Market Overview - On September 22, the gaming sector rose by 0.16% compared to the previous trading day, with ST Huatuo leading the gains [1] - The Shanghai Composite Index closed at 3828.58, up 0.22%, while the Shenzhen Component Index closed at 13157.97, up 0.67% [1] Individual Stock Performance - ST Huatuo (002602) closed at 19.81, with a gain of 4.98% and a trading volume of 1.495 million shares, amounting to a transaction value of 2.924 billion [1] - Other notable gainers included *ST Dazheng (600892) with a 4.08% increase and ST Kaiwen (002425) with a 3.33% increase [1] - Conversely, 37 Interactive Entertainment (002555) saw a decline of 5.52%, closing at 22.24, with a trading volume of 1.5908 million shares and a transaction value of 3.588 billion [2] Capital Flow Analysis - The gaming sector experienced a net outflow of 1.484 billion from institutional investors, while retail investors saw a net inflow of 1.582 billion [2][3] - ST Huatuo had a net inflow of 2.26 billion from institutional investors, while retail investors had a net outflow of 960.133 million [3] ETF Performance - The gaming ETF (product code: 159869) tracking the China Securities Animation and Gaming Index increased by 3.64% over the past five days, with a net inflow of 17.632 million [5] - The food and beverage ETF (product code: 515170) decreased by 2.31%, with a net outflow of 24.043 million [5]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses a significant loan fraud case involving Huaneng Trust, a state-owned trust company, and its partners, which has resulted in over 1.7 billion yuan in unrecoverable trust funds. The case highlights severe regulatory and compliance failures within the financial industry, particularly in risk management and internal controls [4][5][17]. Summary by Sections Background of the Case - The fraud case, known as the "Credit Insurance Loan" scheme, began in June 2019 when Huaneng Trust partnered with Huishang Bank and a local insurance company to create a loan product designed to share risks among multiple parties [7]. - The scheme was initially presented as a financial innovation aimed at mutual benefits, but it devolved into a fraudulent operation involving collusion among various parties [5][6]. Mechanism of the Fraud - The fraud was orchestrated by Chi Jinlong, the actual controller of Shenzhen Xingrui Information Technology Co., who manipulated the loan process by using fake identities to secure loans [11]. - Key players, including bank officials and insurance executives, neglected their due diligence responsibilities, allowing fraudulent loans to be approved without proper verification [9][10]. Scale of the Fraud - The fraud involved multiple layers, with Chi Jinlong's operations leading to the misappropriation of 2.5 million yuan in the first loan and a total of 12.7 billion yuan in loans being fraudulently obtained by the team of former Century Huatong director Shao Heng [12][11]. - By the time the fraud was uncovered, only 8.3 billion yuan of the principal had been repaid, resulting in a loss of 4.2 billion yuan to financial institutions [12]. Regulatory and Compliance Failures - The case underscores significant deficiencies in the risk management practices of Huishang Bank, which faced multiple regulatory penalties for various compliance failures between 2021 and 2025, totaling over 22.79 million yuan [17][18]. - The article also highlights systemic issues within the bank's governance, including corruption among senior executives, which has led to a series of legal actions against them [19]. Judicial Outcomes - As of July 2025, Chi Jinlong faced criminal charges for loan fraud and bribery, while Shao Heng received a non-prosecution decision, raising concerns about the fairness of the judicial process [14][12]. - The case remains ongoing, with implications for the broader financial industry regarding the need for improved regulatory oversight and internal controls [5][17].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Positive" investment rating for the media industry [1] Core Insights - The report emphasizes the ongoing investment opportunities in gaming, AI applications, and content innovation, highlighting the potential for significant revenue growth in these sectors [3][4] Industry Data Overview - The game "元气唤灵师" ranks first in the iOS free game chart, while "三角洲行动" tops the iOS revenue chart as of September 20, 2025 [10][14] - The film "731" achieved the highest box office revenue of 9.98 billion CNY for the week [25] Industry News Summary - Continuous advancements in AI applications and content innovation are expected to enhance the entertainment consumption landscape [29] - OpenAI is reportedly expanding its AI hardware initiatives, which may accelerate the commercialization of AI applications across various sectors [3][4] Company Highlights - Heartbeat Company is set to launch its self-developed RPG game "伊瑟" on September 25, 2025, with over one million pre-registrations, indicating strong market interest [3] - The collaboration between Heartbeat Company and the "黄油小熊" IP has led to a significant rise in the rankings of "心动小镇" in the iPhone game sales chart [3] Recommendations - The report suggests continued investment in the gaming sector, particularly in companies like Heartbeat Company, Giant Network, and Tencent, due to their promising new releases and established franchises [3][4]

Group 1 - The core issue revolves around a fraudulent scheme involving 1.7 billion yuan in trust funds, which was exposed after six years, implicating state-owned trust companies, listed banks, and leading insurance firms as tools of the fraudsters [1][2] - The "credit insurance loan" model initiated by Huaneng Trust and Huishang Bank in June 2019 was intended to create a risk-sharing mechanism but quickly deviated from its intended purpose due to internal control failures and lack of compliance [2][6] - The fraudulent activities included fabricating loan entities, forging insurance documents, and manipulating bank account flows, resulting in a total of 12.7 billion yuan in fraudulent loans and an actual loss of 4.2 billion yuan [2][4] Group 2 - The case highlights systemic weaknesses in internal controls and compliance within financial institutions, particularly Huaneng Trust, which failed to verify the true identities of borrowers and did not conduct secondary underwriting on loan materials [6][7] - Huishang Bank has faced significant regulatory scrutiny, receiving 28 penalties totaling 22.79 million yuan from 2021 to 2024 for issues related to financing false projects and inadequate post-loan management [6][7] - The industry has seen a pattern of similar fraudulent events, indicating a trend where trust companies prioritize business innovation over thorough asset verification and risk management, which could lead to further risks if not addressed [7]

Group 1 - The Tokyo Game Show (TGS2025) will take place from September 25 to 28, 2025, in Chiba, Japan, featuring over 770 exhibitors and more than 4,000 booths, marking an unprecedented scale for the event [1] - Century Games, a subsidiary of Century Huatuo focusing on overseas markets, will showcase its leading SLG titles, "Whiteout Survival" and "Kingshot," highlighting the innovative strength of Chinese gaming [1][3] - The Century Games booth will cover 300 square meters, the largest for the company in recent years, featuring immersive experiences and interactive gaming activities for players [1][2] Group 2 - A giant T-shaped LED screen measuring 21 meters wide and 4 meters high will display a special 3D promotional video for the games, marking the largest naked-eye 3D video presentation in TGS history [1] - Players can enter themed areas for "Whiteout Survival" and "Kingshot," experiencing different game worlds and participating in interactive mini-games to win exclusive merchandise [2] - "Whiteout Survival," launched in 2023, has maintained the top position in China's mobile game revenue rankings for 15 consecutive months and has reached 200 million downloads globally, up from 90 million last year [3][4] Group 3 - "Kingshot," a medieval-themed 4X strategy mobile game, has shown remarkable growth since its launch in late February, with a 209% revenue increase in April and a doubling of revenue in May, becoming a top performer in the overseas market [4] - Both "Whiteout Survival" and "Kingshot" ranked first and second in China's mobile game overseas revenue rankings in July, establishing a strong dual-driver dynamic for Century Games' international expansion [4]

Group 1 - Beijing Dianxi Xingyao Technology Co., Ltd. has been established, with business scope including cultural and artistic exchange activities, conference and exhibition services, and internet information services [1] - The company is indirectly wholly owned by ST Huatong (002602) [1] Group 2 - Food and Beverage ETF (Product Code: 515170) tracks the CSI Sub-Industry Food and Beverage Theme Index, with a recent five-day decline of 3.91% and a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.72 times [3] - The Food and Beverage ETF has a total share of 8.33 billion, increasing by 220 million shares, with a net outflow of 54.45 million yuan [3] - Gaming ETF (Product Code: 159869) tracks the CSI Animation and Gaming Index, with a recent five-day increase of 6.33% and a price-to-earnings ratio of 47.57 times [3] - The Gaming ETF has a total share of 5.56 billion, increasing by 180 million shares, with a net outflow of 52.87 million yuan [3] - Sci-Tech Semiconductor ETF (Product Code: 588170) tracks the SSE Sci-Tech Board Semiconductor Materials and Equipment Theme Index, with a recent five-day increase of 9.10% [3] - The Sci-Tech Semiconductor ETF has a total share of 630 million, increasing by 110 million shares, with a net outflow of 25.54 million yuan [3] - Cloud Computing 50 ETF (Product Code: 516630) tracks the CSI Cloud Computing and Big Data Theme Index, with a recent five-day decline of 0.81% and a price-to-earnings ratio of 122.71 times [4] - The Cloud Computing ETF has a total share of 360 million, increasing by 2 million shares, with a net inflow of 42.1 thousand yuan [4]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significant stock price increase of ST Huatuo, highlighting its transformation from a company facing financial scandals to a leading player in the gaming industry, driven by its subsidiary, Point Interactive, and the success of its game "Whiteout Survival" [1][17][20]. Company Overview - ST Huatuo, previously known for automotive parts manufacturing, has shifted its focus to gaming, becoming the most profitable gaming company in A-shares with projected revenues exceeding 20 billion yuan in 2024 [5][6][17]. - The company’s stock price has surged from under 4 yuan to nearly 20 yuan, marking a sixfold increase from its lowest point of 2.99 yuan in July 2024 [1][14]. Financial Performance - In 2024, ST Huatuo reported revenues of 226.2 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 70.27%, and a net profit of 12.13 billion yuan, up 131.51% [17]. - The gaming segment, particularly Point Interactive, has become the core of ST Huatuo's business, contributing significantly to its revenue growth [19][20]. Market Dynamics - The mini-game market in China has seen substantial growth, with revenues surpassing 398 billion yuan in 2024, indicating a strong potential for future expansion [27]. - Point Interactive's success is attributed to the rise of mini-games and the trend of game exports, with its flagship game "Whiteout Survival" generating over 1.9 billion USD in global revenue by the end of 2024 [20][21]. Future Outlook - ST Huatuo is expected to apply for the removal of its ST designation by November 2024, which could trigger a positive market reaction [18][38]. - Despite the promising growth, concerns remain regarding the company's past financial mismanagement and the potential impact of high valuations on future performance [36][40].

Summary of Key Takeaways from Citi's 2025 China Online Gaming Tour Industry Overview - The report focuses on the **China Online Gaming** industry, highlighting key players such as **Century Huatong**, **Giant Network**, **G-Bits**, and **Kingnet**. Key Company Insights Century Huatong - **Century Games** has emerged as a leading player in the casual strategy gaming sector, with monthly grossing between **US$350-400 million** driven by innovative content and effective traffic acquisition strategies [2][14]. - The company has a high product hit rate, with successful titles like **Whiteout Survival** and **Kingshot**, contributing to an extended profit growth cycle expected until **2028-29** [1][20]. - Management expects **incremental IP licensing revenues** to begin in **3Q25**, further enhancing profitability [23]. Giant Network - **Supernatural Action** is positioned as a potential large DAU title, with over **2 hours** of average daily time spent per user, driven by frequent content updates and a strong female gamer demographic [3][30]. - The game has achieved a grossing of over **RMB 500 million** in August, indicating strong user engagement [30]. - Management emphasizes the importance of social attributes and game quality over heavy traffic acquisition costs, achieving a **20%** traffic acquisition cost relative to grossing [31]. G-Bits - G-Bits is focusing on expanding its market presence in **Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Japan**, and exploring Western and Korean markets [4]. - The company plans to launch **Wen Jian Chang Sheng** in **2H25**, with a focus on cultural adaptation for different markets [46]. - G-Bits maintains a shareholder return policy with a **70%+** earnings payout, supported by a strong cash position of over **RMB 4 billion** [54]. Kingnet - Kingnet has established three core business pillars: distribution, development of innovative games, and investment in IP [58]. - The upcoming renewal of the **Chuanqi IP** on **September 19** is expected to boost information services revenues significantly [60][65]. - Kingnet is also investing in AI initiatives, including the launch of an AI companion application, **EVE**, which has shown promising retention rates during testing [66][67]. Industry Trends and Outlook - The gaming industry is experiencing **structural tailwinds** such as favorable policy support and improved execution capabilities, with increasing interest in how AI is reshaping the sector [6]. - Despite rising traffic acquisition costs, companies are focusing on enhancing game quality and leveraging AI to improve operational efficiency [53][68]. - The overall sentiment among investors is positive, with expectations of continued growth and profitability across the sector, particularly for companies like Century Huatong and Giant Network [25][38]. Additional Insights - The report indicates a competitive landscape where companies are increasingly focusing on **user engagement** and **content innovation** to maintain market share [17][32]. - Management teams across these companies emphasize the importance of adapting to market demands and leveraging data analytics for better decision-making [52][70]. This summary encapsulates the key points from the Citi's 2025 China Online Gaming Tour, providing insights into the performance and strategies of leading companies in the industry.

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significant rise in the stock price and performance of Century Huatong (ST Huatong), highlighting its transformation into a leading gaming company despite past financial scandals and regulatory issues [4][30][34]. Group 1: Company Performance - ST Huatong's stock price has surged from under 4 yuan to nearly 20 yuan, marking a sixfold increase from its lowest point of 2.99 yuan in July 2024 [5][6][32]. - The company reported a revenue of 226.20 billion yuan in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 70.27%, and a net profit of 12.13 billion yuan, up 131.51% [34]. - The gaming segment, particularly through its subsidiary Point Interactive, has become the core business, contributing significantly to ST Huatong's overall revenue growth [21][35]. Group 2: Historical Context and Business Transformation - Century Huatong was originally focused on automotive parts and molds before diversifying into the gaming industry through acquisitions starting in 2014 [15][16][17]. - The acquisition of Point Interactive in 2018 for 69.39 billion yuan marked a pivotal shift, leading to explosive growth in gaming revenue, which rose from 8.14 billion yuan in 2017 to 54.03 billion yuan in 2018 [22][23]. - The company faced challenges due to financial misconduct related to its acquisition of Shengqu Games, which led to regulatory scrutiny and the eventual ST designation [25][30]. Group 3: Market Trends and Future Outlook - The mini-game market in China has seen rapid growth, with revenues exceeding 398 billion yuan in 2024, indicating substantial potential for further expansion [48][49]. - Point Interactive's flagship game, "Whiteout Survival," has generated over 1.9 billion USD in revenue since its launch, contributing significantly to the company's financial success [40][46]. - The gaming sector overall has benefited from the rise of AI, with ST Huatong's stock outperforming the broader gaming market, although its valuation has reached over 50 times earnings, raising concerns about sustainability [58][59].

Core Insights - Century Huatong reported a revenue of 17.2 billion yuan for the first half of 2025, representing a year-on-year growth of 85.5%, with a net profit of 2.656 billion yuan, up 129.33% [1] - The overseas gaming business contributed over 50% of the revenue, with "Whiteout Survival" leading the Chinese mobile game revenue charts [1][2] - The success of "Whiteout Survival" and its follow-up "Kingshot" highlights the effectiveness of the established methodologies of the subsidiary, Didi Interactive, in the gaming market [2][4] Company Performance - "Whiteout Survival" has become the top-grossing mobile game overseas, surpassing competitors like MiHoYo's "Honkai: Star Rail" and Tencent's "PUBG MOBILE" [1] - The game has maintained a high retention rate despite the "bait-and-switch" advertising strategy, which contrasts the gameplay shown in ads with the actual game experience [5][7] - Century Huatong's sales expenses increased by 121.72% to 6.564 billion yuan, driven by rising marketing costs associated with game revenue growth [9] Industry Trends - The mini-game export trend is gaining traction, with many developers attempting to replicate the success of "Whiteout Survival" and "Kingshot" [8][10] - The market is becoming increasingly competitive, leading to higher user acquisition costs, which may squeeze the survival space for smaller game developers [10][11] - The phenomenon of "skin-swapping" games, where existing popular games are rebranded for overseas markets, is becoming more common, complicating the landscape for original game developers [11]