Company Updates - The game "Heart Town" achieved top rankings in multiple regions/countries on the iOS free game chart shortly after its overseas pre-download on January 7, with the official launch occurring on January 8 [1] - The game supports cross-platform play on Android, iOS, and PC, with user account synchronization [1] - Initial download performance exceeded expectations, with a focus on user retention and localized operational activities [1] - Since testing began in November 2025, the game has seen a significant increase in pre-registrations, surpassing one million before its launch [1] - As of January 8, the game ranked first in the iOS download charts across 16 countries/regions, including Japan, South Korea, the United States, and Singapore [1] Strategic Insights - The international version of "Heart Town" is a validation of the company's "evergreen games + globalization" strategy, highlighting its ability to rejuvenate IP and the long lifecycle value of high DAU categories [2] - Other growth points for the company in 2026 include: 1. "Torchlight," with expected revenue growth in the second half of 2025 and continued momentum into 2026 following the completion of IP acquisition [2] 2. TapTap platform, anticipated to achieve double-digit year-on-year growth in advertising revenue due to a rich supply in the gaming industry [2] 3. Continued expansion of ADN business [2] Shareholder Returns - The company announced a share buyback plan of HKD 400 million, set to expire on June 4, 2026, reflecting confidence in long-term growth and benefiting shareholder equity [2] Profit Forecast and Valuation - The company maintains its net profit forecasts for 2025-2027 at RMB 1.43 billion, 1.69 billion, and 1.96 billion respectively [2] - Current price corresponds to 18x and 15x P/E for 2026 and 2027, respectively, with a target price of HKD 89.5, indicating a potential upside of 28% [2]

Core Viewpoint - CICC maintains an "outperform" rating for Xindong Company (02400) with a target price of HKD 89.5, indicating a potential upside of 28% based on a 23x P/E for 2026 [1] Company Status - The international version of "Xindong Town" topped the iOS free game charts in multiple regions/countries upon its pre-download launch on January 7, with the official launch on January 8 [2] - The game supports Android, iOS, and PC platforms with account interoperability, and initial download performance exceeded expectations [2] - As of January 8, the game had over one million pre-registrations since testing began in November 2025, and it ranked first in the iOS download charts in 16 countries/regions [2] - The company believes that the overseas user acquisition and monetization process will be smoother compared to the domestic launch due to the game's rich content accumulated over 1.5 years [2] - Future operations will include a collaboration with "My Little Pony" set to launch in February 2026 [2] Growth Opportunities - In addition to "Xindong Town," the company anticipates growth from "Torchlight," which is expected to see a sequential revenue increase in the second half of 2025, continuing into 2026 [2] - The company completed the acquisition of IP rights for "Torchlight" globally, enhancing its influence over the IP [2] - The first season of the product will start on January 16, 2026 [2] - The TapTap platform is expected to achieve double-digit year-on-year growth in advertising revenue due to a rich supply in the gaming industry [2] - ADN business is also expected to continue expanding [2] Shareholder Returns - The company announced a HKD 400 million automatic share buyback plan set to expire on June 4, 2026, with all repurchased shares to be canceled [3] - This buyback reflects the company's long-term growth confidence and is beneficial for enhancing shareholder equity [3]

Core Viewpoint - The company maintains an outperform rating and a target price of HKD 89.5, indicating a potential upside of 28% based on a 23x P/E for 2026 [1] Company Status - The international version of "Heart Town" topped the iOS free game charts in multiple regions on January 7 and officially launched on January 8, supporting Android, iOS, and PC platforms with account interoperability [2] User Acquisition and Retention - Initial download performance exceeded expectations, with over one million pre-registrations by January 8, and the game ranked first in the iOS download charts across 16 countries/regions [3] - The company believes that the overseas market will have a smoother customer acquisition and monetization process compared to the domestic launch, given the game's rich content accumulated over 1.5 years of operation [3] Growth Drivers - Key growth points for the year include: 1. "Torchlight," which is expected to see a continued increase in revenue in 2026 following the completion of IP acquisition in December 2025 [4] 2. TapTap platform, anticipated to achieve double-digit year-on-year growth in advertising revenue due to a rich supply in the gaming industry [4] 3. Continued expansion of ADN business [4] Shareholder Returns - The company announced a share buyback plan of HKD 400 million, reflecting confidence in long-term growth and aiming to enhance shareholder equity [5]

Core Viewpoint - The acquisition of the entire intellectual property rights of the classic action role-playing game series "Torchlight" by Xindong Company marks a strategic shift from "licensed operation" to "IP-led" globalization strategy, reflecting the growing trend of Chinese companies acquiring Western game IPs [1][8]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - Xindong Company announced the acquisition for $37.18 million (approximately 260 million RMB) through its wholly-owned subsidiary XD Entertainment [1][8]. - The payment method is unique as it involves debt offsetting, where a previous loan of $40 million to Golden Arc is used to settle the acquisition cost, alleviating cash reserve pressure [2][9]. - The valuation of the transaction was based on an independent assessment report estimating the IP at $37.354 million, with an 8% royalty rate discount applied [2][9]. Group 2: Historical Context of the IP - The "Torchlight" series was created in 2009 by members of Blizzard's "Diablo" team and has changed hands multiple times, including acquisitions by Perfect World for $8.4 million in 2010 and Embracer Group in 2021 [3][10]. - Xindong Company has been involved with the IP since 2019 through licensing agreements and has successfully launched "Torchlight: Infinite," which has performed well on platforms like Steam [3][10]. Group 3: Strategic Intentions - The acquisition reflects Xindong Company's deep commitment to the ARPG sector, with a reported net profit of 812 million RMB in 2024 and a 268% year-on-year increase in the first half of 2025 [4][11]. - The company plans to enhance the IP's value through three main strategies: maintaining existing games, iterating on "Torchlight: Infinite," and developing new titles without rushing the process [4][11]. Group 4: Industry Implications - The acquisition illustrates a shift in the Chinese gaming industry's approach to global expansion, utilizing loan financing to mitigate risks associated with direct acquisitions [5][13]. - This "capital leveraging IP" model offers a new paradigm for global strategic positioning in the gaming industry, allowing for more flexible and less capital-intensive operations [5][13].

Core Viewpoint - Xindong Company (02400) has seen a stock price increase of over 4%, currently trading at 72.85 HKD with a transaction volume of 141 million HKD, driven by positive developments in its gaming segment and share buyback plans [1] Group 1: Business Developments - The international version of "Xindong Town" is set to launch on January 8, with a collaboration featuring the globally recognized IP "My Little Pony," and has already garnered over one million global pre-registrations [1] - On January 5, Xindong Company announced a share buyback plan to repurchase up to 400 million HKD worth of shares within five months, reflecting confidence in long-term growth [1] - The company plans to acquire the IP of the "Torchlight" series, with an announcement made for a purchase of 37.18 million USD, which is expected to enhance the group's autonomy in future game and IP development [1] Group 2: Analyst Insights - Citigroup's research report expresses optimism regarding Xindong Company's recent business developments, particularly the 400 million HKD share buyback plan, which aligns with management's previous commitment to prioritize share repurchases [1] - The acquisition of the "Torchlight" IP assets is viewed as a strategic move to strengthen the company's position in the gaming and IP development sectors [1]

Core Viewpoint - The stock of Xindong Company (02400) has risen over 4%, currently at 72.85 HKD, with a trading volume of 141 million HKD, driven by positive news regarding its upcoming game releases and share buyback plan [1] Group 1: Business Developments - Xindong Company announced that its international version of "Xindong Town" will launch on January 8, with over one million global reservations, in collaboration with the well-known IP "My Little Pony" [1] - On January 5, Xindong Company disclosed a plan to repurchase up to 400 million HKD of its shares within five months, reflecting confidence in its long-term development [1] - The company plans to acquire the IP of the "Torchlight" series for 37.18 million USD, which will enhance its autonomy in future game and IP development [1] Group 2: Analyst Insights - Citigroup's research report expresses optimism regarding Xindong Company's recent business developments, including the 400 million HKD share buyback plan, which aligns with management's previous commitment to prioritize repurchases [1] - The acquisition of "Torchlight" IP assets is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the company's position in the gaming and IP development sector [1]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article is that Citigroup's report indicates that Xindong Company (02400) can further strengthen market confidence and encourage investors to increase their holdings through enhanced shareholder returns and active product development [1] - Citigroup expresses optimism regarding Xindong Company's recent business developments, including a 5-month share repurchase plan worth HKD 400 million, aligning with management's prior commitment to prioritize buybacks [1] - The company plans to spend USD 37.18 million to acquire IP assets related to "Torchlight," which will enhance the group's autonomy in future game and IP development [1] Group 2 - Although it is currently early to assess the performance of the overseas "Xindong Town," there is potential for further upside if the game's performance exceeds market expectations [1]

Core Viewpoint - Citigroup's report indicates that Xindong Company (02400) is expected to strengthen market confidence and encourage investors to increase their holdings through enhanced shareholder returns and active product development, with a target price set at HKD 82 [1] Group 1: Business Developments - The company has announced a 5-month automatic repurchase plan worth HKD 400 million, aligning with management's prior commitment to prioritize buybacks [1] - A proposed acquisition of IP assets related to "Torchlight" for USD 37.18 million aims to enhance the company's autonomy in future game and IP development [1] - Although it is early to assess the performance of the overseas "Xindong Town," there is potential for further upside if the game's performance exceeds market expectations [1]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint is that brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are entering a stage of mass production, with gaming as a significant application area expected to benefit continuously [1][2] - BCIs can enable individuals with motor disabilities to experience gaming through "brain-controlled" interfaces and assist in rehabilitation for neurological conditions [1][2] - The recent launch of China's first fully implanted, wireless BCI product by Shanghai Brain Tiger Technology marks a critical breakthrough in core BCI technology, positioning China among the top international players [2] Group 2 - Game companies are actively investing in the BCI field, with 37 Interactive Entertainment investing in Strong Brain Technology, the first unicorn in China's BCI sector, and developing a game for autism assistance that integrates BCI technology [2] - Century Huatong has established a research center with Zhejiang University focusing on brain-computer integration and other emerging fields [2] - Tom Cat plans to collaborate with various research institutions in 2024 to advance BCI, brain function data analysis, and digital game therapy [2] Group 3 - AI is significantly empowering the gaming industry, enhancing multi-modal capabilities and innovative integration forms, which may open new industry spaces [3] - The integration of AI in gaming has led to a 40% reduction in character animation production cycles and a significant decrease in prototype validation time [3] - The exploration of AI and gaming integration is expected to provide players with novel experiences and further expand industry development opportunities [3] Group 4 - The upcoming gaming season is anticipated to drive revenue growth through the launch of new games and updates to existing titles [4] - Notable upcoming events include anniversary celebrations and collaborations with popular IPs, which are expected to attract player engagement [4] - Investment opportunities in the gaming sector are highlighted, with a focus on companies like Giant Network, Xindong Company, and others benefiting from the seasonal demand [4]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article is that Citigroup expresses optimism regarding Xindong Company's recent business developments, including a HKD 400 million share buyback plan and a USD 37.18 million acquisition of IP assets related to "Torchlight" [1] - The share buyback plan aligns with management's previous commitment to prioritize buybacks, which is expected to enhance shareholder returns and strengthen market confidence [1] - The potential performance of the overseas game "Xindong Town" is still uncertain, but if it exceeds market expectations, there could be further upside potential [1] Group 2 - Citigroup believes that through enhancing shareholder returns and actively developing products, Xindong Company can further consolidate market confidence and encourage investors to increase their positions [1] - The target price set by Citigroup for the company is HKD 82, with a rating of "Neutral (High Risk)" [1]