Core Viewpoint - NetEase's Q2 financial report for 2025 showed growth but fell short of market expectations, indicating challenges in the gaming sector and potential impacts on future performance [2][4]. Financial Performance - NetEase reported Q2 net revenue of 27.9 billion RMB, a year-on-year increase of 9.4%, but below the market estimate of 28.4 billion RMB [2][4]. - The net income from gaming and related value-added services was 22.8 billion RMB, up 13.7% year-on-year [2]. - Other segments showed mixed results: Youdao's revenue was 1.4 billion RMB (up 7.2%), while NetEase Cloud Music's revenue decreased by 3.5% to 2 billion RMB, and innovative and other businesses saw a 17.8% decline to 1.7 billion RMB [2]. - Non-GAAP net profit attributable to shareholders was 9.5 billion RMB, a 21.8% increase, with R&D investment at 4.4 billion RMB, representing an R&D intensity of 15.6% [2]. Market Reaction - Following the earnings report, NetEase's stock price fell by 3.88% as of August 15, reflecting a cautious market response [3]. Gaming Sector Insights - Despite overall revenue growth, the slowdown in game category growth was highlighted as a significant factor affecting performance [4]. - Long-standing games like "Fantasy Westward Journey" and "Identity V" continued to perform well, with "Fantasy Westward Journey" achieving a peak of 2.93 million concurrent users, marking a new milestone in its 22-year operation [6][7]. - The success of these games is attributed to their ability to adapt and innovate, maintaining user engagement despite market challenges [7][8]. New Game Releases and International Expansion - New titles such as "Outsiders" and "Marvel's Secret Wars" have shown strong performance in overseas markets, with "Outsiders" achieving significant download milestones shortly after its release [11][16]. - The management anticipates continued growth in overseas gaming business over the next 2-3 years, with plans to launch more products tailored to international user preferences [16]. Blizzard Games Performance - Blizzard's titles, including "Hearthstone" and "World of Warcraft," have seen increased user engagement and revenue, with "Hearthstone" quickly climbing the iOS sales charts following a new expansion [17]. - The management noted that the current operations of Blizzard's games have surpassed previous levels before service interruptions [17]. Future Outlook - NetEase plans to launch new original titles, including an ocean adventure RPG titled "Forgotten Sea" in 2026, indicating a strategic focus on expanding its game portfolio [18]. - Analysts suggest that the latter half of the year could be crucial for new game launches, despite a competitive landscape in the gaming industry [18].

Financial Performance - Net revenue for the second quarter of 2025 was 27.9 billion yuan, representing a year-on-year increase of 9.4% [1] - Net profit attributable to shareholders was 8.6 billion yuan, down from 10.3 billion yuan in the previous quarter and up from 6.8 billion yuan in the same period last year [1] - Non-GAAP net profit attributable to shareholders was 9.5 billion yuan, compared to 11.2 billion yuan in the previous quarter and 7.8 billion yuan in the same period last year [1] Game Performance and Strategy - The game "Yan Yun Shi Liu Sheng" has shown stable performance, exceeding pre-launch expectations in terms of active users and commercialization [2] - "Seven Days World" experienced a revenue rebound due to a successful 2.0 version update and the introduction of a new PVP mode, ranking fourth on the Steam global sales chart [3] - The user and revenue distribution between China and overseas markets for "Seven Days World" is 1:1 and 1:1.5, respectively [3] Blizzard Games and Market Potential - Blizzard games have performed well, with data surpassing levels from before the last shutdown, indicating strong potential for attracting both new and returning players in China [4] - The company aims to create content that aligns with Chinese players' preferences to tap into the significant potential of Blizzard games [4] Shooting Game Market - The shooting game segment is highly competitive, with high user expectations for art quality and innovative gameplay [4] - The company plans to continue investing in shooting games to establish leading products in this space [4] Long-term Game Development - "Marvel Showdown" has seen revenue and daily active users stabilize after the launch of its third season, indicating effective new strategies [5] - "Forgotten Sea" is viewed as a potential top game, with a focus on its commercial model and target market [5] Evergreen Games Recovery - "Dream Journey" has shown recovery in performance, with a peak of 2.93 million concurrent users recorded [6] - "Egg Party" is expected to become a popular family game through continued investment in high-quality content and marketing [7] AI Integration and Overseas Expansion - The company is actively investing in AI to enhance game development and operations, with plans for AI-driven games in the near future [8] - The overseas market is seen as attractive, with successful titles like "Marvel Showdown" and "Seven Days World" achieving good results [9]

Financial Performance - Net revenue for Q2 2025 reached 27.9 billion yuan, representing a year-on-year growth of 9.4% [1] - Net profit attributable to shareholders under non-GAAP was 9.5 billion yuan, showing a year-on-year increase of 21.8% [1] Gaming Segment - The gaming sector remains the core business for the company, with net revenue from games and related value-added services amounting to 22.8 billion yuan in Q2 [1] - The game "Yan Yun Shi Liu Sheng" has seen sustained popularity, with over 40 million cumulative users by the end of July [1] - The classic IP "Dream of the Red Chamber" achieved a new high in simultaneous online users, while mobile game revenue also reached a new record [1] Other Business Segments - NetEase Youdao reported Q2 net revenue of 1.4 billion yuan, achieving sustainable profitability for the fourth consecutive quarter under its "AI-native" strategy [1] - NetEase Cloud Music's Q2 net revenue was 2 billion yuan, remaining stable year-on-year [1] - Net revenue from NetEase Yanxuan increased quarter-on-quarter, contributing 1.7 billion yuan in Q2 [1] North American Market Expansion - Several new games from NetEase have successfully penetrated the North American market, with "Out of Bounds" ranking second on the PlayStation May free download chart in North America [2] - "All-Star Streetball Party" and "Marvel's Secret War" topped the iOS download charts in multiple regions after their overseas releases, both entering the top 2 in the US download rankings [2] - "Seven Days World" 2.0 version reached fourth place on the Steam global bestseller list, while "Marvel Showdown" secured first and second places on the Steam US and global bestseller lists, respectively [2]

Core Viewpoint - The report from Credit Lyonnais indicates that NetEase's Q2 performance is expected to improve, with total revenue and adjusted EBIT projected to increase by 12% and 29% year-on-year, reaching RMB 28.5 billion and RMB 10.4 billion respectively [1] Revenue and Earnings - Total revenue is forecasted to rise by 12% year-on-year to RMB 28.5 billion [1] - Adjusted EBIT is expected to increase by 29% year-on-year to RMB 10.4 billion [1] Gaming Performance - The gaming revenue for the period is estimated to grow by 17.9% year-on-year [1] - Key games such as "Naraka: Bladepoint" and "Party Animals" have shown stable performance, while "Peak Speed" has resumed growth [1] - "Identity V" and new game titles are performing steadily [1] Future Product Line - The product lineup for the second half of the year includes RPG game "Marvel: Secret Wars," ARPG game "Diablo II: Resurrected," and FPS game "Voidstar" [1] - Approximately 21 new games have recently passed regulatory approval, which is expected to further drive company growth [1]

Group 1 - The game ETF (159869) has experienced a narrow fluctuation, currently up by approximately 0.5%, with notable stocks such as Youzu Interactive hitting the daily limit, and others like Iceberg Network and Light Media rising over 1% [1] - The game ETF has seen continuous net inflows for 11 consecutive trading days, accumulating a total of 2.195 billion yuan, indicating strong investor interest [1] - In July, the approval volume of game licenses remained high, with 127 games approved, despite a decrease of 20 from June, maintaining a robust issuance level [1] Group 2 - The gaming sector is undergoing multiple catalysts including AI, content, and commercialization model transformations, with the game ETF tracking the performance of the A-share listed companies in the animation and gaming industry [2] - The annual gaming event ChinaJoy is approaching, presenting potential investment opportunities in the game ETF [2]

Core Insights - The A-share market experienced a collective decline last Friday, with the Shanghai Composite Index down by 0.33%, the Shenzhen Component down by 0.22%, and the ChiNext Index down by 0.23%. The total trading volume in the Shanghai and Shenzhen markets was 1,786.98 billion yuan [2][6] - In terms of industry performance, the electronics, computer, and real estate sectors led the gains, while the construction decoration, building materials, and food and beverage sectors lagged behind. Concept sectors such as Sora, photolithography machines, and multimodal AI saw significant increases, while the Hainan Free Trade Zone, Yaxia Hydropower concept, and pumped storage experienced declines [2][6] - The Hang Seng Index fell by 1.09%, and the Hang Seng Technology Index dropped by 1.13%. In overseas markets, the three major U.S. indices collectively rose, with the Dow Jones up by 0.47%, the S&P 500 up by 0.4%, and the Nasdaq up by 0.24% [2][6] Industry News - According to the National Bureau of Statistics, profits of industrial enterprises above designated size fell by 4.3% year-on-year in June, with the decline narrowing compared to May. The new momentum industries, represented by equipment manufacturing, showed rapid profit growth, indicating the sustained effect of the "two new" policies. From January to June, the total profit of industrial enterprises was 34,365 billion yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 1.8%. The black metal smelting and rolling processing industry saw profits increase by 13.7 times, while the mining industry experienced a 30.3% decline [3][7] - The U.S. and the EU reached a 15% tariff agreement, which will impose tariffs on most European goods exported to the U.S., including automobiles. The EU is expected to increase investments in the U.S. by 600 billion dollars and purchase 150 billion dollars worth of U.S. energy products. Some products will be exempt from tariffs, including aircraft and certain chemicals and pharmaceuticals [3][7] Transportation Industry Insights - Public fund holdings in the transportation industry saw a rebound in Q2 2025 after three consecutive quarters of decline, with the total market value of public fund holdings in the transportation sector reaching 48.252 billion yuan, accounting for 13.3% of the fund's heavy positions, which is still below the benchmark allocation by 1.86 percentage points [8][9] - The transportation industry index rose by 2.71% in Q2 2025, achieving a relative return of 2.17% compared to the Shanghai and Shenzhen 300 Index [9] - Within the sub-industries, the aviation and logistics sectors saw an increase in holdings, while the shipping ports and railway-highway sectors experienced a decrease. The express delivery sector is expected to benefit from reduced competition and improved profitability [8][10] Gaming Industry Insights - In July 2025, the National Press and Publication Administration announced the approval of 127 domestic games and 7 imported games, maintaining a high volume of game license issuance [11][12] - The approval of several major titles, including "Kingshot" by Diandian Interactive, indicates a robust supply side and a steady trend towards normalization in game licensing, suggesting ongoing recovery in the industry [12][15] - The gaming market is expected to see significant contributions from established companies with diverse product offerings and strong R&D capabilities, as evidenced by the successful approval of high-profile titles [12][15]

Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Accumulate" rating for the media sector, indicating a positive outlook for the industry [7]. Core Insights - The media sector saw a 2.09% increase during the week of July 21-25, driven by market momentum and positive expectations for mid-year reports [11][18]. - The report highlights optimism for the gaming sector and AI applications, particularly focusing on new investment opportunities in AI companionship, education, and toys, as well as companies with strong IP advantages [1][2]. - The issuance of 134 game licenses in July, including 127 domestic and 7 imported games, is expected to invigorate the gaming industry and enhance market diversity [3][21]. Summary by Sections Market Overview - The media sector's performance is noted with a 2.09% increase, while other sectors like coal and steel performed even better [11][14]. - The top gainers in the media sector include companies like Happiness Blue Sea and Xinhua Media, with significant weekly increases [14]. Sub-sector Insights - **Gaming**: Key companies to watch include ST Huatuo, Jibite, and Kaixin Network, with additional focus on Perfect World and Iceberg Network [2][18]. - **AI**: Companies such as Dou Shen Education and Sheng Tian Network are highlighted for their potential in AI applications [2][18]. - **Resource Integration**: Companies like China Vision Media and Guangxi Broadcasting are noted for their resource integration expectations [2][18]. - **State-owned Enterprises**: Companies such as Ciwen Media and Anhui New Media are included in this category [2][18]. - **Education**: Focus on companies like Xueda Education and Fenbi [2][18]. - **Hong Kong Stocks**: Attention is drawn to Alibaba, Tencent, and Pop Mart, among others, indicating an imminent industry explosion [2][18]. Key Events Review - The report discusses the recent updates in AI models, including the Qwen3 upgrade, which shows significant improvements in various capabilities [4][21]. - The anticipated launch of OpenAI's GPT-5 model is also mentioned, which aims to unify multiple internal technologies [5][21]. Sub-sector Data Tracking - The gaming sector is tracking popular upcoming games, with titles like "Modern Warships" and "Dungeon Castle 4" gaining attention [22]. - The box office for the week of July 21-25 reached approximately 508 million yuan, with top films including "The Lychee of Chang'an" and "Nanjing Photo Studio" [25][26]. - TV series and variety shows are also tracked, with "Morning Snow Record" and "Speed Racer" leading in viewership [27][28].

Investment Rating - The industry investment rating is "Outperform the Market," indicating a projected increase of over 10% in the industry index relative to the broader market within the next six months [9]. Core Insights - The report highlights that the issuance of game licenses remains high, with 127 domestic games and 7 imported games approved in July 2025. This reflects a robust supply side and a stable trend towards normalization in license issuance [2][7]. - Key titles that received approval include "Kingshot" by Diandian Interactive, which is expected to leverage its success in overseas markets to become a significant product in the domestic SLG (Simulation and Strategy Game) sector [2][3]. - Tencent's "The Finals," a PC-based FPS game, is also noted for its potential to become a dark horse in the FPS market, given its unique gameplay and adaptation for domestic players [3]. - The report emphasizes the strong performance of established IPs like "Diablo IV" and "Marvel's Secret Wars," which are anticipated to perform well in the domestic market due to their established fan bases and innovative gameplay mechanics [4][7]. Summary by Sections Industry Events - In July 2025, the National Press and Publication Administration announced the approval of 127 domestic games and 7 imported games, maintaining a high issuance rate [1][2]. Investment Highlights - The report indicates that 884 domestic games have been approved year-to-date, with July's approvals slightly down from June but still at a high level. Notable titles include "Kingshot," "The Finals," and "Diablo IV" [2][4]. - The report suggests that the gaming industry is on a recovery path, with a consistent release of licenses and a focus on diverse product offerings from leading companies [7]. Company-Specific Insights - Diandian Interactive's "Kingshot" is highlighted for its innovative gameplay that combines tower defense and simulation elements, aiming to cater to domestic players' preferences [2]. - Tencent's adaptation of "The Finals" is expected to enhance player experience through new modes and anti-cheat systems, positioning it well in the competitive FPS market [3]. - "Marvel's Secret Wars" is noted for its unique blend of strategy card and chess elements, leveraging its strong IP to attract players [4][7].

Group 1 - Daiwa forecasts that NetEase's gaming business growth momentum will strengthen, driven by a robust product line of new games and the resilience of traditional games [1] - Based on higher gaming revenue projections, Daiwa has raised NetEase's earnings per share forecast for 2025 to 2027 by 2% to 5%, reiterating a "Buy" rating and increasing the 12-month target price from HKD 210 to HKD 235 [1] - NetEase showcased upcoming games at its annual gaming day, including titles like "Marvel Secret Wars" (expected in H2 2025, not yet licensed) and "Fate: Stars" (approved in May 2025) [1] Group 2 - The rising proportion of PC and console games is easing NetEase's profit margin performance, with domestic PC games offering higher gross margins due to lower platform fees [2] - The growth of cross-platform and international games is expected to cause fluctuations in profit margins, but overall profitability should remain stable through strict cost and resource management [2] - Marketing expenditures are projected to rise from Q1 2025 levels, with a renewed focus on brand building in the coming quarters [2]

Core Viewpoint - NetEase held its annual 520 game launch event, unveiling over 40 new products, including key titles like "Yanyun Sixteen Sounds" and "Identity V" [1][30]. Product Announcements - "Wanmin Changge: Three Kingdoms" is a single-player strategy game developed by the team behind "Rate the Land." It received positive feedback during its initial testing [1][4]. - "Marvel Secret War" is a card RPG based on the Marvel IP, which has already opened pre-registration [7]. - "unVEIL the world," a collaboration between NetEase and Shueisha, is a playable manga with details revealed during the event [10]. - "Top Chase" is a fast-paced battle royale game that has received over 90% positive reviews during its overseas early access [13]. - "Uncharted Star Abyss," a space-themed FPS, will undergo its final open testing on Steam [16]. - "Spirit Beast Adventure" is a turn-based strategy mobile game with a focus on Chinese mythology [19]. - "Planet Party Time," a social game similar to Animal Crossing, will begin testing later this year [22]. - "Forgotten Sea," an ocean adventure RPG from the Joker studio, is expected to be significant given its development team's background [25]. Market Trends and Company Strategy - The trend of single-player games is on the rise, and NetEase's focus on this area is seen as a strategic move [4]. - The company has a diverse product matrix, including popular IPs like "Onmyoji" and "Dream Journey to the West," indicating its ability to cater to various gaming genres [33]. - The success of "Yanyun Sixteen Sounds," which surpassed 30 million players, highlights NetEase's potential for long-term growth in the gaming sector [30][31]. - The 520 event reflects NetEase's ongoing strategy of exploring and developing new gaming possibilities rather than rushing to market [28].