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HANGZHOU, China, Nov. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Youdao, Inc. (“Youdao” or the “Company”) DAO, an intelligent learning company with industry-leading technology in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024.

Third Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights

• Total net revenues were RMB1.6 billion (US$224.1 million), representing a 2.2% increase from the same period in 2023.
  – Net revenues from learning services were RMB767.9 million (US$109.4 million), representing a 19.2% decrease from the same period in 2023.
  – Net revenues from smart devices were RMB315.3 million (US$44.9 million), representing a 25.2% increase from the same period in 2023.
  – Net revenues from online marketing services were RMB489.4 million (US$69.7 million), representing a 45.6% increase from the same period in 2023.
• Gross margin was 50.2%, compared with 55.9% for the same period in 2023.

“Our profitability significantly improved in the third quarter, marked by record-high income from operations and first-ever third-quarter income from operations. In our products and services, we leveraged our robust LLM (Large Language Model) capabilities to upgrade our Youdao Lingshi Intelligent Learning System, further enhancing the personalized features and elevating the user experience. Additionally, net revenues from online marketing services increased by 45.6% year-over-year to RMB489.4 million, fueled by RTA (Real-Time API) and KOL (Key Opinion Leader) advertising. We also introduced new AI translation upgrades and AI simultaneous interpretation functionality that drove total sales of AI-driven subscription services up by over 150% year-over-year,” said Dr. Feng Zhou, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Youdao.

“Looking ahead, we are committed to the continued implementation of our LLM, Ziyue, to enhance user experience and create greater value through digital content services, AI-driven subscription services and smart devices. In our online marketing services, we aim to explore new domestic opportunities and expand international prospects to better support client success. Financially we remain dedicated to prudent operations and strengthening our profitability,” Dr. Zhou concluded.

Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Net Revenues 

Net revenues for the third quarter of 2024 were RMB1.6 billion (US$224.1 million), representing a 2.2% increase from RMB1.5 billion for the same period of 2023.

Net revenues from learning services were RMB767.9 million (US$109.4 million) for the third quarter of 2024, representing a 19.2% decrease from RMB950.8 million for the same period of 2023. The year-over-year decrease reflects our commitment to a more selective customer acquisition approach, prioritizing higher ROI (return on investment) engagements. This strategy has contributed to the overall resilience and efficiency of our business.

Net revenues from smart devices were RMB315.3 million (US$44.9 million) for the third quarter of 2024, representing a 25.2% increase from RMB251.9 million for the same period of 2023, primarily driven by the popularity of Youdao’s newly launched products in 2024.

Net revenues from online marketing services were RMB489.4 million (US$69.7 million) for the third quarter of 2024, representing a 45.6% increase from RMB336.1 million for the same period of 2023. The year-over-year increase was mainly attributable to the increased demand for performance-based advertisements through third parties’ internet properties, which was driven by our continued investments in cutting-edge AI technology.

Gross Profit and Gross Margin

Gross profit for the third quarter of 2024 was RMB789.5 million (US$112.5 million), representing an 8.2% decrease from RMB859.6 million for the same period of 2023. Gross margin was 50.2 % for the third quarter of 2024, compared with 55.9% for the same period of 2023.

Gross margin for learning services was 62.1% for the third quarter of 2024, compared with 67.8% for the same period of 2023. The decrease was mainly resulted from the decline in economies of scale due to the decreased revenues from learning services.

Gross margin for smart devices was 42.8% for the third quarter of 2024, compared with 42.6% for the same period of 2023.

Gross margin for online marketing services increased to 36.3% for the third quarter of 2024 from 31.9% for the same period of 2023. The increase was mainly attributable to the improved gross margin profile of performance-based advertisements through third parties’ internet properties compared with the same period of last year.

Operating Expenses

Total operating expenses for the third quarter of 2024 were RMB682.2 million (US$97.2 million), compared with RMB917.3 million for the same period of last year.

Sales and marketing expenses for the third quarter of 2024 were RMB519.6 million (US$74.0 million), representing a decrease of 22.9% from RMB674.2 million for the same period of 2023. This decrease was attributable to the reduced marketing expenditures, as well as declined outsourcing labor service fees and payroll related expenses in learning services in the third quarter of 2024.

Research and development expenses for the third quarter of 2024 were RMB119.6 million (US$17.0 million), representing a decrease of 36.2% from RMB187.3 million for the same period of 2023. The decrease was primarily due to the decreased headcount for research and development employees, leading to payroll savings in the third quarter of 2024.

General and administrative expenses for the third quarter of 2024 were RMB43.0 million (US$6.1 million), representing a decrease of 23.0% from RMB55.8 million for the same period of 2023. The decrease was primarily due to the decreased headcount for general and administrative employees, leading to payroll savings in the third quarter of 2024.

Income/(Loss) from Operations

As a result of the foregoing, income from operations for the third quarter of 2024 was RMB107.3 million (US$15.3 million), compared with loss from operations of RMB57.7 million for the same period in 2023. The margin of income from operations was 6.8%, compared with margin of loss from operations of 3.7% for the same period of last year.

Net Income/(Loss) Attributable to Youdao’s Ordinary Shareholders

Net income attributable to Youdao’s ordinary shareholders for the third quarter of 2024 was RMB86.3 million (US$12.3 million), compared with net loss attributable to Youdao’s ordinary shareholders of RMB102.9 million for the same period of last year. Non-GAAP net income attributable to Youdao’s ordinary shareholders for the third quarter of 2024 was RMB88.7 million (US$12.6 million), compared with non-GAAP net loss attributable to Youdao’s ordinary shareholders of RMB67.3 million for the same period of last year.

Basic and diluted net income per American depositary share (“ADS”) attributable to ordinary shareholders for the third quarter of 2024 were RMB0.74 (US$0.11), compared with basic and diluted net loss per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders of RMB0.85 for the same period of 2023. Non-GAAP basic and diluted net income per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders were RMB0.76 (US$0.11), compared with non-GAAP basic and diluted net loss per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders of RMB0.55 for the same period of 2023.

Other Information

As of September 30, 2024, Youdao’s cash, cash equivalents, current and non-current restricted cash, time deposits and short-term investments totaled RMB489.4 million (US$69.7 million), compared with RMB527.1 million as of December 31, 2023. For the third quarter of 2024, net cash used in operating activities was RMB85.4 million (US$12.2 million), capital expenditures totaled RMB1.5 million (US$0.2 million). Youdao’s ability to continue as a going concern is dependent on management’s ability to implement an effective business plan amid a changing regulatory environment, generate operating cash flows, and secure external financing for future development. To support Youdao’s future business, NetEase Group has agreed to provide financial support for ongoing operations in the next thirty-six months from May 2024. As of September 30, 2024, Youdao has received various financial support from the NetEase Group, including, among others, RMB878.0 million short-term loans, and US$128.4 million long-term loans with maturity dated March 31, 2027 drawn down under the US$300.0 million revolving loan facility.

As of September 30, 2024, the Company’s contract liabilities, which mainly consisted of deferred revenues generated from Youdao’s learning services, were RMB839.7 million (US$119.7 million), compared with RMB1.1 billion as of December 31, 2023.

Share Repurchase Program

On November 17, 2022, the Company announced that its board of directors had authorized the Company to adopt a share repurchase program in accordance with applicable laws and regulations for up to US$20.0 million of its Class A ordinary shares (including in the form of ADSs) during a period of up to 36 months. This amount was subsequently increased to US$40.0 million in August 2023. As of September 30, 2024, the Company had repurchased a total of approximately 7.5 million ADSs for around US$33.8 million in the open market under the share repurchase program.

Second Amended and Restated 2015 Share Incentive Plan

The Company adopted a share incentive plan in February 2015, as amended in April 2018, which is referred to as the First Amended and Restated 2015 Plan. In November 2024, the Company has approved a proposed amendment to the First Amended and Restated 2015 Plan to extend the expiration date of the plan to the twentieth anniversary of its effective date.

Conference Call

Youdao’s management team will host a teleconference call with simultaneous webcast at 5:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, November 14, 2024 (Beijing/Hong Kong Time: 6:00 p.m., Thursday, November 14, 2024). Youdao’s management will be on the call to discuss the financial results and answer questions.

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

A live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company’s investor relations website at http://ir.youdao.com.

A replay of the conference call will be accessible by phone one hour after the conclusion of the live call at the following numbers, until November 21, 2024:

About Youdao, Inc. 

Youdao, Inc. DAO is an intelligent learning company with industry-leading technology in China dedicated to developing and using technologies to provide learning content, applications and solutions to users of all ages. Building on the popularity of its online knowledge tools such as Youdao Dictionary and Youdao Translation, Youdao now offers smart devices, STEAM courses, adult and vocational courses, and education digitalization solutions. In addition, Youdao has developed a variety of interactive learning apps. Youdao was founded in 2006 as part of NetEase, Inc. NTES HKEX: 9999)), a leading internet technology company in China.

For more information, please visit: http://ir.youdao.com.

Non-GAAP Measures

Youdao considers and uses non-GAAP financial measures, such as non-GAAP net income/(loss) attributable to the Company’s ordinary shareholders and non-GAAP basic and diluted net income/(loss) per ADS, as supplemental metrics in reviewing and assessing its operating performance and formulating its business plan. The presentation of 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 accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).

Youdao defines non-GAAP net income/(loss) attributable to the Company’s ordinary shareholders as net income/(loss) attributable to the Company’s ordinary shareholders excluding share-based compensation expenses and impairment of long-term investments. Non-GAAP net income/(loss) attributable to the Company’s ordinary shareholders enables Youdao’s management to assess its operating results without considering the impact of these items, which are non-cash charges in nature. Youdao believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to investors in understanding and evaluating the Company’s current operating performance and prospects in the same manner as management does, if they so choose.

Non-GAAP financial measures are not defined under U.S. GAAP and are not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools, which possibly do not reflect all items of expense that affect our operations. In addition, the non-GAAP financial measures Youdao uses may differ from the non-GAAP measures uses by other companies, including peer companies, and therefore their comparability may be limited.

For more information on these non-GAAP financial measures, please see the table captioned “Unaudited Reconciliation of GAAP and non-GAAP Results” set forth at the end of this release.

The accompanying table has more details on the reconciliation between our GAAP financial measures that are mostly directly comparable to non-GAAP financial measures. Youdao encourages you to review its financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure.

Exchange Rate Information

This announcement contains translations of certain RMB amounts into U.S. dollars (“US$”) at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise stated, all translations from RMB to US$ were made at the rate of RMB7.0176 to US$1.00, the exchange rate on September 30, 2024 set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board. The Company makes no representation that the RMB or US$ amounts referred could be converted into US$ or RMB, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release 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. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports filed with, or furnished to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual reports to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Further information regarding such risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company’s filings with the SEC. The announced results of the third quarter of 2024 are preliminary and subject to adjustments. 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:
Jeffrey Wang
Youdao, Inc.
Tel: +86-10-8255-8163 ext. 89980
E-mail: IR@rd.netease.com 

Piacente Financial Communications
Helen Wu
Tel: +86-10-6508-0677
E-mail: youdao@thepiacentegroup.com 

In the United States:
Piacente Financial Communications
Brandi Piacente
Tel: +1-212-481-2050
E-mail: youdao@thepiacentegroup.com 

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SOURCE Youdao, Inc.

Operating profit surged by 2.5 times year-on-year, with EBITDA reaching record highs, highlighting consistent revenue growth and profit

TOKYO, Nov. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — 

Highlights and achievements of Q3 FY24

• Strong growth in key regions led to an all-time high revenue of JPY 9.1 billion with a 28% YoY growth
• Profitability reached historical highs, as operating profit increased 2.5 times with an operating margin of 8.7% to a record high
• EBITDA improved 79% YoY with an EBITDA margin of 16.9%, and net income expanded 2.7 times with a net margin of 9%
• Initiated first forecasted cash dividend payout of JPY 2 per share, underscoring Appier’s commitment to sustaining profitable growth with enhanced corporate value

Record-high revenue and margins, with the first forecasted dividend, signal robust performance and sustainable growth

Appier Group Inc (TSE: 4180), henceforth referred to as Appier, today announced its earnings results for the third quarter of fiscal year 2024. Appier achieved record revenue, profitability and operating margins, reaching an all-time quarterly revenue high of JPY 9.1 billion with a robust 28% YoY growth. Operating profit surged 2.5 times, reaching JPY 788 million with an operating margin of 8.7%. Additionally, EBITDA improved by 79% YoY, resulting in a margin of 16.9%.

Net income also significantly increased, expanding 2.7 times to JPY 814 million with a net margin of 9%. Gross profit achieved a quarterly record of JPY 4.9 billion, a 31% YoY increase, with gross margins reaching a historic high of 53.8%. This historic profit expansion has been driven by advancements in AI algorithms and technology enhancements, strong outperformance in NEA and US & EMEA regions, and improved R&D efficiency and sales and marketing productivity, supported by a focused go-to-market strategy and AI insights for larger enterprises.

In a demonstration of confidence in sustained, long-term growth, Appier has initiated its first forecasted cash dividend payout of JPY 2 per share, following the company’s first share buyback announced in FY24 Q2 earnings report. This move underscores Appier’s commitment to delivering ongoing value to shareholders and highlights the company’s dedication to sustaining profitable growth while achieving a well-balanced approach between investments for growth and shareholder returns.

Continued growth fueled by increasing demand across high-growth sectors and regions

Momentum in Q3 was driven by robust growth in Appier’s key focus regions, particularly NEA and US & EMEA. NEA’s (67%) growth accelerated to 37% YoY this quarter due to solid expansion from existing E-commerce customers and new clients across diverse verticals. Meanwhile, US & EMEA (20%) maintained a robust 20% QoQ growth, driven by rising demand for Digital Content and Other Internet Services.

Incremental revenue contributions remained consistent between existing and new customers, who played a crucial role in sustaining growth through year-end. Existing customers, comprising 55% of incremental revenue, showed strong momentum, particularly in NEA’s e-commerce and Digital Content verticals in US & EMEA. New customers, representing 45% of incremental revenue, benefited from continuous vertical diversification, with notable growth in the Digital Content verticals in NEA and US & EMEA and China outbound activities.

Laying the foundation for sustainable growth and long-term vision through continuous investment in advanced AI capabilities

Appier’s growth has been propelled by relentless enhancements in AI algorithms, enabling highly precise targeting that consistently maximizes returns on investment and elevates customer success. With a strategic focus on larger enterprises, Appier’s customer base grew to 1,815, reflecting a 16% YoY increase while maintaining a historically low churn rate of 0.47%.

“Our advancements in AI and continuous algorithm enhancements are setting the stage for a new era of operational efficiency and transformative impact for our customers,” said Dr. Chih-Han Yu, CEO and Co-Founder of Appier. “With key milestones in AI research, strategic partnerships, and operational excellence, we are building momentum toward a future where AI fuels sustainable growth and innovation across industries. The forecasted cash dividend reflects our long-term vision and confidence in creating lasting value for shareholders, and our vision of enduring success in AI leadership.”

Deepen AI impact via GenAI, copilot mode and cross-product synergies

Appier continues to deepen its unique positioning within the AI stack’s application layer, focusing on a results-driven product development strategy.  Through fundamental GenAI and Large Language Model (LLM) research, Appier delivers scalable, contextually relevant solutions across industries by enhancing model accuracy and reliability, reinforcing its commitment to long-term growth and leadership in AI-driven business solutions that provide extra ROI for its customers. 

About Appier

Appier (TSE: 4180) is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) company that uses artificial intelligence to power business decision-making. Founded in 2012 with a vision of democratizing AI, Appier’s mission is turning AI into ROI by making software intelligent. Appier has 17 offices across APAC, Europe and US and is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Visit www.appier.com for more company information, and visit ir.appier.com/en/ for more IR information.

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SOURCE Appier

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