TLDR
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JOYY stock jumps as Q1 revenue growth supports pre-market rally
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JOYY rises after $555.7M Q1 revenue and $1.5B return plan
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JOYY pre-market rally gains strength from BIGO Ads revenue growth
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JOYY shares rebound as buybacks and dividends lift market mood
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JOYY stock climbs after stronger Q1 results and cash return plan
JOYY (JOYY) stock moved higher in pre-market trading after the company reported stronger first-quarter revenue and a larger shareholder return plan. The stock closed at $54.42, down 2.87%, before rising to $60.58, up 11.32% pre-market. The rally followed fresh earnings, higher segment growth, and a new $1.5 billion capital return plan.
JOYY, Inc. Sponsored ADR Class A, JOYY
JOYY Reports Strong Q1 Revenue Growth
JOYY reported first-quarter revenue of $555.7 million for the period ended March 31, 2026. Revenue increased 12.4% from $494.4 million in the same quarter last year. The company said this marked its strongest yearly growth rate in recent years.
The company reported results under three main segments for the first time. These segments include Social Entertainment, BIGO Ads, and SHOPLINE. This structure gives the market a clearer view of its advertising and e-commerce expansion.
Social Entertainment remained the largest segment, with revenue rising 3.2% to $400.4 million. BIGO Ads revenue jumped 55.6% to $124.8 million, while SHOPLINE revenue rose 16.1% to $30.5 million. Therefore, advertising provided the strongest growth driver during the quarter.
BIGO Ads and SHOPLINE Add New Growth Momentum
BIGO Ads gained from broader traffic coverage, stronger advertiser demand and improved ad algorithms. Third-party Audience Network ad revenue grew 78.8% year over year. In addition, SDK traffic increased 109%, which expanded the company’s advertising reach.
Demand also improved across several advertiser categories during the quarter. Web-based demand rose 90% year over year, while IAA demand grew 97%. Western Europe revenue increased 27% from the previous quarter.
SHOPLINE also supported JOYY’s diversified business model in the first quarter. The segment generated $30.5 million in revenue and reached a gross margin of 51.5%. Cross-border merchant revenue maintained growth above 60% year over year.
Shareholder Return Plan Supports Pre-Market Move
JOYY announced a new shareholder return program worth $1.5 billion through 2028. The plan includes up to $600 million in share repurchases. It also includes about $900 million in quarterly cash dividends.
The new plan exceeds the company’s previous $900 million program announced in 2025. From January 1 to May 22, JOYY returned $156.8 million to shareholders. That amount included $87.9 million in buybacks and $68.9 million in dividends.
JOYY ended March with net cash of $3.18 billion, which supports its return plan. The company also generated $46 million in operating cash flow during the quarter. As a result, the earnings release gave traders fresh reasons to reprice JOYY stock before the market opened.
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