Summary of NetEase Q1 2025 Earnings Call Company Overview - **Company**: NetEase - **Industry**: Internet Services, specifically online gaming and related services in China - **Market Cap**: US$68.7 billion as of 14 May 2025 - **12-month Rating**: Buy with a price target of US$133.00 Key Financial Highlights - **Q1 2025 Revenue**: - Total revenues reached Rmb 28,829 million, a 7.4% year-over-year (YoY) growth, exceeding UBS estimates by 1.8% and consensus by 1.1% [2][10] - Core game revenue grew 15% YoY, significantly up from 5% YoY in Q4 2024, beating estimates by 5% [2][10] - **Gross Profit Margin (GPM)**: - GPM was 64.1%, surpassing estimates by 340 basis points (bps) [10] - Game-related services GPM was 68.8%, indicating strong performance in this segment [10] - **Operating Income**: - GAAP operating income was Rmb 10,441 million, a 35% increase YoY, with an operating margin of 36.2% [10] - Non-GAAP operating income was Rmb 11,377 million, a 30% increase YoY, with a margin of 39.5% [10] - **Net Income**: - GAAP net income was Rmb 10,301 million, a 35.6% increase YoY, with a net margin of 35.7% [10] - Non-GAAP net income was Rmb 11,237 million, a 30.4% increase YoY, with a net margin of 39.0% [10] Strategic Insights - **Deferred Revenue**: - Deferred revenue grew 19% YoY, indicating potential for further growth in game revenue [3] - **Upcoming Titles**: - New game pipeline includes MARVEL Mystic Mayhem, Destiny: Rising, and Ananta, with Ananta expected to have the highest commercial potential [3] - **Shareholder Returns**: - The company maintained a dividend payout ratio of approximately 30% of GAAP net profit, but no buybacks were executed in Q1, which may disappoint some investors [3] Market Outlook - **Guidance**: - Strong Q1 results are expected to lead to upward revisions in consensus estimates [4] - **Investor Sentiment**: - Initial positive reactions are anticipated from investors following the strong Q1 performance [5] Risks and Challenges - **Industry Risks**: - Regulatory and product risks, particularly the unpredictable nature of new game launches [13] - **Company-Specific Risks**: - Maturity of key game titles and limited diversification in revenue sources, particularly from MMORPGs [14] Valuation Metrics - **Forecast Stock Return**: - Expected price appreciation of 24.2% and a dividend yield of 2.4%, leading to a total forecast stock return of 26.6% [11] Conclusion NetEase's Q1 2025 results demonstrate strong growth in gaming revenue and profitability, supported by a solid pipeline of upcoming titles. However, the company faces industry-specific risks and challenges related to regulatory environments and product performance. The outlook remains positive, with expectations for upward revisions in earnings estimates.

Summary of Tencent Holdings 1Q25 Earnings Call Company Overview - **Company**: Tencent Holdings - **Industry**: Internet Services - **Date of Report**: 15 May 2025 Key Financial Highlights - **1Q25 Performance**: - Revenue increased by **13% YoY**, exceeding expectations - Adjusted Operating Profit (OP) and Net Profit (NP) grew by **18%** and **22% YoY**, respectively, both beating estimates by **4%** due to Gross Profit Margin (GPM) expansion [2][11] Core Business Segments 1. **Gaming**: - **Near Term**: 1Q25 saw robust growth exceeding **20%** from existing and new games, alleviating concerns about tougher comparisons in 2H25 - Notable performances from games like HoK and CrossFire, with CrossFire becoming the **3rd largest mobile game in China** - Projected revenue growth of **+14%** for domestic games and **+22%** for international games in 2025E [3] 2. **Advertising**: - **Near Term**: Advertising revenue grew by **20%** in 1Q25, driven by enhancements in ad technology and increased inventory - Anticipated to outpace industry growth of **17%** in 2025E [4] 3. **Mini Shops**: - **Near Term**: Strong GMV growth due to accelerating merchant onboarding - Long-term potential compared to Mini Programs' GMV of **Rmb8 trillion** in 2024, with Mini Shops projected at **cRmb200 billion** [5] 4. **AI Monetization**: - **Near Term**: Management optimistic about navigating GPU supply issues - Long-term plans include adding AI features to products like Weixin, leveraging a user base of **1.4 billion** with an average engagement of **1.5 hours daily** [6] Margin and Profitability Outlook - **1Q25 Margin**: Adjusted NP growth of **18%** against **13%** revenue growth - Management expects positive operating leverage and incremental AI revenue to support margins [11] Valuation and Price Target - **Price Target**: Increased to **HK$710.00** from **HK$700.00** - **Current Price**: **HK$521.00** as of 14 May 2025 - **Market Cap**: **HK$4,837 billion** (approximately **US$620 billion**) [7][13] Earnings Estimates - **2025E**: Revenue projected at **Rmb742.8 billion**, with adjusted NP expected to grow by **19%** [15] Investment Thesis - Tencent's results provide enhanced clarity regarding earnings amidst macro uncertainties - Management emphasizes a "long runway" for growth across various business lines, including gaming, advertising, e-commerce, and AI monetization - Despite premium valuation, Tencent offers high earnings visibility and growth potential [12] Risks - Key risks include competitive landscape changes, execution of new business strategies, integration of investments, rising operational costs, and regulatory challenges [19] Conclusion - Tencent Holdings demonstrates strong growth across its core segments, with a positive outlook for future earnings driven by strategic initiatives in gaming, advertising, and AI. The company maintains a "Buy" rating with a revised price target reflecting its growth potential and market position.

Core Financial Performance - Core game revenue grew 15% YoY in 1Q25, exceeding consensus by 5% and BOCIe by 2% [1] - Total revenue increased by 7% YoY to RMB28.8 billion, 1% above consensus [3] - Adjusted net profit rose 32% YoY to RMB11.2 billion, significantly beating consensus expectations [1] Game Segment Performance - PC game revenue surged 85% YoY, while mobile game revenue declined by 4% YoY, with PC games outperforming BOCIe by 0% and mobile games by 3% [1][3] - Marvel Rivals, Where Winds Meet, Blizzard games, and Naraka: Bladepoint were key contributors to the strong PC game revenue [3] Profitability and Operational Efficiency - Gross profit margin (GPM) expanded to 64.1%, above consensus, with disciplined operating expenses, particularly a 33% YoY reduction in sales and marketing costs [3] - Operating profit grew 37% YoY, achieving a 36.2% operating profit margin, significantly surpassing consensus of 29.2% [3] Future Outlook and Adjustments - The company raised FY2025 adjusted profit forecast by 14%, estimating a 21% YoY increase to RMB40.5 billion [1] - FY2025-27 core online game revenue forecasts were uplifted by 2-3%, reflecting a 0-2% rise in PC games and a 3% increase in mobile games [2] Shareholder Returns and Buyback - The company repurchased approximately 0.4 million shares this quarter and has a remaining buyback quota of US$3.1 billion until January 2026 [3] - Regular quarterly dividends of 30% were distributed [3] Valuation and Target Price - The target price was raised to US$140.0 / HK$220.0, based on a 13.0x FY2025E adjusted EPADS of US$8.8 [4]

Investment Rating - 12-month rating: Buy [5] - 12-month price target: US$152.00, up from US$133.00 [5][10] Core Insights - NetEase reported a strong Q1 2025 with significant bottom line beats, driven by mobile and PC game revenue growth [2][4] - PC game revenue grew 85% YoY, primarily due to the successful launch of Marvel Rivals and strong performance from existing titles [3] - Mobile game revenue decline narrowed to 4% YoY, with expectations for further improvement [3] - Management indicated a more prudent marketing strategy, resulting in lower selling and marketing expenses [3] - Despite a strong Q1, the company may enter a quieter period until the next major title launch [4] Financial Performance - Q1 2025 total revenues: Rmb28,829 million, a 7.4% YoY growth [11] - Net income (GAAP) for Q1 2025: Rmb10,301 million, a 35.6% increase YoY [11] - Gross margin improved to 64.1% in Q1 2025, up from 60.7% [11] - Expected revenues for FY 2025: Rmb113,876 million, with net earnings projected at Rmb40,226 million [8][11] Valuation Metrics - Current trading at 14x 2025E PE, below the 5-year mean of 15x [4] - DCF derived price target reflects a reasonable valuation compared to global gaming companies averaging 31x 2025 PE [4][10] - Forecast stock return of 27.6%, with a price appreciation of 25.1% and a dividend yield of 2.5% [13] Game Pipeline and Future Outlook - New game pipeline for 2025 includes MARVEL Mystic Mayhem and Destiny: Rising, with limited expectations [3] - Anticipated PC game growth of 46% in 2025, contingent on user engagement and updates for Marvel Rivals [3] - Management maintains a conservative outlook on sustaining current low marketing expenses in the near term [3]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for NetEase Inc. (NTES) with a 12-month price target of $140.00, indicating an upside potential of 30.7% from the current price of $107.11 [1]. Core Insights - NetEase reported a strong performance in 1Q25, with game revenue increasing by 15% year-over-year (yoy) and operating profit rising by 34% yoy, alleviating concerns regarding its legacy and mobile games [1][22]. - The growth is expected to continue due to the success of newly released titles, a recovery in legacy titles, and improved promotional strategies [1][18]. - The report anticipates low to mid-teens yoy game revenue growth and further margin expansion for the remainder of 2025 [1]. Summary by Sections Financial Performance - In 1Q25, PC games revenue surged by 84% yoy, driven by successful titles such as Marvel Rivals and Where Wind Meets, alongside contributions from Blizzard games [2][22]. - Historical profit margins are at a high due to disciplined expense management and sequential gross profit margin (GPM) expansion [3]. Revenue and Earnings Forecasts - Revenue forecasts for 2025E have been revised upwards by 1.3% to 114,803.9 million RMB, with net profit estimates increased by 10.4% to 38,685.9 million RMB [20][21]. - The report projects a total revenue growth of 9.0% for 2025, with EBITDA growth of 18.6% and EPS growth of 16.6% [12]. Game Pipeline and Strategy - NetEase is focusing on a globalization strategy, with plans to release more titles targeting international markets, particularly in the PVP genre [17][25]. - Key upcoming titles include Marvel Mystic Mayhem and Destiny: Rising, with a focus on competitive gameplay to leverage R&D expertise [25][38]. Market Position and Valuation - The stock is currently trading at a P/E ratio of 14X for 2025E, which is considered a discount compared to peers and historical averages [18]. - The report highlights that international games revenue is expected to grow to 12.6% of total revenue by 2025E, driven by new global titles [33].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "BUY" rating for NetEase, indicating a potential return of over 15% over the next 12 months [19]. Core Insights - NetEase reported strong 1Q25 results with total revenue growing by 7% YoY to RMB28.8 billion, aligning with consensus estimates. Operating profit surged by 37% YoY to RMB10.4 billion, exceeding consensus by 25%, primarily due to disciplined operating expense control, which decreased by 14% YoY [1][2]. - The games business showed a reacceleration in revenue growth, increasing by 12% YoY in 1Q25, supported by a 19% YoY growth in contract liabilities, which is expected to bolster future revenue [1][7]. - The target price for NetEase has been raised to US$136.5 from the previous US$125.5, reflecting a 27.4% upside from the current price of US$107.11 [3][11]. Financial Performance Summary - **Revenue Forecasts**: The revenue for FY25 is estimated at RMB113.1 billion, with projections for FY26 and FY27 at RMB121.1 billion and RMB128.9 billion, respectively [2][8]. - **Profitability Metrics**: Adjusted net profit is expected to reach RMB40.1 billion in FY25, with a growth trajectory continuing into FY26 and FY27 [2][8]. - **Valuation Metrics**: NetEase is currently trading at a P/E ratio of 13.6x for FY25, which is in line with its two-year historical average [7][11]. Business Segment Analysis - **Online Games**: The online games segment is valued at US$121.8 billion, accounting for 89.2% of the total valuation, based on a multiple of 16x 2025E EV/EBIT, consistent with industry averages [11][12]. - **Youdao and Cloud Music**: Youdao is valued at US$0.7 billion, while the Cloud Music business is valued at US$3.8 billion, both based on industry-standard multiples [11][12]. - **Innovative Businesses**: The innovative businesses segment is valued at US$1.6 billion, reflecting a growing diversification strategy [11][12]. Market Position and Growth Drivers - The games business is expected to benefit from several highly anticipated global launches, including titles like MARVEL Mystic Mayhem and Destiny: Rising, which should further enhance revenue growth [7]. - Non-gaming segments are also improving efficiency, with a notable increase in gross profit margin for the Cloud Music segment despite a decline in revenue [7][8]. Share Performance - The market capitalization of NetEase stands at approximately US$67.99 billion, with a 52-week high of US$109.80 and a low of US$76.28 [3][4]. - Over the past month, the stock has seen an absolute increase of 9.3% [4].

Financial Performance - NetEase's total net revenues for 1Q25 were $3.973 billion, a 7.4% increase year-over-year[39] - Games and related value-added services contributed $3.314 billion in net revenues for 1Q25, up 12.1% year-over-year[39] - Net income attributable to the company's shareholders for 1Q25 was $1.42 billion, a 34.9% increase year-over-year[39] - Basic net income per ADS (GAAP) for 1Q25 was $2.24[9] - The company's net cash position as of March 31, 2025, was $18.9 billion[9] Business Segments - Youdao's net revenues for 1Q25 were $179 million, a 6.8% decrease year-over-year[39] - NetEase Cloud Music's net revenues for 1Q25 were $256 million, reflecting an 8.5% decrease year-over-year[39] - Innovative businesses and others generated $224 million in net revenues for 1Q25, a 17.5% decrease year-over-year[39] Games Highlights - Online games accounted for 98% of games and related value-added services net revenues in 1Q25[12] - Where Winds Meet surpassed 30 million registered players as of March 2025[18] - Once Human mobile game quickly claimed the No1 position on the iOS download charts in more than 160 regions upon its April 2025 launch[18]

Group 1 - Sea is expected to report Q1 2025 financial results on May 13, with revenue projected to grow 29.7% year-over-year to $4.91 billion and earnings per share increasing significantly from $0.21 to $0.93 [1] - The growth in revenue is anticipated to be driven by the continued expansion of its digital financial services, particularly in consumer and SME lending in Southeast Asia and Brazil, with loan growth exceeding 60% year-over-year in Q4 2024 [1] - Sea's digital entertainment segment, Garena, is expected to perform well in Q1 due to the successful collaboration with "Naruto" for "Garena Free Fire," which is anticipated to enhance user engagement and revenue [1] Group 2 - The end-to-end logistics integration through SPX Express is expected to positively contribute to Sea's Q1 2025 performance, with SPX Express achieving nearly 50% of packages delivered within two days in Asia [2] - However, seasonal weakness in the e-commerce sector at the beginning of the year is likely to negatively impact growth momentum for Sea's e-commerce platform, Shopee, in Q1 [2] - The e-commerce sector remains highly competitive, which may pressure Shopee's fee rates and necessitate ongoing investments in service quality [2]

Company Overview - Sohu.com Limited (NASDAQ: SOHU) is a leading Chinese online media platform and game business group, established by Dr. Charles Zhang in the 1990s [3] - The company operates a comprehensive matrix of Chinese language web properties, including Sohu News App, Sohu Video App, mobile portal m.sohu.com, PC portal www.sohu.com, and online games platform www.changyou.com/en/ [3] Business Operations - Sohu provides a vast array of content such as news, information, text, pictures, videos, and live broadcasting, making it indispensable to the daily life of millions of Chinese users [4] - The online game business is conducted through its subsidiary Changyou, which develops and operates a diverse portfolio of PC and mobile games, including the well-known Tian Long Ba Bu ("TLBB") [4] Financial Reporting - Sohu will report its first quarter 2025 unaudited financial results on May 19, 2025, before U.S. market hours [1] - A conference call hosted by Sohu's management team will take place on the same day at 7:30 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time [1]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for Tencent Holdings with a target price of HK$681, indicating an expected share price increase of 47.9% from the current price of HK$460.40 [2][7]. Core Insights - The 2025 Spark Game Conference showcased a total of 46 game titles, including 26 new games, which is a 35% increase from the previous year. Key titles such as HoK: World, Roco Kingdom, Valorant, and The Finals received significant attention from viewers [1]. - Tencent's strength in self-development and publishing capabilities was highlighted, with a diverse range of game genres presented from both domestic and global studios [1]. - The report emphasizes the positive user feedback and engagement during the conference, suggesting a constructive outlook for Tencent's gaming segment [1]. Summary by Sections Self-Development Games - Tencent presented 18 games from its in-house studios, including notable titles like HoK and CODM, which achieved over 1 billion downloads in 2024 [4][5]. Publishing Games - A total of 13 new licensed titles were showcased, including Path of Exile 2 and The Finals, indicating a robust pipeline for Tencent's publishing segment [5]. Investment Games - Eight games from Tencent's investees were highlighted, including Phantom Blade Zero and Dune: Awakening, showcasing Tencent's strategic investments in the gaming industry [6]. Valuation - The target price of HK$681 is derived from a sum-of-the-parts (SOTP) valuation approach, applying various price-to-earnings (P/E) ratios to different segments, including online games, advertising, social networks, fintech, and cloud services [7].