DouYu Reports Unaudited Financial Results for Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2021

WUHAN, China, March 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- DouYu International Holdings Limited ("DouYu" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: DOYU), a leading game-centric live streaming platform in China and a pioneer in the eSports value chain, today announced its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and the full year ended December 31, 2021.

Fourth Quarter 2021 Financial and Operational Highlights

• Total net revenues in the fourth quarter of 2021 increased by 2.6% to RMB2,327.9 million (US$365.3 million) from RMB2,269.2 million in the same period of 2020.
• Gross profit in the fourth quarter of 2021 increased by 34.3% to RMB244.7 million (US$38.4 million), from RMB182.2 million in the same period of 2020.
• Net loss in the fourth quarter of 2021 was RMB193.2 million (US$30.3 million), compared with RMB228.7 million in the same period of 2020.
• Adjusted net loss[1] in the fourth quarter of 2021 was RMB112.0 million (US$17.6 million), compared with RMB176.9 million in the same period of 2020.
• Average mobile MAUs[2] in the fourth quarter of 2021 increased by 7.2% to 62.4 million from 58.2 million in the same period of 2020.
• Quarterly average paying user[3] count in the fourth quarter of 2021 was 7.3 million, compared with 7.6 million in the same period of 2020.

Full Year 2021 Financial Highlights

• Total net revenues for the full year of 2021 were RMB9,165.3 million (US$1,438.2 million), compared with RMB9,601.9 million in the same period of 2020.
• Gross profit for the full year of 2021 was RMB1,089.9 million (US$171.0 million), compared with RMB1,560.3 million in the same period of 2020.
• Net loss for the full year of 2021 was RMB620.2 million (US$97.3 million), compared with net income of RMB404.7 million in the same period of 2020.
• Adjusted net loss for the full year of 2021 was RMB400.6 million (US$62.9 million), compared with adjusted net income of RMB541.6 million in the same period of 2020.

Mr. Shaojie Chen, Chief Executive Officer of DouYu, commented, "2021 was a year full of challenges. Facing a complex macro environment, we continued to implement our core strategy to further develop our game-centric content ecosystem for a wide array of game genres, invest in our premium quality content, and further refine our game operations. During the fourth quarter, we continued to grow our core operating metrics, as mobile MAU increased by 7.2% year over year to 62.4 million. Going forward, we will leverage our innovative interactive operations, as well as rich content across various formats including livestreaming, videos, graphics, and communities, to continue exploring new growth initiatives as we build on our leading position in the gaming livestreaming industry."

Mr. Hao Cao, Vice President of DouYu, commented, "In the fourth quarter of 2021, our total revenues were RMB2.33 billion and our gross profit was RMB244.7 million. During the quarter, we continued to develop synergies across our various content formats including livestreaming, video, text, graphics, and social communities. We maintained our investment in research and development as well as our production capabilities to continue generating high-quality content. Looking ahead, we will remain proactive in exploring additional avenues for growth and monetization to deliver greater long-term returns for our shareholders."

Fourth Quarter 2021 Financial Results

Total net revenues in the fourth quarter of 2021 increased by 2.6% to RMB2,327.9 million (US$365.3 million) from RMB2,269.2 million in the same period of 2020.

Livestreaming revenues in the fourth quarter of 2021 increased by 6.7% to RMB2,209.4 million (US$346.7 million) from RMB2,070.7 million in the same period of 2020. The increase was primarily due to organic growth in average revenues per paying user which benefited from the Company's implementation of more effective operational strategies.

Advertising and other revenues in the fourth quarter of 2021 were RMB118.5 million (US$18.6 million), compared with RMB198.5 million in the same period of 2020. The decrease was primarily due to the continued exploration of new commercialization models by using a portion of advertising traffic that could have been directly monetized, as well as the challenging macro environment.

Cost of revenues in the fourth quarter of 2021 was RMB2,083.2 million (US$326.9 million), compared with RMB2,087.0 million in the same period of 2020.

Revenue sharing fees and content costs in the fourth quarter of 2021 decreased to RMB1,846.9 million (US$289.8 million) from RMB1,850.2 million in the same period of 2020. The decrease was primarily due to the decreased cost of broadcasting rights. Such decrease was partially offset by the increase in revenue sharing fees which is in line with the Company's increased livestreaming revenues.

Bandwidth costs in the fourth quarter of 2021 decreased by 1.7% to RMB167.9 million (US$26.3 million) from RMB170.7 million in the same period of 2020. The decrease was mainly due to lower bandwidth costs per unit as a result of improved procurement efficiency.

Gross profit in the fourth quarter of 2021 increased by 34.3% to RMB244.7 million (US$38.4 million) from RMB182.2 million in the same period of 2020. The increase was primarily due to higher revenues generated during the quarter.

Sales and marketing expenses in the fourth quarter of 2021 increased 34.3% to RMB229.2 million (US$36.0 million) from RMB170.7 million in the same period of 2020. The increase was mainly attributable to the increased cost of promotional channels for user acquisition.

Research and development expenses in the fourth quarter of 2021 increased 11.5% to RMB132.6 million (US$20.8 million) from RMB118.9 million in the same period of 2020. The increase was primarily attributable to increased technical staff costs as the Company continues to invest in product upgrades to support its game-centric content strategy.

General and administrative expenses in the fourth quarter of 2021 decreased 16.1% to RMB98.8 million (US$15.5 million) from RMB117.7 million in the same period of 2020, mainly due to decreased professional service fees.

Other operating income, net in the fourth quarter of 2021 was RMB13.9 million (US$2.2 million), compared with other operating loss of RMB7.3 million in the same period of 2020.

Loss from operations in the fourth quarter of 2021 was RMB201.9 million (US$31.7 million), compared with RMB232.4 million in the same period of 2020.

Adjusted loss from operations in the fourth quarter of 2021, which adds back share-based compensation expenses, was RMB168.7 million (US$26.5 million), compared with RMB199.1 million in the same period of 2020.

Income tax expenses in the fourth quarter of 2021 and 2020 were nil due to the Company's cumulative net losses and the resulting tax loss carry forward.

Net loss in the fourth quarter of 2021 was RMB193.2 million (US$30.3 million), compared with RMB228.7 million in the same period of 2020.

Adjusted net loss in the fourth quarter of 2021, which excludes share-based compensation expenses, share of income in equity method investments, impairment loss of investments, and expenses in connection with settlement of class action lawsuits, was RMB112.0 million (US$17.6 million), compared with RMB176.9 million in the same period of 2020.

Basic and diluted net loss per ADS[4] in the fourth quarter of 2021 were RMB0.53 (US$0.08) and RMB0.53 (US$0.08), respectively. Adjusted basic and diluted net loss per ADS in the fourth quarter of 2021 were RMB0.29 (US$0.05) and RMB0.29 (US$0.05), respectively.

Full Year 2021 Financial Results

Total net revenues for the full year of 2021 were RMB9,165.3 million (US$1,438.2 million), compared with RMB9,601.9 million in the same period of 2020. The decrease was primarily driven by the year-over-year decrease in livestreaming revenues and advertising and other revenues.

Gross profit for the full year of 2021 was RMB1,089.9 million (US$171.0 million), compared with RMB1,560.3 million in the same period of 2020.

Loss from operations for the full year of 2021 was RMB648.7 million (US$101.8 million), compared with income from operations of RMB262.1 million in the same period of 2020.

Adjusted operating loss for the full year of 2021, which adds back share-based compensation expenses, was RMB516.5 million (US$81.1 million), compared with adjusted operating income of RMB404.2 million in the same period of 2020.

Net loss for the full year of 2021 was RMB620.2 million (US$97.3 million), compared with net income of RMB404.7 million in the same period of 2020.

Adjusted net loss for the full year of 2021, which excludes share-based compensation expenses, share of loss (income) in equity method investments, impairment loss of investments, and settlement of class action lawsuits, was RMB400.6 million (US$62.9 million), compared with adjusted net income of RMB541.6 million in the same period of 2020.

Basic and diluted net loss per ADS for the full year of 2021 were RMB1.55 (US$0.24) and RMB1.55 (US$0.24), respectively. Adjusted basic and diluted net loss per ADS in the full year of 2021 were RMB0.88(US$0.14) and RMB0.88(US$0.14), respectively.

Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and bank deposits

As of December 31, 2021, the Company had cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, short-term and long-term bank deposits of RMB6,643 million (US$1,043 million), compared with RMB7,622 million as of December 31, 2020.

Share Repurchase Program

On August 30, 2021, the Company announced that its board of directors had authorized a share repurchase program under which the Company may repurchase up to US$100 million of its ordinary shares in the form of ADSs during a period of up to 12 months commencing on August 30, 2021. The Company expects to utilize existing funds to make repurchases under this program. As of December 31, 2021, the Company had repurchased an aggregate of US$16.7 million (RMB107 million) worth of its ADSs under this program.

Conference Call Information

The Company will hold a conference call on Wednesday, March 16, 2022, at 7:00 am Eastern Time (or 7:00 pm Beijing Time on the same day) to discuss the financial results. Listeners may access the call by dialing the following numbers:

International: 1-412-317-6061
United States Toll Free: 1-888-317-6003
Mainland China Toll Free: 4001-206115
Hong Kong Toll Free: 800-963976
Singapore Toll Free: 800-120-5863
Conference ID: 0616391

The replay will be accessible through March 23, 2022, by dialing the following numbers:

International: 1-412-317-0088
United States Toll Free: 1-877-344-7529
Conference ID: 6855969

A live and archived webcast of the conference call will also be available at the Company's investor relations website at http://ir.douyu.com/.

About DouYu International Holdings Limited

Headquartered in Wuhan, China, DouYu International Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: DOYU) is a leading game-centric live streaming platform in China and a pioneer in the eSports value chain. DouYu operates its platform on both PC and mobile apps, through which users can enjoy immersive and interactive games and entertainment live streaming. DouYu's platform brings together a deep pool of top live streamers. By providing a sustainable streamer development system built on advanced technology infrastructure and capabilities, DouYu helps ensure a consistent supply of quality content. Through collaborations with a variety of participants across the eSports value chain, the Company has gained coveted access to a wide variety of premium eSports content, which further attracts viewers and enhances user experience. For more information, please see http://ir.douyu.com/.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Adjusted operating income (loss) is calculated as operating income (loss) adjusted for share-based compensation expenses. Adjusted net income (loss) is calculated as net income (loss) adjusted for share-based compensation expenses, share of income (loss) in equity method investments, gain on disposal of investment or subsidiaries and impairment loss on investments and expenses in connection with settlement of class action lawsuits. Adjusted net income (loss) attributable to DouYu is calculated as net income (loss) attributable to DouYu adjusted for share-based compensation expenses, share of income (loss) in equity method investments, gain on disposal of investment or subsidiaries, impairment loss of investments and expenses in connection with settlement of class action lawsuits. Adjusted basic and diluted net income per ordinary share is non-GAAP net income attributable to ordinary shareholders divided by weighted average number of ordinary shares used in the calculation of non-GAAP basic and diluted net income per ordinary share. The Company adjusted the impact of (i) share-based compensation expenses, (ii) share of income (loss) in equity method investments, (iii) gain on disposal of investment or subsidiaries, (iv) impairment loss of investments to understand and evaluate the Company's core operating performance and (v) expenses in connection with settlement of class action lawsuits. The non-GAAP financial measures are presented to enhance investors' overall understanding of the Company's financial performance and should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Investors are encouraged to review the reconciliation of the historical non-GAAP financial measures to its most directly comparable GAAP financial measures. As non-GAAP financial measures have material limitations as analytical metrics and may not be calculated in the same manner by all companies, they may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures used by other companies. In light of the foregoing limitations, you should not consider non-GAAP financial measures as a substitute for, or superior to, such metrics in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

For more information on these non-GAAP financial measures, please see the table captioned "Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Results" near the end of this release.

Exchange Rate Information

This announcement contains translations of certain RMB amounts into U.S. dollars at a specified rate solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from RMB to U.S. dollars are made at a rate of RMB6.3726 to US$1.00, the noon buying rate in effect on December 31, 2021, in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board. The Company makes no representation that the RMB amounts could have been, or could be, converted, realized or settled in U.S. dollars at that rate on December 31, 2021, or at any other rate.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: the Company's results of operations and financial condition; the Company's business strategies; general market conditions, in particular the game live streaming market; the ability of the Company to retain and grow active and paying users; changes in general economic and business conditions in China; the impact of the COVID-19 to the Company's business operations and the economy in China and globally; any adverse changes in laws, regulations, rules, policies or guidelines applicable to the Company; and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "target," "aim," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "potential," "continue," "is/are likely to" or other similar expressions. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company's filings with the Securities Exchange Commission. The announced results of the fourth quarter and full year 2021 are preliminary and subject to audit adjustments. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

Investor Relations Contact

Lingling Kong
DouYu International Holdings Limited
Email: ir@douyu.tv
Phone: +1 (646) 224-6934

Robin Yang
ICR, LLC
Email: DouYu.IR@icrinc.com
Phone: +1 (646) 224-6934

Media Relations Contact

Lingling Kong
DouYu International Holdings Limited
Email: pr_douyu@douyu.tv
Phone: +1 (646) 308-1475

Edmond Lococo
ICR, LLC
Email: DouYu.PR@icrinc.com
Phone: +1 (646) 308-1475

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SOURCE DouYu International Holdings Limited