Q3 2025 Hello Group Inc Earnings Call

December 10, 2025

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for standing by and welcome to the third quarter 2025 Hello Group, Inc. earnings conference call.

All participants are in listen-only mode.

There will be a presentation followed by a question-and-answer session.

If you wish to ask a question, you will need to press the star key followed by the number 1 on your telephone keypad.

Please note this conference is being recorded today.

Operator: Please go ahead, ma'am.

Please go ahead, ma'am.

Ashley Jing: Thank you, Operator. Good morning and good evening, everyone. Thank you for joining us today for Hello Group's Q3 2025 earnings conference call. The company's results were released earlier today and are available on the company's IR website. On the call today are Mr. Tang Yan, CEO of the company, Ms. Zhang Sichuan, COO of the company, and Ms. Peng Hui, CFO of the company. They will discuss the company's business operations and highlights, as well as the financials and guidance. They will all be available to answer your questions during the Q&A session that follows. Before we begin, I would like to remind you that this call may contain forward-looking statements made under the safe harbor provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

I would now like to hand the conference over to your first speaker today, Miss Ashley Jing. Thank you, please go ahead, ma'am.

Thank you, operator. Good morning and good evening, everyone. Thank you for joining us today. For hello groups, that quarter 2025 earnings conference. Call the company's results will release the earlier today and are available on the company's IR, website on the call today, I Mr. T. CEO of the company, Miss Johnson of the company of the company, they will discuss the company's business operations and highlights as well as the financials and guidance. They will all be available to answer your questions.

Questions during the Q&A session that follows.

Ashley Jing: Such statements are based on management's current expectations and current market and operating conditions, and relate to events that involve known or unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, all of which are difficult to predict, and many of which are beyond the company's control, which may cause the company's actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Further information regarding this and other risks, uncertainties, and factors is included in the company's filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. The company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required under law. I will now pass the call over to our COO, Ms. Zhang Sichuan. Ms. Zhang, please.

Such statements are based on management's current expectations and current market and operating conditions, and relate to events that involve known or unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, all of which are difficult to predict, and many of which are beyond the company's control, which may cause the company's actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Further information regarding this and other risks, uncertainties, and factors is included in the company's filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. The company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required under law. I will now pass the call over to our COO, Ms. Zhang Sichuan. Ms. Zhang, please.

Before we begin, I would like to remind you that this call may contain forward-looking statements, made under the Safe Harbor provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Such statements are based on management, current expectations, and current market and operating conditions, and relate to events that involve known or unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors.

All of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the company's control. These may cause the company's actual results for performance or achievements to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Further information regarding this and other risks, uncertainties, and factors is included in the company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required under the law.

Zhang Sichuan: Thank you. Hello, everyone. Thank you for joining our call. In Q3, our business faced some external challenges, but our team was able to respond proactively and achieve good results in both user and financial measures. Next, I will give you an update on execution of our strategic goals. Starting with the financial performance, for Q3 2025, total group revenue was RMB 2.65 billion, down 1% year-over-year. Domestic revenue reached RMB 2.12 billion, down 10% year-over-year, while overseas revenue was RMB 535 million, up 69% year-over-year. Adjusted operating income was RMB 404 million, down 11% from Q3 last year, with a margin of 15.2%. Our key priorities for 2025 include the following. For Momo, our goal is to maintain the productivity of this cash cow business with a healthy social ecosystem.

I will now pass the call over to our co-Miss youngster, Miss Johnson.

Thank you.

Uh, hello everyone. Thank you for joining our call.

In Q3, our business faced some external challenges, but our team was able to respond proactively and achieve good results in both user and financial measures.

Next, I will give you an update on the execution of our strategic goals.

Starting with the financial performance.

For Q3 2025, total group revenue was $2.65 billion R&B.

Down 1% year-over-year, domestic revenue reached $2.12 billion, R&B.

Down. 10% year-over-year.

While overseas revenue was $5,305 million R&B.

Up. 69% year-over-year.

Is 44 million R&B?

Down 11% from 23 last year.

With a margin of 15.2%.

Our key priorities for 2025 include the following.

Zhang Sichuan: For Tantan, the goal is to improve its core dating experience and build an efficient business model that drives profitable growth. As for the new endeavors, our goal is to deepen our presence in the overseas market, enrich our brand portfolio, and build a long-term engine. Now, let me walk you through the details. First, on the Momo app, we believe that a healthy social ecosystem is the foundation of sustaining and stabilizing our cash cow business. Therefore, our product efforts are focused on optimizing the chat experience and creating better chat scenarios and tools for users. We fully rolled out the in-house developed AI greeting features in the first half of the year. Data shows that the reply rate of male users has increased as a result. It proves the team's exploration on leveraging AI technologies to upgrade social chatting tools is practicable during the past year.

For Tantan, the goal is to improve its core dating experience and build an efficient business model that drives profitable growth. As for the new endeavors, our goal is to deepen our presence in the overseas market, enrich our brand portfolio, and build a long-term engine. Now, let me walk you through the details. First, on the Momo app, we believe that a healthy social ecosystem is the foundation of sustaining and stabilizing our cash cow business. Therefore, our product efforts are focused on optimizing the chat experience and creating better chat scenarios and tools for users. We fully rolled out the in-house developed AI greeting features in the first half of the year. Data shows that the reply rate of male users has increased as a result. It proves the team's exploration on leveraging AI technologies to upgrade social chatting tools is practicable during the past year.

For Momo. Our goal is to maintain the productivity of this cash-out business with a healthy social ecosystem.

For Tanzan, the goal is to improve its core dating experience and build an efficient business model that drives profitable growth.

As for the new endeavors, our goal is to deepen our presence in the office market in which our brand portfolio exists and build a long-term engine.

And now, let me walk you through the details.

First on the Momo app.

We believe that a healthy social ecosystem is the financial foundation of sustaining and stabilizing our cash cow business.

Therefore, our product efforts are focused on optimizing the chat experience and creating better chat scenarios and tools for users.

We fully rolled out the in-house developed AI greetings features in the first half of the year.

Data shows that the private way of male users has increased as a result.

Zhang Sichuan: In Q3, we updated the AI chat assistant model based on earlier tests by leveraging the platform's corpus. The model was optimized to better align with users' preferences and chatting style, thereby encouraging more users to adopt the AI chat assistant content suggestions during the ongoing conversations. We have increased exposure to this feature to improve its penetration rates on the platform, enabling more users to benefit from it. The optimization of the AI chat assistant model and its in-platform promotion has improved the female user's experience, driving ongoing quarter-over-quarter increase in various user metrics, such as number of two-way chats, the rates of in-depth chats, and user retention, etc. On the user acquisition front, we dynamically adjusted the channel budget allocation based on their ROI performance to ensure 100% ROI.

In Q3, we updated the AI chat assistant model based on earlier tests by leveraging the platform's corpus. The model was optimized to better align with users' preferences and chatting style, thereby encouraging more users to adopt the AI chat assistant content suggestions during the ongoing conversations. We have increased exposure to this feature to improve its penetration rates on the platform, enabling more users to benefit from it. The optimization of the AI chat assistant model and its in-platform promotion has improved the female user's experience, driving ongoing quarter-over-quarter increase in various user metrics, such as number of two-way chats, the rates of in-depth chats, and user retention, etc. On the user acquisition front, we dynamically adjusted the channel budget allocation based on their ROI performance to ensure 100% ROI.

To upgrade social chatting tools is practical during the past year.

In Q3, we updated the AI chat assistant model based on earlier tests.

By leveraging the platform's cobra.

The model was optimized to better align with users' preferences and chatting styles, thereby encouraging more users to adapt. The AI chat assistance offered content suggestions during the ongoing sessions.

We have increased exposure to these features to improve their penetration rates on the platform.

Avoiding more users to benefit from it.

The optimization of the AI chat assistant model and its platform promotion have improved the experience for female users.

Driving ongoing quarter-over-quarter increases in various user metrics, such as the number of two-way chats.

The rates of in-depth chats and user retention, etc.

On the user acquisition front.

We dynamically addressed the channel budget allocation based on their ROI performance.

Zhang Sichuan: Over the past year, although the shift to a profit-oriented channel strategy brought to the churn of large numbers of ultra-low-spending users, it improved the platform's overall profitability by reducing user acquisition expenditure with negative returns. As of Q3, the impact of reduced channel investment on paying users had bottomed out. The multiple new gifting features we introduced in an audio-based scenario led by chat rooms drove a paying ratio increase, driving the number of paying users to increase by 200,000 quarter-over-quarter to 3.7 million in Q3. Although the reduction in user acquisition spending has led to a slight year-over-year decrease in overall user scale, Momo's social fundamentals remain robust. Thanks to the product upgrades and the recommendation algorithm optimization, which has enhanced the user experience, user engagements continue to grow, building a healthy social ecosystem.

Over the past year, although the shift to a profit-oriented channel strategy brought to the churn of large numbers of ultra-low-spending users, it improved the platform's overall profitability by reducing user acquisition expenditure with negative returns. As of Q3, the impact of reduced channel investment on paying users had bottomed out. The multiple new gifting features we introduced in an audio-based scenario led by chat rooms drove a paying ratio increase, driving the number of paying users to increase by 200,000 quarter-over-quarter to 3.7 million in Q3. Although the reduction in user acquisition spending has led to a slight year-over-year decrease in overall user scale, Momo's social fundamentals remain robust. Thanks to the product upgrades and the recommendation algorithm optimization, which has enhanced the user experience, user engagements continue to grow, building a healthy social ecosystem.

To ensure 100%. All right?

Over the past year, although the shift to a profit-oriented channel strategy brought to the front a large number of ultra loss users,

It improved the platform's overall profitability by reducing user acquisition expenditure with negative returns.

As of Q3, the impact of reduced channel investment on paying users had bottomed out.

The multiple new gifting features we introduced in the audio-based scenario, led by chat rooms, drove the paying ratio increase.

Driving the number of paying users to increase by 200,000 quarter over quarter.

To 3.7 million in Q3.

Although the reduction in user acquisitions has led to a slight year-over-year decrease in overall user scale.

Momo social fundamental, we remain robots.

Thanks to the product upgrades and the recommendation algorithm optimization, which have enhanced the user experience.

Zhang Sichuan: According to an independent report released by QuestMobile 2025 Male Consumer Market Insights in June, Momo, as a 40-year-old social brand, remains the top social choice for male users aged 30 to 40. This clearly shows that Momo has established strong brand loyalty among high-value users with substantial spending power. We believe this is a valuable asset that the company will continue to nurture and benefit from for years to come. Now, on the productivity of Momo's cash cow business. In Q3, Momo's value-added service revenue reached CNY 1.79 billion, down 11% year-over-year and 3% quarter-over-quarter.

According to an independent report released by QuestMobile 2025 Male Consumer Market Insights in June, Momo, as a 40-year-old social brand, remains the top social choice for male users aged 30 to 40. This clearly shows that Momo has established strong brand loyalty among high-value users with substantial spending power. We believe this is a valuable asset that the company will continue to nurture and benefit from for years to come. Now, on the productivity of Momo's cash cow business. In Q3, Momo's value-added service revenue reached CNY 1.79 billion, down 11% year-over-year and 3% quarter-over-quarter.

User engagements continue to grow, creating a healthy social ecosystem.

According to an independent report released by Crest Mobile 2025 Now, consumer market insights in June.

Momoa, as a 40-year-old social brand, remained the top social choice for male users aged 30 to 40.

This clearly shows that Momo has established strong brand loyalty among high-value users with substantial spending power. We believe this is a valuable asset that the company will continue to nurture and benefit from for years to come.

Now, on the productivity of Momo Cash Cow business.

In Q3, Momo's value-added service revenue breached $1.79 billion.

Zhang Sichuan: As we indicated last quarter, the new tax requirements came out at the end of June, coupled with the local tax authorities' inspections of agencies since Q3, have severely impacted the operational focus of some broadcasters and agencies on our platform, leading to a significant revenue decline in revenue in audio and video-based scenarios. To alleviate supply-side pressure, we rolled out a new revenue-sharing policy in August, providing appropriate subsidies to broadcasters and agencies that were severely affected by tax changes. The policy had some encouraging effects, but it couldn't fully offset the negative impact from the tax scrutiny in the short term. Turning to Tantan, as of the end of Q3, Tantan has 0.7 million paying users, broadly in line with last quarter. The pressure on the paying ratio caused by last year's product upgrade was fully released after the complete rollout of the pilot in Q2.

As we indicated last quarter, the new tax requirements came out at the end of June, coupled with the local tax authorities' inspections of agencies since Q3, have severely impacted the operational focus of some broadcasters and agencies on our platform, leading to a significant revenue decline in revenue in audio and video-based scenarios. To alleviate supply-side pressure, we rolled out a new revenue-sharing policy in August, providing appropriate subsidies to broadcasters and agencies that were severely affected by tax changes. The policy had some encouraging effects, but it couldn't fully offset the negative impact from the tax scrutiny in the short term. Turning to Tantan, as of the end of Q3, Tantan has 0.7 million paying users, broadly in line with last quarter. The pressure on the paying ratio caused by last year's product upgrade was fully released after the complete rollout of the pilot in Q2.

Down 11% year over year and 3% quarter over quarter.

As we indicated last quarter, the new tax requirements came out at the end of June.

coupled with the local tax authorities' inspection of agencies since Q3.

Some have really impacted the operational focus of some broadcasters and agencies on our platform.

Leading to a significant revenue decline in revenue in an audio and video-based scenario.

To alleviate supply-side pressure, we rolled out a new revenue-sharing policy in August.

Providing appropriate subsidies to broadcasters and agencies that were really affected by tax changes.

The policy has some encouraging effects, but it couldn't fully offset the negative impact from the tax in the short term.

Turning to 10 10.

As of the end of Q3 2025, 10, 106 is broadly in line with last quarter.

Zhang Sichuan: In Q3, the team drove a slight recovery in the paying ratio by adjusting the monetization strategy. Turning to Tantan's financials, revenue from the onshore business in Q3 was CNY 150 million, down 15% year-over-year and 5% quarter-over-quarter. The revenue decrease was due to the decline in number of paying users, but ARPPU significantly increased 25% year-over-year and 6% quarter-over-quarter. At the product level, we continue to refine our strategy on optimizing the experience for female users, which includes establishing a curated recommendation pool for newly registered female users to improve their swipe quality, and providing highly attractive female users with a more diverse male recommendation to enrich their matching options, and implementing an overheating protection mechanism to prevent excessive matches that may affect the speed of current interactions. For male users, we optimize backend recommendation rules by adjusting their exposure concentration.

In Q3, the team drove a slight recovery in the paying ratio by adjusting the monetization strategy. Turning to Tantan's financials, revenue from the onshore business in Q3 was CNY 150 million, down 15% year-over-year and 5% quarter-over-quarter. The revenue decrease was due to the decline in number of paying users, but ARPPU significantly increased 25% year-over-year and 6% quarter-over-quarter. At the product level, we continue to refine our strategy on optimizing the experience for female users, which includes establishing a curated recommendation pool for newly registered female users to improve their swipe quality, and providing highly attractive female users with a more diverse male recommendation to enrich their matching options, and implementing an overheating protection mechanism to prevent excessive matches that may affect the speed of current interactions. For male users, we optimize backend recommendation rules by adjusting their exposure concentration.

After the complete rollout of the pilot in Q2,

In Q3, the team drove our live recovery in the paying ratio by adjusting the monetization strategy.

Turning to 10 times financials.

Revenue from the onshore business in Q3 was 150 million RMB, down 15% year-over-year and 30% year-over-year, and 5% quarter-over-quarter.

The revenue decrease was due to the decline in the number of paying users.

But our people significantly increased by 25% year-over-year and 6% quarter-over-quarter.

At the Parlor level, we continue to refine our strategy on optimizing the experience for female users.

This includes establishing a curated recommendation for newly registered users.

A female user improved her strike quality.

And providing highly attractive female users with a more diverse male recommendation to enrich their matching options.

And implementing an overheating protection mechanism to prevent excessive matches that may affect the depth of current interactions.

Zhang Sichuan: Both enhancements in female user experience and male user recommendation algorithm have driven quarter-over-quarter growth in several key user metrics, such as day-one retention, average number of likes per user, and DAU among new users. At the monetization level, we introduced basic products such as unlimited swipe privilege packs to fill the gap in low-tier membership offerings. Regarding the algorithm, we slightly adjusted the matching rate for high-potential paying users to improve their conversion to paying. In Q3, although our focus on acquiring higher-quality user groups led to a sequential increase in unit acquisition costs, the restructuring of our new membership system combined with the algorithm optimization drove ARPPU growth, pushing Tantan's channel ROI to a record high.

Both enhancements in female user experience and male user recommendation algorithm have driven quarter-over-quarter growth in several key user metrics, such as day-one retention, average number of likes per user, and DAU among new users. At the monetization level, we introduced basic products such as unlimited swipe privilege packs to fill the gap in low-tier membership offerings. Regarding the algorithm, we slightly adjusted the matching rate for high-potential paying users to improve their conversion to paying. In Q3, although our focus on acquiring higher-quality user groups led to a sequential increase in unit acquisition costs, the restructuring of our new membership system combined with the algorithm optimization drove ARPPU growth, pushing Tantan's channel ROI to a record high.

For male users, we optimize back end recommendation rules by adjusting their exposure concentration.

Both enhancement in female user experience and male user recommendation algorithm have driven quarter-over-quarter growth in several key user metrics.

Such as day, 1 retention, average likes of, uh, average number of likes per user and the AU among new users.

At the monetization level, we introduced basic products such as unlimited swipe privilege packs to fill the gap in low-tier membership offerings.

Regarding the algorithm, we are slightly addressing the matching rate for high-potential, paying users to improve their conversion to paying.

In Q3, although our focus on acquiring higher quality user groups led to a sequential increase in unit acquisition costs.

The restructuring of our new membership system, combined with the algorithm optimization of our people growth,

Zhang Sichuan: As a result, despite pressure on user scale and revenue, Tantan achieved significant year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter profit growth, creating more room for our dating products to exploration tailored to Asian users. Lastly, in overseas business, in Q3, reached RMB 535 million, up 69% year-over-year and 21% quarter-over-quarter. Overseas revenue accounted for 20% of the group's revenue, compared to 12% in the same period of last year. In Q3, overseas revenue growth mainly came from audio and video social products in the MENA region. Among them, YoHo and Ahlan continued to enhance product features by improving localized operations and strengthening product end partnerships, driving a steady increase in both number of paying users and ARPPU. On the user acquisition front, during the first half of the year, we observed a rapid rise in user acquisition costs while scaling up channel investments in new products.

As a result, despite pressure on user scale and revenue, Tantan achieved significant year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter profit growth, creating more room for our dating products to exploration tailored to Asian users. Lastly, in overseas business, in Q3, reached RMB 535 million, up 69% year-over-year and 21% quarter-over-quarter. Overseas revenue accounted for 20% of the group's revenue, compared to 12% in the same period of last year. In Q3, overseas revenue growth mainly came from audio and video social products in the MENA region. Among them, YoHo and Ahlan continued to enhance product features by improving localized operations and strengthening product end partnerships, driving a steady increase in both number of paying users and ARPPU. On the user acquisition front, during the first half of the year, we observed a rapid rise in user acquisition costs while scaling up channel investments in new products.

Pushing ten times Channel ROI to a record high.

As a result, despite pressure on user scale and revenue content achieved significantly significant year on year and quarter on quarter profit growth, creating more rooms for our dating products, to expiration tailored to Asian users.

Lastly, in overseas businesses, Q3 revenue reached 535 million RMB, up 69% year-over-year and 21% quarter-over-quarter.

Overseas revenue accounted for 20% of the group's revenue compared to 12% in the same period of last year.

In Q3, overseas revenue growth mainly came from audio and video, as well as social products in the MENA region.

Among them, Yaha L and Amar continue to enhance product features by improving localized operations and strengthening product and partnerships, driving a steady increase in both the number of paying users. And our people.

Zhang Sichuan: So we slowed down our marketing efforts and tried to find a scalable solution that can also balance ROI. In Q3, our channel experiments showed initial success, so we moderately increased channel spending and accelerated revenue growth. Meanwhile, Soulchill, our largest audio-based social product in the MENA region, optimized its marketing strategy by increasing investment proportion in high-value countries, driving a substantial growth in both revenue and profit. Except for these three audio-based products, we have recently begun testing the expansion of audio and video-based social entertainment products into other high-growth regions, such as the Gulf countries and Japan. We hope this effort will become our growth drivers for the group in the future. Beyond our audio-video social products in the MENA region, another key segment for our overseas business, the dating product line focused on developed markets, also delivers strong performance.

So we slowed down our marketing efforts and tried to find a scalable solution that can also balance ROI. In Q3, our channel experiments showed initial success, so we moderately increased channel spending and accelerated revenue growth. Meanwhile, Soulchill, our largest audio-based social product in the MENA region, optimized its marketing strategy by increasing investment proportion in high-value countries, driving a substantial growth in both revenue and profit. Except for these three audio-based products, we have recently begun testing the expansion of audio and video-based social entertainment products into other high-growth regions, such as the Gulf countries and Japan. We hope this effort will become our growth drivers for the group in the future. Beyond our audio-video social products in the MENA region, another key segment for our overseas business, the dating product line focused on developed markets, also delivers strong performance.

On the user acquisition front, during the first half of the year, we observe a rapid rise in user acquisition costs while scaling up channel investments in new products.

So we slow down our marketing efforts and try to find a scalable solution that can also balance ROI.

In Q3, our channel experiments show initial success.

So we model the increase in channel spending and accelerated revenue growth.

meanwhile, so sure our largest

Audio-based, social product in Mena region.

Tracking a substantial growth in both revenue and profits.

For this 3 Audio based.

Uh, product, we have recently begun testing the extension of our audio and video-based social entertainment product into other high Apple regions.

Such as the Gulf countries and Japan.

We hope this effort will become our growth drivers for the Group in the future.

Beyond our audio-video, social products in the MENA region.

Zhang Sichuan: Tantan International returned to substantial growth for the first time in nearly a year, following a full year of product adjustments and rebranding executed by our Singapore team. Additionally, we completed the acquisition of a European dating product, Happn, at the end of Q3. Happn, founded in Paris, France, primarily leveraged location-based services to facilitate online to offline dating experiences for users. With Happn joining our portfolio, the group's product landscape now officially extends to Europe, further enriching the diversity of our overseas dating products. We believe that the high-quality dating brands like Happn, which originated in the Western developed world, have significant growth potential in the Asia-Pacific region. In the past, these brands were constrained by limited resources and insufficient localization expertise, preventing them from fully realizing their potential in the Asia-Pacific region.

Another key statement for our overseas business: the dating product line focused on developed markets has also delivered strong performance.

Tantan International returned to substantial growth for the first time in nearly a year, following a full year of product adjustments and rebranding executed by our Singapore team. Additionally, we completed the acquisition of a European dating product, Happn, at the end of Q3. Happn, founded in Paris, France, primarily leveraged location-based services to facilitate online to offline dating experiences for users. With Happn joining our portfolio, the group's product landscape now officially extends to Europe, further enriching the diversity of our overseas dating products. We believe that the high-quality dating brands like Happn, which originated in the Western developed world, have significant growth potential in the Asia-Pacific region. In the past, these brands were constrained by limited resources and insufficient localization expertise, preventing them from fully realizing their potential in the Asia-Pacific region.

Content International returned to subsequential growth for the first time in the year.

Following a free year of product adjustments and rebranding executed by our Singapore team.

Additionally, we completed the acquisition of a European dating product.

At the end of Q3.

Happened. Founded in Paris, France.

Uh, primarily leverage location-based services to facilitate online-to-offline dating experiences for users.

During our portfolio, the group's product landscape now officially extends to Europe.

Further in reaching the diversity of our overseas stating products.

We believe that the high-quality dating brands like Happen.

Which originated in the Western developed world have significant growth potential in the Asia-Pacific region.

In the past, these brands were constrained by limited resources and insufficient localization expertise.

Zhang Sichuan: We hope that the combination of Hello Group and this brand will fully unleash that potential. We have enough patience and commitment to create a high-quality dating experience for young people in China and Asia. We are confident that these dating brands will inject new momentum into the group's future. This concludes my remarks. Now, let me pass the call over to Cathy for the financial review. Thanks, Jing. Hello, everyone. Thank you for joining our conference call today. Now, let me take you through the financial review. Total revenue for Q3 2025 was CNY 2.65 billion, down 1% year-on-year but up 1% quarter-on-quarter. Non-GAAP net income attributable to the company was CNY 404.5 million, compared to CNY 493.3 million in the same period of 2024, and CNY 461.9 million in the previous quarter, excluding a one-off tax expense item.

We hope that the combination of Hello Group and this brand will fully unleash that potential. We have enough patience and commitment to create a high-quality dating experience for young people in China and Asia. We are confident that these dating brands will inject new momentum into the group's future. This concludes my remarks. Now, let me pass the call over to Cathy for the financial review. Thanks, Jing. Hello, everyone. Thank you for joining our conference call today. Now, let me take you through the financial review. Total revenue for Q3 2025 was CNY 2.65 billion, down 1% year-on-year but up 1% quarter-on-quarter. Non-GAAP net income attributable to the company was CNY 404.5 million, compared to CNY 493.3 million in the same period of 2024, and CNY 461.9 million in the previous quarter, excluding a one-off tax expense item.

Preventing them from fully realizing their potential in the Asia-Pacific region.

We hope that the combination of Hello Groups and this brand will fully unleash that potential.

We have enough patience and commitment to create a high-quality dating experience for young people in China and Asia.

Your confidence that this dating runs through injects new momentum into the good future.

This concludes my remarks. Now let me pass the call over to Kathy for the financial review.

Thanks.

Hello everyone. Thank you for joining our conference call today.

Now, let me take you through the financial review.

Total revenue for the third quarter of 2025 was $2.65 billion. Revenue was down 1% year-over-year, but up 1% quarter-on-quarter.

Non-gaap net income attributable attributable. To the company was 44.5 million remaining B. Compared to 4 9 3. 3 3.

Of 2024.

Zhang Sichuan: Looking into the key revenue items for Q3, total revenue from value-added services for the third quarter of 2025 was 2.61 billion RMB, down 1% year-on-year but up 1% quarter-on-quarter. On a user geography basis, PRC mainland value-added services revenue was 2.08 billion RMB, down 11% year-over-year and 3% quarter-over-quarter. The decrease was primarily attributable to three factors. Number one, tax scrutiny on certain broadcasters and agencies, which distracted their operational focus. Number two, softened consumer sentiment driven by macro factors. And number three, a decline in paying users on Tantan. VAS overseas revenue came in at 533.1 million RMB, up 69% year-over-year and 21% quarter-over-quarter. The year-over-year and sequential growth was mainly driven by rapid expansion from multiple social entertainment as well as dating brands across our rich portfolio.

Looking into the key revenue items for Q3, total revenue from value-added services for the third quarter of 2025 was 2.61 billion RMB, down 1% year-on-year but up 1% quarter-on-quarter. On a user geography basis, PRC mainland value-added services revenue was 2.08 billion RMB, down 11% year-over-year and 3% quarter-over-quarter. The decrease was primarily attributable to three factors. Number one, tax scrutiny on certain broadcasters and agencies, which distracted their operational focus. Number two, softened consumer sentiment driven by macro factors. And number three, a decline in paying users on Tantan. VAS overseas revenue came in at 533.1 million RMB, up 69% year-over-year and 21% quarter-over-quarter. The year-over-year and sequential growth was mainly driven by rapid expansion from multiple social entertainment as well as dating brands across our rich portfolio.

And 4,651.9 million women B in the previous quarter, excluding a one-off tax expense item.

Looking into the key revenue items for Q3, total revenue from value-added services for the third quarter of 2025 was $2.61 billion, down 1% year on year but up 1% quarter on quarter.

On a user G, geography basis, PRC Mainland value added Services. Revenue was 2.08 billion rebbe down, 11% year-over-year and 3% quarter over quarter. The decrease was

primarily attributable to three factors: number one, tax scrutiny on certain broadcasters and agencies, which distracted their operational focus.

Number 2: softened consumer sentiment, driven by macro factors.

And number 3,

A decline in paying users on Tam.

Our overseas revenue came in at 533.169% year-over-year and 21% quarter-over-quarter.

Zhang Sichuan: Turning to costs and expenses, Non-GAAP cost of revenue for Q3 2025 was CNY 1.65 billion, compared to CNY 1.62 billion for the same period last year. Non-GAAP gross margin for the quarter was 37.6%, down 1.7 percentage points from the year-ago period. The decrease was primarily attributable to two factors. Number one, a deliberately higher payout ratio for the Momo business to ease supply-side pressure amid tax scrutiny. Number two, a structural revenue shift towards overseas markets, where payment channel costs represent a higher percentage of revenue. Non-GAAP R&D expenses for Q3 was CNY 170.6 million, compared to CNY 185.4 million for the same period last year, representing an 8% decrease year-over-year. The decrease was attributed to personnel optimization. Non-GAAP R&D expenses as a percentage of revenue was 6%, compared with 7% from the year-ago period.

Turning to costs and expenses, Non-GAAP cost of revenue for Q3 2025 was CNY 1.65 billion, compared to CNY 1.62 billion for the same period last year. Non-GAAP gross margin for the quarter was 37.6%, down 1.7 percentage points from the year-ago period. The decrease was primarily attributable to two factors. Number one, a deliberately higher payout ratio for the Momo business to ease supply-side pressure amid tax scrutiny. Number two, a structural revenue shift towards overseas markets, where payment channel costs represent a higher percentage of revenue. Non-GAAP R&D expenses for Q3 was CNY 170.6 million, compared to CNY 185.4 million for the same period last year, representing an 8% decrease year-over-year. The decrease was attributed to personnel optimization. Non-GAAP R&D expenses as a percentage of revenue was 6%, compared with 7% from the year-ago period.

by rapid expansion from multiple social entertainment, as well as stating brands across our rich portfolio,

Turning to costs and expenses, non-GAAP cost of revenue for the third quarter of 2025 was $1.65 billion, compared to $1.62 billion for the same period last year.

Non-GAAP gross margin for the quarter was

37.6% down, 1.7 percentage points from the year-ago period.

The decrease was primarily attributable to 2 factors. Number 1, the deliberately higher paying out payout ratio for the mobile business to ease supply side pressure and make tax scrutiny. Number 2, a structural Revenue shift towards overseas markets, which payments, uh, where payment Channel costs represent a higher percentage of Revenue

Non-GAAP R&D expenses for the third quarter were $170.6 million, compared to $185.4 million for the same period last year, representing an 8% decrease year-over-year.

The decrease was attributed to personnel optimization.

Zhang Sichuan: We ended the quarter with 1,386 total employees, compared to 1,355 from a year ago. The R&D personnel as a percentage of total employees for the group was 57%, compared to 61% from Q3 last year. Non-GAAP sales and marketing expenses for the third quarter was CNY 335.9 million, compared to CNY 350.1 million for the same period last year, both representing 13% of total revenue. The year-over-year decrease in sales and marketing expenses was attributable to the ongoing cost control strategy for the PRC mainland businesses, where both Momo and Tantan narrowed their marketing spend. This decrease was partially offset by the increase in channel investment for the overseas apps. Non-GAAP G&A expenses was CNY 91.0 million for the third quarter, compared to CNY 85.2 million for the same quarter last year, both representing 3% of total revenue, respectively.

We ended the quarter with 1,386 total employees, compared to 1,355 from a year ago. The R&D personnel as a percentage of total employees for the group was 57%, compared to 61% from Q3 last year. Non-GAAP sales and marketing expenses for the third quarter was CNY 335.9 million, compared to CNY 350.1 million for the same period last year, both representing 13% of total revenue. The year-over-year decrease in sales and marketing expenses was attributable to the ongoing cost control strategy for the PRC mainland businesses, where both Momo and Tantan narrowed their marketing spend. This decrease was partially offset by the increase in channel investment for the overseas apps. Non-GAAP G&A expenses was CNY 91.0 million for the third quarter, compared to CNY 85.2 million for the same quarter last year, both representing 3% of total revenue, respectively.

Non-GAAP R&D expenses as a percentage of revenue were 6%, compared with 7% from the year-ago period.

We ended the quarter with 1,386 total employees compared to 1,355 from a year ago.

The R&D personnel as a percentage of total employees for the group was 57%, compared to 61% from Q3 last year.

Non-GAAP sales and marketing expenses for the third quarter were $335.9 million, compared to $350.14 million for the same period last year, both representing 13% of total revenue. The year-over-year decrease in sales and marketing expenses was attributable to the ongoing cost control strategy for the PRC Mainland businesses.

Where both Momo and Tantana narrowed their marketing spend.

This decrease was partially offset by the increase in channel investment for the overseas apps.

Non-GAAP GNA expenses were $91.0 million before the third quarter compared to $85.2 million year-over-year for the same quarter last year, both representing 3% of total revenue, respectively.

Zhang Sichuan: Non-GAAP operating income was RMB 404.0 million, with a margin of 15.2%, compared with RMB 454.7 million, with a margin of 17% from the same period last year. Non-GAAP OpEx as a percentage of total revenue was 23%, same as Q3 2024. Now, briefly on income tax expenses. Total income tax expenses was RMB 69.0 million for the quarter, with an effective tax rate of 14%. In Q3, the company accrued withholding income tax of RMB 24.5 million, which is 10% of undistributed profit generated by our royalties. Without withholding tax, our estimated non-GAAP effective tax rate was around 9% in the third quarter. Now, turning to balance sheet and cash flow items. As of 30 September 2025, Hello Group's cash, cash equivalents, short-term deposits, long-term deposits, short-term investments, and restricted cash totaled RMB 8.86 billion, compared to RMB 14.73 billion as of 31 December 2024.

Non-GAAP operating income was RMB 404.0 million, with a margin of 15.2%, compared with RMB 454.7 million, with a margin of 17% from the same period last year. Non-GAAP OpEx as a percentage of total revenue was 23%, same as Q3 2024. Now, briefly on income tax expenses. Total income tax expenses was RMB 69.0 million for the quarter, with an effective tax rate of 14%. In Q3, the company accrued withholding income tax of RMB 24.5 million, which is 10% of undistributed profit generated by our royalties. Without withholding tax, our estimated non-GAAP effective tax rate was around 9% in the third quarter. Now, turning to balance sheet and cash flow items. As of 30 September 2025, Hello Group's cash, cash equivalents, short-term deposits, long-term deposits, short-term investments, and restricted cash totaled RMB 8.86 billion, compared to RMB 14.73 billion as of 31 December 2024.

Non-GAAP operating income was $404.0 million, with a margin of 15.2%, compared with $454.7 million, with a margin of 17%, from the same period last year.

Non-gaap Opex.

As a percentage of total revenue, it was 23%, the same as Q3 2024.

Now, briefly on income tax expenses.

Total income tax expenses were $69.0 million for the quarter, with an effective tax rate of 14%.

In Q3, the company incurred withholding income tax of $24.5 million, which is 10% of the undistributed profit generated by our Wolfie.

Without withholding tax, our estimated non-GAAP effective tax rate was around 9% in the third quarter.

Now, turning to balance sheet and cash flow items.

Zhang Sichuan: The decrease in cash reserves was primarily attributable to three factors. Number one, repayment of CNY 4.41 billion bank loans, including accrued interest. Number two, payment of special cash dividends totaling CNY 346 million to our shareholders in Q2. Number three, a one-off withholding tax payment of CNY 356 million in September, which was previously communicated during our last earnings call. Net cash provided by operating activities in Q3 2025 was CNY 143.5 million. The gap between operating cash flow and Non-GAAP net income was primarily attributable to the payment of the above-mentioned withholding tax. Lastly, on business outlook, we estimated our Q4 revenue to come in the range from CNY 2.52 billion to 2.62 billion, representing a decrease of 4.4% to 0.6% year-on-year.

The decrease in cash reserves was primarily attributable to three factors. Number one, repayment of CNY 4.41 billion bank loans, including accrued interest. Number two, payment of special cash dividends totaling CNY 346 million to our shareholders in Q2. Number three, a one-off withholding tax payment of CNY 356 million in September, which was previously communicated during our last earnings call. Net cash provided by operating activities in Q3 2025 was CNY 143.5 million. The gap between operating cash flow and Non-GAAP net income was primarily attributable to the payment of the above-mentioned withholding tax. Lastly, on business outlook, we estimated our Q4 revenue to come in the range from CNY 2.52 billion to 2.62 billion, representing a decrease of 4.4% to 0.6% year-on-year.

As of September 30, 2025, Hello Group's cash, cash equivalents, short-term deposits, long-term deposits, short-term investments, and restricted cash total $8.86 billion. Women, B compared to $1.47 billion.

The decrease in cash, reserves was primarily attributable to 3 factors. Number 1 repayment of 4.41 billion. B bank loans including acred interests. Number 2. Payment of special cash, dividends totaling 346 million women B to our shareholders in Q2. And number 3, A 1 of withholding tax payment of 356 million, women being in September,

which was previously communicated during our last earnings call.

Operating cash flow and non-GAAP. Net income was primarily attributable to the payment of the above-mentioned withholding tax.

Lastly, on business Outlook.

We estimate our fourth quarter revenue to come in the range from $2.

52 billion, human beings to 2.62 billion B.

Zhang Sichuan: This is based on the assumption that, on a year-over-year basis, revenue from our mainland China business will decline by mid- to low-teens percentage-wise, while overseas revenue is expected to maintain a growth rate similar to that seen in Q3. Please be mindful that this forecast represents the company's current and preliminary view on the market and operational conditions, which are subject to change. That concluded our prepared portion of today's discussion. With that, let me turn the call back to Ashley to start Q&A. Ashley, please. Just a quick reminder before we take the questions. For those who can speak Chinese, please ask your questions in Chinese first, followed by English translations by yourself. Thank you. Operator, we're ready to take questions. Thank you. If you wish to ask a question, please press star one on your telephone and wait for your name to be announced.

This is based on the assumption that, on a year-over-year basis, revenue from our mainland China business will decline by mid- to low-teens percentage-wise, while overseas revenue is expected to maintain a growth rate similar to that seen in Q3. Please be mindful that this forecast represents the company's current and preliminary view on the market and operational conditions, which are subject to change. That concluded our prepared portion of today's discussion. With that, let me turn the call back to Ashley to start Q&A. Ashley, please.

Representing a decrease of 4.4% to 0.6% year on year?

This is based on the assumption that on a year-over-year basis, revenue from our mainland China business will see the climb by mid to low teams percentage-wise, while overseas revenue is expected to maintain a growth rate similar to that seen in Q3.

Please be mindful that this forecast represents the company's current and preliminary view on the market and operational conditions, which are subject to change.

Ashley Jing: Just a quick reminder before we take the questions. For those who can speak Chinese, please ask your questions in Chinese first, followed by English translations by yourself. Thank you. Operator, we're ready to take questions.

That concludes our prepare portion of today's discussion. With that, let me turn the call back to Ashley to start Q&A. I should, please.

Operator: Thank you. If you wish to ask a question, please press star one on your telephone and wait for your name to be announced.

Um, just a quick reminder before we take the questions: for those who can speak Chinese, please ask your questions in Chinese first, followed by English translations by yourself. Thank you. Um, operator, we're ready to take questions.

Zhang Sichuan: If you wish to cancel your request, please press star two. If you're on a speakerphone, please pick up the handset to ask your question. Your first question, it comes from Thomas Chong with Jefferies. Please go ahead. ???????????????????????????????????????????Momo????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Momo?????????????????????????????????????????????????? Good evening. Thanks, Management, for taking my question. During the prepared remarks, Management highlights Momo is affected by the tax issue from the supply side and adjust the revenue sharing ratio. Can Management comment about the latest progress of the adjustment, and how should we think about the margin impact? On the other hand, can Management also provide some more color why our peers didn't mention similar issues? On the guidance we just given, there's about a low teens year-on-year decline for Momo, so just for the full year. So how should we think about the revenue trend for this cash cow business as we come into 2026? Thank you.

If you wish to cancel your request, please press star two. If you're on a speakerphone, please pick up the handset to ask your question. Your first question, it comes from Thomas Chong with Jefferies. Please go ahead.

Thank you. If you wish to ask a question, please press *1 on your telephone and wait for your name to be announced.

If you wish to cancel your request, please press *2.

If you're on a speakerphone, please pick up the handset to ask your question.

Thomas Chong: [Foreign language] ???????????????????????????????????????????Momo????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Momo?????????????????????????????????????????????????? Good evening. Thanks, Management, for taking my question. During the prepared remarks, Management highlights Momo is affected by the tax issue from the supply side and adjust the revenue sharing ratio. Can Management comment about the latest progress of the adjustment, and how should we think about the margin impact? On the other hand, can Management also provide some more color why our peers didn't mention similar issues? On the guidance we just given, there's about a low teens year-on-year decline for Momo, so just for the full year. So how should we think about the revenue trend for this cash cow business as we come into 2026? Thank you.

Your first question comes from Thomas Chong with Jefferies. Please go ahead.

um,

Good evening. Thanks management for taking my question. Uh, during the prepared remarks management, highlights ammo is affected uh, by touching who from the supply side and I just the revenue sharing ratio, uh, can management comment about the latest progress of the adjustment. And how should we think about, uh, the margin impact? Um, on the other hand can management also provide some more.

Color why our peers didn't mention similar issues? Um, on the guidance we just given, um, there's about a low teams, uh, year or near decline for, uh, for more.

Uh, just for the full year. So how should we think about the revenue trend for this cash car business as we come into transitioning Q6? Thank you.

Zhang Sichuan: Okay, let me translate. At the end of Q2, tax authorities introduced policy adjustments related to the flexible workforce, which officially took effect on 1 October. For Momo, these adjustments primarily affect some mid-tier broadcasters and agencies in our audio and video-based scenarios. Shortly after the adjustments were announced, regional tax authorities in certain areas reached out to their local MCNs to clarify implementation details. This led to a noticeable decline in work enthusiasm among supply side, even before the adjustments were formally effective, resulting in revenue pressure for Momo app in the third quarter. Momo has maintained a relatively low revenue sharing ratio to broadcasters and agencies compared to our peers, thanks to our unique social attribute. Agencies and broadcasters were willing to accept this lower ratio while still making considerable income.

For.

Okay. Uh, let me Translate

Um, at the end of Q2, tax authorities introduced policy adjustments related to the flexible workforce.

Which officially took effect on October 1st.

For more adjustments, this primarily affects some media, broadcasters, and agencies in our audio and video-based scenarios.

And shortly after the adjustments were announced, regional text authorities in certain areas reached out to their local MCNs to clarify implementation details. This led to a noticeable decline in working enthusiasm among the supply side, even before the adjustments were formally effective, resulting in revenue pressure for the mobile app in the third quarter.

Zhang Sichuan: However, this very characteristic made them particularly vulnerable to these recent tax changes, and especially some mid-tier agencies. To protect the reasonable income level of our supply side partners, in August, we adjusted the revenue sharing policy for the groups mostly affected by the tax changes. This initiative led to a modest sequential revenue recovery in September compared to July and August. However, entering Q4, with the formal implementation of the tax policy adjustment and tightened regulatory oversight of the agency's tax compliance, we have observed further pressure on certain agencies and broadcasters. To partially offset these impacts, we have further increased revenue sharing support for the supply side. These additional concessions are expected to reduce the group's gross margin by approximately one to two percentage points in H2 2025.

However, this very characteristic made them particularly vulnerable to these recent tax changes, and especially some mid-tier agencies. To protect the reasonable income level of our supply side partners, in August, we adjusted the revenue sharing policy for the groups mostly affected by the tax changes. This initiative led to a modest sequential revenue recovery in September compared to July and August. However, entering Q4, with the formal implementation of the tax policy adjustment and tightened regulatory oversight of the agency's tax compliance, we have observed further pressure on certain agencies and broadcasters. To partially offset these impacts, we have further increased revenue sharing support for the supply side. These additional concessions are expected to reduce the group's gross margin by approximately one to two percentage points in H2 2025.

Momo has maintained a relatively low Revenue, sharing ratio to broadcasters and agencies compared to our peers. Thanks to our unique, social attribute, and agencies. And broadcasters were willing to accept this lower ratio while still making considerable income. And however, this very characteristic made some um, make them particularly vulnerable to this uh recent tax changes and especially some mid-tier agencies

To protect the reasonable income level of our supply-side partners in August, we adjusted the revenue-sharing policy for the groups mostly affected by the tax changes.

This initiative led to a modest sequential revenue recovery in September compared to July and August.

Zhang Sichuan: On the revenue front, we had originally expected the year-on-year decline in the domestic revenue in the second half to narrow compared to the first half. However, based on the Q3 actual result and our Q4 current outlook, this improvement has not materialized to the extent anticipated. Furthermore, I would like to echo Six's earlier remarks. As one of China's earliest mobile social platforms, Momo has maintained strong brand vitality to this day, driven by continuous product innovation and back-end algorithm optimization. Core engagement metrics, such as two-way messages, in-depth chat rates, and user retention, have continued to improve steadily. In Q3, the launch of new scenarios, particularly audio and video chats, contributed to a steady increase in the number of paying users.

On the revenue front, we had originally expected the year-on-year decline in the domestic revenue in the second half to narrow compared to the first half. However, based on the Q3 actual result and our Q4 current outlook, this improvement has not materialized to the extent anticipated. Furthermore, I would like to echo Six's earlier remarks. As one of China's earliest mobile social platforms, Momo has maintained strong brand vitality to this day, driven by continuous product innovation and back-end algorithm optimization. Core engagement metrics, such as two-way messages, in-depth chat rates, and user retention, have continued to improve steadily. In Q3, the launch of new scenarios, particularly audio and video chats, contributed to a steady increase in the number of paying users.

However, entering Q4, with the formal implementation of the tax policy adjustment, and, uh, Titan regulatory oversight of the agency's tax compliance. We have observed further pressure on certain agencies and broadcasters and to partially offset. This impacts, we have further increased Revenue, sharing support for the supply side and this additional concessions are expected to reduce the group's growth margin by uh approximately 1 to 2, percentage points in the second half uh of 2025.

Um, on the revenue front, we had originally expected the year on year, decline in the domestic Revenue, um, in the second half, um, to narrow compared to the first half. Uh, however, based on the Queue, Q3 active results and our Q4, Uh, current Outlook. Uh, this Improvement has not uh, materialized to the extent anticipated.

Um, furthermore.

I would like to Echo 6 earlier remarks. Um, as 1 of the China's earliest mobile social, uh, platform more more has, um, maintained strong brand Vitality to this day, driven by continuous product Innovation, and backend algorithm optimization call, um, engagement Matrix, such as 2-way messages, indepth chat, rates, and user retention, have continued to improve steadily.

Zhang Sichuan: This not only reflects continuous improving connection efficiency between the platform and our users, but also validates Momo's solid operational foundation and product innovation capabilities within this open social field. Coupled with our profit-oriented strategy and the team's effective cost control, we are fully confident that Momo will continue to deliver meaningful profit and operating cash flow to the group. For specifics. Because I will hand over to Cathy. Okay. Outlook for 2026 for domestic business. Thomas, you're right that based on our Q4 guidance for the full year 2025, for the full year 2025, our domestic business, including both Momo and Tantan, is on track for a low teens percentage decline versus 2024. At the beginning of 2025, we had expected that exit rate of year-over-year decline to narrow to somewhere around 10% or even slightly below 10%.

This not only reflects continuous improving connection efficiency between the platform and our users, but also validates Momo's solid operational foundation and product innovation capabilities within this open social field. Coupled with our profit-oriented strategy and the team's effective cost control, we are fully confident that Momo will continue to deliver meaningful profit and operating cash flow to the group. For specifics. Because I will hand over to Cathy.

Cathy Hui Peng: Okay. Outlook for 2026 for domestic business. Thomas, you're right that based on our Q4 guidance for the full year 2025, for the full year 2025, our domestic business, including both Momo and Tantan, is on track for a low teens percentage decline versus 2024. At the beginning of 2025, we had expected that exit rate of year-over-year decline to narrow to somewhere around 10% or even slightly below 10%.

In Q3 the launch of a new scenarios protect particularly audio, and video chats contributed to a steady increase in the number of paying users. This not only reflect continuous Improvement, uh, improving, uh, connection efficiency between the platform and our users, but also validates more with solid operational foundation, and product, uh, Innovation capabilities within this, uh, open social field and coupled with our profit oriented strategy and the team's effective cost control. We are fully confident that warmer will continue to deliver a meaningful profit and operating cash flow to the group for specific figures. Our hand over to Cassie.

Okay. Um,

I'll look for,

For 2026 for domestic business.

Zhang Sichuan: That didn't happen because the tax scrutiny starting in Q3 had a meaningful negative impact on the supply side and therefore on revenue as well. That headwind was concentrated in the second half of 2025. In our guidance, we assume that the domestic business is going to exit 2025 with somewhere around 13% year-over-year decline. So if you take that exit rate, apply normal seasonality, and roll that forward throughout 2026, what you will likely see is that in the first half of 2026, domestic revenue will probably still show a similar mid- to low-teens year-over-year decline. As we move into the second half of 2026, the year-over-year decline is likely to naturally narrow down. That's simply because the bulk of the negative tax-related impact hit the second half of 2025, creating an easier comp date for next year. So that's the modeling perspective.

That didn't happen because the tax scrutiny starting in Q3 had a meaningful negative impact on the supply side and therefore on revenue as well. That headwind was concentrated in the second half of 2025. In our guidance, we assume that the domestic business is going to exit 2025 with somewhere around 13% year-over-year decline. So if you take that exit rate, apply normal seasonality, and roll that forward throughout 2026, what you will likely see is that in the first half of 2026, domestic revenue will probably still show a similar mid- to low-teens year-over-year decline. As we move into the second half of 2026, the year-over-year decline is likely to naturally narrow down. That's simply because the bulk of the negative tax-related impact hit the second half of 2025, creating an easier comp date for next year. So that's the modeling perspective.

Um, Thomas your your, uh, your right that based on our Q4 guidance, for the full year 2025, uh, for the full year 2025 our, uh, domestic business, including both 1. 1 is on track for a low ten, percentage decline versus 2024. Um, at the beginning of 2025, we had expected that exit rate of, uh, year-over-year decline to narrow, to somewhere around 10% or even, uh, slightly below 10%, that didn't happen because, uh, The Tax Group needs starting in, Q3 had a meaningful negative impact on the supply side. And there were 4 on Revenue as well.

That had wind was, uh, concentrated in the second half of 2025. In our guidance, we assume that the domestic business is going to, um, exit 2025 with a year-over-year decline of somewhere around 13%. So, if you take that exit rate, um, apply normal seasonality, and roll that forward throughout 2026.

6, uh, what you will likely

See, is this in the first half of 2026 domestic Revenue will probably still show a similar? Um, me to low teens year-over-year, decline as we move into the second half of 2026, but your view of the client is likely to, uh, naturally narrow down. That's simply because the bulk of the negative tax related impact, hit the second half of 2025 creating an easier comb base for for next year.

Zhang Sichuan: But remember that what math gives you is always going to be influenced one way or another by realities. And here are three fundamental factors I can highlight for you to adjust your model accordingly based on how you think realities will unfold in 2026. The first factor is always going to be platform fundamentals. On that front, both Momo and Tantan are in a much better position today. Momo's paying user count, as you can see, after a prolonged period of decline, stabilized and grew in Q3. We expect that trend to continue into Q4. Much of that is driven by the long-tail use cases we've added, including one-to-one video and audio chats. Tantan, after spending the last couple of years improving user experience, is also moving in the right direction.

But remember that what math gives you is always going to be influenced one way or another by realities. And here are three fundamental factors I can highlight for you to adjust your model accordingly based on how you think realities will unfold in 2026. The first factor is always going to be platform fundamentals. On that front, both Momo and Tantan are in a much better position today. Momo's paying user count, as you can see, after a prolonged period of decline, stabilized and grew in Q3. We expect that trend to continue into Q4. Much of that is driven by the long-tail use cases we've added, including one-to-one video and audio chats. Tantan, after spending the last couple of years improving user experience, is also moving in the right direction.

So that's, uh, that's the modeling perspective. But remember that, uh, what math gives you is always going to be influenced one way or another by reality. Um, and here are three fundamental factors I can highlight for you to address your model accordingly, based on how you think reality will unfold in 2026.

Uh, the first factor is always going to be, um, platform fundamentals.

On that front, both Momo and Tantan are in a much better position today. Uh, Momo was paying user accounts. As you can see, after a prolonged period of decline, it stabilized and grew in Q3. We expect, uh, that trend to continue into Q4, much of that is driven by the long-tail use cases we've added, including 1-to-1 video and audio chats.

Zhang Sichuan: So fundamentally, the platforms are solid, and this is not where we see major risk as we head into 2026. Then comes the second important fundamental factor that you need to consider, which is macro, and consumer sentiment. For domestic value-added service, the macro environment in China, and overall consumer sentiment remain the biggest swing factors for us. If sentiment improves, we can outperform the seasonality-based model. If not, you would probably need to adjust estimates modestly downward. The third factor, as always, is regulatory, and taxation environment. Operating, and product-side regulations have been relatively stable for the past year. The near-term headwind is mostly concentrated on the taxation side. As we adjust payouts, agencies appear satisfied with the profit level they can retain on our platform. If that stability continues, we can be more constructive about the revenue trend in 2026.

So fundamentally, the platforms are solid, and this is not where we see major risk as we head into 2026. Then comes the second important fundamental factor that you need to consider, which is macro, and consumer sentiment. For domestic value-added service, the macro environment in China, and overall consumer sentiment remain the biggest swing factors for us. If sentiment improves, we can outperform the seasonality-based model. If not, you would probably need to adjust estimates modestly downward. The third factor, as always, is regulatory, and taxation environment. Operating, and product-side regulations have been relatively stable for the past year. The near-term headwind is mostly concentrated on the taxation side. As we adjust payouts, agencies appear satisfied with the profit level they can retain on our platform. If that stability continues, we can be more constructive about the revenue trend in 2026.

Time, uh, after spending the last couple of years improving user experience is also moving in the right direction. So fundamentally, uh, the platforms are solid, and this is not where we see major risk as we head into 2026.

And then comes the second, uh, important fundamental factor that you need to consider, which is macro and consumer sentiment for domestic value-added service. Uh, the macro environment in China and overall consumer sentiment remain, uh, remain the biggest swing factors for us. If sentiment improves, we can outperform the seasonality-based model. If not, uh, you would probably need to adjust estimates modestly downward.

And the third factor, as always, is the regulatory and taxation environment on the operating and product side. Regulations have been relatively stable for the past year.

The near-term headwind is.

Zhang Sichuan: So if you put everything all together, if you take the Q4 2025 exit rate of roughly 13% decline for domestic business and layer in normal seasonality, you would probably arrive at roughly 10% decline for full year 2026. Then, depending on macros, be it economic or regulatory, you would adjust that outlook up or down. That's what I can point to at this point about 2026. With that, back to Ashley to take the next question. Thank you. Operator, your next question, please. Thank you. Your next question comes from Jenny Wang from UBS. Please go ahead. ????????????????????????????????????????69%????????????????60%????????????????????????????????????????????????????????70%???????????????????????????????????????????????????Happn????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? So, thanks, management, for taking my question. My question is regarding our overseas business. So, overseas revenue grew 69% year-over-year in the third quarter, ahead of management previous guidance of 60% growth. So, could you please walk us through which part of this outperformed expectations?

Mostly concentrated on the taxation side as we adjust, uh, payouts. Agencies appear satisfied, uh, with the profit level they can retain on our platform. If that stability continues, we can be more constructive about the revenue trend in 2026.

I'll look up or down; that's, uh, what I can.

What I can point to at this point about $256.

Ashley Jing: Thank you. Operator, your next question, please.

Uh, with that, uh, back to actually take them as questions.

Operator: Thank you. Your next question comes from Jenny Wang from UBS. Please go ahead.

I'll reach the next question, please.

Jenny Wang: [Foreign language] ????????????????????????????????????????69%????????????????60%????????????????????????????????????????????????????????70%???????????????????????????????????????????????????Happn????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? So, thanks, management, for taking my question. My question is regarding our overseas business. So, overseas revenue grew 69% year-over-year in the third quarter, ahead of management previous guidance of 60% growth. So, could you please walk us through which part of this outperformed expectations?

Thank you. Your next question comes from Jenny Juan from UBS. Please go ahead.

My question regarding our overseas business.

Zhang Sichuan: For the fourth quarter, we are guiding a 70% year-over-year growth in overseas revenue. So, could you please break down how much of this is driven by the organic business and how much is driven by the consolidation impact from the newly acquired Happn? And given this trajectory, how do we expect overseas growth next year? Is there a chance? Is it likely that overseas performance could fully offset the revenue decline in the domestic market? Thank you. ????????????????????????????????????Ahlan?YahaLand??????????????????????????????ROI?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????ARPU???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????ARPU????????????????ROI?????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????Tantan???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????UI???Tantan????????????????????????????????????????AI????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????9????????????Happn??????????????????????????????????????????????Cathy???????. Okay. So, in Q3, the vast majority of incremental revenue from the overseas business comes from audio- and video-based products in the MENA region, driven primarily by the two new apps, Ahlan and YahaLand. Our core performance metric for the overseas audio- and video-based business is the ROI. So, around mid-year, as we increase the marketing spend, channel ROI began to decline.

For the fourth quarter, we are guiding a 70% year-over-year growth in overseas revenue. So, could you please break down how much of this is driven by the organic business and how much is driven by the consolidation impact from the newly acquired Happn? And given this trajectory, how do we expect overseas growth next year? Is there a chance? Is it likely that overseas performance could fully offset the revenue decline in the domestic market? Thank you.

Um, so obviously the revenue growth is 69% in the third quarter, ahead of management's previous guidance of 60%, exceeding expectations.

[Unknown Speaker]: [Foreign language] ????????????????????????????????????Ahlan?YahaLand??????????????????????????????ROI?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????ARPU???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????ARPU????????????????ROI?????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????Tantan???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????UI???Tantan????????????????????????????????????????AI????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????9????????????Happn??????????????????????????????????????????????Cathy???????.

And for the, uh, fourth quarter, we are guiding a 70% year-over-year growth in revenue. So, could you please break down how much of this is driven by the organic business and how much is driven by the consolidation impact from the, uh, newly acquired Happen? And given the trajectory, how can we expect overseas growth to shape up? Is there a chance, or is it likely that overseas performance could fully offset the, uh, revenue decline in the mass market? Thank you.

Uh, send to the highway.

Zhang Sichuan: Okay. So, in Q3, the vast majority of incremental revenue from the overseas business comes from audio- and video-based products in the MENA region, driven primarily by the two new apps, Ahlan and YahaLand. Our core performance metric for the overseas audio- and video-based business is the ROI. So, around mid-year, as we increase the marketing spend, channel ROI began to decline.

Happened.

Zhang Sichuan: In response, we deliberately scaled back marketing investment and plan to resume more spending only after unit acquisition costs decrease or ARPU and gross margin improve. Accordingly, we also moderated our near-term revenue expectations for these audio and video products. During Q3, the local team successfully drove ARPU growth through continued product optimization and deeper supply-side partnerships while simultaneously lowering revenue sharing ratios. These efforts led to a clear improvement in ROI, which in turn has allowed us to step up user acquisition investment again, resulting in accelerating growth momentum. Beyond the audio-video products in MENA, our overseas dating portfolio also delivered solid performance in Q3. Notably, following the brand repositioning led by the Singapore team, Tantan International has begun migrating users to its refreshed international version.

In response, we deliberately scaled back marketing investment and plan to resume more spending only after unit acquisition costs decrease or ARPU and gross margin improve. Accordingly, we also moderated our near-term revenue expectations for these audio and video products. During Q3, the local team successfully drove ARPU growth through continued product optimization and deeper supply-side partnerships while simultaneously lowering revenue sharing ratios. These efforts led to a clear improvement in ROI, which in turn has allowed us to step up user acquisition investment again, resulting in accelerating growth momentum. Beyond the audio-video products in MENA, our overseas dating portfolio also delivered solid performance in Q3. Notably, following the brand repositioning led by the Singapore team, Tantan International has begun migrating users to its refreshed international version.

Okay. So um uh in Q3 the vast majority of incremental Revenue comes from um from the overseas business comes from um, audio and video, based products in the Mena region and driven, primarily by the 2, new apps AMA and Yahoo's Matrix for the overseas audio and video based business, uh, is uh, to be the ROI so around me. Yeah, as we increase the marketing spend Channel Roi began to decline. So, in response, we deliberately scaled back marketing investment and plan to resume more spending. Only after unit, acquisition costs, decrease or apple and gross margin improve and accordingly. We also, um, moderated. Our neat and revenue expectations for this uh, audio and video products.

Successfully drove, uh, our people, uh, Apple growth, um, through continued, um, product optimization and deeper supply side Partnerships, while simultaneously lowering Revenue sharing ratios, and these efforts led to a clear improvement in our life, which in turn has, um, allowed us to step up, use acquisition investment again and resulting in accelerating growth. Momentum

Zhang Sichuan: The migration is progressing in line with our expectation, and both revenue and profit have stabilized and returned to growth for the first time in nearly a year. Product features and UI designs tailored specifically for overseas Chinese users have laid a strong foundation for Tantan International to deepen its presence in Southeast Asia and other global markets. Furthermore, the AI-powered role-playing dating app we launched in Japan a year ago has made significant revenue progress. We expect this contribution to overseas revenue to grow steadily as we continue upgrading the AI model and the product matures. On the M&A front, we completed the acquisition of the branch dating brand Happn in September. While its contribution to Q3 revenue was limited, it is expected to make a more meaningful impact on our Q4 overseas performance.

The migration is progressing in line with our expectation, and both revenue and profit have stabilized and returned to growth for the first time in nearly a year. Product features and UI designs tailored specifically for overseas Chinese users have laid a strong foundation for Tantan International to deepen its presence in Southeast Asia and other global markets. Furthermore, the AI-powered role-playing dating app we launched in Japan a year ago has made significant revenue progress. We expect this contribution to overseas revenue to grow steadily as we continue upgrading the AI model and the product matures. On the M&A front, we completed the acquisition of the branch dating brand Happn in September. While its contribution to Q3 revenue was limited, it is expected to make a more meaningful impact on our Q4 overseas performance.

and Beyond the audio video products in Mena, our overseas dating portfolio also delivered solid performance in Q3 notably following the brand repositioning led by the Singapore team, Canton. International has begun, migrating users to its, uh, refreshed International Version. Um, the migration is, uh, progressing in line with, uh, our expectation and both revenue and profit has stabilized and returned to our growth for the first time in nearly a year.

And product features and UI designs tailored specifically for overseas Chinese users have laid a strong foundation for Tenta International to deepen its presence in Southeast Asia and other global markets.

And furthermore, the AI powered role-playing uh, dating app. Uh, we uh launched in Japan a year ago. Uh, has some made significant Revenue progress,

And we accept this contribution to overseas revenue to, uh, grow steadily as we continue upgrading the AI model and the product matures.

Zhang Sichuan: As for growth outlook for next year, I'll hand it over to Cathy for more details. Sure. Let me take the more quantitative part of that question. As Tang Yan mentioned, our overseas portfolio today is fundamentally very different from what it was a year ago. Before getting into numbers, let me add a couple of quick points that investors may have overlooked. First thing I would like to call out is that our international growth strategy has become increasingly multi-pillar supported, both in terms of product mix and in terms of business model. From a product perspective, growth is no longer driven by one single engine. If you go back to the year 2024, the overseas business grew about 50% year-over-year, and almost all of that came from Soulchill alone. In 2025, we are on track to grow somewhere around 70%.

As for growth outlook for next year, I'll hand it over to Cathy for more details.

On the M&A front, we completed the acquisition of the branch stating brand Happen in September. While its contribution to Q3 revenue was limited, it is expected to make a more meaningful impact on our Q4 overseas performance.

Cathy Hui Peng: Sure. Let me take the more quantitative part of that question. As Tang Yan mentioned, our overseas portfolio today is fundamentally very different from what it was a year ago. Before getting into numbers, let me add a couple of quick points that investors may have overlooked. First thing I would like to call out is that our international growth strategy has become increasingly multi-pillar supported, both in terms of product mix and in terms of business model. From a product perspective, growth is no longer driven by one single engine. If you go back to the year 2024, the overseas business grew about 50% year-over-year, and almost all of that came from Soulchill alone. In 2025, we are on track to grow somewhere around 70%.

Uh, as for the growth outlook for next year, we'll hand it over to Cassie for more details.

Sure. Uh, let me take the more quantitative part of that question. As mentioned, our overseas portfolio today is fundamentally very different from what it was a year ago. Before getting into numbers, let me add a couple of quick points that investors may have overlooked.

Uh, first thing, I would like to call out is...

That our International growth strategy has become increasingly multi-, pillar supported both in terms of product mix and in terms of business model, from a product perspective, um, growth is no longer driven by 1 single engine. If you go back to the year 2024, the overseas business grew about 50% year-over-year and almost all of that came from Sochi.

Zhang Sichuan: While Soulchill still contributed meaningfully, another significant growth driver for 2025 has actually been the non-Soulchill brands. That piece grew close to 400% year-over-year in 2025, becoming a major pillar of our overseas business. From a business model perspective, we are also diversifying. The overseas business is increasingly driven by the dating and membership-based model in developed markets, which include overseas Tantan, Milani Mind, which is our AI-powered dating app in Japan, Happn, and some other quality dating brands. As we move deeper into 2026, we expect the overseas portfolio to rest on almost three roughly equal-weighted pillars. One is Soulchill, the other is emerging social entertainment apps in developing markets, and the third pillar is going to be dating/membership brands in developed markets.

While Soulchill still contributed meaningfully, another significant growth driver for 2025 has actually been the non-Soulchill brands. That piece grew close to 400% year-over-year in 2025, becoming a major pillar of our overseas business. From a business model perspective, we are also diversifying. The overseas business is increasingly driven by the dating and membership-based model in developed markets, which include overseas Tantan, Milani Mind, which is our AI-powered dating app in Japan, Happn, and some other quality dating brands. As we move deeper into 2026, we expect the overseas portfolio to rest on almost three roughly equal-weighted pillars. One is Soulchill, the other is emerging social entertainment apps in developing markets, and the third pillar is going to be dating/membership brands in developed markets.

Alone in 2020. Uh, 5 we are on track to grow uh, somewhere around 70% while Soo is still, uh well social still contributed meaningfully. Another significant growth driver for 2025, uh, has actually been the non-social brands that piece grow grew. Uh, close to 400% year-over-year in uh, 2025 becoming uh, a major pillar of our overseas business.

Um, and uh, from a business model perspective, we are also diversifying the overseas business is increasingly driven by the dating and membership based model in developed markets which include uh, overseas tantanan, uh, Milani mind, uh, which is our AI powered dating app in Japan uh happen and uh some other quality dating Brands as we move deeper into 2026, uh we expect the overseas portfolio to rest on 3. Almost 3 equally uh 3 roughly equal weighted pillars. 1 is social, the other is um emerging social entertainment apps and developing markets. And the third pillar is going to be dating slash membership brands in De developed markets,

Zhang Sichuan: Now, turning specifically to your question about whether overseas growth can offset domestic declines, I would say that if you look at H2 2025, at group level, we are seeing somewhere around 2% year-over-year decline. Were it not the tax scrutiny that hit the supply side hard, top line could have turned positive in Q4. At this time, I don't have enough visibility to make that call for 2026 yet, but here are some high-level thoughts about different pieces within our overseas portfolio. Looking ahead, Soulchill will likely continue to grow, though probably at a slower percentage rate as the base gets larger. That said, I would say that there is a meaningful upside variable, and that is our push into live streaming and into wealthier Gulf markets. Historically, our strength has been in Turkey and North Africa.

Now, turning specifically to your question about whether overseas growth can offset domestic declines, I would say that if you look at H2 2025, at group level, we are seeing somewhere around 2% year-over-year decline. Were it not the tax scrutiny that hit the supply side hard, top line could have turned positive in Q4. At this time, I don't have enough visibility to make that call for 2026 yet, but here are some high-level thoughts about different pieces within our overseas portfolio. Looking ahead, Soulchill will likely continue to grow, though probably at a slower percentage rate as the base gets larger. That said, I would say that there is a meaningful upside variable, and that is our push into live streaming and into wealthier Gulf markets. Historically, our strength has been in Turkey and North Africa.

Um, now turning specifically to your question about whether overseas growth can offset domestic declines.

I would say that, uh, if you look at the second half of 2025,

Call for, uh, 2026, uh, 2026 yet. But here are some high-level thoughts. Um,

Uh, about different pieces within our overseas portfolio. Uh, looking ahead, soyo will likely continue to grow.

Zhang Sichuan: Success in the Gulf region and in live streaming could meaningfully influence Soulchill's growth trajectory in 2026, potentially helping stabilize or even re-accelerate its growth rate. Non-Soulchill brands should continue to deliver very robust growth next year. Combined with the scaling of the dating/membership model, we expect these segments to become increasingly important contributors as we head toward 2026. And with that, back to Ashley for the next question. Open to the next question, please. Thank you. Your next question comes from Leo Chiang from Deutsche Bank. Please go ahead. ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? Let me translate myself. Thanks, management, for taking my questions. My question is regarding to the company's M&A strategy. Can you ensure the key factors that companies focus on when doing M&A such as industry, geography, revenue, and product? And for the suppliers, will you expect to make a business management decision? Leo, we didn't quite get your question.

Success in the Gulf region and in live streaming could meaningfully influence Soulchill's growth trajectory in 2026, potentially helping stabilize or even re-accelerate its growth rate. Non-Soulchill brands should continue to deliver very robust growth next year. Combined with the scaling of the dating/membership model, we expect these segments to become increasingly important contributors as we head toward 2026. And with that, back to Ashley for the next question.

Uh, though, at a probably at a slower percentage rate as the base gets larger, uh, that said, I would say, uh, that there is a meaningful upside variable and that is our push into live streaming and into wealthier golf markets historically. Um our strength has been in turkey and North Africa success in the Gulf region. And in live streaming could meaningfully influence social's growth trajectory in 2026 potentially helping stabilize or even re accelerate its growth rate. Um, non-social brands should continue to deliver very robust, uh, growth next year. Combined with the scaling of the dating slash membership model, we expect these segments to become, uh, to become increasingly important and contributors as we, uh, head toward 26, um,

Ashley Jing: Open to the next question, please.

And with that, back to Ashley for the next question.

Operator: Thank you. Your next question comes from Leo Chiang from Deutsche Bank. Please go ahead.

I'll come to the next question, please.

Leo Chiang: ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? Let me translate myself. Thanks, management, for taking my questions. My question is regarding to the company's M&A strategy. Can you ensure the key factors that companies focus on when doing M&A such as industry, geography, revenue, and product? And for the suppliers, will you expect to make a business management decision?

Thank you. Your next question comes from Leo Chiang from Deutsche Bank. Please go ahead.

Uh, thanks for taking my questions. My question is regarding the companies and managed strategies to make sure they key focus on and doing a mandate, I say, industry.

Zhang Sichuan: Leo, we didn't quite get your question.

Zhang Sichuan: Can you repeat, please? Is that better now? Should I? Yeah, yeah. We can hear you better now. We actually heard most of the Chinese part, but the English translation was not quite clear. Okay. Okay. Yeah. So my question is regarding to the company's M&A strategy. Could management share the key factors the company focuses on when doing M&A, such as industry, geography, revenue, and profit? And for the acquired product, will the company be actively involved in the business management? Thank you. Okay. Thank you. ??2011???????LBS?????Momo????14????????????????????DAU?????????????????10??????????????????????????????????2018?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? Okay. Let me translate. Since the launch of our first LBS-based social product, Momo, in 2011, our company has transformed from the past 14 years from a single product company focused on DAU growth in China market into a diversified group with more than a dozen brands.

Can you repeat, please?

Leo Chiang: Is that better now? Should I? Yeah, yeah.

Leo, uh, we didn't quite get your question. Could you please repeat it?

Zhang Sichuan: We can hear you better now. We actually heard most of the Chinese part, but the English translation was not quite clear. Okay.

Is that better now?

Leo Chiang: Okay. Yeah. So my question is regarding to the company's M&A strategy. Could management share the key factors the company focuses on when doing M&A, such as industry, geography, revenue, and profit? And for the acquired product, will the company be actively involved in the business management? Thank you. Okay. Thank you.

[Unknown Speaker]: [Foreign language] ??2011???????LBS?????Momo????14????????????????????DAU?????????????????10??????????????????????????????????2018?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

Yeah. Yeah, we can hear you better now. We actually heard most of the Chinese part, but the English translation was not quite clear. Okay. Okay, yeah. Uh, so my question is regarding the company's M&A strategy. Could you manage to make sure the key factors the company focuses on when doing M&A, such as industry, geography, revenue, and profit? And for the acquired product, will the company be actively involved in the business management?

Thank you.

Zhang Sichuan: Okay. Let me translate. Since the launch of our first LBS-based social product, Momo, in 2011, our company has transformed from the past 14 years from a single product company focused on DAU growth in China market into a diversified group with more than a dozen brands.

Okay, thank you.

Uh, just wanting you.

How may I help you?

Zhang Sichuan: These brands cover a wide range of niche markets and user segments, both domestically and internationally. In addition to organic development, acquisitions have been another key growth strategy since 2018. Whether through organic development or M&A, we have consistently stayed focused on our core strengths in the social and dating sector. In recent years, as growth in the domestic market has slowed, we have shifted our strategic focus overseas to capture new growth drivers. In less than five years, incremental revenue from overseas products has largely offset the decline in our domestic business. We do not have rigid criteria for M&A targets. However, looking at the acquisitions we have completed so far, they share several common characteristics. Firstly, we must fully understand and recognize the value of the product, the team, and the business model.

These brands cover a wide range of niche markets and user segments, both domestically and internationally. In addition to organic development, acquisitions have been another key growth strategy since 2018. Whether through organic development or M&A, we have consistently stayed focused on our core strengths in the social and dating sector. In recent years, as growth in the domestic market has slowed, we have shifted our strategic focus overseas to capture new growth drivers. In less than five years, incremental revenue from overseas products has largely offset the decline in our domestic business. We do not have rigid criteria for M&A targets. However, looking at the acquisitions we have completed so far, they share several common characteristics. Firstly, we must fully understand and recognize the value of the product, the team, and the business model.

Okay, let me translate um, since the launch of our first lbs based social product more more in 2011, our company has transformed from the past 14 years, um, from a, um, single Product Company focused on Dau growth in China Market into a Diversified Group with more than a dozen brands. On these Brands cover a wide range of Niche Niche, markets and user segments, both uh, domestically and internationally.

In August, uh, in addition to organic development Acquisitions have been, um, another key growth strategy, uh, since um, 2018 uh, whether through organic development or m&a, we have consistently uh stay focused on our core strengths in the social and dating sector. And in recent years, as growth in the domestic Market has slowed, we have shifted, our strategic Focus overseas to capture New Growth drivers.

And in less than five years, incremental revenue from overseas products has largely offset the decline in our domestic business.

Zhang Sichuan: We must be confident that the group's resources can help unlock greater potential. Second, we need strong confidence in the target's ability to achieve sustainable profitability. Third, of course, the valuation must be reasonable. Regarding post-acquisition management and the degree of our involvement, it varies on a case-by-case basis. If the original team is better positioned to run the business than we are, we tend to delegate full authority to the local team while providing necessary support functions. If the local team ever needs us to dive in deeper, we are more than happy to engage in hands-on daily management. Overall, our level of engagement with acquired companies is tailored to the specific circumstances rather than following a one-size-fits-all rule. Leo, I hope we answered your question there.

We must be confident that the group's resources can help unlock greater potential. Second, we need strong confidence in the target's ability to achieve sustainable profitability. Third, of course, the valuation must be reasonable. Regarding post-acquisition management and the degree of our involvement, it varies on a case-by-case basis. If the original team is better positioned to run the business than we are, we tend to delegate full authority to the local team while providing necessary support functions. If the local team ever needs us to dive in deeper, we are more than happy to engage in hands-on daily management. Overall, our level of engagement with acquired companies is tailored to the specific circumstances rather than following a one-size-fits-all rule. Leo, I hope we answered your question there.

Um, we do not have rigid criteria, uh, for m&a targets, however, looking at the Acquisitions, um, we have completed so far, they share several cam, common characteristics, and firstly, um, we must fully understand and recognize the value of the product, a team, and the business model and we must be confident that the group's resources can help.

Unlock greater potential and second, um, we need strong confidence in that, um, the the the target's ability to achieve a sustainable profitability.

And third, of course, the valuation must be, uh, reasonable.

Zhang Sichuan: In the interest of time, operator, let's just take one last question before we close the line. Thank you. Thank you. Your final question, it comes from Zui Qingjiang from CICC. Please go ahead. ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????MOMO???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? Thanks, management, for taking my question, and my question is about the profit margin and shareholder returns. Management previously mentioned that fastest growing overseas audio and video-based social business has a lower gross margin compared to domestic one. Additionally, Momo recently adjusted its revenue share ratio. So how should we view the overall gross margin going forward? Moreover, many of our overseas initiatives are still in the investment phase. So does it imply that your profit margin may further decline next year? And will this impact decisions regarding shareholder returns? Thank you. Okay. Let me try to answer the margin and profitability question first.

In the interest of time, operator, let's just take one last question before we close the line.

regarding post acquisition management and, uh, the degree of our involvement. It varies on a Case by case, uh, basis. If the original team is a better position to run the business than we are. And we tend to Delegate for authority to the local team while providing necessary, uh, support functions. And if the local team ever needs us to dive in deeper, uh, we are more than happy to engage in Hands-On daily management. So overall our level of Engagement uh with acquired companies is tailored to the specific circumstances, uh rather than following a uh, 1 size, fits all rule. So Leo, uh, I hope we answered your question that.

Operator: Thank you. Thank you. Your final question, it comes from Zui Qingjiang from CICC. Please go ahead.

Um, in the interest of time, operator, let's just take one last question before we, uh,

close the line.

Zui Qingjiang: ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????MOMO???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? Thanks, management, for taking my question, and my question is about the profit margin and shareholder returns. Management previously mentioned that fastest growing overseas audio and video-based social business has a lower gross margin compared to domestic one. Additionally, Momo recently adjusted its revenue share ratio. So how should we view the overall gross margin going forward? Moreover, many of our overseas initiatives are still in the investment phase. So does it imply that your profit margin may further decline next year? And will this impact decisions regarding shareholder returns? Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you. Your final question comes from Zoe King Jiang from CIC. Please go ahead.

For taking my question. And my question is about profit margin and shareholder returns and management of previous mentioned that fast is growing over this audio and video based social business has a lower growth margin compared to domestic 1. Uh additionally adjusted, its Revenue share ratio. Uh so how should we view the overall margin going forward? More

Zhang Sichuan: Okay. Let me try to answer the margin and profitability question first.

Than many of our, uh, overseas initiatives, uh, still in the investment phase. So, does it imply that your profit margin may further decline next year and this impact decisions regarding shareholder returns? I thank you.

Okay. Um,

Zhang Sichuan: First, it's still a little bit too early to be very prescriptive about 2026 margins. Our portfolio today is more diversified than in prior years, with products carrying very different margin profiles. But I can share a few directional points that should help frame expectations. Number one, on the domestic business, you are correct. Given what we saw in the second half of 2025, domestic gross margin will likely be down a couple of points. The exit rate is going to roll into 2026. On the operating expenses front, we do see room to further optimize so we can mitigate part of the pressure at the operating profit level. But with both revenue and gross margin trending lower, bottom line for domestic business will remain under downward pressure in 2026. Number two, for the overseas business, margins look different by product category.

First, it's still a little bit too early to be very prescriptive about 2026 margins. Our portfolio today is more diversified than in prior years, with products carrying very different margin profiles. But I can share a few directional points that should help frame expectations. Number one, on the domestic business, you are correct. Given what we saw in the second half of 2025, domestic gross margin will likely be down a couple of points. The exit rate is going to roll into 2026. On the operating expenses front, we do see room to further optimize so we can mitigate part of the pressure at the operating profit level. But with both revenue and gross margin trending lower, bottom line for domestic business will remain under downward pressure in 2026. Number two, for the overseas business, margins look different by product category.

Let me, uh, try to answer the, uh, margin and profitability question first.

uh, first it it's

Still a little bit too early to be very prescriptive about 2026 margins. Our portfolio today is more diversified than in prior years, with products carrying very different margin profiles, but I can share a few directional points that should help frame expectations.

5 domestic, gross margin will likely be down a couple of points. The exit rate is going to roll into 2026. On the operating expenses front, we do see room to further optimize so we can mitigate part of the pressure at the operating profit level.

But with both revenue and gross margin trending lower, the bottom line for the domestic business will remain under downward pressure. And, uh,

In 2026.

Zhang Sichuan: On a standalone basis, most overseas products are actually seeing stable or improving gross margins as they scale. The key factor is the mix. Social entertainment products carry lower margins due to payouts and revenue share arrangements, while the subscription and dating business carry significantly higher gross margins with no payout component. As these categories grow at different speeds, mix will be a bit hard to pin down at this point. Given these moving pieces, the most practical approach now is perhaps to anchor on the Q4 2025 exit level, which based on our guidance should be about 36% to 37% adjusted gross margin. Some forces push it upward. Some forces push it downward. We'll have clearer visibility after we complete our annual planning and can give you more specific color during our next earnings call.

On a standalone basis, most overseas products are actually seeing stable or improving gross margins as they scale. The key factor is the mix. Social entertainment products carry lower margins due to payouts and revenue share arrangements, while the subscription and dating business carry significantly higher gross margins with no payout component. As these categories grow at different speeds, mix will be a bit hard to pin down at this point. Given these moving pieces, the most practical approach now is perhaps to anchor on the Q4 2025 exit level, which based on our guidance should be about 36% to 37% adjusted gross margin. Some forces push it upward. Some forces push it downward. We'll have clearer visibility after we complete our annual planning and can give you more specific color during our next earnings call.

Uh, number 2 for the overseas business. Margins look, uh, different by product category, on a standalone basis. Most overseas products are actually seeing stable or improving gross margins as they scale. Um, the key factor is the mix. Social entertainment products carry lower margins due to payouts and revenue share arrangements, while the subscription and dating business carry significantly higher gross margins with no payout component.

As these categories grow at different speeds, the mix will be a bit hard to pin down at this point.

Uh, given these moving pieces, the most practical approach now, um, is perhaps to anchor on the Q4 2025 accident level, uh, which based on our guidance, should be about 36% to 37% adjusted gross margin. Uh, some forces, uh, push it upward. Uh, some forces, uh, push it downward. Uh, we'll have.

Zhang Sichuan: On the group-level profitability outlook, it's true that we remain in an investment phase for our overseas business, but investment does not mean we are loosening our discipline. We continue to apply very strict ROI filters, and we will not pursue top-line growth by sacrificing profitability. At this point, our expectation is that the overseas business will probably not be able to meaningfully offset the domestic profit pressure in 2026, but at the same time, it will not be a significant dragger on the group bottom line either. So overall, we do expect some compression in profitability next year, but largely from domestic business, not really overseas business. And finally, regarding dividends and shareholder return expectations, you're right that profitability for a particular year is a factor in determining our cash dividend, but it is not the only factor.

On the group-level profitability outlook, it's true that we remain in an investment phase for our overseas business, but investment does not mean we are loosening our discipline. We continue to apply very strict ROI filters, and we will not pursue top-line growth by sacrificing profitability. At this point, our expectation is that the overseas business will probably not be able to meaningfully offset the domestic profit pressure in 2026, but at the same time, it will not be a significant dragger on the group bottom line either. So overall, we do expect some compression in profitability next year, but largely from domestic business, not really overseas business. And finally, regarding dividends and shareholder return expectations, you're right that profitability for a particular year is a factor in determining our cash dividend, but it is not the only factor.

Clearer visibility after we complete our annual planning, and I can give you more specific color during our next earnings call.

Um, on the group-level profitability outlook, um, it's true that we remain in an investment phase.

For our overseas business, investment does not mean we are loosening our discipline. We continue to apply very strict Rari filters, and we will not pursue topline growth by sacrificing profitability at this point. Our expectation is that the overseas business will, um,

Well, probably not, uh, be able to meaningfully offset the domestic profit pressure in 2026, but at the same time, it will not be a significant drag on the group bottom line either. So, overall, we do expect some compression in profitability next year, um, but largely from domestic business, not really overseas business. And finally, regarding...

Uh, dividends, uh, and shareholder return expectations, profitability, for you're right. Uh,

that profitability for a particular year is,

Zhang Sichuan: Apart from that, we also evaluate some other stuff, such as potential M&A requirements and strategic cash needs. The other thing is liquidity and repatriation capability from our onshore entities to the holding company. Then there is also always going to be the balance between cash dividends versus share repurchases consideration. All of these elements would go into the board's decision-making process. We will provide more clarity after we finalize our annual plan. But the guiding principle remains unchanged: maintaining a disciplined, balanced capital return framework while ensuring that we have the resources to invest in long-term growth. I guess that wraps up today's call. I'm handing over to Ashley to close today's speech. Well, thank you, everyone, for joining us today. We'll see you next year, and happy holidays. Bye. Thank you. That does conclude our conference for today. Thank you for participating.

Apart from that, we also evaluate some other stuff, such as potential M&A requirements and strategic cash needs. The other thing is liquidity and repatriation capability from our onshore entities to the holding company. Then there is also always going to be the balance between cash dividends versus share repurchases consideration. All of these elements would go into the board's decision-making process. We will provide more clarity after we finalize our annual plan. But the guiding principle remains unchanged: maintaining a disciplined, balanced capital return framework while ensuring that we have the resources to invest in long-term growth. I guess that wraps up today's call. I'm handing over to Ashley to close today's speech.

A factor in determining our cash dividend, but it is not the only factor. Apart from that, we also evaluate some other stuff such as...

Potential M&A, requirements, and strategic cash needs.

Uh, the other thing is liquidity and, uh, repatriation capability from our Honore entities to the holding company. And then, uh, there is also, uh, you know, there's always going to be the balance between cash dividends versus, uh, share repurchases consideration. Um, all of these elements would go into the board's decision-making process. Uh, we will provide.

Ashley Jing: Well, thank you, everyone, for joining us today. We'll see you next year, and happy holidays. Bye.

Operator: Thank you. That does conclude our conference for today. Thank you for participating.

More clarity after we finalize our annual plan, uh, but the guiding principle remains unchanged, maintaining a disciplined balanced, Capital return framework, while ensuring that we have the resources to invest in long-term growth. Uh, I guess that wraps up today's call. I'm handing over to, uh, uh, actually to a close, um, today's uh, Speech. Well, thank you everyone for joining joining us today. Um, so we'll see you next year and happy holidays. Bye.

Zhang Sichuan: You may now disconnect.

You may now disconnect.

Thank you for participating. You may now disconnect.

Q3 2025 Hello Group Inc Earnings Call

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