Summary of Meitu Inc. Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Meitu Inc (1357.HK) - **Industry**: Greater China IT Services and Software - **Current Stock Rating**: Overweight (OW) - **Price Target**: HK$15.70, representing a 33% upside from the closing price of HK$11.82 on August 29, 2025 [6][9][10] Key Points and Arguments 1. **Growth Trajectory**: Meitu's growth is considered intact despite competition from new AI models like Google's Nano Banana. The evolution of AI models is expected to enhance Meitu's AI features [1][15]. 2. **AI Model Neutrality**: Meitu has adopted a model-neutral approach, integrating various AI capabilities into its offerings, including the recent incorporation of Google Nano Banana into its international products [9][15]. 3. **Last Mile Value**: The company emphasizes the importance of delivering the "last mile" in AI applications, which involves optimizing outcomes that general AI models cannot fully achieve. This complexity creates a high entry barrier for competitors [9][16]. 4. **Focus on Non-Professional Scenarios**: Meitu targets non-professional leisure and productivity scenarios, particularly in e-commerce design, allowing it to accumulate specialized knowledge and optimize user experience [16][19]. 5. **Data Utilization**: The company has amassed significant vertical data, which it uses for post-training its models, resulting in better performance compared to general AI models [16][19]. 6. **Core vs. Gameplay Features**: Meitu's core features, such as AI face retouching, drive user subscriptions, while gameplay features attract users for fun. The company believes it can integrate new AI models to enhance gameplay features without compromising its core offerings [16][19]. Financial Metrics - **Revenue Projections**: Expected revenue growth from Rmb3,341 million in FY 2024 to Rmb6,771 million by FY 2027 [6]. - **EBITDA Projections**: Anticipated increase from Rmb584 million in FY 2024 to Rmb2,131 million by FY 2027 [6]. - **Earnings Per Share (EPS)**: Projected EPS growth from Rmb0.13 in FY 2024 to Rmb0.40 by FY 2027 [6]. Risks and Considerations 1. **Upside Risks**: Faster penetration of paying users due to AI adoption, higher-than-expected average revenue per paying user (ARPPU), and improved operating leverage [25]. 2. **Downside Risks**: Slower growth in paying users, increased R&D expenses for AI development, and intensified competition from larger internet companies [25]. Additional Insights - **Market Reaction**: Meitu's share price dropped 14% following the viral success of Google's Nano Banana, raising concerns about AI cannibalization of software [9][10]. - **Strategic Partnerships**: Meitu has partnered with Alibaba to enhance its e-commerce design capabilities, leveraging private data for better AI model training [16][19]. This summary encapsulates the essential insights from the conference call regarding Meitu Inc.'s strategic positioning, financial outlook, and market dynamics.