Yalla Group Limited Announces Unaudited Second Quarter 2023 Financial Results

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    DUBAI, UAE, Aug. 15, 2023 /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 second quarter ended June 30, 2023.

    Second Quarter 2023 Financial and Operating Highlights

    • Revenues were US$79.2 million in the second quarter of 2023, representing an increase of 4.1% from the second quarter of 2022.

    – Revenues generated from chatting services in the second quarter of 2023 were US$55.2 million.

    – Revenues generated from games services in the second quarter of 2023 were US$24.0 million.

    • Net income was US$28.3 million in the second quarter of 2023, compared with US$20.4 million in the second quarter of 2022. Net margin[1] was 35.7% in the second quarter of 2023.
    • Non-GAAP net income[2]  was US$33.8 million in the second quarter of 2023, compared with US$28.6 million in the second quarter of 2022. Non-GAAP net margin[3] was 42.6% in the second quarter of 2023.
    • Average MAUs[4] increased by 14.3% to 34.2 million in the second quarter of 2023 from 29.9 million in the second quarter of 2022.
    • The number of paying users[5]  on our platform increased by 26.6% to 13.4 million in the second quarter of 2023 from 10.6 million in the second quarter of 2022.

    Key Operating Data

    For the three months ended

    June 30, 2022

    June 30, 2023

    Average MAUs (in thousands)

    29,920

    34,192

    Paying users (in thousands)

    10,585

    13,402

    [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 and Yalla Parchis have been our main mobile applications for the periods presented herein; YallaChat and 101 Okey Yalla have been our main mobile applications since the fourth quarter of 2022; and WeMuslim has been our main mobile application since the second 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 receive all of their virtual currencies directly or indirectly from us for free. “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.

    “Our robust second quarter performance delivered total revenues that increased by 4.1% year-over-year to US$79.2 million, exceeding the top end of our guidance despite the period’s seasonality prompted by the Ramadan holiday,” said Mr. Yang Tao, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Yalla. “These exceptional results showcase our ongoing dedication and ability to successfully refine our operating processes, enhance the gamification of our flagship applications and optimize our user acquisition strategy. As a result, we have holistically elevated users’ experience across our suite of products, driving increased user engagement. Our Group’s average MAUs increased to 34.2 million for the second quarter, up 14.3% year-over-year. Users are also showing increasing willingness to pay for our products and the number of total paying users increased to 13.4 million in the second quarter of 2023.

    “The launch of our second hard-core mobile game Merge Kingdoms drove exciting progress in our mid-core and hard-core gaming business during the second quarter. Meanwhile, we continue to refine and upgrade our first self-developed hard-core game, Age of Legends, which was launched across Gulf countries at the beginning of August 2023,” Mr. Yang added. “Digital transformation is sweeping through the MENA region. To make the most of the growing opportunities within the expanding market, we are strategically investing in R&D and exploring new business prospects that complement our existing offerings. Moving forward, we will continue to leverage our local know-how and core capabilities, as well as work to forge collaborations with international partners that strengthen our offerings and overall value proposition.”

    “In the second quarter, we achieved solid top-line and bottom-line growth as we continued to pursue high-quality development of our business,” said Ms. Karen Hu, CFO of Yalla. “Our commitment to disciplined cost management and an ROI-focused sales and marketing strategy has elevated our overall operational efficiency. We have also strategically leveraged the high-interest rates to achieve a higher return for our strong cash position. Consequently, we maintained a healthy level of profitability throughout the quarter, registering a net margin of 35.7% and excluding share-based compensation, a non-GAAP net margin of 42.6%. Our solid cash position and effective overall execution equip us to seize future opportunities that foster our sustainable growth and generate value for all of our stakeholders.”

    Second Quarter 2023 Financial Results

    Revenues

    Our revenues were US$79.2 million in the second quarter of 2023, a 4.1% increase from US$76.1 million in the second quarter of 2022. The increase was primarily driven by the broadening of our user base and our enhanced monetization capability. Our average MAUs increased by 14.3% from 29.9 million in the second quarter of 2022 to 34.2 million in the second quarter of 2023. Our solid revenue growth was also partially attributable to the significant increase in the number of paying users, which grew from 10.6 million in the second quarter of 2022 to 13.4 million in the second quarter of 2023.

    In the second quarter of 2023, our revenues generated from chatting services were US$55.2 million, and revenues from games services were US$24.0 million.

    Costs and expenses

    Our total costs and expenses remained relatively stable at US$55.3 million in the second quarter of 2023, compared with US$55.2 million in the second quarter of 2022.

    Our cost of revenues was US$28.3 million in the second quarter of 2023, a 3.2% decrease from US$29.3 million in the same period last year, primarily due to lower commission fees paid to third-party payment platforms as a result of diversified payment channels, and lower technical service fees resulting from more disciplined management.

    Cost of revenues as a percentage of our total revenues decreased to 35.8% in the second quarter of 2023, compared with 38.5% in the second quarter of 2022.

    Our selling and marketing expenses were US$12.4 million in the second quarter of 2023, a 10.4% increase from US$11.2 million in the same period last year, primarily due to higher advertising and market promotion expenses driven by our continued user acquisition efforts and expanding product portfolio. Selling and marketing expenses as a percentage of our total revenues remained relatively stable at 15.6%, compared with 14.7% in the second quarter of 2022.

    Our general and administrative expenses were US$8.0 million in the second quarter of 2023, a 15.4% increase from US$6.9 million in the same period last year, primarily due to an increase in incentive compensation and an increase in professional service fees. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of our total revenues remained relatively stable at 10.1%, compared with 9.1% in the second quarter of 2022.

    Our technology and product development expenses were US$6.6 million in the second quarter of 2023, a 14.8% decrease from US$7.7 million in the same period last year, primarily due to the appreciation of the U.S. dollars, which resulted in a decrease in the reporting currency amount of salaries and benefits for our technology and product development team, demonstrating benefits of the Company’s globalized talent acquisition strategy. Technology and product development expenses as a percentage of our total revenues decreased from 10.2% in the second quarter of 2022 to 8.3% in the second quarter of 2023.

    Operating income

    Operating income was US$23.9 million in the second quarter of 2023, compared with US$20.9 million in the second quarter of 2022.

    Non-GAAP operating income[6]

    Non-GAAP operating income in the second quarter of 2023 was US$29.4 million, compared with US$29.2 million in the same period last year.

    Interest income

    Our interest income was US$4.6 million in the second quarter of 2023, compared with US$0.2 million in the second quarter of 2022, primarily due to a significant increase in interest rates applicable to the Company’s bank deposits and a continued increase in the Company’s cash position.

    Income tax expense

    Our income tax expense was US$0.82 million in the second quarter of 2023, compared with US$0.78 million in the second quarter of 2022.

    Net income

    As a result of the foregoing, our net income was US$28.3 million in the second quarter of 2023, compared with US$20.4 million in the second quarter of 2022.

    Non-GAAP net income

    Non-GAAP net income in the second quarter of 2023 was US$33.8 million, compared with US$28.6 million in the same period last year.

    Earnings per ordinary share

    Basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share were US$0.19 and US$0.16, respectively, in the second quarter of 2023, while basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share were US$0.14 and US$0.12, respectively, in the same period of 2022.

    Non-GAAP earnings per ordinary share[7]

    Non-GAAP basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share were US$0.22 and US$0.19, respectively, in the second quarter of 2023, compared with US$0.19 and US$0.16, respectively, in the same period of 2022.

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

    As of June 30, 2023, we had cash and cash equivalents, term deposits and short-term investments of US$510.5 million, compared with US$453.0 million as of December 31, 2022.

    Share repurchase program

    Pursuant to the Company’s share repurchase program beginning on May 21, 2021 with an extended expiration date of May 21, 2024, the Company completed cash repurchases in the open market of 2,302,141 American depositary shares (“ADSs”), representing 2,302,141 Class A ordinary shares, for an aggregate amount of approximately US$27.0 million, as of June 30, 2023. The aggregate value of ADSs and/or Class A ordinary shares that remain available for purchase under the current share repurchase program was US$123.0 million as of June 30, 2023.

    Outlook

    For the third quarter of 2023, Yalla currently expects revenues to be between US$73.0 million and US$80.0million.

    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, August 14, 2023, at 8:00 PM U.S. Eastern Time, Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at 4:00 AM Dubai Time, or Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at 8:00 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 Toll Free:

    800-963-976

    Access Code:

    8369149

    Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company’s investor relations website at https://ir.yalla.com.

    A replay of the conference call will be accessible until August 21, 2023, by dialing the following telephone numbers:

    United States Toll Free:

    +1-877-344-7529

    International:

    +1-412-317-0088

    Access Code:

    1131608

    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 revenue 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; Waha, a social networking product featuring 3-D avatars; 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: https://ir.yalla.com.

    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: ir@yalla.com 

    Piacente Financial Communications
    Jenny Cai
    Tel: +86-10-6508-0677
    Email: yalla@tpg-ir.com 

    In the United States:

    Piacente Financial Communications
    Brandi Piacente
    Tel: +1-212-481-2050
    Email: yalla@tpg-ir.com 

    YALLA GROUP LIMITED

    UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

    As of

    December 31, 2022

    June 30, 2023

    US$

    US$

    ASSETS

    Current assets

    Cash and cash equivalents

    407,256,837

    305,819,389

    Term deposits

    20,000,000

    191,761,209

    Short-term investments

    25,788,304

    12,952,035

    Amounts due from a related party

    136,608

    Prepayments and other current assets

    28,652,840

    35,435,305

    Total current assets

    481,697,981

    546,104,546

    Non-current assets

    Property and equipment, net

    2,121,613

    2,101,182

    Intangible asset, net

    1,328,470

    1,240,710

    Operating lease right-of-use assets

    1,950,364

    3,202,752

    Long-term investments

    3,833,750

    3,819,565

    Other assets

    15,406,078

    15,080,631

    Total non-current assets

    24,640,275

    25,444,840

    Total assets

    506,338,256

    571,549,386

    LIABILITIES

    Current liabilities

    Accounts payable

    5,382,276

    1,268,107

    Deferred revenue

    35,957,485

    43,998,842

    Operating lease liabilities, current

    858,452

    1,293,977

    Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

    22,821,168

    24,251,003

    Total current liabilities

    65,019,381

    70,811,929

    Non-current liabilities

    Operating lease liabilities, non-current

    744,612

    1,678,544

    Amounts due to a related party

    709,789

    647,575

    Total non-current liabilities

    1,454,401

    2,326,119

    Total liabilities

    66,473,782

    73,138,048

    EQUITY

    Shareholders’ equity of Yalla Group Limited

    Class A Ordinary Shares

    13,356

    13,670

    Class B Ordinary Shares

    2,473

    2,473

    Additional paid-in capital

    294,406,395

    306,177,968

    Treasury stock

    (27,014,697)

    (27,014,697)

    Accumulated other comprehensive loss

    (1,701,111)

    (3,097,167)

    Retained earnings

    174,880,748

    224,812,958

    Total shareholders’ equity of Yalla Group Limited

    440,587,164

    500,895,205

    Non-controlling interests

    (722,690)

    (2,483,867)

    Total equity

    439,864,474

    498,411,338

    Total liabilities and equity

    506,338,256

    571,549,386

    YALLA GROUP LIMITED

    UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS

    OF OPERATIONS

    Three Months Ended

    Six Months Ended

    June 30, 2022

    March 31, 2023

    June 30, 2023

    June 30, 2022

    June 30, 2023

    US$

    US$

    US$

    US$

    US$

    Revenues

    76,090,799

    73,518,613

    79,246,363

    148,428,081

    152,764,976

    Costs and expenses

    Cost of revenues

    (29,272,347)

    (27,852,477)

    (28,330,815)

    (56,800,337)

    (56,183,292)

    Selling and marketing expenses

    (11,208,074)

    (11,354,975)

    (12,378,490)

    (23,734,535)

    (23,733,465)

    General and administrative expenses

    (6,945,989)

    (10,164,394)

    (8,018,573)

    (14,973,859)

    (18,182,967)

    Technology and product development expenses

    (7,726,715)

    (7,411,188)

    (6,586,078)

    (13,711,283)

    (13,997,266)

    Total costs and expenses

    (55,153,125)

    (56,783,034)

    (55,313,956)

    (109,220,014)

    (112,096,990)

    Operating income

    20,937,674

    16,735,579

    23,932,407

    39,208,067

    40,667,986

    Interest income

    176,432

    3,118,289

    4,623,275

    227,551

    7,741,564

    Government grants

    1,847

    177,659

    4,560

    160,532

    182,219

    Investment income (loss)

    17,674

    491,889

    529,308

    (150,771)

    1,021,197

    Income before income taxes

    21,133,627

    20,523,416

    29,089,550

    39,445,379

    49,612,966

    Income tax expense

    (780,211)

    (616,358)

    (821,149)

    (1,393,656)

    (1,437,507)

    Net income

    20,353,416

    19,907,058

    28,268,401

    38,051,723

    48,175,459

    Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests

    236,433

    554,591

    1,202,160

    314,597

    1,756,751

    Net income attributable to Yalla Group
       Limited’s shareholders

    20,589,849

    20,461,649

    29,470,561

    38,366,320

    49,932,210

    Earnings per ordinary share

    ——Basic

    0.14

    0.13

    0.19

    0.25

    0.32

    ——Diluted

    0.12

    0.11

    0.16

    0.22

    0.28

    Weighted average number of shares

       outstanding used in computing earnings

       per ordinary share

    ——Basic

    151,384,789

    157,976,350

    158,871,859

    150,771,175

    158,424,104

    ——Diluted

    175,146,529

    180,517,715

    180,752,549

    175,847,551

    180,635,132

    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

    Six Months Ended

    June 30, 2022

    March 31, 2023

    June 30, 2023

    June 30, 2022

    June 30, 2023

    US$

    US$

    US$

    US$

    US$

    Cost of revenues

    1,404,341

    1,030,249

    923,513

    2,848,661

    1,953,762

    Selling and marketing expenses

    1,850,318

    971,335

    1,014,371

    3,696,912

    1,985,706

    General and administrative expenses

    4,663,550

    3,245,278

    3,242,981

    9,326,219

    6,488,259

    Technology and product development expenses

    357,487

    349,277

    315,173

    668,929

    664,450

    Total share-based compensation expenses

    8,275,696

    5,596,139

    5,496,038

    16,540,721

    11,092,177

    YALLA GROUP LIMITED

    RECONCILIATIONS OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP RESULTS 

    Three Months Ended

    Six Months Ended

    June 30, 2022

    March 31, 2023

    June 30, 2023

    June 30, 2022

    June 30, 2023

    US$

    US$

    US$

    US$

    US$

    Operating income

    20,937,674

    16,735,579

    23,932,407

    39,208,067

    40,667,986

    Share-based compensation expenses

    8,275,696

    5,596,139

    5,496,038

    16,540,721

    11,092,177

    Non-GAAP operating income

    29,213,370

    22,331,718

    29,428,445

    55,748,788

    51,760,163

    Net income

    20,353,416

    19,907,058

    28,268,401

    38,051,723

    48,175,459

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

    8,275,696

    5,596,139

    5,496,038

    16,540,721

    11,092,177

    Non-GAAP net income

    28,629,112

    25,503,197

    33,764,439

    54,592,444

    59,267,636

    Net income attributable to Yalla
       Group Limited’s shareholders

    20,589,849

    20,461,649

    29,470,561

    38,366,320

    49,932,210

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

    8,275,696

    5,596,139

    5,496,038

    16,540,721

    11,092,177

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

    28,865,545

    26,057,788

    34,966,599

    54,907,041

    61,024,387

    Non-GAAP earnings per ordinary share

    ——Basic

    0.19

    0.16

    0.22

    0.36

    0.39

    ——Diluted

    0.16

    0.14

    0.19

    0.31

    0.34

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

    ——Basic

    151,384,789

    157,976,350

    158,871,859

    150,771,175

    158,424,104

    ——Diluted

    175,146,529

    180,517,715

    180,752,549

    175,847,551

    180,635,132