Yalla Group Limited Announces Unaudited Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Financial Results
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Insights
The recent financial results from Yalla Group Limited indicate a strong performance in the fourth quarter of 2023, with a 7.7% revenue increase compared to the same period in the previous year. This growth is particularly noteworthy in the context of the social networking and gaming sectors, which are known for their volatility and competition. The reported increase in Net Income by 79.0% is a robust indicator of the company's profitability and operational efficiency.
However, the decrease in the number of paying users by 4.2% could signal a potential challenge in user monetization, especially given that this decline occurred despite a 13.3% increase in average monthly active users (MAUs). This suggests that while the platform's user base is growing, its ability to convert these users into consistent revenue streams may be under pressure, possibly due to the mentioned game mechanism adjustments. This could have implications for the company's future revenue growth and should be monitored closely by stakeholders.
Yalla Group's financial results reveal a substantial improvement in net margins, with a reported 36.6% in the fourth quarter of 2023. When adjusted for non-GAAP measures, which exclude share-based compensation, the net margin climbs even higher to 41.3%. These figures suggest that Yalla Group is not only increasing its revenues but is also effectively managing its expenses, leading to greater profitability. The distinction between GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures is crucial for investors as it provides a clearer picture of a company's operational performance by excluding potentially volatile and non-cash expenses.
Investors might also take note of the company's performance in different segments, with chatting services contributing a larger share of the revenue compared to gaming services. This diversification in revenue streams could be seen as a positive attribute, providing a buffer against market fluctuations in any single segment.
From an economic perspective, Yalla Group's performance is reflective of the broader digital economy trends in the MENA region. The growth in revenues and net income indicates that the company is capitalizing on the increasing digital adoption and internet penetration rates in the region. However, the reduction in paying users amidst overall user growth may point to broader economic factors at play, such as changes in consumer spending habits or competitive dynamics within the industry.
Long-term, the company's ability to maintain high net margins and grow its user base will be critical for sustaining its competitive position in the MENA market. The company's strategic adjustments, such as the game mechanism changes that impacted paying users, will need to be assessed over time to determine their effectiveness in balancing user engagement with monetization.
Fourth Quarter 2023 Financial and Operating Highlights
- Revenues were
US .9 million in the fourth quarter of 2023, representing an increase of$80 7.7% from the fourth quarter of 2022.- Revenues generated from chatting services in the fourth quarter of 2023 were
US .2 million.$52 - Revenues generated from games services in the fourth quarter of 2023 were
US .5 million.$28
- Revenues generated from chatting services in the fourth quarter of 2023 were
- Net income was
US in the fourth quarter of 2023, a$29.7 million 79.0% increase fromUS in the fourth quarter of 2022. Net margin[1] was$16.6 million 36.6% in the fourth quarter of 2023. - Non-GAAP net income[2] was
US .4 million in the fourth quarter of 2023, a$33 53.8% increase fromUS in the fourth quarter of 2022. Non-GAAP net margin[3] was$21.7 million 41.3% in the fourth quarter of 2023. - Average MAUs[4] increased by
13.3% to 36.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 from 32.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. - The number of paying users[5] on our platform decreased by
4.2% to 11.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 from 12.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2022 due to a near-term game mechanism adjustment.
[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 "Reconciliations 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, Yalla Ludo and Yalla Parchis have been our main mobile applications for the periods presented herein; YallaChat and 101 Okey Yalla have been our main mobile applications since the fourth quarter of 2022; WeMuslim has been our main mobile application since the second quarter of 2023; and Ludo Royal has been our main mobile application since the third quarter of 2023. |
[5] "Paying users" refers to registered users who played a game or purchased our virtual items or upgrade services using virtual currencies on our main mobile applications at least once in a given period, except for users who received all of their virtual currencies directly or indirectly from us for free; YallaChat and WeMuslim do not involve the usage of virtual currencies, and the metrics of "paying users" and "ARPPU" do not reflect user activities on YallaChat and WeMuslim. "Registered users" refers to 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. |
Full Year 2023 Highlights
- Revenues were
US .9 million in 2023, representing an increase of$318 5.0% from 2022.- Revenues generated from chatting services in 2023 were
US .8 million.$211 - Revenues generated from games services in 2023 were
US .7 million.$106
- Revenues generated from chatting services in 2023 were
- Net income was
US in 2023, a$113.1 million 43.0% increase fromUS in 2022. Net margin was$79.0 million 35.5% in 2023. - Non-GAAP net income was
US in 2023, a$131.0 million 23.9% increase from US$105.7 million in 2022. Non-GAAP net margin was41.1% in 2023.
Key Operating Data | For the three months ended | ||||||
December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||
Average MAUs (in thousands) | 31,987 | 36,237 | |||||
Paying users (in thousands) | 12,457 | 11,930 |
"2023 was a pivotal year for Yalla. Amid the dynamic global landscape, we forged ahead with our effective strategy for high-quality growth and capped the year with strong fourth quarter financial and operational results," said Mr. Yang Tao, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Yalla. "Our revenues increased by
"Along with our constant efforts to optimize our flagship applications, we made great strides with our mid- and hard-core games in the past year. With the successful launch of our two hard-core games, we have deepened our engagement in the mid- and hard-core game business and gained vast experience across key aspects of MENA's gaming market. Furthermore, we are honored to be included in the inaugural Fortune 500 Arabia list rolled out in 2023, an award that highlights the most prominent companies in the MENA region. As MENA's rich emerging opportunities attract growing interest and investment from around the globe, we will continue leveraging our profound local insights to broaden our business horizons, fortifying our position as the most popular destination for online social networking and entertainment in MENA," Mr. Yang concluded.
Ms. Karen Hu, CFO of Yalla, commented, "We achieved robust 2023 results with full-year revenue rising to
Fourth Quarter 2023 Financial Results
Revenues
Our revenues were
In the fourth quarter of 2023, 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 remained stable at
Operating income
Operating income was
Non-GAAP operating income[7]
Non-GAAP operating income in the fourth quarter of 2023 was
[6] "ARPPU" refers to average revenues per paying user in a given period, which is calculated by dividing (i) revenues for such period, by (ii) the number of paying users for such period. When calculating the ARPPU, we include revenues generated from Yalla, Yalla Ludo, Yalla Parchis, 101 Okey Yalla (since the fourth quarter of 2022) and Ludo Royal (since the third quarter of 2023) in a given period. |
[7] 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 "Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results" for more information about the non-GAAP measures referred to in this press release. |
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 fourth quarter of 2023 was
Earnings per ordinary share
Basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share were
Non-GAAP earnings per ordinary share[8]
Non-GAAP basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share were
Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, term deposits and short-term investments
As of December 31, 2023, we had cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, term deposits and short-term investments of
Full Year 2023 Financial Results
Revenues
Our revenues were
Our revenues generated from chatting services were
[8] Non-GAAP earnings per ordinary share is non-GAAP net income attributable to Yalla Group Limited's shareholders, divided by weighted average number of basic and diluted shares outstanding. Non-GAAP net income attributable to Yalla Group Limited's shareholders represents net income attributable to Yalla Group Limited's shareholders, excluding share-based compensation. Non-GAAP earnings per ordinary share and non-GAAP net income attributable to Yalla Group Limited's shareholders are non-GAAP financial measures. See the sections entitled "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and "Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results" for more information about the non-GAAP measures referred to in this press release. |
Costs and expenses
Our total costs and expenses were
Our cost of revenues remained relatively stable at
Our selling and marketing expenses were
Our general and administrative expenses remained relatively stable at
Our technology and product development expenses were
Operating income
Operating income was
Non-GAAP operating income
Non-GAAP operating income in 2023 was
Interest income
Our interest income was
Income tax expense
Our income tax expense was
Net income
Our net income was
Non-GAAP net income
Non-GAAP net income in 2023 was
Earnings per ordinary share
Basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share were
Non-GAAP earnings per ordinary share
Non-GAAP basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share were
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 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 first quarter of 2024, Yalla currently expects revenues to be between
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.
Conference Call
The Company's management will host an earnings conference call on Monday, March 11, 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: | 1609316 |
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 March 18, 2024, by dialing the following telephone numbers:
United States Toll Free: | +1-877-344-7529 |
International: | +1-412-317-0088 |
Access Code: | 1323561 |
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 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, | December 31, | |||||||
US$ | US$ | |||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||
Current assets | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 407,256,837 | 311,883,463 | ||||||
Restricted cash | — | 423,567 | ||||||
Term deposits | 20,000,000 | 213,105,501 | ||||||
Short-term investments | 25,788,304 | 10,282,329 | ||||||
Amounts due from a related party | — | 109,507 | ||||||
Prepayments and other current assets | 28,652,840 | 33,340,602 | ||||||
Total current assets | 481,697,981 | 569,144,969 | ||||||
Non-current assets | ||||||||
Property and equipment, net | 2,121,613 | 1,583,604 | ||||||
Intangible asset, net | 1,328,470 | 1,133,715 | ||||||
Operating lease right-of-use assets | 1,950,364 | 2,382,026 | ||||||
Long-term investments | 3,833,750 | 51,692,218 | ||||||
Other assets | 15,406,078 | 13,015,729 | ||||||
Total non-current assets | 24,640,275 | 69,807,292 | ||||||
Total assets | 506,338,256 | 638,952,261 | ||||||
LIABILITIES | ||||||||
Current liabilities | ||||||||
Accounts payable | 5,382,276 | 928,055 | ||||||
Deferred revenue | 35,957,485 | 46,558,571 | ||||||
Operating lease liabilities, current | 858,452 | 1,153,691 | ||||||
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | 22,821,168 | 26,694,999 | ||||||
Total current liabilities | 65,019,381 | 75,335,316 | ||||||
Non-current liabilities | ||||||||
Operating lease liabilities, non-current | 744,612 | 949,970 | ||||||
Amounts due to a related party | 709,789 | — | ||||||
Total non-current liabilities | 1,454,401 | 949,970 | ||||||
Total liabilities | 66,473,782 | 76,285,286 | ||||||
EQUITY | ||||||||
Shareholders' equity of Yalla Group Limited | ||||||||
Class A Ordinary Shares | 13,356 | 13,778 | ||||||
Class B Ordinary Shares | 2,473 | 2,473 | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 294,406,395 | 313,306,523 | ||||||
Treasury stock | (27,014,697) | (35,527,305) | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (1,701,111) | (2,341,740) | ||||||
Retained earnings | 174,880,748 | 292,223,525 | ||||||
Total shareholders' equity of Yalla Group Limited | 440,587,164 | 567,677,254 | ||||||
Non-controlling interests | (722,690) | (5,010,279) | ||||||
Total equity | 439,864,474 | 562,666,975 | ||||||
Total liabilities and equity | 506,338,256 | 638,952,261 |
YALLA GROUP LIMITED | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
OF OPERATIONS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, | September 30, | December 31, | December 31, | December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues | 75,113,791 | 85,187,360 | 80,925,228 | 303,603,522 | 318,877,564 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Costs and expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of revenues | (27,439,485) | (27,772,226) | (30,571,656) | (113,808,128) | (114,527,174) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Selling and marketing expenses | (14,254,031) | (11,292,732) | (10,356,555) | (49,939,683) | (45,382,752) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses | (13,040,902) | (7,325,451) | (11,300,036) | (36,582,626) | (36,808,454) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Technology and product development expenses | (5,376,318) | (6,396,426) | (5,411,303) | (24,575,485) | (25,804,995) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total costs and expenses | (60,110,736) | (52,786,835) | (57,639,550) | (224,905,922) | (222,523,375) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating income | 15,003,055 | 32,400,525 | 23,285,678 | 78,697,600 | 96,354,189 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest income | 2,295,844 | 5,612,861 | 6,479,095 | 3,300,976 | 19,833,520 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Government grants | 110,258 | 228 | 154,908 | 322,273 | 337,355 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment income | 277,122 | 435,545 | 271,566 | 21,407 | 1,728,308 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Impairment loss of investments | (705,428) | (2,509,480) | — | (705,428) | (2,509,480) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income before income taxes | 16,980,851 | 35,939,679 | 30,191,247 | 81,636,828 | 115,743,892 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income tax expense | (416,342) | (708,673) | (539,276) | (2,598,983) | (2,685,456) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income | 16,564,509 | 35,231,006 | 29,651,971 | 79,037,845 | 113,058,436 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests | 198,008 | 994,099 | 1,533,491 | 718,952 | 4,284,341 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to Yalla Group | 16,762,517 | 36,225,105 | 31,185,462 | 79,756,797 | 117,342,777 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Earnings per ordinary share | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
——Basic | 0.11 | 0.23 | 0.20 | 0.52 | 0.74 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
——Diluted | 0.09 | 0.20 | 0.17 | 0.45 | 0.65 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Weighted average number of shares | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
——Basic | 157,373,645 | 160,554,831 | 159,656,332 | 153,526,679 | 159,264,843 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
——Diluted | 177,515,233 | 183,111,650 | 182,819,044 | 176,639,558 | 181,800,240 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation was allocated in cost of revenues, selling and marketing expenses, general and administrative expenses and |
Three Months Ended | Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||||
December 31, | September 30, | December 31, | December 31, | December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | ||||||||||||||||
Cost of revenues | 884,691 | 627,760 | 1,479,600 | 4,798,901 | 4,061,122 | |||||||||||||||
Selling and marketing expenses | 1,019,064 | 532,001 | 692,727 | 5,774,985 | 3,210,434 | |||||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 2,963,686 | 1,633,262 | 1,417,835 | 14,752,580 | 9,539,356 | |||||||||||||||
Technology and product development expenses | 315,581 | 255,677 | 198,803 | 1,364,504 | 1,118,930 | |||||||||||||||
Total share-based compensation expenses | 5,183,022 | 3,048,700 | 3,788,965 | 26,690,970 | 17,929,842 |
YALLA GROUP LIMITED | ||||||||||||||||||||
RECONCILIATIONS OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP RESULTS | ||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||||
December 31, | September 30, | December 31, | December 31, | December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | ||||||||||||||||
Operating income | 15,003,055 | 32,400,525 | 23,285,678 | 78,697,600 | 96,354,189 | |||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation expenses | 5,183,022 | 3,048,700 | 3,788,965 | 26,690,970 | 17,929,842 | |||||||||||||||
Non-GAAP operating income | 20,186,077 | 35,449,225 | 27,074,643 | 105,388,570 | 114,284,031 | |||||||||||||||
Net income | 16,564,509 | 35,231,006 | 29,651,971 | 79,037,845 | 113,058,436 | |||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation expenses, | 5,183,022 | 3,048,700 | 3,788,965 | 26,690,970 | 17,929,842 | |||||||||||||||
Non-GAAP net income | 21,747,531 | 38,279,706 | 33,440,936 | 105,728,815 | 130,988,278 | |||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to Yalla | 16,762,517 | 36,225,105 | 31,185,462 | 79,756,797 | 117,342,777 | |||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation expenses, | 5,183,022 | 3,048,700 | 3,788,965 | 26,690,970 | 17,929,842 | |||||||||||||||
Non-GAAP net income attributable to | 21,945,539 | 39,273,805 | 34,974,427 | 106,447,767 | 135,272,619 | |||||||||||||||
Non-GAAP earnings per ordinary share | ||||||||||||||||||||
——Basic | 0.14 | 0.24 | 0.22 | 0.69 | 0.85 | |||||||||||||||
——Diluted | 0.12 | 0.21 | 0.19 | 0.60 | 0.74 | |||||||||||||||
Weighted average number of shares | ||||||||||||||||||||
——Basic | 157,373,645 | 160,554,831 | 159,656,332 | 153,526,679 | 159,264,843 | |||||||||||||||
——Diluted | 177,515,233 | 183,111,650 | 182,819,044 | 176,639,558 | 181,800,240 |
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SOURCE Yalla Group Limited
FAQ
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