Phoenix New Media (NYSE: FENG) reported Q1 EPS of ($0.23), $0.06 worse than the analyst estimate of ($0.17). Revenue for the quarter came in at $42.4 million versus the consensus estimate of $39.63 million.

Mr. Shuang Liu, CEO of Phoenix New Media, commented, "I am so pleased that our topline exceeded our expectations. In the first quarter of 2019, we continued to focus on enhancing our AI framework by further improving its synergies with our editorial system. The successful integration of human expertise and AI algorithms not only strengthened our ability to generate and distribute high-quality content, but also allowed us to maintain our professional journalism standards and provide unbiased, premium content to our users. In addition, our new growth initiatives in our content offering strategy, digital reading and our expansion in lifestyle related verticals have all out-performed our expectations.

Despite headwinds from macroeconomic uncertainties and industry challenges, we are confident that our ability to generate accurate and highly relevant sales leads in a variety of niche verticals can help our clients achieve a high ROI with a limited marketing budget."

Ms. Betty Ho, CFO of Phoenix New Media, further stated, "For the first quarter of 2019, our total revenues reached RMB284.9 million, exceeding the high end of our previous guidance as a result of the better than expected performance of the digital reading business of Tadu. The total consolidated paid services revenues for the first quarter of 2019 increased by 66.1% year over year to RMB68.9 million. However, our net advertising revenues for the first quarter of 2019 decreased to RMB216.0 million primarily as a result of macroeconomic uncertainties and increased competition. Looking ahead, we will continue to invest in the expansion of original content and to further diversify our product offerings. We are actively exploring potential investment in premium content and expect the synergies between our different businesses to enable us to enter into a fresh growth cycle."

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