17LIVE Delivers First Revenue Growth Since Listing, Launches Share Buyback and Dividend: Is a Breakout Coming?

Key Financial Highlights from 1H2025

• Quarterly Revenue Rebound: 17LIVE posted its first quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) revenue growth since listing, with net revenue rising to US\$41.0 million in 2Q 2025, up from US\$40.1 million in 1Q 2025.
• Improved Profitability: Gross profit margins improved from 41.2% in 1H2024 to 44.3% in 1H2025. Operating income margin more than doubled, rising from 1.3% to 3.0% year-on-year (YoY). Operating income increased to US\$2.4 million, up from US\$1.3 million a year ago.
• Strengthened Cash Position: The company’s net cash position increased to US\$82.2 million as of 30 June 2025, up from US\$79.2 million at the end of 2024, underscoring its sustainable cash generation.
• Revenue Diversification: Non-core livestreaming revenue increased to 11.6% of total net revenue in 1H2025 (from 8.6% in 1H2024), with V-Liver Livestreaming revenue up 16.7% YoY to US\$5.6 million.

Shareholder-Focused Initiatives: Buyback and Dividend Announced

• Share Buyback Programme: 17LIVE launched a share buyback programme in December 2024, with authority to repurchase up to 10% of issued share capital. As of 30 June 2025, 2,826,800 shares had been repurchased—about 15.6% of those authorized for buyback. This demonstrates management’s confidence in the company and a disciplined approach to capital allocation.
• Inaugural Interim Dividend: For the first time, the company declared an interim dividend of 1.5 Singapore cents per share, reflecting management’s confidence in the business fundamentals and its commitment to returning value to shareholders.

Strategic Growth: Beyond Core Livestreaming

17LIVE is not just relying on its core livestreaming business. The company is aggressively diversifying its revenue streams and expanding its ecosystem:

• LiveCommerce Total Solutions: Rolled out in Japan to capture the surging demand for social-platform live commerce, offering integrated services for merchants and creators to sell merchandise via livestreaming. 17LIVE leverages its network to drive transactions on multiple platforms, including its own 17LIVE Shop.
• Product Innovation: Introduction of AI-powered features (e.g., AI Co-Host, AI Live Engagement, V-CREATE for cost-free virtual character creation) aimed at improving both user and creator (“liver”) experiences, enhancing engagement and retention.
• Expansion in V-Liver and Wave Audio: Growth in virtual talent livestreaming and audio-based streaming, building new revenue channels alongside the core business.
• IP Talent Ecosystem: The debut of new virtual talents such as the eSports caster Nanahoshinana and expansion of the GanGun Girls IP portfolio signal a push into the lucrative virtual influencer market.

Forward Strategy and Outlook

• Three Strategic Pillars: Strengthening the core livestreaming business, diversifying revenue through new businesses, and forming/strengthening external business partnerships remain at the heart of the company’s strategy.
• Operational Focus: 17LIVE is committed to deepening creator engagement, investing in loyalty programs, and upgrading its Voice of Customer (VOC) infrastructure for a more personalized user experience.
• Long-Term Growth: The company points to favorable macro trends, a strengthening core business, new business drivers, and the potential for partnerships and M&A as it looks to maintain momentum and deliver sustainable returns to shareholders.

What Should Shareholders Watch?

• First Revenue Growth Since Listing: A critical inflection point signaling potential turnaround and renewed growth momentum.
• Share Buyback & Dividend: Both actions are typically viewed positively, indicating management’s confidence and a commitment to shareholder returns. These could potentially support or lift share prices.
• Non-Core Revenue Expansion: Successful diversification efforts reduce reliance on traditional livestreaming and may open new high-growth opportunities.
• Innovation Pipeline: The rapid integration of AI and new features could enhance user and creator stickiness, further supporting top-line growth.
• LiveCommerce Push: With the “Total Solutions” launch in Japan, 17LIVE is targeting a fast-growing segment that could become a substantial revenue generator.

Conclusion: A Potential Inflection Point for 17LIVE?

17LIVE’s 1H2025 results reveal a company that is not only stabilizing but also pivoting for renewed growth. With its first revenue uptick since listing, improving profitability, a robust cash position, new shareholder rewards (buyback and dividend), and aggressive diversification, 17LIVE is positioning itself at a potential inflection point. For retail investors, these developments are highly price-sensitive and could catalyze share price movement, especially if the company continues to deliver on its outlined strategy and capitalizes on new growth drivers.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Retail investors should conduct their own research or consult a professional advisor before making investment decisions.

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