JOYY Inc. (JOYY) experienced a significant pre-market surge of 12.09% on Tuesday, following the release of its first-quarter 2026 financial results.

The company reported quarterly revenue of $555.7 million, a 12.4% year-over-year increase that exceeded analyst estimates and marked its highest growth rate in recent years. Non-GAAP earnings per American Depositary Share (ADS) came in at $1.11, also beating expectations. All three of JOYY's newly reported business segments—Social Entertainment, BIGO Ads, and SHOPLINE—showed growth, with BIGO Ads revenue surging 55.6% year-over-year.

Investors responded positively to the announcement of a significantly enhanced shareholder return initiative. JOYY's board authorized a new $600 million share repurchase program through 2028 and a quarterly dividend program that will distribute approximately $900 million over the same period, totaling $1.5 billion in planned returns to shareholders. This substantial capital return plan, combined with strong quarterly performance and positive second-quarter revenue guidance between $562 million and $581 million, fueled the stock's upward movement.