Net income per ADS
Diluted net income per ADS was RMB0.03 (US$0.00) in the first quarter of 2024, compared to RMB1.96 in the first quarter of 2023.
Non-GAAP diluted net income per ADS (note 1) was RMB0.31 (US$0.04) in the first quarter of 2024, compared to RMB2.36 in the first quarter of 2023.
Cash and cash flow
As of March 31, 2024, the Company’s cash, cash equivalents, short-term deposits, long-term deposits, short-term restricted cash and long-term restricted cash totaled RMB15,115.8 million (US$2,093.5 million), compared to RMB13,478.5 million as of December 31, 2023.
Net cash provided by operating activities in the first quarter of 2024 was RMB400.2 million (US$55.4 million), compared to RMB451.1 million in the first quarter of 2023.
Recent Development
Payment of a special cash dividend
In March 2024, Hello Group’s board of directors declared a special cash dividend in the amount of US$0.54 per ADS, or US$0.27 per ordinary share. The cash dividend was paid on April 30, 2024 to shareholders of record at the close of business on April 12, 2024. The aggregate amount of cash dividends paid was US$98.9 million.
Share repurchase program
On June 7, 2022, Hello Group’s board of directors authorized a share repurchase program under which the Company may repurchase up to US$200 million of its shares up to June 6, 2024 (the “Share Repurchase Program”). On March 14, 2024, Hello Group’s board of directors approved to amend the Share Repurchase Program to (i) extend the term of the Share Repurchase Program up to June 30, 2026, and (ii) upsize the Share Repurchase Program so that the Company is authorized to, from time to time, acquire up to an aggregate of US$286.1 million worth of its shares in the form of ADSs and/or the ordinary shares of the Company in the open market and through privately negotiated transactions, in block trades and/or through other legally permissible means, depending on market conditions and in accordance with applicable rules and regulations.
As of May 28, 2024, the Company has repurchased 22.3 million ADSs for US$122.6 million on the open market under Share Repurchase Program announced on June 7, 2022 and amended on March 14, 2024, at an average purchase price of US$5.48 per ADS.
Business Outlook
For the second quarter of 2024, the Company expects total net revenues to be between RMB2.65 billion to RMB2.75 billion, representing a decrease of 15.5% to 12.4% year over year. This forecast reflects the Company’s current and preliminary views on the market and operational conditions, which are subject to change.
4