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China Housing & Land Development Reports Year 2008 Results

Posted on: Wednesday, 25 March 2009, 17:41 CDT

XI'AN, China, March 25 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- China Housing & Land Development, Inc., ("China Housing," Nasdaq: CHLN) today reported that total revenues for the year 2008 decreased 64.2 percent to $26.47 million from $73.91 million for the year 2007, net income decreased 42.7 percent to $9.56 million in 2008 from $16.69 million in 2007, and earnings per diluted share decreased 42.7 percent to $0.30 per diluted share in 2008 from $0.62 per diluted share in 2007.

Mr. William Xin, Chief Financial Officer of China Housing & Land Development, Inc., said, "Our revenue was lower because most of our projects just started in 2008, so there is a higher cost associated with them and lower revenue compared with 2007 when several large projects came to completion. Our higher SG&A expenses were due mainly to the startup costs of our new joint venture and two rounds of financing in 2008, as well as our move from the OTC Bulletin Board to NASDAQ. Most of these costs are nonrecurring."

Mr. Pingji Lu, Chairman of China Housing & Land Development, Inc., said, "Our financial performance in 2008 was consistent with our long-term progress and with the periodic nature of the real estate development business. We continue to manage our business to deliver great performance in our operations and believe that superior long-term financial performance will be the likely result.

"The Xi'an real estate market warmed in January and February 2009, with some consumers deciding that it was time to start buying. Prices and sales volume both increased compared with January and February 2008.

"The average residential sales price per square meter in Xi'an increased by 4.5 percent in January 2009 over January 2008. February's average price per square meter increased 7.0 percent over February 2008.

"Residential sales volume, measured by square meters sold in Xi'an in the January-February 2009 period, increased 5.9 percent from the same two-month period of 2008.

"While the trend of the January-February market was encouraging, it is too early to know if the increases in the Xi'an housing market were caused by a temporary release of pent up demand from the soft fourth quarter or from a new foundation for sustainable market expansion or both."

Tsining JunJing II project update

Mr. Xiaohong Feng, Chief Executive Officer of China Housing & Land Development, Inc., said, "Tsining JunJing II, our current project under construction, is a multi-family and retail project on 18 acres with 2,119 apartments. It has two phases and is scheduled to be finished in 2010.

"Phase one has 13 middle-rise and high-rise residential buildings and 3 auxiliary buildings, including a kindergarten, with a gross floor area of about 136,012 square meters. In 2008, we collected $33.6 million in pre-sales deposits, of which we recognized $23.8 million as revenues in 2008. Estimated total revenues from phase one are about $101.6 million. We should complete phase one in the third quarter of 2009.

"Phase two of JunJing II consists of 12 middle-rise and high-rise buildings. Construction should start in the second quarter of 2009, and we will begin accepting pre-sales purchase agreements during the third quarter 2009. Revenue from those pre-sales should begin to be recognized when the construction starts above the ground level in the fourth quarter of 2009 or the first quarter of 2010. The total revenues from phase two are expected to be about $94.1 million.

"Another project, in planning, is JunJing III that is near our JunJing II project. It will have an expected total gross floor area of about 51,470 square meters and consist of 3 high rise buildings, each 28 to 30 stories high. Construction should start in the third quarter 2009 and the pre-sales should start in the same quarter. The total estimated revenue from this project is about $46.0 million.

"As you can see, we are making great progress and expect additional cash from JunJing II and JunJing III in future quarters."

Joint venture update

Mr. Lu continued, "The Puhua project, our 79 acre joint venture project located in Baqiao, has a total land area of 192,582 square meters and an expected gross floor area of about 610,000 square meters.

"In December 2008, we formed the joint venture with Prax Capital China Real Estate Holdings Limited. Prax Capital invested $29.3 million cash in the joint venture. The joint venture acquired the land use rights early in the first quarter 2009 and is proceeding on schedule. Here is our progress as of March 25:

-- The detailed site planning and architectural designs are well underway. -- Our marketing research company is performing focused but extensive research to determine our best target customers for this premium riverfront property. -- We have selected the firm that will do the detailed market positioning to reach those target customers. That firm also will be our exclusive promotion and sales agent for the project. -- The 79 acres have been cleaned and are ready for the excavation of the building foundations to begin as soon as the detailed site plan becomes final. -- Ground breaking currently is scheduled for June 2009, with the first pre-sales likely to start in September 2009. The starts may be delayed somewhat if the real estate market softens instead of improves. -- Construction of the buildings will be in phases, with the final buildings expected to be finished in 2014.

"We are confident that this first site in our Baqiao project will be a world-class residential community and that the whole Baqiao development will become the great success we envision.

Goal and strategies

"We have recently sharpened our goal and strategies.

"Our goal is to become the leading residential property developer in Xi'an and in other urban markets in western China, measured by the combination of high customer satisfaction, high quality design and construction, the gross floor area created each year, total assets, and an internal rate of return greater than our cost of capital.

"Our five primary strategies are:

"One, focus on continuing to serve the greater Xi'an market and on expanding into the leading urban markets in western China. Western China accounts for about half of geographic China, has a growing share of the country's population, and is an emerging market with low costs, natural resources and developing industries, and high growth potential.

"Two, serve the rapidly growing market segment of middle and upper income families.

"Three, maintain modern cost control systems to ensure cost-effective and efficient operations.

"Four, leverage our strong brand. The acquisition of our new property management company in early 2009 will strengthen our brand by making sure our communities are well maintained. The result will be sustained high quality and retained value for our customers. Our strong brand gives us a competitive advantage in acquiring property rights, attracting customers, negotiating prices, achieving target internal rates of return, and expanding into other markets.

"And five, use our access in the global capital markets to expand our organic growth and increase our prudent acquisitions and expansions."

Year 2008 results

Revenues

Total revenues for the year 2008 decreased 64.2 percent to $26,465,846 from $73,912,850 in 2007, due primarily to lower revenues from the sale of properties, partly offset by higher other income, as discussed below.

Revenues from the sale of properties

Revenues from the sale of properties in the 2008 decreased 67.0% to $24,306,062 from $73,579,325 in 2007, primarily due to the absence of a land sale in 2007, and the completion of two housing and commercial projects and one infrastructure construction project in 2007. The revenue in 2008 came mainly pre-sales of apartments in the Tsining JunJing II phase one residential project that is under construction.

Revenues from the sale of properties, by project 2008 2007 US dollars Project Under Construction Tsining JunJing II Phase one $23,776,789 $-- Projects Completed Tsining JunJing I 264,066 8,964,783 Tsining-24G 27,243 25,198,128 Tsining Gangwan 58,427 2,368,602 Tsining Hanyuan 13,894 3,100 Tsining Home In 121,076 323,751 Tsining Mingyuan 44,567 247,298 Lidu Mingyuan -- 303,124 Infrastructure Project Baqiao infrastructure construction (river dam in 2007) -- 10,790,610 Project In Process Baqiao (land sale in 2007) -- 24,405,717 Revenues from the sales of properties $24,306,062 $73,579,325

Other income

Other income increase 547.6 percent to $2,159,784 in 2008 from $333,525 in 2007. The 2008 other income included revenues of $1,433,837 generated from our infrastructure construction project in the Baqiao area and consisted of the government's allowance for the equivalent cost of interest on the Company's investments required to support the infrastructure construction.

Cost of properties and land

The cost of properties and land in 2008 decreased 50.3 percent to $21,473,426 compared with $43,221,757 in 2007. The decrease was primarily as a result of the lower number of projects sold. In 2008, we had one project that recognized revenue from a portion of pre-sales using the percentage of completion method of accounting, compared with sales of two projects in 2007 using the full accrual method of accounting.

Selling, general, and administrative expenses

Selling, general, and administrative expenses for 2008 increased 191.1 percent to $8,497,562 from $2,919,360 in 2007. The increase in selling, general, and administrative expenses was due primarily to the following reasons:

1. Higher advertising, marketing, and selling expenses totaled $1,261,495 in 2008 compared with $781,998 in 2007. The increase resulted from the Company's aggressive marketing campaign during 2008 for Tsining JunJing II phase one project, which included advertising and fully furnished showrooms where potential buyers could see possible layouts and decorative effects. These showrooms have attracted hundreds of potential buyers and continue to create buyer interest and result in additional pre-sales purchase agreements.

2. During the fourth quarter of 2008, we completed the formation of the Puhua joint venture with Prax Capital. Start-up costs totaling $637,522 were expensed in 2008. We had no similar start-up costs in 2007.

3. An increase in allowance for bad debts. The Company provides an allowance for doubtful accounts equal to the estimated uncollectible amounts based on historical collection experience and a review of the current status of trade accounts receivable. We booked an allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,278,516 in 2008 compared with $94,514 in 2007.

4. Higher professional expenses that resulted from the Company's upgrade to NASDAQ where our common shares began trading in May 2008. The Company believes its listing on NASDAQ will provide more liquidity and transparency for shareholders and additional financing flexibility for the Company. Audit, legal, and other professional costs totaled $780,032 in 2008 compared with 392,251 in 2007.

5. Higher stamp tax and land use tax paid in 2008 due to changes in local regulations that caused us to recognize $429,593 for those taxes in 2008 compared with $6,964 in 2007.

6. Debt issuance costs are capitalized as deferred financing cost and amortized on a straight line basis over the term of the debt. The amortization of debt issuance costs in 2008 was $148,606 and no such costs were incurred in 2007.

Stock-based compensation

The company recorded a $3 million non-cash expense for restricted common shares during the third quarter 2008, which was related the Company's incentive program for performance achieved in 2007. The Company also recorded a $78,600 non-cash expense for shares issued to certain directors and officer as part of their 2008 salary.

Other expenses

Other expenses in 2008 increased 414.8 percent to $295,595 compared with $57,416 in 2007. The other expenses in 2008 included $146,412 (RMB 1,000,000) in donations to earthquake relief funds in China. Other expenses consist mainly of the losses or gains related to the cleanup of fixed assets, donations to charitable organizations, late delivery settlements, and maintenance costs.

Interest expense

Interest expense in 2008 decreased 18.5 percent to $1,346,183 from $1,652,349 in 2007. In mid-2008, the Company signed a RMB 1 billion (about $147 million) construction credit line agreement with China Construction Bank. During 2008, we drew down about $22 million in the credit line. The loan from China Construction Bank has an interest rate that floats at 110 percent of the People's Bank of China reference rate.

Provision for income taxes

During the fourth quarter of 2008, the local tax authority conducted a tax examination and reached a tax settlement with us regarding our income tax liability; we realized a gain of $12,712,153, which is included in the provision for income taxes. As a result, the Company adjusted its provision for income taxes to $(10,490,833) for 2008 compared with the $8,743,556 provision in 2007.

Minority interest

We recorded $(159,564) minority interest attributable to the minority shareholder of Puhua and Success Hill, which is related to the formation of the Puhua joint venture in the fourth quarter of 2008. We had no minority interest in 2007.

Net income

Net income in 2008 decreased 42.7 percent to $9,555,853 from $16,686,116 in 2007. As explained above, the decrease in net income was due primarily to the absence of a land sale, fewer projects and units in the sales cycle, lower gross profit, higher selling, general, and administrative expenses, the restricted common stock issued in 2008 as incentive compensation for the year 2007, and accretion on convertible debt, partly offset by the change in the fair value of warrants and embedded derivatives and the tax settlement in fourth quarter of 2008.

Basic and diluted earnings per share

Basic earnings per share were $0.31 in 2008, down 50.0 percent from $0.62 in 2007. Diluted earnings per share were $0.30 in 2008, down 51.6 percent from $0.62 in 2007.

Cash flow

Cash flow from operating activities decreased 437.7 percent to $(29,076,621) in 2008 from $8,611,383 in 2007, primarily due to the operating cash outflow associated with the development of Tsining JunJing II phase one.

The use of cash in investing activities in 2008 was $(510,713), which was 98.0 percent less than 2007, primarily due to the increase of the restricted cash and the absence of our acquisition of all the equity of New Land in March 2007.

Cash flow from financing activities in 2008 provided $63,933,479, up 247.2 percent from 2007, primarily due to $29,268,913 in net proceeds from the creation of the joint venture with Prax Capital, the $19,230,370 proceeds from the convertible notes issued in January 2008 and funds from construction loans with banks that totaled $46,054,762, partly offset by payments on loans totaling $25,905,804.

In mid-2008, the Company signed a RMB 1 billion (about $147 million) construction credit line agreement with China Construction Bank to support the Company's development projects. The Company has been granted a total RMB 22 million loan for the JunJing II phase one project and expects another RMB 22 million loan once the JunJing II phase two project begins.

As a result of the above cash flow changes from operating, investing, and financing activities, the increase in cash in 2008 was $34,413,512 compared with an increase $2,007,132 in 2007.

Debt leverage

Total debt outstanding as of December 31, 2008 was $59,186,304 compared with $27,922,125 on December 31, 2007.

Net debt outstanding (total debt less cash and restricted cash) as of December 31, 2008 was $20,955,952 compared with $25,469,759 on December 31, 2007. The Company's net debt as a percent of total capital (net debt plus shareholders' equity) was 19.8 percent on December 31, 2008 and 27.8 percent on December 31, 2007.

Conference call and webcast

China Housing & Land Development will webcast its year 2008 conference call at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (U.S.A.) on Thursday, March 26, 2009. The live conference call audio broadcast can be reached using the investor relations page of the Company's website at http://www.chldinc.com .

About China Housing & Land Development, Inc.

Based in Xi'an, the capital city of China's Shaanxi province, China Housing & Land Development, Inc., is a leading developer of residential and commercial properties in northwest China. China Housing has been engaged in land acquisition, development, and management, including the sales of residential and commercial real estate properties through its subsidiaries in China, since 1992.

China Housing & Land Development is the first and only Chinese real estate development company traded on NASDAQ.

Safe Harbor

This news release may contain forward-looking information about China Housing & Land Development, Inc., which is covered under the safe harbor for forward-looking statements provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. These statements can be identified by the use of forward- looking terminology such as believe, expect, may, will, should, project, plan, seek, intend, or anticipate or the negative thereof or comparable terminology, and include discussions of strategy, and statements about industry trends and China Housing & Land Development's future performance, operations, and products.

Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Actual performance results may vary significantly from expectations and projections. Further information regarding this and other risk factors are contained in China Housing & Land Development, Inc.'s public filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this news release and in the attachments is as of the date of the release, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under law.

China Housing & Land Development news releases, project information, photographs, and more are available on the internet at http://www.chldinc.com .

Financial statements follow. CHINA HOUSING & LAND DEVELOPMENT INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Balance Sheets As of December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 December 31, December 31, 2008 2007 ASSETS Cash $37,425,340 $2,351,015 Cash - restricted 805,012 101,351 Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,278,156 and $94,514, respectively 813,122 12,107,882 Other receivables, prepaid expenses and other assets 446,497 567,308 Notes receivable, net 811,695 947,918 Real estate held for development or sale 60,650,011 40,986,931 Property and equipment, net 12,391,501 5,707,012 Assets held for sale 14,308,691 12,910,428 Advance to suppliers 704,275 2,071,549 Deposits on land use rights 47,333,287 29,694,103 Intangible assets, net 46,043,660 48,205,697 Deferred Financing Costs 622,118 55,451 Total assets $222,355,209 $155,706,645 LIABILITIES Accounts payable $10,525,158 $9,311,995 Advances from customers 9,264,385 5,258,351 Accrued expenses 3,539,842 1,903,451 Payable to Newland's previous shareholders 8,429,889 11,413,229 Income and other taxes payable 7,532,730 22,711,981 Other payables 5,183,251 3,881,137 Loans from employees 1,517,039 2,388,862 Loans payable 35,617,442 14,120,034 Deferred tax liability 11,510,915 15,907,880 Warrants liability 1,117,143 2,631,991 Fair value of embedded derivatives 760,398 -- Convertible debt 13,621,934 -- Total liabilities 108,620,126 89,528,911 MINORITY INTEREST IN SUBSIDIARIES 29,109,350 -- SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Common stock: $.001 par value, authorized 100,000,000 shares issued and outstanding 30,893,757 and 30,141,887, respectively 30,894 30,142 Additional paid in capital 31,390,750 28,381,534 Statutory reserves 3,541,226 2,885,279 Retained earnings 39,265,062 30,365,156 Accumulated other comprehensive income 10,397,801 4,515,623 Total shareholders' equity 84,625,733 66,177,734 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $222,355,209 $155,706,645 CHINA HOUSING & LAND DEVELOPMENT INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Statements of Income and Other Comprehensive Income For The Years Ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006 2008 2007 2006 REVENUE Sale of properties $24,306,062 $73,579,325 $53,647,174 Other income 2,159,784 333,525 452,312 Total revenue 26,465,846 73,912,850 54,099,486 COSTS AND EXPENSES Cost of properties and land 21,473,426 43,221,757 36,749,683 Selling, general and administrative expenses 8,497,562 2,919,360 3,197,310 Stock based compensation 3,078,600 -- -- Other expense 295,595 57,416 301,158 Interest expense 1,346,183 1,652,349 289,083 Accretion expense on convertible debt 968,962 -- -- Change in fair value of embedded derivatives (3,166,977) -- -- Change in fair value of warrants (4,932,961) 632,296 -- Total costs and expense 27,560,390 48,483,178 40,537,234 (Loss) income before provision for income taxes and minority interest (1,094,544) 25,429,672 13,562,252 (Recovery) provision for income taxes (10,490,833) 8,743,556 4,511,442 Income before minority interest 9,396,289 -- -- Minority interest in net loss of subsidiaries, net of tax 159,564 -- -- NET INCOME 9,555,853 16,686,116 9,050,810 Gain on foreign exchange 5,882,178 3,617,405 655,435 COMPREHENSIVE INCOME $15,438,031 $20,303,521 $ 9,706,245 WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING Basic 30,516,411 26,871,388 20,277,615 Diluted 30,527,203 26,871,388 20,277,615 EARNINGS PER SHARE Basic $ 0.31 $ 0.62 $ 0.45 Diluted $ 0.3 $ 0.62 $ 0.45

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

CHINA HOUSING & LAND DEVELOPMENT INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows For The Years Ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006 2008 2007 2006 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income $ 9,555,853 $ 16,686,116 $ 9,050,810 Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Minority interest in subsidiaries (159,564) -- -- Bad debt expense 1,420,434 -- 509,435 Depreciation 454,728 423,932 354,444 Gain on disposal of fixed assets 15,167 (48,347) (149,830) Gain on income tax settlement (12,712,153) -- -- Amortization of stock issued for investor relations fees -- 131,400 -- Amortization of deferred financing costs 148,606 -- -- Amortization of Intangible assets - 1,157,758 -- Stock based compensation 3,078,600 -- -- Change in fair value of warrants (4,932,961) 632,296 -- Change in fair value of embedded derivatives (3,166,977) -- -- Accretion expense convertible debt 968,962 -- -- Non-cash proceeds from sales (166,148) (10,783,201) -- (Increase) decrease in assets: Accounts receivable 10,758,758 (8,463,433) (431,805) Real estate (23,463,229) 13,696,294 3,640,231 Advance to suppliers 1,600,308 (1,480,596) 11,930,759 Deposit on land use rights (15,387,541) (17,695,934) Other receivable and deferred charges (114,638) 658,893 (1,118,155) Deferred Financing Costs 202,888 Increase (decrease) in liabilities: Accounts payable 570,250 2,556,717 2,716,495 Advances from customers 3,576,253 2,066,546 (28,428,381) Accrued expense 1,607,633 42,522 1,625,843 Other payable 1,003,031 (1,016,610) (266,309) Income and other taxes payable (3,934,882) 10,047,030 6,909,809 Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities (29,076,621) 8,611,383 6,343,346 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Change in restricted cash (684,040) 1,039,410 591,312 Purchase of buildings, equipment and automobiles (1,063,332) (244,355) (13,269,773) Notes receivable collected 364,313 1,272,541 (2,246,025) Proceed from sale of fixed assets 872,346 -- 243,616 Acquisition of subsidiary -- (27,087,844) -- Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (510,713) (25,020,248) (14,680,870) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Net Proceeds from issuance of convertible debt 19,230,370 -- -- Investment and advances from minority shareholder 29,268,913 -- -- Loan from bank 46,054,762 3,944,359 13,835,303 Payments on loans (25,905,804) (14,202,410) (7,905,887) Loans to or from employees, net (1,018,357) 1,226,736 1,016,551 Repayment of loan from New Land previous shareholders (3,704,820) 4,207,315 -- Proceeds from issuance of common stock and warrants 8,415 23,239,997 1,750,421 Net cash provided by financing activities 63,933,479 18,415,997 8,696,388 INCREASE IN CASH 34,346,145 2,007,132 358,864 EFFECTS ON FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE 728,180 (35,750) (9,976) CASH, beginning of year 2,351,015 379,633 30,745 CASH, end of year $ 37,425,340 $ 2,351,015 $ 379,633

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

CHINA HOUSING & LAND DEVELOPMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity For The Years Ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 Common Stock Additional Par paid in Statutory Shares Value capital reserves BALANCE, December 31, 2007 $30,141,887 $30,142 $28,381,534 $2,885,279 Common Stock issued from warrants conversion 1,870 2 9,966 Stock based compensation 750,000 750 2,999,250 Accrued stock based compensation 0 Net Income Adjustment to statutory reserve 655,947 Foreign currency translation adjustment BALANCE, December 31, 2008 $30,893,757 $30,894 $31,390,750 $3,541,226 Accumulated Capital other Retained Contribution comprehensive earnings receivable income Totals BALANCE, December 31, 2007 $30,365,156 $-- $4,515,623 $66,177,734 Common Stock issued from warrants conversion 9,968 Stock based compensation 3,000,000 Accrued stock based compensation Net Income 9,555,853 9,555,853 Adjustment to statutory reserve (655,947) Foreign currency translation adjustment 5,882,178 5,882,178 BALANCE, December 31, 2008 $39,265,062 $-- $10,397,801 $84,625,733

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

For investors and media contacts: China Housing & Land Development, Inc. Jing Lu Chief Operating Officer & Board Secretary Tel: +86-29-8258-2632 in Xi'an William Xin Chief Financial Officer Tel: +86-150-9175-2090 in Xi'an Tel: +1-917-371-9827 in San Francisco Email: william.xin@chldinc.com Christensen Investor Relations Tom Myers Tel: +86-139-1141-3520 in Beijing Email: tmyers@christensenir.com Kathy Li Tel: +1-212-618-1978 in New York Email: kli@christensenir.com

SOURCE China Housing & Land Development, Inc.

Source: PR Newswire

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