Sohu.com(US:SOHU)2025-11-17 13:30Financial 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]