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Last updated on June 19, 2013 at 17:28 EDT

eLong Reports Third Quarter 2012 Unaudited Financial Results

November 15, 2012

BEIJING, Nov. 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — eLong, Inc. (Nasdaq: LONG), a leading online travel service provider in China, today reported unaudited financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2012.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20041118/ELONGLOGO)

Highlights

  • Hotel room nights booked through eLong in the third quarter increased 70% to 4.6 million room nights compared to 2.7 million in the prior year period. Online hotel bookings comprised 76% of total hotel bookings, compared to 60% in the third quarter of 2011.
  • Hotel commission revenue for the third quarter increased 24% to RMB156.6 million (US$24.9 million), compared to RMB126.0 million (US$19.8 million) in the third quarter of 2011.
  • Net revenues for the third quarter increased 20% to RMB197.3 million (US$31.4 million), compared to RMB164.3 million (US$25.8 million) in the third quarter of 2011.
  • Domestic hotel coverage network expanded 54% to almost 36,000 domestic hotels as of September 30, 2012, compared to 23,000 as of September 30, 2011. In addition, eLong offers over 160,000 international hotels through a direct connection to Expedia.
  • Entered into a new cooperation agreement with Expedia that provides an increased level of strategic cooperation with our largest shareholder.
  • Received several industry awards and honors, including: being named (1) a Top Micro-Innovation Company by BizReview Magazine, (2) a 2012 China Best Employer award by Zhaopin.com and Beijing University, and (3) a 2012 China Best Call Center by the China Federation of IT Promotion.

“In the third quarter, we launched our largest-ever marketing campaign, featuring our ‘Book Hotel, Use eLong’ branding and increased coupon promotions. The campaign contributed to significantly improved brand awareness and growth in our market share. It did come with a price, but we are willing to take a short-term loss for long term gain. Going forward, we will continue with our online hotel strategy, invest aggressively and drive harder,” said Guangfu Cui, Chief Executive Officer of eLong.

“We are strong believers in the eLong team and their ability to grow and continue to gain share in China. We are just getting started,” said Dara Khosrowshahi, President and Chief Executive Officer of Expedia.

Business Results

Revenues

Total revenues by product for the third quarter of 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011 were as follows (in RMB million):

                             Q3 2012     %     Q3 2011       %      Y/Y
                             -------           -------
                       Total  Total Growth
                       -----  ----- ------
    Hotel reservations               156.6  74%        126.0    72%      24%
    Air ticketing                     35.2  17%         33.7    19%       5%
    Other                             20.1   9%         15.5     9%      30%
                                      ---- ---          ----   ---      ---
    Total revenues                   211.9 100%        175.2   100%      21%
                                     ----- ---         -----   ---      ---

Hotel Reservations

Hotel commission revenue increased 24% in the third quarter of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011, primarily due to higher volume, partially offset by lower commission per room night. Room nights booked through eLong in the third quarter increased 70% year-on-year to 4.6 million. Commission per room night decreased 27% year-on-year, primarily due to an increase in the size of our coupon program both in terms of the number of hotels and the cash-back amounts offered, as well as the growth of groupbuy and budget hotels and lower average daily rates across other hotel segments. Hotel commission revenue grew to 74% of total revenues from 72% in the prior year quarter.

Air Ticketing

Air ticketing commission revenue increased 5% in the third quarter of 2012 compared to the prior year quarter, driven by a 12% increase in air segments to 662,000, partially offset by a 7% decrease in commission per segment. Commission per segment decreased due to a lower air commission rate compared to the same quarter of 2011 as well as air segments booked using our new air coupon program. Air ticketing commission revenue decreased to 17% of total revenues from 19% in the prior year quarter.

Other

Other revenue is primarily derived from advertising and travel insurance. Other revenue increased 30% year-on-year in the third quarter of 2012, mainly driven by increased advertising revenue. Other revenue was 9% of total revenues, consistent with the prior year quarter.

Profitability

Gross margin in the third quarter of 2012 decreased to 70%, compared to 73% in the third quarter of 2011. Gross margin decline was primarily due to lower hotel commission revenue per room night as well as higher volume-driven fulfillment costs.

Operating expenses for the third quarter of 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011 were as follows (in RMB million):

                                                             Q3 2012 % of Net Revenue Q3 2011 % of Net Revenue Y/Y Growth
                                                             ------- ---------------- ------- ---------------- ----------
    Service development                                               33.4             17%     26.4             16%        27%
    Sales and marketing                                              144.7             74%     69.0             42%       110%
    General and administrative                                        16.2              8%     12.9              8%        25%
    Amortization of  intangible assets                                 0.3              -       0.1              -        104%
    Charges related to property and equipment and intangible
     assets                                                            0.4              -         -              -        N/M
                                                                       ---                      ---            ---        ---
    Total operating expenses                                         195.0             99%    108.4             66%        80%
                                                                     -----            ---     -----            ---        ---

Total operating expenses increased 80% for the third quarter of 2012 compared to the third quarter of 2011. Total operating expenses increased to 99% of net revenues in the third quarter of 2012 from 66% in the prior year quarter which led to an operating loss of RMB56.2 million compared to operating income of RMB11.6 million in the prior year quarter.

Service development expenses consist of expenses related to technology and our product offering, including our websites, platforms and other system development, as well as our supplier relations function. Service development expenses increased 27% compared to the prior year quarter, mainly driven by higher personnel expenses. Service development expenses increased to 17% of net revenues in the third quarter of 2012 from 16% in the same quarter of 2011.

Sales and marketing expenses for the third quarter of 2012 increased 110% over the prior year quarter, mainly driven by increased advertising expenses from our marketing campaign and a further level of increased investment in online marketing channels. Sales and marketing expenses increased to 74% of net revenues in the third quarter of 2012 from 42% in the same quarter of 2011.

General and administrative expenses for the third quarter of 2012 increased 25% compared to the prior year quarter, mainly driven by higher personnel expenses. General and administrative expenses were 8% of net revenues, consistent with the same quarter of 2011.

Other income/(expense) represents interest income, foreign exchange losses and other income/(expense). Other income was RMB16.2 million in the third quarter of 2012 compared to other income of RMB0.9 million in the third quarter of 2011, primarily driven by an increase in interest income and a decrease in foreign exchange losses. Interest income in the third quarter of 2012 increased to RMB15.0 million, compared to RMB7.2 million in the third quarter of 2011, due to higher interest yield. Foreign exchange losses on our cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments decreased to RMB0.1 million in the third quarter of 2012, from RMB5.9 million in the third quarter of 2011 as we held a smaller percentage of our cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and restricted cash in US dollars than in the prior year quarter.

As of September 30, 2012, eLong held cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and restricted cash of RMB1.9 billion (US$306 million), of which 96% was held in Renminbi and 4% was held in US dollars, compared to total cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and restricted cash of RMB1.9 billion (US$291 million), of which 86% was held in Renminbi and 14% held in US dollars as of September 30, 2011.

Net loss for the third quarter of 2012 was RMB33.1 million, compared to net income of RMB9.4 million during the prior year quarter.

Net loss per ADS and diluted net loss per ADS for the third quarter of 2012 were each RMB0.96 (US$0.16), compared to net income per ADS and diluted net income per ADS of RMB0.28 (US$0.04) in the prior year quarter.

Business Outlook

eLong currently expects net revenues for the fourth quarter of 2012 to increase by 15% to 25% compared to the fourth quarter of 2011. This outlook reflects eLong’s current and preliminary view, which is subject to change.

Share Repurchase Program

Since August 17, 2012, no additional shares have been repurchased under eLong’s share repurchase program.

Safe Harbor Statement

It is currently expected that the Business Outlook will not be updated until the release of eLong’s next quarterly earnings announcement; however, eLong reserves the right to update its Business Outlook at any time for any reason.

Statements in this press release concerning eLong’s future business, operating results and financial condition are “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “project,” “predict,” “future,” “is/are likely to,” “should” and “will” and similar expressions as they relate to eLong are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of doing so. These forward-looking statements are based upon management’s current views and expectations with respect to future events and are not a guarantee of future performance. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about our anticipated growth strategies, our future business development, results of operations and financial condition, our ability to control costs and/or maintain profitability, our ability to attract customers and leverage our brand, and trends and competition in the travel industry in China and globally. Furthermore, these statements are, by their nature, subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual performance and results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could affect our actual results and cause our actual results to differ materially from those referred in any forward-looking statement include, but are not limited to, declines or disruptions in the travel industry, international financial, political or economic crises, a slowdown in the PRC economy, an outbreak of bird flu, H1N1 flu, SARS or other disease, eLong’s reliance on maintaining good relationships with, and stable air and hotel inventory from, hotel suppliers and airline ticket suppliers, and on establishing new relationships with suppliers on similar terms, our reliance on the TravelSky GDS system for our air business and Baidu for our search engine marketing, the risk that eLong will not be able to increase our brand recognition, the possibility that eLong will be unable to continue timely compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act or other regulatory requirements, the risk that eLong will not be successful in competing against new and existing competitors, the risk that our infrastructure and technology are damaged, fail or become obsolete, risks associated with Expedia, Inc.’s (Nasdaq: EXPE) majority ownership interest and Tencent’s shareholding in eLong, risks relating to eLong’s investment in other businesses and assets, fluctuations in the value of the Renminbi, inflation in China, changes in eLong’s management team and other personnel, risks relating to uncertainties in the PRC legal system, including but not limited to, risks relating to our affiliated Chinese operating entities and risks relating to the application of preferential tax policies, and other risks mentioned in eLong’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including eLong’s Annual Report on Form 20-F.

If one or more of these risks or uncertainties occur, or if our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual events or results may vary significantly from those implied or projected by the forward looking-statements. Investors should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release are qualified by reference to this cautionary statement.

Conference Call

eLong will host a conference call to discuss its third quarter 2012 unaudited financial results on November 16, 2012 at 8:00 am Beijing time (November 15, 2012, 7:00 pm ET). The management team will be on the call to discuss the quarterly results and to answer questions. The toll-free number for U.S. participants is +1-866-844-9413. The dial-in number for Hong Kong participants is +852-3001-3802. International participants can dial +1-210-795-0512. Pass code: eLong.

Additionally, an archived web cast of this call will be available on the Investor Relations section of the eLong web site at http://www.elong.net/AboutUs/conference.html.

About eLong, Inc.

eLong, Inc. (Nasdaq: LONGNews) is a leading online travel service provider in China. Headquartered in Beijing, eLong provides business and leisure travelers a leading selection of almost 36,000 hotels in China and over 160,000 international hotels in over 200 countries worldwide. eLong empowers travelers to make informed travel decisions with user-friendly website and mobile technology, a 24-hour customer service center and easy to use booking tools such as maps, destination guides, photographs, virtual tours and user reviews. eLong can also fulfill domestic and international air ticket reservations across China. eLong’s largest shareholders are Expedia, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXPE) and Tencent Holdings Ltd. (HKSE: 0700). eLong operates websites including www.elong.com, www.elong.net and www.xici.net.

For further information, please contact:

eLong, Inc.
Investor Relations
ir@corp.elong.com
+86-10-6436-7570

    eLong, Inc.
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
    (IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE AND PER ADS AMOUNTS)

                                                                                                                               Three Months Ended                                              Nine Months Ended
                                                                                                                               ------------------                                              -----------------
                                                                                                          Sep. 30, 2011  Jun. 30, 2012  Sep. 30, 2012  Sep. 30, 2012              Sep. 30,       Sep. 30,       Sep. 30,
                                                                                                                                                                                        2011           2012           2012
                                                                                                                                                                                        ----           ----           ----
                                                                                                               RMB            RMB            RMB           USD(1)                   RMB            RMB           USD(1)
                                                                                                           (Unaudited)    (Unaudited)    (Unaudited)    (Unaudited)             (Unaudited)    (Unaudited)    (Unaudited)
    Revenues:
    Hotel reservations                                                                                          126,043        153,843        156,598         24,917                 321,245        433,335         68,950
    Air ticketing                                                                                                33,681         29,944         35,198          5,600                  96,093         92,301         14,686
    Other                                                                                                        15,444         13,259         20,053          3,191                  39,472         47,149          7,502
                                                                                                                 ------         ------         ------          -----                  ------         ------          -----
    Total revenues                                                                                              175,168        197,046        211,849         33,708                 456,810        572,785         91,138
    Business tax and surcharges                                                                                 (10,822)       (12,007)       (14,590)        (2,322)                (28,785)       (37,334)        (5,940)
                                                                                                                -------        -------        -------         ------                 -------        -------         ------
    Net revenues                                                                                                164,346        185,039        197,259         31,386                 428,025        535,451         85,198
        Cost of services                                                                                        (44,319)       (46,149)       (58,514)        (9,310)               (114,416)      (145,938)       (23,221)
                                                                                                                -------        -------        -------         ------                --------       --------        -------
    Gross profit                                                                                                120,027        138,890        138,745         22,076                 313,609        389,513         61,977

    Operating expenses:
    Service development                                                                                         (26,347)       (30,494)       (33,381)        (5,311)                (69,595)       (91,110)       (14,497)
    Sales and marketing                                                                                         (68,993)       (90,526)      (144,722)       (23,028)               (167,496)      (302,198)       (48,084)
    General and administrative                                                                                  (12,936)       (14,591)       (16,194)        (2,577)                (38,641)       (45,559)        (7,249)
    Amortization of intangible assets                                                                              (137)          (279)          (279)           (44)                   (410)          (809)          (129)
    Charges related to property and equipment and intangible assets                                                  (7)             -           (378)           (60)                   (148)          (378)           (60)
                                                                                                                    ---            ---           ----            ---                    ----           ----            ---
     Total operating expenses                                                                                  (108,420)      (135,890)      (194,954)       (31,020)               (276,290)      (440,054)       (70,019)

    Income/(loss) from operations                                                                                11,607          3,000        (56,209)        (8,944)                 37,319        (50,541)        (8,042)

    Other income/(expenses):
    Interest income                                                                                               7,166         14,006         14,955          2,380                  17,061         40,568          6,455
    Foreign exchange losses                                                                                      (5,923)           (29)           (83)           (13)                (17,189)          (730)          (116)
    Other                                                                                                          (337)            65          1,339            213                  (4,855)         2,829            450
                                                                                                                   ----            ---          -----            ---                  ------          -----            ---
    Total other income/(expense), net                                                                               906         14,042         16,211          2,580                  (4,983)        42,667          6,789
                                                                                                                    ---         ------         ------          -----                  ------         ------          -----
    Income/(loss) before income tax benefit/(expense)                                                            12,513         17,042        (39,998)        (6,364)                 32,336         (7,874)        (1,253)
        Income tax benefit/(expense)                                                                             (2,921)          (963)         7,178          1,142                  (7,956)         3,567            568
        Equity in net loss of affiliates                                                                           (156)           (65)          (320)           (51)                   (115)          (935)          (149)
    Net income/(loss)                                                                                             9,436         16,014        (33,140)        (5,273)                 24,265         (5,242)          (834)
                                                                                                                  =====         ======        =======         ======                  ======         ======           ====

    Net income/(loss) per share                                                                                    0.14           0.23          (0.48)         (0.08)                   0.42          (0.08)         (0.01)
    Diluted net income/(loss) per share                                                                            0.14           0.23          (0.48)         (0.08)                   0.40          (0.08)         (0.01)

    Net income/(loss) per ADS(2)(3)                                                                                0.28           0.46          (0.96)         (0.16)                   0.84          (0.16)         (0.02)
    Diluted net income/(loss) per ADS(2)(3)                                                                        0.28           0.46          (0.96)         (0.16)                   0.80          (0.16)         (0.02)

    Shares used in computing net income per share:
             Basic                                                                                               67,831         68,687         68,859         68,859                  57,782         68,711         68,711
             Diluted                                                                                             69,547         69,225         69,404         69,404                  60,003         69,438         69,438

    Share-based compensation charges included in:                                                                 5,886          8,168          6,979          1,110                  16,304         22,096          3,516
            Cost of services                                                                                        393            638            417             66                   1,084          1,520            242
            Service development                                                                                   2,239          3,221          2,660            423                   5,514          8,653          1,377
            Sales and marketing                                                                                   1,114          1,069          1,015            162                   2,678          3,370            536
            General and administrative                                                                            2,140          3,240          2,887            459                   7,028          8,553          1,361

    Note 1: The conversion of Renminbi (RMB) into United States dollars (USD) is based on the noon buying rate of USD1.00=RMB6.2848 on September 30, 2012 in the City of New York for cable transfers of Renminbi as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve. No representation is made that the RMB amounts could have been, or
     could be, converted or settled into USD at the rates stated herein on the reporting dates, at any other rates or at all.

    Note 2: 1 ADS = 2 shares.
    Note 3: Non-GAAP financial measures

    eLong, Inc.
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (IN THOUSANDS)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Dec. 31,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2011       Sep. 30, 2012     Sep. 30, 2012
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 ---------     -------------     -------------
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    RMB             RMB               USD
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                (Unaudited)       (Unaudited)
    ASSETS
    Current assets:
    Cash and cash equivalents                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      411,676           341,220            54,293
    Short-term investments                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       1,433,425         1,519,243           241,733
    Restricted cash                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 61,400            61,400             9,770
    Accounts receivable, net                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        83,311           131,620            20,943
    Amounts due from related parties                                                                                                                                                                                                                                11,632            29,896             4,757
    Prepaid expenses                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                18,223            26,626             4,237
    Other current assets                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            33,761           101,300            16,117
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    ------           -------            ------
    Total current assets                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         2,053,428         2,211,305           351,850
    Property and equipment, net                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     44,230            70,772            11,261
    Investment in equity affiliates                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 15,549            18,024             2,868
    Goodwill                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        61,061            61,061             9,716
    Intangible assets, net                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           5,308             6,969             1,109
    Other non-current assets                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        31,142            35,664             5,674
    Total assets                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 2,210,718         2,403,795           382,478
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 =========         =========           =======

    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
    Current liabilities:
    Accounts payable                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                60,899            88,196            14,033
    Income taxes payable                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             7,009             9,650             1,535
    Amounts due to related parties                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   2,624            61,076             9,718
    Deferred revenue                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                20,880            40,693             6,475
    Accrued expenses and other current liabilities                                                                                                                                                                                                                 111,787           180,929            28,789
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   -------           -------            ------
    Total current liabilities                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      203,199           380,544            60,550
    Other liabilities                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1,536             1,494               238
    Total liabilities                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              204,735           382,038            60,788
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   =======           =======            ======

    Shareholders' equity
    Ordinary shares                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2,864             2,864               456
    High-vote ordinary shares                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2,691             2,691               428
    Treasury stock                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 (75,494)          (72,377)          (11,516)
    Additional paid-in capital                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   2,209,469         2,231,344           355,038
    Accumulated deficit                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          (133,547)          (142,765)          (22,716)
    Total shareholders' equity                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   2,005,983         2,021,757           321,690
    Total liabilities and shareholders' equity                                                                                                                                                                                                                   2,210,718         2,403,795           382,478
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 =========         =========           =======

    eLong, Inc.
    TRENDED OPERATIONAL METRICS
    (IN THOUSANDS)

    The metrics below are intended as a supplement to the financial statements found in this press release and in our filings with the SEC. In the event of discrepancies between amounts in these tables and our
     historical financial statements, readers should rely on our filings with the SEC and financial statements in our most recent press release.
    We intend to periodically review and refine the definition, methodology and appropriateness of each of our supplemental metrics. As a result, metrics are subject to removal and/or change, and such changes could
     be material.

                                                                              2011 (Unaudited)                  2012 (Unaudited)
                                                                               ---------------                   ---------------
                                                                          Q1                   Q2                    Q3                    Q4               2011            Q1                     Q2                   Q3
                                                                         ---                   ---                   ---                   ---              ----           ---                    ---                  ---

    Hotel Reservations
    Room Nights                                                                1,700                 2,217                 2,702                 2,583     9,202                  2,844                 3,666              4,601
    Room Night Y/Y                                                                41%                   43%                   42%                   50%       44%                    67%                   65%                70%
    Average Daily Rate Y/Y                                                       (1%)                  (9%)                  (9%)                  (8%)      (7%)                  (12%)                 (11%)               (9%)
    Commission/Room Night Y/Y                                                    (7%)                 (15%)                 (12%)                  (7%)     (10%)                  (19%)                 (11%)              (27%)
    Hotel Commissions Y/Y                                                         31%                   22%                   25%                   39%       29%                    36%                   47%                24%

    Air Ticketing
    Air Segments                                                                 587                   568                   591                   571     2,317                    554                   525                662
    Air Segments Y/Y                                                            (10%)                  (4%)                  (6%)                    1%      (5%)                   (6%)                  (8%)                12%
    Average Ticket Value Y/Y                                                      11%                    7%                    0%                    4%        5%                     1%                    5%                 0%
    Commission/Segment Y/Y                                                        14%                   10%                    8%                  (4%)        7%                   (5%)                    1%               (7%)
    Air Commissions Y/Y                                                            2%                    6%                    2%                  (4%)        2%                  (10%)                  (7%)                 5%

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement the financial measures calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, or GAAP, this press release includes certain non-GAAP financial measures including net income per ADS, diluted net income per ADS, Adjusted Earnings Before Interests, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (“Adjusted EBITDA”), Adjusted Net Income (“ANI”) and Adjusted Net Income Per Share. We believe these non-GAAP financial measures may help investors understand eLong’s current financial performance and compare business trends among different reporting periods. These non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to financial measures presented in accordance with GAAP, but should not be considered as a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures presented in accordance with GAAP. We seek to compensate for the limitations of the non-GAAP measures presented by also providing the comparable GAAP measures, GAAP financial statements, and descriptions of the reconciling items and adjustments, to derive the non-GAAP measures.

Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income plus (1) interest expense (income); (2) income tax expense; (3) depreciation; (4) amortization of intangible assets; (5) share-based compensation charges; (6) foreign exchange losses (gains); (7) acquisition-related impacts, including (i) goodwill and intangible asset impairment, and (ii) losses (gains) recognized on noncontrolling investment basis adjustments when we acquire controlling interests; and (8) certain other items, including restructuring charges and equity in net loss (income) of affiliates. We believe Adjusted EBITDA is a useful financial metric to assess our operating and financial performance before the impact of investing and financing transactions, if any, and income tax expense. Since share-based compensation charges are non-cash expenses, we believe excluding them from our calculation of Adjusted EBITDA allows us to provide investors with a more useful tool for assessing our operating and financial performance. In addition, we believe that Adjusted EBITDA is used by other companies and may be used by investors as a measure of our financial performance. The presentation of Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an indication that eLong’s future results will be unaffected by other charges and gains we consider to be outside the ordinary course of our business. The use of Adjusted EBITDA has certain limitations. Amortization and depreciation expenses for various non-current assets, share-based compensation charges, other income/(expenses), and income tax expense have been and will be incurred and are not reflected in the presentation of Adjusted EBITDA. Each of these items should also be considered in the overall evaluation of our results. Additionally, Adjusted EBITDA does not consider capital expenditures and other investing activities and should not be considered as a measure of eLong’s liquidity. We seek to compensate for these limitations by providing the relevant disclosure of our amortization and depreciation expenses, and share-based compensation charges in the reconciliations to the GAAP financial measure. The term Adjusted EBITDA is not defined under GAAP, and Adjusted EBITDA is not measure of net income, income from operations, operating performance or liquidity presented in accordance with GAAP. In addition, eLong’s Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to Adjusted EBITDA or similarly titled measures utilized by other companies since such other companies may not calculate Adjusted EBITDA in the same manner as we do.

Adjusted EBITDA should be considered in addition to results prepared in accordance with GAAP, but should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, GAAP measures. We present a reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to GAAP below.

    eLong, Inc.
    TABULAR RECONCILIATION FOR NON-GAAP MEASURE
    Adjusted EBITDA
    (IN THOUSANDS)

                                                    2011 (Unaudited)             2012 (Unaudited)
                                                     ---------------             ---------------
                                                 Q1                   Q2              Q3            Q4            2011   Q1           Q2           Q3
                                                ---                  ---             ---           ---            ----  ---          ---          ---
                                                RMB                  RMB             RMB           RMB          RMB     RMB          RMB          RMB

    Net income                                       7,712                7,119             9,436      15,004   39,271       11,883       16,014      (33,140)
    Interest income                                 (4,591)              (5,304)           (7,166)     (8,587) (25,648)     (11,606)     (14,006)     (14,955)
    Income tax expense/(benefit)                     2,786                2,250             2,921       2,790   10,747        2,648          963       (7,178)
    Depreciation                                     4,987                5,206             5,512       5,593   21,298        5,985        6,435        7,096
    Amortization of intangible
     assets                                            136                  137               137         137      547          251          279          279
    Share-based compensation
     charges                                         4,779                5,637             5,886       5,620   21,922        6,948        8,168        6,979
    Foreign exchange losses                          3,131                8,135             5,923       2,314   19,503          617           29           83
    Other                                               15                   84               161       1,155    1,415         (873)           -         (641)
                                                                                                        -----
    Adjusted EBITDA                                 18,955               23,264            22,810      24,026   89,055       15,853       17,882      (41,477)
                                                    ======               ======            ======      ======   ======       ======       ======      =======

Adjusted Net Income generally captures all items on the statements of operations that occur in normal course operations and have been, or ultimately will be, settled in cash and is defined as net income plus net of tax: (1) share-based compensation charges; (2) acquisition-related impacts, including (i) amortization of intangible assets, including as part of equity-method investments, and goodwill and intangible asset impairment, (ii) losses (gains) recognized on changes in the value of contingent consideration arrangements, and (iii) losses (gains) recognized on noncontrolling investment basis adjustments when we acquire controlling interests; (3) foreign exchange losses; (4) certain other items, including restructuring charges; and (5) discontinued operations. We believe Adjusted Net Income is useful to investors because it represents eLong’s results, taking into account depreciation, which management believes is an ongoing cost of doing business, but excluding the impact of other non-cash expenses, infrequently occurring items and items not directly tied to the core operations of our businesses.

Adjusted Net Income Per Share is defined as Adjusted Net Income divided by adjusted weighted average shares outstanding, which include dilution from options and warrants per the treasury stock method and include all shares relating to Performance Units in shares outstanding for Adjusted Net Income Per Share. This differs from the GAAP method for including Performance Units, which treats them on a treasury stock method basis. Shares outstanding for Adjusted Net Income Per Share purposes are therefore higher than shares outstanding for GAAP Net Income Per Share purposes. We believe Adjusted Net Income Per Share is useful to investors because it represents, on a per share basis, eLong’s consolidated results, taking into account depreciation, which we believe is an ongoing cost of doing business, as well as other items which are not allocated to the operating businesses such as interest income and income tax expense, but excluding the effects of non-cash expenses not directly tied to the core operations of our businesses. Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net Income Per Share have similar limitations as Adjusted EBITDA. In addition, Adjusted Net Income does not include all items that affect our net income and net income per share for the period. Therefore, we think it is important to evaluate these measures along with our consolidated statements of operations.

Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net Income Per Share should be considered in addition to results prepared in accordance with GAAP, but should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, GAAP measures. We present a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP below.

    eLong, Inc.
    TABULAR RECONCILIATION FOR NON-GAAP MEASURE
    Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net Income  Per Share
    (IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

                                                                2011 (Unaudited)            2012 (Unaudited)
                                                                 ---------------            ---------------
                                                             Q1                   Q2             Q3           Q4          2011  Q1          Q2          Q3
                                                            ---                  ---            ---          ---          ---- ---         ---         ---
                                                            RMB                  RMB            RMB          RMB         RMB   RMB         RMB         RMB

    Net income                                                   7,712                7,119            9,436     15,004 39,271     11,883      16,014      (33,140)
    Share-based compensation charges                             4,779                5,637            5,886      5,620 21,922      6,948       8,168        6,979
    Amortization of intangible assets                              136                  137              137        137    547        251         279          279
    Foreign exchange losses                                      3,131                8,135            5,923      2,314 19,503        617          29           83
    Other                                                        3,432                  386              263        524  4,605        (40)        (73)         317
    Adjusted net income                                         19,190               21,414           21,645     23,599 85,848     19,659      24,417      (25,482)
                                                                ======               ======           ======     ====== ======     ======      ======      =======

    Shares used in computing adjusted net income per share:
    GAAP diluted weighted average shares outstanding            52,105               57,920           69,547     69,080 62,298     69,342      69,225       69,404
    Additional performance units                                   316                  229              214        280    262        390         796          747
    Adjusted weighted average shares outstanding                52,421               58,149           69,761     69,360 62,560     69,732      70,021       70,151
                                                                ======               ======           ======     ====== ======     ======      ======       ======

    Adjusted net income per share                                 0.37                 0.37             0.31       0.34   1.37       0.28        0.35        (0.36)

SOURCE eLong, Inc.


Source: PR Newswire