智通财经网·2026-02-12 07:45Core Viewpoint - Huatai Securities maintains a "Buy" rating for NetEase Youdao (DAO.US) and raises the target price from $12.46 to $13.56, driven by strong growth momentum in Q4 2025 and throughout the year, particularly in the advertising business fueled by AI applications and significant improvement in cash flow [1][2] Financial Performance - In Q4 2025, Youdao reported revenue of 1.56 billion RMB, a year-on-year increase of 16.8%, significantly surpassing the market expectation of 12.4% [1] - The operating profit for the quarter reached 60.2 million RMB, far exceeding the consensus estimate of 26.5 million RMB [1] - Youdao achieved profitability for six consecutive quarters, with a full-year operating profit growth of 48.7% to 220 million RMB, marking the first annual positive cash flow in the company's history [1] Advertising Business Growth - The advertising segment emerged as the key growth driver, generating revenue of 660 million RMB, a year-on-year surge of 37.2% [2] - This growth was primarily fueled by intensified competition in the AI industry, leading to a significant increase in demand for AI application-related advertising, which grew over 50% year-on-year [2] - The gaming sector also contributed to this growth, with over 50% increase in revenue [2] International Expansion - Youdao's overseas market strategy is showing initial success, with overseas KOL revenue increasing by over 50% and marketing services covering more than 50 countries globally [2] Learning Services Recovery - The learning services segment has successfully returned to a growth trajectory, with Q4 2025 revenue reaching 727 million RMB, a year-on-year increase of 17.7% [2] - The high school business "Youdao Ling Shi" saw revenue growth exceeding 40%, with a renewal rate rising to 75% [2] - AI subscription services performed strongly, with quarterly sales surpassing 100 million RMB, reflecting over 80% year-on-year growth, driven by demand for Youdao Dictionary AI simultaneous interpretation and exclusive collaboration with Turnitin [2] Future Outlook - Huatai Securities anticipates that Youdao's overall revenue in 2026 will continue the growth trajectory observed in Q4 2025 [2] - Although the company plans to increase strategic investments in its core business in the short term, which may lead to temporary profit fluctuations, the long-term outlook remains positive due to the sustained high growth of the advertising business [2]