Youdao Reports First Quarter 2026 Unaudited Financial Results
Rhea-AI Summary
Youdao (NYSE:DAO) reported Q1 2026 net revenues of RMB1.3 billion, up 3.8% year over year. Learning services revenue rose 4.2%, online marketing services grew 20.9%, while smart devices fell 42.6%.
Gross margin declined to 44.7%, and income from operations dropped 44.7% to RMB57.5 million. Net income attributable to shareholders was RMB38.6 million. Cash and short-term investments fell to RMB515.2 million with RMB93.1 million net cash used in operations. Youdao highlighted dependence on NetEase Group financing, including an extended US$300 million revolving loan facility to 2030, and has repurchased about 7.5 million ADSs for US$33.8 million under its share buyback program.
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
Positive
- Total net revenues RMB1.3 billion, up 3.8% year over year
- Online marketing services revenue RMB611.1 million, up 20.9% year over year
- Learning services revenue RMB627.5 million, up 4.2% year over year
- Learning services gross margin improved to 60.2% from 59.8%
- Seventh consecutive quarter of operating profitability with RMB57.5 million operating income
- US$300 million NetEase revolving loan facility maturity extended to March 31, 2030
- Approximately 7.5 million ADSs repurchased for about US$33.8 million under buyback program
Negative
- Smart devices revenue RMB109.4 million, down 42.6% year over year
- Smart devices gross margin decreased to 39.9% from 52.3%
- Consolidated gross margin declined to 44.7% from 47.3%
- Income from operations RMB57.5 million, down 44.7% from RMB104.0 million
- Net income attributable to shareholders fell to RMB38.6 million from RMB76.7 million
- Net cash used in operating activities RMB93.1 million in Q1 2026
- Cash and short-term investments declined to RMB515.2 million from RMB743.2 million
- Company’s going-concern ability depends on executing business plan and securing financing
- Contract liabilities decreased to RMB667.0 million from RMB847.7 million at year-end 2025
News Market Reaction – DAO
On the day this news was published, DAO declined 6.94%, reflecting a notable negative market reaction. Argus tracked a peak move of +12.6% during that session. Argus tracked a trough of -13.8% from its starting point during tracking. Our momentum scanner triggered 23 alerts that day, indicating elevated trading interest and price volatility. This price movement removed approximately $118M from the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $1.58B at that time. Trading volume was very high at 3.3x the daily average, suggesting heavy selling pressure.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
DAO was up 3.33% pre‑earnings while key peers were mostly down: UDMY -6.84%, GOTU -1.05%, KLC -2.14%, APEI -1.12%, with only AFYA +0.64%, indicating stock‑specific dynamics rather than a sector move.
Previous Earnings Reports
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 11 | Q4/FY 2025 earnings | Positive | -3.6% | Revenue growth and first full year of positive operating cash flow reported. |
| Feb 11 | NetEase FY 2025 earnings | Positive | -3.6% | NetEase reported strong 2025 revenues, net income and extended buyback program. |
| Nov 20 | Q3 2025 earnings | Negative | -8.1% | Slower revenue growth with sharp declines in margin and operating income. |
| Nov 20 | NetEase Q3 2025 earnings | Positive | -8.1% | NetEase delivered revenue and profit growth plus dividend and buyback extension. |
| Aug 14 | Q2 2025 earnings | Positive | +9.9% | First profitable Q2 with revenue growth driven by AI‑native strategy. |
Earnings‑tagged headlines have produced an average move of -2.68%, with several past NetEase and Youdao earnings selling off despite generally positive revenue trends.
Over the past few quarters, Youdao reported steady revenue growth but persistent margin pressure. Q2 2025 marked its first profitable second quarter on RMB1.4 billion revenue, while Q3 2025 saw revenues of RMB1,628.5 million and sharply lower income from operations. The company delivered its sixth consecutive quarter of operating profitability by Q4 2025, supported by NetEase loan facilities. Today’s Q1 2026 release continues the theme of modest top‑line growth with declining profitability and ongoing reliance on NetEase support.
Historical Comparison
Earnings headlines have averaged a -2.68% move, often mixing revenue growth with margin compression and highlighting NetEase’s financial support.
Results trace a path from Q2–Q4 2025, where Youdao reached consistent operating profitability, into Q1 2026, which maintains revenue growth but with weaker margins and lower operating income.
Market Pulse Summary
The stock moved -6.9% in the session following this news. A negative reaction despite modest Q1 2026 revenue growth would fit prior patterns, with earnings headlines averaging a -2.68% move. The market has often focused on margin pressure, declining operating income and cash usage. Continued reliance on NetEase financing, lower gross margin, and reduced smart device revenues could reinforce concerns even as AI-related learning and marketing businesses expand.
Key Terms
ads financial
non-gaap financial
contract liabilities financial
schedule 13g/a regulatory
form 20-f regulatory
holding foreign companies accountable act regulatory
variable interest entities regulatory
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
First Quarter 2026 Financial Highlights
- Total net revenues were
RMB1.3 billion (US ), representing a$195.4 million 3.8% increase from the same period in 2025.
- Net revenues from learning services wereRMB627.5 million (US ), representing a$91.0 million 4.2% increase from the same period in 2025.
- Net revenues from smart devices wereRMB109.4 million (US ), representing a$15.9 million 42.6% decrease from the same period in 2025.
- Net revenues from online marketing services wereRMB611.1 million (US ), representing a$88.6 million 20.9% increase from the same period in 2025. - Gross margin was
44.7% , compared with47.3% for the same period in 2025. - Income from operations was
RMB57.5 million (US ), representing a$8.3 million 44.7% decrease from the same period in 2025. - Basic and diluted net income per American depositary share ("ADS") attributable to ordinary shareholders were
RMB0.33 (US ) and$0.05 RMB0.32 (US ), respectively, compared with$0.05 RMB0.65 andRMB0.64 for the same period of 2025. Non-GAAP basic and diluted net income per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders wereRMB0.38 (US ) and$0.06 RMB0.37 (US ), respectively, compared with$0.05 RMB0.69 andRMB0.68 for the same period of 2025.
"We entered 2026 with solid momentum, delivering our fourth consecutive quarter of year-over-year revenue growth and seventh consecutive quarter of operating profitability. Our operating margin improved sequentially, and operating cash flow strengthened significantly. At the same time, our strategic initiatives continued to gain traction, with both Youdao Lingshi gross billings and online marketing services revenue growing over
"Looking ahead, we remain firmly committed to our AI-Native Strategy. By continuously refining our vertical large language models for learning and advertising, and by expanding our portfolio of AI-native agents, we are enhancing how users learn, work and market. We will continue to improve user experience while driving sustainable progress in profitability and cash flow throughout the year," Dr. Zhou concluded.
First Quarter 2026 Financial Results
Net Revenues
Net revenues for the first quarter of 2026 were
Net revenues from learning services were
Net revenues from smart devices were
Net revenues from online marketing services were
Gross Profit and Gross Margin
Gross profit for the first quarter of 2026 was
Gross margin for learning services was
Gross margin for smart devices was
Gross margin for online marketing services was
Operating Expenses
Total operating expenses for the first quarter of 2026 were
Sales and marketing expenses for the first quarter of 2026 were
Research and development expenses for the first quarter of 2026 were
General and administrative expenses for the first quarter of 2026 were
Income from Operations
As a result of the foregoing, income from operations for the first quarter of 2026 was
Net Income Attributable to Youdao's Ordinary Shareholders
Net income attributable to Youdao's ordinary shareholders for the first quarter of 2026 was
Basic and diluted net income per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders for the first quarter of 2026 were
Other Information
As of March 31, 2026, Youdao's cash, cash equivalents, current and non-current restricted cash, and short-term investments totaled
As of March 31, 2026, the Company's contract liabilities, which mainly consisted of deferred revenues generated from Youdao's learning services, were
Share Repurchase Program
On November 17, 2022, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had authorized the Company to adopt a share repurchase program in accordance with applicable laws and regulations for up to
Conference Call
Youdao's management team will host a teleconference call with a simultaneous webcast at 6:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, May 21, 2026 (
Dial-in details for the earnings conference call are as follows:
+1-888-346-8982 | |
International: | +1-412-902-4272 |
Mainland | 400-120-1203 |
800-905-945 | |
Conference ID: | 5620376 |
A live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company's investor relations website at http://ir.youdao.com.
A replay of the conference call will be accessible by phone one hour after the conclusion of the live call at the following numbers, until May 28, 2026:
United States: | +1-855-669-9658 |
International: | +1-412-317-0088 |
Replay Access Code: | 5620376 |
About Youdao, Inc.
Youdao, Inc. (NYSE: DAO) is strategically positioned as an AI solutions provider specializing in learning and advertising. Youdao mainly offers learning services, online marketing services and smart devices – all powered by advanced technologies. Youdao was founded in 2006 as part of NetEase, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTES; HKEX: 9999), a leading internet technology company in
For more information, please visit: http://ir.youdao.com.
Non-GAAP Measures
Youdao considers and uses non-GAAP financial measures, such as non-GAAP net income attributable to the Company's ordinary shareholders and non-GAAP basic and diluted net income per ADS, as supplemental metrics in reviewing and assessing its operating performance and formulating its business plan. The presentation of non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in
Youdao defines non-GAAP net income attributable to the Company's ordinary shareholders as net income attributable to the Company's ordinary shareholders excluding share-based compensation expenses, gain from fair value change of long-term investment and adjustment for GAAP to non-GAAP reconciling item for the (income)/loss attributable to noncontrolling interests. Non-GAAP net income attributable to the Company's ordinary shareholders enables Youdao's management to assess its operating results without considering the impact of these items, which are non-cash charges in nature. Youdao believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to investors in understanding and evaluating the Company's current operating performance and prospects in the same manner as management does, if they so choose.
Non-GAAP financial measures are not defined under
For more information on these non-GAAP financial measures, please see the table captioned "Unaudited Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results" set forth at the end of this release.
The accompanying table has more details on the reconciliation between our GAAP financial measures that are mostly directly comparable to non-GAAP financial measures. Youdao encourages you to review its financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure.
Exchange Rate Information
This announcement contains translations of certain RMB amounts into
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the
For investor and media inquiries, please contact:
In
Jeffrey Wang
Youdao, Inc.
Tel: +86-10-8255-8163 ext. 89980
E-mail: IR@rd.netease.com
Piacente Financial Communications
Helen Wu
Tel: +86-10-6508-0677
E-mail: youdao@thepiacentegroup.com
In
Piacente Financial Communications
Brandi Piacente
Tel: +1-212-481-2050
E-mail: youdao@thepiacentegroup.com
YOUDAO, INC. | ||||||
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | ||||||
(RMB and USD in thousands) | ||||||
As of December 31, | As of March 31, | As of March 31, | ||||
2025 | 2026 | 2026 | ||||
RMB | RMB | USD (1) | ||||
Assets | ||||||
Current assets: | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 439,731 | 315,226 | 45,698 | |||
Restricted cash | 1,990 | 1,846 | 268 | |||
Short-term investments | 298,290 | 194,923 | 28,258 | |||
Accounts receivable, net | 381,243 | 326,381 | 47,315 | |||
Inventories | 140,776 | 116,763 | 16,927 | |||
Amounts due from NetEase Group | 321,359 | 315,795 | 45,781 | |||
Prepayment and other current assets | 139,117 | 149,084 | 21,612 | |||
Total current assets | 1,722,506 | 1,420,018 | 205,859 | |||
Non-current assets: | ||||||
Property, equipment and software, net | 44,603 | 41,850 | 6,067 | |||
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net | 46,943 | 49,797 | 7,219 | |||
Long-term investments | 19,811 | 21,141 | 3,065 | |||
Goodwill | 109,944 | 109,944 | 15,939 | |||
Other assets, net | 31,238 | 30,233 | 4,382 | |||
Total non-current assets | 252,539 | 252,965 | 36,672 | |||
Total assets | 1,975,045 | 1,672,983 | 242,531 | |||
Liabilities and Shareholders' Deficit | ||||||
Current liabilities: | ||||||
Accounts payables | 110,003 | 83,510 | 12,106 | |||
Payroll payable | 294,824 | 162,205 | 23,515 | |||
Amounts due to NetEase Group | 22,818 | 32,770 | 4,751 | |||
Contract liabilities | 847,707 | 666,968 | 96,690 | |||
Taxes payable | 43,515 | 86,528 | 12,544 | |||
Accrued liabilities and other payables | 738,045 | 803,955 | 116,549 | |||
Short-term loan from NetEase Group | 878,000 | 878,000 | 127,283 | |||
Total current liabilities | 2,934,912 | 2,713,936 | 393,438 | |||
Non-current liabilities: | ||||||
Long-term lease liabilities | 18,840 | 21,372 | 3,098 | |||
Long-term loans from NetEase Group | 926,588 | 814,866 | 118,131 | |||
Other non-current liabilities | 28,802 | 24,475 | 3,548 | |||
Total non-current liabilities | 974,230 | 860,713 | 124,777 | |||
Total liabilities | 3,909,142 | 3,574,649 | 518,215 | |||
Shareholders' deficit: | ||||||
Youdao's shareholders' deficit | (1,974,058) | (1,935,937) | (280,652) | |||
Noncontrolling interests | 39,961 | 34,271 | 4,968 | |||
Total shareholders' deficit | (1,934,097) | (1,901,666) | (275,684) | |||
Total liabilities and shareholders' deficit | 1,975,045 | 1,672,983 | 242,531 | |||
Note 1: The conversion of Renminbi (RMB) into | ||||||
YOUDAO, INC. | ||||||||
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS | ||||||||
(RMB and USD in thousands, except share and per ADS data) | ||||||||
Three Months Ended | ||||||||
March 31, | December 31, | March 31, | March 31, | |||||
2025 | 2025 | 2026 | 2026 | |||||
RMB | RMB | RMB | USD (1) | |||||
Net revenues: | ||||||||
Learning services | 602,414 | 727,233 | 627,477 | 90,965 | ||||
Smart devices | 190,498 | 176,545 | 109,405 | 15,860 | ||||
Online marketing services | 505,350 | 660,914 | 611,140 | 88,597 | ||||
Total net revenues | 1,298,262 | 1,564,692 | 1,348,022 | 195,422 | ||||
Cost of revenues (2) | (684,035) | (859,314) | (745,729) | (108,108) | ||||
Gross profit | 614,227 | 705,378 | 602,293 | 87,314 | ||||
Operating expenses: | ||||||||
Sales and marketing expenses (2) | (357,641) | (437,143) | (382,183) | (55,405) | ||||
Research and development expenses (2) | (115,474) | (142,645) | (115,371) | (16,725) | ||||
General and administrative expenses (2) | (37,071) | (65,387) | (47,238) | (6,848) | ||||
Total operating expenses | (510,186) | (645,175) | (544,792) | (78,978) | ||||
Income from operations | 104,041 | 60,203 | 57,501 | 8,336 | ||||
Interest income | 517 | 825 | 935 | 136 | ||||
Interest expense | (16,104) | (14,919) | (13,609) | (1,973) | ||||
Others, net | (960) | (10,665) | 3,483 | 504 | ||||
Income before tax | 87,494 | 35,444 | 48,310 | 7,003 | ||||
Income tax (expenses)/benefits | (9,895) | 510 | (4,497) | (652) | ||||
Net income | 77,599 | 35,954 | 43,813 | 6,351 | ||||
Net (income)/loss attributable to noncontrolling interests | (856) | 12,292 | (5,236) | (759) | ||||
Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company | 76,743 | 48,246 | 38,577 | 5,592 | ||||
Basic net income per ADS | 0.65 | 0.41 | 0.33 | 0.05 | ||||
Diluted net income per ADS | 0.64 | 0.40 | 0.32 | 0.05 | ||||
Shares used in computing basic net income per ADS | 117,594,976 | 118,601,505 | 118,671,804 | 118,671,804 | ||||
Shares used in computing diluted net income per ADS | 119,504,097 | 120,288,530 | 120,444,180 | 120,444,180 | ||||
Note 1: | ||||||||
The conversion of Renminbi (RMB) into | ||||||||
Note 2: Share-based compensation in each category: | ||||||||
Cost of revenues | 612 | 362 | 300 | 43 | ||||
Sales and marketing expenses | 728 | 792 | 1,300 | 188 | ||||
Research and development expenses | 2,352 | 9,723 | 4,781 | 693 | ||||
General and administrative expenses | 1,538 | 2,647 | 2,241 | 326 | ||||
YOUDAO, INC. | ||||||||
UNAUDITED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION | ||||||||
(RMB and USD in thousands) | ||||||||
Three Months Ended | ||||||||
March 31, | December 31, | March 31, | March 31, | |||||
2025 | 2025 | 2026 | 2026 | |||||
RMB | RMB | RMB | USD | |||||
Net revenues | ||||||||
Learning services | 602,414 | 727,233 | 627,477 | 90,965 | ||||
Smart devices | 190,498 | 176,545 | 109,405 | 15,860 | ||||
Online marketing services | 505,350 | 660,914 | 611,140 | 88,597 | ||||
Total net revenues | 1,298,262 | 1,564,692 | 1,348,022 | 195,422 | ||||
Cost of revenues | ||||||||
Learning services | 242,111 | 272,528 | 250,027 | 36,247 | ||||
Smart devices | 90,851 | 109,291 | 65,713 | 9,526 | ||||
Online marketing services | 351,073 | 477,495 | 429,989 | 62,335 | ||||
Total cost of revenues | 684,035 | 859,314 | 745,729 | 108,108 | ||||
Gross margin | ||||||||
Learning services | 59.8 % | 62.5 % | 60.2 % | 60.2 % | ||||
Smart devices | 52.3 % | 38.1 % | 39.9 % | 39.9 % | ||||
Online marketing services | 30.5 % | 27.8 % | 29.6 % | 29.6 % | ||||
Total gross margin | 47.3 % | 45.1 % | 44.7 % | 44.7 % | ||||
YOUDAO, INC. | ||||||||
UNAUDITED RECONCILIATION OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP RESULTS | ||||||||
(RMB and USD in thousands, except share and per ADS data) | ||||||||
Three Months Ended | ||||||||
March 31, | December 31, | March 31, | March 31, | |||||
2025 | 2025 | 2026 | 2026 | |||||
RMB | RMB | RMB | USD | |||||
Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company | 76,743 | 48,246 | 38,577 | 5,592 | ||||
Add: share-based compensation | 5,230 | 13,524 | 8,622 | 1,250 | ||||
Less: gain from fair value change of long-term investment | - | - | (1,339) | (194) | ||||
Less: GAAP to non-GAAP reconciling item for the (income)/loss attributable to noncontrolling interests | (297) | (3,024) | (970) | (141) | ||||
Non-GAAP net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company | 81,676 | 58,746 | 44,890 | 6,507 | ||||
Non-GAAP basic net income per ADS | 0.69 | 0.50 | 0.38 | 0.06 | ||||
Non-GAAP diluted net income per ADS | 0.68 | 0.49 | 0.37 | 0.05 | ||||
Shares used in computing non-GAAP basic net income per ADS | 117,594,976 | 118,601,505 | 118,671,804 | 118,671,804 | ||||
Shares used in computing non-GAAP diluted net income per ADS | 119,504,097 | 120,288,530 | 120,444,180 | 120,444,180 | ||||
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SOURCE Youdao, Inc.