COL(SZ:300364) Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-11-19 06:36Core Viewpoint - Chinese Online, once known as the "first stock of digital publishing" in China, is now facing significant losses, with a total loss exceeding 28 billion yuan since its listing in 2015 [3][8]. Financial Performance - In Q3 2025, Chinese Online reported a loss of 294 million yuan, bringing the total loss for the first three quarters to 520 million yuan. Cumulatively, the company has incurred losses of over 28 billion yuan since its IPO [3][8]. - The company's revenue for the first three quarters was 1.011 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 25.12%. However, the net profit attributable to shareholders was -520 million yuan, reflecting a year-on-year decline of 176.64% [4][5]. - In Q3 alone, revenue was 455 million yuan, up 31.43% year-on-year, but the net profit was -294 million yuan, a drastic decrease of 673.14% [4][5]. Business Strategy and Operations - The revenue growth is attributed to the overseas income from the short drama platform FlareFlow, which has seen significant downloads and user engagement [6][7]. - FlareFlow, launched in April 2025, has reached over 19 million downloads and has over 3,000 works available, but the high costs associated with its promotion have led to substantial losses [6][7]. - Sales expenses surged to 660 million yuan in the first three quarters of 2025, nearly doubling from the previous year, primarily due to increased marketing costs for overseas operations [6]. Historical Context and Challenges - Since its listing, Chinese Online has frequently pursued trending concepts such as "AIGC," "metaverse," and "anime," but these efforts have not translated into sustainable financial performance [10][12]. - The company has faced multiple setbacks, including failed acquisitions and investments in the past, which have negatively impacted its financial stability [10][12]. - Despite the CEO's long-term vision, there is a trend of shareholders and executives reducing their stakes in the company, indicating a lack of confidence in its future prospects [13][14].