Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for the company with a target price of $2.84 per ADS [2][5]. Core Views - The company is expected to enhance its content strategy by focusing on short dramas, which is anticipated to drive a recovery in advertising and traffic [2]. - The GAAP net profit forecasts for 2024, 2025, and 2026 are adjusted to 764 million, 1.26 billion, and 1.93 billion respectively, down from previous estimates due to fluctuations in content supply affecting membership revenue [2]. - The report highlights a significant decline in revenue for Q4 2024, with expectations for a rebound in Q1 2025 driven by new quality content releases [7]. Financial Summary - **Revenue Forecasts**: The company's revenue for 2024 is projected at 29.225 billion, with a year-over-year decline of 8.31%. For 2025 and 2026, revenues are expected to be 29.560 billion and 30.648 billion respectively, showing slight growth [4][8]. - **Profitability Metrics**: The GAAP net profit for 2024 is forecasted at 764 million, with a significant year-over-year decrease of 60.32%. The net profit is expected to recover to 1.26 billion in 2025 and 1.93 billion in 2026 [4][12]. - **Earnings Per Share**: The earnings per share are projected to be 0.79, 1.31, and 2.01 for 2024, 2025, and 2026 respectively [4][12]. - **Gross Margin**: The gross margin is expected to be 24.88% in 2024, slightly improving to 25.24% in 2025 and 25.74% in 2026 [4][12]. - **Valuation Ratios**: The adjusted P/E ratio for 2024 is 20, decreasing to 12 in 2025 and further to 8 in 2026 [4][12].

Core Viewpoint - iQIYI, Inc. has successfully closed a $350 million offering of 4.625% convertible senior notes due 2030, with net proceeds of approximately $344.8 million intended for debt repayment and general corporate purposes [1][4]. Group 1: Notes Offering Details - The Notes bear an interest rate of 4.625% per year, payable quarterly starting June 15, 2025, and will mature on March 15, 2030 [1]. - The initial conversion rate is set at 64,819 American Depositary Shares (ADSs) per $200,000 principal amount of Notes, equating to an initial conversion price of approximately $3.0855 per ADS, representing a 27.5% premium over the Nasdaq closing price of $2.42 on February 19, 2025 [2]. - The Notes will be convertible under specific conditions after a compliance period, with the ability to convert at any time after September 15, 2029 [2]. Group 2: Repurchase Transactions - The company has entered into privately negotiated agreements to repurchase approximately $300 million principal amount of existing convertible senior notes [4]. - These repurchase transactions may influence the market price of the ADSs and the trading price of existing notes and other debt securities [5]. Group 3: Company Overview - iQIYI, Inc. is a leading provider of online entertainment video services in China, leveraging technology and creative talent to produce a diverse range of content [8]. - The company has developed a diversified monetization model that includes membership services, online advertising, content distribution, online games, IP licensing, and more [8].

Core Viewpoint - iQIYI, Inc. has announced the pricing of its upsized offering of US$350 million in aggregate principal amount of 4.625% convertible senior notes due 2030, aimed at refinancing existing debt and supporting general corporate purposes [1][4]. Group 1: Notes Offering Details - The Notes will bear an interest rate of 4.625% per year, with interest payable quarterly starting June 15, 2025, and maturing on March 15, 2030 [1]. - The initial conversion rate is set at 64,819 American Depositary Shares (ADSs) per US$200,000 principal amount of Notes, translating to an initial conversion price of approximately US$3.0855 per ADS, representing a conversion premium of about 27.5% above the closing price of US$2.42 per ADS on February 19, 2025 [2]. - The net proceeds from the Notes Offering are expected to be approximately US$344.8 million, which will be used for repaying existing debt securities and for general corporate purposes [4]. Group 2: Repurchase of Existing Notes - The company has entered into agreements to repurchase approximately US$300 million principal amount of its existing convertible senior notes shortly after the pricing of the new Notes [5]. - The terms of the repurchase transactions have been individually negotiated with each holder of the existing notes [5]. Group 3: Regulatory Compliance - The Notes are offered in offshore transactions outside the United States, complying with Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, and will not be registered under the Securities Act [3].

Core Viewpoint - iQIYI, Inc. has announced the commencement of a US$300 million offering of convertible senior notes due 2030, aimed at raising capital for debt repayment and general corporate purposes [1][4]. Group 1: Notes Offering Details - The offering consists of US$300 million aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes, which will mature on March 15, 2030 [1][2]. - The notes will be senior, unsecured obligations and will rank junior to any secured indebtedness of the company [2]. - Holders of the notes may require the company to repurchase their notes in cash on March 15, 2028, or in the event of certain fundamental changes [2]. Group 2: Conversion and Redemption Terms - The notes cannot be converted prior to the 40th day following the original issuance date, with specific conditions for conversion after that period [2]. - Upon conversion, holders will receive cash, American Depositary Shares (ADSs), or a combination of both, at the company's election [2]. - The interest rate and initial conversion rate will be determined at the time of pricing the notes [2]. Group 3: Use of Proceeds - The net proceeds from the notes offering will be used for the repayment and/or repurchase of existing debt securities and for general corporate purposes [4]. Group 4: Company Overview - iQIYI, Inc. is a leading provider of online entertainment video services in China, known for its innovative technology platform and diverse monetization model [7]. - The company combines creative talent with technology to produce a wide variety of content, leveraging advanced AI and big data analytics [7].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for the company, iQIYI (IQ US), with a target price adjusted to $2.70, indicating a potential upside of 17.1% from the current price of $2.31 [1][2][26]. Core Insights - The report highlights improvements in the supply of long-form content and the stability of membership, which may lead to a recovery in subscriber numbers. The investment in micro-dramas is expected to enhance advertising revenue, contributing to marginal financial improvements. The adjusted net profit forecast for 2025 remains unchanged, with a slight adjustment in the target price [2][4][18]. Financial Performance - For the fourth quarter of 2024, iQIYI's total revenue and adjusted operating profit are projected to be 6.613 billion and 406 million RMB, respectively, reflecting a year-on-year decline. However, advertising revenue is expected to increase by 7% quarter-on-quarter, driven by brand advertising growth from major dramas and the e-commerce peak season [6][18]. - The company anticipates a 9% quarter-on-quarter increase in membership revenue for the first quarter of 2025, while advertising revenue is expected to decline by 5% due to overlapping marketing budgets from the Spring Festival [6][20]. Revenue and Profit Forecasts - The revenue forecast for 2025 is set at 29,001 million RMB, with adjusted net profit expected to be 1,841 million RMB. The projections for 2026 and 2027 are 30,753 million RMB and 32,265 million RMB in revenue, and 2,552 million RMB and 3,154 million RMB in adjusted net profit, respectively [5][28][30]. - The report also provides a detailed breakdown of revenue sources, with paid memberships, online advertising, and content distribution being key components [10][20]. Market Position and Trends - iQIYI maintains the largest share of long-form content viewership and is focusing on increasing the supply of top-tier dramas to enhance content stability. The rapid rollout of micro-dramas is expected to improve user acquisition and retention [6][18][20]. - The report notes that the company has a market capitalization of approximately 1.21 billion USD and has seen a year-to-date stock price increase of 14.68% [4][26].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "BUY" rating for iQIYI, indicating a potential return of over 15% over the next 12 months [19]. Core Insights - iQIYI reported inline 4Q24 results with total revenue declining by 14% YoY to RMB6.61 billion, which aligns with estimates [1]. - Non-GAAP operating income decreased by 56% YoY but increased by 10% QoQ to RMB406 million, slightly above the estimate of RMB395 million [1]. - The management anticipates a recovery in business performance in 1Q25, driven by the launch of several quality drama series [1]. - The target price has been adjusted to US$2.80 based on a 13x FY25E non-GAAP PE, down from the previous target of US$3.00 [1][11]. Financial Performance Summary - FY24 total revenue is projected to decline by 9% YoY to RMB29.2 billion, with a non-GAAP operating margin down by 3.8 percentage points YoY to 8.1% due to operating deleverage and content investment [1]. - Membership services revenue decreased by 15% YoY to RMB4.10 billion in 4Q24, primarily due to a weak content slate in the preceding months [8]. - Online advertising revenue fell by 13% YoY to RMB1.43 billion, mainly due to a decline in brand advertising revenue [8]. - The forecast for total revenue in 1Q25 is expected to grow by 7% QoQ but decline by 11% YoY to RMB7.07 billion [8]. Revenue and Profitability Forecasts - The revenue forecast for FY25 has been lowered by 4-7% due to a slower-than-expected recovery pace [1]. - Non-GAAP net profit for FY25 is estimated at RMB1.5 billion, reflecting a decrease of 14.5% from previous estimates [9]. - The gross margin is expected to improve from 24.9% in 2024 to 25.0% in 2025, while the non-GAAP operating margin is projected to rise from 8.1% in 2024 to 8.6% in 2025 [9]. Share Performance and Market Data - The current market capitalization of iQIYI is approximately US$2.22 billion, with a current price of US$2.31 and a target price of US$2.80, indicating an upside potential of 21.5% [3]. - The stock has shown a 1-month absolute performance of 18.8% and a 3-month performance of 10.3% [5].

Revenue Performance - Total revenues for Q4 2024 were RMB6.61 billion (US$906.0 million), a decrease of 14% year over year[6]. - Membership services revenue was RMB4.10 billion (US$562.1 million), down 15% year over year, primarily due to a lighter content slate[11]. - Online advertising services revenue was RMB1.43 billion (US$196.4 million), decreasing 13% year over year, mainly due to a decline in brand advertising[12]. - For the fiscal year 2024, total revenues were RMB29.23 billion (US$4.00 billion), an 8% decrease from 2023[24]. - Total revenues for the three months ended December 31, 2023, were RMB 7,706,468 thousand, representing an increase from RMB 6,613,417 thousand in the same period of 2022, a growth of approximately 16.5%[49]. Profitability - Net loss attributable to iQIYI was RMB189.4 million (US$25.9 million), compared to net income of RMB466.2 million in Q4 2023[20]. - Operating income for the fiscal year 2024 was RMB1.81 billion (US$248.1 million), down 39% from 2023[28]. - Non-GAAP net income for the fiscal year 2024 was RMB1.51 billion (US$207.2 million), a decrease of 47% from 2023[32]. - Operating income for the year ended December 31, 2023, was RMB 2,989,479 thousand, compared to RMB 1,811,203 thousand in 2022, reflecting an increase of approximately 64.8%[49]. - Net income attributable to iQIYI, Inc. for the three months ended December 31, 2023, was RMB 466,233 thousand, a significant recovery from a net loss of RMB 189,355 thousand in the same quarter of the previous year[49]. Cash Flow and Liquidity - Cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2024, totaled RMB4.53 billion (US$620.9 million)[23]. - Free cash flow for the fiscal year 2024 was RMB2.03 billion (US$278.2 million), compared to RMB3.31 billion in 2023[33]. - Cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2023, were RMB 4,434,525 thousand, a decrease from RMB 3,529,679 thousand as of December 31, 2024[51]. - The company reported a free cash flow of RMB 1,000,000 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2023, indicating strong operational cash generation[49]. - Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2023, was RMB 3,351,600 thousand, down from RMB 2,110,057 thousand in the previous year[53]. Shareholder Equity and Assets - Total assets increased to RMB 44,594,374 thousand as of December 31, 2023, compared to RMB 45,760,525 thousand as of December 31, 2024[51]. - Total liabilities decreased slightly to RMB 32,409,459 thousand as of December 31, 2023, from RMB 32,386,761 thousand as of December 31, 2024[51]. - iQIYI's total shareholders' equity increased to RMB 12,184,915 thousand as of December 31, 2023, compared to RMB 13,373,764 thousand as of December 31, 2024[51]. Capital Expenditures - Capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2023, were RMB 36,971 thousand, compared to RMB 79,319 thousand in the previous year[53][54]. - Net cash used for investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2023, was RMB 1,739,515 thousand, an increase from RMB 2,444,870 thousand in the previous year[53]. Operating Performance - Operating income for the three months ended December 31, 2023, was RMB 773,709 thousand, a significant increase compared to RMB 238,921 thousand for the previous quarter[57]. - Free cash flow for the three months ended December 31, 2023, was RMB 614,355 thousand, compared to RMB 234,817 thousand in the previous quarter[53]. - Operating income (non-GAAP) for the year ended December 31, 2023, was RMB 3,643,384 thousand, compared to RMB 2,361,730 thousand in the previous year[57]. - The company reported a net loss attributable to iQIYI, Inc. (non-GAAP) of RMB 58,779 thousand for the three months ended December 31, 2023, compared to a profit of RMB 479,787 thousand in the previous quarter[57]. Earnings Per Share - The total number of Class A and Class B ordinary shares used in the net income per share computation for the three months ended December 31, 2023, was approximately 6,713,897,712[49]. - Diluted net income per ADS for the year ended December 31, 2023, was RMB 1.98, down from RMB 0.79 in the previous year[57].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2024, total revenues were RMB 6.6 billion, down 14% year-over-year [52] - Membership services revenue reached RMB 4.1 billion, down 15% year-over-year, primarily due to a lighter content slate [53] - Online advertising revenue decreased by 13% year-over-year to RMB 1.4 billion, mainly due to a decline in brand advertisement business [54] - Content distribution revenue was RMB 406.6 million, down 20% year-over-year [54] - Non-GAAP operating income was RMB 405.9 million, with a corresponding margin of 6% [55] - Net cash provided by operating activities totaled RMB 519 million, positive for 11 consecutive quarters [55] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Long-form video content maintained leadership in viewership, with significant performance in suspense genres [12][16] - Mini-drama portfolio expanded to over 10,000 titles, capturing 95% of leading mini-drama content providers [28] - Membership revenue showed a strong comeback starting from late November 2024, driven by improved content offerings [30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Membership revenue from overseas markets, including Hong Kong, U.K., Thailand, and Australia, grew by over 30% year-over-year [46] - Average daily subscribing members increased both annually and sequentially, with Hong Kong and Thailand growing over 40% year-over-year [46] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to boost membership revenue by enhancing content quality and expanding advertising revenue through mini-drama growth [11] - Focus on refining production and management of long-form videos, with an emphasis on premium content appealing to female audiences [20][22] - Plans to expand into new markets, including the Middle East and Latin America, while enhancing local content offerings [49][50] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the recovery in consumer sentiment towards quality video content, supported by high box office performance during the Chinese New Year [10] - The company is confident that the strong comeback of premium long-form videos and continuous innovation in mini-dramas will drive growth in 2025 [50] Other Important Information - The company has revamped its membership offerings into two primary categories: individual and family, enhancing user experience and retention [31][88] - The advertising business showed signs of recovery, with brand ad revenue growing sequentially, driven by premium dramas [36][39] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the content pipeline for 2025 and potential blockbuster titles? - Management highlighted a strong start to 2025 with several premium titles planned, aiming for both quality and quantity in content offerings [58][60] Question: Updates on the mini-drama area and strategic plans for 2025? - The company is focusing on mini-dramas with a dedicated app and aims to enhance monetization capabilities while increasing user growth [69][80] Question: Impact of recent membership initiatives on the membership business? - Management noted a significant increase in subscribing members due to the rollout of new membership categories and benefits, enhancing user engagement [84][90] Question: Core strategy for overseas business in 2025? - The strategy includes pursuing rapid revenue growth while maintaining profitability, with tailored approaches for different markets [93][96]

Revenue Performance - Total revenues for Q4 2024 were RMB6.61 billion (US$906.0 million), a decrease of 14% year over year[6]. - Membership services revenue was RMB4.10 billion (US$562.1 million), down 15% year over year, primarily due to a lighter content slate[11]. - Online advertising services revenue was RMB1.43 billion (US$196.4 million), decreasing 13% year over year, mainly due to a decline in brand advertising[12]. - For the fiscal year 2024, total revenues were RMB29.23 billion (US$4.00 billion), an 8% decrease from 2023[24]. - Total revenues for the three months ended December 31, 2023, were RMB 7,706,468 thousand, representing an increase from RMB 6,613,417 thousand for the same period in 2022, a growth of approximately 16.5%[49]. Profitability - Net loss attributable to iQIYI was RMB189.4 million (US$25.9 million), compared to net income of RMB466.2 million in Q4 2023[20]. - Operating income for fiscal year 2024 was RMB1.81 billion (US$248.1 million), down 39% from 2023[28]. - Non-GAAP net income for fiscal year 2024 was RMB1.51 billion (US$207.2 million), a decrease of 47% from 2023[32]. - Operating income for the year ended December 31, 2023, was RMB 2,989,479 thousand, compared to RMB 1,811,203 thousand in 2022, reflecting an increase of approximately 64.8%[49]. - Net income attributable to iQIYI, Inc. for the three months ended December 31, 2023, was RMB 466,233 thousand, a significant recovery from a net loss of RMB 189,355 thousand in the same quarter of the previous year[49]. Cash Flow and Liquidity - Cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2024, totaled RMB4.53 billion (US$620.9 million)[23]. - Free cash flow for fiscal year 2024 was RMB2.03 billion (US$278.2 million), down from RMB3.31 billion in 2023[33]. - Cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2023, were RMB 4,434,525 thousand, a decrease from RMB 3,529,679 thousand as of December 31, 2024[51]. - The company reported a free cash flow of RMB 1,000,000 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2023, indicating strong operational cash generation[49]. - Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2023, was RMB 3,351,600 thousand, down from RMB 2,110,057 thousand in the previous year[53]. Shareholder Equity and Assets - Total assets increased to RMB 44,594,374 thousand as of December 31, 2023, compared to RMB 45,760,525 thousand as of December 31, 2024[51]. - Total liabilities decreased slightly to RMB 32,409,459 thousand as of December 31, 2023, from RMB 32,386,761 thousand as of December 31, 2024[51]. - iQIYI's total shareholders' equity increased to RMB 12,184,915 thousand as of December 31, 2023, compared to RMB 13,373,764 thousand as of December 31, 2024[51]. Operational Highlights - The company expanded its mini-drama portfolio to over ten thousand titles, enhancing monetization strategies[7]. - Operating income for the three months ended December 31, 2023, was RMB 773,709 thousand, a significant increase compared to RMB 238,921 thousand for the previous quarter[57]. - Free cash flow for the three months ended December 31, 2023, was RMB 614,355 thousand, compared to RMB 234,817 thousand in the previous quarter[53]. - Capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2023, totaled RMB 79,319 thousand, primarily related to construction in process, computers, and servers[54]. - Net cash used for investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2023, was RMB 2,444,870 thousand, compared to RMB 1,739,515 thousand in the previous year[53]. Earnings Per Share - The total number of Class A and Class B ordinary shares used in net income per share computation for the three months ended December 31, 2023, was approximately 6,713,897,712[49]. - Diluted net income per ADS for the three months ended December 31, 2023, was RMB 0.48, up from RMB 0.24 in the previous quarter[57]. - The company reported a net loss attributable to iQIYI, Inc. (non-GAAP) of RMB 58,779 thousand for the three months ended December 31, 2023, compared to a profit of RMB 479,787 thousand in the previous quarter[57].

Core Viewpoint - iQIYI, Inc. reported a decline in revenues and net income for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2024, despite a strong performance in the drama market and growth in mini-dramas, indicating challenges in the online entertainment sector in China. Group 1: Fourth Quarter 2024 Highlights - Total revenues for Q4 2024 were RMB6.61 billion (US$906.0 million), a decrease of 14% year over year [7][10] - Membership services revenue was RMB4.10 billion (US$562.1 million), down 15% year over year, attributed to a lighter content slate [10][23] - Operating income was RMB285.4 million (US$39.1 million), with an operating income margin of 4%, compared to 10% in Q4 2023 [7][14] - Net loss attributable to iQIYI was RMB189.4 million (US$25.9 million), contrasting with a net income of RMB466.2 million in the same period of 2023 [7][18] Group 2: Fiscal Year 2024 Highlights - Total revenues for the fiscal year 2024 were RMB29.23 billion (US$4.00 billion), an 8% decrease from 2023 [7][23] - Membership services revenue for the year was RMB17.76 billion (US$2.43 billion), down 13% from 2023 [23] - Operating income for the year was RMB1.81 billion (US$248.1 million), with an operating income margin of 6%, compared to 9% in 2023 [7][26] - Net income attributable to iQIYI was RMB764.1 million (US$104.7 million), a 60% decrease from 2023 [27][28] Group 3: Strategic Developments - iQIYI launched a series of blockbusters since late November 2024, which helped to reinforce its leading position in the total drama market share in Q4 2024 [4] - The company expanded its mini-drama portfolio to over ten thousand titles and optimized its ad-placement system to enhance monetization [5] - The management emphasized a focus on discipline and efficiency, leading to sequential growth in operating profit for the fourth quarter [5]