Zhihu Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2021 Unaudited Financial Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Zhihu Inc. (NYSE: ZH) reported significant growth in its fourth quarter and fiscal year 2021 results. Average monthly active users (MAUs) reached 103.3 million, up 36.4% year-over-year, while average monthly paying members surged by 102.0% to 6.1 million. Total revenues for Q4 2021 were RMB1,019.2 million (US$159.9 million), marking a growth of 96.1% compared to Q4 2020. Overall, revenues for FY 2021 reached RMB2,959.3 million (US$464.4 million), a rise of 118.9%. However, the company reported a net loss of RMB383.3 million (US$60.1 million) in Q4 2021.

Positive

• Average monthly active users (MAUs) rose to 103.3 million in Q4 2021, a 36.4% increase YoY.
• Total revenues for Q4 2021 were RMB1,019.2 million (US$159.9 million), up 96.1% from Q4 2020.
• Average monthly paying members grew by 102.0% to 6.1 million in Q4 2021.
• FY 2021 total revenues reached RMB2,959.3 million (US$464.4 million), a 118.9% increase YoY.

Negative

• Net loss for Q4 2021 was RMB383.3 million (US$60.1 million), widening from RMB90.1 million in Q4 2020.
• Loss from operations for FY 2021 was RMB1,390.7 million (US$218.2 million), compared to RMB602.9 million in 2020.
• Gross margin decreased to 47.1% in Q4 2021, down from 64.1% in Q4 2020.

BEIJING, March 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Zhihu Inc. ("Zhihu" or the "Company") (NYSE: ZH), the operator of Zhihu, a leading online content community in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.

Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2021 Highlights

• Average monthly active users (MAUs)^[1] reached 103.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2021, representing a growth of 36.4% over the fourth quarter of 2020. Average MAUs for the year was 95.9 million, representing a growth of 40.0% from 2020.
• Average monthly paying members^[2] reached 6.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2021, representing a growth of 102.0% over the fourth quarter of 2020. Average monthly paying members for the year was 5.1 million, representing a growth of 114.8% from 2020.
• Total revenues were RMB1,019.2 million (US$159.9 million) in the fourth quarter of 2021, representing a growth of 96.1% over the fourth quarter of 2020. Total revenues for the year were RMB2,959.3 million (US$464.4 million), representing a growth of 118.9% from 2020.
• Gross profit was RMB479.8 million (US$75.3 million) in the fourth quarter of 2021, representing an increase of 44.1% over the fourth quarter of 2020. Gross profit for the year was RMB1,553.9 million (US$243.8 million), representing an increase of 105.1% from 2020.

"2021 was a remarkable year for Zhihu. In March, we successfully completed our IPO amidst a challenging market environment and went on to complete the year with sustained, robust financial growth. Throughout the year, as part of our continued efforts to enhance content quality, we focused on promoting and distributing "fulfilling content," or content that we believe broadens horizons, provides solutions, and resonates with minds. Our videolization strategy proved to be effective and brought the diversity of Zhihu's content library to a new level. This enabled content creators to contribute with even greater levels of creativity and strengthened our capabilities to meet the growing content consumption needs of our users. As we continue to unlock the value of our unique content-centric ecosystem and benefit from growing scale, we will continue to enhance our operating efficiency and fulfill our responsibilities to the society." said Mr. Yuan Zhou, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Zhihu.

Mr. Wei Sun, Chief Financial Officer of Zhihu, added, "We are delighted to announce another strong set of quarterly results. During the fourth quarter of 2021, our content-commerce solutions and paid membership businesses continued to grow rapidly, expanding 380.2% and 100.0%, respectively, in terms of revenue on a year-over-year basis, and collectively contributed 56.5% of our total revenue in the quarter. At the same time, despite headwinds faced by the general advertising sector, our advertising business grew by 18.4% during the quarter on a year-over-year basis. We also continued to benefit from our commitment to deliver fulfilling content and enhance our operating efficiency, realizing another year of strong user-base growth and a more appealing content ecosystem for business partners. In 2022, we will continue to diversify our content-centric monetization capabilities, including further developing our vocational training businesses, and enhancing operating efficiency as we work to ensure long-term and sustainable growth."

Fourth Quarter 2021 Financial Results

Total revenues were RMB1,019.2 million (US$159.9 million) in the fourth quarter of 2021, representing an increase of 96.1% from RMB519.8 million in the same period of 2020. The increase was driven by the continued expansion of both our user base and average revenue per active user.

Advertising revenue was RMB377.8 million (US$59.3 million) in the fourth quarter of 2021, representing an increase of 18.4% from RMB319.2 million in the same period of 2020. The year-over-year increase was primarily attributable to the continued expansion of our user base.

Paid membership revenue was RMB208.8 million (US$32.8 million) in the fourth quarter of 2021, representing an increase of 100.0% from RMB104.4 million in the same period of 2020. The year-over-year increase was primarily attributable to increases in our overall user base and paying ratio for the period.

Content-commerce solutions revenue was RMB367.3 million (US$57.6 million) in the fourth quarter of 2021, compared with RMB76.5 million in the same period of 2020. The strong year-over-year growth was primarily driven by rapid increases in both our user base and average content-commerce solutions revenue per MAU, reflecting our continued development of this business line.

Other revenues were RMB65.4 million (US$10.3 million) in the fourth quarter of 2021, compared with RMB19.8 million in the same period of 2020. The year-over-year increase was primarily due to the growth of our vocational training business and continued growth in our e-commerce services.

Cost of revenues increased to RMB539.4 million (US$84.6 million) in the fourth quarter of 2021 from RMB186.7 million in the same period of 2020. The increase was primarily due to an increase in execution costs for our advertising services and content-related costs, as well as an increase in staff costs due to our increased headcount to support our growth. The rapid growth in user traffic in the quarter also resulted in increases in cloud services and bandwidth costs.

Gross profit was RMB479.8 million (US$75.3 million) in the fourth quarter of 2021, compared with gross profit of RMB333.1 million in the same period of 2020. 

Gross margin in the fourth quarter of 2021 was 47.1%, compared to 64.1% in the same period of 2020.

Total operating expenses were RMB855.1 million (US$134.2 million) in the fourth quarter of 2021, compared with RMB437.6 million in the same period of 2020.

Selling and marketing expenses were RMB470.2 million (US$73.8 million) in the fourth quarter of 2021, compared with RMB242.9 million in the same period of 2020. The increase was primarily due to higher promotion and advertising expenses related to attracting new users and strengthening Zhihu's brand recognition.

Research and development expenses were RMB208.0 million (US$32.6 million) in the fourth quarter of 2021, compared with RMB82.4 million in the same period of 2020. The increase was primarily due to the higher headcount of research and development personnel, as we continued to invest in technical infrastructure, and research and development.

General and administrative expenses were RMB176.9 million (US$27.8 million) in the fourth quarter of 2021, compared with RMB112.3 million in the same period of 2020. The increase was primarily due to an increase in the headcount of general and administrative personnel, and a rise in share-based compensation expenses.

Loss from operations was RMB375.2 million (US$58.9 million) in the fourth quarter of 2021, compared with RMB104.5 million in the same period of 2020. 

Net loss was RMB383.3 million (US$60.1 million) in the fourth quarter of 2021, compared with RMB90.1 million in the same period of 2020.

Adjusted net loss (non-GAAP)^[3] was RMB240.8 million (US$37.8 million) in the fourth quarter of 2021, compared with RMB26.3 million in the same period of 2020.

Basic and diluted net loss per ADS was RMB0.65 (US$0.10) in the fourth quarter of 2021, compared with RMB1.97 in the same period of 2020.

Cash and cash equivalents, term deposits and short-term investments

As of December 31, 2021, the Company had cash and cash equivalents, term deposits and short-term investments of RMB7.4 billion (US$1.2 billion), compared with RMB3.1 billion as of December 31, 2020.

Fiscal Year 2021 Financial Results

Total revenues were RMB2,959.3 million (US$464.4 million) in 2021, representing an increase of 118.9% from RMB1,352.2 million in 2020. The increase was driven by the continued expansion of our user base and average revenue per active user.

Advertising revenue was RMB1,160.9 million (US$182.2 million) in 2021, representing an increase of 37.7% from RMB843.3 million in 2020. The increase was primarily attributable to the continued expansion of our user base.

Paid membership revenue was RMB668.5 million (US$104.9 million) in 2021, representing an increase of 108.6% from RMB320.5 million in 2020. The increase was primarily attributable to increases in our overall user base and paying ratio.

Content-commerce solutions revenue was RMB974.0 million (US$152.8 million) in 2021, compared with RMB135.8 million in 2020. The strong growth was primarily driven by rapid increases in both our user base and average content-commerce solutions revenue per MAU.

Other revenues were RMB155.9 million (US$24.5 million) in 2021, compared with RMB52.6 million in the same period of 2020. The year-over-year increase was primarily attributable to the continued growth of our vocational training business and e-commerce services.

Cost of revenues increased to RMB1,405.4 million (US$220.5 million) in 2021 from RMB594.4 million in 2020. The increase was primarily due to an increase in execution costs for our advertising services and content-related costs. The rapid growth in user traffic in 2021 also resulted in increases in our cloud services and bandwidth costs.

Gross profit was RMB1,553.9 million (US$243.8 million) in 2021, compared with gross profit of RMB757.8 million in 2020. 

Gross margin in 2021 was 52.5%, compared to 56.0% in 2020.

Total operating expenses were RMB2,944.6 million (US$462.1 million) in 2021, compared with RMB1,360.7 million in 2020.

Selling and marketing expenses were RMB1,634.7 million (US$256.5 million) in 2021, compared with RMB734.8 million in 2020. The increase was primarily due to higher promotion and advertising expenses related to attracting new users and strengthening Zhihu's brand recognition.

Research and development expenses were RMB619.6 million (US$97.2 million) in 2021, compared with RMB329.8 million in 2020. The increase was primarily due to the higher headcount of research and development personnel, as we continued to invest in technical infrastructure, and research and development.

General and administrative expenses were RMB690.3 million (US$108.3 million) in 2021, compared with RMB296.2 million in 2020. The increase was primarily due to an increase in the headcount of general and administrative personnel, and a rise in share-based compensation expenses.

Loss from operations was RMB1,390.7 million (US$218.2 million) in 2021, compared with RMB602.9 million in 2020. 

Net loss was RMB1,298.9 million (US$203.8 million) in 2021, compared with RMB517.6 million in 2020.

Adjusted net loss (non-GAAP)^[3] was RMB747.1 million (US$117.2 million) in 2021, compared with RMB337.5 million in 2020.

Basic and diluted net loss per ADS was RMB3.06 (US$0.48) in 2021, compared with RMB9.18 in 2020.

Outlook

For the first quarter of 2022, the Company expects its total revenues to be between RMB720 million and RMB740 million. The above outlook is based on current market conditions and reflects the Company's preliminary estimates, which are subject to change.

[1] MAUs refers to the sum of the number of mobile devices that launch our mobile app at least once in a given month, or mobile MAUs, and the number of logged-in users who visit our PC or mobile website at least once in a given month, after eliminating duplicates. [2] Average monthly paying members for a period is calculated by dividing the sum of monthly paying members for each month during the specified period by the number of months in such period. [3] Adjusted net loss is a non-GAAP financial measure. For more information on the non-GAAP financial measure, please see the section of "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measure" and the table captioned "Unaudited Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results" set forth at the end of this press release.

Conference Call

The Company's management will host an earnings conference call at 8:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time on March 14, 2022 (8:00 p.m. Beijing/Hong Kong time on March 14, 2022).

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

United States:	+1-888-317-6003
International:	+1-412-317-6061
Hong Kong, China:	800-963-976
Mainland China:	400-120-6115
Participant code:	7359097

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

A replay of the conference call will be accessible approximately one hour after the conclusion of the live call until March 21, 2022, by dialing the following telephone numbers:

United States:	+1-877-344-7529
International:	+1-412-317-0088
Replay Access Code:	4729100

About Zhihu Inc.

Zhihu Inc. (NYSE: ZH) is the operator of Zhihu, a leading online content community in China, dedicated to empowering people to share knowledge, experience, and insights, and to find their own answers. Zhihu fosters a vibrant online community where users contribute and engage while respecting diversity and valuing constructiveness by promoting a culture of sincerity, expertise, and respect developed through years of cultivation. Zhihu is China's largest Q&A-inspired online community and one of the top five Chinese comprehensive online content communities, both in terms of average mobile monthly average users and revenue in 2020. Zhihu is also recognized as the most trustworthy online content community and widely regarded as offering the highest quality content in China, according to a survey conducted by CIC. For more information, please visit https://ir.zhihu.com.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measure

In evaluating the business, the Company considers and uses adjusted net loss, a non-GAAP financial measure, to supplement the review and assessment of its operating performance. The Company defines adjusted net loss as net loss adjusted for the impact of share-based compensation expenses, amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisition and tax effects of the non-GAAP adjustments, which are non-cash expenses. The Company believes that the non-GAAP measure facilitates comparisons of operating performance from period to period and company to company by adjusting for potential impacts of items, which the Company's management considers to be indicative of its operating performance. The Company believes that the non-GAAP financial measure provides useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating the Company's consolidated results of operations in the same manner as it helps the Company's management.

The non-GAAP financial measure is not defined under U.S. GAAP and is not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The presentation of the non-GAAP financial measure may not be comparable to similarly titled measure presented by other companies. The use of the non-GAAP measure has limitations as an analytical tool, and investors should not consider it in isolation from, or as a substitute for analysis of, our results of operations or financial condition as reported under U.S. GAAP. For more information on the non-GAAP financial measure, please see the tables captioned "Unaudited Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results" set forth at the end of this press release.

Exchange Rate Information

This announcement contains translations of certain Renminbi amounts into U.S. dollars at a specified rate solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from Renminbi to U.S. dollars were made at a rate of RMB6.3726 to US$1.00, the exchange rate in effect as of December 30, 2021 as set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "target," "aim," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "potential," "continue," "is/are likely to," or other similar expressions. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

In China:

Zhihu Inc.
Email: ir@zhihu.com

The Piacente Group, Inc.
Helen Wu
Tel: +86-10-6508-0677
Email: zhihu@tpg-ir.com

In the United States:

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

 

 

 

ZHIHU INC. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (All amounts in thousands, except share, ADS, per share data and per ADS data)
	For the Three Months Ended								For the Year Ended
	December 31, 2020		September 30, 2021		December 31, 2021				December 31, 2020		December 31, 2021
	RMB		RMB		RMB		US$		RMB		RMB		US$
Revenues:
Advertising	319,172		321,072		377,812		59,287		843,284		1,160,886		182,168
Paid membership	104,372		178,307		208,756		32,758		320,471		668,507		104,903
Content-commerce solutions	76,485		278,415		367,295		57,637		135,813		973,986		152,840
Others	19,778		45,672		65,357		10,256		52,628		155,945		24,471
Total revenues	519,807		823,466		1,019,220		159,938		1,352,196		2,959,324		464,382
Cost of revenues	(186,721)		(398,617)		(539,392)		(84,642)		(594,399)		(1,405,423)		(220,542)
Gross profit	333,086		424,849		479,828		75,296		757,797		1,553,901		243,840
Selling and marketing expenses	(242,937)		(374,696)		(470,175)		(73,781)		(734,753)		(1,634,733)		(256,525)
Research and development    expenses	(82,359)		(184,657)		(208,006)		(32,641)		(329,763)		(619,585)		(97,226)
General and administrative    expenses	(112,297)		(187,972)		(176,881)		(27,756)		(296,162)		(690,292)		(108,322)
Total operating expenses	(437,593)		(747,325)		(855,062)		(134,178)		(1,360,678)		(2,944,610)		(462,073)
Loss from operations	(104,507)		(322,476)		(375,234)		(58,882)		(602,881)		(1,390,709)		(218,233)
Other income/(expenses):
Investment income	11,989		15,617		22,107		3,469		56,087		59,177		9,286
Interest income	4,135		9,850		9,877		1,550		24,751		31,305		4,912
Fair value change of financial     instrument	(49,246)		11,136		6,100		957		(68,818)		27,846		4,370
Exchange gains/(losses)	41,786		8,724		(30,154)		(4,732)		62,663		(16,665)		(2,615)
Others, net	6,271		7,640		(12,964)		(2,034)		11,728		(4,391)		(689)
Loss before income tax	(89,572)		(269,509)		(380,268)		(59,672)		(516,470)		(1,293,437)		(202,969)
Income tax expense	(485)		(303)		(3,023)		(474)		(1,080)		(5,443)		(854)
Net loss	(90,057)		(269,812)		(383,291)		(60,146)		(517,550)		(1,298,880)		(203,823)
Accretions of convertible     redeemable preferred shares to     redemption value	(169,783)		-		-		-		(680,734)		(170,585)		(26,769)
Net loss attributable to Zhihu     Inc.'s shareholders	(259,840)		(269,812)		(383,291)		(60,146)		(1,198,284)		(1,469,465)		(230,592)
Net loss per share
Basic	(3.94)		(0.91)		(1.29)		(0.20)		(18.36)		(6.12)		(0.96)
Diluted	(3.94)		(0.91)		(1.29)		(0.20)		(18.36)		(6.12)		(0.96)
Net loss per ADS (Two ADSs     represent one Class A     ordinary share)
Basic	(1.97)		(0.46)		(0.65)		(0.10)		(9.18)		(3.06)		(0.48)
Diluted	(1.97)		(0.46)		(0.65)		(0.10)		(9.18)		(3.06)		(0.48)
Weighted average number of     ordinary shares outstanding
Basic	65,948,861		295,179,795		296,870,566		296,870,566		65,279,970		240,174,108		240,174,108
Diluted	65,948,861		295,179,795		296,870,566		296,870,566		65,279,970		240,174,108		240,174,108

 

 

 

ZHIHU INC. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED) (All amounts in thousands, except share, ADS, per share data and per ADS data)
	For the Three Months Ended								For the Year Ended
	December 31, 2020		September 30, 2021		December 31, 2021				December 31, 2020		December 31, 2021
	RMB		RMB		RMB		US$		RMB		RMB		US$
Share-based compensation     expenses included in:
Cost of revenues	(441)		5,527		8,865		1,391		5,424		18,973		2,977
Selling and marketing     expenses	2,044		12,111		10,419		1,635		15,973		31,947		5,013
Research and development   expenses	4,613		21,764		25,514		4,004		15,281		57,595		9,038
General and administrative   expenses	57,537		116,489		95,904		15,049		143,412		439,950		69,038

 

 

 

 

ZHIHU INC. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (All amounts in thousands)
	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2021
	RMB		RMB		US$
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	957,820		2,157,161		338,506
Term deposits	1,092,921		2,815,509		441,815
Short-term investments	1,046,000		2,239,596		351,441
Trade receivables	486,046		831,628		130,501
Amounts due from related parties	13,843		18,196		2,855
Prepayments and other current assets	123,536		272,075		42,695
Total current assets	3,720,166		8,334,165		1,307,813
Non-current assets:
Property and equipment, net	8,105		9,865		1,548
Intangible assets, net	23,478		68,308		10,719
Goodwill	-		73,663		11,559
Long-term investments	-		19,127		3,001
Term deposits	-		159,393		25,012
Right-of-use assets	3,241		126,512		19,852
Other non-current assets	6,451		14,132		2,218
Total non-current assets	41,275		471,000		73,909
Total assets	3,761,441		8,805,165		1,381,722
LIABILITIES, MEZZANINE EQUITY AND     SHAREHOLDERS' (DEFICIT)/EQUITY
Current liabilities
Accounts payables and accrued liabilities	501,848		1,026,534		161,086
Salary and welfare payables	231,847		313,676		49,223
Taxes payables	7,066		66,184		10,386
Contract liabilities	159,995		239,757		37,623
Amounts due to related parties	45,983		83,591		13,117
Short term lease liabilities	2,893		40,525		6,359
Other current liabilities	64,936		127,447		19,999
Total current liabilities	1,014,568		1,897,714		297,793
Non-current liabilities
Long term lease liabilities	-		82,133		12,888
Deferred tax liabilities	-		14,030		2,202
Other non-current liabilities	-		73,139		11,477
Total non-current liabilities	-		169,302		26,567
Total liabilities	1,014,568		2,067,016		324,360
Total mezzanine equity	7,891,348		-		-
Total Zhihu Inc.'s shareholders' (deficit)/equity	(5,144,475)		6,730,654		1,056,186
Noncontrolling interests	-		7,495		1,176
Total shareholders' (deficit)/equity	(5,144,475)		6,738,149		1,057,362
Total liabilities, mezzanine equity and shareholders'     (deficit)/equity	3,761,441		8,805,165		1,381,722

 

 

 

ZHIHU INC. UNAUDITED RECONCILIATIONS OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP RESULTS (All amounts in thousands)
	For the Three Months Ended								For the Year Ended
	December 31, 2020		September 30, 2021		December 31, 2021				December 31, 2020		December 31, 2021
	RMB		RMB		RMB		US$		RMB		RMB		US$
Net loss	(90,057)		(269,812)		(383,291)		(60,146)		(517,550)		(1,298,880)		(203,823)
Add:
Share-based compensation    expenses	63,753		155,891		140,702		22,079		180,090		548,465		86,066
Amortization of intangible    assets resulting from    business acquisition	-		1,980		2,400		377		-		4,380		687
Tax effects on non-GAAP   adjustments	-		(495)		(600)		(94)		-		(1,095)		(172)
Adjusted net loss	(26,304)		(112,436)		(240,789)		(37,784)		(337,460)		(747,130)		(117,242)

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/zhihu-inc-reports-fourth-quarter-and-fiscal-year-2021-unaudited-financial-results-301501662.html

SOURCE Zhihu Inc.

FAQ

What were Zhihu's total revenues for Q4 2021?

Zhihu's total revenues for Q4 2021 were RMB1,019.2 million (US$159.9 million), a 96.1% increase from the same period in 2020.

How many average monthly active users did Zhihu have in Q4 2021?

Zhihu reported an average of 103.3 million monthly active users (MAUs) in Q4 2021, representing a 36.4% growth year-over-year.

What is Zhihu's outlook for Q1 2022?

Zhihu expects its total revenues for Q1 2022 to be between RMB720 million and RMB740 million, based on current market conditions.

What was Zhihu's net loss in Q4 2021?

Zhihu incurred a net loss of RMB383.3 million (US$60.1 million) in Q4 2021, compared to RMB90.1 million in the same period of 2020.

How did Zhihu's gross profit change in 2021?

Zhihu's gross profit for 2021 was RMB1,553.9 million (US$243.8 million), an increase from RMB757.8 million in 2020.