ZHIHU(ZH) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-11-25 12:02

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3 2025, the company reported total revenues of RMB 658.9 million, a decrease from RMB 845 million in the same period of 2024, indicating a narrowing year-over-year decline for the third consecutive quarter [21][22] - The non-GAAP operating loss narrowed by 16.3% year-over-year, reflecting improved operational efficiency and cost management [4][21] - The GAAP net loss for Q3 was RMB 46.7 million compared to RMB 9 million in the same period of 2024, while the adjusted non-GAAP net loss was RMB 21 million compared to RMB 13.1 million in the same period of 2024 [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Marketing services revenue for Q3 was RMB 189.4 million, down from RMB 256.6 million in the same period of 2024, but the year-over-year decrease narrowed, indicating a potential recovery [11][22] - Paid membership revenue was RMB 386 million, down from RMB 459.4 million in the same period of 2024, although average monthly paid members increased by 8.1% sequentially to 14.3 million [15][22] - Other revenues surged to RMB 839 million compared to RMB 129 million in the same period of 2024, primarily due to strategic refinements in the vocational training business [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a modest increase in Monthly Active Users (MAUs) and a significant rise in daily time spent on the platform, indicating improved user engagement [4][5] - Daily creation of high-quality content increased by over 25% year-over-year, with professional AI-focused content up by more than 30% compared to the same period last year [7][8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to achieve non-GAAP break-even on a full-year basis, focusing on structural optimization, service offerings refinement, and balancing commercialization with community health [4][5] - The integration of AI capabilities is a strategic priority, with plans to enhance user experience and content creation through AI tools [30][41] - The company is committed to maintaining a healthy ecosystem by focusing on content quality, user structure, and creator incentives [33][37] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving full-year profitability in 2025, despite a small loss in Q3, indicating a focus on fine-tuning operations and targeted investments [45][49] - The company is optimistic about the recovery of its marketing services and expects sequential growth starting in Q4 [46] - Management emphasized the importance of trust and professionalism in content as key indicators of ecosystem health, with ongoing efforts to enhance the creator network and content quality [35][37] Other Important Information - The company has repurchased 31.1 million Class A ordinary shares for an aggregate value of $66.5 million, reflecting confidence in its valuation and future prospects [25][53] - The Yanyan Story initiative has successfully generated significant engagement and content, showcasing the potential for IP development and commercialization [16][17] Q&A Session Summary Question: AI progress of Zhihu - Management reported that the penetration rate of Zhihu Zhida exceeded 15%, nearly four times higher than the same period last year, indicating strong user endorsement of AI integration [29] Question: Current status of Zhihu's user ecosystem - Management stated that the community ecosystem is healthy, focusing on content quality and user structure, with double-digit growth in daily high-quality content creation [33][35] Question: Adjustments in each business line and revenue outlook - Management indicated that marketing services revenue is expected to recover sequentially starting in Q4, while paid membership is still in transition [46][47] Question: Shareholder return plan and progress - Management highlighted the company's active buyback program, expressing confidence in reaching profitability and maintaining shareholder value [52][53]

ZHIHU(ZH) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript - Reportify