Core Viewpoint - Douyu, once a leading player in the live streaming industry, is now facing significant challenges, including declining revenues, operational inefficiencies, and management turmoil, which threaten its future viability [1][14]. Revenue Decline - Douyu's revenue has been on a downward trajectory, with 2022 revenue at 7.108 billion yuan, dropping to 5.53 billion yuan in 2023, and further declining to 4.271 billion yuan in 2024, representing year-on-year decreases of 22.44%, 22.2%, and 22.78% respectively [3]. - In Q1 2025, the company reported revenue of 949 million yuan, an 8.91% year-on-year decline, with live streaming revenue plummeting 29.5% from 801 million yuan in 2024 to 565 million yuan [3]. Cost-Cutting Measures - To mitigate financial strain, Douyu has implemented significant layoffs, reducing its workforce from 2,155 employees at the end of 2021 to 819 by the end of 2024, a decrease of over 60% [5]. - Despite cost-cutting, the company has seen a sharp decline in R&D and marketing expenditures, with Q1 2025 R&D expenses at 32.7 million yuan, down 39.5% year-on-year, and sales expenses at 72.9 million yuan, down 3.5% [5]. Dividend Payments - Douyu has controversially issued substantial dividends totaling 6 billion USD (approximately 4.3 billion yuan) within six months, despite ongoing financial losses and negative cash flow [6][12]. - The first dividend of 3 billion USD was approved in July 2024, followed by another similar payout in January 2025, raising concerns about the sustainability of such distributions given the company's financial struggles [6][12]. Content Quality Issues - The platform has been criticized for an increase in low-quality and inappropriate content, with reports of suggestive and borderline explicit live streams becoming prevalent [8][9]. - Despite efforts to combat such content, Douyu has been accused of using euphemisms to circumvent regulations, undermining both user trust and the integrity of the live streaming industry [9]. Management Challenges - Following the arrest of CEO Chen Shaojie for alleged gambling-related offenses, the company has faced instability, with key personnel departures and a lack of confidence in the interim leadership of Ren Simin [12][13]. - Ren Simin's leadership has been questioned due to her limited experience in managing a large public company, raising concerns about the company's strategic direction during a critical period [13]. Overall Outlook - Douyu is currently entangled in multiple crises, including revenue decline, operational inefficiencies, and management instability, which collectively jeopardize its future in the competitive live streaming market [14].