BEIJING, Sept. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hello Group Inc. (NASDAQ:MOMO) ("Hello Group" or the "Company"), a leading player in mainland China's online social networking space, today announced its unaudited financial results for the second quarter of 2024.
Second Quarter of 2024 Highlights
Net revenues decreased by 14.2% year over year to RMB2,691.4 million (US$370.3 million*) in the second quarter of 2024.
Net income attributable to Hello Group Inc. decreased to RMB397.8 million (US$54.7 million) in the second quarter of 2024, from RMB568.4 million in the same period of 2023.
Non-GAAP net income attributable to Hello Group Inc. (note 1) decreased to RMB449.2 million (US$61.8 million) in the second quarter of 2024, from RMB632.1 million in the same period of 2023.
Diluted net income per American Depositary Share ("ADS") was RMB2.11 (US$0.29) in the second quarter of 2024, compared to RMB2.82 in the same period of 2023.
Non-GAAP diluted net income per ADS (note 1) was RMB2.38 (US$0.33) in the second quarter of 2024, compared to RMB3.14 in the same period of 2023.
Monthly Active Users ("MAU") on Tantan app were 12.9 million in June 2024, compared to 17.3 million in June 2023.
For the Momo app total paying users was 7.2 million for the second quarter of 2024, compared to 7.9 million for the same period last year. Tantan had 1.0 million paying users for the second quarter of 2024 compared to 1.4 million from the year ago period.
First Half of 2024 Highlights
Net revenues decreased by 11.8% year over year to RMB5,251.8 million (US$722.7 million) for the first half of 2024.
Net income attributable to Hello Group Inc. was RMB403.0 million (US$55.5 million) for the first half of 2024, compared to RMB958.7 million during the same period of 2023.
Non-GAAP net income attributable to Hello Group Inc. (note 1) was RMB509.1 million (US$70.1 million) for the first half of 2024, compared to RMB1,104.1 million during the same period of 2023.
Diluted net income per ADS was RMB2.10 (US$0.29) for the first half of 2024, compared to RMB4.78 during the same period of 2023.
Non-GAAP diluted net income per ADS (note 1) was RMB2.65 (US$0.37) for the first half of 2024, compared to RMB5.49 during the same period of 2023.
"Q2 was a good quarter. I am pleased to see that our team has maintained the spirit of innovation and adaptation in a challenging environment," commented Yan Tang, Chairman and CEO of Hello Group. "Momo's cash cow business continued to be productive in a healthy community ecosystem. Regarding new endeavors, while strengthening the localization progress, we are more convinced of the revenue growth opportunities in overseas market."
* This press release contains translations of certain Renminbi amounts into U.S. dollars at specified rate solely for the convenience of readers. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from Renminbi to U.S. dollars, in this press release, were made at a rate of RMB7.2672 to US$1.00, the effective noon buying rate for June 28, 2024 as set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board.
Second Quarter of 2024 Financial Results
Net revenues
Total net revenues were RMB2,691.4 million (US$370.3 million) in the second quarter of 2024, a decrease of 14.2% from RMB3,137.7 million in the second quarter of 2023.
Live video service revenues were RMB1,303.0 million (US$179.3 million) in the second quarter of 2024, a decrease of 18.0% from RMB1,588.8 million during the same period of 2023. The decrease was primarily attributable to our proactive operational adjustments to de-emphasis large scale competition events in the Momo app and a soft consumer sentiment in the current macro environment, and to a lesser degree, Tantan pivoting away from the less dating-centric live video service.
Value-added service revenues mainly include virtual gift revenues and membership subscription revenues. Total value-added service revenues were RMB1,345.3 million (US$185.1 million) in the second quarter of 2024, a decrease of 10.3% from RMB1,499.5 million during the same period of 2023. The decrease was primarily due to our product adjustments to improve Momo app's ecosystem as well as the impact of the macro economy on consumer sentiment, and to a lesser extent, the decline in Tantan's paying users which was in turn due to the decrease in its user base, the recent product upgrade as well as adjustments in its membership auto renewal policy. The decrease was partially offset by the revenue growth from the new standalone apps.
Mobile marketing revenues were RMB42.0 million (US$5.8 million) in the second quarter of 2024, an increase of 13.5% from RMB37.0 million during the same period of 2023.
Net revenues from the Momo segment decreased from RMB2,816.6 million in the second quarter of 2023 to RMB2,457.2 million (US$338.1 million) in the second quarter of 2024, primarily due to the decrease in net revenues from value-added service and live video service on Momo app. The decrease was partially offset by the revenue growth of the new standalone apps. Net revenues from the Tantan segment decreased from RMB320.7 million in the second quarter of 2023 to RMB233.7 million (US$32.2 million) in the second quarter of 2024, mainly due to the decrease in net revenues from live video service and value-added service.
Cost and expenses
Cost and expenses were RMB2,275.2 million (US$313.1 million) in the second quarter of 2024, a decrease of 9.6% from RMB2,515.5 million in the second quarter of 2023. The decrease was primarily attributable to: (a) a decrease in revenue sharing with broadcasters related to live video service on Momo app and Tantan app, and a decrease in revenue sharing with virtual gift recipients of virtual gift service on Momo app. The decrease was partially offset by an increase in revenue sharing with virtual gift recipients for new standalone apps; (b) a decrease in salary expenses and share-based compensation expenses, due to our continuous optimization in personnel costs and the newly granted share options which had lower fair value. The decrease was partially offset by an increase in sales and marketing expenses due to more marketing spend in connection with the annual gala event of Momo's live streaming service.
Non-GAAP cost and expenses (note 1) were RMB2,223.8 million (US$306.0 million) in the second quarter of 2024, a decrease of 9.3% from RMB2,451.8 million during the same period of 2023.
Income from operations
Income from operations was RMB425.0 million (US$58.5 million) in the second quarter of 2024, compared to RMB645.1 million during the same period of 2023. Income from operations of the Momo segment was RMB409.4 million (US$56.3 million) in the second quarter of 2024, which decreased from RMB618.8 million in the second quarter of 2023. Income from operations of the Tantan segment was RMB16.4 million (US$2.3 million) in the second quarter of 2024, which decreased from RMB30.2 million in the second quarter of 2023.
Non-GAAP income from operations (note 1) was RMB476.5 million (US$65.6 million) in the second quarter of 2024, compared to RMB708.8 million during the same period of 2023. Non-GAAP income from operations of the Momo segment was RMB456.7 million (US$62.8 million) in the second quarter of 2024, which decreased from RMB680.8 million in the second quarter of 2023. Non-GAAP income from operations of the Tantan segment was RMB20.6 million (US$2.8 million) in the second quarter of 2024, compared to RMB31.9 million in the second quarter of 2023.
Income tax expenses
Income tax expenses were RMB102.6 million (US$14.1 million) in the second quarter of 2024, compared to RMB166.0 million in the second quarter of 2023. The decrease in income tax expenses was primarily due to the lower profit in the second quarter of 2024, and to a lesser extent, lower withholding tax rate due to our eligibility for a preferential tax rate since the beginning of the year.
Net income
Net income was RMB397.8 million (US$54.7 million) in the second quarter of 2024, compared to RMB567.6 million during the same period of 2023. Net income from the Momo segment was RMB382.8 million (US$52.7 million) in the second quarter of 2024, compared to RMB542.4 million in the same period of 2023. Net income from the Tantan segment was RMB15.8 million (US$2.2 million) in the second quarter of 2024, compared to RMB29.1 million in the second quarter of 2023.
Non-GAAP net income (note 1) was RMB449.2 million (US$61.8 million) in the second quarter of 2024, compared to RMB631.3 million during the same period of 2023. Non-GAAP net income from the Momo segment was RMB430.0 million (US$59.2 million) in the second quarter of 2024, which decreased from RMB604.4 million in the second quarter of 2023. Non-GAAP net income of the Tantan segment was RMB20.0 million (US$2.8 million) in the second quarter of 2024, compared to RMB30.8 million in the second quarter of 2023.
Net income attributable to Hello Group Inc.
Net income attributable to Hello Group Inc. was RMB397.8 million (US$54.7 million) in the second quarter of 2024, compared to RMB568.4 million during the same period of 2023.
Non-GAAP net income (note 1) attributable to Hello Group Inc. was RMB449.2 million (US$61.8 million) in the second quarter of 2024, compared to RMB632.1 million during the same period of 2023.
Net income per ADS
Diluted net income per ADS was RMB2.11 (US$0.29) in the second quarter of 2024, compared to RMB2.82 in the second quarter of 2023.
Non-GAAP diluted net income per ADS (note 1) was RMB2.38 (US$0.33) in the second quarter of 2024, compared to RMB3.14 in the second quarter of 2023.
Cash and cash flow
As of June 30, 2024, the Company's cash, cash equivalents, short-term deposits, long-term deposits, short-term restricted cash and long-term restricted cash totaled RMB14,316.4 million (US$1,970.0 million), compared to RMB13,478.5 million as of December 31, 2023.
Net cash provided by operating activities in the second quarter of 2024 was RMB475.2 million (US$65.4 million), compared to RMB827.7 million in the second quarter of 2023.
First Half of 2024 Financial Results
Net revenues for the first half of 2024 were RMB5,251.8 million (US$722.7 million), a decrease of 11.8% from RMB5,956.5 million in the same period of 2023.
Net income attributable to Hello Group Inc. was RMB403.0 million (US$55.5 million) for the first half of 2024, compared to RMB958.7 million during the same period of 2023.
Non-GAAP net income attributable to Hello Group Inc. (note 1) was RMB509.1 million (US$70.1 million) for the first half of 2024, compared to RMB1,104.1 million during the same period of 2023.
Diluted net income per ADS was RMB2.10 (US$0.29) during the first half of 2024, compared to RMB4.78 in the same period of 2023.
Non-GAAP diluted net income per ADS (note 1) was RMB2.65 (US$0.37) during the first half of 2024, compared to RMB5.49 in the same period of 2023.
Net cash provided by operating activities was RMB875.4 million (US$120.5 million) during the first half of 2024, compared to RMB1,278.8 million in the same period of 2023.
Recent Development
Share repurchase program
On June 7, 2022, Hello Group's board of directors authorized a share repurchase program under which the Company may repurchase up to US$200 million of its shares up to June 6, 2024 (the "Share Repurchase Program"). On March 14, 2024, Hello Group's board of directors approved to amend the Share Repurchase Program to (i) extend the term of the Share Repurchase Program up to June 30, 2026, and (ii) upsize the Share Repurchase Program so that the Company is authorized to, from time to time, acquire up to an aggregate of US$286.1 million worth of its shares in the form of ADSs and/or the ordinary shares of the Company in the open market and through privately negotiated transactions, in block trades and/or through other legally permissible means, depending on market conditions and in accordance with applicable rules and regulations.
As of September 3, the Company has repurchased 30.9 million ADSs for US$174.6 million on the open market under Share Repurchase Program announced on June 7, 2022 and amended on March 14, 2024, at an average purchase price of US$5.63 per ADS.
Business Outlook
For the third quarter of 2024, the Company expects total net revenues to be between RMB2.58 billion to RMB2.68 billion, representing a decrease of 15.2% to 11.9% year over year. This forecast reflects the Company's current and preliminary views on the market and operational conditions, which are subject to change.
Note 1: Non-GAAP measures
To supplement our consolidated financial statements presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), we, Hello Group, use various non-GAAP financial measures that are adjusted from the most comparable GAAP results to exclude share-based compensation and such adjustment has no impact on income tax.
Reconciliations of our non-GAAP financial measures to our U.S. GAAP financial measures are shown in tables at the end of this earnings release, which provide more details about the non-GAAP financial measures.
Our non-GAAP financial information is provided as additional information to help investors compare business trends among different reporting periods on a consistent basis and to enhance investors' overall understanding of the historical and current financial performance of our continuing operations and our prospects for the future. Our non-GAAP financial information should be considered in addition to results prepared in accordance with GAAP, but should not be considered a substitute for or superior to the GAAP results. In addition, our calculation of the non-GAAP financial measures may be different from the calculation used by other companies, and therefore comparability may be limited.
Our non-GAAP information (including non-GAAP cost and operating expenses, income (loss) from operations, net income (loss), net income attributable to Hello Group Inc., and diluted net income per ADS) is adjusted from the most comparable GAAP results to exclude share-based compensation and such adjustment has no impact on income tax. A limitation of using these non-GAAP financial measures is that share-based compensation has been and will continue to be for the foreseeable future significant recurring expenses in our results of operations. We compensate for such limitation by providing reconciliations of our non-GAAP measures to our U.S. GAAP measures. Please see the reconciliation tables at the end of this earnings release.
Conference Call
Hello Group's management will host an earnings conference call on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time (8:00 p.m. Beijing / Hong Kong Time on September 3, 2024).
Participants can register for the conference call by navigating to:
https://s1.c-conf.com/diamondpass/10041441-w8sbhf.html.
Upon registration, each participant will receive details for the conference call, including dial-in numbers, conference call passcode and a unique access PIN. Please dial in 10 minutes before the call is scheduled to begin.
A telephone replay of the call will be available after the conclusion of the conference call through September 10, 2024. The dial-in details for the replay are as follows:
U.S. / Canada: 1-855-883-1031
Hong Kong: 800-930-639
Passcode: 10041441
Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Investor Relations section of Hello Group's website at https://ir.hellogroup.com.
About Hello Group Inc.
We are a leading player in mainland China's online social networking space. Through Momo, Tantan and other properties within our product portfolio, we enable users to discover new relationships, expand their social connections and build meaningful interactions. Momo is a mobile application that connects people and facilitates social interactions based on location, interests and a variety of online recreational activities. Tantan, which was added into our family of applications through acquisition in May 2018, is a leading social and dating application. Tantan is designed to help its users find and establish romantic connections as well as meet interesting people. Starting from 2019, we have incubated a number of other new apps, such as Hertz, Soulchill, Duidui and Tietie, which target more niche markets and more selective demographics.
For investor and media inquiries, please contact:
Hello Group Inc.
Investor RelationsPhone: +86-10-5731-0538Email:
Christensen
In ChinaMs. Xiaoyan SuPhone: +86-10-5900-1548E-mail:
In U.S.
Ms. Linda BergkampPhone: +1-480-614-3004Email:
Safe Harbor Statement
This news release contains "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include but are not limited to our management quotes, our financial outlook for the third quarter of 2024, as well as the amount of, timing, methods and funding sources for repurchases of our shares under the share repurchase program.
Our forward-looking statements are not historical facts but instead represent only our belief regarding expected results and events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of our control. Our actual results and other circumstances may differ, possibly materially, from the anticipated results and events indicated in these forward-looking statements. Announced results for the second quarter of 2024 are preliminary, unaudited and subject to audit adjustment. In addition, we may not meet our financial outlook for the third quarter of 2024 and may be unable to grow our business in the manner planned. We may also modify our strategy for growth. Moreover, there are other risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ from what we currently anticipate, including those relating to our ability to retain and grow our user base, our ability to attract and retain sufficiently trained professionals to support our operations, our ability to anticipate and develop new services and enhance existing services to meet the demand of our users or customers, the market price of the Company's stock prevailing from time to time, the nature of other investment opportunities presented to the Company from time to time, the Company's cash flows from operations, general economic conditions, and other factors. For additional information on these and other important factors that could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects, please see our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of the press release. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date of this release, except as required by law. Such information speaks only as of the date of this release.
Hello Group Inc.
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations
(All amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
Three months
First half year
Ended June 30
Ended June 30
2023
2024
2024
2023
2024
2024
RMB
RMB
US$
RMB
RMB
US$
Net revenues:
Live video service
1,588,849
1,303,020
179,302
3,018,189
2,541,561
349,730
Value-added service
1,499,482
1,345,316
185,121
2,860,951
2,639,692
363,234
Mobile marketing
36,986
41,990
5,778
58,057
68,585
9,438
Mobile games
2,606
-
-
6,305
432
59
Other services
9,763
1,065
147
13,042
1,541
212
Total net revenues
3,137,686
2,691,391
370,348
5,956,544
5,251,811
722,673
Cost and expenses:
Cost of revenues
(1,819,559)
(1,595,789)
(219,588)
(3,483,747)
(3,098,797)
(426,409)
Research and development
(214,649)
(193,168)
(26,581)
(451,452)
(385,359)
(53,027)
Sales and marketing
(356,525)
(364,769)
(50,194)
(736,311)
(658,200)
(90,571)
General and administrative
(124,787)
(121,482)
(16,716)
(263,085)
(252,863)
(34,795)
Total cost and expenses
(2,515,520)
(2,275,208)
(313,079)
(4,934,595)
(4,395,219)
(604,802)
Other operating income, net
22,919
8,861
1,219
59,313
28,767
3,958
Income from operations
645,085
425,044
58,488
1,081,262
885,359
121,829
Interest income
115,321
130,937
18,018
215,108
252,044
34,682
Interest expense
(11,963)
(32,493)
(4,471)
(22,378)
(56,191)
(7,732)
Other gain or loss, net
4,565
(34,625)
(4,765)
4,565
(43,870)
(6,037)
Income before income tax and share of (loss) income on equity methodinvestments
753,008
488,863
67,270
1,278,557
1,037,342
142,742
Income tax expenses
(165,969)
(102,614)
(14,120)
(288,582)
(660,227)
(90,850)
Income before share of (loss) income on equity method investments
587,039
386,249
53,150
989,975
377,115
51,892
Share of (loss) income on equity method investments
(19,439)
11,536
1,587
(32,914)
25,854
3,558
Net income
567,600
397,785
54,737
957,061
402,969
55,450
Less: net loss attributable to non-controlling interest
(795)
-
-
(1,623)
-
-
Net income attributable to the shareholders of Hello Group Inc.
568,395
397,785
54,737
958,684
402,969
55,450
Net income per share attributable to ordinary shareholders
Basic
1.50
1.10
0.15
2.54
1.09
0.15
Diluted
1.41
1.05
0.14
2.39
1.05
0.14
Weighted average shares used in calculating net income per ordinary share
Basic
377,920,901
362,394,762
362,394,762
377,471,487
368,522,705
368,522,705
Diluted
409,201,815
377,903,589
377,903,589
409,151,850
383,528,002
383,528,002
Hello Group Inc.
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
(All amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
Three months
First half year
Ended June 30
Ended June 30
2023
2024
2024
2023
2024
2024
RMB
RMB
US$
RMB
RMB
US$
Net income
567,600
397,785
54,737
957,061
402,969
55,450
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment
107,975
41,569
5,720
110,156
96,463
13,274
Comprehensive income
675,575
439,354
60,457
1,067,217
499,432
68,724
Less: comprehensive income attributed to the non-controlling interest
10,188
1,202
165
8,518
4,286
590
Comprehensive income attributable to Hello Group Inc.
665,387
438,152
60,292
1,058,699
495,146
68,134
Hello Group Inc.
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(All amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
December 31
June 30
June 30
2023
2024
2024
RMB
RMB
US$
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
5,620,466
5,958,586
819,929
Short-term deposits
1,270,626
350,000
48,162
Restricted cash
10,147
1,513,894
208,319
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of RMB12,780 andRMB12,615 as of December 31, 2023 and June 30, 2024, respectively
201,517
184,840
25,435
Amounts due from related parties
7,258
-
-
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
723,364
776,812
106,893
Total current assets
7,833,378
8,784,132
1,208,738
Long-term deposits
3,924,975
3,816,800
525,209
Long-term restricted cash
2,652,299
2,677,110
368,383
Right-of-use assets, net
109,572
304,301
41,873
Property and equipment, net
659,033
889,309
122,373
Intangible assets, net
17,086
14,527
1,999
Rental deposits
12,962
13,770
1,895
Long-term investments
786,911
726,981
100,036
Amounts due from RPT-non current
20,000
-
-
Other non-current assets
180,052
211,744
29,137
Deferred tax assets
31,741
35,820
4,929
Total assets
16,228,009
17,474,494
2,404,572
Liabilities and equity
Current liabilities
Accounts payable
616,681
607,035
83,532
Deferred revenue
442,805
444,657
61,187
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
630,617
607,062
83,535
Amounts due to related parties
4,314
-
-
Lease liabilities due within one year
60,008
153,979
21,188
Income tax payable
94,719
58,224
8,012
Deferred consideration in connection with business acquisitions
27,261
27,904
3,840
Long-term borrowings, current portion
215,615
215,615
29,670
Short-term borrowings
-
1,331,635
183,239
Total current liabilities
2,092,020
3,446,111
474,203
Deferred tax liabilities
24,987
408,451
56,205
Convertible Senior Notes
19,571
20,067
2,761
Long-term borrowings
1,938,385
1,938,169
266,701
Lease liabilities
52,171
158,821
21,854
Other non-current liabilities
114,085
137,811
18,963
Total liabilities
4,241,219
6,109,430
840,687
Shareholder's equity (i)
11,986,790
11,365,064
1,563,885
Total liabilities and shareholder's equity
16,228,009
17,474,494
2,404,572
(i): As of June 30, 2024, the number of ordinary shares outstanding was 352,650,980.
Hello Group Inc.
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
(All amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
Three months
First half year
Ended June 30
Ended June 30
2023
2024
2024
2023
2024
2024
RMB
RMB
US$
RMB
RMB
US$
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income
567,600
397,785
54,737
957,061
402,969
55,450
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation of property and equipment
18,787
13,525
1,861
41,631
27,835
3,830
Amortization of intangible assets
1,279
