Citi has upgraded shares of HUYA Inc . (NYSE: HUYA), a leading game live-streaming platform, from Sell to Buy, with a new price target of $6.00, increased from the previous $2.40. The upgrade follows HUYA's second-quarter financial performance, which exceeded expectations with revenues of Rmb1.54 billion, slightly above the Street's forecast.
The company's growth was notably driven by its game-related services, which saw a year-over-year increase of 152.7% and now account for 20% of HUYA's revenue mix. This was partially offset by weaker live-streaming revenues, attributed to macroeconomic challenges. Nonetheless, HUYA's non-GAAP net income outperformed analyst predictions by 21%, reaching Rmb97.0 million.
Citi acknowledged the company's success in its game-related business, which has contributed to the growth in monthly active users (MAUs) and paying users, as well as improved margins. Looking forward to the second half of 2024, Citi anticipates the live-streaming segment to show sequential stability and expects the momentum in game-related revenues to continue.
The upgrade is further supported by HUYA's announcement of a US$250 million special cash dividend and its ongoing share buyback program, which Citi believes will enhance shareholder returns. With the revised price target, Citi's analysis is based on projected 2025 revenues of Rmb7.02 billion and an effective tax rate (ETR) of +18%.
Huya (NYSE:HUYA) reported a slight uptick in total net revenues to RMB 1.54 billion in its Second Quarter 2024 Earnings Webinar, a 2.5% increase from the previous quarter. The growth was primarily driven by a significant rise in revenues from game-related services, advertising, and other segments, which collectively contributed to 20% of the total net revenues for the first time.
Despite a downturn in live-streaming revenues, Huya managed to achieve near breakeven non-GAAP operating margins through cost control measures and operational efficiency improvements.
In addition to these developments, Huya announced a special cash dividend of US$1.08 per ordinary share and renewed its share repurchase program. The company also reported a strong cash position, with RMB 8.2 billion in cash and cash equivalents, and plans to allocate funds for potential business development and as a reserve.
InvestingPro Insights
Following Citi's optimistic upgrade of HUYA Inc., a deeper dive into the company's financial health using InvestingPro data reveals a mixed picture. Despite a challenging macroeconomic environment, HUYA holds a market cap of approximately $1.16 billion, indicating notable investor confidence. However, the company's P/E ratio stands at a negative 59.14, reflecting investor concerns about its profitability in the near term. Even more striking is the adjusted P/E ratio for the last twelve months as of Q1 2024, which soars to 164.77, suggesting a premium valuation compared to earnings.
On the operational front, HUYA's revenue has seen a significant decline of over 25% in the last twelve months as of Q1 2024, a trend that analysts expect to continue in the current year. This aligns with the InvestingPro Tip that anticipates a sales decline. Nevertheless, HUYA's financial position is not without its strengths. The company holds more cash than debt on its balance sheet, and its liquid assets exceed short-term obligations, providing a cushion against financial stress.
Investors interested in HUYA's stock should note that while the company has seen a strong return over the last week and an impressive 119.96% return over the last year, the RSI suggests the stock is currently in overbought territory. This could imply potential volatility or a price correction ahead. For those looking to delve deeper into HUYA's financials and future prospects, InvestingPro offers over 13 additional tips and metrics, available at InvestingPro.
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