Yalla Group Limited Announces Unaudited Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results


(MENAFN- PR Newswire)

DUBAI, UAE, Nov. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Yalla Group Limited ("Yalla" or the "Company") (NYSE: YALA ), the largest Middle East and North Africa (MENA)-based online social networking and gaming company, today announced its unaudited financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024.

Third Quarter 202 4
Financial and Operating Highlights

  • Revenues were US$88.9 million in the third quarter of 2024, representing an increase of 4.4% from the third quarter of 2023.
    • Revenues generated from chatting services in the third quarter of 2024 were US$58.5 million.
    • Revenues generated from games services in the third quarter of 2024 were US$30.2 million.
  • Net income was US$39.2 million in the third quarter of 2024, an 11.2% increase from US$35.2 million in the third quarter of 2023. Net margin[1] was 44.1% in the third quarter of 2024.
  • Non-GAAP net income[2] was US$42.6 million in the third quarter of 2024, an 11.3% increase from US$38.3 million in the third quarter of 2023. Non-GAAP net margin[3] was 47.9% in the third quarter of 2024.
  • Average MAUs[4] increased by 14.5% to 40.2 million in the third quarter of 2024 from 35.1 million in the third quarter of 2023.
  • The number of paying users[5] on our platform increased by 12.0% to 12.6 million in the third quarter of 2024 from 11.2 million in the third quarter of 2023.

[1] Net margin is net income as a percentage of revenues.

[2] Non-GAAP net income represents net income excluding share-based compensation. Non-GAAP net income is a non-GAAP financial measure. See the sections entitled "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and "Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results" for more information about the non-GAAP measures referred to in this press release.

[3]
Non-GAAP net margin is non-GAAP net income as a percentage of revenues.

[4] "Average MAUs" refers to the average monthly active users in a given period calculated by dividing (i) the sum of active users for each month of such period, by (ii) the number of months in such period. "Active users" refers to registered users who accessed any of our main mobile applications at least once during a given period. Yalla, Yalla Ludo, Yalla Parchis, YallaChat, 101 Okey Yalla and WeMuslim
have been our main mobile applications for the periods presented herein; and Ludo Royal has been our main mobile application since the third quarter of 2023.

[5] "Paying users" refers to registered users who played a game or purchased our virtual items or upgrade services using virtual currencies on our main mobile applications at least once in a given period, except for users who received all of their virtual currencies directly or indirectly from us for free; YallaChat does
not involve the usage of virtual currencies, and the metrics of "paying users" and "ARPPU" do not reflect user activities on YallaChat. "Registered users" refers to users who have registered accounts on our main mobile applications as of a given time; a registered user is not necessarily a unique user, as an individual may register multiple accounts on our main mobile applications.

Key Operating Data

For the three months ended



S eptember
30, 2023



S eptember
30, 2024








Average MAUs (in thousands)


35,096




40,176








Paying users (in thousands)


11,236




12,582


"We are thrilled to report robust third quarter results, marked by record-setting revenues and enhanced profitability," said Mr. Yang Tao, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Yalla. "Our revenues rose to US$88.9 million, beating the upper end of our guidance, while net income increased by 11.2% year-over-year to US$39.2 million. We also drove a 14.5% year-over-year increase in average MAUs to 40.2 million and a 12% year-over-year increase in our group's paying users to 12.6 million. This impressive performance was fueled by our dedication to enhancing localization with new gamification features and targeted gaming events, as well as our ongoing efforts to refine operational processes, optimize user acquisition and further develop our product ecosystem."

"Furthermore, we continued to explore and invest in Yalla Game, with a strategic focus on new game development. We are on track to test our self-developed mid-core games by year-end. We are confident that our experience in casual games and commitment to user experience and product excellence will enable us to deliver high-quality games and grow our presence in this thriving market. As MENA's leader in online social networking and gaming, we will continue providing high-quality products and services to our users while playing an active role in the region's digital transformation." Mr. Yang concluded.

Ms. Karen Hu, CFO of Yalla, commented, "During the third quarter of 2024, strong execution of our high-quality growth strategies led to record-high revenues. We also continued to boost efficiency and operating leverage. As a result, we enhanced our profitability with expanded net margin of 44.1%, and excluding share-based compensation, non-GAAP net margin of 47.9%. Our fundamentals remain solid, strongly supporting our current business operations as well as our investments in future development. Looking ahead, we will continue to pursue healthy, sustainable growth, creating long-term value for our stakeholders."

Third Quarter 202 4
Financial Results

Revenues

Our revenues were US$88.9 million in the third quarter of 2024, a 4.4% increase from US$85.2 million in the third quarter of 2023. The increase was primarily driven by our broadening user base and enhanced monetization capability. Our average MAUs increased by 14.5% to 40.2 million in the third quarter of 2024 from 35.1 million in the third quarter of 2023. Our solid revenue growth was also partially attributable to the significant increase in the number of paying users, which grew to 12.6 million in the third quarter of 2024 from 11.2 million
in the third quarter of 2023.

In the third quarter of 2024, our revenues generated from chatting services were US$58.5 million, and revenues from games services were US$30.2 million.

Costs and expenses

Our total costs and expenses were US$56.4 million in the third quarter of 2024, a 6.9 % increase from US$52.8
million in the third quarter of 2023.

Our cost of revenues was US$31.8 million in the third quarter of 2024, a 14.6 % increase from US$27.8 million in the same period last year, primarily due to higher commission fees paid to third-party payment platforms as a result of increasing revenues generated. Cost of revenues as a percentage of our total revenues increased to 35.8% in the third quarter of 2024 from 32.6% in the third quarter of 2023.

Our selling and marketing expenses were US$7.4 million in the third quarter of 2024, a 34.9% decrease from US$11.3 million in the same period last year, primarily driven by our more disciplined advertising and promotion approach. Selling and marketing expenses as a percentage of our total revenues decreased to 8.3% in the third quarter of 2024 from 13.3% in the third quarter of 2023.

Our general and administrative expenses were US$10.1 million in the third quarter of 2024, a 38.3% increase from US$7.3 million in the same period last year, primarily due to an increase in incentive compensation. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of our total revenues increased to 11.4% in the third quarter of 2024 from 8.6% in the third quarter of 2023.

Our technology and product development expenses were US$7.1 million in the third quarter of 2024, an 11.1% increase from US$6.4 million in the same period of last year, primarily due to an increase in salaries and benefits for our technology and product development staff. Technology and product development expenses as a percentage of our total revenues increased to 8.0% in the third quarter of 2024 from 7.5% in the third quarter of 2023.

Operating income

Operating income remained relatively stable at US$32.5 million in the third quarter of 2024.

Non-GAAP operating income [6]

Non-GAAP operating income in the third quarter of 2024 was US$35.9 million, a 1.4% increase from US$35.4 million in the same period last year.

Interest income

Interest income was US$7.8 million in the third quarter of 2024, compared with US$5.6 million in the third quarter of 2023, primarily due to an increase in interest rates applicable to the Company's bank deposits.

Income tax expense

Income tax expense was US$1.29 million in the third quarter of 2024, compared with US$0.71
million in the third quarter of 2023. The increase was primarily due to the introduction and implementation of the UAE Corporate Tax Law, which is effective for the financial years starting on or after June 1, 2023.

Net income

As a result of the foregoing, our net income was US$39.2 million in the third quarter of 2024, an 11.2% increase from US$35.2 million in the third quarter of 2023.

Non-GAAP net income

Non-GAAP net income in the third quarter of 2024 was US$42.6 million, an 11.3% increase from US$38.3 million in the same period last year.

Earnings per ordinary share

Basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share were US$0.25 and US$0.22, respectively, in the third quarter of 2024, while basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share were US$0.23 and US$0.20, respectively, in the same period of 2023.

Non-GAAP earnings per ordinary share [7]

Non-GAAP basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share were US$0.27 and US$0.24, respectively, in the third quarter of 2024, compared with US$0.24 and US$0.21, respectively, in the same period of 2023.

Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, term deposits and short-term investments

As of September 30, 2024, we had cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, term deposits and short-term investments of US$570.1 million, compared with US$535.7 million as of December 31, 2023.

Share Repurchase Program

Pursuant to the Company's share repurchase program beginning on May 21, 2021,
with an extended expiration date of May 21, 2025, in the third quarter of 2024, the Company repurchased 1,736,383 American depositary shares ("ADSs"), representing 1,736,383 Class A ordinary shares from the open market with cash for an aggregate amount of approximately US$7.0
million.
Cumulatively, the Company had completed cash repurchases in the open market of 5,709,259 ADSs, representing 5,709,259 Class A ordinary shares, for an aggregate amount of approximately US$42.5
million, as of September
30, 2024. The aggregate value of ADSs and/or Class A ordinary shares that remain available for purchase under the current share repurchase program was US$107.5 million as of September 30, 2024.

Outlook

For the fourth
quarter of 2024, Yalla currently expects revenues to be between US$77.0 million and US$84.0
million.

The above outlook is based on current market conditions and reflects the Company management's current and preliminary estimates of market and operating conditions and customer demand, which are all subject to change.

[6]
Non-GAAP operating income represents operating income excluding share-based compensation. Non-GAAP operating income is a non-GAAP financial measure. See the sections entitled "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and "Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results" for more information about the non-GAAP measures referred to in this press release.

[7] Non-GAAP earnings per ordinary share is non-GAAP net income attributable to Yalla Group Limited's shareholders, divided by weighted average number of basic and diluted shares outstanding. Non-GAAP net income attributable to Yalla Group Limited's shareholders represents net income attributable to Yalla Group Limited's shareholders, excluding share-based compensation. Non-GAAP earnings per ordinary share and non-GAAP net income attributable to Yalla Group Limited's shareholders are non-GAAP financial measures. See the sections entitled "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and "Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results" for more information about the non-GAAP measures referred to in this press release.

Conference Call

The Company's management will host an earnings conference call on Monday, November
11, 2024, at 8:00 PM U.S. Eastern Time, Tuesday, November
12, 2024, at 5:00 AM Dubai Time, or Tuesday, November
12, 2024, at 9:00 AM Beijing/Hong Kong time.

Dial-in details for the earnings conference call are as follows:

United States Toll Free:

+1-888-317-6003

International:

+1-412-317-6061

United Arab Emirates Toll Free:

80-003-570-3589

Mainland China Toll Free:

400-120-6115

Hong Kong, China Toll Free:

800-963-976

Access Code:

5810867

Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company's investor relations website at
.

A replay of the conference call will be accessible until November 18, 2024, by dialing the following telephone numbers:

United States Toll Free:

+1-877-344-7529

International:

+1-412-317-0088

Access Code:

5806791

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement the financial measures prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, or GAAP, this press release presents non-GAAP financial measures, namely non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP net margin and non-GAAP basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share, as supplemental measures to review and assess the Company's operating performance. The presentation of the non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We define non-GAAP operating income as operating income excluding share-based compensation. We define non-GAAP net income as net income excluding share-based compensation. We define non-GAAP net margin as non-GAAP net income as a percentage of revenues. We define non-GAAP net income attributable to Yalla Group Limited's shareholders as net income attributable to Yalla Group Limited's shareholders, excluding share-based compensation. We define non-GAAP earnings per ordinary share as non-GAAP net income attributable to Yalla Group Limited's shareholders, divided by the weighted average number of basic and diluted shares outstanding.

By excluding the impact of share-based compensation expenses, which are non-cash charges, the Company believes that the non-GAAP financial measures help identify underlying trends in its business and enhance the overall understanding of the Company's past performance and future prospects. Investors can better understand the Company's operating and financial performance, compare business trends among different reporting periods on a consistent basis and assess its core operating results, as they exclude share-based compensation expenses, which are not expected to result in cash payments. The Company also believes that the non-GAAP financial measures allow for greater visibility with respect to key metrics used by the Company's management in its financial and operational decision-making.

The non-GAAP financial measure is not defined under U.S. GAAP and is not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The non-GAAP financial measure has limitations as analytical tools. One of the key limitations of using the non-GAAP financial measures is that they do not reflect all items of income and expense that affect the Company's operations. Share-based compensation has been and may continue to be incurred in the Company's business and is not reflected in the presentation of non-GAAP financial measures. Further, the non-GAAP financial measure may differ from the non-GAAP information used by other companies, including peer companies, and therefore their comparability may be limited.

The Company compensates for these limitations by providing the relevant disclosure of its non-GAAP financial measures in the reconciliations to the nearest U.S. GAAP performance measures, all of which should be considered when evaluating its performance. The Company encourages investors and others to review its financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure.

Reconciliations of GAAP and non-GAAP results are set forth at the end of this press release.

About Yalla Group Limited

Yalla Group Limited is the largest MENA-based online social networking and gaming company, in terms of revenues
in 2022. The Company operates two flagship mobile applications, Yalla, a voice-centric group chat platform, and Yalla Ludo, a casual gaming application featuring online versions of board games, popular in MENA, with in-game voice chat and localized Majlis functionality. Building on the success of Yalla and Yalla Ludo, the Company continues to add engaging new content, creating a regionally-focused, integrated ecosystem dedicated to fulfilling MENA users' evolving online social networking and gaming needs. Through its holding subsidiary, Yalla Game Limited, the Company has expanded its capabilities in mid-core and hard-core games in the MENA region, leveraging its local expertise to bring innovative gaming content to its users. In addition, the growing Yalla ecosystem includes YallaChat, an IM product tailored for Arabic users, WeMuslim, a product that supports Arabic users in observing their customs, and casual games such as Yalla Baloot and 101 Okey Yalla, developed to sustain vibrant local gaming communities in MENA. Yalla is also actively exploring outside of MENA with Yalla Parchis, a Ludo game designed for the South American markets. Yalla's mobile applications deliver a seamless experience that fosters a sense of loyalty and belonging, establishing highly devoted and engaged user communities through close attention to detail and localized appeal that profoundly resonates with users.

For more information, please visit: .

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking" statements pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "aims," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "likely to" and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Yalla Group Limited's beliefs, plans and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Yalla Group Limited's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and Yalla Group Limited does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

Yalla Group Limited
Investor Relations
Kerry Gao - IR Director
Tel: +86-571-8980-7962
Email: [email protected]

Piacente Financial Communications
Jenny
Cai
Tel: +86-10-6508-0677
Email: [email protected]

In the United States:

Piacente Financial Communications
Brandi Piacente
Tel: +1-212-481-2050
Email:

YALLA GROUP LIMITED

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS






As of




December 31,
2023



September 30,
2024




US$



US$


ASSETS







Current assets







Cash and cash equivalents



311,883,463




349,117,329


Restricted cash



423,567




428,119


Term deposits



213,105,501




212,514,896


Short-term investments



10,282,329




8,000,000


Amounts due from a related party



109,507




-


Prepayments and other current assets



33,340,602




41,563,630


Total current assets



569,144,969




611,623,974


Non-current assets







Property and equipment, net



1,583,604




1,290,519


Intangible asset, net



1,133,715




956,191


Operating lease right-of-use assets



2,382,026




1,595,166


Long-term investments



51,692,218




135,684,579


Other assets



13,015,729




13,155,593


Total non-current assets



69,807,292




152,682,048


Total assets



638,952,261




764,306,022









LIABILITIES







Current liabilities







Accounts payable



928,055




789,509


Deferred revenue



46,558,571




58,839,261


Operating lease liabilities, current



1,153,691




1,034,753


Amounts due to a related party



-




98,113


Accrued expenses and other current liabilities



26,694,999




33,737,519


Total current liabilities



75,335,316




94,499,155


Non-current liabilities







Operating lease liabilities, non-current



949,970




-


Total non-current liabilities



949,970




-


Total liabilities



76,285,286




94,499,155









EQUITY







Shareholders' equity of Yalla Group Limited







Class A Ordinary Shares



13,778




13,970


Class B Ordinary Shares



2,473




2,473


Additional paid-in capital



313,306,523




325,394,525


Treasury stock



(35,527,305)




(42,517,154)


Accumulated other comprehensive loss



(2,341,740)




(1,922,789)


Retained earnings



292,223,525




395,316,281


Total shareholders' equity of Yalla Group Limited



567,677,254




676,287,306


Non-controlling interests



(5,010,279)




(6,480,439)


Total equity



562,666,975




669,806,867


Total liabilities and equity



638,952,261




764,306,022


YALLA GROUP LIMITED

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS

OF OPERATIONS






Three Months Ended



Nine Months Ended




September 30,
2023



June 30,
2024



September 30,
2024



September 30,
2023



September 30,
2024




US$



US$



US$



US$



US$


Revenues



85,187,360




81,197,482




88,922,031




237,952,336




248,848,091


Costs and expenses
















Cost of revenues



(27,772,226)




(29,025,673)




(31,830,126)




(83,955,518)




(89,427,060)


Selling and marketing expenses



(11,292,732)




(8,491,520)




(7,352,820)




(35,026,197)




(23,944,276)


General and administrative expenses



(7,325,451)




(7,576,904)




(10,133,394)




(25,508,418)




(24,358,190)


Technology and product development expenses



(6,396,426)




(6,481,616)




(7,108,024)




(20,393,692)




(19,851,894)


Total costs and expenses



(52,786,835)




(51,575,713)




(56,424,364)




(164,883,825)




(157,581,420)


Operating income



32,400,525




29,621,769




32,497,667




73,068,511




91,266,671


Interest income



5,612,861




7,097,975




7,829,223




13,354,425




21,572,082


Government grants



228




365,031




7,603




182,447




439,966


Investment income (loss)



435,545




60,233




133,606




1,456,742




(1,094,288)


Impairment loss of investments



(2,509,480)




-




-




(2,509,480)




-


Income before income taxes



35,939,679




37,145,008




40,468,099




85,552,645




112,184,431


Income tax expense



(708,673)




(5,793,582)




(1,287,156)




(2,146,180)




(10,563,946)


Net income



35,231,006




31,351,426




39,180,943




83,406,465




101,620,485


Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests



994,099




292,428




673,856




2,750,850




1,472,271


Net income attributable to Yalla Group
Limited's shareholders



36,225,105




31,643,854




39,854,799




86,157,315




103,092,756


Earnings per ordinary share
















--Basic



0.23




0.20




0.25




0.54




0.64


--Diluted



0.20




0.17




0.22




0.47




0.56


Weighted average number of shares
outstanding used in computing earnings
per ordinary share
















--Basic



160,554,831




160,721,827




160,944,036




159,134,347




160,681,773


--Diluted



183,111,650




183,535,654




183,354,110




181,460,639




183,383,311
























Share-based compensation was allocated in cost of revenues, selling and marketing expenses, general and administrative expenses and

technology and product development expenses as follows:




Three Months Ended



Nine Months Ended




September 30,
2023



June 30,
2024



September 30,
2024



September 30,
2023



September 30,
2024




US$



US$



US$



US$



US$


Cost of revenues



627,760




1,867,863




1,867,294




2,581,522




5,637,874


Selling and marketing expenses



532,001




681,035




261,825




2,517,707




1,642,975


General and administrative expenses



1,633,262




1,321,200




1,114,753




8,121,521




3,769,267


Technology and product development expenses



255,677




19,198




187,205




920,127




469,134


Total share-based compensation expenses



3,048,700




3,889,296




3,431,077




14,140,877




11,519,250


YALLA GROUP LIMITED

RECONCILIATIONS OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP RESULTS




Three Months Ended



Nine Months Ended




September 30,
2023



June 30,
2024



September 30,
2024



September 30,
2023



September 30,
2024




US$



US$



US$



US$



US$


Operating income



32,400,525




29,621,769




32,497,667




73,068,511




91,266,671


Share-based compensation expenses



3,048,700




3,889,296




3,431,077




14,140,877




11,519,250


Non-GAAP operating income



35,449,225




33,511,065




35,928,744




87,209,388




102,785,921


















Net income



35,231,006




31,351,426




39,180,943




83,406,465




101,620,485


Share-based compensation expenses,
net of tax effect of nil



3,048,700




3,889,296




3,431,077




14,140,877




11,519,250


Non-GAAP net income



38,279,706




35,240,722




42,612,020




97,547,342




113,139,735


















Net income attributable to Yalla
Group Limited's shareholders



36,225,105




31,643,854




39,854,799




86,157,315




103,092,756


Share-based compensation expenses,
net of tax effect of nil



3,048,700




3,889,296




3,431,077




14,140,877




11,519,250


Non-GAAP net income attributable to
Yalla Group Limited's shareholders



39,273,805




35,533,150




43,285,876




100,298,192




114,612,006


















Non-GAAP earnings per ordinary share
















--Basic



0.24




0.22




0.27




0.63




0.71


--Diluted



0.21




0.19




0.24




0.55




0.62


Weighted average number of shares
outstanding used in computing earnings
per ordinary share
















--Basic



160,554,831




160,721,827




160,944,036




159,134,347




160,681,773


--Diluted



183,111,650




183,535,654




183,354,110




181,460,639




183,383,311


SOURCE Yalla Group Limited

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