HUYA Inc. Reports First Quarter 2022 Unaudited Financial Results

- HUYA Inc. ("Huya" or the "Company") (NYSE: HUYA), a leading game live streaming platform in China today announced its unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022 .

First Quarter 2022 Highlights

  • Total net revenues for the first quarter of 2022 were RMB2,464.6 million ( US$388.8 million ), compared with RMB2,604.8 million for the same period of 2021.
  • Net   loss   attributable to HUYA Inc. was RMB3.3 million ( US$0.5 million ) for the first quarter of 2022, compared with net income attributable to HUYA Inc. of RMB185.5 million for the same period of 2021.
  • Non-GAAP net income attributable to HUYA Inc. [1] was RMB46.6 million ( US$7.4 million ) for the first quarter of 2022, compared with RMB265.9 million for the same period of 2021.
  • Average mobile MAUs [2] of Huya Live in the first quarter of 2022 increased by 8.5% to 81.9 million from 75.5 million in the same period of 2021.
  • Total number of paying users [3] of Huya Live in the first quarter of 2022 was 5.9 million, compared with 5.9 million in the same period of 2021.

"Our operational results this quarter reflect the outcome of our continuous focus on content enrichment and user engagement as we grew our mobile MAUs by 8.5% year-over-year to reach 81.9 million amid a challenging macro environment," said Mr. Rongjie Dong , Chief Executive Officer of Huya. "As a leading game live streaming platform, we remain dedicated to providing rich content for our growing community and bringing more opportunities to our content creators. Additionally, in our relentless efforts to advance product innovation to enable a cross-platform, more immersive experience for our community, our users can now better integrate their live streaming experience on Huya's platform with their game plays. Moreover, we believe the most recent regulatory changes for live streaming will contribute to the industry's overall development in the long run, and we will continue to comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Leveraging our operational and technological expertise, we believe in our agility and ability to navigate the evolving and dynamic market conditions."

Ms. Ashley Xin Wu , Vice President of Finance of Huya, commented, "Given the continued macro headwinds and the recent resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic in China , we achieved RMB2,464.6 million total net revenues and RMB333.6 million gross profit in the first quarter of 2022. As we continue to invest in content to drive sustainable business development, we are committed to further enhancing operational efficiency and refining resource allocation to support key areas of our business. We remain confident that by fostering quality content, driving product innovation, running efficient operations and enhancing our compliance capabilities, we will strengthen Huya's core competitiveness in the game live streaming industry."

[1] "Non-GAAP net income attributable to HUYA Inc." is defined as net (loss) income attributable to HUYA Inc. excluding share-based compensation expenses and gain on fair value change of investments, net of income taxes. For more information, please refer to "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and "Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results" at the end of this press release.

[2] Refers to average monthly active users on mobile apps. Average mobile MAUs for any period is calculated by dividing (i) the sum of active users on the mobile apps for each month during such relevant period, by (ii) the number of months during such relevant period.

[3] Refers to the sum of user accounts that purchased various products and services on our platform at least once during such relevant period.

First Quarter 2022 Financial Results

Total net revenues for the first quarter of 2022 were RMB2,464.6 million ( US$388.8 million ), compared with RMB2,604.8 million for the same period of 2021.

Live streaming revenues were RMB2,151.7 million ( US$339.4 million ) for the first quarter of 2022, compared with RMB2,392.3 million for the same period of 2021, primarily due to decreased average spending per paying user on Huya Live, as the recent macro environment adversely affected the sentiment of the Company's paying users.

Advertising and other revenues increased by 47.2% to RMB312.8 million ( US$49.4 million ) for the first quarter of 2022 from RMB212.5 million for the same period of 2021, primarily driven by the increase in content sub-licensing revenues.

Cost of revenues increased by 1.9% to RMB2,131.0 million ( US$336.2 million ) for the first quarter of 2022 from RMB2,090.9 million for the same period of 2021, primarily due to the increase in revenue sharing fees and content costs.

Revenue sharing fees and content costs increased by 3.4% to RMB1,807.5 million ( US$285.1 million ) for the first quarter of 2022 from RMB1,748.6 million for the same period of 2021, primarily due to the increase in spending on e-sports content and the increase in revenue sharing fees in relation to certain broadcaster incentive programs.

Bandwidth costs decreased by 7.3% to RMB168.3 million ( US$26.6 million ) for the first quarter of 2022 from RMB181.5 million for the same period of 2021, primarily due to improved bandwidth cost management and continued technology enhancement efforts.

Gross profit was RMB333.6 million ( US$52.6 million ) for the first quarter of 2022, compared with RMB513.9 million for the same period of 2021, primarily due to lower revenues and increased cost of revenues primarily driven by higher revenue sharing fees and content costs. Gross margin was 13.5% for the first quarter of 2022, compared with 19.7% for the same period of 2021.

Research and development expenses decreased by 1.4% to RMB196.3 million ( US$31.0 million ) for the first quarter of 2022 from RMB199.1 million for the same period of 2021, primarily due to the decrease in share-based compensation expenses.

Sales and marketing expenses increased by 0.3% to RMB145.1 million ( US$22.9 million ) for the first quarter of 2022 from RMB144.6 million for the same period of 2021.

General and administrative expenses decreased by 3.9% to RMB80.8 million ( US$12.7 million ) for the first quarter of 2022 from RMB84.1 million for the same period of 2021, primarily due to the decrease in share-based compensation expenses.

Other income was RMB28.3 million ( US$4.5 million ) for the first quarter of 2022, compared with RMB76.0 million for the same period of 2021, primarily attributable to realized damages received in the first quarter of 2021 from a favorable outcome in a broadcaster-related lawsuit.

Operating loss was RMB60.2 million ( US$9.5 million ) for the first quarter of 2022, compared with  operating income of RMB162.1 million for the same period of 2021.

Interest and short-term investments income were RMB59.2 million ( US$9.3 million ) for the first quarter of 2022, compared with RMB65.1 million for the same period of 2021, primarily due to decreased interest rates.

Income tax expenses were RMB9.4 million ( US$1.5 million ) for the first quarter of 2022, compared with RMB39.4 million for the same period of 2021, primarily due to lower taxable income.

Net loss   attributable to HUYA Inc. was RMB3.3 million ( US$0.5 million ) for the first quarter of 2022, compared with net income attributable to HUYA Inc. of RMB185.5 million for the same period of 2021.

Non-GAAP net income attributable to HUYA Inc. , which excludes share-based compensation expenses and gain on fair value change of investments, net of income taxes, was RMB46.6 million ( US$7.4 million ) for the first quarter of 2022, compared with RMB265.9 million for the same period of 2021.

Diluted net loss per American depositary share ("ADS") was RMB0.01 (US$0.002) for the first quarter of 2022, compared with diluted net income per ADS of RMB0.77 for the same period of 2021. Each ADS represents one Class A ordinary share of the Company.

Non-GAAP diluted net income per ADS was RMB0.19 (US$0.03) for the first quarter of 2022, compared with RMB1.10 for the same period of 2021.

As of March 31, 2022 , the Company had cash and cash equivalents, short-term deposits and short-term investments of RMB10,473.4 million ( US$1,652.1 million ), compared with RMB10,959.1 million as of December 31, 2021 , primarily due to the increase in investments and prepayments to content providers.

Recent Development

Regulatory Update

On May 7, 2022 , the PRC government issued the Opinion on Live Streaming Virtual Gifting and Enhancing the Protection of Minors (the "Opinion"). The Opinion stipulates that internet platforms shall, among other restrictions, (i) within one month of the publication of the Opinion terminate all billboard functions that rank users or broadcasters by the volume of virtual gifts that they send or receive, respectively, (ii) restrict certain interaction and engagement functions between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. every day, and (iii) prohibit minors from purchasing virtual gifts.

The Company will continue to comply with all applicable laws and regulations in providing live streaming services, including the Opinion. The Company is carefully considering the provisions of the Opinion and assessing their implications for the Company's business. The Company expects the Opinion, and the compliance measures to be taken, will have a negative impact on the live streaming services of the market participants of the industry, including that of the Company, which in turn may adversely affect the Company's results of operations and prospect. The Company will proactively seek guidance from and cooperate with government authorities in connection with its efforts to comply with the Opinion and any related implementation rules. There is no assurance that the measures that the Company takes will be effective or the implementation of the Opinion would not have a material adverse impact on the Company's business operations and financial results in the coming quarters.

Conference Call

The Company's management will host an earnings conference call at 7:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time on May 17, 2022 ( 7:00 p.m. Beijing / Hong Kong time on May 17, 2022 ).

For participants who wish to join the call, please complete online registration using the link provided below 20 minutes prior to the scheduled call start time. Upon registration, participants will receive the conference call access information, including dial-in numbers, Direct Event passcode, a unique registrant ID and an e-mail with detailed instructions to join the conference call.

Participant Online Registration : https://apac.directeventreg.com/registration/event/3368875

Once registration is complete, please dial-in at least 10 minutes before the scheduled start time of the earnings call and enter the Direct Event passcode and registrant ID as instructed to connect to the call.

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

A replay of the conference call will be accessible approximately two hours after the conclusion of the live call until May 24, 2022 , by dialing the following telephone numbers:

United States:

+1-646-254-3697

International:

+61-2-8199-0299

Hong Kong, China:

+852-3051-2780

Replay Access Code:

3368875

About HUYA Inc.

HUYA Inc. is a leading game live streaming platform in China with a large and active game live streaming community. The Company cooperates with e-sports event organizers, as well as major game developers and publishers, and has developed e-sports live streaming as one of the most popular content genres on its platform. The Company has created an engaged, interactive and immersive community for game enthusiasts of China's young generation. Building on its success in game live streaming, Huya has also extended its content to other entertainment content genres. Huya's open platform also functions as a marketplace for broadcasters and talent agencies to congregate and closely collaborate with the Company.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial information is prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP"), except that the consolidated statement of changes in shareholders' equity, consolidated statements of cash flows, and the detailed notes have not been presented. Huya uses non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP operating income (loss), non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to HUYA Inc., non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders, non-GAAP basic and diluted net income (loss) per ordinary shares, and non-GAAP basic and diluted net income (loss) per ADS, which are non-GAAP financial measures. Non-GAAP gross profit is gross profit excluding share-based compensation expenses allocated in cost of revenues. Non-GAAP operating income (loss) is operating income (loss) excluding share-based compensation expenses. Non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to HUYA Inc. is net income (loss) attributable to HUYA Inc. excluding share-based compensation expenses and gain on fair value change of investments, net of income taxes. Non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders is net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders excluding share-based compensation expenses and gain on fair value change of investments, net of income taxes. Non-GAAP basic and diluted net income (loss) per ADS is non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders divided by weighted average number of ADS used in the calculation of non-GAAP basic and diluted net income (loss) per ADS. The Company believes that separate analysis and exclusion of the impact of (i) share-based compensation expenses, and (ii) gain on fair value change of investments, net of income taxes add clarity to the constituent parts of its performance. The Company reviews these non-GAAP financial measures together with GAAP financial measures to obtain a better understanding of its operating performance. It uses the non-GAAP financial measure for planning, forecasting and measuring results against the forecast. The Company believes that non-GAAP financial measure is useful supplemental information for investors and analysts to assess its operating performance without the effect of (i) share-based compensation expenses, which have been and will continue to be significant recurring expenses in its business, and (ii) gain on fair value change of investments, net of income taxes, which may recur when there is observable price change in the future. However, the use of non-GAAP financial measures has material limitations as an analytical tool. One of the limitations of using non-GAAP financial measures is that they do not include all items that impact the Company's net income for the period. In addition, because non-GAAP financial measures are not measured in the same manner by all companies, they may not be comparable to other similar titled measures used by other companies. In light of the foregoing limitations, you should not consider non-GAAP financial measure in isolation from or as an alternative to the financial measure prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

The presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. For more information on these non-GAAP financial measures, please see the table captioned "HUYA Inc. Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results" at the end of this announcement.

Exchange Rate Information

This announcement contains translations of certain RMB amounts into U.S. dollars at a specified rate solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from RMB to U.S. dollars are made at a rate of RMB6.3393 to US$1.00 , the noon buying rate in effect on March 31, 2022 , in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board. The Company makes no representation that the Renminbi or U.S. dollars amounts referred to in this announcement could have been or could be converted into U.S. dollars or Renminbi, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under 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," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar statements. Among other things, the quotations from management in this announcement, as well as Huya's strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. Huya may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Huya's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: Huya's goals and strategies; Huya's future business development, results of operations and financial condition; the expected growth of the game live streaming market; the expectation regarding the rate at which to gain active users, especially paying users; Huya's ability to monetize the user base; Huya's efforts in complying with applicable data privacy and security regulations; fluctuations in general economic and business conditions in China ; the impact of the COVID-19 to Huya's business operations and the economy in China and elsewhere generally; any regulatory developments in laws, regulations, rules, policies or guidelines applicable to Huya; and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Huya's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and Huya does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

In China :

HUYA Inc.
Investor Relations
Tel: +86-20-2290-7829
E-mail: ir@huya.com

The Piacente Group, Inc.
Jenny Cai
Tel: +86-10-6508-0677
E-mail: huya@tpg-ir.com

In the United States :

The Piacente Group, Inc.
Brandi Piacente
Tel: +1-212-481-2050
E-mail: huya@tpg-ir.com

HUYA INC.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(All amounts in thousands, except share, ADS, per share data and per ADS data)




As of December 31,


As of March 31,



2021


2022


2022



RMB


RMB


US$








Assets







Current assets







Cash and cash equivalents


1,790,784


1,480,006


233,465

Restricted cash


55,670


90,954


14,348

Short-term deposits


8,351,945


8,269,231


1,304,439

Short-term investments


816,331


724,133


114,229

Accounts receivable, net


88,034


88,388


13,943

Amounts due from related parties, net


148,560


131,146


20,688

Prepayments and other current assets, net


664,945


838,192


132,222








Total current assets


11,916,269


11,622,050


1,833,334








Non-current assets







Deferred tax assets


20,245


70,258


11,083

Investments


608,617


865,017


136,453

Property and equipment, net


79,611


73,393


11,577

Intangible assets, net


83,942


78,837


12,436

Right-of-use assets, net


395,371


390,997


61,678

Prepayments and other non-current assets


150,887


142,544


22,486








Total non-current assets


1,338,673


1,621,046


255,713








Total assets


13,254,942


13,243,096


2,089,047








Liabilities and shareholders' equity







Current liabilities







Accounts payable


12,579


12,171


1,920

Advances from customers and deferred revenue


459,509


469,055


73,992

Income taxes payable


5,944


30,889


4,873

Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities


1,845,452


1,680,513


265,093

Amounts due to related parties


216,128


218,651


34,491

Lease liabilities due within one year


36,473


39,204


6,184








Total current liabilities


2,576,085


2,450,483


386,553








Non-current liabilities







Lease liabilities


45,084


39,463


6,225

Deferred tax liabilities


4,597


20,533


3,239

Deferred revenue


118,975


110,322


17,403








Total non-current liabilities


168,656


170,318


26,867








Total liabilities


2,744,741


2,620,801


413,420








HUYA INC.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (CONTINUED)

(All amounts in thousands, except share, ADS, per share data and per ADS data)




As of December 31,


As of March 31,



2021


2022


2022



RMB


RMB


US$








Shareholders' equity







Class A ordinary shares (US$0.0001 par value;
750,000,000 shares authorized as of December
31, 2021 and March 31, 2022,respectively;
86,993,764 and 87,179,823 shares issued and
outstanding as of December 31, 2021 and March
31, 2022, respectively)


58


58


9

Class B ordinary shares (US$0.0001 par value;
200,000,000 shares authorized as of December
31, 2021 and March 31, 2022, respectively;
151,076,517 and 151,076,517 shares issued and
outstanding as of December 31, 2021 and
March 31, 2022, respectively)


99


99


16

Additional paid-in capital


11,764,059


11,820,958


1,864,710

Statutory reserves


122,429


122,429


19,313

Accumulated deficit


(1,300,144)


(1,303,458)


(205,615)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss


(76,300)


(17,791)


(2,806)








Total shareholders' equity


10,510,201


10,622,295


1,675,627








Total liabilities and shareholders' equity


13,254,942


13,243,096


2,089,047

HUYA INC.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(All amounts in thousands, except share, ADS, per share data and per ADS data)




Three Months Ended



March   31,
2021


December 31,
2021


March   31,
2022


March   31,
2022




RMB


RMB


RMB


US$












Net revenues










Live streaming


2,392,275


2,612,897


2,151,704


339,423


Advertising and others


212,509


195,844


312,847


49,350












Total net revenues


2,604,784


2,808,741


2,464,551


388,773












Cost of revenues (1)


(2,090,896)


(2,807,672)


(2,130,974)


(336,153)












Gross profit


513,888


1,069


333,577


52,620












Operating expenses (1)










Research and development expenses


(199,071)


(205,709)


(196,251)


(30,958)


Sales and marketing expenses


(144,585)


(218,473)


(145,065)


(22,883)


General and administrative expenses


(84,091)


(90,478)


(80,774)


(12,742)












Total operating expenses


(427,747)


(514,660)


(422,090)


(66,583)












Other income, net


75,968


56,289


28,278


4,461












Operating income (loss)


162,109


(457,302)


(60,235)


(9,502)












Interest and short-term investments income


65,130


61,589


59,202


9,339


Gain on fair value change of investments


-


-


7,602


1,199


Foreign currency exchange (losses) gains, net


(2,260)


89


(64)


(10)












Income   (loss) before income tax (   expenses)
benefits


224,979


(395,624)


6,505


1,026












Income tax (expenses) benefits


(39,410)


83,051


(9,401)


(1,483)












Income (loss) before share of loss in equity
method investments, net of income taxes


185,569


(312,573)


(2,896)


(457)












Share of loss in equity method investments, net of
income taxes


(31)


(96)


(418)


(66)












Net income (loss) attributable to HUYA Inc.


185,538


(312,669)


(3,314)


(523)












Net income (loss)   attributable to ordinary
shareholders


185,538


(312,669)


(3,314)


(523)













HUYA INC.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)

(All amounts in thousands, except share, ADS, per share data and per ADS data)




Three Months Ended



March   31,
2021


December 31,
2021


March   31,
2022


March   31,
2022



RMB


RMB


RMB


US$










Net income (loss) per   ADS*









—Basic


0.78


(1.31)


(0.01)


(0.002)

—Diluted


0.77


(1.31)


(0.01)


(0.002)

Net income (loss)   per ordinary share









—Basic


0.78


(1.31)


(0.01)


(0.002)

—Diluted


0.77


(1.31)


(0.01)


(0.002)










Weighted average number of ADS used in
calculating net income
  (loss)   per ADS









—Basic


236,602,426


239,233,239


239,746,395


239,746,395

—Diluted


241,872,722


239,233,239


239,746,395


239,746,395










* Each ADS represents one Class A ordinary share.



























(1) Share-based compensation was allocated in cost of revenues and operating expenses as follows:












Three Months Ended



March   31,
2021


December 31,
2021


March   31,
2022


March   31,
2022



RMB


RMB


RMB


US$










Cost of revenues


16,621


15,156


13,112


2,068

Research and development expenses


36,741


31,629


23,251


3,668

Sales and marketing expenses


1,891


2,245


1,644


259

General and administrative expenses


25,124


21,968


18,746


2,957

HUYA INC.

RECONCILIATIONS OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP RESULTS

(All amounts in thousands, except share, ADS, per share data and per ADS data)




Three Months Ended



March   31,
2021


December 31,
2021


March   31,
2022


March   31,
2022



RMB


RMB


RMB


US$










Gross profit


513,888


1,069


333,577


52,620

Share-based compensation expenses allocated in
cost of revenues


16,621


15,156


13,112


2,068










Non-GAAP gross profit


530,509


16,225


346,689


54,688










Operating income (loss)


162,109


(457,302)


(60,235)


(9,502)

Share-based compensation expenses


80,377


70,998


56,753


8,952










Non-GAAP operating income (loss)


242,486


(386,304)


(3,482)


(550)










Net income (loss) attributable to HUYA Inc.


185,538


(312,669)


(3,314)


(523)

Gain on fair value change of investments, net of
income taxes


-


-


(6,842)


(1,079)

Share-based compensation expenses


80,377


70,998


56,753


8,952










Non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to HUYA Inc.


265,915


(241,671)


46,597


7,350










Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary
shareholders


185,538


(312,669)


(3,314)


(523)

Gain on fair value change of investments, net of
income taxes


-


-


(6,842)


(1,079)

Share-based compensation expenses


80,377


70,998


56,753


8,952










Non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to
ordinary shareholders


265,915


(241,671)


46,597


7,350










Non-GAAP net income (loss)   per ordinary share









—Basic


1.12


(1.01)


0.19


0.03

—Diluted


1.10


(1.01)


0.19


0.03










Non-GAAP net income (loss)   per ADS









—Basic


1.12


(1.01)


0.19


0.03

—Diluted


1.10


(1.01)


0.19


0.03










Weighted average number of ADS used in
calculating Non-GAAP net income (loss) per
ADS









—Basic


236,602,426


239,233,239


239,746,395


239,746,395

—Diluted


241,872,722


239,233,239


241,014,680


241,014,680

Cision View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/huya-inc-reports-first-quarter-2022-unaudited-financial-results-301548723.html

SOURCE HUYA Inc.

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NorthStar Gaming Reports Year-End 2024 Results

Annual Revenue Growth of 57%, Gross Margin up 91%

NorthStar Gaming Holdings Inc. (TSXV: BET) (OTCQB: NSBBF) ("NorthStar" or the "Company") today announced its financial results for the three months and year ended December 31, 2024. The Company also announced that it will discuss the results on an investor webinar to be held Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 11:00am (please see below for details). All dollar figures are quoted in Canadian dollars.

"We delivered strong financial results in 2024, highlighted by 57% growth in revenue and a 91% increase in gross margin. At the same time, we held marketing expense to a 10% increase and reduced G&A expense, demonstrating the continually improving operating leverage built into our business model," said Michael Moskowitz, Chair and CEO of NorthStar. "Equally important, our team rolled out innovations in both our sportsbook and casino that have further differentiated NorthStar Bets as a premium offering and helped drive the retention of, and engagement with, our loyal customers."

Restatement of Results

The comparative results for the three months and twelve months ended December 31, 2023 have been restated in the financial statements and management's discussion & analysis ("FY2024 MD&A") for the year ended December 31, 2024 to include additional merchant fees and player bonus expenses which were not captured in the previously published financial statements (note 2 of the Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2024). The Company's payment processor deducted the additional merchant fee from the daily remittances to the Company, and the deductions were not accounted for by the Company. These additional fees were identified as part of the year-end reconciliation of the amount due from the payment processor, and the financial statements and FY2024 MD&A have been adjusted accordingly. These restatements did not impact the cash balances reported for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2023, or 2024. However, they did result in adjustments to the reported current asset balances for those periods.

Financial Highlights for the Fourth Quarter Ended December 31, 2024 ("Q4 2024"):

  • Total Wagers1 at Northstarbets.ca were $303.0 million in Q4 2024, a 42% increase compared to $213.3 million in Q4 2023.
  • Gross Gaming Revenue2 at Northstarbets.ca was $10.0 million in Q4 2024, a 31.6% increase from $7.6 million in Q4 2023.
  • Revenue2 was $9.5 million in Q4 2024, a 51% increase from $6.3 million in Q4 2023. Revenue in Q4 2024 includes $1.5 million of managed services revenue, which compares to $0.2 million in Q4 2023.
  • Gross Margin was $3.6 million, a 71% increase from $2.1 million in Q4 2023, while the Gross Margin percentage increased to 38.1%, up from 33.6% in Q4 2023.
  • Profit/(loss) before marketing and other expenses1 was $0.6 million in Q4 2024 compared to a loss of $2.5 million in Q4 2023, indicating that gross margin is now sufficient to cover the Company's overhead expenses.

Financial Highlights for the Year Ended December 31, 2024 ("FY 2024"):

  • Total Wagers2 at Northstarbets.ca were $980.0 million in FY 2024, a 51% increase compared to $648.8 million in the year ended December 31, 2023.
  • Gross Gaming Revenue2 at Northstarbets.ca was $34.0 million in FY 2024, a 51% increase from $22.5 million in FY 2023.
  • Revenue2 was $29.6 million in FY 2024, a 57% increase from $18.8 million in FY 2023. Revenue in FY 2024 includes $2.3 million of managed services revenue, which compares to $0.5 million in FY 2023.3
  • Gross Margin was $10.5 million, marking a 91% increase from $5.5 million in FY 2023, with the Gross Margin increasing to 35.7%, up from 29.3% in FY 2023.
  • Profit/(loss) before marketing and other expenses1 was $0.1 million in FY 2024 compared to a loss of $6.7 million in YTD 2023, an improvement of $6.8 million.

"Early in 2025, we completed our most significant fund-raising to date, with a $43.4 million debt financing. This capital gives us a long runway on which to continue our trajectory of growth in wagering, gross margins and improving operating leverage. This was a milestone event for our business," added Mr. Moskowitz.

2024 Operating Highlights:

  • Completed the inaugural Blackjack Championship tournament, an innovative online competition that helped drive the acquisition of new high-value players and engagement for existing customers while increasing Blackjack wagering activity.
  • Implemented a series of enhancements to the NorthStar Bets platform, highlighted by streamlined navigation in both the Casino and Sportsbook sections, a doubling of Casino game selection since the start of 2024, personalized prop bets and intelligent parlay suggestions.
  • Introduced the "NorthStar Elite" program and branded tables to help secure the loyalty and satisfaction of our most active players and reinforcing the Company's positioning as a premium offering.
  • Launched "Sports Insights 2.0," a robust suite of enhancements to our content vertical that includes a redesigned home page, comprehensive team and player statistics, injury and player news feeds, added coverage of popular sports and strengthened casino content.
  • Gained significant traction outside the Ontario market with managed services revenue from Northstarbets.com site, owned by the Abenaki Council of Wolinak, increasing from $0.5 million in FY 2023 to $2.3 million in FY 2024.
  • Outpaced the industry growth rates reported by iGaming Ontario in 2024 in both Total Wagers (51% for NorthStar vs. 33% for the industry) and Gross Gaming Revenue (51% for NorthStar vs. 31.5% for the industry).

Outlook

"We expect our consistent pattern of year-over-year revenue increases to continue throughout 2025, based on our ongoing success in attracting and engaging high-value players," said Mr. Moskowitz. "We will maintain disciplined control over costs so that incremental gross margin falls primarily to the bottom line. As we continue to focus on operational excellence, we remain confident that we have the capital necessary to reach profitability based on our current business platform."

FY 2024 Corporate Update Webinar

On May 15, 2025, Michael Moskowitz will present an in-depth Corporate Update, including a discussion of the Company's FY 2024 Earnings, current operations and strategic priorities. All investors and other interested parties are invited to register for the webinar at the link below.

Date: Thursday, May 15, 2025
Time: 11:00 am EDT
Register: Webinar Registration

Management will be available to answer your questions following the presentation on the webinar platform. You may also submit your question(s) beforehand in the registration form linked above.

Extension of Strategic Marketing Agreement

The Company also announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, NorthStar Gaming (Ontario) Inc. ("NorthStar Ontario"), has extended its strategic partnership with Playtech Software Limited ("Playtech Software") through the renewal of their previously announced strategic marketing agreement. Under the agreement, Playtech Software contributes services designed to accelerate NorthStar Ontario's player acquisition strategy in the province. The agreement was first implemented in June 2023 and has since been renewed several times. Pursuant to the latest renewal, Playtech Software will reimburse marketing expenses valued at a total of up to $1.5 million over a 3-month period through to March 31, 2025. Playtech Software will be compensated through a share of revenue from the income generated in connection with the marketing initiatives to which it contributes. The Transaction between Playtech and NorthStar Ontario is exempted from Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Securityholders in Special Transactions.

"We are very pleased to renew the marketing services agreement with Playtech Software," said Michael Moskowitz, Chair and CEO of NorthStar. "The agreement serves to extend our marketing budget and has contributed to our tremendous growth in Ontario. Playtech plc continues to be a valuable strategic partner and we look forward to further collaboration."

Continuous Disclosure

Further to a review by the staff of the Ontario Securities Commission (the "OSC") of the Company's continuous disclosure, the FY2024 MD&A includes enhanced disclosures with respect to:

  • the Company's regulatory framework, licensing regimes applicable to its business operations and the legal authorizations necessary to conduct its business operations;
  • specific risk factors relating to the Company's business operations which include risks relating to operating in a heavily regulated industry, cyber security risks and risks relating to conflicts of interest with respect to directors and officers of the Company; and
  • the relationship between the Abenaki Council of Wolinak and the Company as well as its subsidiary, Slapshot Media Inc.

Such amended disclosure is being included in the FY2024 MD&A to address comments received from the OSC on its management's discussion & analysis, for the period ended September 30, 2024, and to improve the Company's disclosure.

As a result of having to include such enhanced disclosure after the OSC review, the Company will be placed on the public list of Refilings and Errors in accordance with OSC Staff Notice 51-711 (Revised) - Refilings and Corrections of Errors for a period of three (3) years.

Additional Information

For additional information, please refer to the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024, and the corresponding FY2024 MD&A. These documents are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, and on the Company's corporate website at www.northstargaming.ca.

About NorthStar

NorthStar proudly owns and operates NorthStar Bets, a Canadian-born casino and sportsbook platform that delivers a premium, distinctly local gaming experience. Designed with high-stakes players in mind, NorthStar Bets Casino offers a curated selection of the most popular games, ensuring an elevated user experience. Our sportsbook stands out with its exclusive Sports Insights feature, seamlessly integrating betting guidance, stats, and scores, all tailored to meet the expectations of a premium audience.

As a Canadian company, NorthStar is uniquely positioned to cater to customers who seek a high-quality product and an exceptional level of personalized service, setting a new standard in the industry. NorthStar is committed to operating at the highest level of responsible gaming standards.

No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

Non-IFRS Financial Measures [/ Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures to IFRS Measures]

Throughout this document, management uses certain non-IFRS financial measures and supplementary financial measures to evaluate the performance of the Company. The terms "Gross Gaming Revenue" "Total Wagers" and "Profit/(Loss) before marketing and other expenses" are non-IFRS financial measures. These measures are not recognized measures under International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") and do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and are, therefore, not necessarily comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Rather, these measures are provided as additional information to complement those IFRS measures by providing further understanding of our results of operations from management's perspective and to discuss NorthStar's financial outlook. Accordingly, these measures should not be considered in isolation nor as a substitute for analysis of the Company's financial information reported under IFRS. We believe that securities analysts, investors and other interested parties frequently use non-IFRS measures, including industry metrics, in the evaluation of companies in our industry. Management also uses non-IFRS measures and industry metrics in order to facilitate operating performance comparisons from period to period, the preparation of annual operating budgets and forecasts and to determine components of executive compensation.

Total Wagers

Total Wagers are calculated as the total amount of money bet by customers in respect of bets that have settled in the applicable period. Total Wagers does not include free bets or other promotional incentives, nor money bet by customers in respect of bets that are open at period end. Total Wagers is used to provide investors with supplemental measures of our operating performance and thus highlight trends in our business that may not otherwise be apparent when relying solely on IFRS measures.

Gross Gaming Revenue

Gross Gaming Revenue is calculated as dollar amounts bet by customers less the dollar amounts paid out to the customers in respect of such bets which have settled in the applicable period.

Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures to IFRS Measures

In Q4 2024, the Company reported $10.0 million of Gross Gaming Revenue ($34.0 million in FY 2024) and has provided a reconciliation to the most comparable IFRS financial measure (Revenue) as follows:
$ Millions (unaudited)
Unaudited Three
months ended
Year ended
Dec 31,
2024
Dec 31,
2023
Dec 31,
2024
Dec 31,
2023
Gross gaming revenue from wagered games$10.0$ 7.6$ 34.0$22.5
Bonuses, promotional costs and free bets(2.0)(1.5)(6.7)(4.2)
Sub-total Gaming revenue8.06.127.318.3
Other revenue from managed services1.50.22.30.5
Revenue$ 9.5$ 6.3$ 29.6$ 18.8

 

Operating Results

Marketing expenses are a key driver of the business but are completely discretionary. Management considers "Profit/(Loss) before marketing and other expenses" to be a good indication of the extent to which the business' Gross Margin is in excess of its overhead costs, and therefore offsetting some portion of marketing expenses, reflecting improving economies of scale.

$ Millions (unaudited)Unaudited Three 
months ended
Year ended
Dec 31,
2024
Dec 31,
2023
Dec 31,
2024
Dec 31,
2023
Revenue$ 9,478$ 6,275$ 29,556$ 18,845
Cost of Revenues5,8684,16719,01313,317
Gross Margin3,6102,10810,5435,528
General and administrative expenses3,0334,45210,45312,277
Profit/(Loss) before marketing and other expenses (1)577(2,344)90(6,749)
Marketing5,2495,47215,45614,094
Loss before other expenses (1)(4,672)(7,816)(15,366)(20,843)
Other expenses(1,070)1493,6456,547
Net loss$ (3,602)$ (7,965)$ (19,011)$ (27,390)

 

(1) These measures are not defined by IFRS, do not have standard meanings and may not be comparable with other industries or companies.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information and Statements

This communication contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws in Canada ("forward-looking statements"), including without limitation, statements with respect to the following: expected performance of the Company's business, the Company's growth plans being fully funded, expansion into new markets and future growth opportunities, and expected benefits of transactions. The foregoing are provided for the purpose of presenting information about management's current expectations and plans relating to the future and allowing investors and others to get a better understanding of the Company's anticipated financial position, results of operations, and operating environment. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "continues", "forecasts", "projects", "predicts", "intends", "anticipates" or "believes", or variations of, or the negatives of, such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "should", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. This information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. This forward-looking information is based on management's opinions, estimates and assumptions that, while considered by NorthStar to be appropriate and reasonable as of the date of this press release, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, the following: risks related to the Company's business and financial position; risks associated with general economic conditions; adverse industry risks; future legislative and regulatory developments; the ability of the Company to implement its business strategies; and those factors discussed in greater detail under the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's most recent annual information form, which is available under NorthStar's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Many of these risks are beyond the Company's control.

If any of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if the opinions, estimates or assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, actual results or future events might vary materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, there may be other risk factors not presently known to the Company or that the Company presently believes are not material that could also cause actual results or future events to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. No forward-looking statement is a guarantee of future results. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information, which speaks only as of the date made. The forward-looking information contained in this press release represents NorthStar's expectations as of the date specified herein, and are subject to change after such date. However, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities laws.

All of the forward-looking information contained in this press release is expressly qualified by the foregoing cautionary statements.

For further information:

Company Contact:

Corey Goodman
Chief Development Officer 647-530-2387
investorrelations@northstargaming.ca

Investor Relations:
RB Milestone Group LLC (RBMG)
Northstar@rbmilestone.com

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