Achieved High Quality Revenue Growth with Sustained Operating Leverage
More Than Doubled Share Repurchase to Approximately HKD112bn
Stepping Up AI Investment for Growth
HONG KONG, March 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Tencent Holdings Limited (HKEX: 00700 (HKD Counter) and 80700 (RMB Counter), “Tencent” or the “Company”), a world-leading Internet and technology company in China, today announced the audited consolidated results for the year ended 31 December 2024 (“FY2024”) and the unaudited consolidated results for the fourth quarter (“4Q2024”) ended 31 December 2024.
Mr. Ma Huateng, Chairman and CEO of Tencent, said, “Benefitting from AI-powered enhancements to our advertising platform, higher engagement in Video Accounts, and growth in our evergreen games, we achieved double digit revenue growth while sustaining continued operating leverage in the fourth quarter of 2024. Starting a few months ago, we have reorganised our AI teams to sharpen focus on both fast product innovation and deep model research, increased our AI-related capital expenditures, and increased our R&D and marketing efforts for our AI-native products. We believe these stepped-up investments will generate ongoing returns via uplifting productivity in our advertising business and longevity of our games, as well as longer term value from accelerated consumer usage of our AI applications and enterprise adoption of our AI services.”
FY2024 Financial Highlights
Revenues: +8% YoY, gross profit: +19% YoY, non-IFRS[1] operating profit: +24% YoY
Total revenues were RMB660.3 billion (USD91.9 billion[2]), up 8% over 2023.Gross profit was RMB349.2 billion (USD48.6 billion), up 19% YoY.On a non-IFRS basis, which is intended to reflect core earnings by excluding certain one-time and/or non-cash items:Operating profit was RMB237.8 billion (USD33.1 billion), up 24% YoY. Operating margin increased to 36% from 32% last year.Profit for the year was RMB 227.2 billion (USD31.6 billion), up 40% YoY.Profit attributable to equity holders of the Company for the year was RMB222.7 billion (USD31.0 billion), up 41% YoY.Basic earnings per share were RMB24.027. Diluted earnings per share were RMB23.505.On an IFRS basis:Operating profit was RMB208.1 billion (USD28.9 billion), up 30% YoY. Operating margin increased to 32% from 26% last year.Profit for the year was RMB196.5 billion (USD27.3 billion), up 66% YoY.Profit attributable to equity holders of the Company for the year was RMB194.1 billion (USD27.0 billion), up 68% YoY.Basic earnings per share were RMB 20.938. Diluted earnings per share were RMB20.486.Capital expenditure was RMB76.8 billion (USD10.7 billion), up 221% YoY.Total cash was RMB415.4 billion (USD57.8 billion) and free cash flow was RMB155.3 billion (USD21.6 billion), down 7% YoY. Net cash position totalled RMB76.8 billion (USD10.7 billion).Fair value of our shareholdings[3] in listed investee companies (excluding subsidiaries) totalled RMB569.8 billion (USD79.3 billion) and the carrying book value of our shareholdings in unlisted investee companies (excluding subsidiaries) was RMB335.6 billion (USD46.7 billion).During 2024, the Company repurchased approximately 307 million shares on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange for a consideration of approximately HKD112.0 billion.
[1] Non-IFRS adjustments excludes share-based compensation, M&A related impact such as net (gains)/losses from investee companies, amortisation of intangible assets, impairment provisions/(reversals), SSV & CPP, income tax effects and others
[2] Figures stated in USD are based on USD1 to RMB7.1884
[3] Including those held via special purpose vehicles, on an attributable basis
FY2024 Business Review and Outlook
Weixin strengthened its user engagement and transaction capabilities through the launch of Mini Shops, our platform for indexed and standardised merchandise.Video Accounts’ total user time spent grew rapidly year-on-year, benefitting from enhanced recommendation algorithms and more local content.Query volume rapidly increased in Weixin Search, benefitting from integrating AI capabilities which enhance the relevance and quality of search results.Tencent Video maintained its leading position in China’s long-form video market with 113 million[4] video subscribers. Tencent Music extended its industry leadership in China’s music streaming market with 121 million[5] music subscribers.We expanded our evergreen games portfolio[6] from 12 games in 2023 to 14 in 2024, while nurturing new games with evergreen potential.We upgraded our advertising technology platform by optimising advertisement ranking systems and adding LLM capabilities, driving higher click-through rates and advertiser spending.For FinTech services, we upgraded our risk controls and optimised payment funding costs.We rapidly iterated our HunYuan Foundation Model, deployed AI for internal use cases, and prepared for breakout growth in consumer adoption of AI, via the Yuanbao and Weixin applications.We delivered substantial shareholder returns in 2024 through payment of a cash dividend of HKD3.40 per share (equivalent to approximately HKD32 billion) and through share repurchase of approximately HKD112 billion.
As the capabilities and benefits of AI become clearer, we have stepped up our AI investments to meet our internal business needs, train foundation models and support surging demand for inference we are experiencing from our users. We intend to further increase our capital expenditures in 2025 and believe these AI investments will generate good economic returns and value. We also have the capacity and intention to continue returning capital to shareholders. For 2025, we propose to increase our annual dividend by 32%, to HKD4.50 per share[7] (equivalent to approximately HKD41 billion), and we intend to repurchase at least HKD80 billion worth of our shares.
[4] The average daily number of subscriptions for the fourth quarter of 2024
[5] The average number of subscriptions as of the last day of each month during the fourth quarter of 2024
[6] Evergreen games portfolio includes domestic and international games. Evergreen games refer to games surpassing average quarterly DAU of 5 million for mobile or 2 million for PC, and generating over RMB4 billion annual gross receipts
[7] For the year ended 31 December 2024; subject to shareholders’ approval at the 2025 AGM
FY2024 Sustainability Initiatives
Our digital philanthropy initiative connected with over 280 million users, over 2,200 charitable organisations, and over 20,000 enterprises, via Tencent Charity Platform, and upgraded Giving for Good campaign.Through our XPLORER PRIZE and New Cornerstone Investigator Program, we have provided funding to over 360 outstanding scientists, contributing to societal and economic development.We leveraged AI, game technology and Mini Programs to create an immersive digital experience of the Beijing Central Axis, assisting this historic landmark’s inclusion into the UNESCO World Heritage List.We enhanced our data centres’ energy efficiency and increased their adoption of renewable energy, progressing towards our goal of carbon neutrality.
4Q2024 Financial Highlights
Revenues: +11% YoY; gross profit: +17% YoY; non-IFRS operating profit: +21% YoY
Total revenues were RMB172.4 billion (USD24.0 billion), up 11% over the fourth quarter of 2023 (“YoY”).Gross profit was RMB90.7 billion (USD12.6 billion), up 17% YoY.On a non-IFRS basis, which is intended to reflect core earnings by excluding certain one-time and/or non-cash items:Operating profit was RMB59.5 billion (USD8.3 billion), up 21% YoY. Operating margin increased to 34% from 32% last year.Profit for the period was RMB56.5 billion (USD7.9 billion), up 29% YoY.Profit attributable to equity holders of the Company for the quarter was RMB55.3 billion (USD7.7 billion), up 30% YoY.Basic earnings per share were RMB 6.032. Diluted earnings per share were RMB5.909.On an IFRS basis:Operating profit was RMB51.5 billion (USD7.2 billion), up 24% YoY. Operating margin increased to 30% from 27% last year.Profit for the period was RMB51.5 billion (USD7.2 billion), up 85% YoY.Profit attributable to equity holders of the Company for the quarter was RMB51.3 billion (USD7.1 billion), up 90% YoY.Basic earnings per share were RMB5.597. Diluted earnings per share were RMB5.485.Capital expenditure was RMB36.6 billion (USD5.1 billion), up 386% YoY
Operating Metrics
As at
31 December
2024
As at
31 December
2023
Year-
on-year
change
As at
30 September
2024
Quarter-on-
quarter
change
(in millions, unless specified)
Combined MAU of Weixin
and WeChat
1,385
1,343
3 %
1,382
0.2 %
Mobile device MAU of QQ
524
554
-5 %
562
-7 %
Fee-based VAS paying
subscriptions#
262
244
7 %
265
-1 %
# Adjusted to report the average daily number of subscriptions during the quarter, since the first quarter of 2024
4Q24 Management Discussion and Analysis
Revenues from VAS increased by 14% year-on-year to RMB79.0 billion for the fourth quarter of 2024 on. International Games revenues were RMB16.0 billion, reflecting a 15% year-on-year increase (16% increase on a constant currency basis), driven by robust performances from Brawl Stars and PUBG MOBILE, alongside the early access release of Path of Exile 2. Domestic Games revenues increased by 23% year-on-year to RMB33.2 billion, benefitting from: a low base in the prior year’s period; growth in revenue from major games such as Honour of Kings, Peacekeeper Elite and VALORANT; and contributions from recently released games DnF Mobile and Delta Force. Social Networks revenues rose by 6% year-on-year to RMB29.8 billion, primarily due to growth in app-based game virtual item sales, music subscription revenues and Mini Games platform service fees.
Revenues from Marketing Services[8] were RMB35.0 billion for the fourth quarter of 2024, up 17% year-on-year, driven by robust advertiser demand for Video Accounts, Mini Programs and Weixin Search inventories. Advertising spending rose across most major categories during the quarter.
Revenues from FinTech and Business Services increased by 3% year-on-year to RMB56.1 billion for the fourth quarter of 2024. FinTech Services revenue growth reflected higher revenues from wealth management services and consumer loan services, while commercial payment services revenue was broadly stable year-on-year. Higher Business Services revenues were driven by growth in eCommerce technology service fees and WeCom revenue.
[8] Starting third quarter of 2024, we have renamed this revenue segment from “Online Advertising” to “Marketing Services” to better represent the breadth of our marketing solutions and accompanying technology services across our online marketing properties
For other detailed disclosure, please refer to our website https://www.tencent.com/en-us/investors.htmlhttp://www.tencent.com/ir, or follow us via Weixin Official Account (Weixin ID: TencentGlobal).
About Tencent
Tencent uses technology to enrich the lives of Internet users.
Our communication and social services, Weixin and QQ, connect users with each other and with digital content and services, both online and offline, making their lives more convenient. Our targeted marketing services helps advertisers reach out to hundreds of millions of consumers in China. Our FinTech and business services support partners’ business growth and assist their digital upgrade.
Tencent invests heavily in talent and technological innovation, actively promoting the development of the Internet industry. Tencent was founded in Shenzhen, China, in 1998. Tencent has been listed on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong since 2004.
Investor contact: IR@tencent.com
Media contact: GC@tencent.com
Non-IFRS Financial Measures
To supplement the consolidated results of the Group (“the Company and its subsidiaries”) prepared in accordance with IFRS, certain additional non-IFRS financial measures (in terms of operating profit, operating margin, profit for the period, profit attributable to equity holders of the Company, basic EPS and diluted EPS) have been presented in this press release. These unaudited non-IFRS financial measures should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, measures of the Group’s financial performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. In addition, these non-IFRS financial measures may be defined differently from similar terms used by other companies.
The Company’s management believes that the non-IFRS financial measures provide investors with useful supplementary information to assess the performance of the Group’s core operations by excluding certain non-cash items and certain impact of investment-related transactions. In addition, non-IFRS adjustments include relevant non-IFRS adjustments for the Group’s major associates based on available published financials of the relevant major associates, or estimates made by the Company’s management based on available information, certain expectations, assumptions and premises.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements relating to the business outlook, estimates of financial performance, forecast business plans and growth strategies of the Group. These forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to the Group and are stated herein on the basis of the outlook at the time of this press release. They are based on certain expectations, assumptions and premises, some of which are subjective or beyond our control. These forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect and may not be realised in the future. Underlying these forward-looking statements are a lot of risks and uncertainties. In light of the risks and uncertainties, the inclusion of forward-looking statements in this press release should not be regarded as representations by the Board or the Company that the plans and objectives will be achieved, and investors should not place undue reliance on such statements.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
RMB in millions, unless specified
Unaudited
Audited
4Q2024
4Q2023
2024
2023
Revenues
172,446
155,196
660,257
609,015
VAS
79,022
69,079
319,168
298,375
Marketing Services
35,004
29,794
121,374
101,482
FinTech and Business Services
56,125
54,379
211,956
203,763
Others
2,295
1,944
7,759
5,395
Cost of revenues
(81,793)
(77,632)
(311,011)
(315,906)
Gross profit
90,653
77,564
349,246
293,109
Gross margin
53 %
50 %
53 %
48 %
Selling and marketing expenses
(10,285)
(10,971)
(36,388)
(34,211)
General and administrative expenses
(31,403)
(27,175)
(112,761)
(103,525)
Other gains/(losses), net
2,513
1,983
8,002
4,701
Operating profit
51,478
41,401
208,099
160,074
Operating margin
30 %
27 %
32 %
26 %
Net gains/(losses) from investments
and others
1,119
(6,730)
4,187
(6,090)
Interest income
3,910
3,917
16,004
13,808
Finance costs
(2,512)
(3,543)
(11,981)
(12,268)
Share of profit/(loss) of associates and
joint ventures, net
9,253
2,463
25,176
5,800
Profit before income tax
63,248
37,508
241,485
161,324
Income tax expense
(11,781)
(9,658)
(45,018)
(43,276)
Profit for the period
51,467
27,850
196,467
118,048
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the Company
51,324
27,025
194,073
115,216
Non-controlling interests
143
825
2,394
2,832
Non-IFRS operating profit
59,475
49,135
237,811
191,886
Non-IFRS profit attributable to equity
holders of the Company
55,312
42,681
222,703
157,688
Earnings per share for profit
attributable to equity holders of
the Company
(in RMB per share)
– basic
5.597
2.873
20.938
12.186
– diluted
5.485
2.807
20.486
11.887
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
RMB in millions, unless specified
Audited
2024
2023
Profit for the year
196,467
118,048
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Items that may be subsequently reclassified to profit or loss
Share of other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures
(492)
(176)
Transfer of share of other comprehensive income to profit or loss upon disposal
and deemed disposal of associates and joint ventures
(13)
(9)
Transfer to profit or loss upon disposal of financial assets at fair value through
other comprehensive income
1
–
Net gains from changes in fair value of financial assets at fair value through other
comprehensive income
23
59
Currency translation differences
(2,746)
13,328
Net movement in reserves for hedges
(2,618)
(3,581)
Items that will not be subsequently reclassified to profit or loss
Share of other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures
(711)
(561)
Loss from changes in fair value of assets held for distribution
–
(29,991)
Net gains from changes in fair value of financial assets at fair value through
other comprehensive income
94,249
11,142
Currency translation differences
111
(1,077)
Net movement in reserves for hedges
71
–
87,875
(10,866)
Total comprehensive income for the year
284,342
107,182
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the Company
279,009
102,130
Non-controlling interests
5,333
5,052
OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION
RMB in millions, unless specified
Unaudited
Audited
4Q2024
4Q2023
3Q2024
2024
2023
EBITDA (a)
63,917
53,983
64,397
256,310
214,381
Adjusted EBITDA (a)
69,579
59,494
69,656
277,012
235,454
Adjusted EBITDA margin (b)
40 %
38 %
42 %
42 %
39 %
Interest and related expenses
3,340
3,015
3,145
12,447
11,885
Net cash/(debt)(c)
76,798
54,740
95,462
76,798
54,740
Capital expenditures (d)
36,578
7,524
17,094
76,760
23,893
Note:
(a) EBITDA is calculated as operating profit minus other gains/(losses), net, and adding back depreciation of property, plant and equipment,
investment properties as well as right-of-use assets, and amortisation of intangible assets and land use rights. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as
EBITDA plus equity-settled share-based compensation expenses.
(b) Adjusted EBITDA margin is calculated by dividing Adjusted EBITDA by revenues.
(c) Net cash/(debt) represents period end balance and is calculated as cash and cash equivalents, plus term deposits and others, including highly
liquid investment products held for treasury purpose, minus borrowings and notes payable.
(d) Capital expenditures primarily consist of investments in computer equipment and components, and other property, plant and equipment,
construction in progress, investment properties, land use rights, as well as certain intangible assets.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
RMB in millions, unless specified
Audited
Audited
As at
31 December, 2024
As at
31 December, 2023
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment
80,185
53,232
Land use rights
23,117
17,179
Right-of-use assets
17,679
20,464
Construction in progress
12,302
13,583
Investment properties
801
570
Intangible assets
196,127
177,727
Investments in associates
290,343
253,696
Investments in joint ventures
7,072
7,969
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
204,999
211,145
Financial assets at fair value through other
comprehensive income
302,360
213,951
Prepayments, deposits and other assets
42,828
28,439
Other financial assets
1,076
2,527
Deferred income tax assets
28,325
29,017
Term deposits
77,601
29,301
1,284,815
1,058,800
Current assets
Inventories
440
456
Accounts receivable
48,203
46,606
Prepayments, deposits and other assets
101,044
88,411
Other financial assets
4,750
5,949
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
9,568
14,903
Financial assets at fair value through other
comprehensive income
3,345
–
Term deposits
192,977
185,983
Restricted cash
3,334
3,818
Cash and cash equivalents
132,519
172,320
496,180
518,446
Total assets
1,780,995
1,577,246
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION (continued)
RMB in millions, unless specified
Audited
Audited
As at
31 December, 2024
As at
31 December, 2023
EQUITY
Equity attributable to equity holders of the Company
Share capital
–
–
Share premium
43,079
37,989
Treasury shares
(3,597)
(4,740)
Shares held for share award schemes
(5,093)
(5,350)
Other reserves
47,129
(33,219)
Retained earnings
892,030
813,911
973,548
808,591
Non-controlling interests
80,348
65,090
Total equity
1,053,896
873,681
LIABILITIES
Non-current liabilities
Borrowings
146,521
155,819
Notes payable
130,586
137,101
Long-term payables
10,201
12,169
Other financial liabilities
4,203
8,781
Deferred income tax liabilities
18,546
17,635
Lease liabilities
13,897
16,468
Deferred revenue
6,236
3,435
330,190
351,408
Current liabilities
Accounts payable
118,712
100,948
Other payables and accruals
84,032
76,595
Borrowings
52,885
41,537
Notes payable
8,623
14,161
Current income tax liabilities
16,586
17,664
Other tax liabilities
4,038
4,372
Other financial liabilities
6,336
4,558
Lease liabilities
5,600
6,154
Deferred revenue
100,097
86,168
396,909
352,157
Total liabilities
727,099
703,565
Total equity and liabilities
1,780,995
1,577,246
RECONCILIATIONS OF THE GROUP’S NON-IFRS FINANCIAL MEASURES TO THE NEAREST MEASURES PREPARED IN ACCORDANCE WITH IFRS
As
reported
Adjustments
Non-IFRS
RMB in millions,
unless specified
Share-based
compensation
(a)
Net
(gains)/losses
from investee
companies (b)
Amortisation of
intangible assets (c)
Impairment
provisions/
(reversals) (d)
SSV & CPP
(e)
Others
(f)
Income
tax effects (g)
Unaudited three months ended 31 December 2024
Operating profit
51,478
6,140
–
1,416
–
441
–
–
59,475
Share of profit/(loss) of associates
and joint ventures, net
9,253
1,003
(3,799)
1,176
116
–
–
–
7,749
Profit for the period
51,467
7,143
(6,888)
2,592
1,760
1,109
–
(706)
56,477
Profit attributable to
equity holders
51,324
7,034
(6,931)
2,396
1,037
1,109
–
(657)
55,312
Operating margin
30 %
34 %
Unaudited three months ended 31 December 2023
Operating profit
41,401
5,732
–
1,564
–
437
1
–
49,135
Share of profit/(loss) of associates and
joint ventures, net
2,463
914
(416)
1,396
159
–
–
–
4,516
Profit for the period
27,850
6,646
(94)
2,960
5,705
1,594
1
(829)
43,833
Profit attributable to
equity holders
27,025
6,512
(55)
2,719
5,650
1,594
1
(765)
42,681
Operating margin
27 %
32 %
Unaudited three months ended 30 September 2024
Operating profit
53,333
6,377
–
1,324
–
240
–
–
61,274
Share of profit/(loss) of associates and
joint ventures, net
6,019
985
60
1,433
12
–
–
–
8,509
Profit for the period
53,983
7,362
(6,610)
2,757
3,788
304
–
(653)
60, 931
Profit attributable to
equity holders
53,230
7,180
(6,664)
2,591
3,766
304
–
(594)
59,813
Operating margin
32 %
37 %
Note:
(a) Including put options granted to employees of investee companies on their shares and shares to be issued under investee companies’ share-based incentive plans which can be acquired by the Group, and other incentives
(b) Including net (gains)/losses on deemed disposals/disposals of investee companies, fair value changes arising from investee companies, and other expenses in relation to equity transactions of investee companies
(c) Amortisation of intangible assets resulting from acquisitions
(d) Mainly including impairment provisions/(reversals) for associates, joint ventures, goodwill and other intangible assets arising from acquisitions
(e) Mainly including donations and expenses incurred for the Group’s Sustainable Social Value and Common Prosperity Programme (“SSV & CPP”) initiatives
(f) Primarily non-recurring compliance-related costs and expenses incurred for certain litigation settlements of the Group and/or arising from investee companies
(g) Income tax effects of non-IFRS adjustments
RECONCILIATIONS OF THE GROUP’S IFRS TO NON-IFRS MEASURES TO THE NEAREST MEASURES PREPARED IN ACCORDANCE WITH IFRS
As
reported
Adjustments
Non-IFRS
RMB in millions,
unless specified
Share-based
compensation
(a)
Net
(gains)/losses
from investee
companies (b)
Amortisation of
intangible assets
(c)
Impairment
provisions/
(reversals) (d)
SSV &
CPP (e)
Others (f)
Income
tax effects
(g)
Year ended 31 December, 2024
Operating profit
208,099
23,424
–
5,294
–
991
3
–
237,811
Share of profit/(loss)
of associates and
joint ventures, net
25,176
4,423
(4,289)
5,478
847
–
–
–
31,635
Profit for the year
196,467
27,847
(18,646)
10,772
10,636
2,570
3
(2,455)
227,194
Profit attributable to
equity holders
194,073
27,230
(18,770)
9,994
9,836
2,570
3
(2,233)
222,703
Operating margin
32 %
36 %
Year ended 31 December, 2023
Operating profit
160,074
22,782
–
5,019
–
998
3,013
–
191,886
Share of profit/(loss)
of associates and
joint ventures, net
5,800
4,984
(4,925)
5,250
1,933
–
(1)
–
13,041
Profit for the year
118,048
27,766
(6,170)
10,269
8,123
3,790
3,012
(3,104)
161,734
Profit attributable to
equity holders
115,216
27,100
(6,024)
9,462
8,004
3,790
3,012
(2,872)
157,688
Operating margin
26 %
32 %
Note:
(a) Including put options granted to employees of investee companies on their shares and shares to be issued under investee companies’ share-based incentive plans which can be acquired by the Group, and other incentives
(b) Including net (gains)/losses on deemed disposals/disposals of investee companies, fair value changes arising from investee companies, and other expenses in relation to equity transactions of investee companies
(c) Amortisation of intangible assets arising from acquisitions
(d) Mainly including impairment provisions/(reversals) for associates, joint ventures, goodwill and other intangible assets arising from acquisitions
(e) Mainly including donations and expenses incurred for the Group’s Sustainable Social Value and Common Prosperity Programme (“SSV & CPP”) initiatives
(f) Primarily non-recurring compliance-related costs and expenses incurred for certain litigation settlements of the Group and/or arising from investee companies
(g) Income tax effects of non-IFRS adjustments
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/tencent-announces-2024-annual-and-fourth-quarter-results-302405688.html
SOURCE Tencent
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