84% in the third quarter of 2018.


                            [4] Non-GAAP results exclude share-
                             based compensation expense; non-cash
                             tax benefits from excess tax deductions
                             related to share-based awards; changes
                             in fair value recognized in the
                             Company's consolidated statements of
                             operations with respect to equity
                             investments with readily determinable
                             fair values; income/expense from the
                             adjustment of contingent consideration
                             previously recorded for acquisitions;
                             dividends and deemed dividends to non-
                             controlling preferred shareholders of
                             Sogou; a one-time income tax expense
                             recognized in the fourth quarter of
                             2017 as a result of the one-time
                             transition tax (the "Toll Charge")
                             imposed by the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs
                             Act signed into law on December 22,
                             2017 (the "TCJA"); the subsequent re-
                             evaluation for the fourth quarter of
                             2018 and adjustment of the tax expense
                             previously recognized for the Toll
                             Charge; the resulting recognition of a
                             previously unrecognized tax benefit and
                             recording of an uncertain tax position
                             related to the balance of the Toll
                             Charge; and interest accrued in
                             relation to the previously unrecognized
                             tax benefit. Explanation of the
                             Company's non-GAAP financial measures
                             and related reconciliations to GAAP
                             financial measures are included in the
                             accompanying "Non-GAAP Disclosure" and
                             "Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Results
                             of Operation Measures to the Nearest
                             Comparable GAAP Measures."

Operating Expenses

For the fourth quarter of 2018, GAAP operating expenses totaled US$254 million, down 8% year-over-year and up 2% quarter-over-quarter. Non-GAAP operating expenses were US$252 million, down 1% year-over-year and up 2% quarter-over-quarter. The year-over-year decrease in GAAP operating expenses was mainly due to decreases in salary and benefit expenses. Operating expenses for the fourth quarter of 2018 included an approximately US$16 million impairment charge recognized by Changyou related to its 17173.com website business.

Operating Loss

GAAP operating loss for the fourth quarter of 2018 was US$48 million, compared with an operating loss of US$41 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 and an operating loss of US$49 million in the third quarter of 2018.

Non-GAAP operating loss for the fourth quarter of 2018 was US$46 million, compared with an operating loss of US$22 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 and an operating loss of US$47 million in the third quarter of 2018.

Other Income

Other income for the fourth quarter of 2018 was US$13 million, compared with other income of US$4 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 and other income of US$29 million in the third quarter of 2018. The year-over-year increase was mainly attributable to an increase in gain from Sogou's short-term investments in the fourth quarter of 2018. The quarter-over-quarter decrease was mainly attributable to Sogou's US$18 million gain from one of its equity investments in the third quarter of 2018.

Income Tax Expense

GAAP income tax benefit was US$70 million for the fourth quarter of 2018, compared with income tax expense of US$234 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 and income tax benefit of US$13 million in the third quarter of 2018. Non-GAAP income tax expense was US$5 million for the fourth quarter of 2018, compared with income tax expense of US$19 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 and income tax benefit of US$12 million in the third quarter of 2018.

The change from GAAP income tax expense to income tax benefit for the fourth quarter of 2018 from the fourth quarter of 2017 and the increase in income tax benefit from the third quarter of 2018 mainly resulted from a one-time income tax expense recognized in the fourth quarter of 2017 as a result of the one-time transition tax (the "Toll Charge") imposed by the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act signed into law on December 22, 2017 (the "TCJA"); the subsequent re-evaluation for the fourth quarter of 2018 and adjustment of the tax expense previously recognized for the Toll Charge; the resulting recognition of a previously unrecognized tax benefit and recording of an uncertain tax position related to the balance of the Toll Charge; and interest accrued in relation to the previously unrecognized tax benefit([5]).


                            [5] The revised treatment of the Toll
                             Charge is based on management's
                             estimate of the tax benefit and
                             related uncertain tax position as of
                             December 31, 2018, which is
                             management's estimate pursuant to
                             SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No.
                             118, and the uncertain tax position
                             related to the Toll Charge may be
                             subject to further adjustment in
                             subsequent periods based on future
                             circumstances, such as final IRS
                             Toll Charge regulations published in
                             January 2019, and on management's
                             judgment and estimates.

Net Income/(Loss)

GAAP net income attributable to Sohu.com Limited for the fourth quarter of 2018 was US$15 million, or US$0.37 income per fully-diluted ADS, compared with a net loss of US$295 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 and a net loss of US$35 million in the third quarter of 2018. Non-GAAP net loss attributable to Sohu.com Limited for the fourth quarter of 2018 was US$59 million, or US$1.50 loss per fully-diluted ADS, compared with a net loss of US$78 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 and a net loss of US$32 million in the third quarter of 2018.

Liquidity

As of December 31, 2018, cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments held by the Sohu Group, minus short-term bank loans, were US$1.73 billion, compared with US$2.12 billion as of December 31, 2017.

Fiscal Year 2018 Financial Results

Revenues

Total revenues for 2018 were US$1.88 billion, up 1% compared with 2017.

Total online advertising revenues, which include revenues from the brand advertising and search and search-related advertising businesses, for 2018 were US$1.25 billion, up 12% compared with 2017.

Brand advertising revenues for 2018 were US$232 million, down 26% compared with 2017. The decrease was mainly due to declines in portal, video and real estate advertising revenues.

Search and search-related advertising revenues for 2018 were US$1.02 billion, up 28% compared with 2017.

Online game revenues for 2018 were US$390 million, down 13% compared with 2017. The year-over-year decrease was mainly from Legacy TLBB Mobile, which was launched in the second quarter of 2017, and TLBB 3D.

Gross Margin

Both GAAP and non-GAAP gross margin was 43% for 2018, compared with 44% in 2017.

Both GAAP and non-GAAP gross margin for the online advertising business for 2018 was 32%, compared with 30% in 2017.

Both GAAP and non-GAAP gross margin for the brand advertising business for 2018 was 20%, compared with negative 16% in 2017. The increase was mainly attributable to a decrease in video content cost and impairment charges recognized in 2017.

GAAP gross margin for the search and search-related advertising business for 2018 was 35%, compared with 48% in 2017. Non-GAAP gross margin for the search and search-related advertising business for 2018 was 35%, compared with 49% in 2017. The year-over-year decrease primarily resulted from increases in traffic acquisition costs outpacing revenue growth.

Both GAAP and non-GAAP gross margin for online games for 2018 was 84%, compared with 86% in 2017.

Operating Expenses

For 2018, GAAP operating expenses totaled US$972 million, down 6% compared with 2017. Non-GAAP operating expenses were US$970 million, down 2% compared with 2017. The change was primarily attributable to impairment charges of approximately US$87 million recognized by Changyou in 2017 related to the MoboTap business, offset by increased product and development expenses.

Operating Loss

GAAP operating loss for 2018 was US$161 million, compared with an operating loss of US$209 million in 2017.

Non-GAAP operating loss for 2018 was US$158 million, compared with an operating loss of US$164 million in 2017.

Income Tax Expense

GAAP income tax benefit for 2018 was US$13 million, compared with income tax expense of US$273 million in 2017. Non-GAAP income tax expense for 2018 was US$62 million, compared with income tax expense of US$58 million in 2017. The change from GAAP income tax expense to income tax benefit for 2018 from 2017 resulted from management's re-evaluation and adjustment of the tax expense previously recognized for the Toll Charge in the fourth quarter of 2017.

Net Loss

GAAP net loss attributable to Sohu.com Limited for 2018 was US$161 million, or US$4.13 loss per fully-diluted ADS, compared with a net loss of US$556 million in 2017. Non-GAAP net loss attributable to Sohu.com Limited for 2018 was US$237 million, or US$6.08 loss per fully-diluted ADS, compared with a net loss of US$310 million in 2017.

Business Outlook

For the first quarter of 2019, Sohu estimates:

    --  Total revenues to be between US$390 million and US$415 million.
    --  Brand advertising revenues to be between US$45 million and US$50
        million; this implies an annual decrease of 11% to 20% and a sequential
        decrease of 13% to 21%.
    --  Sogou revenues to be between US$231 million and US$241 million; this
        implies an annual decrease of 3% to 7% and a sequential decrease of 19%
        to 22%.
    --  Online game revenues to be between US$80 million and US$90 million; this
        implies an annual decrease of 15% to 24% and a sequential decrease of 4%
        to 15%.
    --  Non-GAAP net loss attributable to Sohu.com Limited. to be between US$50
        million and US$60 million, and non-GAAP loss per fully-diluted ADS to be
        between US$1.30 and US$1.55. GAAP net loss attributable to Sohu.com
        Limited to be between US$55 million and US$65 million, and GAAP loss per
        fully-diluted ADS to be between US$1.40 and US$1.65.

For the first quarter 2019 guidance, the Company has adopted a presumed exchange rate of RMB6.90=US$1.00, as compared with the actual exchange rate of approximately RMB6.36=US$1.00 for the first quarter of 2018, and RMB6.91=US$1.00 for the fourth quarter of 2018.

Non-GAAP Disclosure

To supplement the unaudited consolidated financial statements presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"), Sohu's management uses non-GAAP measures of gross profit, operating profit, net income, net income attributable to Sohu.com Limited and diluted net income attributable to Sohu.com Limited per share, which are adjusted from results based on GAAP to exclude the impact of the share-based awards, which consist mainly of share-based compensation expenses and non-cash tax benefits from excess tax deductions related to share-based awards; changes in fair value recognized in the Company's consolidated statements of operations with respect to equity investments with readily determinable fair values; income/expense from the adjustment of contingent consideration previously recorded for acquisitions; dividend and deemed dividend to non-controlling preferred shareholders; the one-time income tax expense recognized in the fourth quarter of 2017 as a result of the Toll Charge imposed by the TCJA and the subsequent re-evaluation for the fourth quarter of 2018 and adjustment of the tax expense previously recognized for the Toll Charge; the resulting recognition of a previously unrecognized tax benefit and recording of an uncertain tax position related to the balance of the Toll Charge; and interest expense recognize in connection with the Toll Charge. These measures should be considered in addition to results prepared in accordance with GAAP, but should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, GAAP results.

Sohu's management believes excluding share-based compensation expense, changes in fair value recognized in the Company's consolidated statements of operations with respect to equity investments with readily determinable fair values; non-cash tax benefits from excess tax deductions related to share-based awards; income/expense from the adjustment of contingent consideration previously recorded for acquisitions; dividend and deemed dividend to non-controlling preferred shareholders; and income tax expense, income tax benefit, uncertain tax position, and interest recognized in relation to the Toll Charge from its non-GAAP financial measure is useful for itself and investors. Further, the impact of share-based compensation expense and changes in fair value recognized in the Company's consolidated statements of operations with respect to equity investments with readily determinable fair values; non-cash tax benefits from excess tax deductions related to share-based awards; income/expense from the adjustment of contingent consideration previously recorded for acquisitions; dividend and deemed dividend to non-controlling preferred shareholders; the one-time income tax expense recognized in the fourth quarter of 2017 as a result of the Toll Charge imposed by the TCJA and the subsequent re-evaluation for the fourth quarter of 2018 and adjustment of the tax expense previously recognized for the Toll Charge; the resulting recognition of a previously unrecognized tax benefit and recording of an uncertain tax position related to the balance of the Toll Charge; and interest expense recognized in connection with the Toll Charge cannot be anticipated by management and business line leaders and these expenses were not built into the annual budgets and quarterly forecasts that have been the basis for information Sohu provides to analysts and investors as guidance for future operating performance. As the impact of share-based compensation expense and changes in fair value recognized in the Company's consolidated statements of operations with respect to equity investments with readily determinable fair values, non-cash tax benefits from excess tax deductions related to share-based awards, income/expense from the adjustment of contingent consideration previously recorded for acquisitions, and dividend and deemed dividend to non-controlling preferred shareholders does not involve subsequent cash outflow or is reflected in the cash flows at the equity transaction level, Sohu does not factor this impact in when evaluating and approving expenditures or when determining the allocation of its resources to its business segments. As a result, in general, the monthly financial results for internal reporting and any performance measures for commissions and bonuses are based on non-GAAP financial measures that exclude share-based compensation expense and changes in fair value recognized in the Company's consolidated statements of operations with respect to equity investments with readily determinable fair values, non-cash tax benefits from excess tax deductions related to share-based awards, income/expense from the adjustment of contingent consideration previously recorded for acquisitions, and dividend and deemed dividend to non-controlling preferred shareholders, and also excluded the one-time income tax expense recognized in the fourth quarter of 2017 as a result of the Toll Charge imposed by the TCJA and the subsequent re-evaluation for the fourth quarter of 2018 and adjustment of the tax expense previously recognized for the Toll Charge, the resulting recognition of a previously unrecognized tax benefit and recording of an uncertain tax position related to the balance of the Toll Charge, and interest expense recognized in connection with the Toll Charge.

The non-GAAP financial measures are provided to enhance investors' overall understanding of Sohu's current financial performance and prospects for the future. A limitation of using non-GAAP gross profit, operating profit, net income, net income attributable to Sohu.com Limited and diluted net income attributable to Sohu.com Limited per share, excluding share-based compensation expense, non-cash tax benefits from excess tax deductions related to share-based awards, income/expense from the adjustment of contingent consideration previously recorded for acquisitions, dividend, and deemed dividend to non-controlling preferred shareholders is that the impact of share-based awards and non-cash tax benefits from excess tax deductions related to share-based awards has been and will continue to be a significant recurring expense in Sohu's business for the foreseeable future, income/expense from the adjustment of contingent consideration previously recorded for acquisitions may recur in the future, and dividend and deemed dividend to non-controlling preferred shareholders may recur when Sohu and its affiliates enter into equity transactions. In order to mitigate these limitations Sohu has provided specific information regarding the GAAP amounts excluded from each non-GAAP measure. The accompanying tables include details on the reconciliation between the GAAP financial measures that are most directly comparable to the non-GAAP financial measures that have been presented.

Notes to Financial Information

Financial information in this press release other than the information indicated as being non-GAAP is derived from Sohu's unaudited interim financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. It is currently expected that the Business Outlook will not be updated until release of Sohu's next quarterly earnings announcement; however, Sohu reserves right to update its Business Outlook at any time for any reason. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Sohu's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current plans, estimates and projections, and therefore you should not place undue reliance on them. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. We caution you that a number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, instability in global financial and credit markets and its potential impact on the Chinese economy; exchange rate fluctuations, including their potential impact on the Chinese economy and on Sohu's reported US dollar results; recent slow-downs in the growth of the Chinese economy; the uncertain regulatory landscape in the People's Republic of China; fluctuations in Sohu's quarterly operating results; Sohu's current and projected future losses due to increased spending by Sohu for video content; the possibilities that Sohu will be unable to recoup its investment in video content and that Changyou will be unable to develop a series of successful games for mobile platforms or successfully monetize mobile games it develops or acquires; Sohu's reliance on online advertising sales, online games and mobile services for its revenues; and the impact of the U.S. TCJA. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Sohu's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Conference Call and Webcast

Sohu's management team will host a conference call at 8:30 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time, February 1, 2019 (9:30 p.m. Beijing/Hong Kong time, February 1, 2019) following the quarterly results announcement.

The dial-in details for the live conference call are:



              US Toll-Free:                       +1-866-519-4004



              International:                      +65-6713-5090



              Hong Kong:                          +852-3018-6771



              China Mainland                      +86-800-819-0121 /
                                                    +86-400-620-8038



              Passcode:                
              SOHU

Please dial in 10 minutes before the call is scheduled to begin and provide the passcode to join the call.

A telephone replay of the call will be available after the conclusion of the conference call at 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time on February 1 through February 8, 2019. The dial-in details for the telephone replay are:



              International:                      +1-646-254-3697



              Passcode:                                   9187839

The live Webcast and archive of the conference call will be available on the Investor Relations section of Sohu's Website at http://investors.sohu.com/.

About Sohu.com

Sohu.com Limited (NASDAQ: SOHU) is China's premier online brand and indispensable to the daily life of millions of Chinese, providing a network of web properties and community based/web 2.0 products which offer the vast Sohu user community a broad array of choices regarding information, entertainment and communication. Sohu has built one of the most comprehensive matrices of Chinese language web properties and proprietary search engines, consisting of the mass portal and leading online media destination www.sohu.com; interactive search engine www.sogou.com; developer and operator of online games www.changyou.com/en/ and leading online video website tv.sohu.com.

Sohu's corporate services consist of online brand advertising on Sohu's matrix of websites as well as bid listing and home page on its in-house developed search directory and engine. Sohu also provides multiple news and information services on mobile platforms, including Sohu News App and the mobile news portal m.sohu.com. Sohu's online game subsidiary, Changyou.com (NASDAQ: CYOU) develops and operates a diverse portfolio of PC and mobile games, such as Tian Long Ba Bu ("TLBB"), one of the most popular PC games in China. Changyou also owns and operates the 17173.com Website, a leading game information portal in China. Sohu's online search subsidiary Sogou (NYSE: SOGO) has grown to become the second largest search engine by mobile queries in China. It also owns and operates Sogou Input Method, the largest Chinese language input software. Sohu.com, established by Dr. Charles Zhang, one of China's internet pioneers, is in its twenty-third year of operation.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

In China:



              Mr. Eric Yuan



              Sohu.com Limited



              Tel:                          
              +86 (10) 6272-6593


               E-mail:    
              
                ir@contact.sohu.com

In the United States:




     Ms. Linda Bergkamp



     Christensen



     Tel:                                
              +1 (480) 614-3004


      E-mail:    
           
     lbergkamp@christensenir.com



                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
              
                SOHU.COM LIMITED


                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
              
                CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS


                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
              
                (UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)




                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
              
                Three Months Ended                                                                                                           Twelve Months Ended



                                                                                                                                                                 Dec. 31
                , 20                                                Sep. 30
                , 20                                                Dec. 31
                , 20                                                Dec
           . 3
                1,                       Dec
     . 3
            1,
                                                                                                                                                                             18                                                                       18                                                                       17                                                                      2018                                           2017




              Revenues:



              Online advertising



                      Brand advertising                                                                                                                                                    $
              57,222                                                       $
              56,958                                                       $
              71,751                                                           $
            231,945                           $
             314,066



                      Search and search-related advertising                                                                                                                                         276,666                                                                  255,130                                                                  247,054                                                                   1,022,456                                      801,199




                           Subtotal                                                                                                                                                                 333,888                                                                  312,088                                                                  318,805                                                                   1,254,401                                    1,115,265




              Online games                                                                                                                                                                           94,106                                                                   95,971                                                                  109,383                                                                     389,788                                      449,533



              Others                                                                                                                                                                                 54,204                                                                   51,763                                                                   81,442                                                                     238,840                                      296,164




                                 Total revenues                                                                                                                                                     482,198                                                                  459,822                                                                  509,630                                                                   1,883,029                                    1,860,962






              Cost of revenues:



              Online advertising



                     Brand advertising (includes stock-based                                                                                                                                         42,485                                                                   44,059                                                                   82,932                                                                     184,474                                      363,592
    compensation expense of $-34, $-14, $-1,034, $-707 and
                                                                                                                                                                  $-415, respectively)



                          Search and search-related (includes stock-based
         compensation expense of $-48, $235, $535, $669 and
                                                                                                                  $540, respectively)                                             183,678                                                                  167,664                                                                  118,683                                                                       664,164                                    412,904




              Subtotal                                                                                                                                                                              226,163                                                                  211,723                                                                  201,615                                                                     848,638                                      776,496




                     Online games (includes stock-based compensation                                                                                                                                 14,499                                                                   14,902                                                                   17,097                                                                      60,981                                       62,775
    expense of $7, $-3, $1, $-31 and $73, respectively)



              Others                                                                                                                                                                                 35,633                                                                   33,716                                                                   56,987                                                                     162,102                                      195,895




                      Total cost of revenues                                                                                                                                                        276,295                                                                  260,341                                                                  275,699                                                                   1,071,721                                    1,035,166






              Gross profit                                                                                                                                                                          205,903                                                                  199,481                                                                  233,931                                                                     811,308                                      825,796





              Operating expenses:



                   Product development (includes stock-based                                                                                                                                        108,611                                                                  107,164                                                                  122,767                                                                     441,161                                      412,173
    compensation expense of $919, $2,362, $14,048, $6,132
    and $$23,547,  respectively)



                   Sales and marketing (includes stock-based                                                                                                                                        102,112                                                                  106,056                                                                  116,179                                                                     400,579                                      413,045
    compensation expense of $216, $201, $3,976, $405 and
                                                                                                                                                                 $5,915, respectively)



                   General and administrative (includes stock-based                                                                                                                                  26,828                                                                   35,078                                                                   35,829                                                                     113,724                                      122,874
    compensation expense of $470, $-1,062, $1,486, $-4,372
    and $15,816, respectively)



                   Goodwill impairment and impairment of intangibles via                                                                                            
              16,369[6]                                                                                                                                                                                                                       16,369                                     86,882
    acquisitions of businesses



                     Total operating expenses                                                                                                                                                       253,920                                                                  248,298                                                                  274,775                                                                     971,833                                    1,034,974






              Operating loss                                                                                                                                                                       (48,017)                                                                (48,817)                                                                (40,844)                                                                  (160,525)                                   (209,178)





              Other  income                                                                                                                                                                          13,073                                                                   28,822                                                                    4,321                                                                      64,167                                        6,658



              Interest income                                                                                                                                                                         6,457                                                                    4,658                                                                    7,357                                                                      24,079                                       24,138



              Interest expense                                                                                                                                                                      (5,279)                                                                 (6,174)                                                                 (2,567)                                                                   (17,538)                                     (4,088)



              Exchange difference                                                                                                                                                                     (378)                                                                   7,970                                                                  (4,059)                                                                      9,026                                     (14,385)




              Loss before income tax expense                                                                                                                                                       (34,144)                                                                (13,541)                                                                (35,792)                                                                   (80,791)                                   (196,855)


                                                                                                                                                                                                    (69,557)                                                                (13,145)                                                                 233,785                                                                    (13,432)                                     273,148


              Income tax expense/(benefit)




              Net income/(loss)                                                                                                                                                                      35,413                                                                    (396)                                                               (269,577)                                                                   (67,359)                                   (470,003)





                      Less: Net income attributable to the noncontrolling


              interest shareholders                                                                                                                                               20,773                                                                   33,870                                                                   24,558                                                                        92,723                                     84,523



                                                                                                                                                                                                      14,640                                                                 (34,266)                                                               (294,135)                                                                  (160,082)                                   (554,526)


              Net loss attributable to Sohu.com Limited






              Basic net income/(loss) per ADS attributable to Sohu.com                                                                                                                       $
              0.37                                                       $
              (0.88)                                                      $
              (7.56)                                                           $
            (4.11)                          $
             (14.27)
    Limited




              ADS used in computing basic net loss per ADS attributable                                                                                                                              39,069                                                                   38,936                                                                   38,888                                                                      38,959                                       38,858
    to Sohu.com Limited






              Diluted net income/(loss) per ADS attributable to Sohu.com                                                                                                                     $
              0.37                                                       $
              (0.89)                                                      $
              (7.57)                                                           $
            (4.13)                          $
             (14.30)
    Limited




              ADS used in computing diluted net loss  per ADS                                                                                                                                        39,234                                                                   38,936                                                                   38,888                                                                      38,959                                       38,858


              attributable to Sohu.com Limited





                            [6] The impairment was mainly related to Changyou's 17173.com website business. The launch of new initiatives for the 17173.com website fell behind schedule in the fourth quarter of 2018, and the profit outlook of the business remained uncertain. In addition, due to more stringent regulations, there was a significant decline in the number of new game
                             launches in the market, so the number of games marketed on 17173.com also fell. As a result, Changyou determined that the future performance of 17173.com would likely fall short of expectations, and that impairment charges were required.


                                                                                    
              
                SOHU.COM LIMITED


                                                                         
              
                CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS


                                                                               
              
                (UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS)




                                                                                                         
              
                As of Dec. 31, 2018                           
              
                As of Dec. 31, 2017




     
                ASSETS



     Current assets:



                Cash and cash equivalents                                                                                                               $
              819,713                                                  $
         1,366,115



     Restricted cash                                                                                                                                                5,974                                                             1,908



     Short-term investments                                                                                                                                     1,041,395                                                           818,934



                Accounts receivable, net                                                                                                                          242,361                                                           250,468



                Prepaid and other current assets                                                                                                                  207,117                                                           192,676



                          Total current assets                                                                                                                  2,316,560                                                         2,630,101




     Long-term investments                                                                                                                                        108,356                                                            90,145



     Fixed assets, net                                                                                                                                            504,998                                                           529,717



     Goodwill                                                                                                                                                      53,263                                                            71,565



     Intangible assets, net                                                                                                                                        24,118                                                            23,060



     Restricted time deposits[7]                                                                                                                                  244,179                                                               271



     Prepaid non-current assets                                                                                                                                     3,107                                                             4,211



     Other assets                                                                                                                                                  43,928                                                            40,169



                              Total assets                                                                                                            $
              3,298,509                                                  $
         3,389,239






     
                LIABILITIES



     Current liabilities:



                Accounts payable                                                                                                                        $
              295,954                                                    $
         288,394



                Accrued liabilities                                                                                                                               301,915                                                           343,106



                Receipts in advance and deferred revenue                                                                                                          124,782                                                           127,758



                Accrued salary and benefits                                                                                                                       112,898                                                           102,087



                Taxes payable                                                                                                                                      93,569                                                            96,541



                Short-term bank loans                                                                                                                             129,677                                                            61,216



                Other short-term liabilities                                                                                                                      124,085                                                           136,300



                          Total current liabilities                                                                                                   $
              1,182,880                                                  $
         1,155,402






     Long-term accounts payable                                                                                                                                       752                                                             1,157



     Long-term Bank Loans                                                                                                                                         302,323                                                           122,433



     Long-term tax liabilities                                                                                                                                    259,603                                                           293,010



     Total long-term liabilities                                                                                                                        $
              562,678                                                    $
         416,600




                              Total liabilities                                                                                                       $
              1,745,558                                                  $
         1,572,002








     
                SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:



               Sohu.com Limited shareholders' equity                                                                                                              588,840                                                           750,634



               Noncontrolling Interest                                                                                                                            964,111                                                         1,066,603




                          Total shareholders' equity                                                                                                  $
              1,552,951                                                  $
         1,817,237






     Total liabilities and shareholders' equity                                                                                                       $
              3,298,509                                                  $
         3,389,239





                   [7] In October 2018, to roll over matured offshore financing facilities, Changyou entered into a bank loan agreement pursuant to which it has drawn down U.S. dollar-denominated loans in the aggregate
                    amount of US$220 million that are secured by restricted time deposits of RMB1.7 billion (approximately US$244 million). All of the loans carry a floating rate of interest based on the LIBOR. All of the
                    loans are due to be repaid, and accordingly the restricted time deposits released, in 2021.


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
              
                SOHU.COM LIMITED


                                                                                                                                                                                                   
         
              RECONCILIATIONS OF NON-GAAP RESULTS OF OPERATION MEASURES TO THE NEAREST COMPARABLE GAAP MEASURES


                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
              
                (UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)




                                                                                                                                      Three Months Ended 
                Dec. 31                                                                       Three Months Ended
                 Sep. 30                                                                    Three Months Ended 
            Dec. 31
                                                                                                                                                           , 2018                                                                                                            , 2018                                                                                                  , 2017



                                                                                                   GAAP                          
              
                Non-GAAP                                    Non-GAAP                                                GAAP                          
              
                Non-GAAP                                      Non-GAAP                          GAAP                        
       
              Non-GAAP                                     Non-GAAP
                                                                                                                                           Adjustments                                                                                                                                               Adjustments                                                                                                                  Adjustments





                                                                                                                                                             (34)   
              (a)                                                                                                                                     (14)   
              (a)                                                                                                   (1,034)   
             (a)




              Brand advertising gross profit                                                               $
              14,737                                           $
              (34)                        $
              14,703                                     $
              12,899                                          $
              (14)                             $
          12,885                $
           (11,181)                              $
             (1,034)                          $
           (12,215)




              Brand advertising gross                                                              26%                                                                                                   26%                                                 23%                                                                                                     23%                          -16%                                                                                        -17%
    margin



                                                                                                                                                             (48)   
              (a)                                                                                                                                      235    
              (a)                                                                                                       535    
             (a)




              Search and search-related                                                                    $
              92,988                                           $
              (48)                        $
              92,940                                     $
              87,466                                           $
              235                              $
          87,701                 $
           128,371                                  $
              535                            $
           128,906
    advertising gross profit




              Search and search-related                                                            34%                                                                                                   34%                                                 34%                                                                                                     34%                           52%                                                                                         52%
    advertising gross margin





                                                                                                                                                             (82)   
              (a)                                                                                                                                      221    
              (a)                                                                                                     (499)   
             (a)




              Online advertising gross profit                                                             $
              107,725                                           $
              (82)                       $
              107,643                                    $
              100,365                                           $
              221                             $
          100,586                 $
           117,190                                $
              (499)                           $
           116,691




              Online advertising gross                                                             32%                                                                                                   32%                                                 32%                                                                                                     32%                           37%                                                                                         37%
    margin





                                                                                                                                                                7    
              (a)                                                                                                                                      (3)   
              (a)                                                                                                         1    
             (a)




              Online games gross profit                                                                    $
              79,607                                              $
              7                         $
              79,614                                     $
              81,069                                           $
              (3)                             $
          81,066                  $
           92,286                                    $
              1                             $
           92,287




              Online games gross margin                                                            85%                                                                                                   85%                                                 84%                                                                                                     84%                           84%                                                                                         84%








              Others gross profit                                                                          $
              18,571                        
              $                          
     (a)                $
              18,571                                     $
              18,047                        
              $                         
      (a)                    $
          18,047                  $
           24,455               
              $                         
      (a)                   $
           24,455




              Others gross margin                                                                  34%                                                                                                   34%                                                 35%                                                                                                     35%                           30%                                                                                         30%







                                                                                                                                                             (75)   
              (a)                                                                                                                                      218    
              (a)                                                                                                     (498)   
             (a)




              Gross profit                                                                                $
              205,903                                           $
              (75)                       $
              205,828                                    $
              199,481                                           $
              218                             $
          199,699                 $
           233,931                                $
              (498)                           $
           233,433




              Gross margin                                                                         43%                                                                                                   43%                                                 43%                                                                                                     43%                           46%                                                                                         46%








              Operating expenses                                                                          $
              253,920                                        $
              (1,605)   
     (a)               $
              252,315                                    $
              248,298                                       $
              (1,501)   
      (a)                   $
          246,797                 $
           274,775                              $
             (19,510)   
      (a)                  $
           255,265







                                                                                                                                                            1,530    
              (a)                                                                                                                                    1,719    
              (a)                                                                                                    19,012    
             (a)




              Operating loss                                                                             $
              (48,017)                                         $
              1,530                       $
              (46,487)                                  $
              (48,817)                                        $
              1,719                            $
          (47,098)               $
           (40,844)                               $
             19,012                           $
           (21,832)




              Operating margin                                                                    -10%                                                                                                  -10%                                                -11%                                                                                                    -10%                           -8%                                                                                         -4%










              Income tax benefit/(expense)                                                                 $
              69,557                                       $
              (74,160)   
     (c,d)             $
              (4,603)                                    $
              13,145                                       $
              (1,286)   
      (c,d)                  $
          11,859               $
           (233,785)                              $
             214,819    
      (d)                 $
           (18,966)











                                                                                                                                                            1,530    
              (a)                                                                                                                                    1,719    
              (a)                                                                                                    19,012    
             (a)


                                                                                                                                                              267    
              (c)                                                                                                                                    3,861    
              (c)


                                                                                                                                                         (74,071)   
              (d)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             214,819    
             (d)




              Net income/(loss) before non-                                                                $
              35,413                                                   (72,274)                                  (36,861)                                     $
              (396)                                        $
              5,580                               $
          5,184               $
           (269,577)                              $
             233,831                           $
           (35,746)
    controlling interest







                                                                                                                                                            1,530    
              (a)                                                                                                                                    1,719    
              (a)                                                                                                    19,012    
             (a)


                                                                                                                                                            (976)   
              (b)                                                                                                                                  (2,571)   
              (b)                                                                                                  (17,545)   
             (b)


                                                                                                                                                              267    
              (c)                                                                                                                                    3,861    
              (c)


                                                                                                                                                         (74,071)   
              (d)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             214,819    
             (d)




              Net income/(loss) attributable                                                               $
              14,511                                                   (73,250)                                  (58,739)                                  $
              (34,685)                                        $
              3,009                                    (31,676)              $
           (294,543)                              $
             216,286                                    (78,257)
    to Sohu.com Limited for
    diluted net  loss per ADS



                            Diluted net income/(loss) per                                                     $
              0.37                                                                                               (1.50)                                    $
              (0.89)                                                                                              (0.81)                 $
           (7.57)                                                                                     (2.01)
    ADS attributable to Sohu.com
    Limited



                                                                                                 39,234                                                                                                 39,069                                               38,936                                                                                                   38,936                         38,888                                                                                       38,888


              Shares used in computing
    diluted net  loss  per ADS
    attributable to Sohu.com
    Limited






              Note:



              (a)    To eliminate the impact of share-based awards as measured using the fair value method. This adjustment does not have an impact on income tax expense.



              (b)   To adjust Sohu's economic interests in Changyou and Sogou attributable to the above non-GAAP adjustments. This adjustment does not have an impact on income tax expense.



              (c)    To adjust for a change in the fair value of the Company's investment in Hylink and the income tax effect.



              (d)   To adjust for the effect of the U.S. TCJA.


                                                                                                                                                                       
              
                SOHU.COM LIMITED


                                                                                                                               
              
                RECONCILIATIONS OF NON-GAAP RESULTS OF OPERATION MEASURES TO THE NEAREST COMPARABLE GAAP MEASURES


                                                                                                                                                      
              
                (UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)




                                                                                                                                      Twelve Months Ended 
                Dec. 31                                                                             Twelve Months Ended 
            Dec. 31
                                                                                                                                                    , 201
                8                                                                                                  , 201
            7



                                                                                                   GAAP                           
              
                Non-GAAP                                                  Non-GAAP                           
     
              GAAP                       
      
               Non-GAAP                                    Non-GAAP
                                                                                                                                            Adjustments                                                                                                                                          Adjustments





                                                                                                                                                             (707)   
              (a)                                                                                                                              (415)   
              (a)




              Brand advertising gross profit                                                                $
              47,471                                          $
              (707)                                         $
              46,764                         $
          (49,526)                                $
              (415)                         $
           (49,941)




              Brand advertising gross                                                              20%                                                                                                                  20%                                        -16%                                                                                      -16%
    margin





                                                                                                                                                               669    
              (a)                                                                                                                                540    
              (a)




              Search and search-related                                                                    $
              358,292                                            $
              669                                         $
              358,961                          $
          388,295                                   $
              540                           $
           388,835
    advertising gross profit




              Search and search-related                                                            35%                                                                                                                  35%                                         48%                                                                                       49%
    advertising gross margin





                                                                                                                                                              (38)   
              (a)                                                                                                                                125    
              (a)




              Online advertising gross profit                                                              $
              405,763                                           $
              (38)                                        $
              405,725                          $
          338,769                                   $
              125                           $
           338,894




              Online advertising gross                                                             32%                                                                                                                  32%                                         30%                                                                                       30%
    margin





                                                                                                                                                              (31)   
              (a)                                                                                                                                 73    
              (a)




              Online games gross profit                                                                    $
              328,807                                           $
              (31)                                        $
              328,776                          $
          386,758                                    $
              73                           $
           386,831




              Online games gross margin                                                            84%                                                                                                                  84%                                         86%                                                                                       86%










              Others gross profit                                                                           $
              76,738                        
              $                          
              (a)                        $
              76,738                          $
          100,269               
              $                          
      (a)                 $
           100,269




              Others gross margin                                                                  32%                                                                                                                  32%                                         34%                                                                                       34%







                                                                                                                                                              (69)   
              (a)                                                                                                                                198    
              (a)




              Gross profit                                                                                 $
              811,308                                           $
              (69)                                        $
              811,239                          $
          825,796                                   $
              198                           $
           825,994




              Gross margin                                                                         43%                                                                                                                  43%                                         44%                                                                                       44%








              Operating expenses                                                                           $
              971,833                                        $
              (2,165)   
              (a)                       $
              969,668                        $
          1,034,974                              $
              (45,278)   
      (a)                 $
           989,696







                                                                                                                                                             2,096    
              (a)                                                                                                                             45,476    
              (a)




              Operating loss                                                                             $
              (160,525)                                         $
              2,096                                       $
              (158,429)                       $
          (209,178)                               $
              45,476                         $
           (163,702)




              Operating margin                                                                     -9%                                                                                                                  -8%                                        -11%                                                                                       -9%








              Income tax benefit/(expense)                                                                  $
              13,432                                       $
              (75,281)   
              (d,e)                    $
              (61,849)                       $
          (273,148)                              $
              214,819    
      (d)                $
           (58,329)







                                                                                                                                                             2,096    
              (a)                                                                                                                             45,476    
              (a)


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 5,754    
              (c)


                                                                                                                                                          (74,071)   
              (d)                                                                                                                            214,819    
              (d)


                                                                                                                                                             3,634    
              (e)



              Net loss before non-                                                                        $
              (67,359)                                      $
              (68,341)                                      $
              (135,700)                       $
          (470,003)                              $
              266,049                         $
           (203,954)
    controlling interest









                                                                                                                                                             2,096    
              (a)                                                                                                                             45,476    
              (a)


                                                                                                                                                           (7,574)   
              (b)                                                                                                                           (20,624)   
              (b)


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 5,754    
              (c)


                                                                                                                                                          (74,071)   
              (d)                                                                                                                            214,819    
              (d)


                                                                                                                                                             3,634    
              (e)



              Net loss attributable to                                                                   $
              (160,959)                                                  (75,915)                                                  (236,874)                       $
          (555,791)                              $
              245,425                         $
           (310,366)
    Sohu.com Limited for diluted
    net loss per ADS






              
                Diluted net loss per ADS                                             (4.13)                                                                                                   $
              (6.08)                                     (14.30)                                                                              $
        (7.99)
    attributable to Sohu.com
    Limited.                                                                               
              $                                                                                                                                                     
              $



                                                                                                 38,959                                                                                                                38,959                                       38,858                                                                                     38,858


              ADS used in computing
    diluted net loss per ADS
    attributable to Sohu.com
    Limited






              Note:



              (a)      To eliminate the impact of share-based awards as measured using the fair value method.



              (b)     To adjust Sohu's economic interests in Changyou and Sogou attributable to the above non-GAAP adjustments.



              (c)      To adjust impairment loss of available-for-sale securities of an investee that is unrelated to the Company's current business operations.



              (d)     To adjust for the effect of the U.S. TCJA.



              (e)      To adjust for a change in the fair value of the Company's investment in Hylink and the income tax effect.

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sohucom-reports-fourth-quarter-and-fiscal-year-2018-unaudited-financial-results-300788058.html

SOURCE Sohu.com Ltd.