Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of identifying high-quality businesses with strong fundamentals and fair valuations for investment opportunities [1]. Group 1: Company Characteristics - The focus is on companies that possess wide moats, high efficiency, strong cash flows, and healthy balance sheets [1]. - The writer seeks to find "wonderful companies" that are available at fair prices, indicating a value-oriented investment approach [1]. Group 2: Investment Philosophy - The article invites opposing views to refine investment ideas, highlighting the importance of critical analysis in investment decision-making [1]. - The writer expresses a commitment to independent analysis and transparency regarding personal investment positions [2].

Financial Performance and Revenue Sources - The company's operations in mainland China accounted for 19.7%, 15.3%, and 10.4% of total net revenues for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2023, and 2024, respectively[163]. - Revenues from variable interest entities in mainland China contributed 19.8%, 13.3%, and 9.9% to total net revenues for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2023, and 2024, respectively[170]. - The company may incur financial losses from derivatives transactions intended to manage exchange rate risk if local currencies increase in value instead of decreasing[157]. - Changes in tax laws, such as the OECD's announcement of a global minimum tax of 15%, could adversely impact the company's financial results[162]. Taxation and Compliance Risks - The company is subject to a potential income tax rate of 17% if classified as a tax resident in Singapore, with a preferential tax rate of 5% applicable from 2023 to 2027 for qualifying projects[160][161]. - The company may be classified as a Passive Foreign Investment Company (PFIC) for U.S. federal income tax purposes, which could lead to adverse tax consequences for U.S. holders of its ADSs[181]. - The company may incur adverse tax consequences if the contracts with variable interest entities are deemed not to be on an arm's length basis by tax authorities[174]. - The company must comply with evolving internet-related regulations in mainland China, which may require additional licenses or permits[166]. Legal and Regulatory Environment - The legal system in mainland China presents uncertainties that could materially affect the company's business operations and legal protections[164]. - The company faces risks related to its corporate structure in mainland China, which could lead to severe penalties if deemed non-compliant with local laws[171]. - The company faces risks related to potential litigation and regulatory investigations that could materially impact its financial condition and reputation[180]. Market and Shareholder Dynamics - The trading prices of the company's ADSs ranged from US$27.88 to US$42.88 in 2024, indicating potential volatility in the market[176]. - As of March 31, 2025, Mr. David Xueling Li and his affiliates held 86.1% of the total voting power, significantly influencing corporate decisions[186]. - Mr. Jun Lei, a major shareholder, beneficially owned 11.9% of the outstanding shares as of March 31, 2025, and has delegated voting rights to Mr. Li[189]. - The trading market for the company's American Depositary Shares (ADSs) could decline if analysts downgrade their recommendations or cease coverage[196]. Share Repurchase and Dividend Policies - The board of directors authorized the continued use of the unutilized quota under the pre-existing share repurchase program of approximately US$530 million for a 12-month period starting from the end of November 2023[219]. - In August 2024, the board authorized the extension of the share repurchase program for another 12-month period, allowing for the repurchase of up to US$400 million of shares until the end of November 2025[219]. - A new share repurchase program was approved in March 2025, authorizing the repurchase of up to US$300 million of shares until the end of 2027, replacing the previous plan extended in August 2024[219]. - The specific timing and amount of share repurchases and future dividend payments will depend on prevailing share prices, general economic conditions, company performance, and other considerations[219]. Shareholder Rights and Limitations - The company is exempt from certain U.S. securities regulations, which may result in less timely and extensive disclosures compared to U.S. domestic issuers[210]. - The company has relied on exemptions available to foreign private issuers, which may afford shareholders less protection than U.S. domestic issuers under Nasdaq corporate governance requirements[212]. - Holders of ADSs may not receive dividends or other distributions if it is illegal or impractical to make them available[216]. - Shareholders of the company have no general rights under Cayman Islands law to inspect corporate records, which may hinder their ability to obtain necessary information[204]. Corporate Governance and Control - The company’s articles of association contain anti-takeover provisions that may adversely affect shareholders' rights and could prevent them from selling shares at a premium[198]. - The depositary is not responsible for failing to carry out voting instructions or for their manner of carrying out voting instructions, which may limit shareholders' ability to influence management[215]. - The discretionary proxy given to the company by the depositary may make it more difficult for shareholders to influence management if they do not vote at shareholders' meetings[215]. - Judgments obtained against the company by shareholders may not be enforceable in the U.S. due to the majority of assets being located outside the United States[207].

[Financial and Operational Highlights](index=1&type=section&id=Financial%20and%20Operational%20Highlights) This section provides an overview of JOYY's key financial and operational performance for Q4 and full year 2024 [Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights](index=1&type=section&id=Fourth%20Quarter%202024%20Financial%20Highlights) JOYY reported a significant GAAP net loss in Q4 2024 due to goodwill impairment, despite strong non-GAAP net income growth Q4 2024 Key Financial Metrics (vs. Q4 2023) | Metric | Q4 2024 | Q4 2023 | Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Net Revenues | US$549.4 M | US$569.8 M | -3.6% | | Net (Loss)/Income (GAAP) | (US$304.1 M) | US$45.8 M | -763.9% | | Non-GAAP Net Income | US$96.1 M | US$64.2 M | +49.7% | - The significant GAAP net loss was primarily due to a one-time, non-cash goodwill impairment charge of **US$454.9 million**[3](index=3&type=chunk) [Full Year 2024 Highlights](index=1&type=section&id=Full%20Year%202024%20Highlights) For the full year 2024, net revenues remained flat, with a GAAP net loss driven by impairment, while non-GAAP net income slightly increased Full Year 2024 Key Financial Metrics (vs. FY 2023) | Metric | FY 2024 | FY 2023 | Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Net Revenues | US$2,237.8 M | US$2,267.9 M | -1.3% | | Net (Loss)/Income (GAAP) | (US$146.2 M) | US$301.8 M | -148.4% | | Non-GAAP Net Income | US$298.5 M | US$292.5 M | +2.1% | [Fourth Quarter 2024 Operational Highlights](index=1&type=section&id=Fourth%20Quarter%202024%20Operational%20Highlights) The company experienced a decline in user metrics in Q4 2024 due to strategic marketing optimization, impacting paying users and ARPPU - The decline in global MAUs was a result of the company's strategic optimization of sales and marketing to focus on return-on-investment and disciplined spending[6](index=6&type=chunk) Q4 2024 Average Mobile MAUs (vs. Q4 2023) | Platform | Q4 2024 MAUs | Q4 2023 MAUs | Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Global | 263.1 M | 274.9 M | -4.3% | | Bigo Live | 33.4 M | 38.4 M | -13.0% | | Likee | 30.6 M | 39.1 M | -21.7% | | Hago | 3.6 M | 4.6 M | -21.7% | Q4 2024 BIGO Paying User Metrics (vs. Q4 2023) | Metric | Q4 2024 | Q4 2023 | Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Paying Users | 1.54 M | 1.67 M | -7.8% | | ARPPU | US$237.1 | US$244.8 | -3.1% | [Management Commentary](index=1&type=section&id=Management%20Commentary) The CEO highlighted significant progress in operational efficiency and revenue diversification, positioning the company as a global AI-driven technology firm - Non-livestreaming revenues grew by **55.9%** to **US$449.8 million** in 2024, highlighting successful revenue diversification[10](index=10&type=chunk) - The company is committed to shareholder returns, having repurchased **US$309.2 million** in ADSs during 2024[10](index=10&type=chunk) - Future strategy involves driving diversified growth in global operations and enhancing user experiences through AI-driven innovation, following the divestiture of YY Live[10](index=10&type=chunk) [Detailed Financial Results](index=2&type=section&id=Detailed%20Financial%20Results) This section provides an in-depth analysis of JOYY's financial performance for the fourth quarter and full year 2024 [Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Results](index=2&type=section&id=Fourth%20Quarter%202024%20Financial%20Results) Q4 2024 saw a GAAP operating and net loss due to a goodwill impairment, despite improved gross margin and strong non-GAAP performance [Revenues](index=2&type=section&id=Revenues) Q4 2024 net revenues decreased due to lower live streaming revenue, partially offset by a significant increase in other revenues from advertising Q4 2024 Revenue Breakdown (vs. Q4 2023) | Revenue Stream | Q4 2024 | Q4 2023 | Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Live streaming | US$422.4 M | US$486.2 M | -13.1% | | Others | US$127.0 M | US$83.6 M | +51.9% | | **Total Net Revenues** | **US$549.4 M** | **US$569.8 M** | **-3.6%** | [Cost, Gross Profit, and Operating Expenses](index=2&type=section&id=Cost%2C%20Gross%20Profit%2C%20and%20Operating%20Expenses) Cost of revenues decreased, improving gross margin, but a significant goodwill impairment charge led to a GAAP operating loss despite controlled other expenses - Gross margin improved to **37.1%** in Q4 2024 from 35.4% in Q4 2023, despite lower revenues[16](index=16&type=chunk) - Operating expenses were significantly impacted by a **US$454.9 million** goodwill impairment[17](index=17&type=chunk) Sales and marketing expenses decreased due to reduced advertising spend[17](index=17&type=chunk) Q4 2024 Operating Income (vs. Q4 2023) | Metric | Q4 2024 | Q4 2023 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Operating (Loss)/Income (GAAP) | (US$427.9 M) | US$4.8 M | | Non-GAAP Operating Income | US$46.4 M | US$27.9 M | [Net Income and EPS](index=2&type=section&id=Net%20Income%20and%20EPS) The goodwill impairment resulted in a GAAP net loss, while non-GAAP net income and diluted EPS showed strong growth, reflecting underlying profitability Q4 2024 Net Income & Margin (vs. Q4 2023) | Metric | Q4 2024 | Q4 2023 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Net (Loss)/Income (GAAP) | (US$304.1 M) | US$45.8 M | | Non-GAAP Net Income | US$96.1 M | US$64.2 M | | Non-GAAP Net Income Margin | 17.5% | 11.3% | Q4 2024 Net Income per ADS (vs. Q4 2023) | Metric | Q4 2024 | Q4 2023 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Diluted Net (Loss)/Income per ADS (GAAP) | (US$5.67) | US$0.70 | | Non-GAAP Diluted Net Income per ADS | US$1.77 | US$0.97 | [Full Year 2024 Financial Results](index=4&type=section&id=Full%20Year%202024%20Financial%20Results) Full year 2024 net revenues slightly decreased, with a GAAP net loss due to impairment, but non-GAAP operating and net income increased Full Year 2024 Financial Summary (vs. FY 2023) | Metric | FY 2024 | FY 2023 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Net Revenues | US$2,237.8 M | US$2,267.9 M | | Operating (Loss)/Income (GAAP) | (US$405.6 M) | US$28.8 M | | Non-GAAP Operating Income | US$136.1 M | US$130.5 M | | Net (Loss)/Income (GAAP) | (US$146.2 M) | US$301.8 M | | Non-GAAP Net Income | US$298.5 M | US$292.5 M | | Diluted Net (Loss)/Income per ADS (GAAP) | (US$2.55) | US$4.87 | | Non-GAAP Diluted Net Income per ADS | US$4.96 | US$4.10 | [Financial Position and Corporate Actions](index=4&type=section&id=Financial%20Position%20and%20Corporate%20Actions) This section details JOYY's balance sheet, cash flows, shareholder return initiatives, and recent corporate updates [Balance Sheet and Cash Flows](index=4&type=section&id=Balance%20Sheet%20and%20Cash%20Flows) As of December 31, 2024, JOYY maintained a strong financial position with substantial net cash and positive operating cash flow - The company held net cash of **US$3,300.4 million** as of December 31, 2024[24](index=24&type=chunk) - Net cash from operating activities was **US$110.5 million** for the fourth quarter of 2024[24](index=24&type=chunk) [Shareholder Return Initiatives](index=4&type=section&id=Shareholder%20Return%20Initiatives) JOYY demonstrated strong commitment to shareholder returns through significant share repurchases and the introduction of a new quarterly dividend policy - In 2024, the company repurchased **9.21 million ADSs** for a total of **US$309.2 million**[33](index=33&type=chunk) - A new share repurchase program (2025 Program) was approved, authorizing up to **US$300 million** in buybacks until the end of 2027[34](index=34&type=chunk) - A new quarterly dividend program was authorized for 2025-2027, planning to distribute a total of approximately **US$600 million**[35](index=35&type=chunk) The first dividend is **US$0.93 per ADS**[36](index=36&type=chunk) [Update on YY Live Sale and Ticker Symbol Change](index=6&type=section&id=Update%20on%20YY%20Live%20Sale%20and%20Ticker%20Symbol%20Change) The sale of YY Live to Baidu was finalized, and JOYY will change its Nasdaq ticker symbol to reflect its global transformation - The sale of YY Live to Baidu was closed for an aggregate purchase price of approximately **US$2.1 billion** in cash[37](index=37&type=chunk) - The company will change its ticker symbol on Nasdaq from 'YY' to 'JOYY', with trading under the new symbol expected to begin on **March 31, 2025**[38](index=38&type=chunk) [Business Outlook](index=4&type=section&id=Business%20Outlook) This section provides JOYY's financial guidance for the upcoming quarter, considering macroeconomic uncertainties [First Quarter 2025 Guidance](index=4&type=section&id=First%20Quarter%202025%20Guidance) For Q1 2025, JOYY forecasts net revenues between US$482 million and US$490 million, subject to macroeconomic conditions - The company forecasts Q1 2025 net revenues to be in the range of **US$482 million** to **US$490 million**[31](index=31&type=chunk) [Financial Statements and Reconciliations](index=7&type=section&id=Financial%20Statements%20and%20Reconciliations) This section provides detailed financial statements and reconciliations of GAAP to non-GAAP results for comprehensive analysis [Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures](index=7&type=section&id=Use%20of%20Non-GAAP%20Financial%20Measures) This section explains the company's use of non-GAAP financial measures, excluding specific items for a clearer view of operating performance [Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets](index=11&type=section&id=Unaudited%20Condensed%20Consolidated%20Balance%20Sheets) This section presents a detailed breakdown of the company's assets, liabilities, and shareholders' equity as of December 31, 2024, and 2023 [Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations](index=14&type=section&id=Unaudited%20Condensed%20Consolidated%20Statements%20of%20Operations) This section presents the company's revenues, costs, expenses, and profits for Q4 and full year 2024, with comparative data [Unaudited Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results](index=16&type=section&id=Unaudited%20Reconciliation%20of%20GAAP%20and%20Non-GAAP%20Results) This section contains tables that reconcile the reported GAAP financial figures to the non-GAAP figures by detailing specific adjustments [Unaudited Segment Report](index=17&type=section&id=Unaudited%20Segment%20Report) This section details the financial performance of the company's primary operating segments, including GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliations

JOYY Inc. (NASDAQ:YY) Q4 2024 Earnings Conference Call March 19, 2025 9:00 PM ET Company Participants Jane Xie - Investor Relations Senior Manager Ting Li - Chairperson of the Board & CEO Alex Liu - Vice President of Finance Conference Call Participants Thomas Chong ??? Jefferies Yiwen Zhang - China Renaissance Brian Gong - Citi Raphael Chen - BOCI Research Operator Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for standing by, and welcome to the JOYY Inc.'s Fourth Quarter 2024 Earnings Call. At this time, all participan ...

Core Viewpoint - JOYY Inc. reported strong financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2024, highlighting steady revenue growth and profit margins, alongside a commitment to shareholder returns through dividends and share repurchases [1][2][3]. Financial Performance - In Q4 2024, JOYY's revenue was US$549.4 million, with the BIGO segment contributing US$480.0 million [1] - For the full year 2024, total revenue reached US$2.24 billion, with BIGO generating US$1.99 billion, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 3.3% [1][8] - Non-GAAP net profit for 2024 was US$298.5 million, up 2.0% from 2023, with a non-GAAP net margin of 13.3% [2][8] - Non-GAAP operating profit for the year was US$136.1 million, a 4.2% increase year-over-year, with a non-GAAP operating margin of 6.1% [2] Shareholder Returns - In 2024, JOYY repurchased 9.21 million ADSs for US$309.2 million, representing 15.1% of total outstanding shares as of the end of 2023 [3] - The company announced a quarterly dividend policy for the next three years, expecting to pay approximately US$600 million in total cash dividends, with US$50 million per quarter [4] Operational Highlights - JOYY focused on enhancing operational efficiency and diversifying revenue streams, with non-livestreaming revenues growing by 55.9% to US$449.8 million year-over-year [6] - Bigo Live implemented a multimodal content moderation model and improved user verification processes to enhance community safety [7][9] - Likee's DAUs in Europe increased by 4.4% quarter-over-quarter, and its livestreaming revenue grew by 2.2% sequentially, marking its second consecutive profitable year [12][13] Future Outlook - JOYY aims to drive diversified growth and deepen market penetration through AI-driven innovation and operational enhancements [6] - The company plans to continue its share repurchase program, allowing for up to US$300 million in share buybacks until December 2027 [4]

Core Insights - JOYY Inc. reported its unaudited financial results for Q4 and full year 2024, highlighting a significant operational shift and financial performance amidst challenges [1] Financial Highlights - Q4 2024 net revenues were US$549.4 million, a decrease from US$569.8 million in Q4 2023 [7][8] - Full year 2024 net revenues totaled US$2,237.8 million, down from US$2,267.9 million in 2023 [20] - The company experienced a net loss attributable to controlling interest of US$304.1 million in Q4 2024, compared to a net income of US$45.8 million in Q4 2023 [15] - For the full year 2024, the net loss attributable to controlling interest was US$146.2 million, contrasting with a net income of US$301.8 million in 2023 [23] Operational Highlights - Non-GAAP operating income for the full year 2024 reached US$136.1 million, a 4.2% increase year-over-year [5][22] - Non-livestreaming revenues surged by 55.9% to US$449.8 million year-over-year [5] - Global average mobile monthly active users (MAUs) decreased to 263.1 million in Q4 2024 from 274.9 million in Q4 2023 [7] Cost and Profitability - Gross profit for Q4 2024 was US$203.8 million, with a gross margin of 37.1%, up from 35.4% in Q4 2023 [11] - Operating expenses rose to US$633.5 million in Q4 2024, compared to US$199.4 million in Q4 2023, largely due to a US$454.9 million goodwill impairment charge [12][13] - Non-GAAP net income attributable to controlling interest was US$96.1 million in Q4 2024, compared to US$64.2 million in Q4 2023 [16] Shareholder Returns - The company repurchased 9.21 million ADS for a total of US$309.2 million during 2024, representing 15.1% of total shares outstanding as of the end of 2023 [5][27] - A new share repurchase program was approved, allowing for up to US$300 million in share buybacks until the end of 2027 [28] - A quarterly dividend of US$0.93 per ADS was declared, expected to be paid on April 30, 2025 [30] Business Developments - JOYY completed the sale of its YY Live business to Baidu for approximately US$2.1 billion in cash [31] - The company will change its ticker symbol from "YY" to "JOYY" effective March 31, 2025 [32]

SINGAPORE, March 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- JOYY Inc. (NASDAQ:YY) ("JOYY" or the "Company"), a global technology company, today announced that it plans to release its fourth quarter and full year 2024 financial results after the U.S. market closes on March 19, 2025. The Company's management will host an earnings conference call at 9:00 PM U.S. Eastern Time on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 (9:00 AM Singapore/Hong Kong Time on Thursday, March 20, 2025). Details for the conference call are as follows: Event Titl ...

Core Viewpoint - Baidu has completed the acquisition of YY Live for approximately $2.1 billion, significantly lower than the initial $3.6 billion agreement, reflecting the declining value of YY Live and Baidu's strategic shift towards AI [2][5][14]. Acquisition Background - The acquisition process began in 2020, with Baidu initially agreeing to pay $3.6 billion for YY Live, but the deal faced delays and scrutiny due to market conditions and regulatory challenges [3][10][12]. - The deal was postponed multiple times, with the final agreement reached in early 2024, after Baidu's interest in the live streaming sector diminished [4][14]. Financial Implications - Baidu's final payment of $2.1 billion represents a significant discount from the original price, indicating a strategic retreat from the live streaming market [5][14]. - The funds from the acquisition are intended for investment in Baidu's cloud and AI infrastructure, raising questions about the future of YY Live within Baidu's ecosystem [6][32]. Market Context - At the time of the initial acquisition discussions, YY Live was a leading platform in the entertainment live streaming sector, holding a 40% market share [18]. - However, the live streaming industry has faced challenges, with YY Live's revenue declining from 100.8 billion yuan in 2018 to 96.64 billion yuan in 2020, indicating a downward trend in its financial performance [19][20]. Strategic Shift - Baidu's focus has shifted towards AI technologies, with significant investments in AI applications and models, which may overshadow the potential integration of YY Live into its business strategy [31][32]. - Despite the acquisition, YY Live's integration into Baidu's operations has been slow, with reports of employee dissatisfaction and limited synergy between the two platforms [22][23]. Future Potential - YY Live still possesses valuable resources, including a mature user base and operational framework, which could be leveraged for new revenue streams such as e-commerce and brand partnerships [33][34]. - The potential for integrating AI technologies into YY Live's operations could enhance user engagement and content personalization, positioning it as a complementary asset to Baidu's AI initiatives [35][36].

Core Insights - JOYY (NASDAQ: YY) has experienced a rapid transition from a tumultuous period to a positive outlook in recent months, supporting the investment strategy of not overreacting to short-term fluctuations [1] Company Summary - JOYY's recent performance indicates a significant recovery, suggesting potential investment opportunities as the company stabilizes [1]

Investment Rating - The report upgrades the investment rating for the company to "Buy" [2][4][12] Core Views - The completion of the YY Live sale transaction is a significant event, with a total consideration of $2.1 billion, which includes $1.86 billion received in 2021 and an additional $240 million from the recent transaction [7] - The company has over $3.3 billion in net cash on hand, translating to a cash value of $58 per share [7] - The impact of product delisting on Q4 revenue is expected to be limited, with a forecast of a 3% year-on-year decline in revenue and a 10% increase in adjusted operating profit for Q4 [7] - The revenue forecast for Q1 2025 and the full year has been reduced by 7% and 5% respectively due to seasonal impacts and adjustments in non-core voice live streaming business [7] - The valuation has been adjusted to a Sum-of-the-Parts (SOTP) method, raising the target price to $63, indicating a potential upside of 21% from the current price [7] Financial Overview - Revenue is projected to decline from $2,412 million in 2022 to $2,268 million in 2023, with a slight recovery to $2,376 million by 2026 [3][14] - Net profit is expected to increase from $199 million in 2022 to $293 million in 2023, with a gradual increase to $282 million by 2026 [3][14] - The earnings per share (EPS) is forecasted to rise from $2.54 in 2022 to $4.16 in 2023, reaching $5.84 by 2026 [3][14] - The company maintains a healthy balance sheet with a projected cash and cash equivalents of $1,597 million in 2025 [14][15] Market Performance - The stock closed at $52.08 with a target price of $63.00, reflecting a potential upside of 21% [1][12] - The stock has shown a year-to-date change of 24.44% [6]