Yalla Group Limited Announces Unaudited First Quarter 2022 Financial Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Yalla Group Limited (YALA) reported its Q1 2022 financial results, showing revenues of US$72.3 million, up 6.9% from Q1 2021. Chat services contributed US$51.9 million, while gaming services added US$20.3 million. However, net income decreased to US$17.7 million from US$19.8 million year-over-year. Monthly active users rose 55.3% to 29.2 million, with paying users up 61% to 9.4 million. Despite these gains, the company increased its costs: total expenses reached US$54.1 million, leading to a decline in operating income to US$18.3 million. The outlook for Q2 2022 anticipates revenues between US$66.0 million and US$70.0 million.

Positive

• Revenues increased by 6.9% to US$72.3 million year-over-year.
• Monthly active users rose 55.3% to 29.2 million.
• Paying users increased by 61.0% to 9.4 million.

Negative

• Net income decreased to US$17.7 million from US$19.8 million.
• Total expenses rose to US$54.1 million, up from US$47.4 million.

DUBAI, UAE, May 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Yalla Group Limited ("Yalla" or the "Company") (NYSE: YALA), the leading voice-centric social networking and entertainment platform in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), today announced its unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022.

First Quarter 2022 Financial and Operating Highlights

• Revenues were US$72.3 million in the first quarter of 2022, representing an increase of 6.9% from the first quarter of 2021.
  - Revenues generated from chatting services in the first quarter of 2022 were US$51.9 million.
  - Revenues generated from games services in the first quarter of 2022 were US$20.3 million.
• Net income was US$17.7 million in the first quarter of 2022, compared with net income of US$19.8 million in the first quarter of 2021. Net margin^[1] was 24.5% in the first quarter of 2022.
• Non-GAAP net income^[2] was US$26.0 million in the first quarter of 2022, compared with Non-GAAP net income of US$33.6 million in the first quarter of 2021. Non-GAAP net margin^[3] was 35.9% in the first quarter of 2022.
• Average MAUs^[4] increased by 55.3% to 29.2 million in the first quarter of 2022 from 18.8 million in the first quarter of 2021.
• The number of paying users^[5] on our platform increased by 61.0% to 9.4 million in the first quarter of 2022 from 5.8 million in the first quarter of 2021.

[1] Net margin is net income as a percentage of revenues.

[2] Non-GAAP net income represents net income excluding share-based compensation. Non-GAAP net income is a non-GAAP financial measure. See the sections entitled "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and "Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results" for more information about the non-GAAP measures referred to in this press release.

[3] Non-GAAP net margin is non-GAAP net income as a percentage of revenues.

[4] "Average MAUs" refers to the average monthly active users in a given period calculated by dividing (i) the sum of active users for each month of such period, by (ii) the number of months in such period. "Active users" refers to registered users who accessed any of our main mobile applications at least once during a given period. Yalla and Yalla Ludo have been our main mobile applications since the beginning of the periods presented herein, and Yalla Parchis has been a main mobile application of our company since the third quarter of 2021.

[5] "Paying users" refers to registered users who played a game or purchased our virtual items or upgraded services using virtual currencies on our main mobile applications at least once in a given period, except for users who receive all of their virtual currencies directly or indirectly from us for free. "Registered users" refers to the number of users who have registered accounts on our main mobile applications as of a given time; a registered user is not necessarily a unique user, as an individual may register multiple accounts on our main mobile applications.

 

Key Operating Data	For the three months ended
	March 31, 2021					March 31, 2022
Average MAUs (in thousands)	18,806					29,203
Paying users (in thousands)	5,839					9,402

 

   

"We kicked off 2022 with an exceptional operational and financial performance, demonstrating impressive resilience in the volatile environment," said Mr. Yang Tao, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Yalla. "Our group's MAUs and paying users grew by 55.3% and 61.0% year-over-year, respectively, to 29.2 million and 9.4 million, and our group's total revenues reached an all-time high of US$72.3 million, beating the top end of our guidance. These accomplishments were driven by our ongoing efforts to broaden and deepen our relationships with our user base, facilitate monetization and uphold our overall strong operational efficiency and execution capabilities. We have also made progress in a number of new initiatives – notably, we will soon introduce the beta version of our first hard-core mobile game. In addition to meeting MENA users' evolving needs, both our social metaverse product Waha and our instant messaging product YallaChat launched iterations with user-friendly features during the quarter, laying the solid foundation for enhanced products' synergies and stickiness and strengthening users' loyalty.

"2022 is undoubtedly shaping up to be a year full of challenges. During these uncertain times, we will intensify our focus on pursuing quality growth while remaining steadfast in our mission to build the most popular online social networking and entertainment destination in the MENA region." Mr. Yang concluded.

"In the first quarter of 2022, our revenue reached US$72.3 million, beating the top end of our guidance and demonstrating once again our ability to deliver growth in a rapidly evolving environment," said Ms. Karen Hu, Chief Financial Officer of Yalla. "We also increased investments in product development and grew our talent pool during the quarter to drive new business development. Meanwhile, we adhered to our ROI-based approach for promotions and advertising and successfully reduced our group's selling and marketing expenses by 5.9% quarter-over-quarter while maintaining robust growth amid macro uncertainty. Our GAAP and non-GAAP net margin for the quarter remained at healthy levels of 24.5% and 35.9%, respectively, impressive by industry standards, while our ample cash reserves provide an ongoing solid support for the expansion of our Yalla ecosystem. Looking forward, we will continue to refine our resource allocation to progress product innovation and monetization while boosting sales and marketing efficiency as well as optimizing capital utilization to grow the group's long-term profitability."

First Quarter 2022 Financial Results

Revenues

Our revenues were US$72.3 million in the first quarter of 2022, a 6.9% increase from US$67.6 million in the first quarter of 2021. The increase was primarily driven by the broadening of our user base and the enhancement of its monetization capability. Our average MAUs increased by 55.3%, from 18.8 million in the first quarter of 2021 to 29.2 million in the first quarter of 2022. Another primary contributor to our solid revenue growth was the significant rise in the number of paying users, which increased from 5.8 million in the first quarter of 2021 to 9.4 million in the first quarter of 2022.

In the first quarter of 2022, our revenues generated from chatting services were US$51.9 million, and revenues from games services were US$20.3 million.

Costs and expenses

Our total costs and expenses were US$54.1 million in the first quarter of 2022, compared with US$47.4 million in the first quarter of 2021.

Our cost of revenues was US$27.5 million in the first quarter of 2022, a 14.7% increase from US$24.0 million in the same period last year, primarily due to an increase in technical service fees resulting from the expansion of our product portfolio and an increase in salaries and benefits resulting from the expansion of the operation and maintenance team. Cost of revenues as a percentage of our total revenues increased from 35.5% in the first quarter of 2021 to 38.1% in the first quarter of 2022.

Our selling and marketing expenses were US$12.5 million in the first quarter of 2022, a 49.8% increase from US$8.4 million in the same period last year, primarily due to higher advertising and market promotion expenses driven by our continued user acquisition efforts and expanding product portfolio. Selling and marketing expenses as a percentage of our total revenues were 17.3% in the first quarter of 2022, increasing from 12.4% in the first quarter of 2021. The ratio declined from 19.7% in the fourth quarter of 2021, driven by our more disciplined advertising and promotion approach.

Our general and administrative expenses were US$8.0 million in the first quarter of 2022, a 31.5% decrease from US$11.7 million in the same period last year, primarily due to lower share-based compensation expenses recognized during the first quarter of 2022. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of our total revenues decreased from 17.3% in the first quarter of 2021 to 11.1% in the first quarter of 2022.

Our technology and product development expenses were US$6.0 million in the first quarter of 2022, a 79.0% increase from US$3.3 million in the same period last year, primarily due to an increase in salaries and benefits for our technology and product development staff, driven by the development of new businesses and expansion of our product portfolio. Technology and product development expenses as a percentage of our total revenues increased from 4.9% in the first quarter of 2021 to 8.3% in the first quarter of 2022.

Operating income

Operating income was US$18.3 million in the first quarter of 2022, compared with operating income of US$20.2 million in the first quarter of 2021.

Non-GAAP operating income^[6]

Non-GAAP operating income (which excluded share-based compensation expenses) in the first quarter of 2022 was US$26.5 million, compared with non-GAAP operating income of US$34.0 million in the same period last year.

[6] Non-GAAP operating income represents operating income excluding share-based compensation. Non-GAAP operating income is a non-GAAP financial measure. See the sections entitled "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and "Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results" for more information about the non-GAAP measures referred to in this press release.

Income tax expense

Our income tax expense was US$0.61 million in the first quarter of 2022, compared with US$0.43 million in the first quarter of 2021.

Net income

As a result of the foregoing, our net income was US$17.7 million in the first quarter of 2022, compared with a net income of US$19.8 million in the first quarter of 2021.

Non-GAAP net income

Non-GAAP net income (which excluded share-based compensation expenses) in the first quarter of 2022 was US$26.0 million, compared with non-GAAP net income of US$33.6 million in the same period last year.

Earnings per ordinary share

Basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share were US$0.12 and US$0.10 respectively in the first quarter of 2022, while basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share were US$0.13 and US$0.11 respectively in the same period of 2021.

Non-GAAP earnings per ordinary share^[7]

Non-GAAP basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share were US$0.17 and US$0.15 respectively in the first quarter of 2022, compared with US$0.23 and US$0.19 respectively in the same period of 2021.

[7] Non-GAAP earnings per ordinary share is non-GAAP net income attributable to Yalla Group Limited's shareholders, divided by the weighted average number of basic and diluted shares outstanding. Non-GAAP earnings per ordinary share is a non-GAAP financial measure. See the sections entitled "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and "Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results" for more information about the non-GAAP measures referred to in this press release.

Cash and cash equivalents

As of March 31, 2022, we had cash and cash equivalents of US$367.5 million, compared with cash and cash equivalents of US$351.5 million as of December 31, 2021.

Extension of the share repurchase program

Pursuant to the share repurchase program announced on May 21, 2021, as of March 31, 2022, the Company has repurchased 1,903,205 American depositary shares ("ADSs"), representing 1,903,205 Class A ordinary shares from the open market with cash for an aggregate amount of approximately US$25.4 million. The aggregate value of ADSs and/or Class A ordinary shares that may yet be purchased under the share repurchase program was US$124.6 million as of March 31, 2022. Our board of directors has approved an extension of the expiration date of the share repurchase program to May 21, 2023.

The share repurchases may continue to be made from time to time in the open market at prevailing market prices, in 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. The Company's board of directors will review the share repurchase plan periodically and may authorize adjustment of its terms and size. The Company expects to fund repurchases made under this plan from its existing funds.

Outlook

For the second quarter of 2022, the management of the Company currently expects revenues to be between US$66.0 million and US$70.0 million.

The above outlook is based on the current market conditions and reflects the Company management's current and preliminary estimates of market and operating conditions and customer demand, which are all subject to change.

Conference Call

The Company's management will host an earnings conference call on Monday, May 16, 2022, at 8:00 P.M. U.S. Eastern Time, Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at 4:00 A.M. Dubai Time, or Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at 8:00 A.M. Beijing/Hong Kong time.

Dial-in details for the earnings conference call are as follows:

United States Toll Free:	+1-888-317-6003
International:	+1-412-317-6061
United Arab Emirates Toll Free:	80-003-570-3589
Mainland China Toll Free:	400-120-6115
Hong Kong Toll Free:	800-963-976
Access Code:	4067039

Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company's investor relations website at http://ir.yallatech.ae/.

A replay of the conference call will be accessible until May 23, 2022, by dialing the following telephone numbers:

United States Toll Free:	+1-877-344-7529
International:	+1-412-317-0088
Access Code:	3546455

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement the financial measures prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, or GAAP, this press release presents non-GAAP financial measures, namely non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP net margin and non-GAAP basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share, as supplemental measures to review and assess the Company's operating performance. The presentation of the non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We define non-GAAP operating income as operating income excluding share-based compensation. We define non-GAAP net income as net income excluding share-based compensation. We define non-GAAP net margin is non-GAAP net income as a percentage of revenues. We define non-GAAP net income attributable to Yalla Group Limited's shareholders as net income attributable to Yalla Group Limited's shareholders, excluding share-based compensation. We define non-GAAP earnings per ordinary share as non-GAAP net income attributable to Yalla Group Limited's shareholders, divided by the weighted average number of basic and diluted shares outstanding.

By excluding the impact of share-based compensation expenses, which are non-cash charges, the Company believes that the non-GAAP financial measures help identify underlying trends in its business and enhance the overall understanding of the Company's past performance and future prospects. Investors can better understand the Company's operating and financial performance, compare business trends among different reporting periods on a consistent basis and assess its core operating results, as they exclude share-based compensation expenses, which are not expected to result in cash payments. The Company also believes that the non-GAAP financial measures allow for greater visibility with respect to key metrics used by the Company's management in its financial and operational decision-making.

The non-GAAP financial measure is not defined under U.S. GAAP and is not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The non-GAAP financial measure has limitations as analytical tools. One of the key limitations of using the non-GAAP financial measures is that they do not reflect all items of income and expense that affect the Company's operations. Share-based compensation has been and may continue to be incurred in the Company's business and is not reflected in the presentation of non-GAAP financial measures. Further, the non-GAAP financial measure may differ from the non-GAAP information used by other companies, including peer companies, and therefore their comparability may be limited.

The Company compensates for these limitations by providing the relevant disclosure of its non-GAAP financial measures in the reconciliations to the nearest U.S. GAAP performance measures, all of which should be considered when evaluating its performance. The Company encourages investors and others to review its financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure.

Reconciliation of GAAP and non-GAAP results is set forth at the end of this press release.

About Yalla Group Limited

Yalla Group Limited is the largest voice-centric social networking and entertainment platform in the Middle East and Northern Africa (MENA). The Company operates two flagship mobile applications, Yalla, a voice-centric group chat platform, and Yalla Ludo, a casual gaming application featuring online versions of board games, popular in MENA, with in-game voice chat and localized Majlis functionality. Building on the success of Yalla and Yalla Ludo, the Company has expanded its content, creating a regionally-focused, integrated ecosystem dedicated to fulfilling MENA users' evolving online social networking and entertainment needs. The ecosystem includes YallaChat, an IM product tailored for Arabic users; Waha, a social networking product designed for the metaverse; and games such as Yalla Baloot and 101 Okey Yalla, developed to sustain vibrant local gaming communities in the region. Yalla is also actively exploring outside of MENA, having launched Yalla Parchis, a Ludo game designed for the South American markets. Yalla's mobile applications deliver a seamless experience that fosters a sense of loyalty and belonging, establishing highly devoted and engaged user communities through close attention to detail and localized appeal that profoundly resonates with its users. In addition, through its holding subsidiary, Yalla Game Limited, the Company has expanded its capabilities in mid-core and hard-core game distribution in the MENA region, leveraging its local expertise to bring exciting new content to its users.

For more information, please visit: http://ir.yallatech.ae/

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking" statements pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "aims," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "likely to" and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Yalla Group Limited's beliefs, plans and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Yalla Group Limited's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and Yalla Group Limited does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

Yalla Group Limited
Investor Relations
Kerry Gao - IR Director
Tel: +86-571-8980-7962
Email: ir@yallatech.ae

The Piacente Group, Inc.
Yang Song
Tel: +86-10-6508-0677
Email: yalla@tpg-ir.com

In the United States:

The Piacente Group, Inc.
Brandi Piacente
Tel: +1-212-481-2050
Email: yalla@tpg-ir.com

YALLA GROUP LIMITED
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
		As of
		December 31, 2021		March 31, 2022
		US$		US$
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents		351,485,602		367,460,732
Short-term investments		2,906,344		5,876,588
Prepayments and other current assets		21,957,230		26,941,116
Total current assets		376,349,176		400,278,436
Non-current assets
Property and equipment, net		1,832,952		1,966,980
Operating lease right-of-use assets		857,474		1,715,145
Long-term investments		1,768,455		2,247,825
Total non-current assets		4,458,881		5,929,950
Total assets		380,808,057		406,208,386
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Accounts payable		4,392,330		4,164,763
Deferred revenue		24,971,203		27,243,392
Operating lease liabilities, current		472,734		803,841
Amounts due to related parties		—		748,244
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		14,896,134		10,484,113
Total current liabilities		44,732,401		43,444,353
Non-current liabilities
Operating lease liabilities, non-current		195,596		792,656
Total non-current liabilities		195,596		792,656
Total liabilities		44,927,997		44,237,009
EQUITY
Shareholders' equity of Yalla Group Limited
Class A Ordinary Shares		12,484		12,544
Class B Ordinary Shares		2,473		2,473
Additional paid-in capital		265,647,268		273,975,501
Treasury stock		(25,419,808)		(25,419,808)
Accumulated other comprehensive income		520,010		584,727
Retained earnings		95,123,951		112,900,422
Total shareholders' equity of Yalla Group Limited		335,886,378		362,055,859
Non-controlling interests		(6,318)		(84,482)
Total equity		335,880,060		361,971,377
Total liabilities and equity		380,808,057		406,208,386

 

 

YALLA GROUP LIMITED
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS
OF OPERATIONS
		Three Months Ended
		March 31, 2021		December 31, 2021		March 31, 2022
		US$		US$		US$
Revenues		67,649,094		67,556,824		72,337,282
Costs and expenses
Cost of revenues		(24,000,472)		(23,928,785)		(27,527,990)
Selling and marketing expenses		(8,359,404		(13,317,368)		(12,526,461)
General and administrative expenses		(11,713,739)		(8,130,904)		(8,027,870)
Technology and product development expenses		(3,342,559)		(3,916,387)		(5,984,568)
Total costs and expenses		(47,416,174)		(49,293,444)		(54,066,889)
Operating income		20,232,920		18,263,380		18,270,393
Interest income		8,845		35,218		51,119
Government grants		13,809		1,406,028		158,685
Investment income (loss)		2,162		147,154		(168,445)
Income before income taxes		20,257,736		19,851,780		18,311,752
Income tax expense		(427,972)		(794,413)		(613,445)
Net income		19,829,764		19,057,367		17,698,307
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests		—		6,318		78,164
Net income attributable to Yalla Group    Limited's shareholders		19,829,764		19,063,685		17,776,471

 

 

YALLA GROUP LIMITED
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
		Three Months Ended
		March 31, 2021		December 31, 2021		March 31, 2022
		US$		US$		US$
Earnings per ordinary share
——Basic		0.13		0.13		0.12
——Diluted		0.11		0.11		0.10
Weighted average number of shares
outstanding used in computing earnings
per ordinary share
——Basic		147,319,197		149,516,472		150,157,560
——Diluted		180,045,126		176,907,506		176,548,571
Share-based compensation was allocated in cost of revenues, selling and marketing expenses, general and administrative expenses and technology and product development expenses as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31, 2021		December 31, 2021		March 31, 2022
		US$		US$		US$
Cost of revenues		1,709,574		1,632,754		1,444,320
Selling and marketing expenses		3,228,042		1,878,389		1,846,594
General and administrative expenses		8,703,866		4,689,722		4,662,669
Technology and product development expenses		133,831		325,757		311,442

 

 

YALLA GROUP LIMITED
RECONCILIATIONS OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP RESULTS
		Three Months Ended
		March 31, 2021		December 31, 2021		March 31, 2022
		US$		US$		US$
Operating income		20,232,920		18,263,380		18,270,393
Share-based compensation expenses		13,775,313		8,526,622		8,265,025
Non-GAAP operating income		34,008,233		26,790,002		26,535,418
Net income		19,829,764		19,057,367		17,698,307
Share-based compensation expenses		13,775,313		8,526,622		8,265,025
Non-GAAP net income		33,605,077		27,583,989		25,963,332
Net income attributable to Yalla    Group Limited's shareholders		19,829,764		19,063,685		17,776,471
Share-based compensation expenses		13,775,313		8,526,622		8,265,025
Non-GAAP net income attributable to    Yalla Group Limited's shareholders		33,605,077		27,590,307		26,041,496
Non-GAAP earnings per ordinary share
——Basic		0.23		0.18		0.17
——Diluted		0.19		0.16		0.15
Weighted average number of shares
outstanding used in computing earnings
per ordinary share
——Basic		147,319,197		149,516,472		150,157,560
——Diluted		180,045,126		176,907,506		176,548,571

 

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SOURCE Yalla Group Limited

FAQ

What were Yalla's revenues for Q1 2022?

Yalla's revenues for Q1 2022 were US$72.3 million.

How many monthly active users did Yalla report in Q1 2022?

Yalla reported 29.2 million monthly active users in Q1 2022.

What is the net income for Yalla in Q1 2022?

Yalla's net income for Q1 2022 was US$17.7 million.

What is Yalla's revenue outlook for Q2 2022?

Yalla expects revenues to be between US$66.0 million and US$70.0 million for Q2 2022.

How did Yalla's paying users change in Q1 2022?

Yalla saw a 61.0% increase in paying users, reaching 9.4 million.