Accessibility StatementSkip Navigation As one of Asia's most influential international TV exchange platforms, the event brings together senior executives and industry leaders for insightful discussions. It also hosts the prestigious Magnolia Awards, which this year attracted nearly 1,000 entries from 43 countries and regions. iQIYI received 29 nominations across 13 titles, including "City of the City," nominated for "Best TV Series (China)," and "The King of Stand-up Comedy" for "Best Variety Program." Meet ...

Core Insights - iQIYI reported a sequential revenue increase of RMB 7.2 billion for Q1 2025, with non-GAAP operating income up 13% sequentially [1] - Membership services revenue rose by 7% sequentially, indicating strong user engagement and effective cost control measures [1][7] User Engagement and Content Strategy - User engagement with micro drama formats surged, with high-engagement users increasing approximately threefold from December 2024 to April 2025, alongside a 300% rise in daily time spent on micro drama content [2] - The company has over 15,000 micro drama titles available, with about half being member-exclusive, and some titles generating over RMB 1 million in weekly revenue [3] - The low production costs, typically under RMB 1 million per title, combined with high adoption rates, suggest that micro dramas enhance user stickiness [3] Financial Health and Debt Management - iQIYI's outstanding principal on convertible bonds decreased from RMB 2.9 billion in Q1 2023 to RMB 1.17 billion in Q1 2025, with net interest expenses declining over 30% year over year [4] - The company has maintained positive operating cash flow totaling RMB 339 million for twelve consecutive quarters, indicating strong fiscal flexibility [4][5] Strategic Content Diversification - Management is shifting towards shorter-form, higher-quality dramas, with episodes lasting 5-20 minutes, to reduce costs and improve scheduling flexibility [6][8] - This strategy aims to diversify the content ecosystem and mitigate reliance on breakout hits, aligning with evolving viewer habits [8] Future Outlook - While no specific numeric guidance was provided for Q2 or fiscal 2025, the company plans to increase investment in premium micro drama production and user acquisition for underpenetrated demographics [10] - Profitability in the overseas business remains a priority, with reinvestment of profits highlighted, although no detailed targets for international expansion were disclosed [11]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenues for the first quarter were RMB7.2 billion, up 9% sequentially [41] - Membership services revenue reached RMB4.4 billion, up 7% sequentially, driven by strong performance in long form dramas [41] - Online advertising revenue decreased by 7% sequentially to RMB1.3 billion due to macro headwinds and seasonality [42] - Content cost was RMB3.8 billion, up 10% sequentially, driven by a higher number of premium dramas launched [43] - Non-GAAP operating income was RMB458.5 million, up 13% sequentially, with a non-GAAP operating margin of 6% [43] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Long form video content remains the foundation of the content ecosystem, with a strong performance in the suspense genre [13][14] - Micro dramas have shown significant growth, ranking second in daily time spent and first in daily unique visitors [10] - The company has over 15,000 micro drama titles, with a balanced offering of free and member-exclusive content [50] - The average content cost for micro dramas is less than RMB1 million, with top-tier titles costing under RMB2 million [51] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overseas business saw total revenues increase by over 30% year over year, with a growing subscriber base [36] - Chinese dramas have gained traction globally, with search interest reaching a five-year high [36] - The revenue contribution from overseas markets is currently low but is expected to grow with further investment [60] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on enhancing its content ecosystem and user experience through strategic investments [12] - Plans to produce shorter, high-quality episodes and increase the number of short dramas are in place to cater to evolving user preferences [56] - The company aims to leverage AI and technology to improve production efficiency and user engagement [34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management acknowledges the unpredictable market environment but emphasizes the importance of creating sustainable value [12] - There is a commitment to investing in content and user experience, even if it leads to short-term costs for long-term benefits [12] - The overseas business is expected to maintain profitability while reinvesting profits for future growth opportunities [62] Other Important Information - The company has established five distinct signature brands for its content, enhancing its market position [13] - The launch of AI-powered features like iJump and PeelCast aims to improve user engagement and viewing experience [11][34] - The company is expanding its footprint with offline experience parks and VR immersive centers to deepen user engagement [38] Q&A Session Summary Question: Updates on micro dramas - Management highlighted that user habits for watching micro dramas are developing, with over 15,000 titles available and significant growth in user engagement [50][51] Question: Change in long video content strategy - The strategy will focus on releasing high-quality, shorter episodes and increasing the number of short dramas to improve content flexibility and mitigate risks [56] Question: Overseas business performance and future expectations - The overseas business has seen rapid growth post-COVID, with a focus on the right content mix and user acquisition strategies [59][60]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenues for Q1 2025 were RMB 7.2 billion, up 9% sequentially [43] - Membership services revenue reached RMB 4.4 billion, up 7% sequentially, driven by strong performance in long form dramas [43] - Online advertising revenue decreased by 7% sequentially to RMB 1.3 billion, primarily due to macro headwinds and seasonality [44] - Content cost was RMB 3.8 billion, up 10% sequentially, driven by a higher number of premium dramas launched [45] - Non-GAAP operating income was RMB 458.5 million, up 13% sequentially, with a non-GAAP operating margin of 6% [45] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Long form video content remains the foundation of the content ecosystem, maintaining leadership in viewership market share [12] - Micro dramas have shown significant growth, ranking second in daily time spent and first in daily unique visitors [9] - The company has over 15,000 micro drama titles, with a balanced offering of free and member-exclusive content [50] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overseas business saw total revenues increase by over 30% year over year, with a growing subscriber base [37] - C dramas gained traction globally, with search interest reaching a five-year high, surpassing Korean dramas [37] - The revenue contribution from overseas markets is still relatively low but is expected to grow with increased investment [62] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on enhancing its content ecosystem and user experience through strategic investments [11] - Plans to produce shorter, high-quality episodes and increase the number of short dramas to cater to evolving user preferences [58] - The company aims to leverage AI and technology to improve production efficiency and user engagement [35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management acknowledges the unpredictable market environment but emphasizes the importance of creating sustainable value [11] - Future growth is expected to come from expanding the micro drama portfolio and enhancing monetization strategies [54] - The company is committed to investing in original productions and exploring new content formats to drive growth [40] Other Important Information - The company has successfully reduced its outstanding principal balance of convertible bonds significantly over the past two years [46] - The net interest expense has decreased by over 30% year over year, reflecting improved capital structure management [47] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can management elaborate on the latest developments of micro dramas and future focus points? - Management highlighted that user habits for micro dramas are developing positively, with over 15,000 titles available and significant growth in user engagement [50][51][54] Question: What is the change in long video content strategy and the rationale behind it? - The strategy will focus on releasing high-quality, shorter episodes and producing more short dramas to improve content flexibility and mitigate risks [58] Question: Can management share details on the overseas business, including membership and content distribution? - The overseas business has seen rapid growth post-COVID, with a focus on the right content mix for each region, although revenue contribution remains low [60][62]