HUYA(HUYA) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total net revenues for Q3 2025 reached approximately RMB 1.7 billion, marking a year-over-year growth of around 10%, the highest level in the past nine quarters [3][12] - Non-GAAP operating profit was approximately RMB 6.3 million, showing significant improvement compared to the same period last year [3][12] - Live streaming revenues increased by 3% year-over-year to RMB 1.16 billion, while game-related services, advertising, and other revenues grew around 30% year-over-year to RMB 532 million, accounting for 31.5% of total net revenues [12][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Game-related services, advertising, and other revenues reached RMB 532 million, driven by strong growth in in-game item sales, which grew over 200% year-over-year [5][14] - Live streaming revenues resumed growth for the first time since Q3 2021, with a stable number of domestic paying users at 4.4 million [12][13] - Research and development expenses decreased by 3% year-over-year to RMB 122 million, while sales and marketing expenses decreased by 4% to RMB 70 million [15][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The platform maintained a stable user base with total monthly active users (MAUs) around 162 million [3][30] - The company estimates that through top creators, it can reach over 100 million users across other platforms, enhancing audience influence and monetization opportunities [4][30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to deepen collaboration with game developers, expand SKU offerings, and enhance operations in game item sales, which is seen as a significant growth driver [5][7] - The launch of Goose Goose Duck Mobile is a key step in diversifying into game publishing, with a focus on leveraging the streamer ecosystem and content-driven marketing [6][31] - The company plans to enhance monetization efficiency and product experience while expanding internationally to achieve sustainable growth [11] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in maintaining robust growth momentum in game item sales and expects live streaming revenues to remain stable while non-live streaming businesses will continue to grow strongly [5][27] - The company anticipates overall revenue growth to accelerate in 2026, driven primarily by game-related services, advertising, and other segments [27] Other Important Information - Gross profit for Q3 was RMB 227 million, with a gross margin of 13.4%, showing improvement from the previous year [15] - Interest income decreased significantly to RMB 35 million due to a lower time deposit balance following special dividends [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Updates on in-game item sales business - In-game item sales revenue grew over 200% year-over-year, supported by strong live streaming and partnerships with flagship titles [20][21] - Future focus includes enriching item categories, expanding game partnerships, and improving the purchase experience [23] Question: Overall revenue growth outlook - Live streaming revenue has returned to growth, while non-live streaming businesses are expected to continue strong growth driven by in-game item sales [26][27] Question: Publishing strategy for Goose Goose Duck Mobile - The game has surpassed 10 million pre-registrations and is seen as a milestone in the company's publishing strategy [31] - The strategy will focus on content-driven publishing leveraging the streamer network and e-sports presence [32] Question: Financial impact of new business segments - Gross margin remains stable, with expectations for gradual improvement as game-related services scale [38]