Hello Group (NASDAQ: MOMO) Q1 2026 earnings slip as China softens, overseas grow
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Hello Group Inc. reported unaudited first-quarter 2026 results showing softer growth but solid profitability and cash generation. Total net revenues were RMB2,386.0 million (US$345.9 million), down 5.3% year over year, as value-added service revenues fell to RMB2,353.6 million amid weaker performance at the Momo and Tantan apps.
Income from operations inched up to RMB309.7 million, but net income declined to RMB291.5 million (US$42.3 million) from RMB358.5 million, partly due to lower interest income and smaller equity-method gains. Mainland China revenues dropped to RMB1,788.6 million, while overseas revenues grew to RMB597.4 million, led by newer audio and video products in the MENA region.
The company ended March 31, 2026 with RMB8,561.0 million (US$1,241.1 million) in cash, cash equivalents, deposits, investments and restricted cash, and generated RMB158.9 million in operating cash flow. Management returned capital through a special cash dividend of US$0.28 per ADS (US$41.2 million in total) and cumulative repurchases of 63.7 million ADSs for US$399.5 million. For the second quarter of 2026, Hello Group expects net revenues between RMB2.45 billion and RMB2.55 billion, implying a 6.5% to 2.7% year-over-year decline.
Positive
- None.
Negative
- Profitability and outlook weakened: Net income fell from RMB358.5 million to RMB291.5 million year over year, and Q2 2026 revenue guidance of RMB2.45–2.55 billion implies a continued year-over-year decline of 6.5% to 2.7%.
Insights
Profits declined despite stable operations, while cash returns to shareholders continued.
Hello Group posted Q1 2026 net revenues of RMB2,386.0 million, down 5.3% year over year, as its value-added services business softened on the core Momo and Tantan apps. Operating cost control helped income from operations rise modestly to RMB309.7 million.
However, net income fell to RMB291.5 million from RMB358.5 million, driven by sharply lower interest income and reduced equity-method gains. Mainland China revenues contracted, while overseas revenues increased to RMB597.4 million, supported by newer audio and video products in the MENA region.
The company maintained a strong liquidity position with RMB8,561.0 million in cash and investments and generated RMB158.9 million of operating cash flow. It continued sizable capital returns through a special dividend of US$0.28 per ADS and cumulative share repurchases of US$399.5 million. Q2 2026 revenue guidance of RMB2.45–2.55 billion signals a further year-over-year decline of up to 6.5%.