Core Viewpoint - iQIYI has returned to a loss position, with a revenue decline of 11% year-on-year to RMB 6.63 billion in Q2 2025, and a net loss of RMB 133.7 million compared to a net profit of RMB 68.7 million in the same period last year [1]. Revenue Breakdown - Membership services revenue decreased by 9.0% year-on-year to RMB 4.09 billion [4]. - Online advertising services revenue fell by 13% to RMB 1.27 billion [5]. - Content distribution revenue was RMB 436.6 million, down from the previous year [2]. - Total revenues for the first half of 2025 were RMB 13.81 billion, a decline from RMB 15.37 billion in the same period of 2024 [2]. Industry Challenges - iQIYI faces significant pressure from the short video market and a sluggish advertising environment, leading to a broader industry crisis for long video platforms [1][4]. - Tencent's video subscription numbers have also declined, with a loss of 3 million paid members [2][4]. - The short video user base in China reached 1.04 billion by the end of 2024, with a usage rate of 93.8%, indicating a shift in viewer attention [4]. Advertising Revenue Decline - iQIYI's advertising revenue dropped by 13% to RMB 1.27 billion in the first half of 2025, attributed to macroeconomic pressures and reduced budgets from traditional advertisers [5]. - The company is adapting by introducing embedded ads in short videos and optimizing ad strategies using AI, which has improved conversion rates by 20% [5]. Policy Support - Recent favorable policies from the National Radio and Television Administration, known as "Broadcasting 21 Measures," aim to enhance content supply and flexibility in production, which could benefit iQIYI [6][7]. - These measures include lifting restrictions on the number of episodes for series and allowing more freedom in scheduling seasonal broadcasts [6][8]. New Market Opportunities - iQIYI is exploring new revenue streams by leveraging its IP reserves for consumer products and offline experiences, achieving over RMB 100 million in GMV from collectible cards [9]. - The company is also expanding its international business, with a 35% year-on-year increase in international membership revenue, particularly in markets like Brazil and Mexico [10]. Cost Management - In Q2 2025, iQIYI's total cost of revenue was RMB 5.29 billion, a decrease of 7% year-on-year, with content costs down by 8% [11]. - The company maintains a manageable debt level, with cash and equivalents amounting to RMB 5.06 billion, sufficient to support its operations [11].

Core Viewpoint - iQIYI has returned to a loss position, with Q2 2025 revenue declining by 11% year-on-year to RMB 6.63 billion and a net loss of RMB 133.7 million compared to a net profit of RMB 68.7 million in the same period last year [1] Revenue Performance - iQIYI's membership revenue decreased by 9% year-on-year to RMB 4.09 billion in Q2 2025, attributed to limited head content [4] - The overall advertising revenue for iQIYI fell by 13% year-on-year to RMB 1.27 billion in the first half of the year, influenced by macroeconomic pressures [5] - The company reported a total revenue of RMB 7.44 billion for Q2 2025, showing a slight increase from RMB 7.19 billion in Q1 2025 [3] Market Challenges - The long video platform is facing an industry crisis due to competition from short videos and a sluggish advertising market [1] - Tencent's video subscription numbers dropped by 3 million to 114 million, indicating a broader trend in the long video market [1] - iQIYI's content distribution revenue and other business revenues saw declines of 38% and a slight increase of 6%, respectively [6] Policy Impact - Recent favorable policies from the National Radio and Television Administration, known as "Broadcasting 21 Measures," aim to enhance content supply and may benefit the industry [6][7] - The new policies include relaxing restrictions on the number of episodes and improving the review process for series, which could lead to faster content production and better audience engagement [8][10] Cost Management - iQIYI has reduced its cost of revenue by 7% year-on-year to RMB 5.29 billion in Q2 2025, with content costs down by 8% [15] - The company maintains a manageable debt level, with cash and cash equivalents totaling RMB 5.06 billion as of June 30 [16][18] International Expansion - iQIYI's international version saw a record high in daily membership numbers, with revenue growth of approximately 35% year-on-year [14] - The company is focusing on overseas markets, with significant growth in regions like Brazil, Mexico, and Indonesia, where membership revenue increased by over 80% [14]

Core Viewpoint - iQIYI has reported a continuous decline in revenue for six consecutive quarters, with a net loss in the second quarter of 2025, indicating significant challenges in maintaining subscriber growth and advertising revenue [1][2][11]. Group 1: Revenue and Profitability - In Q2 2025, iQIYI's revenue was 6.63 billion RMB, down 11% year-on-year, marking six consecutive quarters of decline. The net loss was 134 million RMB, a shift from a profit of 68.7 million RMB in the same period last year [2][11]. - Membership services, the largest revenue source, generated 4.09 billion RMB in Q2, a 9% decrease year-on-year, attributed to a lack of popular content [2][11]. - Online advertising revenue fell to 1.27 billion RMB, down 13% year-on-year, continuing a five-quarter decline due to reduced advertising budgets from clients [8][11]. - Content distribution revenue also decreased by 37% year-on-year, totaling 440 million RMB in Q2 [9][11]. - Despite a 35% year-on-year increase in overseas membership revenue, it was insufficient to offset the overall revenue decline [10]. Group 2: Content and User Engagement - The lack of blockbuster shows has led to a decline in both membership revenue and subscriber numbers, with daily average subscribers dropping from 129 million in Q1 2023 to 100.3 million by Q4 2023 [2][3]. - iQIYI's price hikes for membership from 19.8 RMB to 30 RMB for monthly subscriptions and from 178 RMB to 258 RMB for annual subscriptions have not effectively retained users, leading to a cycle of user loss and revenue decline [5][6]. - The company has struggled to maintain momentum after the success of the hit series "The Crazy" in Q1 2023, failing to launch comparable new content in Q2 [3][4]. Group 3: Market Position and Competition - iQIYI is attempting to enter the micro-short drama market, launching "Short Theater" and "Micro Theater" to compete with established platforms like Tencent Video and Youku, but faces significant challenges due to late entry and strong competition from platforms like Hongguo [13][16]. - The company has adopted a revenue-sharing model that allocates over 70% of income to content producers, but its reliance on advertising and membership bundling may hinder its competitiveness against free models offered by short video platforms [16][17]. - iQIYI's attempts to collaborate with Hongguo for IP development were complicated by competitive tensions, highlighting the difficulties in navigating partnerships in a competitive landscape [13][16].