Zhihu Inc. Reports Unaudited Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Results

Core Viewpoint - Zhihu Inc. reported a significant turnaround in its financial performance for the fiscal year 2024, achieving profitability in the fourth quarter for the first time, driven by strategic execution and improved operational efficiency [3][9][11]. Financial Performance Highlights - Fourth Quarter 2024 Results: Total revenues were RMB 859.2 million (US$ 117.7 million), a decrease from RMB 1,138.3 million in the same period of 2023 [4][9]. - Revenue Breakdown: - Marketing services revenue decreased to RMB 315.9 million (US$ 43.3 million) from RMB 465.2 million [4]. - Paid membership revenue slightly declined to RMB 420.2 million (US$ 57.6 million) from RMB 455.9 million [5]. - Vocational training revenue fell to RMB 84.0 million (US$ 11.5 million) from RMB 169.3 million [5]. - Cost Management: Cost of revenues decreased by 31.5% to RMB 318.5 million (US$ 43.6 million) [6]. - Gross Profit and Margin: Gross profit was RMB 540.7 million (US$ 74.1 million) with a gross margin of 62.9%, up from 59.1% year-over-year [7][9]. - Operating Expenses: Total operating expenses decreased by 37.9% to RMB 528.8 million (US$ 72.4 million) [7][10]. - Net Income: Net income for the fourth quarter was RMB 86.4 million (US$ 11.8 million), compared to a net loss of RMB 103.1 million in the same period of 2023 [9][11]. Fiscal Year 2024 Overview - Total Revenues: For the fiscal year 2024, total revenues were RMB 3,598.9 million (US$ 493.0 million), down from RMB 4,198.9 million in 2023 [14]. - Revenue Sources: - Marketing services revenue was RMB 1,247.1 million (US$ 170.9 million), down from RMB 1,653.0 million [14]. - Paid membership revenue was RMB 1,762.0 million (US$ 241.4 million), slightly down from RMB 1,826.6 million [15]. - Vocational training revenue decreased to RMB 468.1 million (US$ 64.1 million) from RMB 565.6 million [15]. - Gross Margin Improvement: Gross margin improved to 60.6% from 54.7% in 2023 [17]. - Net Loss: The net loss for the year narrowed to RMB 169.0 million (US$ 23.1 million), a significant reduction from RMB 839.5 million in 2023 [20]. Share Repurchase Programs - As of December 31, 2024, the company repurchased 31.1 million Class A ordinary shares for a total price of US$ 66.5 million under its existing US$ 100 million share repurchase program [21]. - A concurrent share repurchase program was established in June 2024, effective until June 26, 2025 [21]. Cash Position - As of December 31, 2024, the company had cash and cash equivalents, term deposits, restricted cash, and short-term investments totaling RMB 4,859.0 million (US$ 665.7 million), down from RMB 5,462.9 million a year earlier [13].