iQIYI (NASDAQ: IQ) reported Q1 EPS of ($0.25), $0.11 better than the analyst estimate of ($0.36). Revenue for the quarter came in at $1.2 billion versus the consensus estimate of $1.18 billion.

First Quarter 2021 Highlights

• Total revenues were RMB8.0 billion (US$1.2 billion[1]), representing a 4% increase from the same period in 2020.
• Operating loss was RMB1.0 billion (US$154.8 million) and operating loss margin was 13%, compared to operating loss of RMB2.2 billion and operating loss margin of 29% in the same period in 2020.
• Net loss attributable to iQIYI was RMB1.3 billion (US$193.4 million), compared to net loss attributable to iQIYI of RMB2.9 billion in the same period in 2020. Diluted net loss attributable to iQIYI per ADS was RMB1.61 (US$0.25), compared to diluted net loss attributable to iQIYI per ADS of RMB3.92 in the same period of 2020.
• The number of total subscribing members was 105.3 million as of March 31, 2021 and 104.3 million excluding individuals with trial memberships.

"We kicked off the year with a solid quarter across the board" commented Dr. Yu Gong, Founder, Director, and Chief Executive Officer of iQIYI. "We had 3.6 million more subscribing members in the first quarter and our membership services revenue grew by 12% quarter-over-quarter, recording the peak level in terms of absolute dollar amount over the past year. The notable growth was largely a result of our strong content launch across various of categories including dramas, variety shows and films during the quarter. Specifically, the drama titled My heroic Husband set up another milestone in terms of both viewership and monetization efficiency, validating our exclusive content strategy. On April 22, we celebrated our 11-year anniversary. We are confident that we will further strengthen our leadership through the know-hows we learned from years of fierce competition. We strongly believe the irreplaceability of long-form video as an entertainment format and we are well prepared for future opportunities and challenges."

"Our total revenue in the first quarter has exceeded our previous guidance, recording healthy growth on both quarter-over-quarter and year-over-year basis." commented Mr. Xiaodong Wang, Chief Financial Officer of iQIYI. "In the first quarter, we delivered multiple well-received content titles. Meanwhile, driven by the improved investment efficiency, our content cost continued to decline on a year-over-year basis for the third consecutive quarter. As always, we are committed to pursuing ROI-driven approach across different aspects of business, including content, technology and marketing and more. This positions us on the right track for the eventual self-sustained status."

GUIDANCE:

iQIYI sees Q2 2021 revenue of $1.1-1.17 billion, versus the consensus of $1.18 billion.

For the second quarter of 2021, iQIYI expects total net revenues to be between RMB7.21 billion (US$1.10 billion) and RMB7.65 billion (US$1.17 billion), representing a 3% decrease to a 3% increase year over year. This forecast reflects iQIYI's current and preliminary view, which may be subject to change.

For earnings history and earnings-related data on iQIYI (IQ) click here.