Core Viewpoint - NetDragon (00777) received an A rating in the 2025 ESG assessment by Wind, highlighting its strong performance in environmental protection, social responsibility, and corporate governance [1] Group 1: ESG Rating and Recognition - Wind's ESG rating system defines A-rated companies as having high management levels, low ESG risks, and strong sustainable development capabilities [1] - Among 105 listed software companies evaluated, NetDragon ranked sixth, with scores above the industry average in all three ESG dimensions [1][3] - NetDragon has also received a BBB rating from MSCI and is recognized as a low-risk company by Morningstar Sustainalytics, placing it among the top in the global software and services industry [4] Group 2: Sustainable Development Initiatives - The company integrates sustainable development strategies into its operations and product development, focusing on social responsibility and governance [3] - NetDragon's digital education products have reached over 200,000 classrooms in 192 countries, promoting green education practices [3] - The company launched the "Asian Elephant Rescue Action" in collaboration with the Xishuangbanna Tropical Rainforest Conservation Foundation to raise public awareness of wildlife protection [3] Group 3: Future Outlook - NetDragon plans to deepen its ESG principles, enhance management practices and information disclosure, and continue its "Game+" model and digital education innovations [4] - The company aims to collaborate with global partners to promote cultural heritage, environmental protection, and educational equity, creating long-term sustainable value for society and the environment [4]

Core Viewpoint - The company, NetDragon, is actively engaging in environmental and social governance (ESG) initiatives through its flagship game "Magic Domain," launching the "Asian Elephant Rescue Action" in collaboration with the Xishuangbanna Tropical Rainforest Conservation Foundation to support wildlife conservation and habitat restoration [1][2][5] Group 1: ESG Initiatives - NetDragon is investing in rainforest restoration and elephant monitoring, including measures like food source restoration and drone surveillance to enhance the stability of elephant habitats [1] - The company has committed to high standards of corporate governance and sustainable development, having released its sustainable development vision and ESG commitments in 2022 [1][3] - The "Asian Elephant" companion feature in the game allows players to engage in educational and charitable activities, merging gaming with public welfare and enhancing environmental awareness among younger generations [2][3] Group 2: Cultural and Ecological Integration - NetDragon has expanded its "Game + Public Welfare" strategy, previously launching initiatives like the "Tiger Roar in the Forest" for South China tiger conservation and the "Guarding the Great Wall" for cultural heritage restoration [3] - The company integrates digital technology with cultural heritage, allowing players to experience traditional arts and crafts through gaming, thus promoting cultural transmission and ecological protection [3][4] - The company is also focusing on international cultural exchange by incorporating Eastern aesthetics into its games and facilitating real-life cultural experiences for overseas players [4] Group 3: Market Expansion and Policy Support - The company is positioned to benefit from supportive policies aimed at promoting the overseas expansion of the gaming industry, with various government initiatives encouraging the development of international gaming markets [4][5] - NetDragon aims to leverage its "Game + Culture" model to enhance its international presence and capitalize on market opportunities, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond [4][5] - The ongoing "Asian Elephant Rescue Action" reflects the company's commitment to corporate social responsibility and its strategy to connect social value with gaming [5]

Core Insights - The "AI + Education" sector is experiencing a significant value reassessment driven by technological advancements and policy support, particularly with the introduction of DeepSeek, which reduces the cost of AI model development and deployment [1] - The Ministry of Education and other departments have issued guidelines to accelerate digital education, focusing on integration, intelligence, and internationalization, which is expected to stimulate the application of AI in education [1] Company Developments - NetDragon has been a pioneer in the "AI + Education" field, having invested in AI research since 2017 and successfully commercializing various AI educational products [1][2] - The company aims to establish the largest global education content production center in Hong Kong, enhancing the efficiency and quality of interactive educational games [2] - NetDragon's AI education content unit, "Photosynthesis," was showcased at the Global Smart Education Conference in September 2024, highlighting the company's innovative capabilities [2] Strategic Partnerships - NetDragon is collaborating with Thailand's Ministry of Higher Education to launch an online AI education platform, providing vocational training in sectors like new energy vehicles, aligning with national policies for developing skilled talent in emerging markets [2] - The company has formed a strategic partnership with Hong Kong Polytechnic University to integrate advanced AI and vocational training content into its education platforms [2] Technological Integration - NetDragon's subsidiary, Mynd.ai, has been independently listed and is set to launch new SaaS products that will incorporate AI technology, enhancing the educational experience for users [3] - The company is a technical service partner for the National Smart Education Public Service Platform, which has over 163 million registered users, indicating its significant role in the national education framework [3][4] Market Positioning - NetDragon has established a strong foundation in educational technology, with over a decade of experience in content, software, and hardware, positioning itself to benefit from the dual support of technological advancements and favorable policies [4] - The company has been recognized for its collaboration with educational institutions to develop modern industry colleges, showcasing its commitment to integrating education with industry needs [5] Financial Performance - NetDragon's gaming sector is also benefiting from AI applications, with popular games like "Heroes of the Storm" integrating AI features to enhance player experience [6] - The company has a history of consistent dividend payments, with a proposed annual dividend of 0.9 HKD per share for 2024, reflecting a dividend yield of over 9% [6]

Core Viewpoint - NetDragon reported a 14.8% year-on-year decline in revenue for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, despite a significant growth of 356% in its education services business [3][4]. Group 1: Financial Performance - Total revenue for NetDragon in 2024 was RMB 6 billion, down from the previous year [3]. - Gross profit decreased by 10.4% to RMB 3.9 billion, while net profit attributable to shareholders fell by 43.5% to RMB 311 million [3]. - The company recorded a net profit of RMB 114 million, a decline of 74.4% year-on-year [3]. - The gaming and application services segment generated RMB 3.9 billion, accounting for 65.1% of total revenue, down 6.0% [3]. - Revenue from the overseas education subsidiary Mynd.ai was RMB 2.1 billion, representing 34.8% of total revenue, a decrease of 27.6% [3]. Group 2: Business Segments - Mynd.ai's revenue decline was attributed to challenges in the global education market, while the company is transitioning from a hardware supplier to a leader in the "Classroom as a Service" (CaaS) sector [5]. - Mynd.ai's education device sales revenue was RMB 1.77 billion, down 37.5%, while education services revenue surged to RMB 333 million, up 356% [4][5]. - Mynd.ai reported a loss of RMB 279 million, but this represented an 11.4% reduction in losses compared to the previous year [4]. Group 3: Strategic Initiatives - The implementation of the "AI+ strategy" improved operational efficiency, reducing employee costs by nearly RMB 100 million [4]. - The company optimized its capital structure, leading to a 19.1% increase in pre-tax profit to RMB 756 million [4]. - Net cash increased by 13.3% to RMB 2.1 billion, with stable operating cash flow of RMB 1.1 billion [4]. Group 4: Workforce and Corporate Actions - The number of employees increased from 5,984 at the beginning of the year to 6,123 mid-year, but decreased to 4,593 by year-end [5]. - The company completed the sale of non-strategic early education business in October 2024, which helped repay some debt and optimize cost structure [5]. - NetDragon announced a final dividend of HKD 0.50 per share, totaling approximately RMB 246 million [6].