Core Insights - The company reported a revenue of 4.947 billion yuan for FY26H1, representing a 33% year-on-year increase, primarily driven by strong growth in IP derivative products, particularly from Alibaba Fish [1] - The net profit attributable to shareholders reached 520 million yuan, up 54% year-on-year, due to the excellent performance of Alibaba Fish and a reduction in investment losses [1] - Adjusted EBITA was 550 million yuan, down 14% year-on-year, mainly due to a one-time financial asset impairment reversal of 160 million yuan in the same period last year; excluding this, adjusted EBITA increased by 14% [1] IP Derivative Business - The IP derivative business generated 1.16 billion yuan in FY26H1, a significant increase of 105.31% year-on-year; segment performance was 235 million yuan, up 44.17% [2] - The slower growth in segment performance compared to revenue was attributed to a one-time loss from the shutdown of Jinli Naju during the reporting period [2] - The rapid growth in IP licensing is driven by the continued success of multiple IP matrices, including Sanrio, Chiikawa, Pokémon, and Crayon Shin-chan; the company has also opened several offline themed pop-up and flagship stores in collaboration with upstream copyright holders and trendy toy brands [2] Ticketing and Live Entertainment - The revenue from the company's live content and technology business reached 1.339 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 14.54%; segment performance (after deducting costs and sales expenses) was 754 million yuan, up 4.72% [3] - Revenue growth was primarily driven by ticketing business, although growth was somewhat constrained by a slowdown in the supply of live content and limited venue resources; live entertainment content revenue grew by over 50% year-on-year due to the expansion into major concert projects and participation in music festivals, stand-up comedy, and theater [3] Film and Series Production - Revenue from the company's film content and technology business was 1.064 billion yuan, down 15.22% year-on-year; segment performance was 95 million yuan, down 22.76% [3] - Despite the overall pressure in the film market, the company maintained a prudent investment strategy, achieving excellent returns from the film "Chasing the Wind" [3] - The series production business saw a revenue increase of 693.44% to 484 million yuan, with segment performance improving from a loss of 10 million yuan to 38 million yuan, driven by increased investment in high-quality content [3] Profit Forecast and Valuation - Based on the continuous deepening of cooperation in the IP derivative business and the ongoing high growth phase, the profit forecast has been raised, with expected net profits for FY26-FY28 at 915 million, 1.16 billion, and 1.374 billion yuan respectively [4] - The average PE of comparable companies for 2025 is 34X, up from a previous estimate of 26X; given the sustained high demand in the derivative business, a valuation of 36X for FY26 has been assigned, with a target price of 1.21 HKD [4]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for the company with a target price of HKD 1.21, up from a previous target of HKD 0.75 [5][7]. Core Insights - The company reported a revenue of HKD 4.947 billion for FY26H1, representing a year-on-year increase of 33%, primarily driven by strong growth in IP derivatives, particularly from Aliyu [1]. - The net profit attributable to the parent company reached HKD 520 million, a 54% increase year-on-year, attributed to the excellent performance of Aliyu and a reduction in investment losses [1]. - Adjusted EBITA was HKD 550 million, a decrease of 14%, but when excluding a one-time financial asset impairment reversal of HKD 160 million from the previous year, the adjusted EBITA showed a 14% increase [1]. Summary by Sections IP Derivative Business - The IP derivative business generated revenue of HKD 1.16 billion, a significant year-on-year increase of 105.31%. The segment's performance was impacted by a one-time loss due to the shutdown of Jinli Naju, but the IP licensing business saw rapid growth, benefiting from collaborations with various IP brands [2]. Ticketing and Live Entertainment - Revenue from the company's performance content and technology business was HKD 1.339 billion, up 14.54% year-on-year. The growth was driven by ticket sales, although the pace was moderated by limited supply of performance content and venue resources [3]. Film and Series Production - Revenue from film-related businesses declined to HKD 1.064 billion, down 15.22% year-on-year. However, the series production business saw a remarkable increase of 693.44%, with revenue reaching HKD 484 million, driven by investments in high-quality content [4]. Profit Forecast and Valuation - The profit forecast has been revised upwards, with expected net profits for FY26-FY28 projected at HKD 915 million, HKD 1.16 billion, and HKD 1.374 billion, respectively. The target valuation for FY26 is set at 36 times PE, reflecting the ongoing high growth in the derivative business [5].

Group 1 - Alibaba Pictures has seen a significant stock increase of over 17%, with a cumulative rise of nearly 1.4 times since May 20, reaching HKD 1.12 per share and a trading volume of HKD 613 million [1] - CICC's research report suggests that Alibaba Pictures should consider rebranding to Damai Entertainment, focusing on four strategic directions: content leadership, user growth, enhanced commercial derivative capabilities, and active overseas expansion [1] - The report highlights the entertainment sector's peak season from May to October, with a projected 5.1% year-on-year growth in ticket sales for large-scale performances during the 2025 May Day holiday [1] Group 2 - Huachuang Securities indicates a strong recovery for the company in 2025, with a stable market share for Taopiaopiao and several major films like "Catching Spies" and "East Extreme Island" expected to contribute to growth [2] - The live performance sector is anticipated to continue its growth trajectory, with Damai leading in the primary ticketing market and benefiting from this growth [2] - Alibaba's IP derivatives, including partnerships with brands like Sanrio and Pokémon, are expected to enhance revenue through e-commerce channel development and brand incubation [2]