HONG KONG, Aug. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Tencent Holdings Limited (“Tencent” or the “Company”, 00700.HK), a leading provider of Internet value-added services in China, today announced the unaudited consolidated results for the second quarter (“2Q2023”) and first half year of 2023 (“1H2023”) ended June 30, 2023.
2Q2023 Key Highlights
Revenues: +11% YoY, non-IFRS[1] profit attributable to equity holders of the Company: +33% YoY
Total revenues were RMB149.2 billion (USD20.6 billion[2]), an increase of 11% over the second quarter of 2022 (“YoY”). On a non-IFRS basis, which is intended to reflect core earnings by excluding certain one-time and/or non-cash items:
– Operating profit was RMB50.1 billion (USD6.9 billion), an increase of 37% YoY. Operating margin increased to 34% from 27% last year.
– Profit for the period was RMB38.6 billion (USD5.3 billion), an increase of 33% YoY. Net margin increased to 26% from 22% last year.
– Profit attributable to equity holders of the Company for the quarter was RMB37.5 billion (USD5.2 billion), an increase of 33% YoY.
– Basic earnings per share were RMB3.962. Diluted earnings per share were RMB3.875. On an IFRS basis:
– Operating profit was RMB40.3 billion (USD5.6 billion), an increase of 34% YoY. Operating margin increased to 27% from 22% last year.
– Profit for the period was RMB27.0 billion (USD3.7 billion), an increase of 41% YoY. Net margin increased to 18% from 14% last year.
– Profit attributable to equity holders of the Company for the quarter was RMB26.2 billion (USD3.6 billion), an increase of 41% YoY.
– Basic earnings per share were RMB2.761. Diluted earnings per share were RMB2.695.
1H2023 Key Highlights
Revenues: +11% YoY, non-IFRS profit attributable to equity holders of the Company: +31% YoY
Total revenues were RMB299.2 billion (USD41.4 billion), an increase of 11% over the first half year of 2022 (“YoY”). On a non-IFRS basis, which is intended to reflect core earnings by excluding certain one-time and/or non-cash items:
– Operating profit was RMB98.5 billion (USD13.6 billion), an increase of 35% YoY. Operating margin increased to 33% from 27% last year.
– Profit for the Period was RMB72.1 billion (USD10 billion), an increase of 30% YoY. Net margin increased to 24% from 21% last year.
– Profit attributable to equity holders of the Company for the year was RMB70.1 billion (USD9.7 billion), an increase of 31% YoY.
– Basic earnings per share were RMB7.393. Diluted earnings per share were RMB7.236. On an IFRS basis:
– Operating profit was RMB80.7 billion (USD11.2 billion), an increase of 20% YoY. Operating margin increased to 27% from 25% last year.
– Profit for the period was RMB53.4 billion (USD7.4 billion), an increase of 24% YoY. Net margin increased to 18% from 16% last year.
– Profit attributable to equity holders of the Company for the period was RMB52.0 billion (USD7.2 billion), an increase of 24% YoY.
– Basic earnings per share were RMB5.486. Diluted earnings per share were RMB5.334. Total cash were RMB371.8 billion (USD51.5 billion) at the end of the period.
Mr. Ma Huateng, Chairman and CEO of Tencent, said, “During the second quarter of 2023, we sustained a solid revenue growth rate, along with a gravitation toward high quality revenue streams with better margins. This transition, combined with careful cost discipline developed in the previous year, resulted in profit growth exceeding revenue growth. We achieved notably rapid growth in advertising business, benefitting from deploying machine learning on our advertising platform and from Video Accounts monetisation. We will continue to drive innovation, including through generative AI, where we are providing a library of models to our partners via our Tencent Cloud Model-as-a-Service (MaaS) offering, as well as refining our proprietary foundation model.”
[1] Non-IFRS adjustments excludes share-based compensation, M&A related impact such as net (gains)/losses from investee companies, amortisation of intangible assets and impairment provision/(reversals), SSV & CPP, income tax effects and others
[2] Figures stated in USD are based on USD1 to RMB7.2258
2Q2023 Financial Review
Revenues from VAS increased by 4% to RMB74.2 billion for the second quarter of 2023 on a year-on-year basis. International Games revenues increased by 19% to RMB12.7 billion, or up 12% excluding the impact of currency movements, supported by contributions from VALORANT, Triple Match 3D and Goddess of Victory: NIKKE. Domestic Games revenues were stable at RMB31.8 billion, as we released less-commercial content in our biggest games following a strong first quarter, while revenues from emerging competitive eSports titles such as Arena Breakout and Fight of the Golden Spatula increased year-on-year. Social Networks revenues increased by 2% to RMB29.7 billion, driven by increased revenues from mini games and music subscription services, partly offset by decreased revenues from our music- and games-related live streaming services.
Revenues from Online Advertising increased by 34% year-on-year to RMB25 billion for the second quarter of 2023, reflecting robust demand for Video Accounts advertisements and ongoing improvements in machine learning on our advertising platform, as well as a low base effect from the second quarter of 2022. Video Accounts’ advertising revenue exceeded RMB3 billion for the second quarter of 2023.
Revenues from FinTech and Business Services increased by 15% year-on-year to RMB48.6 billion for the second quarter of 2023. FinTech Services revenue achieved double-digit year-on-year growth, supported by expansion in both offline and online commercial payment activities. Business Services revenue improved to a low double-digit year-on-year growth rate, driven by fees generated from Video Accounts live streaming eCommerce transactions and modest growth in cloud services.
Other Key Financial Information for 2Q2023
EBITDA was RMB51.9 billion, up 34% YoY. Adjusted EBITDA was RMB56.8 billion, up 27% YoY.
Capital expenditures were RMB4.0 billion, up 31% YoY.
Free cash flow was RMB29.9 billion, up 34% YoY.
As at Jun 30, 2023, net cash position totalled RMB17.7 billion. Fair value of our shareholdings[3] in listed investee companies (excluding subsidiaries) totalled RMB435.4 billion (USD60.3 billion) and the carrying value of our unlisted investments was RMB347.0 billion (USD48.0 billion). During the second quarter, the Company repurchased approximately 35.9 million shares on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange for an aggregate consideration of approximately RMB11.2 billion.
Operating Metrics
As at
30 June
2023
As at
30 June
2022
Year-
on-year
change
As at
31 March
2023
Quarter-on-
quarter
change
(in millions, unless specified)
Combined MAU of Weixin
and WeChat
1,327
1,299
2 %
1,319
1 %
Mobile device MAU of QQ
571
569
0.4 %
597
-4 %
Fee-based VAS registered
subscriptions
241
235
3 %
226
7 %
Business Review and Outlook
Communications and Social Networks
Weixin user engagement increased healthily, benefitting from user time spent growth across Video Accounts, Mini Programs and Moments. Video Accounts total user time spent almost doubled year-on-year. Mini Programs exceeded 1.1 billion MAU, including a notable contribution from Mini Games, which represent the leading casual games platform in China, and which generate distribution and advertising revenues with high margins and platform economics.
Digital Content
Tencent Video subscriptions decreased 5% year-on-year but grew 2% quarter-on-quarter to 115 million, benefitting from our original animated series and drama series. Our music subscriptions reached 100 million in June 2023, as TME enriched offerings in terms of membership privileges and content.
Domestic Games
Our mobile and PC games’ MAU and DAU each increased year-on-year, and three of our new game launches from the past two years ranked among the top 10 mobile games by total time spent during the quarter[4]. Our evergreen titles also demonstrated vitality, such as Naruto Mobile and DnF. We have recently launched two big PC games in China, VALORANT and Lost Ark. While our Domestic Games revenue was flat year-on-year in the second quarter due to releasing less highly commercial content, we believe this was a temporary phenomenon, and that our Domestic Games revenue should resume year-on-year growth in the third quarter of 2023.
International Games
During the quarter, we saw ongoing revenue growth from PC games, such as VALORANT; signs that the post-pandemic dip in activity is moving behind us in mobile games, notably PUBG MOBILE; and positive contributions from recently released games, including Goddess of Victory: NIKKE.
Online Advertising
We outpaced the overall industry’s growth rate, which we attribute to enhancements to machine learning systems powering our advertising platform and robust demand for Video Accounts advertisements. Advertising spending on our platforms grew at a double-digit year-on-year rate from every major advertiser category, except transportation.
FinTech Services
Our commercial payment revenue increased as consumption spending grew, and our wealth management business expanded its users and aggregated customer assets. On the regulatory front, we have completed self-inspection and corresponding rectification for Tenpay, and upgraded the operational compliance capability of our payment business. We look forward to progressing our business and providing innovative services under the supportive regulatory framework.
Cloud and Other Business Services
We launched the Tencent Cloud MaaS library of models and solutions, leveraging our proprietary vector database and high-performance computing clusters. Our MaaS solutions enable enterprises in industries such as tourism and public services to develop customised large models at higher efficiency and lower cost.
For other detailed disclosure, please refer to our website https://www.tencent.com/en-us/investors.htmlhttp://www.tencent.com/ir, or follow us via Weixin Official Account (Weixin ID: Tencent_IR).
[3] Including those held via special purpose vehicles, on an attributable basis
[4] Source: by total time spent in 2Q2023, according to QuestMobile
About Tencent
Tencent uses technology to enrich the lives of Internet users.
Our communication and social services, Weixin and QQ, connect users with each other and with digital content and services, both online and offline, making their lives more convenient. Our targeted advertising service helps advertisers reach out to hundreds of millions of consumers in China. Our FinTech and business services support our partners’ business growth and assist their digital upgrade.
Tencent invests heavily in talent and technological innovation, actively promoting the development of the Internet industry. Tencent was founded in Shenzhen, China, in 1998. Shares of Tencent (00700.HK) are listed on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong.
Investor contact: [email protected]
Media contact: [email protected]
Non-IFRS Financial Measures
To supplement the consolidated results of the Group prepared in accordance with IFRS, certain additional non-IFRS financial measures (in terms of operating profit, operating margin, profit for the period, net margin, profit attributable to equity holders of the Company, basic EPS and diluted EPS), have been presented in this press release. These unaudited non-IFRS financial measures should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, measures of the Group’s financial performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. In addition, these non-IFRS financial measures may be defined differently from similar terms used by other companies.
The Company’s management believes that the non-IFRS financial measures provide investors with useful supplementary information to assess the performance of the Group’s core operations by excluding certain non-cash items and certain impact of investment-related transactions. In addition, non-IFRS adjustments include relevant non-IFRS adjustments for the Group’s major associates based on available published financials of the relevant major associates, or estimates made by the Company’s management based on available information, certain expectations, assumptions and premises.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements relating to the business outlook, estimates of financial performance, forecast business plans and growth strategies of the Company. These forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to the Company and are stated herein on the basis of the outlook at the time of this press release. They are based on certain expectations, assumptions and premises, some of which are subjective or beyond our control. These forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect and may not be realised in the future. Underlying these forward-looking statements are a lot of risks and uncertainties. In light of the risks and uncertainties, the inclusion of forward-looking statements in this press release should not be regarded as representations by the Board or the Company that the plans and objectives will be achieved, and investors should not place undue reliance on such statements.
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
RMB in millions, unless specified
Unaudited
Unaudited
2Q2023
2Q2022
2Q2023
1Q2023
Revenues
149,208
134,034
149,208
149,986
VAS
74,211
71,683
74,211
79,337
Online Advertising
25,003
18,638
25,003
20,964
FinTech and Business Services
48,635
42,208
48,635
48,701
Others
1,359
1,505
1,359
984
Cost of revenues
(78,368)
(76,167)
(78,368)
(81,804)
Gross profit
70,840
57,867
70,840
68,182
Gross margin
47 %
43 %
47 %
45 %
Interest income
3,419
1,945
3,419
2,963
Other gains/(losses), net
(230)
4,420
(230)
944
Selling and marketing expenses
(8,310)
(7,932)
(8,310)
(7,018)
General and administrative expenses
(25,419)
(26,233)
(25,419)
(24,642)
Operating profit
40,300
30,067
40,300
40,429
Operating margin
27 %
22 %
27 %
27 %
Finance costs, net
(3,291)
(1,809)
(3,291)
(2,650)
Share of profit/(loss) of associates and
joint ventures, net
1,159
(4,460)
1,159
80
Profit before income tax
38,168
23,798
38,168
37,859
Income tax expense
(11,145)
(4,568)
(11,145)
(11,465)
Profit for the period
27,023
19,230
27,023
26,394
Net margin
18 %
14 %
18 %
18 %
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the Company
26,171
18,619
26,171
25,838
Non-controlling interests
852
611
852
556
Non-IFRS profit attributable to equity
holders of the Company
37,548
28,139
37,548
32,538
Earnings per share for profit
attributable to equity holders of
the Company
(in RMB per share)
– basic
2.761
1.951
2.761
2.725
– diluted
2.695
1.915
2.695
2.639
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
RMB in millions, unless specified
Unaudited
2Q2023
2Q2022
Profit for the period
27,023
19,230
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Items that may be subsequently reclassified to profit or loss
Share of other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures
424
292
Transfer of share of other comprehensive income to profit or loss upon disposal
and deemed disposal of associates and joint ventures
(23)
(14)
Transfer to profit or loss upon disposal of financial assets at fair value through
other comprehensive income
(3)
2
Net gains/(losses) from changes in fair value of financial assets at fair value
through other comprehensive income
17
(8)
Currency translation differences
17,560
6,989
Other fair value gains, net
31
865
Items that will not be subsequently reclassified to profit or loss
Share of other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures
(743)
(379)
Net losses from changes in fair value of financial assets at fair value
through other comprehensive income
(20,673)
(61,581)
Currency translation differences
2,742
2,219
(668)
(51,615)
Total comprehensive income for the period
26,355
(32,385)
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the Company
24,416
(32,083)
Non-controlling interests
1,939
(302)
OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION
RMB in millions, unless specified
Unaudited
2Q2023
1Q2023
2Q2022
EBITDA (a)
51,918
52,656
38,628
Adjusted EBITDA (a)
56,848
57,811
44,668
Adjusted EBITDA margin (b)
38 %
39 %
33 %
Interest and related expenses
3,009
2,800
2,327
Net cash/(debt)/ (c)
17,717
31,508
(20,429)
Capital expenditures (d)
3,953
4,411
3,015
Note:
(a) EBITDA is calculated as operating profit minus interest income and other gains/(losses), net, and adding back depreciation of property, plant and equipment,
investment properties as well as right-of-use assets, and amortisation of intangible assets and land use rights. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as EBITDA
plus equity-settled share-based compensation expenses.
(b) Adjusted EBITDA margin is calculated by dividing Adjusted EBITDA by revenues.
(c) Net cash/(debt) represents period end balance and is calculated as cash and cash equivalents, plus term deposits and others, minus borrowings and
notes payable.
(d) Capital expenditures consist of additions (excluding business combinations) to property, plant and equipment, construction in progress, investment
properties, land use rights and intangible assets (excluding video and music content, game licences and other content).
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
RMB in millions, unless specified
Unaudited
Audited
As at
June 30, 2023
As at
December 31, 2022
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment
48,530
53,978
Land use rights
17,775
18,046
Right-of-use assets
20,592
22,524
Construction in progress
13,260
9,229
Investment properties
567
559
Intangible assets
171,952
161,802
Investments in associates
246,101
246,043
Investments in joint ventures
8,106
6,672
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
216,603
206,085
Financial assets at fair value through other
comprehensive income
213,089
185,247
Prepayments, deposits and other assets
28,351
36,752
Other financial assets
7,222
6,987
Deferred income tax assets
29,627
29,882
Term deposits
25,319
28,336
1,047,094
1,012,142
Current assets
Inventories
2,155
2,333
Accounts receivable
46,172
45,467
Prepayments, deposits and other assets
89,777
76,685
Other financial assets
1,855
1,278
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
29,798
27,963
Term deposits
176,427
104,776
Restricted cash
4,578
2,783
Cash and cash equivalents
139,647
156,739
Assets held for distribution
–
147,965
490,409
565,989
Total assets
1,537,503
1,578,131
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION (continued)
RMB in millions, unless specified
Unaudited
Audited
As at
June 30, 2023
As at
December 31, 2022
EQUITY
Equity attributable to equity holders of the Company
Share capital
–
–
Share premium
56,611
62,418
Treasury shares
(2,224)
(1,868)
Shares held for share award schemes
(4,497)
(4,226)
Other reserves
(22,850)
(40,914)
Retained earnings
751,256
705,981
778,296
721,391
Non-controlling interests
62,520
61,469
Total equity
840,816
782,860
LIABILITIES
Non-current liabilities
Borrowings
154,079
163,668
Notes payable
139,840
148,669
Long-term payables
13,668
9,067
Other financial liabilities
5,095
5,574
Deferred income tax liabilities
14,369
12,162
Lease liabilities
17,452
18,424
Deferred revenue
3,320
3,503
347,823
361,067
Current liabilities
Accounts payable
100,103
92,381
Other payables and accruals
66,382
61,139
Borrowings
45,754
11,580
Notes payable
14,442
10,446
Current income tax liabilities
14,070
13,488
Other tax liabilities
4,300
4,698
Other financial liabilities
4,478
3,937
Lease liabilities
6,010
6,354
Deferred revenue
93,325
82,216
Dividends payable for distribution in specie
–
147,965
348,864
434,204
Total liabilities
696,687
795,271
Total equity and liabilities
1,537,503
1,578,131
RECONCILIATIONS OF IFRS TO NON-IFRS RESULTS
As
reported
Adjustments
Non-IFRS
RMB in millions,
unless specified
Share-based
compensation
(a)
Net (gains)/losses
from investee
companies (b)
Amortisation of
intangible assets
(c)
Impairment
provisions/
(reversals) (d)
SSV &
CPP (e)
Others (f)
Income
tax effects
(g)
Unaudited three months ended June 30, 2023
Operating profit
40,300
5,551
(206)
1,023
82
369
3,003
–
50,122
Profit for the period
27,023
6,859
(287)
2,372
210
369
3,002
(929)
38,619
Profit attributable to
equity holders
26,171
6,661
(162)
2,187
193
369
3,002
(873)
37,548
Operating margin
27 %
34 %
Net margin
18 %
26 %
Unaudited three months ended March 31, 2023
Operating profit
40,429
5,844
(658)
998
241
1,526
9
–
48,389
Profit for the period
26,394
7,313
(5,224)
2,271
1,862
1,526
9
(706)
33,445
Profit attributable to
equity holders
25,838
7,094
(5,224)
2,098
1,852
1,526
9
(655)
32,538
Operating margin
27 %
32 %
Net margin
18 %
22 %
Unaudited three months ended June 30, 2022
Operating profit
30,067
6,507
(5,539)
1,255
2,831
1,370
176
–
36,667
Profit for the period
19,230
8,439
(6,085)
2,989
3,189
1,370
176
(321)
28,987
Profit attributable to
equity holders
18,619
8,257
(5,968)
2,767
3,189
1,370
176
(271)
28,139
Operating margin
22 %
27 %
Net margin
14 %
22 %
Note:
(a) Including put options granted to employees of investee companies on their shares and shares to be issued under investee companies’ share-based incentive plans which can be acquired by the Group, and other incentives
(b) Including net (gains)/losses on deemed disposals/disposals of investee companies, fair value changes arising from investee companies, and other expenses in relation to equity transactions of investee companies
(c) Amortisation of intangible assets resulting from acquisitions
(d) Mainly including impairment provisions/(reversals) for associates, joint ventures, goodwill and other intangible assets arising from acquisitions
(e) Mainly including donations and expenses incurred for the Group’s Sustainable Social Value and Common Prosperity Programme (“SSV & CPP”) initiatives
(f) Primarily non-recurring compliance-related costs (including the fine imposed by the PBOC on Tenpay which was disclosed in our announcement dated 7 July 2023) and expenses incurred for certain litigation settlements of the Group
(g) Income tax effects of non-IFRS adjustments