Weibo Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2018 Unaudited Financial Results
BEIJING, March 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Weibo Corporation ("Weibo" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: WB), a leading social media in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.
"We closed the year 2018 with a solid quarter," said Gaofei Wang, CEO of Weibo. "Weibo continued to expand user base and enhance user engagement amid fierce industry competition, with MAUs adding approximately 70 million during the year and reaching 462 million in December, and average DAUs crossing the 200 million mark," said Mr. Wang. "Heading into 2019, Weibo will continue to invest in platform development in multi-dimension, reinforce social content ecosystem to empower content creators, and capture higher wallet share in digital advertising budget as well as diversify monetization opportunities in the long run," Mr. Wang concluded.
Fourth Quarter 2018 Highlights
-- Net revenues were $481.9 million, an increase of 28% year-over-year. -- Advertising and marketing revenues were $417.0 million, an increase of 25% year-over-year. -- Value-added service ("VAS") revenues were $64.9 million, an increase of 44% year-over-year. -- Net income attributable to Weibo was $166.5 million, an increase of 27% year-over-year, and diluted net income per share was $0.73, compared to $0.58 for the same period last year. -- Non-GAAP net income attributable to Weibo was $183.6 million, an increase of 26% year-over-year, and non-GAAP diluted net income per share was $0.80, compared to $0.64 for the same period last year. -- Monthly active users ("MAUs") were 462 million in December 2018, a net addition of approximately 70 million users on year over year basis. Mobile MAUs represented 93% of MAUs. -- Average daily active users ("DAUs") were 200 million in December 2018, a net addition of approximately 28 million users on year over year basis.
Fiscal Year 2018 Highlights
-- Net revenues totaled $1.72 billion, an increase of 49% year-over-year. -- Advertising and marketing revenues were $1.50 billion, an increase of 50% year-over-year. -- VAS revenues were $219.3 million, an increase of 43% year-over-year. -- Net income attributable to Weibo was $571.8 million, an increase of 62% year-over-year, representing a net margin of 33%, compared to 31% in 2017. Diluted net income per share was $2.52, compared to $1.56 in 2017. -- Non-GAAP net income attributable to Weibo was $624.2 million, an increase of 54% year-over-year, representing a non-GAAP net margin of 36%, compared to 35% in 2017. Non-GAAP diluted net income per share was $2.73, compared to $1.80 in 2017.
Fourth Quarter 2018 Financial Results
For the fourth quarter of 2018, Weibo's total net revenues were $481.9 million, an increase of 28% compared to $377.4 million for the same period last year.
Advertising and marketing revenues for the fourth quarter of 2018 were $417.0 million, an increase of 25% compared to $332.3 million for the same period last year, primarily driven by an increase of $91.5 million, or 31% growth in advertising and marketing revenues from small & medium-sized enterprises ("SMEs") and key accounts.
VAS revenues for the fourth quarter of 2018 were $64.9 million, an increase of 44% year-over-year compared to $45.1 million for the same period last year, mainly attributable to the incremental revenues from the newly acquired live broadcasting business in the fourth quarter 2018.
Costs and expenses for the fourth quarter of 2018 totaled $298.8 million, compared to $232.2 million for the same period last year. Other than the inclusion of marketing expenses related to barter transactions under the new revenue guidance as illustrated below, the increase in costs and expenses was primarily due to the incremental costs of revenue share incurred by the newly acquired live broadcasting business as well as the increase in personnel related costs and expenses. Non-GAAP costs and expenses were $295.5 million, compared to $220.0 million for the same period last year.
Income from operations for the fourth quarter of 2018 was $183.0 million, compared to $145.3 million for the same period last year. Non-GAAP income from operations was $186.4 million, compared to $157.5 million for the same period last year.
Non-operating loss for the fourth quarter of 2018 was $1.9 million, compared to a non-operating income of $1.7 million for the same period last year, mainly resulted from the impairment on investments of $12.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2018.
Income tax expenses were $14.9 million, compared to $17.0 million for the same period last year.
Net income attributable to Weibo for the fourth quarter of 2018 was $166.5 million, compared to $131.0 million for the same period last year. Diluted net income per share attributable to Weibo for the fourth quarter of 2018 was $0.73, compared to $0.58 for the same period last year. Non-GAAP net income attributable to Weibo for the fourth quarter of 2018 was $183.6 million, compared to $146.0 million for the same period last year. Non-GAAP diluted net income per share attributable to Weibo for the fourth quarter of 2018 was $0.80, compared to $0.64 for the same period last year.
As of December 31, 2018, Weibo's cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments totaled $1.83 billion. For the fourth quarter of 2018, cash provided by operating activities was $164.0 million, capital expenditures totaled $10.4 million, and depreciation and amortization expenses amounted to $5.8 million.
Fiscal Year 2018 Financial Results
For fiscal year 2018, Weibo's total net revenues were $1.72 billion, an increase of 49% compared to $1.15 billion in 2017.
Advertising and marketing revenues for 2018 were $1.50 billion, an increase of 50% compared to $996.7 million in 2017. Advertising and marketing revenues from SMEs and key accounts were $1.38 billion, an increase of 51% compared to $912.1 million for 2017, while advertising and marketing revenues from Alibaba was $117.7 million, compared to $84.7 million for 2017.
VAS revenues for 2018 were $219.3 million, an increase of 43% compared to $153.3 million for 2017. The increase was mainly attributable to the growth in membership revenues and revenues from the live broadcasting business.
Costs and expenses for 2018 totaled $1.11 billion, compared to $742.5 million for 2017. Other than the inclusion of marketing expense related to barter transactions under the new revenue guidance as illustrated below, the increase in costs and expenses was primarily resulted from the increase of sales and marketing expenses for user acquisition and channel investment, as well as the increase in personnel related costs and expenses. Non-GAAP costs and expenses were $1.06 billion, compared to $693.8 million for 2017.
Income from operations for 2018 was $609.3 million, compared to $407.6 million for 2017. Non-GAAP income from operations was $662.2 million, compared to $456.2 million for 2017.
Non-operating income for 2018 was $59.6 million, compared to $9.6 million in 2017, mainly resulted from the increase in interest income and fair value change of investments.
Income tax expenses were $96.2 million, compared to $66.7 million for the same period last year. The increase was mainly attributable to higher profits generated in the fiscal year 2018.
Net income attributable to Weibo for 2018 was $571.8 million, compared to $352.6 million in 2017. Diluted net income per share attributable to Weibo for 2018 was $2.52, compared to $1.56 in 2017. Non-GAAP net income attributable to Weibo for 2018 was $624.2 million, compared to $405.7 million in 2017. Non-GAAP diluted net income per share attributable to Weibo for 2018 was $2.73, compared to $1.80 in 2017.
Financial Impact from New Revenue Guidance
As the Company adopted new revenue guidance ASC Topic 606 on January 1, 2018, results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under Topic 606 ('New Basis'), while results for prior periods are not adjusted and continue to be reported under Topic 605 ('Old Basis'), the Company's historic accounting method.
The Company's current period reported results which reflected the impact from the adoption of the new revenue guidance are as follows:
Three months ended December 31, 2018 Adjustments Old Basis VAT Barter New Basis ASC 605 Transaction ASC 606 --- ($ In thousands, except for percentage) Net revenues 460,772 (25,945) 47,048 481,875 Cost of revenues 108,885 (25,945) 82,940 Operating expenses -Sales and marketing 97,975 42,550 140,525 Income from operations 178,532 4,498 183,030 Operating margin 38.7% 38.0% Twelve months ended December 31, 2018 Adjustments Old Basis VAT Barter New Basis ASC 605 Transaction ASC 606 --- ($ In thousands, except for percentage) Net revenues 1,703,644 (95,470) 110,344 1,718,518 Cost of revenues 373,118 (95,470) 277,648 Operating expenses -Sales and marketing 418,004 109,420 527,424 Income from operations 608,340 924 609,264 Operating margin 35.7% 35.5%
Business Outlook
For the first quarter of 2019, Weibo estimates its net revenues to be between $395 million and $405 million, or an increase of 20.5% year over year to 23.5% year over year on a constant currency basis. This forecast reflects the currency translation risks and assumes an average exchange rate of RMB 6.75 to US$1.00. This forecast also reflects Weibo's current and preliminary view, which is subject to change.
Conference Call
Weibo's management team will host a conference call from 6AM - 7AM Eastern Time on March 5, 2019 (or 7 PM - 8 PM Beijing Time on March 5, 2019) to present an overview of the Company's financial performance and business operations. A live webcast of the call will be available through the Company's corporate website at http://ir.weibo.com.
The conference call can be accessed as follows:
US Toll Free: +1 866-519-4004 Hong Kong Toll Free: 800-906-601 China Toll Free: 400-620-8038 International: +65 6713-5090 Passcode for all regions: 9178871
A replay of the conference call will be available from 22:00 China Standard Time on March 6, 2019 to 20:59 China Standard Time on March 13, 2019. The dial-in number is +61 2-8199-0299. The passcode for the replay is 9178871.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This release contains the following non-GAAP financial measures: non-GAAP costs and expenses, non-GAAP income from operations, non-GAAP net income attributable to Weibo, non-GAAP diluted net income per share attributable to Weibo and adjusted EBITDA. These non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, measures of the Company's financial performance prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
The Company's non-GAAP financial measures exclude stock-based compensation, amortization of intangible assets, goodwill and acquired intangibles impairment, net results of impairment on, gain/loss on sale of and fair value change of investments, non-GAAP to GAAP reconciling items for the income/loss attributable to non-controlling interests, provision for income tax related to the amortization of intangible assets and fair value change of investments (other non-GAAP to GAAP reconciling items have no tax effect), and amortization of convertible debt issuance cost. Adjusted EBITDA excludes interest income, net, income tax expenses, and depreciation expenses. The Company's management uses these non-GAAP financial measures in their financial and operating decision-making, because management believes these measures reflect the Company's ongoing operating performance in a manner that allows more meaningful period-to-period comparisons. The Company believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to investors and others in the following ways: (i) in comparing the Company's current financial results with the Company's past financial results in a consistent manner, and (ii) in understanding and evaluating the Company's current operating performance and future prospects in the same manner as management does, if they so choose. The Company also believes that the non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to both management and investors by excluding certain expenses, gains (losses) and other items (i) that are not expected to result in future cash payments or (ii) that are non-recurring in nature or may not be indicative of the Company's core operating results and business outlook.
Use of non-GAAP financial measures has limitations. The Company's non-GAAP financial measures do not include all income and expense items that affect the Company's operations. They may not be comparable to non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies. Accordingly, care should be exercised in understanding how the Company defines its non-GAAP financial measures. Reconciliations of the Company's non-GAAP financial measures to the nearest comparable GAAP measures are set forth in the section below titled "Unaudited Reconciliation of Non-GAAP to GAAP Results."
About Weibo
Weibo is a leading social media for people to create, share and discover content online. It combines the means of public self-expression in real time with a powerful platform for social interaction, content aggregation and content distribution. Any user can create and post a feed and attach multi-media and long-form content. User relationships on Weibo may be asymmetric; any user can follow any other user and add comments to a feed while reposting. This simple, asymmetric and distributed nature of Weibo allows an original feed to become a live viral conversation stream.
Weibo enables its advertising and marketing customers to promote their brands, products and services to users. Weibo offers a wide range of advertising and marketing solutions to companies of all sizes. The Company generates a substantial majority of its revenues from the sale of advertising and marketing services, including the sale of social display advertisement and promoted marketing offerings. Weibo has developed and is continuously refining its social interest graph recommendation engine, which enables its customers to perform people marketing and target audiences based on user demographics, social relationships, interests and behaviors, to achieve greater relevance, engagement and marketing effectiveness.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements that relate to, among other things, Weibo's expected financial performance and strategic and operational plans (as described, without limitation, in the "Business Outlook" section and in quotations from management in this press release. Weibo may also make forward-looking statements in the Company's periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology, such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "confidence," "estimates" and similar statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, Weibo's limited operating history in certain new businesses; failure to grow active user base and the level of user engagement; the uncertain regulatory landscape in China; fluctuations in the Company's quarterly operating results; the Company's reliance on advertising and marketing sales for a majority of its revenues; failure to successfully develop, introduce, drive adoption of or monetize new features and products; failure to compete effectively for advertising and marketing spending; failure to successfully integrate acquired businesses; risks associated with the Company's investments, including equity pick-up and impairment; failure to compete successfully against new entrants and established industry competitors; changes in the macro-economic environment, including the depreciation of the Renminbi; and adverse changes in economic and political policies of the PRC government and its impact on the Chinese economy. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Weibo's annual report on Form 20-Fs and other filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is current as of the date hereof, and Weibo assumes no obligation to update such information, except as required under applicable law.
Contact:
Investor Relations
Weibo Corporation
Phone: +86 10 5898-3336
Email: ir@staff.weibo.com
WEIBO CORPORATION UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (In thousands, except per share data) Three months ended Twelve months ended December 31, September 30, December 31, 2018 2017 2018 2018 2017 Net revenues (1): Advertising and marketing $417,016 $332,305 $409,273 $1,499,180 $996,745 Value-added service 64,859 45,140 50,898 219,338 153,309 Net revenues 481,875 377,445 460,171 1,718,518 1,150,054 Costs and expenses: Cost of revenues (1)(2) 82,940 72,005 70,016 277,648 231,255 Sales and marketing (1)(2) 140,525 92,665 141,059 527,424 275,537 Product development(2) 62,515 57,904 66,222 249,873 193,393 General and administrative(2) 12,865 9,592 10,361 43,755 42,315 Goodwill and acquired intangibles impairment 10,554 10,554 Total costs and expenses 298,845 232,166 298,212 1,109,254 742,500 Income from operations 183,030 145,279 161,959 609,264 407,554 Non-operating income (loss): Impairment on, gain/loss on sale of and (12,936) (2,683) 31,683 15,713 (4,733) fair value change of investments, net (3) Interest and other income , net 11,038 4,363 11,218 43,865 14,290 (1,898) 1,680 42,901 59,578 9,557 Income before income tax expenses 181,132 146,959 204,860 668,842 417,111 Income tax expenses (14,895) (17,045) (37,882) (96,222) (66,746) Net income 166,237 129,914 166,978 572,620 350,365 Less: Net income (loss) attributable to (270) (1,068) 1,661 797 (2,225) noncontrolling interests --- Net income attributable to Weibo $166,507 $130,982 $165,317 $571,823 $352,590 Basic net income per share attributable to Weibo $0.74 $0.59 $0.74 $2.56 $1.60 Diluted net income per share attributable to Weibo $0.73 $0.58 $0.73 $2.52 $1.56 Shares used in computing basic net income per share attributable to Weibo 224,479 222,189 224,060 223,751 220,555 Shares used in computing diluted net income per share attributable to Weibo 232,558 230,465 232,660 232,683 225,363 (1) On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASC 606 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" using the modified retrospective method, which means amounts for 2018 are reported on the new basis while prior periods amount will be reported on a historical basis. Under the new accounting standard, the main impact to the Company is that it now reports the revenue net of value added tax and recognizes revenues and expenses at fair value for the advertising barter transaction. (2) Stock-based compensation in each category: Cost of revenues $(618) $1,067 $1,684 $3,522 $3,716 Sales and marketing (1,205) 2,216 3,243 6,837 8,264 Product development 2,243 5,248 7,829 21,187 21,879 General and administrative 1,975 3,504 2,598 9,465 14,178 (3) The Company adopted ASU 2016-01 "Classification and Measurement of Financial Instruments" beginning the first quarter of fiscal year 2018. After the adoption of this new accounting update, the Company measures long-term investments, other than equity method, at fair value through earnings. For those investments without readily determinable fair values, the Company elected to record these investments at cost, less impairment, and plus or minus subsequent adjustments for observable price changes. Changes in the basis of these investments are reported in current earnings.
WEIBO CORPORATION UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands) December 31, December 31, 2018 2017 Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $1,234,596 $1,000,953 Short-term investments 591,269 791,730 Accounts receivable, net 369,093 170,100 Prepaid expenses and other current assets(1) 212,435 69,233 Amount due from SINA 61,705 16,356 Current assets subtotal 2,469,098 2,048,372 Property and equipment, net 45,623 33,793 Goodwill and intangible assets, net 50,449 13,937 Long-term investments 694,586 452,337 Other assets 14,926 13,380 Total assets $3,274,682 $2,561,819 Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Liabilities: Current liabilities: Accounts payable $123,730 $64,043 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 317,437 268,615 Deferred revenues 99,994 81,311 Income tax payable(2) 88,683 70,907 Current liabilities subtotal 629,844 484,876 Long-term liabilities: Convertible debt 884,123 879,983 Other long-term liabilities 12,577 2,166 Total liabilities 1,526,544 1,367,025 Shareholders' equity : Weibo shareholders' equity(3) 1,745,459 1,192,587 Non-controlling interests 2,679 2,207 Total shareholders' equity 1,748,138 1,194,794 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $3,274,682 $2,561,819 (1) Included short-term loans to SINA of $43.6 million as of December 31, 2018. (2) Commencing on January 1, 2018, in order to enhance comparability with industry peers, income tax payable has been presented as a single line item in balance sheet as opposed to be part of accounts payable. To conform with current period presentation, the relevant amount of $70.9 million as of December 31, 2017 has been reclassified. (3) The Company adopted ASU 2016-1 "Classification and Measurement of Financial Instruments" beginning the first quarter of fiscal year 2018. After the adoption of this new accounting update, the Company measures long- term investments, other than equity method, at fair value through earnings. For those investments without readily determinable fair values, the Company elected to record these investments at cost, less impairment, and plus or minus subsequent adjustments for observable price changes. Changes in the basis of these investments are reported in current earnings. The cumulative impact arising from the adoption of this update was immaterial to retained earnings as of January 1, 2018.
WEIBO CORPORATION UNAUDITED RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP TO GAAP RESULTS (In thousands, except per share data) Three months ended --- December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 September 30, 2018 Non-GAAP Non-GAAP Non-GAAP Actual Adjustments Results Actual Adjustments Results Actual Adjustments Results Advertising and marketing $417,016 $417,016 $332,305 $332,305 $409,273 $409,273 Value-added service 64,859 64,859 45,140 45,140 50,898 50,898 Net revenues $481,875 $481,875 $377,445 $377,445 $460,171 $460,171 (15,354) (a) (2,395) (a) (12,035) (a) (90) (b) (925) (b) (163) (b) (10,554) (c) Total costs and expenses $298,845 $(3,320) $295,525 $232,166 $(12,198) $219,968 $298,212 $(25,998) $272,214 15,354 (a) 2,395 (a) 12,035 (a) 90 (b) 925 (b) 163 (b) 10,554 (c) Income from operations $183,030 $3,320 $186,350 $145,279 $12,198 $157,477 $161,959 $25,998 $187,957 15,354 (a) 2,395 (a) 12,035 (a) 90 (b) 925 (b) 163 (b) 10,554 (c) 12,936 (d) 2,683 (d) (31,683) (d) (64) (e) (528) (e) 1,560 (e) (145) (f) (41) (f) 9,582 (f) 1,035 (g) 690 (g) 1,035 (g) Net income attributable to Weibo $166,507 $17,082 $183,589 $130,982 $15,002 $145,984 $165,317 $6,492 $171,809 Diluted net income per share attributable to Weibo $0.73 * $0.80 * $0.58 * $0.64 * $0.73 * $0.75 * Shares used in computing diluted net income per share attributable to Weibo 232,558 232,558 230,465 230,465 232,660 232,660 Adjusted EBITDA: Non-GAAP net income attributable to Weibo $183,589 $145,984 $171,809 Interest income,net (11,476) (5,562) (11,733) Income tax expenses 15,040 17,086 28,300 Depreciation expenses 4,915 4,350 4,437 Adjusted EBITDA $192,068 $161,858 $192,813 WEIBO CORPORATION UNAUDITED RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP TO GAAP RESULTS (In thousands, except per share data) Twelve months ended December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Non-GAAP Non-GAAP Actual Adjustments Results Actual Adjustments Results Advertising and marketing $1,499,180 $1,499,180 $996,745 $996,745 Value-added service 219,338 219,338 153,309 153,309 Net revenues $1,718,518 $1,718,518 $1,150,054 $1,150,054 (41,011) (a) (1,348) (b) (48,037) (a) (10,554) (c) (636) (b) Total costs and expenses $1,109,254 $(52,913) $1,056,341 $742,500 $(48,673) $693,827 41,011 (a) 1,348 (b) 48,037 (a) 10,554 (c) 636 (b) Income from operations $609,264 $52,913 $662,177 $407,554 $48,673 $456,227 41,011 (a) 1,348 (b) 48,037 (a) 10,554 (c) 636 (b) (15,713) (d) 4,733 (d) 1,655 (e) (864) (e) 9,354 (f) (159) (f) 4,140 (g) 690 (g) Net income attributable to Weibo $571,823 $52,349 $624,172 $352,590 $53,073 $405,663 Diluted net income per share attributable to Weibo $2.52 * $2.73 * $1.56 $1.80 * Shares used in computing diluted net income per share attributable to Weibo 232,683 232,683 225,363 1,166 (h) 226,529 Adjusted EBITDA: Non-GAAP net income attributable to Weibo $624,172 $405,663 Interest income, net (46,722) (15,947) Income tax expenses 86,868 66,905 Depreciation expenses 18,499 14,693 Adjusted EBITDA $682,817 $471,314 (a) To exclude stock-based compensation. (b) To exclude amortization of intangible assets. (c) To exclude goodwill and acquired intangibles impairment. (d) To exclude net results of impairment on, gain/loss on sale of and fair value change of investments. (e) To exclude non-GAAP to GAAP reconciling items for the income/loss attributable to non-controlling interests. (f) To exclude the provision for income tax related to item (b) and (d). Other non-GAAP to GAAP reconciling items have no income tax effect. The Company considered the tax implication arising from the reconciliation items and part of these items recorded in entities in tax free jurisdictions were without relevant tax implications. For impairment on investments, valuation allowances were made for those differences the Company does not expect they can be realized in the foreseeable future. (g) To exclude the amortization of convertible debt issuance cost. (h) To adjust the number of shares for dilution resulted from convertible debt which were anti-dilutive under GAAP measures. * Net income attributable to Weibo is adjusted for interest expense of convertible debt for calculating diluted EPS.
WEIBO CORPORATION UNAUDITED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (In thousands) Three months ended Twelve months ended December 31, September 30, December 31, 2018 2017 2018 2018 2017 Net revenues Advertising and marketing Small & medium-sized enterprises and key accounts $385,464 $293,951 $380,745 $1,381,484 $912,057 Alibaba 31,552 38,354 28,528 117,696 84,688 Subtotal 417,016 332,305 409,273 1,499,180 996,745 Value-added service 64,859 45,140 50,898 219,338 153,309 $481,875 $377,445 $460,171 $1,718,518 $1,150,054
View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/weibo-reports-fourth-quarter-and-fiscal-year-2018-unaudited-financial-results-300806590.html
SOURCE Weibo Corporation