Sohu.com Posts Q4 Loss

reported a fourth-quarter loss. Sohu.com posted a quarterly net loss of $19.6 million or $0.52 per share, versus a year-ago net profit of $2.83 million or $0.06 per share. On a non-GAAP basis, the company's posted a loss of $14 million or $0.36 per share. Its total revenue climbed 24% y/y to $477 million. However, analysts were expecting a loss of $0.49 per share on revenue of $471.21 million. Brand advertising revenue climbed 20% y/y to $148 million, while Sogou revenue gained 70% to $119 million. Online game revenue also surged 7% to $184 million in the period. Gross margin narrowed to 59% in the quarter from 64%, while operating expenses climbed 25% to $315 million. As of December 31, 2014, the group had net cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments of US$1.1 billion, versus US$1.3 billion as of December 31, 2013. Dr. Charles Zhang, Chairman and CEO of Sohu.com Inc., said, "Sohu Group ended 2014 with an encouraging quarter as total revenues comfortably topped our prior guidance." For the first quarter, Sohu.com projects to post non-GAAP loss of $0.95 to $1.05 per share. It also expects total revenue of $425 million to $440 million. Sohu.com shares fell 2.34% to close at $55.89 on Friday.