BEIJING, Aug. 17, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ZW Data Action Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq: CNET) (the "Company"), an integrated online advertising, precision marketing, data analytics and other value-added blockchain services provider serving enterprise clients, today announced its unaudited financial results for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2021.
Financial Highlights
Second Quarter 2021 Revenue of $14.55 million, +39.7% YOY,
First Half 2021 Revenue of $22.95 million, +55% YOY;
Working capital of $10.62 million as of June 30, 2021, compared to $4.86 million as of December 31, 2020;
Cash and cash equivalents of $11.75 million as of June 30, 2021, compared to $4.30 million as of December 31, 2020.
Second Quarter of 2021 Financial Results
Revenues
For the three months ended June 30, 2021, revenues increased by $4.14 million, or 39.7%, to $14.55 million from $10.42 million for the same period last year. The increase in revenues was primarily attributable to the increase in revenues from our Internet advertising and related services business segment, as a result of economic recovery from the COVID-19 outbreak since the second half of fiscal 2020.
Cost of revenues
Total cost of revenues increased by $4.65 million, or 46.0%, to $14.77 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 from $10.12 million for the same period last year. The increase in cost of revenues was primary attributable to the increase in costs associated with distribution of the right to use search engine marketing service we purchased from key search engines during the periods, which were in line with the increase in the related revenues.
Gross profit (loss) and gross profit (loss) margin
Gross loss was $0.22 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021, compared to a gross profit of $0.30 million for the same period last year, which was primarily due to the negative gross margin rate incurred by our main stream of service revenues. Gross loss margin was 1.5% for the three months ended June 30, 2021, compared to a gross profit margin of 2.9% for the same period last year.
Operating expenses
Sales and marketing expenses was $0.07 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021, compared to $0.07 million for the same period last year.
General and administrative expenses increased by $6.77 million, or 597.8%, to $7.90 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 from $1.13 million for the same period last year. The increase in general and administrative expenses was mainly attributable to the increase in share-based compensation expenses and general departmental expenses, which was partially offset by the decrease in allowance for doubtful accounts.
Research and development expenses decreased by $0.03 million, or 23.3%, to $0.09 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 from $0.12 million for the same period last year. The decrease in research and development expenses was mainly attributable to a decrease in number of staff in our research and development department.
Operating loss
Loss from operations was $8.28 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021, compared to $1.02 million for the same period last year. Operating loss margin was 56.9% for the three months ended June 30, 2021, compared to 9.8% for the same period last year.
Other income, net
Total other income increased to $4.61 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021, compared to $0.04 million for the same period last year, which was primarily attributable to the increase in gain from change in fair value of warrant liabilities.
Net loss attributable to CNET and loss per share
Net loss attributable to CNET was $3.65 million, or loss per share of $0.11, for the three months ended June 30, 2021, compared to net loss attributable to CNET of $0.97 million, or loss per share of $0.04, for the same period last year.
First Half 2021 Financial Results
Revenues
For the first half of 2021, revenues increased by $8.15 million, or 55.0%, to $22.95 million from $14.80 million for the same period last year. The increase in revenues was primarily attributable to the increase in revenues from our Internet advertising and related services business segment, as a result of economic recovery from the COVID-19 outbreak since the second half of fiscal 2020.
Cost of revenues
For the first half of 2021, cost of revenues increased by $10.28 million, or 75.6%, to $23.88 million from $13.60 million for the same period last year. The increase in cost of revenues was primary attributable to the increase in costs associated with distribution of the right to use search engine marketing service we purchased from key search engines during the periods, which were in line with the increase in the related revenues.
Gross profit (loss) and gross profit (loss) margin
Gross loss was $0.94 million for the first half of 2021, compared to a gross profit of $1.20 million for the same period last year, which was primarily due to the negative gross margin rate incurred by our main stream of service revenues.
Overall gross loss margin was 4.1% for first half of 2021, compared to gross profit margin of 8.1% for the first half of 2020.
Operating expenses
Sales and marketing expenses decreased by $0.13 million, or 57.0%, to $0.10 million for the first half of 2021 from $0.24 million for the same period last year. The decrease in sales and marketing expenses was mainly attributable to the decrease in share-based compensation expenses, related to restricted shares granted and issued to our sales staff during the first fiscal quarter of last year.
General and administrative expenses increased by $4.97 million, or 126.5%, to $8.90 million for the first half of 2021 from $3.93 million for the same period last year. The increase in general and administrative expenses was mainly attributable to the increase in share-based compensation expenses and general office administrative expense, which was partially offset by the decrease in allowance for doubtful accounts.
Research and development expenses decreased by $0.17 million, or 50.6%, to $0.16 million for the first half of 2021 from $0.33 million for the same period last year. The decrease in research and development expenses was primarily due to the decrease in share-based compensation expenses, related to restricted shares granted and issued to our research and development staff during the first fiscal quarter of last year.
Operating loss
Loss from operations increased by $6.80 million, or 206.3%, to $10.09 million for the first half of 2021 from $3.30 million for the same period last year. Operating loss margin was 44.0% for the first half of 2021, compared to 22.3% for the same period last year.
Other income (expense), net
Total other income increased to $7.10 million for the first half of 2021, compared to $0.08 million for the same period last year, which was primarily due to the increase in gain from change in fair value of warrant liabilities.
Net loss attributable to CNET and loss per share
As a result of the foregoing, net loss attributable to CNET was $2.96 million, or net loss per share of $0.10, for the first half of 2021, compared to net loss attributable to CNET of $3.28 million, or net loss per share of $0.16, for the same period last year.
Financial Condition
As of June 30, 2021, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $11.75 million, compared to $4.30 million as of December 31, 2020. Accounts receivable, net was $3.71 million as of June 30, 2021, compared to $2.41 million as of December 31, 2020. Working capital was $10.62 million as of June 30, 2021, compared to $4.86 million as of December 31, 2020.
Net cash used in operating activities was $5.33 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021, compared to a net cash provided by operating activities of $1.17 million for the same period last year. Net cash used in investing activities was $4.36 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021, compared to $1.27 million for the same period last year. Net cash provided by financing activities was $17.11 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021, compared to a net cash used in financing activities of $0.43 million for the same period last year.
Recent Developments
During the first half of 2021, the Company continued the development of the combination of blockchain technology and the practical operation of small and medium-sized enterprises (the “SMEs”). Through upgrading the Bo!News application, the Company aims at binding franchisees and enterprises, and providing digitalized franchise management system for the SMEs in a more efficient, accessible and trustable manner. The Company plans to launch the upgraded Bo!News application by the end of the third fiscal quarter.
Meanwhile, the Company expects to officially launched the blockchain SaaS services for the SMEs’ smart retail business by the end of 2021, which consist of membership management, payment management and Non-Fungible Token (“NFT”) management services.
Furthermore, cooperating with strategic partners, the Company expects to focus on applying the NFT technology into more application scenarios, including but not limited to, IP operation and e-sports and games operation, etc.
About ZW Data Action Technologies Inc.
ZW Data Action Technologies Inc. is a holding company that conducts its primary businesses through its People’s Republic of China subsidiaries and operating entities (the “VIEs”). Through its PRC operating subsidiaries and VIEs, ZW Data Action Technologies primarily offers online advertising, precision marketing, data analytics and other value-added services for enterprise clients. Leveraging its fully integrated services platform, proprietary database, and cutting-edge algorithms, ZW Data Action Technologies delivers customized, result-driven business solutions for small and medium-sized enterprise clients in China. ZW Data Action Technologies also develops blockchain and artificial intelligence enabled web/mobile applications and software solutions for clients. More information about the Company can be found at: http://www.zdat.com/.
Safe Harbor Statement
This release contains certain "forward-looking statements" relating to the business of ZW Data Action Technologies Inc., which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "estimates" or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including business uncertainties relating to government regulation of our industry, market demand, reliance on key personnel, future capital requirements, competition in general and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from those described herein as anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Certain of these risks and uncertainties are or will be described in greater detail in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements are based on ZW Data Action Technologies Inc. current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on the Company. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting ZW Data Action Technologies Inc. will be those anticipated by ZW Data Action Technologies Inc. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties (some of which are beyond the control of the Company) or other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. ZW Data Action Technologies Inc. undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.
For more information, please contact:
Sherry Zheng Weitian Group LLC Email: shunyu.zheng@weitian-ir.com Phone: +1 718-213-7386
ZW DATA ACTION TECHNOLOGIES INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands, except for number of shares and per share data)
June 30, 2021
December 31, 2020
(US $)
(US $)
(Unaudited)
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents *
$
11,752
$
4,297
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,207 and
$4,247, respectively *
3,707
2,407
Prepayment and deposit to suppliers *
8,035
4,657
Due from related parties *
104
61
Other current assets *
462
1,462
Total current assets
24,060
12,884
Long-term investments *
450
67
Operating lease right-of-use assets *
2,107
48
Property and equipment, net *
116
60
Intangible assets, net *
3,438
2,557
Blockchain platform applications development costs
4,409
4,406
Long-term deposits and prepayments *
1,716
39
Deferred tax assets, net *
652
606
Total Assets
$
36,948
$
20,667
Liabilities and Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable *
$
1,015
$
608
Advance from customers *
1,539
1,436
Accrued payroll and other accruals *
280
489
Taxes payable *
3,408
3,430
Operating lease liabilities *
187
18
Lease payment liability related to short-term leases *
151
203
Other current liabilities *
267
333
Warrant liabilities
6,597
1,505
Total current liabilities
13,444
8,022
Long-term liabilities:
Operating lease liabilities-Non current *
1,979
32
Long-term borrowing from a director
135
134
Total Liabilities
15,558
8,188
Commitments and contingencies
Equity:
ZW Data Action Technologies Inc.’s stockholders’ equity
Common stock (US$0.001 par value; authorized 50,000,000 shares; issued and
outstanding 35,290,650 shares and 26,062,915 shares at June 30, 2021 and
December 31, 2020, respectively)
35
26
Additional paid-in capital
61,656
49,772
Statutory reserves
2,598
2,598
Accumulated deficit
(43,941
)
(40,980
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income
1,107
1,129
Total ZW Data Action Technologies Inc.’s stockholders’ equity
21,455
12,545
Noncontrolling interests
(65
)
(66
)
Total equity
21,390
12,479
Total Liabilities and Equity
$
36,948
$
20,667
*All of the VIEs' assets can be used to settle obligations of their primary beneficiary. Liabilities recognized as a result of consolidating these VIEs do not represent additional claims on the Company’s general assets.
ZW DATA ACTION TECHNOLOGIES INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (In thousands, except for number of shares and per share data)
Six Months Ended June 30,
Three Months Ended June 30,
2021
2020
2021
2020
(US $)
(US $)
(US $)
(US $)
(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
Revenues
From unrelated parties
$
22,947
$
14,786
$
14,551
$
10,415
From a related party
-
14
-
1
Total revenues
22,947
14,800
14,551
10,416
Cost of revenues
23,882
13,603
14,769
10,118
Gross (loss)/profit
(935
)
1,197
(218
)
298
Operating expenses
Sales and marketing expenses
101
235
73
70
General and administrative expenses
8,895
3,928
7,899
1,132
Research and development expenses
163
330
89
116
Total operating expenses
9,159
4,493
8,061
1,318
Loss from operations
(10,094
)
(3,296
)
(8,279
)
(1,020
)
Other income/(expenses)
Interest income/(expense), net
2
(1
)
1
-
Other income/(expenses), net
302
17
326
18
Loss on disposal of long-term investments
(38
)
-
(38
)
-
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities
6,829
68
4,322
22
Total other income
7,095
84
4,611
40
Loss before income tax benefit/(expense) and noncontrolling interests
(2,999
)
(3,212
)
(3,668
)
(980
)
Income tax benefit/(expense)
40
(68
)
22
10
Net loss
(2,959
)
(3,280
)
(3,646
)
(970
)
Net (income)/loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
(2
)
2
-
2
Net loss attributable to ZW Data Action Technologies Inc.
$
(2,961
)
$
(3,278
)
$
(3,646
)
$
(968
)
Net loss
$
(2,959
)
$
(3,280
)
$
(3,646
)
$
(970
)
Foreign currency translation (loss)/gain
(23
)
68
(4
)
(4
)
Comprehensive loss
$
(2,982
)
$
(3,212
)
$
(3,650
)
$
(974
)
Comprehensive (income)/loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
(1
)
1
1
2
Comprehensive loss attributable to ZW Data Action Technologies Inc.
$
(2,983
)
$
(3,211
)
$
(3,649
)
$
(972
)
Loss per share
Loss per common share
Basic and diluted
$
(0.10
)
$
(0.16
)
$
(0.11
)
$
(0.04
)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic and diluted
30,727,546
21,044,666
32,925,488
21,691,926
ZW DATA ACTION TECHNOLOGIES INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In thousands)
Six Months Ended June 30,
2021
2020
(US $)
(US $)
(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
Cash flows from operating activities
Net loss
$
(2,959
)
$
(3,280
)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in)/provided by operating
activities
Depreciation and amortization
282
415
Amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets
92
-
5
Share-based compensation expenses
6,857
1,987
Provision for allowances for doubtful accounts
-
747
Loss on disposal of long-term investments
38
-
Deferred taxes
(40
)
11
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities
(6,829
)
(68
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Accounts receivable
(1,284
)
(38
)
Prepayment and deposit to suppliers
(980
)
2,090
Due from related parties
-
28
Other current assets
8
(3
)
Long-term deposits and prepayments
(554
)
(750
)
Accounts payable
403
(9
)
Advance from customers
89
(362
)
Accrued payroll and other accruals
(197
)
(57
)
Other current liabilities
(123
)
326
Taxes payable
(49
)
89
Lease payment liability related to short-term leases
(54
)
43
Operating lease liabilities
(31
)
(9
)
Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities
(5,331
)
1,165
Cash flows from investing activities
Payment for leasehold improvements and purchase of vehicles, furniture and office equipment
(221
)
-
Cash effect of deconsolidation of VIEs’ subsidiaries
(8
)
-
Investments and advances to ownership investee entities
(463
)
(27
)
Short-term loan to an unrelated party
(312
)
(944
)
Repayment of short-term loan from an unrelated party
1,303
-
Payment for purchase of software technologies
(1,160
)
-
Deposit and prepayment paid for contracts of other investing activities
(3,500
)
-
Payment for blockchain platform applications development costs
-
(302
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(4,361
)
(1,273
)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of common stock and warrant (net of cash offering cost of US$1,600)
17,111
-
Repayment of short-term bank loan
-
(427
)
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities
17,111
(427
)
Effect of exchange rate fluctuation on cash and cash equivalents
36
(13
)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
7,455
(548
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period
