Tencent announced revenue of $22.62 billion, marking an 8% increase year-on-year. At the same time, it is the slowest revenue growth since it went public in 2004. However, the profit attributable to equity holders of the company came 60% higher than expected.
The Chinese conglomerate has lost approx. $470 billion in market value since it peaked in early 2021, as it has faced some challenges from China’s crackdown in various areas such as gaming and education. Online games represent Tencent’s largest revenue driver. In 2021, regulators cut the amount of time kids under 18 could play online games for. Also, Chinese authorities haven’t approved the launch of any games since July 2021.
Moreover, the country’s government had something to say regarding the after-school education companies. This could impact Tencent’s ad business, as education firms would buy advertisements from the company.
According to Tencent officials’ statement, the company expects to benefit from new game launches after the latest monetization licenses kick in. Tencent’s advertising business will resume growth in late 2022.
At the moment of writing, Tencent’s stock price was trading 5.42% higher.
Sources: Bloomberg.com, cnbc.com