Core Viewpoint - NetEase Cloud Music Inc. reported its financial results for the first half of 2025, showing a mixed performance with a decrease in overall revenue but significant growth in operating profit and net profit, driven by a focus on core music services and subscription-based revenue growth. Financial Performance - Revenue for the first half of 2025 was RMB3.83 billion, a decrease of 6.0% compared to RMB4.07 billion in the same period of 2024 [5] - Gross profit was RMB1.39 billion, a slight decrease of 2.3% from RMB1.43 billion in the same period of 2024, but gross margin improved to 36.4% from 35.0% [5][11] - Operating profit increased by 40.8% to RMB844.5 million from RMB599.9 million in the same period of 2024 [5] - Profit for the period reached RMB1.88 billion, compared to RMB809.9 million in the same period of 2024 [12] - Adjusted operating profit was RMB905.4 million, an increase of 35.0% compared to RMB670.9 million in the same period of 2024 [12] - Adjusted net profit reached RMB1.95 billion, compared to RMB880.7 million in the same period of 2024 [12] Revenue Breakdown - Revenue from online music services was RMB3.0 billion, an increase of 15.9% compared to RMB2.6 billion for the same period of 2024 [4] - Revenue from membership subscriptions increased to RMB2.5 billion from RMB2.1 billion for the same period of 2024 [4] - Revenue from social entertainment services decreased to RMB859.8 million from RMB1,510.8 million for the same period of 2024, attributed to a more prudent operational approach [5] User Engagement and Community - Total monthly active users (MAUs) showed steady growth, with a daily active user/monthly active user (DAU/MAU) ratio consistently exceeding 30% [7] - Users spent more time listening to music on the mobile app, indicating higher engagement [7] - The platform had over 819,000 registered independent artists contributing 4.8 million music tracks by June 2025 [17] Content and Product Innovation - The company expanded its music label catalogue, securing partnerships with popular K-Pop labels and renowned Chinese artists [19] - Enhanced product features, such as the "Magic Light Player," improved the music listening experience [9][27] - The introduction of new roles for music creators, such as AI Musician and Trainee Musician, aims to nurture emerging talent [20] Strategic Focus - The company plans to deepen collaborations with copyright holders and enhance its differentiated content offerings [13][15] - Future initiatives include optimizing the music listening experience and improving profitability through cost optimization and enhanced operating efficiency [18]