Yalla Group Limited Announces Unaudited First Quarter 2024 Financial Results
Yalla Group , the leading MENA-based online social networking and gaming company, has reported its unaudited financial results for Q1 2024.
Key highlights include:
- Revenue of $78.7 million, up 7.1% YoY.
- Net income reached $31.1 million, a 56.2% increase YoY.
- Non-GAAP net income was $35.3 million, up 38.4% YoY.
- Average monthly active users (MAUs) grew by 14.6% to 37.8 million.
- Paying users decreased by 5.2% to 12.8 million.
- Operating income rose by 74.2% to $29.1 million.
- Cash and equivalents totaled $482.7 million.
Despite a 5.2% decrease in paying users, Yalla's revenue increase and cost efficiency led to significant profitability gains. The company extended its share repurchase program and expects Q2 2024 revenue between $72.0 million and $79.0 million.
- Revenue increased by 7.1% YoY to $78.7 million.
- Net income surged by 56.2% YoY to $31.1 million.
- Non-GAAP net income rose by 38.4% YoY to $35.3 million.
- Operating income increased by 74.2% to $29.1 million.
- Average MAUs jumped by 14.6% YoY to 37.8 million.
- Total costs and expenses decreased by 12.7% YoY.
- Selling and marketing expenses dropped by 28.7% YoY.
- General and administrative expenses fell by 34.6% YoY.
- Technology and product development expenses decreased by 15.5% YoY.
- Interest income more than doubled to $6.6 million.
- Paying users decreased by 5.2% to 12.8 million.
- Income tax expense increased significantly to $3.48 million due to new UAE tax laws.
- Cash and equivalents decreased to $482.7 million from $535.7 million.
- Cost of revenues increased by 2.6% to $28.6 million.
- Revenues from chatting services slightly declined QoQ.
Insights
Yalla Group Limited has reported a net income increase of
However, a noteworthy point is the decrease in paying users by
Furthermore, the company's strong cash position with
Yalla Group’s growth in average monthly active users (MAUs) by
The diversification into gaming by investing in Yalla Games and joining the UK Interactive Entertainment Association (UKIE) indicates a strategic expansion into the global gaming industry. This move could position Yalla favorably to tap into the burgeoning gaming market in the MENA region, providing additional revenue streams and enhancing user engagement.
However, the decrease in paying users is a critical aspect to monitor. While the increase in ARPPU mitigates immediate concerns, sustained growth in paying users is essential for long-term revenue stability. The upcoming quarter's revenue guidance of
First Quarter 2024 Financial and Operating Highlights
- Revenues were
US .7 million in the first quarter of 2024, representing an increase of$78 7.1% from the first quarter of 2023.- Revenues generated from chatting services in the first quarter of 2024 were
US .$52.2 million - Revenues generated from games services in the first quarter of 2024 were
US .$26.5 million
- Revenues generated from chatting services in the first quarter of 2024 were
- Net income was
US .1 million in the first quarter of 2024, a$31 56.2% increase fromUS .9 million in the first quarter of 2023. Net margin1 was$19 39.5% in the first quarter of 2024. - Non-GAAP net income2 was
US .3 million in the first quarter of 2024, a$35 38.4% increase fromUS .5 million in the first quarter of 2023. Non-GAAP net margin3 was$25 44.8% in the first quarter of 2024. - Average MAUs4 increased by
14.6% to 37.8 million in the first quarter of 2024 from 33.0 million in the first quarter of 2023. - The number of paying users5 on our platform decreased by
5.2% to 12.8 million in the first quarter of 2024 from 13.5 million in the first quarter of 2023.
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 |
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 |
5 "Paying users" refers to registered users who played a game or purchased our virtual items or upgrade services using virtual currencies |
Key Operating Data | For the three months ended | ||||||
March 31, 2023 | March 31, 2024 | ||||||
Average MAUs (in thousands) | 32,973 | 37,791 | |||||
Paying users (in thousands) | 13,514 | 12,806 |
"We kicked off 2024 with a solid set of operational and financial results. In the first quarter, despite the impact posed by Ramadan beginning on March 11, our revenues increased by
"Furthermore, we continued to explore and invest in Yalla Game, with a strategic focus on new game development. We are actively communicating with potential premium partners and recently joined the
Ms. Karen Hu, CFO of Yalla, commented, "Our financial performance remained robust throughout the first quarter of 2024. Our ongoing efforts to deliver high-quality growth and enhance our operating efficiency resulted in meaningful profitability improvements, with net income increasing
First Quarter 2024 Financial Results
Revenues
Our revenues were
In the first quarter of 2024, our revenues generated from chatting services were
Costs and expenses
Our total costs and expenses were
Our cost of revenues was
Our selling and marketing expenses were
Our general and administrative expenses were
Our technology and product development expenses were
Operating income
Operating income was
Non-GAAP operating income7
Non-GAAP operating income in the first quarter of 2024 was
Interest income
Our interest income was
Income tax expense
Our income tax expense was
Net income
As a result of the foregoing, our net income was
Non-GAAP net income
Non-GAAP net income in the first quarter of 2024 was
Earnings per ordinary share
Basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share were
Non-GAAP earnings per ordinary share8
Non-GAAP basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share were
Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, term deposits and short-term investments
As of March 31, 2024, we had cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, term deposits and short-term investments of
Extension of the Share Repurchase Program
Pursuant to the Company's share repurchase program beginning on May 21, 2021 with an extended expiration date of May 21, 2024, the Company had completed cash repurchases in the open market of 3,972,876 American depositary shares ("ADSs"), representing 3,972,876 Class A ordinary shares, for an aggregate amount of approximately
Outlook
For the second quarter of 2024, Yalla currently expects revenues to be between US$72.0 million and
The above outlook is based on 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.
6 "ARPPU" refers to average revenues per paying user in a given period, which is calculated by dividing (i) revenues for such period, |
7 Non-GAAP operating income represents operating income excluding share-based compensation. Non-GAAP operating income is |
8 Non-GAAP earnings per ordinary share is non-GAAP net income attributable to Yalla Group Limited's shareholders, divided by |
Conference Call
The Company's management will host an earnings conference call on Monday, May 20, 2024, at 8:00 PM
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 |
800-963-976 | |
Access Code: | 3921468 |
Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company's investor relations website at https://ir.yalla.com.
A replay of the conference call will be accessible until May 27, 2024, by dialing the following telephone numbers:
United States Toll Free: | +1-877-344-7529 |
International: | +1-412-317-0088 |
Access Code: | 7146269 |
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
To supplement the financial measures prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in
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
The Company compensates for these limitations by providing the relevant disclosure of its non-GAAP financial measures in the reconciliations to the nearest
Reconciliations of GAAP and non-GAAP results are set forth at the end of this press release.
About Yalla Group Limited
Yalla Group Limited is the largest MENA-based online social networking and gaming company, in terms of revenue in 2022. 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 continues to add engaging new content, creating a regionally-focused, integrated ecosystem dedicated to fulfilling MENA users' evolving online social networking and gaming needs. Through its holding subsidiary, Yalla Game Limited, the Company has expanded its capabilities in mid-core and hard-core games in the MENA region, leveraging its local expertise to bring innovative gaming content to its users. In addition, the growing Yalla ecosystem includes YallaChat, an IM product tailored for Arabic users, WeMuslim, a product that supports Arabic users in observing their customs, and casual games such as Yalla Baloot and 101 Okey Yalla, developed to sustain vibrant local gaming communities in MENA. Yalla is also actively exploring outside of MENA with 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 users.
For more information, please visit: https://ir.yalla.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking" statements pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the
For investor and media inquiries, please contact:
Yalla Group Limited
Investor Relations
Kerry Gao - IR Director
Tel: +86-571-8980-7962
Email: ir@yalla.com
Piacente Financial Communications
Jenny Cai
Tel: +86-10-6508-0677
Email: yalla@tpg-ir.com
In
Piacente Financial Communications
Brandi Piacente
Tel: +1-212-481-2050
Email: yalla@tpg-ir.com
YALLA GROUP LIMITED | ||||||||
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | ||||||||
As of | ||||||||
December 31, | March 31, | |||||||
US$ | US$ | |||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||
Current assets | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 311,883,463 | 296,550,420 | ||||||
Restricted cash | 423,567 | 422,833 | ||||||
Term deposits | 213,105,501 | 175,330,585 | ||||||
Short-term investments | 10,282,329 | 10,394,214 | ||||||
Amounts due from a related party | 109,507 | — | ||||||
Prepayments and other current assets | 33,340,602 | 36,199,326 | ||||||
Total current assets | 569,144,969 | 518,897,378 | ||||||
Non-current assets | ||||||||
Property and equipment, net | 1,583,604 | 1,346,083 | ||||||
Intangible asset, net | 1,133,715 | 1,074,036 | ||||||
Operating lease right-of-use assets | 2,382,026 | 2,114,623 | ||||||
Long-term investments | 51,692,218 | 131,516,864 | ||||||
Other assets | 13,015,729 | 12,993,165 | ||||||
Total non-current assets | 69,807,292 | 149,044,771 | ||||||
Total assets | 638,952,261 | 667,942,149 | ||||||
LIABILITIES | ||||||||
Current liabilities | ||||||||
Accounts payable | 928,055 | 867,064 | ||||||
Deferred revenue | 46,558,571 | 49,336,350 | ||||||
Operating lease liabilities, current | 1,153,691 | 1,107,495 | ||||||
Amounts due to a related party | — | 47,036 | ||||||
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | 26,694,999 | 18,171,848 | ||||||
Total current liabilities | 75,335,316 | 69,529,793 | ||||||
Non-current liabilities | ||||||||
Operating lease liabilities, non-current | 949,970 | 466,142 | ||||||
Total non-current liabilities | 949,970 | 466,142 | ||||||
Total liabilities | 76,285,286 | 69,995,935 | ||||||
EQUITY | ||||||||
Shareholders' equity of Yalla Group Limited | ||||||||
Class A Ordinary Shares | 13,778 | 13,811 | ||||||
Class B Ordinary Shares | 2,473 | 2,473 | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 313,306,523 | 317,571,228 | ||||||
Treasury stock | (35,527,305) | (35,527,305) | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (2,341,740) | (2,415,420) | ||||||
Retained earnings | 292,223,525 | 323,817,628 | ||||||
Total shareholders' equity of Yalla Group Limited | 567,677,254 | 603,462,415 | ||||||
Non-controlling interests | (5,010,279) | (5,516,201) | ||||||
Total equity | 562,666,975 | 597,946,214 | ||||||
Total liabilities and equity | 638,952,261 | 667,942,149 |
YALLA GROUP LIMITED | ||||||||||||
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS | ||||||||||||
OF OPERATIONS | ||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | ||||||||||||
March 31, | December 31, | March 31, | ||||||||||
US$ | US$ | US$ | ||||||||||
Revenues | 73,518,613 | 80,925,228 | 78,728,578 | |||||||||
Costs and expenses | ||||||||||||
Cost of revenues | (27,852,477) | (30,571,656) | (28,571,261) | |||||||||
Selling and marketing expenses | (11,354,975) | (10,356,555) | (8,099,936) | |||||||||
General and administrative expenses | (10,164,394) | (11,300,036) | (6,647,892) | |||||||||
Technology and product development expenses | (7,411,188) | (5,411,303) | (6,262,254) | |||||||||
Total costs and expenses | (56,783,034) | (57,639,550) | (49,581,343) | |||||||||
Operating income | 16,735,579 | 23,285,678 | 29,147,235 | |||||||||
Interest income | 3,118,289 | 6,479,095 | 6,644,884 | |||||||||
Government grants | 177,659 | 154,908 | 67,332 | |||||||||
Investment income (loss) | 491,889 | 271,566 | (1,288,127) | |||||||||
Income before income taxes | 20,523,416 | 30,191,247 | 34,571,324 | |||||||||
Income tax expense | (616,358) | (539,276) | (3,483,208) | |||||||||
Net income | 19,907,058 | 29,651,971 | 31,088,116 | |||||||||
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests | 554,591 | 1,533,491 | 505,987 | |||||||||
Net income attributable to Yalla Group | 20,461,649 | 31,185,462 | 31,594,103 | |||||||||
Earnings per ordinary share | ||||||||||||
——Basic | 0.13 | 0.20 | 0.20 | |||||||||
——Diluted | 0.11 | 0.17 | 0.17 | |||||||||
Weighted average number of shares | ||||||||||||
——Basic | 157,976,350 | 159,656,332 | 160,379,455 | |||||||||
——Diluted | 180,517,715 | 182,819,044 | 183,260,168 | |||||||||
Share-based compensation was allocated in cost of revenues, selling and marketing expenses, general and administrative expenses and | ||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | ||||||||||||
March 31, | December 31, | March 31, | ||||||||||
US$ | US$ | US$ | ||||||||||
Cost of revenues | 1,030,249 | 1,479,600 | 1,902,717 | |||||||||
Selling and marketing expenses | 971,335 | 692,727 | 700,115 | |||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 3,245,278 | 1,417,835 | 1,333,314 | |||||||||
Technology and product development expenses | 349,277 | 198,803 | 262,731 | |||||||||
Total share-based compensation expenses | 5,596,139 | 3,788,965 | 4,198,877 |
YALLA GROUP LIMITED | ||||||||||||
RECONCILIATIONS OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP RESULTS | ||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | ||||||||||||
March 31, | December 31, | March 31, | ||||||||||
US$ | US$ | US$ | ||||||||||
Operating income | 16,735,579 | 23,285,678 | 29,147,235 | |||||||||
Share-based compensation expenses | 5,596,139 | 3,788,965 | 4,198,877 | |||||||||
Non-GAAP operating income | 22,331,718 | 27,074,643 | 33,346,112 | |||||||||
Net income | 19,907,058 | 29,651,971 | 31,088,116 | |||||||||
Share-based compensation expenses, | 5,596,139 | 3,788,965 | 4,198,877 | |||||||||
Non-GAAP net income | 25,503,197 | 33,440,936 | 35,286,993 | |||||||||
Net income attributable to Yalla | 20,461,649 | 31,185,462 | 31,594,103 | |||||||||
Share-based compensation expenses, | 5,596,139 | 3,788,965 | 4,198,877 | |||||||||
Non-GAAP net income attributable to | 26,057,788 | 34,974,427 | 35,792,980 | |||||||||
Non-GAAP earnings per ordinary share | ||||||||||||
——Basic | 0.16 | 0.22 | 0.22 | |||||||||
——Diluted | 0.14 | 0.19 | 0.20 | |||||||||
Weighted average number of shares | ||||||||||||
——Basic | 157,976,350 | 159,656,332 | 160,379,455 | |||||||||
——Diluted | 180,517,715 | 182,819,044 | 183,260,168 |
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SOURCE Yalla Group Limited
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