Meitu (01357) H1 2025 Earnings Call August 18, 2025 05:00 AM ET Conference Call ParticipantsNone - AnalystModeratorWelcome to my 25 interim results presentation. We have English simultaneous interpreting. If you want to listen to it, please click the button below the Zoom, more, interpretation, and then select English channel. The management present today include the founder, chairman of the board, and the CEO, mister Wuxinho, CFO and company secretary, mister Yan Jin Liao. We warmly remind you, our speech ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the first half of 2025, total revenue reached RMB 1,820 million, a year-on-year growth of 12.3% [3] - The overall gross profit increased by 27.3%, with adjusted net profit attributable to owners reaching RMB 470 million, a year-on-year increase of 71.3% [3][20] - Operating expenses grew by 43.1% to RMB 290 million, while administrative expenses increased by 23.2% to approximately RMB 220 million [17][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The photo, video, and design (PVD) products segment grew 45.2% year-on-year to RMB 1,350 million, making it the largest revenue contributor [3][12] - The number of paying subscribers for leisure products increased by 39% year-on-year, reaching 15.4 million [12] - Productivity tools saw a 69% year-on-year increase in paying subscribers, with KAIPEI achieving 330% year-on-year growth [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Monthly Active Users (MAU) grew by 8.5% to 280 million, with users outside Mainland China reaching 98 million, growing at 15.3% [4] - Revenue from outside Mainland China grew by 35.9%, accounting for 36.6% of total revenue [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to focus on productivity and globalization while embracing AI technology to enhance user experiences [21] - Strategic collaboration with Alibaba is expected to enhance product capabilities and improve training frameworks [9][21] - The company plans to integrate AI features into existing products to empower vertical use cases [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about the advertising segment and emphasized the importance of focusing on core PVD products [15][21] - The collaboration with Alibaba is progressing positively, although immediate large profit increases are not expected [26] - The company aims to maintain a competitive edge by leveraging its strong market channel advantage and focusing on user pain points [64][66] Other Important Information - The company plans to maintain its dividend policy, distributing dividends twice a year while keeping the same ratio [21] - AI technologies are seen as a key driver for user interaction and monetization, with new features enhancing user willingness to pay [5][20] Q&A Session Summary Question: What strategies are planned for the second half regarding products for leisure? - Management indicated that products for leisure are foundational for user acquisition and will continue to invest in them while not fully transitioning to productivity tools [24][25] Question: What is the update on the collaboration with Alibaba? - The collaboration is meeting expectations, but significant outcomes will take time as both teams build trust [26][27] Question: How does the company plan to handle competition from generative AI companies? - The company focuses on leveraging its strengths and collaborating with various AI companies to enhance its product offerings [32][33] Question: What are the plans for productivity tools outside Mainland China? - The company aims to focus on targeted, vertical scenarios for productivity tools outside Mainland China, adapting to regional needs [48][50] Question: How does the company view its market value and future growth? - The company does not focus on market value but emphasizes building world-class products to drive growth [58] Question: What is the approach to R&D budgeting? - The marketing budget remains around 16% of PVD products, with a focus on optimizing resources for different markets [35][37]