Youdao Reports Second Quarter 2021 Unaudited Financial Results

HANGZHOU, China, Aug. 31, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Youdao, Inc. ("Youdao" or the "Company") (NYSE: DAO), a leading intelligent learning company in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2021.

Second Quarter 2021 Financial Highlights

• Total net revenues were RMB1.3 billion (US$200.3 million), representing a 107.5% increase from the same period in 2020.
  - Net revenues from learning services were RMB921.1 million (US$142.7 million), representing a 112.4% increase from the same period in 2020.
  - Net revenues from learning products were RMB206.3 million (US$32.0 million), representing a 138.8% increase from the same period in 2020.
  - Net revenues from online marketing services were RMB166.0 million (US$25.7 million), representing a 60.8% increase from the same period in 2020.
• Gross billings of online courses^[1] increased by 99.7% year-over-year to RMB1.1 billion (US$167.6 million) and gross billings of Youdao Premium Courses^[2] increased by 124.1% year-over-year to RMB1.0 billion (US$158.7 million).
• Gross margin was 52.3%, compared with 45.2% for the same period in 2020.
• Deferred revenue from online courses was RMB1.3 billion (US$200.2 million) as of June 30, 2021, compared with RMB1.4 billion as of December 31, 2020.

Second Quarter 2021 Key Operating and Financial Data

"We believe technology can empower education. In the second quarter, we launched our self-developed Intelligent Practice System, a platform that deeply and seamlessly integrates teaching and research with advanced technology and can quickly customize learning paths for students, significantly improving their learning outcomes. In addition, we also remain firmly committed to fulfilling our social responsibilities. For instance, in response to the recent floods in Henan Province, Youdao joined hands with public welfare institutions to provide post-disaster reconstruction and instructor support for 10 to 15 schools and kindergartens, which are expected to cover at least 10,000 students in the affected areas," said Dr. Feng Zhou, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Youdao.

"Youdao has always been committed to complying with laws and regulations. After the PRC government released opinions on further reducing student burden regarding homework and off-campus tutoring for compulsory education, we see four pillars of growth in our non-AST business, including learning products, STEAM courses, adult education and education digitization solutions. As previously disclosed, although our K-12 businesses are expected to be materially affected by heightened regulatory requirements, we will continue to adapt our business to the changing regulatory environment and drive sustainable growth in the long run through innovative technologies and products. As a leading intelligent learning company, we will continue leveraging advanced technology to empower education," Dr. Zhou concluded.

Second Quarter 2021 Financial Results 

Net Revenues

Net revenues for the second quarter of 2021 were RMB1.3 billion (US$200.3 million), representing a 107.5% increase from RMB623.3 million for the same period of 2020.

Net revenues from learning services were RMB921.1 million (US$142.7 million) for the second quarter of 2021, representing a 112.4% increase from RMB433.7 million for the same period of 2020. The year-over-year growth from learning services was primarily attributable to increased revenues from online courses, which were further driven by increases in paid student enrollments for Youdao Premium Courses. Paid student enrollments for adult courses of Youdao Premium Courses increased by 70.3% and accounted for 13.4% of paid student enrollments for Premium Courses in the second quarter of 2021.

Net revenues from learning products were RMB206.3 million (US$32.0 million) for the second quarter of 2021, representing a 138.8% increase from RMB86.4 million for the same period of 2020, primarily driven by the substantial increase in Youdao Dictionary Pen sales volume.

Net revenues from online marketing services were RMB166.0 million (US$25.7 million) for the second quarter of 2021, representing a 60.8% increase from RMB103.2 million for the same period of 2020. The year-over-year increase in revenues from online marketing services was attributable to the increase in the sales of performance-based advertisements through third parties' internet properties.

Gross Profit and Gross Margin

Gross profit for the second quarter of 2021 was RMB676.7 million (US$104.8 million), representing a 140.4% increase from RMB281.5 million for the same period of 2020. Gross margin increased to 52.3% for the second quarter of 2021 from 45.2% for the same period of 2020.

Gross margin for learning services increased to 57.9% for the second quarter of 2021 from 51.7% for the same period of 2020. The increase was driven by improved economies of scale and ongoing optimization of Youdao's faculty compensation structure.

Gross margin for learning products increased to 43.0% for the second quarter of 2021 from 32.4% for the same period of 2020. The improvement was mainly attributable to the substantial rise in sales volume of Youdao Dictionary Pen 3.0, which carried a higher gross margin than other learning products.

Gross margin for online marketing services was 32.7% for the second quarter of 2021, compared with 28.5% for the same period of 2020. The increase was mainly attributable to higher sales of performance-based advertisements through third parties' internet properties, which had an improved gross margin profile over last year.

Operating Expenses

Total operating expenses for the second quarter of 2021 were RMB1.2 billion (US$189.1 million), representing an increase of 116.3%, compared with RMB564.6 million for the same period of last year.

Sales and marketing expenses for the second quarter of 2021 were RMB973.2 million (US$150.7 million), representing an increase of 118.6% from RMB445.2 million for the same period of 2020. This increase was mainly driven by intensified sales and marketing efforts associated with our learning services and products, as well as increased compensation expenses incurred due to the expansion of the sales and marketing team.

Research and development expenses for the second quarter of 2021 were RMB180.0 million (US$27.9 million), representing an increase of 96.9% from RMB91.4 million for the same period of 2020. The increase was primarily due to higher payroll-related expenses including share-based compensation expenses associated with a larger number of course development and technology professionals.

General and administrative expenses for the second quarter of 2021 were RMB67.9 million (US$10.5 million), representing an increase of 142.5% from RMB28.0 million for the same period of 2020. The increase was mainly attributable to an increase in employee headcount and related expenses in the second quarter of 2021.

Loss from Operations

Loss from operations for the second quarter of 2021 was RMB544.4 million (US$84.3 million), compared with RMB283.0 million for the same period in 2020. The margin of loss from operations was 42.1%, compared with 45.4% for the same period of last year.

Net Loss Attributable to Youdao's Ordinary Shareholders

Net loss attributable to Youdao's ordinary shareholders for the second quarter of 2021 was RMB524.4 million (US$81.2 million), compared with RMB257.8 million for the same period last year. Non-GAAP net loss attributable to Youdao's ordinary shareholders for the second quarter of 2021 was RMB500.5 million (US$77.5 million), compared with RMB250.5 million for the same period last year.

Basic and diluted net loss per American Depositary Share ("ADS") attributable to ordinary shareholders for the second quarter of 2021 was RMB4.29 (US$0.66), compared with RMB2.30 for the same period of 2020. Non-GAAP basic and diluted net loss per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders was RMB4.09 (US$0.63), compared with RMB2.23 for the same period of 2020.

Balance Sheet

As of June 30, 2021, Youdao's cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, time deposits and short-term investments totaled RMB1.9 billion (US$294.4 million), compared with RMB1.2 billion as of December 31, 2020. For the second quarter of 2021, net cash used in operating activities was RMB249.1 million (US$38.6 million), capital expenditures totaled RMB12.1 million (US$1.9 million), and depreciation and amortization expenses amounted to RMB5.7 million (US$0.9 million). Youdao's ability to continue as a going concern is dependent on management's ability to implement an effective business plan in future periods in light of the changing regulatory environment, generate operating cash flows and continue to be able to obtain outside sources of financing as necessary for Youdao's future development. Since its formation, Youdao has received various financial support from the NetEase Group, including currently a RMB878.0 million short-term loan and US$300.0 million revolving loan facility. In support of Youdao's future business, NetEase Group has agreed that the short-term loan will be automatically extended for a period of eleven months each time upon Youdao's prior written request.

As of June 30, 2021, the Company's contract liabilities, which mainly consisted of deferred revenues generated from Youdao's online courses, were RMB1.4 billion (US$213.1 million), compared with RMB1.4 billion as of December 31, 2020.

Update on PRC Regulatory Policy

As previously disclosed, Youdao's business, financial condition and corporate structure are expected to be materially affected in future periods by the changing regulatory environment primarily in China's K-12 education industry, although the magnitude of the impact remains uncertain at this time.

NetEase Share Purchase Program for Youdao's ADSs

Youdao's controlling shareholder, NetEase, Inc. ("NetEase"), today announced that it has adopted a share purchase program of up to US$50.0 million of Youdao's outstanding ADSs for a period not to exceed 36 months beginning on September 2, 2021. Under the terms of this program, NetEase may purchase Youdao's ADSs in open-market transactions on the New York Stock Exchange. The purchase program may be suspended or discontinued by NetEase at any time.

Conference Call

Youdao's management team will host a teleconference call with simultaneous webcast at 7:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, August 31, 2021 (Beijing/Hong Kong Time: 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 31, 2021). Youdao's management will be on the call to discuss the financial results and answer questions.

Dial-in details for the earnings conference call are as follows:

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 September 7, 2021:

About Youdao, Inc. 

Youdao, Inc. (NYSE: DAO) is a leading intelligent learning company in China dedicated to developing and using technologies to provide learning content, applications and solutions to users of all ages. Building on the popularity of its online knowledge tools such as Youdao Dictionary and Youdao Translation, Youdao now offers online courses covering a wide spectrum of age groups, subject matters, learning goals and areas of interest. In addition, Youdao has developed a variety of interactive learning apps and smart learning devices. Youdao was founded in 2006 as part of NetEase, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTES; HKEX: 9999), a leading internet technology company in China.

For more information, please visit: http://ir.youdao.com.

Non-GAAP Measures

Youdao considers and uses non-GAAP financial measures, such as gross billings and non-GAAP net income/(loss) attributable to the Company's ordinary shareholders and non-GAAP basic and diluted earnings/(loss) 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 the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP").

Youdao defines gross billings for a specific period as the total amount of consideration for online courses sold mainly on Youdao Premium Courses, NetEase Cloud Classroom and China University MOOC, net of the total amount of refunds, in such period. The management uses gross billings as a performance measurement because the Company generally bills students for the entire course tuition at the time of sale of the courses and recognizes revenue proportionally over an average of the learning periods of different online courses. Youdao defines non-GAAP net income/(loss) attributable to the Company's ordinary shareholders as net income/(loss) attributable to the Company's ordinary shareholders excluding share-based compensation expenses. Non-GAAP net income/(loss) attributable to the Company's shareholders enables Youdao's management to assess its operating results without considering the impact of share-based compensation expenses, which are non-cash charges. 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 U.S. GAAP and are not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools, which possibly does not reflect all items of expense that affect our operations. Share-based compensation expenses have been and may continue to be incurred in our business and are not reflected in the presentation of non-GAAP net income/(loss) attributable to the Company's ordinary shareholders. In addition, the non-GAAP financial measures Youdao uses may differ from the non-GAAP measures uses by other companies, including peer companies, and therefore their comparability may be limited.

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 GAAP.  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 tables have more details on the reconciliations between our GAAP financial measures that are most 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 U.S. dollars ("US$") at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise stated, all translations from RMB to US$ were made at the rate of RMB6.4566 to US$1.00, the exchange rate on June 30, 2021 set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board. The Company makes no representation that the RMB or US$ amounts referred could be converted into US$ or RMB, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all.

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. 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. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports filed with, or furnished to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual reports to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. 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. Further information regarding such risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company's filings with the SEC. 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:

In China:
Jeffrey Wang
Youdao, Inc.
Tel: +86-10-8255-8163 ext. 89980
E-mail: IR@rd.netease.com

The Piacente Group, Inc.
Emilie Wu
Tel: +86-21-6039-8363
E-mail: youdao@thepiacentegroup.com

In the United States:
The Piacente Group, Inc. 
Brandi Piacente
Tel: +1-212-481-2050
E-mail: youdao@thepiacentegroup.com

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