Sound Group Inc. Reports First Half of 2025 Unaudited Financial Results
Rhea-AI Summary
Sound Group Inc. (NASDAQ: SOGP), a global audio-centric social and entertainment company, reported strong financial results for H1 2025. Net revenues increased 47% year-over-year to RMB1,357.7 million (US$189.5 million), while the company achieved a significant turnaround with net income of RMB67.6 million (US$9.4 million) compared to a net loss in H1 2024.
The company's growth was driven by its expanding audio entertainment business and new AI initiatives. Gross margin improved to 29%, up from 27% in the previous year. The Board approved a US$4 million share repurchase program and declared a special cash dividend of US$1 per ADS. However, average total mobile MAUs decreased to 30.4 million from 35.7 million year-over-year.
Positive
- Net revenues increased 47% year-over-year to RMB1,357.7 million
- Achieved profitability with net income of RMB67.6 million, compared to previous year's loss
- Gross margin improved to 29% from 27% year-over-year
- Announced US$4 million share repurchase program and special cash dividend of US$1 per ADS
- Strong balance sheet with RMB511.1 million in cash and cash equivalents
Negative
- Average total mobile MAUs declined to 30.4 million from 35.7 million year-over-year
- Operating expenses increased 13% to RMB328.9 million
- Increased litigation contingencies and professional service fees
News Market Reaction 126 Alerts
On the day this news was published, SOGP gained 228.95%, reflecting a significant positive market reaction. Argus tracked a peak move of +299.1% during that session. Our momentum scanner triggered 126 alerts that day, indicating very high trading interest and price volatility. This price movement added approximately $56M to the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $81M at that time. Trading volume was exceptionally heavy at 2169.0x the daily average, suggesting very strong buying interest.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
SINGAPORE, Aug. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sound Group Inc. (NASDAQ: SOGP) (“SOGP” or the “Company” or “We”), a global audio-centric social and entertainment company, today announced its unaudited financial results for the six months ended June 30, 2025.
First Half of 2025 Financial and Operational Highlights
- Net revenues were RMB1,357.7 million (US
$189.5 million ) for the six months ended June 30, 2025, representing a47% increase from RMB924.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024. - Net income was RMB67.6 million (US
$9.4 million ) for the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared with net loss of RMB36.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024. - Average total mobile MAUs1 for the six months ended June 30, 2025 was 30.4 million, compared with 35.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024.
Mr. Jinnan (Marco) Lai, Founder and CEO of SOGP, commented, “For the six months ended June 30, 2025, we delivered solid revenue growth and a return to profitability through outstanding strategic execution. We continued to enhance user engagement by enriching our interactive experiences and further expanding our audio entertainment business’s content ecosystem. In addition, our expanding international AI initiatives, a strategic growth plan to build and scale a diversified AI product portfolio for global markets, began to contribute to revenue growth. By leveraging advanced AI technologies, we improved operational efficiency and accelerated the delivery of high-quality content, enabling us to respond swiftly to evolving user preferences and industry dynamics. With this resilient foundation in place, we are well-prepared to carry this momentum forward and create enduring value for our users, creators, and shareholders alike.”
Ms. Chengfang Lu, Acting Chief Financial Officer of SOGP, said, “During the first half year of 2025, our total revenues reached RMB1,357.7 million, up
_____________________________
1 Refers to the average monthly number of active users across our platforms and Apps in a given period, calculated by dividing (i) the sum of mobile active users for each month of such period, by (ii) the number of months in the same period.
First Half of 2025 Unaudited Financial Results
Net revenues were RMB1,357.7 million (US
Cost of revenues was RMB965.6 million (US
Gross profit was RMB392.1 million (US
Non-GAAP gross profit2 was RMB392.3 million (US
Gross margin for the six months ended June 30, 2025 was
Non-GAAP gross margin for the six months ended June 30, 2025 was
Operating expenses were RMB328.9 million (US
Research and development expenses were RMB121.4 million (US
Selling and marketing expenses were RMB153.4 million (US
General and administrative expenses were RMB54.1 million (US
Operating income was RMB63.2 million (US
Non-GAAP operating income3 was RMB65.9 million (US
_____________________________
2 Non-GAAP gross profit is a non-GAAP financial measure, which is defined as gross profit excluding share-based compensation expenses. This adjustment amounted to RMB0.2 million (US
3 Non-GAAP operating income is a non-GAAP financial measure, which is defined as operating income excluding share-based compensation expenses. This adjustment amounted to RMB2.8 million (US
Net income was RMB67.6 million (US
Non-GAAP net income4 was RMB70.4 million (US
Net income attributable to Sound Group Inc.’s ordinary shareholders was RMB70.5 million (US
Non-GAAP net income attributable to Sound Group Inc.’s ordinary shareholders5 was RMB73.3 million (US
Basic and diluted net income per ADS6 were RMB13.73 (US
Non-GAAP basic and diluted net income per ADS7 were both RMB14.28 (US
Balance Sheets
As of June 30, 2025, the Company had cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash of RMB511.1 million (US
Share Repurchase Program
The board of directors (the “Board”) of the Company authorized a share repurchase program in June 2025, under which the Company may repurchase its Class A ordinary shares (including Class A ordinary shares in the form of ADS) with an aggregate value of up to US
Special Cash Dividend
The Company today announced that its Board of Directors approved a cash dividend of US
_____________________________
4 Non-GAAP net income is a non-GAAP financial measure, which is defined as net income, excluding share-based compensation expenses. These adjustments amounted to RMB2.8 million (US
5 Non-GAAP net income attributable to Sound Group Inc.’s ordinary shareholders is a non-GAAP financial measure, which is defined as net income attributable to Sound Group Inc.’s ordinary shareholders, excluding share-based compensation expenses. These adjustments amounted to RMB2.8 million (US
6 ADS refers to American Depositary Share. Each ADS represents two hundred Class A ordinary shares of the Company. Basic and diluted net income per ADS is net income attributable to Sound Group Inc.’s ordinary shareholders divided by the weighted average number of ADS.
7 Non-GAAP basic and diluted net income per ADS is a non-GAAP financial measure, which is defined as non-GAAP net income attributable to Sound Group Inc.’s ordinary shareholders divided by the weighted average number of ADS used in the calculation of basic and diluted net income per ADS.
About Sound Group Inc.
Sound Group Inc. is a global audio-centric social and entertainment company driven by a clear mission and vision: building the world’s largest audio platform to better connect and communicate. The Company is dedicated to shaping a future where audio not only bridges gaps but also amplifies human connection through the power of sound. Sound Group Inc. has been listed on Nasdaq since January 2020.
For more information, please visit: https://ir.soundgroupinc.com/
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The unaudited condensed consolidated financial information is prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).
SOGP uses non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP gross margin, non-GAAP operating loss/income, non-GAAP net loss/income, non-GAAP net loss/income attributable to Sound Group Inc.’s ordinary shareholders and non-GAAP basic and diluted net loss/income per ADS, which are non-GAAP financial measures. Non-GAAP gross profit is gross profit excluding share-based compensation expenses. Non-GAAP gross margin is non-GAAP gross profit as a percentage of net revenues. Non-GAAP operating loss/income is operating loss/income excluding share-based compensation expenses. Non-GAAP net loss/income is net loss/income, excluding share-based compensation expenses. Non-GAAP net loss/income attributable to Sound Group Inc.’s ordinary shareholders is net loss/income attributable to Sound Group Inc.’s ordinary shareholders, excluding share-based compensation expenses. Non-GAAP basic and diluted net loss/income per ADS is non-GAAP net loss/income attributable to Sound Group Inc.’s ordinary shareholders divided by the weighted average number of ADS used in the calculation of basic and diluted net loss/income per ADS. The Company believes that separate analysis and exclusion of the non-cash impact of the above reconciling item adds clarity to the constituent parts of its performance. The Company reviews these non-GAAP financial measures together with GAAP financial measures to obtain a better understanding of its operating performance. It uses the non-GAAP financial measure for planning, forecasting and measuring results against the forecast. The Company believes that non-GAAP financial measure is useful supplemental information for investors and analysts to assess its operating performance without the non-cash effect of share-based compensation expenses.
However, the use of non-GAAP financial measures has material limitations as an analytical tool. One of the limitations of using non-GAAP financial measures is that they do not include all items that impact the Company’s net income for the period. In addition, because non-GAAP financial measures are not measured 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 in isolation from, superior to, or as an alternative to the financial measure prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
The presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. For more information on these non-GAAP financial measures, please see the table captioned “Unaudited Reconciliations of GAAP and 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 and from U.S. dollars to RMB are made at a rate of RMB7.1636 to US
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 goals and strategies; the Company’s future business development, results of operations and financial condition; the expected growth of the online audio market; the expectation regarding the rate at which to gain active users, especially paying users; the Company’s ability to monetize the user base; fluctuations in general economic and business conditions in China and overseas markets; 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. 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.
For investor and media inquiries, please contact:
Sound Group Inc.
IR Department
E-mail: ir@soundgroupinc.com
Piacente Financial Communications
Jenny Cai
E-mail: soundgroup@tpg-ir.com
| Sound Group Inc. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (All amounts in thousands, except for share, ADS, per share data and per ADS data) | ||||||||||||
| December 31, 2024 | June 30, 2025 | June 30, 2025 | ||||||||||
| RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
| ASSETS | ||||||||||||
| Current assets | ||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 441,858 | 504,877 | 70,478 | |||||||||
| Restricted cash | 11,305 | 6,251 | 873 | |||||||||
| Accounts receivable, net | 1,082 | 973 | 136 | |||||||||
| Prepayments and other current assets | 35,106 | 36,196 | 5,053 | |||||||||
| Total current assets | 489,351 | 548,297 | 76,540 | |||||||||
| Non-current assets | ||||||||||||
| Property, equipment and leasehold improvement, net | 16,491 | 13,237 | 1,848 | |||||||||
| Intangible assets, net | 1,176 | 1,192 | 166 | |||||||||
| Right-of-use assets, net | 12,692 | 26,238 | 3,663 | |||||||||
| Other non-current assets | 1,730 | 2,476 | 346 | |||||||||
| Total non-current assets | 32,089 | 43,143 | 6,023 | |||||||||
| TOTAL ASSETS | 521,440 | 591,440 | 82,563 | |||||||||
| LIABILITIES | ||||||||||||
| Current liabilities | ||||||||||||
| Accounts payable | 39,379 | 57,733 | 8,059 | |||||||||
| Deferred revenue | 30,960 | 31,599 | 4,411 | |||||||||
| Salary and welfare payable | 131,186 | 131,106 | 18,302 | |||||||||
| Taxes payable | 7,267 | 9,265 | 1,293 | |||||||||
| Short-term loans | 7,188 | - | - | |||||||||
| Lease liabilities due within one year | 8,240 | 14,826 | 2,070 | |||||||||
| Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | 78,491 | 60,091 | 8,390 | |||||||||
| Total current liabilities | 302,711 | 304,620 | 42,525 | |||||||||
| Non-current liabilities | ||||||||||||
| Lease liabilities | 4,424 | 13,034 | 1,819 | |||||||||
| Total non-current liabilities | 4,424 | 13,034 | 1,819 | |||||||||
| TOTAL LIABILITIES | 307,135 | 317,654 | 44,344 | |||||||||
| Sound Group Inc. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (CONTINUED) (All amounts in thousands, except for share, ADS, per share data and per ADS data) | ||||||||||||
| December 31, 2024 | June 30, 2025 | June 30, 2025 | ||||||||||
| RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
| SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | ||||||||||||
| Class A Ordinary shares (US | 557 | 557 | 78 | |||||||||
| Class B Ordinary shares (US | 168 | 168 | 23 | |||||||||
| Treasury stock | (10,182 | ) | (18,996 | ) | (2,652 | ) | ||||||
| Additional paid in capital | 2,703,147 | 2,705,580 | 377,684 | |||||||||
| Statutory reserves | 2,605 | 2,605 | 364 | |||||||||
| Accumulated deficit | (2,490,809 | ) | (2,428,761 | ) | (339,042 | ) | ||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive income | 29,803 | 36,562 | 5,104 | |||||||||
| TOTAL SOGP’s shareholders’ equity | 235,289 | 297,715 | 41,559 | |||||||||
| Non-controlling interests | (20,984 | ) | (23,929 | ) | (3,340 | ) | ||||||
| TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | 214,305 | 273,786 | 38,219 | |||||||||
| TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | 521,440 | 591,440 | 82,563 | |||||||||
| Sound Group Inc. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (All amounts in thousands, except for share, ADS, per share data and per ADS data) | ||||||||||||||||
| Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||
| June 30, 2024 | December 31, 2024 | June 30, 2025 | June 30, 2025 | |||||||||||||
| RMB | RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||
| Net revenues | ||||||||||||||||
| Audio entertainment revenues | 918,047 | 1,100,551 | 1,341,392 | 187,251 | ||||||||||||
| AI, podcast, advertising and other revenues | 5,932 | 7,276 | 16,282 | 2,273 | ||||||||||||
| Total net revenues | 923,979 | 1,107,827 | 1,357,674 | 189,524 | ||||||||||||
| Cost of revenues (1) | (677,641 | ) | (797,307 | ) | (965,618 | ) | (134,795 | ) | ||||||||
| Gross profit | 246,338 | 310,520 | 392,056 | 54,729 | ||||||||||||
| Operating expenses (1) | ||||||||||||||||
| Selling and marketing expenses | (123,192 | ) | (184,089 | ) | (153,390 | ) | (21,412 | ) | ||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | (44,524 | ) | (62,063 | ) | (54,119 | ) | (7,555 | ) | ||||||||
| Research and development expenses | (122,901 | ) | (109,792 | ) | (121,390 | ) | (16,945 | ) | ||||||||
| Total operating expenses | (290,617 | ) | (355,944 | ) | (328,899 | ) | (45,912 | ) | ||||||||
| Operating (loss)/income | (44,279 | ) | (45,424 | ) | 63,157 | 8,817 | ||||||||||
| Interest expenses | (198 | ) | (218 | ) | (28 | ) | (4 | ) | ||||||||
| Foreign exchange (losses)/income | (1,774 | ) | (2,435 | ) | 573 | 80 | ||||||||||
| Interest income and investment income | 4,802 | 5,240 | 3,519 | 491 | ||||||||||||
| Government grants | 1,116 | 1,032 | 2,175 | 304 | ||||||||||||
| Others, net | 5,100 | (677 | ) | (653 | ) | (91 | ) | |||||||||
| (Loss)/income before income taxes | (35,233 | ) | (42,482 | ) | 68,743 | 9,597 | ||||||||||
| Income tax expenses | (1,247 | ) | (2,014 | ) | (1,158 | ) | (162 | ) | ||||||||
| Net (loss)/income | (36,480 | ) | (44,496 | ) | 67,585 | 9,435 | ||||||||||
| Net loss attributable to the non-controlling interests shareholders | 5,493 | 5,903 | 2,957 | 413 | ||||||||||||
| Net (loss)/income attributable to Sound Group Inc.’s ordinary shareholders | (30,987 | ) | (38,593 | ) | 70,542 | 9,848 | ||||||||||
| Sound Group Inc. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED) (All amounts in thousands, except for share, ADS, per share data and per ADS data) | ||||||||||||||||
| Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||
| June 30, 2024 | December 31, 2024 | June 30, 2025 | June 30, 2025 | |||||||||||||
| RMB | RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||
| Net (loss)/income | (36,480 | ) | (44,496 | ) | 67,585 | 9,435 | ||||||||||
| Other comprehensive (loss)/income: | ||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | (2,092 | ) | 13,846 | 6,771 | 945 | |||||||||||
| Total comprehensive (loss)/income | (38,572 | ) | (30,650 | ) | 74,356 | 10,380 | ||||||||||
| Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interests shareholders | 5,535 | 5,987 | 2,945 | 411 | ||||||||||||
| Comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Sound Group Inc.’s ordinary shareholders | (33,037 | ) | (24,663 | ) | 77,301 | 10,791 | ||||||||||
| Net (loss)/income attributable to Sound Group Inc.’s ordinary shareholders per share | ||||||||||||||||
| —Basic | (0.03 | ) | (0.04 | ) | 0.07 | 0.01 | ||||||||||
| —Diluted | (0.03 | ) | (0.04 | ) | 0.07 | 0.01 | ||||||||||
| Weighted average number of ordinary shares | ||||||||||||||||
| —Basic | 1,026,439,711 | 1,026,725,421 | 1,027,216,172 | 1,027,216,172 | ||||||||||||
| —Diluted | 1,026,439,711 | 1,026,725,421 | 1,027,216,172 | 1,027,216,172 | ||||||||||||
| Net (loss)/income attributable to Sound Group Inc.’s ordinary shareholders per ADS | ||||||||||||||||
| —Basic | (6.04 | ) | (7.52 | ) | 13.73 | 1.92 | ||||||||||
| —Diluted | (6.04 | ) | (7.52 | ) | 13.73 | 1.92 | ||||||||||
| Weighted average number of ADS | ||||||||||||||||
| —Basic | 5,132,199 | 5,133,627 | 5,136,081 | 5,136,081 | ||||||||||||
| —Diluted | 5,132,199 | 5,133,627 | 5,136,081 | 5,136,081 | ||||||||||||
| Sound Group Inc. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED) (All amounts in thousands, except for share, ADS, per share data and per ADS data) | ||||||||||||||||
| (1) Share-based compensation was allocated in cost of revenues and operating expenses as follows: | ||||||||||||||||
| Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||
| June 30, 2024 | December 31, 2024 | June 30, 2025 | June 30, 2025 | |||||||||||||
| RMB | RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||
| Cost of revenues | 1,405 | 383 | 237 | 33 | ||||||||||||
| Selling and marketing expenses | 950 | 44 | 59 | 8 | ||||||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 3,137 | 2,565 | 236 | 33 | ||||||||||||
| Research and development expenses | 3,855 | 1,811 | 2,247 | 314 | ||||||||||||
| Total | 9,347 | 4,803 | 2,779 | 388 | ||||||||||||
| Sound Group Inc. UNAUDITED RECONCILIATIONS OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP RESULTS (All amounts in thousands, except for share, ADS, per share data and per ADS data) | ||||||||||||||||
| Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||
| June 30, 2024 | December 31, 2024 | June 30, 2025 | June 30, 2025 | |||||||||||||
| RMB | RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 246,338 | 310,520 | 392,056 | 54,729 | ||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation expenses | 1,405 | 383 | 237 | 33 | ||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP gross profit | 247,743 | 310,903 | 392,293 | 54,762 | ||||||||||||
| Operating (loss)/income | (44,279 | ) | (45,424 | ) | 63,157 | 8,817 | ||||||||||
| Share-based compensation expenses | 9,347 | 4,803 | 2,779 | 388 | ||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP operating (loss)/income | (34,932 | ) | (40,621 | ) | 65,936 | 9,205 | ||||||||||
| Net (loss)/income | (36,480 | ) | (44,496 | ) | 67,585 | 9,435 | ||||||||||
| Share-based compensation expenses | 9,347 | 4,803 | 2,779 | 388 | ||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP net (loss)/income | (27,133 | ) | (39,693 | ) | 70,364 | 9,823 | ||||||||||
| Net (loss)/income attributable to Sound Group Inc.’s ordinary shareholders | (30,987 | ) | (38,593 | ) | 70,542 | 9,848 | ||||||||||
| Share-based compensation expenses | 9,347 | 4,803 | 2,779 | 388 | ||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP net (loss)/income attributable to Sound Group Inc.’s ordinary shareholders | (21,640 | ) | (33,790 | ) | 73,321 | 10,236 | ||||||||||
| Non-GAAP net (loss)/income attributable to Sound Group Inc.’s ordinary shareholders per share | ||||||||||||||||
| —Basic | (0.02 | ) | (0.03 | ) | 0.07 | 0.01 | ||||||||||
| —Diluted | (0.02 | ) | (0.03 | ) | 0.07 | 0.01 | ||||||||||
| Weighted average number of ordinary shares | ||||||||||||||||
| —Basic | 1,026,439,711 | 1,026,725,421 | 1,027,216,172 | 1,027,216,172 | ||||||||||||
| —Diluted | 1,026,439,711 | 1,026,725,421 | 1,027,216,172 | 1,027,216,172 | ||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP net (loss)/income attributable to Sound Group Inc.’s ordinary shareholders per ADS | ||||||||||||||||
| —Basic | (4.22 | ) | (6.58 | ) | 14.28 | 1.99 | ||||||||||
| —Diluted | (4.22 | ) | (6.58 | ) | 14.28 | 1.99 | ||||||||||
| Weighted average number of ADS | ||||||||||||||||
| —Basic | 5,132,199 | 5,133,627 | 5,136,081 | 5,136,081 | ||||||||||||
| —Diluted | 5,132,199 | 5,133,627 | 5,136,081 | 5,136,081 | ||||||||||||