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Sohu.com(SOHU) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-02-09 13:32
Financial Performance Overview - In Q4 2025, total revenue was $142 million, representing a 6% year-over-year increase but a 21% decrease quarter-over-quarter [5] - Marketing services revenues were $17 million, down 10% year-over-year but up 25% quarter-over-quarter [5] - Online game revenues reached $120 million, up 10% year-over-year but down 26% quarter-over-quarter [5] - For the full year 2025, total revenues were $584 million, down 2% compared to 2024 [8] - GAAP net income attributable to Sohu.com Limited was $394 million, compared to a net loss of $100 million in 2024 [8] - Non-GAAP net income attributable to Sohu.com Limited was $234 million, compared to a net loss of $83 million in 2024 [8] Business Segment Performance - Sohu Media platform revenues for Q4 were $21 million, down from $24 million year-over-year, with an operating loss of $72 million [16] - Changyou's quarterly revenue was $121 million, up from $111 million year-over-year, with an operating profit of $45 million [17] - For the full year 2025, Changyou's revenue was $509 million, slightly up from $506 million in 2024, with an operating profit of $238 million [17] Market Trends and Guidance - For Q1 2026, marketing service revenues are expected to be between $10 million and $11 million, indicating a 20%-27% annual decrease [18] - Online game revenues are projected to be between $113 million and $123 million, suggesting a potential annual decrease of 4% to an increase of 5% [18] Company Strategy and Industry Position - The company is focusing on enhancing user experience through improved products and algorithms, as well as hosting innovative events to boost user engagement [4] - Sohu is committed to long-term operational excellence in online games, with plans for high-quality content updates and expansion packs [12][13] - The company is exploring new monetization opportunities by integrating advertisers' needs with event marketing [12] Management Commentary on Future Outlook - Management noted that the softness in Q1 advertising guidance is primarily due to the delayed Chinese New Year, affecting advertisers' activities [22][35] - The overall macroeconomic situation remains similar to Q4, with uncertainties persisting [22] - Management expressed optimism about the auto sector's performance, indicating some improvement compared to IT and FMCG sectors [27] Other Important Information - As of February 5, 2026, Sohu had repurchased 8.1 million ADS for approximately $106 million, with one-third of the program remaining [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Advertising guidance for Q1 seems soft; is it due to macro uncertainties? - Management attributed the softness to seasonality and the delayed Chinese New Year, affecting advertisers' activities in January and February [22][35] Question: What is the trend for advertising categories like auto and IT? - Management noted improvement in the auto sector, which has a higher percentage of overall revenue compared to IT and FMCG sectors [27] Question: Was there any one-off revenue recognized in Q4 that led to outperformance? - Management clarified that Q4 performance was due to overall better execution rather than one-off events, with Q1 softness linked to the delayed Chinese New Year [35][36] Question: Can management share the game pipeline and major expansion packs for 2026? - Management mentioned a card-based RPG based on Xiaomi IP expected to launch by late 2026 or early 2027, with several new games in development [43][44] Question: Why is the net loss guidance narrower than previous quarters? - Management indicated that the narrower loss is due to improved operational performance and expects this trend to continue throughout 2026 [34][45]
Sohu.com(SOHU) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-02-09 13:32
Financial Performance Overview - In Q4 2025, total revenue was $142 million, representing a 6% year-over-year increase but a 21% decrease quarter-over-quarter [5] - Marketing services revenue was $17 million, down 10% year-over-year but up 25% quarter-over-quarter [5] - Online game revenue reached $120 million, up 10% year-over-year but down 26% quarter-over-quarter [5] - For the full year 2025, total revenue was $584 million, down 2% compared to 2024 [8] - GAAP net income attributable to Sohu.com Limited was $394 million, compared to a net loss of $100 million in 2024 [8] - Non-GAAP net income attributable to Sohu.com Limited was $234 million, compared to a net loss of $83 million in 2024 [8] Business Segment Performance - Sohu Media platform revenues for Q4 were $21 million, down from $24 million year-over-year, with an operating loss of $72 million [16] - Changyou's quarterly revenue was $121 million, up from $111 million year-over-year, with an operating profit of $45 million [17] - For the full year 2025, Changyou's revenue was $509 million, slightly up from $506 million in 2024, with an operating profit of $238 million [17] Market Trends and Guidance - For Q1 2026, marketing service revenues are expected to be between $10 million and $11 million, indicating a 20%-27% annual decrease and a 35%-41% sequential decrease [18] - Online game revenues are projected to be between $113 million and $123 million, suggesting a potential annual decrease of 4% to an increase of 5% [18] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - The company is focusing on enhancing its media platform through innovative events and improved algorithms to boost user engagement and monetization opportunities [4][9] - In the online gaming sector, the company is committed to delivering high-quality content updates and maintaining a user-centric approach [13][14] - The company is exploring new monetization opportunities by integrating advertisers' needs with its events and content [12] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the softness in Q1 advertising guidance is primarily due to the delayed Chinese New Year, affecting advertisers' activities [22][34] - The overall macroeconomic situation remains similar to Q4, with ongoing uncertainties impacting advertising spending [35] - Management expressed confidence in the gaming sector's resilience, emphasizing the importance of existing game performance and upcoming content updates [24][41] Other Important Information - As of February 5, 2026, the company had repurchased 8.1 million ADS for approximately $106 million, with one-third of the program remaining [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Advertising guidance for Q1 appears soft; is it due to macro uncertainties? - Management attributed the softness to seasonality, specifically the delayed Chinese New Year affecting advertising activities [22] Question: What is the trend for advertising categories like auto and IT sectors? - Management noted improvement in the auto sector, which performed better than IT and other FMCG categories [26] Question: Were there any one-off revenues in Q4 that led to outperformance? - Management indicated that Q4 performance was generally better without specific one-off events, attributing it to improved overall operations and innovative marketing solutions [34][36] Question: Can management share the game pipeline and major expansion packs for 2026? - Management confirmed a card-based RPG based on Xiaomi IP is expected to launch by late 2026 or early 2027, with several new games in development [40] Question: Why is the net loss guidance narrower than previous quarters? - Management explained that the narrower loss guidance reflects improved operational performance and cost management [32]
Sohu.com(SOHU) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-02-09 13:30
Financial Performance Overview - In Q4 2025, total revenue was $142 million, representing a 6% increase year-over-year but a 21% decrease quarter-over-quarter [5] - Marketing services revenues were $17 million, down 10% year-over-year but up 25% quarter-over-quarter [5] - Online game revenues reached $120 million, up 10% year-over-year but down 26% quarter-over-quarter [5] - For the full year 2025, total revenues were $584 million, down 2% compared to 2024 [7] - GAAP net income attributable to Sohu.com Limited was $223 million, compared to a net loss of $21 million in Q4 2024 [6] - Non-GAAP net income attributable to Sohu.com Limited was $261 million, compared to a net loss of $15 million in Q4 2024 [6] Business Segment Performance - Sohu Media platform revenues for Q4 were $21 million, down from $24 million in the same quarter last year, with an operating loss of $72 million [15] - Changyou's quarterly revenue was $121 million, up from $111 million in the same quarter last year, with an operating profit of $45 million [16] - For the full year 2025, Changyou's revenue was $509 million, compared to $506 million in 2024, with an operating profit of $238 million [16] Market Trends and Insights - The advertising sector showed some improvement in the auto industry, while the IT sector remained weaker [25] - The softness in advertising guidance for Q1 2026 is attributed to the delayed Chinese New Year, impacting advertisers' activities [21][32] Company Strategy and Industry Position - The company is focused on enhancing user engagement through innovative events and improved algorithms on the Sohu Media platform [4][8] - In the online gaming sector, the company plans to continue delivering high-quality content updates and expansion packs to maintain player engagement [12][13] - The company is exploring new monetization opportunities by integrating advertisers' needs with event-driven marketing strategies [11] Management Commentary on Future Outlook - Management expressed that the overall macroeconomic situation remains similar to Q4, with uncertainties affecting advertising spending [21][33] - The company anticipates a narrower net loss for Q1 2026, guided between $10 million and $20 million, reflecting improved operational efficiency [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Advertising guidance appears soft for Q1, is it due to macro uncertainties? - Management indicated that the softness is mainly due to seasonality, with the delayed Chinese New Year affecting advertising activities [21] Question: What is the trend for advertising categories like auto and IT? - Management noted improvement in the auto sector, while the IT sector remains weaker [25][24] Question: Was there any one-off revenue in Q4 that led to outperformance? - Management clarified that Q4 performance was due to overall better execution rather than one-off events, with Q1 softness attributed to the delayed Chinese New Year [32][33] Question: Can management share the game pipeline and major expansion packs for 2026? - Management mentioned a card-based RPG based on Xiaomi IP expected to launch by late 2026 or early 2027, with several new games in development [39] Question: Why is the net loss guidance narrower than previous quarters? - Management explained that the narrower loss is due to improved operational efficiency and cost management [30]
Sohu.com(SOHU) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-11-17 13:32
Financial Performance Overview - Total revenues for Q3 2025 were $180 million, representing a 19% year-over-year increase and a 43% quarter-over-quarter increase [4] - Marketing services revenues were $14 million, down 27% year-over-year and 13% quarter-over-quarter [4] - Online game revenues reached $162 million, up 27% year-over-year and 53% quarter-over-quarter [4] - GAAP net income attributable to Sohu.com Limited was $9 million, compared to a net loss of $16 million in Q3 2024 and a net loss of $20 million in Q2 2025 [4] - Non-GAAP net income attributable to Sohu.com Limited was also $9 million, compared to a net loss of $12 million in Q3 2024 and a net loss of $20 million in Q2 2025 [4] Business Line Performance - Sohu Media platform revenues were $17 million, down from $73 million in the same quarter last year, with an operating loss of $71 million [11] - Changyou's quarterly revenues were $163 million, up from $129 million in the same quarter last year, with an operating profit of $88 million compared to $62 million in the same quarter last year [12] Market Performance - The online game business saw strong performance driven by the successful launch of TLBB Return, which exceeded revenue expectations [17] - The performance of TLBB Vintage also achieved historic highs, contributing to the overall success of the gaming segment [17] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - The company is focused on leveraging cutting-edge technologies to optimize products and enhance user experiences across its platforms [5] - Sohu is committed to generating and distributing diversified premium content while exploring greater monetization opportunities through unique IPs [7] - The company is diversifying its game offerings to include card-based RPGs, sports games, and casual games, while expanding into global markets [10] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the macroeconomic environment remains challenging, particularly in sectors like automotive and IT services, which are experiencing pressure [19] - Despite the overall advertising market being under pressure, Sohu has managed to stabilize advertising revenue through innovative marketing campaigns [20][34] - For Q4 2025, marketing service revenues are expected to be between $15 million and $16 million, indicating a year-over-year decrease of 15%-20% [13] Other Important Information - As of November 13, 2025, Sohu has repurchased 7.6 million ADS for approximately $97 million, representing two-thirds of the $150 million share repurchase program [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Online game business performance and Q4 guidance - Management indicated that the strong Q3 results were driven by TLBB Return and that Q4 performance will depend on the new game and content activities planned [17][29] Question: AI integration within Sohu - AI is being used to improve user experience in gaming and media platforms, enhancing productivity and service offerings [22][23] Question: Insights from TLBB Return and user trends - The biggest surprise from TLBB Return was higher-than-expected user spending and stable retention rates [29] - Both TLBB Return and TLBB Vintage are experiencing steady user bases, but revenues are trending down due to fewer promotional activities planned for Q4 [31] Question: Advertising market sentiment and industry verticals - The advertising market is under pressure, particularly in the automotive sector, but Sohu is finding opportunities in consumer electronics through innovative advertising strategies [34][35]
Sohu.com(SOHU) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-11-17 13:30
Financial Performance Overview - Total revenues for Q3 2025 were $180 million, representing a 19% year-over-year increase and a 43% quarter-over-quarter increase [4] - Marketing services revenues were $14 million, down 27% year-over-year and 13% quarter-over-quarter [4] - Online game revenues reached $162 million, up 27% year-over-year and 53% quarter-over-quarter [4] - GAAP net income attributable to Sohu.com Limited was $9 million, compared to a net loss of $16 million in Q3 2024 and a net loss of $20 million in Q2 2025 [4] - Non-GAAP net income attributable to Sohu.com Limited was also $9 million, compared to a net loss of $12 million in Q3 2024 and a net loss of $20 million in Q2 2025 [4] Business Line Performance - Sohu Media platform revenues were $17 million, down from $73 million in the same quarter last year, with an operating loss of $71 million [11] - Changyou revenues were $163 million, up from $129 million in the same quarter last year, with an operating profit of $88 million compared to $62 million in the same quarter last year [11] Market Performance - The advertising revenue showed a sequential rebound, although the overall macroeconomic situation remains challenging, particularly in sectors like auto and IT services [19][35] - The company is leveraging unique marketing campaigns to stabilize advertising revenue despite a deteriorating market [19][35] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - The company is focused on optimizing products and enhancing user experiences through technology integration and premium content generation [5][6] - Sohu is committed to diversifying its gaming portfolio, including new types of games and expanding into global markets [10] - The company is utilizing AI to improve user experience and operational efficiency, particularly in gaming and media services [22][23] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management indicated that the strong performance in Q3 was driven by the successful launch of new games, but expressed caution regarding Q4 performance due to natural declines following initial launches [17][32] - The advertising market is under pressure, but the company is finding ways to attract advertisers through innovative offerings [35] Other Important Information - As of November 13, 2025, Sohu has repurchased 7.6 million ADS for approximately $97 million, representing two-thirds of the $150 million program [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Online game business performance and Q4 guidance - Management confirmed that Q4 performance is in line with expectations, driven by the success of TLBB Return and new servers for TLBB Vintage [17] Question: AI integration and its impact - AI is being used to enhance user experience in gaming and media services, improving productivity without focusing on large language models [22][23] Question: Surprises from TLBB Return and user trends - User spending on TLBB Return exceeded expectations, with stable user retention, but revenues are trending down as promotional activities decrease [30][32] Question: Advertising market sentiment - The overall advertising market is under pressure, particularly in the auto industry, but innovative marketing strategies are helping to stabilize revenue [35]
Sohu.com(SOHU) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-05-19 12:32
Financial Performance and Key Metrics - In Q1 2025, total revenues were $136 million, down 3% year over year and up 1% quarter over quarter [7] - Marketing services revenues were $14 million, down 15% year over year and 27% quarter over quarter [7] - Online game revenues were $117 million, flat year over year and up 7% quarter over quarter [7] - GAAP net income attributable to Sohu was $182 million, compared to a net loss of $25 million in Q1 2024 [8] - Non-GAAP net loss attributable to Sohu was $16 million, compared to a net loss of $22 million in Q1 2024 [8] Business Segment Performance - Sohu Media platform revenues were $70 million, compared to $20 million in the same quarter last year, with an operating loss of $70 million [17] - Changyou's quarterly revenues were $180 million, down from $190 million in the same quarter last year, with an operating profit of $55 million [17] Market Data and Key Metrics - For Q2 2025, marketing services revenues are expected to be between $60 million and $70 million, implying a year-over-year decrease of 14% to 19% [18] - Online game revenues are expected to be between $96 million and $106 million, implying a year-over-year decrease of 28% to 35% [19] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - The company is focusing on enhancing its social media platform and leveraging unique IPs for monetization opportunities [6] - The online gaming business is adopting a top game strategy, diversifying its portfolio with various game types, and expanding into global markets [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management indicated that the advertising sentiment is mixed, with the auto sector performing better while luxury goods and alcohol spending is declining [22] - The company expects a similar trend in the second half of the year, with a focus on accelerating growth in its social network platform [23] Other Important Information - The company reversed a tax expense previously recognized as an uncertain tax position, amounting to approximately $199 million [8] - As of May 2025, Sohu had repurchased 5.5 million ADS for an aggregate cost of approximately $67 million [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Recent trend in advertising sentiment and outlook for the second half - Management noted that the auto sector is performing better, while FMCG and IT services are stable, but luxury goods and alcohol spending is declining [22] Question: Impact of AI on advertising and online games - Management stated that AI has a marginal impact on the media platform but is beneficial for the gaming business, improving efficiency in art design and production [26][27] Question: AI models being integrated into gaming - The company is using various AI tools, including open-source language models, for different aspects of game production [34] Question: Clarification on tax reversal - The tax reversal is mainly an accounting issue related to uncertainty that has now been resolved, with no actual cash flow involved [41] Question: ADR delisting risk and alternative plans - Management indicated that they are not currently considering alternatives like a secondary listing in Hong Kong, stating they will think about it if the situation arises [46]
Sohu.com(SOHU) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-05-19 12:30
Financial Performance and Key Metrics - In Q1 2025, total revenues were $136 million, down 3% year-over-year and up 1% quarter-over-quarter [7] - Marketing services revenues were $14 million, down 15% year-over-year and 27% quarter-over-quarter [7] - Online game revenues were $117 million, flat year-over-year and up 7% quarter-over-quarter [7] - GAAP net income was $182 million compared to a net loss of $25 million in Q1 2024 [8] - Non-GAAP net loss was $16 million compared to a net loss of $22 million in Q1 2024 [8] Business Line Performance - Sohu Media platform revenues were $70 million, compared to $20 million in the same quarter last year, with an operating loss of $70 million [19] - Changyou's quarterly revenues were $180 million, down from $190 million in the same quarter last year, with an operating profit of $55 million [19] Market Data and Key Metrics - For Q2 2025, marketing services revenues are expected to be between $60 million and $70 million, implying a year-over-year decrease of 14% to 19% [20] - Online game revenues are expected to be between $96 million and $106 million, implying a year-over-year decrease of 28% to 35% [20] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - The company is focusing on enhancing its social media platform and leveraging unique IPs for monetization opportunities [6] - The online gaming business is adopting a top game strategy, diversifying its portfolio with various game types, and expanding into global markets [15][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the advertising sentiment is mixed, with the auto sector performing better while luxury goods and alcohol spending is declining [24] - The company expects a similar trend in advertising for the second half of the year, with a focus on accelerating growth through its social network platform [25] - AI is seen as beneficial for the gaming business, improving efficiency in art design and production [29] Other Important Information - The company reversed a tax expense previously recognized, amounting to approximately $199 million, which was an accounting treatment issue rather than a cash flow event [8][42] Q&A Session Summary Question: Recent trend in advertising sentiment and outlook for the second half - Management indicated that the auto sector is performing better, while luxury goods and alcohol spending is declining, with expectations for a similar trend in the second half [24][25] Question: Impact of AI on advertising and online games - Management stated that AI has a marginal impact on the media platform but is beneficial for gaming, improving efficiency in various production aspects [26][29] Question: Details on the tax reversal - The tax reversal was an accounting issue related to uncertainty that has now been resolved, with no actual cash flow involved [42][45] Question: ADR delisting risk and alternative plans - Management noted that the situation is speculative and that they would consider alternatives if necessary, but currently, there are no immediate plans [48][52]