Tencent's Q4 2021 financial results reflects the headwinds from regulatory crackdowns.
Tencent recorded CNY 144.18 billion, an 8% year-on-year increase. The profit attributable to equity holders of the company was up 60%, at CNY 94.96 billion, from same period last year. The massive increase was mainly due to gain from a one-time asset disposal. In 2021, Tencent's revenue reached CNY 560.12 billion, a year-on-year increase of 16%. Headwinds from regulatory crackdown led to a loss of approximately USD 470 billion in market value, and the tech giant also recorded the slowest yearly revenue growth since it gone public in 2004.
The company's gaming business face similar headwinds as gaming time for children under 18 years old got cut. Tencent's domestic games revenue had an increase of 1% to CNY 29.6 billion. International games revenue, on the other hand, was up to CNY 13.2 billion, a year-on-year increase of 34%. Tencent has been steadily increasing its focus on the company's international games as it faces challenge in the domestic market. Tencent expects to 'fully digest the impact' of rules on under 18s in the second half of 2022.
Advertising revenue for Tencent came in at CNY 21.5 billion, a decrease of 13% year-on-year. Revenue from fintech and businesses services recorded at CNY 48 billion, a year-on-year increase of 25%. However, the division missed the estimate of CNY 49.26 billion.