Tencent Music Entertainment Group Announces First Quarter 2025 Unaudited Financial Results
- Revenue grew 8.7% YoY to RMB7.36 billion, with online music services up 15.9%
- Net profit increased 201.8% YoY to RMB4.29 billion
- Paying users grew 8.3% YoY to 122.9 million with improved ARPPU of RMB11.4
- Gross margin improved to 44.1% from 40.9% YoY
- Strong cash position of RMB37.67 billion with dividend payment of US$0.18 per ADS
- MAUs declined 4% YoY to 555 million from 578 million
- Social entertainment services revenue decreased 11.9% YoY to RMB1.55 billion
- Operating expenses remained relatively flat at 15.5% of revenue
Insights
TME delivered strong Q1 with 8.7% revenue growth driven by music subscriptions, showing healthy ARPPU growth despite competitive pressures.
Tencent Music Entertainment's Q1 2025 results demonstrate a clear strategic pivot toward higher-quality growth with impressive metrics across key performance indicators. Total revenue reached
The standout performance comes from music subscription revenue, which surged
Profitability metrics show exceptional improvement. Gross margin expanded substantially from
The headline net profit figure requires careful analysis - while net profit attributable to equity holders surged
TME's balance sheet remains exceptionally strong with
Looking at operational trends, TME faces some pressure in its overall user base, with online music MAUs declining
First Quarter 2025 Financial Highlights
- Total revenues were
RMB7.36 billion (US ), representing an$1.01 billion 8.7% year-over-year increase, primarily due to strong year-over-year growth in revenues from online music services, and partially offset by a decline in revenues from social entertainment services and others. - Revenues from music subscriptions were
RMB4.22 billion (US ), representing$581 million 16.6% year-over-year growth. The number of paying users increased by8.3% year-over-year to 122.9 million, up by 1.9 million from the fourth quarter of 2024. Monthly ARPPU grew toRMB11.4 fromRMB10.6 in the same period of 2024. - Net profit attributable to equity holders of the Company was
RMB4.29 billion (US ), representing$591 million 201.8% year-over-year growth. Non-IFRS net profit attributable to equity holders of the Company[1] wasRMB2.12 billion (US ), representing$293 million 24.6% year-over-year growth. The Company has recognized a gain ofRMB2.37 billion (US ) on deemed disposal of an investment under IFRS.$327 million - Diluted earnings per ADS was
RMB2.77 (US ), up from$0.38 RMB0.91 in the same period of 2024. Non-IFRS diluted earnings per ADS wasRMB1.37 (US ), up from$0.19 RMB1.09 in the same period of 2024. - Total cash, cash equivalents, term deposits and short-term investments as of March 31, 2025 were
RMB37.67 billion (US ).$5.19 billion
Mr. Cussion Pang, Executive Chairman of TME, commented, "Our strong first-quarter performance, marked by robust revenue growth and solid profitability, underscores the successful execution of our high-quality growth strategy. With the sound foundations we have built, a thriving music ecosystem, and healthy financial position, we are well equipped to navigate global uncertainties with confidence. Following a good start to the year, we remain on track and well positioned to achieve sustainable growth in 2025 and beyond."
Mr. Ross Liang, CEO of TME, continued, "We're encouraged by the continued rise in user lifetime value, a testament to our continued investment in compelling content and innovative, differentiated products delivered across diverse formats. This momentum has driven further growth in both our paying user base and ARPPU, with particularly strong adoption by our SVIP memberships. As we look ahead, we remain committed to enhancing our core competitiveness and pioneering new ways to inspire deeper and broader music engagement."
First Quarter 2025 Operational Highlights
- Key Operating Metrics
1Q25 | 1Q24 | YoY % | |
MAUs – online music (million) | 555 | 578 | (4.0 %) |
Paying users – online music (million) | 122.9 | 113.5 | 8.3 % |
Monthly ARPPU – online music (RMB) | 11.4 | 10.6 | 7.5 % |
Inspiring deeper and broader music consumption through content enrichment and service expansion.
- Solid partnerships with record labels enrich our music library, while proprietary content offers a unique edge. 1) Renewed multi-year contracts with Sony Music Entertainment, introducing the 360 Reality Audio sound privilege for SVIP members. Extended cooperations with Emperor Entertainment Group and Rock Records, further elevating our music library with immersive Dolby Atmos sound. 2) Partnered with Dream Music Group to expand our catalog with a broader selection of popular Chinese rap. 3) Efforts on original content investment continue to bear fruit across a range of genres. Highlights included collaboration with CCTV News on Zhou Shen's To Time, and the production of the theme song One Thought to Eternity for Tencent's hit game CrossFire. Both tracks rapidly topped multiple music charts, resonating deeply with fans.
- While Chinese genres remain the cornerstone of music streaming, we are seeing increasing popularity for Korean, English, and Japanese tracks. To cater to this rising interest, we recently deepened collaborations with
South Korea's Starship Entertainment and YG Entertainment, alongsideJapan's leading ACG entertainment company, further strengthening our international music offerings and enhancing cultural diversity across our platform. - Tapped into growing demand for artist merchandise by offering a wide array of compelling product collections. 1) Rolled out a 10-day head-start presale of Teens in Times' physical album Beyond Utopia, quickly topping our 2025 physical album bestseller chart. 2) Designed a bespoke physical album for singer and songwriter Silence Wang, which quickly became a favorite among his dedicated fans. 3) Cooperated with K-pop icon G-Dragon to launch his official merchandise in mainland
China , achieving strong sales results and enthusiastic support from music lovers. - Continued to craft more engaging and interactive music experiences for users both online and offline. 1) Hosted our annual MUSIC FOR PASSION event in Chengdu, featuring nearly 40 top artists and groups including JC-T, Roy Wang, Silence Wang and LEGEND OF
PHOENIX [2], which drew tens of thousands of passionate fans. 2) Launched exciting new offline initiatives, including aespa's first-ever exhibition and BABYMONSTER's debut pop-up store in mainlandChina , to showcase limited-edition collectibles, interactive displays, and behind-the-scenes content tailored for devoted fans.
Diverse benefits and refined operations fueled high-quality growth across both overall subscriber and SVIP members.
- Premium audio quality remains a key attraction, with approximately
50% of our SVIP members actively enjoying this elevated listening experience. During the quarter, Kugou Music introduced the industry-first Viper External Amplification Enhancement Sound Effect, which intelligently optimizes sound depth and clarity when using external speakers. - A range of unique perks have proven effectively in driving SVIP conversions, including album discounts, special badges, and early access to merchandise and live events. For example, we organized Fiona Sit's concert tour and offered SVlP members meet-and-greet opportunities, further strengthening user engagement.
- Long-form audio content also boosted SVIP retention. The Grave Robbers' Chronicles audio drama, co-created with original author Nanpai Sanshu, renowned voice actors, and a leading production team, became the fastest audio series to surpass 10 million streams on our platform.
First Quarter 2025 Financial Review
Total revenues increased by
- Revenues from online music services delivered a strong year-over-year increase of
15.9% toRMB5.80 billion (US ) from$800 million RMB5.01 billion in the same period of 2024. The increase was driven by solid growth in music subscription revenues, supplemented by growth in revenues from advertising services. Revenues from music subscriptions wereRMB4.22 billion (US ), representing$581 million 16.6% year-over-year growth, compared withRMB3.62 billion in the same period of 2024. The rapid growth was mainly driven by the improved monthly ARPPU, which increased toRMB11.4 in the first quarter of 2025 fromRMB10.6 in the same period of 2024. This growth of monthly ARPPU was primarily due to the expansion of SVIP membership program, and to more disciplined promotional activities. The year-over-year increase in revenues from advertising was primarily due to more diversified product portfolio and innovative ad formats, such as ad-supported mode. Additionally, increased revenues from artist-related merchandise and offline performances also contributed to the growth in revenues from online music services. - Revenues from social entertainment services and others decreased by
11.9% toRMB1.55 billion (US ) from$214 million RMB1.76 billion in the same period of 2024. The decrease was mainly the result of adjustments to certain live-streaming interactive functions and more stringent compliance procedures implemented.
Cost of revenues increased by
Gross margin increased to
Total operating expenses were
Other gains were
Total operating profit was
Income tax expenses for the first quarter of 2025 were
For the first quarter of 2025, net profit was
Basic and diluted earnings per American Depositary Shares ("ADS") for the first quarter of 2025 were
As of March 31, 2025, the combined balance of the Company's cash, cash equivalents, term deposits and short-term investments amounted to
Share Repurchase Program
Under our previously announced share repurchase programs, during the three months ended March 31, 2025, we repurchased a total of 5.9 million ADSs in the open market with cash for an aggregate consideration of approximately
Declaration and Payment of 2024 Dividend
On March 17, 2025, the Company's board of directors declared a cash dividend of US
Environmental, Social, and Governance ("ESG")
We recently released our 2024 ESG report, offering stakeholders enhanced transparency and insight into our operations. The report details our practices and achievements in key areas including intellectual property protection, user privacy and data security, product inclusion and accessibility, and the fostering of diverse music communities. It also reaffirms our commitment to sustainable growth and creation of social value.
Exchange Rate
This announcement contains translations of certain RMB amounts into
Non-IFRS Financial Measure
The Company uses non-IFRS net profit for the period, which is a non-IFRS financial measure, in evaluating its operating results and for financial and operational decision-making purposes. TME believes that non-IFRS net profit helps identify underlying trends in the Company's business that could otherwise be distorted by the effect of certain expenses that the Company includes in its profit for the period. TME believes that non-IFRS net profit for the period provides useful information about its results of operations, enhances the overall understanding of its past performance and future prospects and allows for greater visibility with respect to key metrics used by its management in its financial and operational decision-making.
Non-IFRS net profit for the period should not be considered in isolation or construed as an alternative to operating profit, net profit for the period or any other measure of performance or as an indicator of its operating performance. Investors are encouraged to review non-IFRS net profit for the period and the reconciliation to its most directly comparable IFRS measure. Non-IFRS net profit for the period presented here may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. Other companies may calculate similarly titled measures differently, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures to the Company's data. TME encourages investors and others to review its financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure.
Non-IFRS net profit for the period represents profit for the period excluding amortization of intangible and other assets arising from business acquisitions or combinations, share-based compensation expenses, net losses/gains from investments and related income tax effects.
Please see the "Unaudited Non-IFRS Financial Measure" included in this press release for a full reconciliation of non-IFRS net profit for the period to its net profit for the period.
[1] Non-IFRS net profit attributable to equity holders of the Company was arrived at after excluding the combined effect of amortization of intangible assets and other assets arising from business acquisitions or combinations, share-based compensation expenses, net losses/gains from investments, and related income tax effects. |
[2] Names grouped by artists and bands, sorted in alphabetical order by family names. |
About Tencent Music Entertainment
Tencent Music Entertainment Group (NYSE: TME and HKEX: 1698) is the leading online music and audio entertainment platform in
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the
Investor Relations Contact
Tencent Music Entertainment Group
ir@tencentmusic.com
+86 (755) 8601-3388 ext. 818415
TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP | |||||||
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS | |||||||
Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||
2024 | 2025 | ||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||
Unaudited | Unaudited | Unaudited | |||||
(in millions, except per share data) | |||||||
Revenues | |||||||
Online music services | 5,007 | 5,804 | 800 | ||||
Social entertainment services and others | 1,761 | 1,552 | 214 | ||||
6,768 | 7,356 | 1,014 | |||||
Cost of revenues | (3,997) | (4,114) | (567) | ||||
Gross profit | 2,771 | 3,242 | 447 | ||||
Selling and marketing expenses | (187) | (199) | (27) | ||||
General and administrative expenses | (949) | (944) | (130) | ||||
Total operating expenses | (1,136) | (1,143) | (158) | ||||
Interest income | 278 | 297 | 41 | ||||
Other gains, net | 46 | 2,440 | 336 | ||||
Operating profit | 1,959 | 4,836 | 666 | ||||
Share of net (loss)/ profit of investments accounted | (18) | 23 | 3 | ||||
Finance cost | (30) | (25) | (3) | ||||
Profit before income tax | 1,911 | 4,834 | 666 | ||||
Income tax expense | (381) | (446) | (61) | ||||
Profit for the period | 1,530 | 4,388 | 605 | ||||
Attributable to: | |||||||
Equity holders of the Company | 1,422 | 4,291 | 591 | ||||
Non-controlling interests | 108 | 97 | 13 | ||||
Earnings per share for Class A and Class B | |||||||
Basic | 0.46 | 1.40 | 0.19 | ||||
Diluted | 0.46 | 1.39 | 0.19 | ||||
Earnings per ADS (2 Class A shares equal to 1 ADS) | |||||||
Basic | 0.92 | 2.81 | 0.39 | ||||
Diluted | 0.91 | 2.77 | 0.38 | ||||
Shares used in earnings per Class A and Class B | |||||||
Basic | 3,081,992,364 | 3,054,522,173 | 3,054,522,173 | ||||
Diluted | 3,123,242,656 | 3,093,008,542 | 3,093,008,542 | ||||
ADS used in earnings per ADS computation | |||||||
Basic | 1,540,996,182 | 1,527,261,087 | 1,527,261,087 | ||||
Diluted | 1,561,621,328 | 1,546,504,271 | 1,546,504,271 |
TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP | ||||||||
UNAUDITED NON-IFRS FINANCIAL MEASURE | ||||||||
Three Months Ended March 31 | ||||||||
2024 | 2025 | |||||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||
Unaudited | Unaudited | Unaudited | ||||||
(in millions, except per share data) | ||||||||
Profit for the period | 1,530 | 4,388 | 605 | |||||
Adjustments: | ||||||||
Amortization of intangible and other assets arising from | 118 | 105 | 14 | |||||
Share-based compensation | 193 | 161 | 22 | |||||
Losses/(Gains) from investments** | 37 | (2,375) | (327) | |||||
Income tax effects*** | (66) | (53) | (7) | |||||
Non-IFRS Net Profit | 1,812 | 2,226 | 307 | |||||
Attributable to: | ||||||||
Equity holders of the Company | 1,704 | 2,124 | 293 | |||||
Non-controlling interests | 108 | 102 | 14 | |||||
Earnings per share for Class A and Class B | ||||||||
Basic | 0.55 | 0.70 | 0.10 | |||||
Diluted | 0.55 | 0.69 | 0.09 | |||||
Earnings per ADS (2 Class A shares equal to 1 ADS) | ||||||||
Basic | 1.11 | 1.39 | 0.19 | |||||
Diluted | 1.09 | 1.37 | 0.19 | |||||
Shares used in earnings per Class A and Class B | ||||||||
Basic | 3,081,992,364 | 3,054,522,173 | 3,054,522,173 | |||||
Diluted | 3,123,242,656 | 3,093,008,542 | 3,093,008,542 | |||||
ADS used in earnings per ADS computation | ||||||||
Basic | 1,540,996,182 | 1,527,261,087 | 1,527,261,087 | |||||
Diluted | 1,561,621,328 | 1,546,504,271 | 1,546,504,271 | |||||
* Represents the amortization of identifiable assets, including intangible assets such as domain name, trademark, | ||||||||
** Including the net gains/losses on deemed disposals/disposals of investments, fair value changes arising from investments, | ||||||||
*** Represents the income tax effects of Non-IFRS adjustments. |
TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP | ||||||
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | ||||||
As at December 31, 2024 | As at March 31, 2025 | |||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||
Audited | Unaudited | Unaudited | ||||
(in millions) | ||||||
ASSETS | ||||||
Non-current assets | ||||||
Property, plant and equipment | 803 | 881 | 121 | |||
Land use rights | 2,364 | 2,345 | 323 | |||
Right-of-use assets | 295 | 316 | 44 | |||
Intangible assets | 2,049 | 2,029 | 280 | |||
Goodwill | 19,647 | 19,648 | 2,708 | |||
Investments accounted for using equity method | 4,669 | 1,866 | 257 | |||
Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income | 14,498 | 24,780 | 3,415 | |||
Other investments | 309 | 309 | 43 | |||
Prepayments, deposits and other assets | 425 | 312 | 43 | |||
Deferred tax assets | 422 | 393 | 54 | |||
Term deposits | 10,419 | 11,029 | 1,520 | |||
55,900 | 63,908 | 8,807 | ||||
Current assets | ||||||
Inventories | 23 | 18 | 3 | |||
Accounts receivable | 3,508 | 3,201 | 441 | |||
Prepayments, deposits and other assets | 3,793 | 4,255 | 586 | |||
Other investments | 46 | 48 | 7 | |||
Term deposits | 13,999 | 14,621 | 2,015 | |||
Restricted Cash | 11 | 11 | 2 | |||
Cash and cash equivalents | 13,164 | 12,022 | 1,657 | |||
34,544 | 34,176 | 4,710 | ||||
Total assets | 90,444 | 98,084 | 13,516 | |||
EQUITY | ||||||
Equity attributable to equity holders of the Company | ||||||
Share capital | 2 | 2 | 0 | |||
Additional paid-in capital | 29,035 | 29,176 | 4,021 | |||
Shares held for share award schemes | (520) | (540) | (74) | |||
Treasury shares | (550) | (1,009) | (139) | |||
Other reserves | 19,845 | 22,966 | 3,165 | |||
Retained earnings | 20,051 | 22,642 | 3,120 | |||
67,863 | 73,237 | 10,092 | ||||
Non-controlling interests | 1,863 | 1,962 | 270 | |||
Total equity | 69,726 | 75,199 | 10,363 | |||
LIABILITIES | ||||||
Non-current liabilities | ||||||
Notes payables | 3,572 | 3,568 | 492 | |||
Deferred tax liabilities | 198 | 227 | 31 | |||
Lease liabilities | 219 | 251 | 35 | |||
Deferred revenue | 179 | 209 | 29 | |||
4,168 | 4,255 | 586 | ||||
Current liabilities | ||||||
Accounts payable | 6,879 | 7,296 | 1,005 | |||
Other payables and other liabilities | 3,381 | 4,854 | 669 | |||
Notes payables | 2,154 | 2,152 | 297 | |||
Current tax liabilities | 934 | 911 | 126 | |||
Lease liabilities | 106 | 104 | 14 | |||
Deferred revenue | 3,096 | 3,313 | 457 | |||
16,550 | 18,630 | 2,567 | ||||
Total liabilities | 20,718 | 22,885 | 3,154 | |||
Total equity and liabilities | 90,444 | 98,084 | 13,516 |
TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP | ||||||
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS | ||||||
Three Months Ended March 31 | ||||||
2024 | 2025 | |||||
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||
Unaudited | Unaudited | Unaudited | ||||
(in millions) | ||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | 2,686 | 2,519 | 347 | |||
Net cash used in investing activities | (5,498) | (3,221) | (444) | |||
Net cash used in financing activities | (522) | (456) | (63) | |||
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents | (3,334) | (1,158) | (160) | |||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period | 13,567 | 13,164 | 1,814 | |||
Exchange differences on cash and cash equivalents | (15) | 16 | 2 | |||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period | 10,218 | 12,022 | 1,657 |
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SOURCE Tencent Music Entertainment Group