Sohu.com Reports First Quarter 2021 Unaudited Financial Results

Sohu.com Limited (NASDAQ: SOHU), China's leading online media, video, gaming and search business group, today reported unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2021 .

Sohu logo. (PRNewsFoto/Sohu.com Inc.)

In view of the previously-announced Share Purchase Agreement between subsidiaries of Tencent Holdings Limited (" Tencent ") and the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary Sohu.com (Search) Limited ("Sohu Search") with respect to Sohu Search's Sogou Inc. ("Sogou") shares (the "Sogou Share Purchase"), the results of operations for Sogou have been excluded from the Company's results from continuing operations in the Company's condensed consolidated statements of operations and are presented in separate line items as discontinued operations. Retrospective adjustments to the historical statements have been made in order to provide a consistent basis of comparison. Unless indicated otherwise, results presented in this release are related to continuing operations only. [1]

First Q   uarter Highlights

  • Total revenues were US$222 million [2] , up 24% year-over-year and down 12% quarter-over-quarter.
  • Brand advertising revenues were US$31 million , up 20% year-over-year and down 26% quarter-over-quarter.
  • Online game revenues were US$176 million , up 32% year-over-year and down 10% quarter-over-quarter.
  • GAAP net income from continuing operations attributable to Sohu.com Limited was US$32 million , compared with a net loss of US$10 million in the first quarter of 2020 and net income of US$47 million in the fourth quarter of 2020.
  • Non-GAAP net income from continuing operations attributable to Sohu.com Limited was US$37 million , compared with a net loss of US$8 million in the first quarter of 2020 and net income of US$53 million in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Dr. Charles Zhang , Chairman and CEO of Sohu.com Limited, commented, "In the first quarter of 2021, we continued to execute the operation strategy of last year, and delivered better-than-expected performance on the top line. In addition, we're happy to report positive non-GAAP net income of US$37 million , which greatly exceeded our previous guidance. This was mainly attributable to our strict budget control, and the solid performance of our online game business. In summary, for Sohu Media, we kept focusing on improving our products and technology, while at the same time stimulating content generation and social distribution. For Sohu Video, we made continuous progress producing both long-form original dramas and short-form livestreaming content. Further, we integrated advanced live broadcasting technologies into our product matrix, and applied these technologies to our content marketing campaigns. These campaigns not only effectively promoted the generation of premium content, but also attracted a lot of user attention as well as advertiser budgets. For Changyou, our online game business remained solid during the first quarter of 2021, with its revenue greatly exceeding our prior guidance."

[1] The parties currently expect the completion of the transaction will be after the second quarter of 2021, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of all the conditions to the transaction, including the receipt of regulatory approvals such as clearance of anti-trust filings.

[2] On a constant currency (non-GAAP) basis, if the exchange rate in the first quarter of 2021 had been the same as it was in the first quarter of 2020, or RMB6.97=US$1.00, US$ total revenues in the first quarter of 2021 would have been US$206 million, or US$16 million less than GAAP total revenues, and up 15% year-over-year.

First Quarter Financial Results  

Revenues

Total revenues were US$222 million , up 24% year-over-year and down 12% quarter-over-quarter.

Brand advertising revenues totaled US$31 million , up 20% year-over-year and down 26% quarter-over-quarter. The year-over-year increase was mainly due to increased revenues in the portal and video advertising businesses. The quarter-over-quarter decrease was mainly due to seasonality.

Online game revenues were US$176 million , up 32% year-over-year and down 10% quarter-over-quarter. The year-over-year and quarter-over-quarter changes were mainly attributable to revenues from TLBB Vintage, which was launched during the fourth quarter of 2020.

Gross Margin

Both GAAP and non-GAAP [3] gross margin was 79%, compared with 68% in the first quarter of 2020 and 79% in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Both GAAP and non-GAAP gross margin for the brand advertising business was 20%, compared with nil in the first quarter of 2020 and 31% in the fourth quarter of 2020. The year-over-year and quarter-over-quarter margin changes were mainly due to changes in brand advertising revenues.

GAAP gross margin for online games was 89%, compared with 79% in the first quarter of 2020 and 90% in the fourth quarter of 2020. Non-GAAP gross margin for online games was 90%, compared with 79% in the first quarter of 2020 and 90% in the fourth quarter of 2020. The year-over-year increase in gross margin was mainly due to a higher percentage revenue contribution from PC games, which typically require lower revenue-sharing payments.

Operating Expenses

For the first quarter of 2021, GAAP operating expenses totaled US$124 million , up 18% year-over-year and down 7% quarter-over-quarter. Non-GAAP operating expenses were US$122 million , up 20% year-over-year and down 7% quarter-over-quarter. The year-over-year increase was mainly due to increases in salary and benefits expenses. The quarter-over-quarter decrease was mainly due to decreases in marketing expenses.

O perating Profit

GAAP operating profit was US$51 million , compared with an operating profit of US$16 million in the first quarter of 2020 and an operating profit of US$67 million in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Non-GAAP operating profit was US$53 million, compared with an operating profit of US$19 million in the first quarter of 2020 and an operating profit of US$68 million in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Income Tax Expense

GAAP income tax expense was US$23 million , compared with income tax expense of US$15 million in the first quarter of 2020 and income tax expense of US$21 million in the fourth quarter of 2020. Non-GAAP income tax expense was US$23 million , compared with income tax expense of US$12 million in the first quarter of 2020 and income tax expense of US$21 million in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Net Income/(Loss)

GAAP net income from continuing operations attributable to Sohu.com Limited was US$32 million , or net income of US$0 .80 per fully-diluted ADS, compared with a net loss of US$10 million in the first quarter of 2020 and net income of US$47 million in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Non-GAAP net income from continuing operations attributable to Sohu.com Limited was US$37 million, or net income of US$0 .93 per fully-diluted ADS, compared with a net loss of US$8 million in the first quarter of 2020 and net income of US$53 million in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Liquidity

As of March 31, 2021 , cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments were US$335 million .

Supplementary Information for Changyou Results

First   Quarter 2021 Operating Results

  • For PC games, total average monthly active user accounts [4] (MAU) were 2.3 million, an increase of 7% year-over-year and flat quarter-over-quarter. The year-over-year increase was mainly due to the contribution of TLBB Vintage, partially offset by termination of the operation of Warframe. Total quarterly aggregate active paying accounts [5] (APA) were 0.9 million, a decrease of 11% year-over-year and 1% quarter-over-quarter. The year-over-year decrease was mainly due to termination of the operation of Warframe.
  • For mobile games, total average MAU were 2.0 million, a decrease of 40% year-over-year and 16% quarter-over-quarter. Total quarterly APA were 0.5 million, a decrease of 52% year-over-year and 20% quarter-over-quarter. The year-over-year decreases in MAU and APA reflected the natural declining life cycles of Changyou's older games, including Legacy TLBB Mobile and TLBB Honor. The quarter-over-quarter decreases in MAU and APA were mainly from Illusion Connect and TLBB Honor.

[3] Non-GAAP results exclude share-based compensation expense; changes in fair value recognized in the Company's consolidated statements of operations with respect to equity investments with readily determinable fair values; and interest expense recognized in connection with the one-time transition tax (the "Toll Charge") imposed by the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act signed into law on December 22, 2017 (the "U.S. TCJA"). Explanation of the Company's non-GAAP financial measures and related reconciliations to GAAP financial measures are included in the accompanying "Non-GAAP Disclosure" and "Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Results of Operation Measures to the Nearest Comparable GAAP Measures."

[4] Monthly active user accounts refers to the number of registered accounts that are logged in to these games at least once during the month.

[5] Quarterly aggregate active paying accounts refers to the number of accounts from which game points are utilized at least once during the quarter.

First   Quarter 2021 Unaudited Financial Results

Total revenues were US$180 million , an increase of 32% year-over-year and a decrease of 10% quarter-over-quarter. Online game revenues were US$176 million , an increase of 32% year-over-year and a decrease of 10% quarter-over-quarter. Online advertising revenues were US$3 million , an increase of 13% year-over-year and 16% quarter-over-quarter.

GAAP and non-GAAP gross profit were both US$160 million , an increase of 50% year-over-year and a decrease of 10% quarter-over-quarter.

GAAP operating expenses were US$61 million , an increase of 12% year-over-year and a decrease of 11% quarter-over-quarter. The year-over-year increase was mainly due to an increase in salary and benefits expenses, mainly as a result of an increase in bonus expenses related to revenue growth, partially offset by a decrease in marketing and promotional spending for online games, including TLBB Honor. The quarter-over-quarter decrease was mainly due to a decrease in marketing and promotional spending for online games, including TLBB Vintage.

Non-GAAP   operating expenses were US$59 million , an increase of 16% year-over-year and a decrease of 12% quarter-over-quarter.

GAAP operating profit was US$99 million , compared with an operating profit of US$52 million for the first quarter of 2020 and US$110 million for the fourth quarter of 2020.

Non-GAAP operating profit was US$101 million , compared with a non-GAAP operating profit of US$56 million for the first quarter of 2020 and US$112 million for the fourth quarter of 2020.

Business Outlook

For the second quarter of 2021, Sohu estimates:

  • Brand advertising revenues to be between US$36 million and US$40 million ; this implies an annual decrease of 5% to an annual increase of 5% and a sequential increase of 17% to 30%.
  • Online game revenues to be between US$134 million and US$144 million ; this implies an annual increase of 26% to 36% and a sequential decrease of 18% to 24%.
  • Non-GAAP net income from continuing operations attributable to Sohu.com Limited to be between US$8 million and US$18 million ; and GAAP net income from continuing operations attributable to Sohu.com Limited to be between US$3 million and US$13 million .

For the second quarter 2021 guidance, the Company has adopted a presumed exchange rate of RMB6.53 = US$1.00 , as compared with the actual exchange rate of approximately RMB7.08 = US$1.00 for the second quarter of 2020, and RMB6.48 = US$1 .00 for the first quarter of 2021.

This forecast reflects Sohu's management's current and preliminary view, which is subject to substantial uncertainty, particularly in view of the potential ongoing impact of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, which remains difficult to predict.

Non-GAAP Disclosure

To supplement the unaudited consolidated financial statements presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"), Sohu's management uses non-GAAP measures of gross profit, operating profit, net income, net income attributable to Sohu.com Limited and diluted net income attributable to Sohu.com Limited per ADS, which are adjusted from results based on GAAP to exclude the impact of the share-based awards, which consist mainly of share-based compensation expense; changes in fair value recognized in the Company's consolidated statements of operations with respect to equity investments with readily determinable fair values; and interest expense recognized in connection with the Toll Charge imposed by the U.S. TCJA. These measures should be considered in addition to results prepared in accordance with GAAP, but should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, GAAP results.

Sohu's management believes excluding share-based compensation expense, changes in fair value recognized in the Company's consolidated statements of operations with respect to equity investments with readily determinable fair values; and interest recognized in connection with the Toll Charge from its non-GAAP financial measure is useful for itself and investors. Further, the impact of share-based compensation expense and changes in fair value recognized in the Company's consolidated statements of operations with respect to equity investments with readily determinable fair values; and interest expense recognized in connection with the Toll Charge cannot be anticipated by management and business line leaders and these expenses were not built into the annual budgets and quarterly forecasts that have been the basis for information Sohu provides to analysts and investors as guidance for future operating performance. As the impact of share-based compensation expense and changes in fair value recognized in the Company's consolidated statements of operations with respect to equity investments with readily determinable fair values does not involve subsequent cash outflow or is reflected in the cash flows at the equity transaction level, Sohu does not factor this impact in when evaluating and approving expenditures or when determining the allocation of its resources to its business segments. As a result, in general, the monthly financial results for internal reporting and any performance measures for commissions and bonuses are based on non-GAAP financial measures that exclude share-based compensation expense and changes in fair value recognized in the Company's consolidated statements of operations with respect to equity investments with readily determinable fair values, and also excluded the interest expense recognized in connection with the Toll Charge.

The non-GAAP financial measures are provided to enhance investors' overall understanding of Sohu's current financial performance and prospects for the future. A limitation of using non-GAAP gross profit, operating profit, net income, net income attributable to Sohu.com Limited and diluted net income attributable to Sohu.com Limited per ADS, excluding share-based compensation expense, is that the impact of share-based awards has been and will continue to be a significant recurring expense in Sohu's business for the foreseeable future. In order to mitigate these limitations Sohu has provided specific information regarding the GAAP amounts excluded from each non-GAAP measure. The accompanying tables include details on the reconciliation between the GAAP financial measures that are most directly comparable to the non-GAAP financial measures that have been presented.

Notes to Financial Information

Financial information in this press release other than the information indicated as being non-GAAP is derived from Sohu's unaudited financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. It is currently expected that the Business Outlook will not be updated until release of Sohu's next quarterly earnings announcement; however, Sohu reserves right to update its Business Outlook at any time for any reason. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Sohu's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current plans, estimates and projections, and therefore you should not place undue reliance on them. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. We caution you that a number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, instability in global financial and credit markets and its potential impact on the Chinese economy; exchange rate fluctuations, including their potential impact on the Chinese economy and on Sohu's reported US dollar results; recent slow-downs in the growth of the Chinese economy; the uncertain regulatory landscape in the People's Republic of China ; fluctuations in Sohu's quarterly operating results; the possibilities that Sohu will be unable to recoup its investment in video content and that Changyou will be unable to develop a series of successful games for mobile platforms or successfully monetize mobile games it develops or acquires; Sohu's reliance on online advertising sales, online games and mobile services for its revenues; the impact of the U.S. TCJA; the effects of the COVID-19 virus on the economy in China in general and on Sohu's business in particular; the possibility that the pending Sogou Share Purchase and the pending previously-announced merger of Sogou with a subsidiary of Tencent (the "Sogou Merger") contemplated by an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Sogou Merger Agreement") with direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries of Tencent will not occur as planned if events arise that result in the termination of the Share Purchase Agreement and/or the Sogou Merger Agreement, or if one or more of the various closing conditions to the Sogou Share Purchase and/or the Sogou Merger, including without limitation clearance of anti-trust filings under PRC law, are not satisfied or waived.  Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Sohu's annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2020 , and other filings with and information furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Conference Call and Webcast  

Sohu's management team will host a conference call at 7:30 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time, May 14, 2021 ( 7:30 p.m. Beijing / Hong Kong time, May 14, 2021 ) following the quarterly results announcement. Participants can register for the conference call by navigating to https://apac.directeventreg.com/registration/event/5617318 . Once preregistration has been completed, participants will receive dial-in numbers, an event passcode, and a unique registrant ID.

To join the conference, please dial the number you receive, enter the event passcode followed by your unique registrant ID, and you will be joined to the conference instantly. Please dial in 10 minutes before the call is scheduled to begin.

A telephone replay of the call will be available after the conclusion of the conference call at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time May 14 through May 21, 2021 . The dial-in details for the telephone replay are:

International:

+1-646-254-3697

Passcode:

5617318

The live Webcast and archive of the conference call will be available on the Investor Relations section of Sohu's Website at https://investors.sohu.com/ .

About Sohu.com

Sohu.com Limited (NASDAQ: SOHU) is China's premier online brand and indispensable to the daily life of millions of Chinese, providing a network of web properties and community based/web 2.0 products which offer the vast Sohu user community a broad array of choices regarding information, entertainment and communication. Sohu has built one of the most comprehensive matrices of Chinese language web properties and proprietary search engines, consisting of the mass portal and leading online media destination www.sohu.com ; developer and operator of online games www.changyou.com/en/ ; interactive search engine www.sogou.com ; and online video website tv.sohu.com .

Sohu's corporate services consist of online brand advertising on Sohu's matrix of websites as well as bid listing and home page on its in-house developed search directory and engine. Sohu also provides multiple news and information services on mobile platforms, including Sohu News App and the mobile news portal m.sohu.com. Sohu's online game subsidiary Changyou develops and operates a diverse portfolio of PC and mobile games, such as Tian Long Ba Bu ("TLBB"), one of the most popular PC games in China . Changyou also owns and operates the 17173.com Website, a game information portal in China . Sohu's online search subsidiary Sogou (NYSE: SOGO) has grown to become the second largest search engine by mobile queries in China . It also owns and operates Sogou Input Method, the largest Chinese language input software. Sohu, established by Dr. Charles Zhang , one of China's internet pioneers, is in its twenty-fifth year of operation.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

In China :

Ms. Pu Huang

Sohu.com Limited

Tel:

+86 (10) 6272-6645

E-mail:

ir@contact.sohu.com

In the United States :

Ms. Linda Bergkamp

Christensen

Tel:

+1 (480) 614-3004

E-mail:

lbergkamp@christensenir.com

SOHU.COM LIMITED

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)







Three Months Ended




Mar. 31, 2021


Dec. 31, 2020


Mar. 31, 2020


Revenues:








Brand advertising

$

30,741

$

41,810

$

25,621


Online games


176,495


196,063


133,360


Others


14,857


15,362


19,819


Total revenues


222,093


253,235


178,800










Cost of revenues:








Brand advertising (includes share-based compensation
expense of $19, $-59, and $-40, respectively)


24,532


28,836


25,519


Online games (includes share-based compensation
expense of $77, $79, and $161, respectively)


18,560


19,154


28,389


Others


3,784


5,086


3,798


Total cost of revenues


46,876


53,076


57,706










Gross profit


175,217


200,159


121,094










Operating expenses:








Product development (includes share-based
compensation expense of $1,051, $966, and $1,816,
respectively)


69,319


65,671


58,413


Sales and marketing (includes share-based
compensation expense of $59, $-95, and $-36,
respectively)


36,988


51,945


34,623


General and administrative (includes share-based
compensation expense of $1,093, $459, and $1,395,
respectively)


18,127


15,696


12,180


Total operating expenses


124,434


133,312


105,216










Operating profit


50,783


66,847


15,878










Other income, net


3,882


1,738


5,676


Interest income


3,861


2,670


1,383


Interest expense


(2,511)


(1,176)


(2,275)


Exchange difference


(1,304)


(2,080)


494


Income before income tax expense


54,711


67,999


21,156










Income tax expense

23,177

21,416

14,562


Net income from continuing operations


31,534


46,583


6,594


Net income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of
tax [6,7]


52,252


(9,212)


(31,708)


Net income/(loss)


83,786


37,371


(25,114)










Less: Net income/(loss) from continuing operations
attributable to the noncontrolling interest
shareholders


(1)


2


15,856


Less: Net income/(loss) from discontinued
operations attributable to the noncontrolling interest
shareholders


34,591


(6,119)


(20,864)










Net income/(loss) from continuing operations
attributable to Sohu.com Limited


31,535


46,581


(9,262)


Net income/(loss) from discontinued operations
attributable to Sohu.com Limited


17,661


(3,093)


(10,844)


Net income/(loss) attributable to Sohu.com Limited


49,196


43,488


(20,106)










Basic net income/(loss) from continuing operations per
share/ADS attributable to Sohu.com Limited [8]

$

0.80

$

1.18

$

(0.24)


Basic net income/(loss) from discontinued operations
per share/ADS attributable to Sohu.com Limited

$

0.45

$

(0.08)

$

(0.28)


Basic net income/(loss) per share/ADS attributable to
Sohu.com Limited

$

1.25

$

1.10

$

(0.51)


Shares/ADSs used in computing basic net income/(loss)
per share/ADS attributable to Sohu.com Limited


39,509


39,508


39,270










Diluted net income/(loss) from continuing operations
per share/ADS attributable to Sohu.com Limited

$

0.80

$

1.18

$

(0.24)


Diluted net income/(loss) from discontinued operations
per share/ADS attributable to Sohu.com Limited

$

0.44

$

(0.08)

$

(0.28)


Diluted net income/(loss) per share/ADS attributable to
Sohu.com Limited

$

1.24

$

1.10

$

(0.52)


Shares/ADSs used in computing diluted net
income/(loss)  per share/ADS attributable to Sohu.com
Limited


39,509


39,508


39,270


























[6] On September 29, 2020, the Company entered into a Share Purchase Agreement with Tencent's subsidiary TitanSupernova Limited ("Parent"),
pursuant to which the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary Sohu.com (Search) Limited agreed to sell all of the Sogou Class A ordinary shares and
Sogou Class B ordinary shares owned by it to Parent at a purchase price of $9.00 per share. In view of the Share Purchase Agreement, the results
of operations for Sogou have been excluded from the Company's results from continuing operations in the condensed consolidated statements of
operations for the third quarter and are presented in separate line items as discontinued operations. Retrospective adjustments to the historical
statements have been made in order to provide a consistent basis of comparison. Unless indicated otherwise, results presented are related to
continuing operations only.

[7] For the first quarter of 2021, the net income from discontinued operations included a $77 million unrealized gain from a change in the fair value of
Sogou's equity investment in Zhihu Inc. (NYSE: ZH), which completed an IPO in March 2021.

[8] Each share represents one ADS.

SOHU.COM LIMITED


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS


(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS)










As of Mar. 31, 2021


As of Dec. 31, 2020


ASSETS






Current assets:






Cash and cash equivalents

$

243,669

$

217,057


Restricted cash


479,820


330,791


Short-term investments


91,491


100,745


Accounts receivable, net


83,220


87,521


Prepaid and other current assets


110,070


106,590


Assets held for sale (current) [9]


1,399,977


1,412,168


Total current assets


2,408,247


2,254,872


Long-term investments, net


29,624


31,634


Fixed assets, net


330,449


337,674


Goodwill


48,320


48,434


Intangible assets, net


11,855


4,842


Restricted time deposits


100,802


101,519


Prepaid non-current assets


-


1,006


Other assets


40,972


42,140


Total assets

$

2,970,269

$

2,822,121








LIABILITIES






Current liabilities:






Accounts payable

$

96,460

$

107,611


Accrued liabilities


147,242


157,513


Receipts in advance and deferred revenue


53,209


52,055


Accrued salary and benefits


95,301


100,826


Taxes payable


25,133


28,006


Short-term bank loans


468,550


315,550


Other short-term liabilities


109,032


106,171


Liabilities held for sale (current) [9]


353,182


416,998


Total current liabilities

$

1,348,109

$

1,284,730








Long-term accounts payable


5,226


3,202


Long-term bank loans


92,000


92,000


Long-term tax liabilities


411,805


406,353


Other long-term liabilities


4,516


3,855


Total long-term liabilities

$

513,547

$

505,410


Total liabilities

$

1,861,656

$

1,790,140














SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:






Sohu.com Limited shareholders' equity


391,279


347,369


Noncontrolling interest


717,334


684,612


Total shareholders' equity

$

1,108,613

$

1,031,981








Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

$

2,970,269

$

2,822,121









[9] On September 29, 2020, the Company has entered into a Share Purchase Agreement with Tencent's subsidiary TitanSupernova Limited
("Parent"), pursuant to which the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary Sohu.com (Search) Limited has agreed to sell all of the Sogou Class A o
rdinary share and Sogou Class B ordinary shares owned by it to Parent at a purchase price of $9.00 per share. Sogou related assets and liabilities
were classified as assets/liabilities held for sale.

SOHU.COM LIMITED


RECONCILIATIONS OF NON-GAAP RESULTS OF OPERATIONS MEASURES TO THE NEAREST COMPARABLE GAAP MEASURES


(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
























Three Months Ended Mar. 31, 2021


Three Months Ended Dec. 31, 2020


Three Months Ended Mar. 31, 2020




GAAP


Non-GAAP
Adjustments


Non-GAAP


GAAP


Non-GAAP
Adjustments


Non-GAAP


GAAP


Non-GAAP
Adjustments


Non-GAAP


























19

(a)





(59)

(a)





(40)

(a)



Brand advertising gross profit

$

6,209

$

19

$

6,228

$

12,974

$

(59)

$

12,915

$

102

$

(40)

$

62


Brand advertising gross margin


20%




20%


31%




31%


0%




0%


























77

(a)





79

(a)





161

(a)



Online games gross profit

$

157,935

$

77

$

158,012

$

176,909

$

79

$

176,988

$

104,971

$

161

$

105,132


Online games gross margin


89%




90%


90%




90%


79%




79%


























-

(a)





-

(a)





-

(a)



Others gross profit

$

11,073

$

-

$

11,073

$

10,276

$

-

$

10,276

$

16,021

$

-

$

16,021


Others gross margin


75%




75%


67%




67%


81%




81%


























96

(a)





20

(a)





121

(a)



Gross profit

$

175,217

$

96

$

175,313

$

200,159

$

20

$

200,179

$

121,094

$

121

$

121,215


Gross margin


79%




79%


79%




79%


68%




68%










































Operating expenses

$

124,434

$

(2,203)

(a) $

122,231

$

133,312

$

(1,330)

(a) $

131,982

$

105,216

$

(3,175)

(a) $

102,041


























2,299

(a)





1,350

(a)





3,296

(a)



Operating profit

$

50,783

$

2,299

$

53,082

$

66,847

$

1,350

$

68,197

$

15,878

$

3,296

$

19,174


Operating margin


23%




24%


26%




27%


9%




11%






















Income tax expense

$

23,177

$

(618)

(c,d)$

22,559

$

21,416

$

(8)

(c,d)$

21,408

$

14,562

$

(2,195)

(c,d)$

12,367


























2,299

(a)





1,350

(a)





3,296

(a)







1,677

(c)





3,547

(c)





(855)

(c)







1,178

(d)





1,190

(d)





1,910

(d)



Net income before non-controlling
interest

$

31,534

$

5,154

$

36,688

$

46,583

$

6,087

$

52,670

$

6,594

$

4,351

$

10,945


























2,299

(a)





1,350

(a)





3,296

(a)







-

(b)





-

(b)





(2,446)

(b)







1,677

(c)





3,547

(c)





(855)

(c)







1,178

(d)





1,190

(d)





1,910

(d)



Net income/(loss) from continuing
operations attributable to Sohu.com
Limited for diluted net loss per share/ADS

$

31,535

$

5,154

$

36,689

$

46,581

$

6,087

$

52,668

$

(9,593)

$

1,905

$

(7,688)


Net income/(loss) from discontinued
operations attributable to Sohu.com
Limited for diluted net  loss per share/ADS [10]

$

17,556

$

405

$

17,961

$

(3,093)

$

425

$

(2,668)

$

(10,848)

$

162

$

(10,686)


Net income/( loss) attributable to
Sohu.com Limited for diluted net
loss per share/ADS

$

49,091

$

5,559

$

54,650

$

43,488

$

6,512

$

50,000

$

(20,441)

$

2,067

$

(18,374)


Diluted net income/(loss) from
continuing operations per
share/ADS attributable to Sohu.com
Limited

$

0.80



$

0.93

$

1.18



$

1.33

$

(0.24)



$

(0.20)


Diluted net income/(loss) from
discontinued operations per
share/ADS attributable to Sohu.com
Limited

$

0.44



$

0.45

$

(0.08)



$

(0.06)

$

(0.28)



$

(0.27)


Diluted net income/(loss) per
share/ADS attributable to Sohu.com
Limited

$

1.24



$

1.38

$

1.10



$

1.27

$

(0.52)



$

(0.47)


Shares/ADSs used in computing
diluted net income/(loss) per
share/ADS attributable to Sohu.com
Limited


39,509




39,509


39,508




39,508


39,270




39,270










































Note:




















(a) To eliminate the impact of share-based awards as measured using the fair value method. This adjustment does not have an impact on income tax expense.


(b) To adjust Sohu's economic interests in Changyou attributable to the above non-GAAP adjustments. This adjustment does not have an impact on income tax expense.


(c) To adjust for a change in the fair value of the Company's investment in Hylink and the income tax effect.


(d) To adjust for the effect of the U.S. TCJA.






















[10] On September 29, 2020, the Company entered into a Share Purchase Agreement with Tencent's subsidiary TitanSupernova Limited ("Parent"), pursuant to which the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary
Sohu.com (Search) Limited has agreed to sell all of the Sogou Class A ordinary share and Sogou Class B ordinary shares owned by it to Parent at a purchase price of $9.00 per share. In view of the Share
Purchase Agreement, the results of operations for Sogou have been excluded from the Company's results from continuing operations in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the third
quarter and are presented in separate line items as discontinued operations. Retrospective adjustments to the historical statements have been made in order to provide a consistent basis of comparison.
Unless indicated otherwise, results presented are related to continuing operations only.

Cision View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sohucom-reports-first-quarter-2021-unaudited-financial-results-301291461.html

SOURCE Sohu.com Ltd.

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Mobile Gaming Stocks: 10 Biggest Companies in 2025

According to market intelligence firm Newzoo, global gaming revenue came in at US$177.9 billion in 2024, with mobile gaming accounting for more than half of that amount at US$97.6 billion.

The firm states that the mobile gaming market has reached maturity but still achieved higher growth than the console and PC segments, with revenue up by 2.8 percent globally last year. The regions driving that growth are North America and Europe, where markets rebounded due to big releases and diversified revenue streams.

Mobile games are typically accessed through three core operating systems: Apple's (NASDAQ:AAPL) iOS, Microsoft's (NASDAQ:MSFT) Windows and Alphabet's (NASDAQ:GOOGL) Android. Notably, the iOS App Store generated nearly 37 percent of its revenue from mobile gaming apps in 2024, totaling US$3.83 billion. However, figures show that most mobile games on the market today are developed for Android, representing 75 percent of total mobile game downloads.

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NorthStar Gaming Announces Revocation of Management Cease Trade Order

NorthStar Gaming Announces Revocation of Management Cease Trade Order

NorthStar Gaming Holdings Inc. (TSXV: BET) (OTCQB: NSBBF) ("NorthStar" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that effective May 16, 2025, the Ontario Securities Commission has revoked the temporary management cease trade order ("MCTO") it had previously granted to the Company on May 8, 2025 under National Policy 12-203 Management Cease Trade Orders, as the Company successfully completed the filing of its annual audited financial statements, management's discussion and analysis, and related certifications for the year ended December 31, 2024 (collectively, the "Annual Filings") on May 14, 2025.

The revocation of the MCTO means members of management are no longer prevented from trading the Company's securities. All of the Annual Filings are available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

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NorthStar Gaming Reports Year-End 2024 Results

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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NorthStar Gaming Announces Receipt of Management Cease Trade Order

NorthStar Gaming Announces Receipt of Management Cease Trade Order

NorthStar Gaming Holdings Inc. (TSXV: BET) (OTCQB: NSBBF) ("NorthStar" or the "Company") today announces that its principal regulator, the Ontario Securities Commission, has granted its request for a management cease trade order ("MCTO") effective May 8, 2025.

As previously announced on April 29, 2025, the Company applied for the MCTO due to a delay in filing its annual audited financial statements, management's discussion and analysis and related certifications for the financial year ended December 31, 2024 (the "Annual Filings") which were required to be filed by April 30, 2025.

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NorthStar Gaming Announces Delay of Annual Filings

NorthStar Gaming Announces Delay of Annual Filings

NorthStar Gaming Holdings Inc. (TSXV: BET) (OTCQB: NSBBF) ("NorthStar" or the "Company") today announces an anticipated delay in the filing of its annual audited financial statements, management's discussion and analysis and related certifications for the financial year ended December 31, 2024 (collectively, the "Annual Filings"). The Company does not expect to file its Annual Filings by the regular filing deadline of April 30, 2025, as required, due to an unanticipated delay relating to the audit of the Annual Filings. The Company is working diligently with its auditor to finalize the Annual Filings and expects to file the Annual Filings no later than May 15, 2025.

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