iQIYI (NasdaqGS:IQ) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 26, 2026 06:30 AM ET Company ParticipantsChang Yu - IR DirectorLincoln Kong - Executive DirectorXianghua Yang - Senior VP of International BusinessXiaohui Wang - Chief Content OfficerYing Zeng - Interim CFOYu Gong - Founder, Director, and CEONone - TranslatorConference Call ParticipantsGigi Zhou - AnalystMaggie Ye - Research AnalystRebecca Xu - AnalystXueqing Zhang - AnalystOperatorThank you for standing by. Welcome to the iQIYI fourth quarter and fiscal ye ...

iQIYI (NasdaqGS:IQ) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 26, 2026 06:30 AM ET Company ParticipantsChang Yu - IR DirectorLincoln Kong - Executive DirectorXianghua Yang - Senior VP of International BusinessXiaohui Wang - Chief Content OfficerYing Zeng - Interim CFOYu Gong - Founder, Director, and CEONone - TranslatorConference Call ParticipantsGigi Zhou - AnalystMaggie Ye - Research AnalystRebecca Xu - AnalystOperatorThank you for standing by. Welcome to the iQIYI fourth quarter and fiscal year 2025 earnings confer ...

Core Insights - Microdramas are rapidly becoming one of the fastest-growing formats in online video [1] - In the US, users now spend more time daily watching microdramas on mobile apps than on Netflix, Disney+, or Amazon Prime Video [1] - Global microdrama revenues are projected to reach $11 billion in 2025 and grow to $14 billion by the end of 2026 [1] - Of the projected revenue, $3 billion is expected to be generated outside of China [1]

Core Viewpoint - The case of a man from Henan facing difficulties in obtaining a refund for a 25-year membership on iQIYI has garnered significant attention, highlighting issues related to virtual product refund policies and consumer rights [1][2]. Group 1: Refund Difficulties - The individual, Mr. Huang, reported that he had charged a membership for 25 years, but faced challenges when attempting to obtain a refund. He discovered that his membership was extended until 2043 and encountered issues with the refund process due to his original payment account being inactive [2]. - iQIYI's customer service indicated that refunds could only be processed back to the original payment method, which was no longer accessible to Mr. Huang, leading to a deadlock in the refund process [2]. Group 2: Legal Perspectives - Legal expert Wang Ringen stated that the relationship between Mr. Huang and iQIYI constitutes a network service contract, and the long membership duration and refund restrictions must comply with strict legal standards regarding format clauses [3]. - According to the Consumer Rights Protection Law, operators cannot use format clauses to exclude consumers' rights to refunds, making the terms in iQIYI's service agreement potentially invalid [3][4]. - Wang emphasized that the 25-year service period exceeds typical consumer expectations, and consumers should be supported in their requests to terminate contracts when services do not meet expectations or needs change [4].

Group 1 - The core issue revolves around a user, Mr. Huang, who has faced difficulties in obtaining a refund for his long-term subscription to iQIYI, which he discovered extends until 2043 [3][4]. - iQIYI has acknowledged the refund request and initiated a verification process to ensure the refund is processed securely, given that the original payment account is no longer in use [1][5]. - The customer service informed Mr. Huang that refunds for unconsumed orders are possible, but complications arose due to the original payment account being inactive and registered to another user [4][5]. Group 2 - Mr. Huang's subscription was initially charged for multiple years due to promotional offers in 2017 and 2018, which he was unaware of until he started using the service more frequently [4]. - The customer service's proposed solution to refund the amount only to the original payment method has been a point of contention, as Mr. Huang does not agree to refunding to an account that is not his [4]. - iQIYI's response indicates a commitment to resolving customer issues, as they have escalated the matter for further verification [1][5].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the successful launch of the series "Punishment 2," which has quickly gained popularity and critical acclaim on iQIYI, reflecting a strong audience engagement and a resurgence in viewership for the platform [1]. Group 1: Narrative and Themes - "Punishment 2" continues the intense and realistic storytelling style of its predecessor, focusing on the mysterious suicide of a police captain that uncovers a criminal network [1][2]. - The series emphasizes the theme of justice, encapsulated in the motto "guilty must be punished, law above all," which resonates with viewers and fuels their enthusiasm for the show [1]. - The narrative employs a multi-threaded storytelling technique, intertwining past and present events, which enhances suspense and character development [4]. Group 2: Character Development and Dynamics - The show features a diverse cast of characters, each representing different facets of the struggle between justice and corruption, showcasing their moral dilemmas and personal sacrifices [7]. - The police team is portrayed as skilled and determined, with each member contributing unique strengths to the fight against crime, embodying the values of law enforcement [5]. - The character arcs reveal the complexities of human nature, as individuals navigate the challenges posed by crime and personal ambition, adding depth to the narrative [7].

Core Insights - The Oscars will transition to YouTube and YouTube TV starting in 2029, marking a significant shift for the traditional Hollywood awards ceremony [3][4] - This partnership with YouTube is seen as a response to declining viewership and changing media consumption habits, particularly among younger audiences [8][11] - The Academy has expanded its international membership by approximately 40% since the "Oscars So White" protests, reflecting a more diverse and global focus [14] Industry Impact - The move to YouTube is expected to alter the Oscars' direct U.S. reach initially, but YouTube's vast user base of 2.5 to 2.7 billion monthly active users may compensate for this by 2029 [11] - YouTube generated an estimated $36.1 billion in ad revenue last year, indicating its strong position in the advertising market, which could benefit the Oscars [7] - The Academy's decision aligns with its goal to reach international audiences, as Hollywood films increasingly feature global elements [12][13] Viewership Trends - Broadcast viewership has been declining, with the Oscars drawing around 20 million viewers in the most recent ceremony, which is still below pre-pandemic levels [10] - The Golden Globes experienced a significant drop in viewership, attracting only about half of the Oscars' audience, highlighting the challenges faced by traditional award shows [10] - YouTube TV, with approximately 10 million subscribers, is adapting to market demands by offering smaller, cheaper themed bundles, which may attract more viewers to the Oscars [14]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenues for Q2 2025 were RMB 6.6 billion, with membership services revenue at RMB 4.1 billion, down 9% year-over-year due to a lighter content slate compared to the previous year [35] - Online advertising revenue decreased by 13% year-over-year to RMB 300 million, influenced by advertisers adjusting strategies in response to macro pressures [36] - Accounts and distribution revenue fell by 37% year-over-year to RMB 436.6 million, primarily due to a decrease in other transactions [36] - Non-GAAP operating income was RMB 58.7 million, with a non-GAAP operating income margin of 1% [38] - Cash and cash equivalents totaled RMB 5.1 billion at the end of Q2 [38] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The experience business is focusing on IP-based consumer products and offline experiences, with self-operated live table trading cars achieving over RMB 100 million in GMV [6] - The company maintained leadership in the core long-form drama category, with notable performances from original dramas like "Field" and "Coroner's Diary," both achieving popularity index scores over 10,000 [8][48] - Micro dramas saw significant growth, with "How Dare You" reaching a historical high popularity index score of 5,500 [11] - The movie segment launched over 10 major titles, with "The Shadow's Edge" surpassing RMB 300 million in box office revenue [14][48] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Membership revenue grew by approximately 35% year-over-year, driven by strong performances in markets like Brazil, Mexico, and Indonesia [32] - The average daily subscribers reached an all-time high during the quarter, with original C dramas topping popularity charts in 15 overseas markets [32] - Micro dramas ranked as the second largest category attracting new subscriptions in Indonesia, Korea, and Brazil [33] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to strengthen content strategies across different categories, focusing on premium productions with high commercial value and innovative formats [50] - Plans to enhance the experience business through IP-based consumer products and immersive experiences, with ongoing development of IT land and immersive centers [6][56] - The company is committed to expanding its global influence through marketing events and enhancing its content offerings internationally [34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management views the recent policy changes in China's long-form video industry as a positive development, enhancing content production efficiency and creative freedom [42][44] - The company plans to leverage new policies to innovate in content production and expand its market share in online video streaming and theatrical releases [51] - Future strategies include focusing on flagship multi-season IPs and exploring new monetization opportunities beyond existing membership models [50] Other Important Information - The company has repurchased a total principal amount of US$85 million of the 2028 notes, optimizing its debt structure [39] - AI technology is being harnessed to enhance user engagement and streamline content production processes [28][30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of recent policy changes in China's long-form video industry - Management believes the new policies will shorten content production cycles, enhance creative freedom, and improve capital utilization, benefiting both online platforms and traditional broadcasters [42][44] Question: Overview of content performance this summer and future content strategy - Management highlighted strong performances across various content categories, with several original dramas achieving high popularity scores and plans to innovate in content production [48][50] Question: Strategies for offline theme parks and market size - The company is transitioning to a sub-operation model for consumer products and expanding its immersive experiences in multiple cities [54][56] Question: Debt management plan - Management provided insights into the company's healthy capital structure, with sufficient cash to meet debt obligations and a balanced approach to long-term and short-term loans [60]

Core Viewpoint - The domestic animated film "Ne Zha" is set to premiere on iQIYI on August 2, with VIP members able to watch it for free, highlighting the film's significant popularity and anticipation among viewers [1][3]. Group 1: Film Performance - "Ne Zha" has achieved a global box office of over 15.9 billion yuan, ranking 5th in the all-time global box office list [3]. - During its theatrical run, the film broke 113 records and received 308 milestone achievements [3]. - The film has become the most anticipated title in iQIYI's history, with record-high reservation numbers from VIP members [3]. Group 2: Market Impact - The success of "Ne Zha" has positively influenced the online popularity of its predecessor, "Ne Zha: Birth of the Demon Child," which has seen a resurgence in viewership this year [3]. - The content heat value of "Ne Zha: Birth of the Demon Child" on iQIYI has surpassed 8000, with the platform holding nearly 60% market share in effective playback [3]. Group 3: Promotional Activities - iQIYI plans to offer over 3,000 free screening seats on the film's release day, along with free access to popular drama and variety show IPs [3]. - Classic characters from "Ne Zha" will have dedicated screening events, enhancing viewer engagement and excitement [3].

Core Viewpoint - Netflix is expected to report strong earnings growth and revenue growth in its upcoming second-quarter 2025 results, with shares having risen significantly in recent months, outperforming the broader industry [1][4]. Company Performance - Netflix shares have increased approximately 29% over the past three months, compared to the broader industry's growth of 25.1% [1]. - The company has an Earnings ESP of +1.68% and a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a strong likelihood of beating earnings estimates [3]. - Analysts predict a substantial earnings growth of 44.7% and revenue growth of 15.6% for the upcoming quarter [4]. Analyst Sentiment - Analysts maintain a bullish outlook on Netflix, with an average brokerage recommendation of 1.72 from 45 firms, where 60% recommend Strong Buy [5]. - The average price target for Netflix is $1,239.18, with estimates ranging from $800 to $1,600 [5]. - Several analysts have raised their price targets ahead of the earnings release, with BMO Capital increasing its target to $1,425, citing record viewership for "Squid Game 3" and favorable foreign exchange trends [6][7]. Growth Drivers - Netflix's low-cost advertising-supported subscriptions and expansion into live sports are expected to drive growth [8]. - The company anticipates revenues to grow 15% year over year to $11.04 billion, with earnings per share expected to rise 44% to $7.03 [8]. Valuation Metrics - Netflix shares currently have a P/E ratio of 49.65, significantly higher than the industry average of 15.63, but the company has a strong Growth Score of B, indicating potential for continued growth [9]. ETFs in Focus - Several ETFs with significant allocations to Netflix include First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index Fund (FDN), FT Vest Dow Jones Internet & Target Income ETF (FDND), MicroSectors FANG+ ETN (FNGS), Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLC), and Invesco Next Gen Media and Gaming ETF (GGME) [2][10][11][12][13][14].