iQIYI(US:IQ) Zhong Guo Jing Ying Bao·2025-05-23 14:28Core Viewpoint - iQIYI's Q1 2025 financial results show a mixed performance with year-over-year declines but quarter-over-quarter growth, indicating potential stabilization and recovery in its business operations [2][3]. Financial Performance - iQIYI's total revenue for Q1 2025 was 7.19 billion yuan, a 9% decrease year-over-year but a 9% increase quarter-over-quarter [2]. - Non-GAAP operating profit was 460 million yuan with a Non-GAAP operating profit margin of 6%, down from 1.09 billion yuan and 14% in the same period last year, but up 13% quarter-over-quarter [2]. - Non-GAAP net profit attributable to iQIYI was 304 million yuan, compared to 844 million yuan in the same period last year, but improved from a loss in the previous quarter [2]. Business Segments - iQIYI's revenue structure includes membership services, online advertising, content distribution, and other services, with membership services accounting for over 60% of total revenue [3]. - Membership service revenue showed a decline from 4.8 billion yuan in Q1 2024 to 4.4 billion yuan in Q1 2025, but rebounded to 4.4 billion yuan in the latest quarter [3]. - Online advertising revenue was 1.33 billion yuan in Q1 2025, while content distribution and other services saw growth, with revenues of 629 million yuan and 831 million yuan respectively [3]. Cost and Investment - iQIYI has been reducing operating costs since Q2 2024, but there was a noticeable increase in operating costs and selling, general, and administrative expenses in Q1 2025 [4]. - As of March 31, 2025, accounts payable remained stable at 6.48 billion yuan, and cash flow from investing activities improved to -30 million yuan from -895 million yuan in the previous quarter [4]. Strategic Initiatives - iQIYI has entered the micro-drama segment, which has become a significant category within its ecosystem, indicating a potential turning point in its performance [3][5]. - The company aims to enhance its micro-drama content library, focusing on attracting new members, particularly in underpenetrated markets [5][7]. - iQIYI's micro-drama content has shown promising growth, with heavy users increasing threefold from December 2024 to April 2025 [7]. Industry Trends - The shift towards micro-dramas aligns with changing viewer habits, as attention spans decrease, making shorter content more appealing [6][7]. - Experts suggest that long video platforms like iQIYI have the potential to drive the premiumization of micro-dramas due to their advantages in content production and user engagement [7].