Group 1: Management Changes - Kaiying Network announced the resignation of CFO Huang Zhenfeng due to work adjustments, effective immediately upon receipt of the resignation report [1] - Zhang Qirun, the current budget director of the subsidiary Zhejiang Shenghe, has been appointed as the new CFO, with a term until the fifth board of directors concludes [1] - Zhang Qirun, aged 35, holds a bachelor's degree from Dalian University of Technology and is a certified public accountant, with previous experience in Deloitte and various roles within Kaiying Network [1] Group 2: Company Performance - In the 2024 annual report, Kaiying Network's revenue surpassed 5 billion yuan, reaching 5.118 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 19.16%, while net profit attributable to shareholders was 1.628 billion yuan, up 11.41% year-on-year [5] - The company's robust growth is attributed to a combination of research and development, publishing, and investment in intellectual property [5] - Kaiying Network focuses on three main areas in its gaming business: retro nostalgia games, innovative premium games, and IP-related projects, with 22 new products announced at the annual product launch [5] Group 3: Game Development and Innovation - The company has developed and operated several classic games, including "Original Legend," "Blood of the Alliance," and "Angel Battle," while also venturing into innovative premium games and adaptations of classic novels [5] - Notable new games include real-time battle game "Gundam Battle," 3D action game "Code: Ultraman," and open-world adventure game "Douluo Dalu: Zhu Xie Chuan Shuo" [5] - Kaiying Network is also investing in AI applications, having introduced the "Xingyi" large model for game development, which enhances efficiency across various stages of game production [6]

Core Viewpoint - The company has successfully reversed its previous losses and achieved significant revenue and profit growth, establishing itself as a key player in the gaming industry, particularly in the retro gaming segment [1][3][5]. Financial Performance - The company's revenue has resumed growth since 2020, reaching 5 billion yuan last year, with net profit exceeding 1 billion yuan for three consecutive years [1]. - Last year's revenue grew by 19% year-on-year, totaling 5.1 billion yuan, with self-operated and joint-operated revenues accounting for 63% of total revenue [5]. Business Developments - The company has undergone significant changes, including the resolution of past legal issues and a restructuring of its business model, allowing for increased product releases and investment activities [4][8]. - The company has expanded its product offerings beyond traditional titles like "Legend" and "Miracle," venturing into various game genres [4]. Product Portfolio - The core revenue still relies on retro-themed games, which include titles like "Original Legend," "Blood of the Battle," and "Angel War," contributing significantly to the revenue base [5]. - The company has introduced a new information service that has grown rapidly, accounting for 18% of total revenue, primarily from the 996 game box and Cangyue Island platform [7]. Strategic Partnerships - The company has established a strong partnership with Zhejiang Shenghe, a game developer, which has been a significant contributor to its success, particularly with the "Legend" series [8]. - The company has strengthened its ties with Century Huatong and Zhongxu Future through cross-shareholding and strategic cooperation agreements, enhancing its position in the "Legend" IP ecosystem [10][12]. Legal and Regulatory Developments - The company has been involved in long-standing copyright disputes over the "Legend" IP, which have recently seen resolution, allowing for a more stable business environment [9]. - A recent arbitration ruling ordered a compensation of 224.5 million yuan from a Korean company, further solidifying the company's legal standing [12]. Market Expansion - The company has made strides in international markets, with overseas revenue reaching 375 million yuan, a year-on-year increase of over 220% [22]. - The company has diversified its product line, including various genres and IP adaptations, to enhance its market presence and appeal [13][19].

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company is "Buy" and is maintained [7]. Core Views - The company is expected to achieve a revenue of 5.118 billion (up 19.16% year-on-year) and a net profit attributable to shareholders of 1.628 billion (up 11.41% year-on-year) in 2024. The first quarter of 2025 shows a revenue of 1.353 billion (up 3.46% year-on-year) and a net profit of 518 million (up 21.57% year-on-year) [2][4]. Summary by Sections Financial Performance - In 2024, the company achieved a revenue of 5.118 billion (up 19.16% year-on-year) and a net profit of 1.628 billion (up 11.41% year-on-year). The fourth quarter of 2024 saw a revenue of 1.191 billion (down 5.95% year-on-year) and a net profit of 348 million (down 8.17% year-on-year). The first quarter of 2025 reported a revenue of 1.353 billion (up 3.46% year-on-year) and a net profit of 518 million (up 21.57% year-on-year) [2][4]. Growth Drivers - The company has shown strong overseas performance in 2024, with overseas revenue reaching 375 million (up 221.48% year-on-year). The new game "Dragon Valley World" launched in February 2025 has driven growth, entering the iOS bestseller list on its launch day [10]. Cost Management and Profitability - The company increased its sales expenses by 29% to 459 million in the first quarter of 2025 due to the new game launch. However, the sales expense ratio decreased year-on-year. The gross margin improved to 83.6% in the first quarter of 2025, contributing to an increase in net profit margin to 38.3% [10]. AI and New Game Pipeline - The company is actively investing in AI, with the development of the "Xingyi" model and partnerships for AI applications. A rich pipeline of new games is expected to drive future performance, with several key IP products set to launch [10].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for the company, indicating a positive outlook on its performance and growth potential [3]. Core Insights - The company focuses on its core gaming business, driving steady growth through three main segments: R&D, publishing, and investment in IP [1]. - In 2024, the company achieved a revenue of 5.118 billion yuan, representing a year-on-year growth of 19.16%, and a net profit attributable to the parent company of 1.628 billion yuan, up 11.41% [1]. - For the first quarter of 2025, the company reported a revenue of 1.353 billion yuan, a 3.46% increase year-on-year, and a net profit of 518 million yuan, which is a 21.57% growth [1]. - The overseas market continues to expand, with overseas revenue reaching 375 million yuan in 2024, a significant increase of 221.48% [1]. - The company has successfully launched several games that ranked high on various platforms, such as "OVERLORD" and "Angel's War" in South Korea and Singapore [1][2]. Financial Projections - The company is projected to achieve net profits of 2.156 billion yuan, 2.537 billion yuan, and 3.033 billion yuan for the years 2025, 2026, and 2027, with respective growth rates of 32.4%, 17.7%, and 19.5% [3][5]. - Revenue is expected to grow from 6.127 billion yuan in 2025 to 8.257 billion yuan in 2027, with annual growth rates of 19.7% and 14.9% [5][11]. Business Strategy - The company emphasizes a systematic R&D framework and has made significant technological investments to enhance game quality and meet player demands [2]. - It is actively pursuing a global publishing strategy, establishing deep partnerships with various overseas channels [2]. - The investment strategy focuses on early-stage investments and strategic partnerships to enhance value through post-investment support [2].

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call of Kaiying Network Company Overview - **Company**: Kaiying Network - **Date**: April 28, 2025 Financial Performance - Total assets increased by 21.42% year-on-year to 8.026 billion CNY, and net assets attributable to shareholders grew by 24.86% to 6.548 billion CNY in 2024 [2][4] - In Q1 2025, revenue reached 1.353 billion CNY, a year-on-year increase of 3.46%, with net profit attributable to shareholders at 518 million CNY, up 21.57% [2][5] - For the full year 2024, revenue was 5.118 billion CNY, a 19.16% increase, and net profit was 1.628 billion CNY, up 11.41% [4] Market Expansion - Overseas revenue surged by 221.48% to 375 million CNY, accounting for 7.32% of total revenue [2][7] - Successful launches in Hong Kong, Macau, and Southeast Asia, with games like "Xianjian Qixia Zhuan" and "Tenshi no Sensou" performing well [2][7][8] IP Strategy - The company has accumulated numerous IP licenses, including "Mobile Suit Gundam" and is focusing on developing original IPs [2][9] - A strategic partnership with Shanghai Film was established to develop a game based on the classic IP "Black Cat Sheriff," set to launch in 2025 [2][17] AI Technology Investment - Increased investment in AI technology, establishing a subsidiary for independent operations and collaborating with Fudan University to integrate AI elements into games [2][3][10][37] - AI applications aim to enhance game design, numerical systems, and art optimization, improving R&D efficiency and product innovation [3][10][39] Product Development and Innovation - The company employs a dual strategy of maintaining a base with nostalgic products while exploring new categories like card games and RPGs [4][23] - Launched 22 new products before the Spring Festival, diversifying into various game genres [4][23] Shareholder Commitment - Management has committed to not selling shares for five years and will reinvest dividends into the company, reflecting confidence in future growth [4][13][15] Challenges and Risks - The impact of tariffs on business is minimal, as the primary markets are in regions where digital products are not significantly affected [2][32] - The company is cautious about the execution of favorable rulings from the International Chamber of Commerce, pending domestic court approval [4][21] Future Outlook - The company anticipates continued revenue and profit growth from "Dragon Valley World," which launched in February 2025 [2][19][20] - Future growth drivers include nostalgic and innovative game products, alongside a growing platform business [4][31] Conclusion - Kaiying Network is positioned for growth through strategic IP development, international market expansion, and technological innovation, while maintaining a strong commitment to shareholder value and cautious risk management.

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy-A" rating for the company with a target price of 19.6 yuan, reflecting a 20x PE valuation for 2025 [3][5]. Core Insights - The company reported a revenue of 5.118 billion yuan and a net profit of 1.628 billion yuan for 2024, with year-on-year growth rates of 19.16% and 11.41% respectively. For Q1 2025, revenue was 1.353 billion yuan and net profit was 518 million yuan, showing year-on-year growth of 3.46% and 21.57% [1]. - The mobile gaming segment, which accounts for 80% of total revenue, grew by 13.38% year-on-year, although its gross margin decreased by 2.75 percentage points. The overseas business saw a remarkable growth of 222%, albeit with a low revenue contribution of about 7%, and its gross margin improved by 8.53 percentage points [1][2]. - The company has a clear positioning in the gaming industry, focusing on IP games, and has successfully launched new IPs while maintaining classic titles. The overseas expansion strategy is expected to continue driving growth in 2025 [2]. Financial Performance Summary - The company is projected to achieve revenue growth rates of 22.8%, 15%, and 15% for 2025-2027, with net profit growth rates of 29.4%, 15%, and 10% respectively. The expected EPS for these years are 0.98 yuan, 1.13 yuan, and 1.23 yuan [3][8]. - The financial metrics indicate a stable performance with a net profit margin of 34.0% in 2023, projected to be 33.5% in 2025, and a return on equity (ROE) of 27.9% in 2023, expected to decline to 22.6% by 2025 [8][9].

Core Viewpoint - The performance of major A-share gaming companies in 2024 shows a significant disparity, with Perfect World maintaining the third position in revenue but suffering substantial losses, while other companies like Shenzhou Taiyue and Kaixin Network are showing better profitability and growth [1][17]. Company Performance Summary Perfect World - In 2024, Perfect World reported a revenue of 5.57 billion yuan, a decrease of 28.50% year-on-year, and a net loss of 1.29 billion yuan, marking a shift from profit to loss [2][3]. - The gaming business revenue was 5.18 billion yuan, down 23.32% from the previous year, attributed to project adjustments and underperforming game launches [2][3]. - The company underwent significant layoffs, reducing its workforce by 32% to 3,905 employees, impacting various expense categories [4][5]. Shenzhou Taiyue - Shenzhou Taiyue achieved a revenue of 6.45 billion yuan in 2024, an increase of 8.22%, with a net profit of 1.43 billion yuan, up 60.92% [10][11]. - The gaming segment generated 4.66 billion yuan, a growth of 3.66%, primarily driven by overseas player spending on the game "Age of Origins" [8][10]. Kaixin Network - Kaixin Network reported a revenue of 5.12 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 19.16%, and a net profit of 1.63 billion yuan, up 11.41% [12][13]. - The company saw a significant increase in overseas revenue, which grew by 221.48% to 375 million yuan, driven by successful game launches in various markets [14]. Industry Ranking - The ranking of A-share gaming companies shows that 37 Interactive Entertainment and Century Huatong remain the top two, while Perfect World, despite its revenue position, is the only major company reporting losses [16][17]. - Perfect World has been surpassed in overall revenue by Shenzhou Taiyue and is at risk of being overtaken by Kaixin Network in the near future [17].