Hello Group Reports Quarterly Earnings: Buyback Boosts Confidence

Hello Group's Latest Earnings Report

Hello Group Inc (NASDAQ: MOMO) has recently released its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings, revealing significant challenges in revenue performance. The company reported a net revenue decrease of 12.2% year-on-year, amounting to $361.2 million, which is approximately 2.64 billion Chinese yuan. This decline in revenue fell short of analyst expectations, which stood at $365.05 million.

Insights into Income Figures

In terms of adjusted net income, Hello Group indicated earnings of 18 cents per American Depositary Share (ADS), translating to 1.30 Chinese yuan. This figure also represents a miss compared to the forecasted 21 cents, confirming a broader trend of underperformance in its financial metrics.

User Engagement Declines

One major factor influencing these results is user engagement across its platforms. The Tantan application saw a drop in monthly active users (MAU) to 10.8 million in December, a notable decline from 13.7 million in the previous year. The number of paying users on the Momo app fell to 5.7 million, down from 7.4 million a year earlier, further highlighting challenges in user retention.

Revenue Breakdown by Segments

Delving into the revenue specifics, it is observed that the Live video service revenue dropped by 17% year-on-year, resulting in $173.3 million. Additionally, revenues from value-added services decreased by 6.9% year-on-year, accounting for $181.8 million. The mobile marketing revenue also showed a slight decline of 2.9%, totaling $6 million. These trends demonstrate a concerning reduction in various revenue streams within Hello Group.

Financial Health and Future Plans

On a positive note, Hello Group maintains a robust cash position with approximately $2.02 billion in cash and equivalents, complemented by an operating cash flow of $58 million. In light of these results, the company's Board declared a special cash dividend of $0.30 per ADS, aiming to provide some benefits back to shareholders amidst these challenges.

Strategic Buyback Program

In a significant move to bolster investor confidence, Hello Group has extended its share buyback program to March 31, 2027. The total authorization of this buyback has also been increased by $200 million, bringing it to an impressive $486 million. This strategy reflects the company’s intention to invest back into itself and support its share price during these turbulent times.

Leadership's Perspective on Challenges

Chairman and CEO Yan Tang expressed a candid view of the fiscal landscape, acknowledging that 2024 will present both significant challenges and opportunities. The leadership team emphasizes the need for innovative measures and robust growth initiatives to navigate the shifting market dynamics effectively.

Market Outlook and Price Actions

Looking ahead, Hello Group anticipates first-quarter revenues to be between 2.4 billion to 2.5 billion Chinese yuan, representing a potential decrease of 6.3% to 2.4% year-over-year. As of the latest market data, MOMO stock observed a premarket drop of approximately 13.9%, trading at $6.39, reflecting investor reaction to earnings results and the company's future outlook.

Frequently Asked Questions

What were Hello Group's reported earnings for Q4?

Hello Group reported net revenues of $361.2 million for the fourth quarter, marking a 12.2% decline year-on-year.

How many users are active on Tantan?

Currently, Tantan has 10.8 million monthly active users, down from 13.7 million from the previous year.

Is Hello Group increasing its share buyback program?

Yes, Hello Group has extended its share buyback program to March 31, 2027, with a total authorization increase to $486 million.

What challenges did Hello Group face in this quarter?

The primary challenges included declines in user engagement and revenues across various segments, particularly in live video services and value-added services.

What is the cash position of Hello Group?

Hello Group holds around $2.02 billion in cash and equivalents, indicating a strong financial position amid operational challenges.

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