Summary of NetEase Inc. (NTES) Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: NetEase Inc. (NTES) - **Industry**: Online Gaming and Entertainment Key Highlights Recent Trends by Title and Pipeline - **Game Longevity**: NetEase operates games in a long-lasting cycle with a community mindset, although individual games experience ups and downs [3][4] - **Eggy Party**: Resolved Android channel issues in 2024, achieving record-high average user time spent and active users in Q3 2025 due to new gameplay and UGC tools [4] - **Identity V**: Faced competition in lower-tier cities but is innovating gameplay to meet user needs [4] - **Upcoming Releases**: - **Diablo IV**: Launching in China on December 12, 2024 - **Sea of Remnants**: Scheduled for 2026, no specific date yet - **ANANTA**: Development is on track, timeline not disclosed [4] Overseas Strategy - **Global Ambitions**: Management emphasized ambitions for globalization, with "Where Winds Meet" (WWM) exceeding expectations in overseas performance, appealing to both Chinese and Western players [5] Margin and OPEX Outlook - **Gross Margin**: Expected to stabilize, with annual Sales & Marketing (S&M) ratio projected at 12-13% for FY25 [6][7] - **Domestic Market**: Limited room for further expansion in Gross Profit Margin (GPM) as most improvements have been realized [7] - **Global Market**: Global channel fees are stable, limiting GPM changes for international revenue [7] - **R&D Expenses**: Hiring costs are manageable as the company is not competing aggressively for AI talent [7] AI Application - **AI Integration**: NetEase is leveraging AI in various aspects of game development, including animation, scene alignment, in-game algorithms, and code generation [6] Financial Performance - **Revenue Growth**: Projected revenue growth from RMB 105.3 billion in 2024 to RMB 133.9 billion by 2027, with a CAGR of approximately 8% [10][13] - **Gross Margin**: Expected to increase from 62.5% in 2024 to 65.3% by 2027 [10] - **Net Profit**: Projected to grow from RMB 33.5 billion in 2024 to RMB 46.6 billion by 2027 [10] Price Target and Risks - **Price Target**: Buy rating with a 12-month target price of US$160 (upside of 19.8%) and HK$250 (upside of 22.2%) [11][13] - **Key Risks**: - Weaker performance of legacy games - Slower-than-expected monetization of new games - Increased competition in gaming and other sectors - Rising content costs in music and online education [11] Additional Insights - **Market Capitalization**: Approximately $84.8 billion - **Enterprise Value**: Approximately $65.4 billion - **P/E Ratio**: Projected to be 12.9 in 2024, increasing to 14.7 by 2027 [13] This summary encapsulates the key points from the conference call, highlighting NetEase's strategic direction, financial outlook, and potential risks in the gaming industry.

NetEase 3Q25 Investor Presentation Investor Relations November 20, 2025 SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT This announcement contains statements of a forward-looking nature. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these forward-looking statements by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar expressions. In addition, statements that are not histo ...

Core Viewpoint - NetEase, Inc. reported solid financial results for Q3 2025, demonstrating healthy growth in both domestic and international markets, particularly in gaming services, while also highlighting the company's commitment to innovation and user experience [5][10]. Financial Highlights - Net revenues for Q3 2025 reached RMB 28.4 billion (US$ 4.0 billion), marking an increase of 8.2% year-over-year [7][10]. - Net revenues from games and related services were RMB 23.3 billion (US$ 3.3 billion), up 11.8% compared to the same quarter in 2024 [8][10]. - Gross profit for the quarter was RMB 18.2 billion (US$ 2.6 billion), reflecting a 10.3% increase year-over-year [14][10]. - Net income attributable to shareholders was RMB 8.6 billion (US$ 1.2 billion), consistent with the previous quarter and up from RMB 6.5 billion in Q3 2024 [18][10]. Operational Highlights - The company emphasized its focus on user experience and innovation in gaming, with notable titles like Fantasy Westward Journey Online achieving record player counts [5][10]. - New game launches, including Destiny: Rising and ANANTA, received positive reception in both Western and Chinese markets [10]. - The company continues to strengthen its global portfolio with diverse game genres and collaborations with international partners [6][10]. Segment Performance - Youdao's net revenues were RMB 1.6 billion (US$ 228.8 million), a 3.6% increase year-over-year, driven by smart devices and online marketing services [9][10]. - NetEase Cloud Music reported stable revenues of RMB 2.0 billion (US$ 275.9 million), unchanged from the previous quarter and the same quarter last year [11][10]. - Innovative businesses and others saw a decline in revenues to RMB 1.4 billion (US$ 202.1 million), down 18.9% year-over-year, primarily due to decreased revenues from Yanxuan [12][10]. Cost and Expenses - Cost of revenues for Q3 2025 was RMB 10.2 billion (US$ 1.4 billion), an increase from RMB 9.8 billion in the previous quarter [13][10]. - Total operating expenses rose to RMB 10.2 billion (US$ 1.4 billion), reflecting increased marketing expenditures related to online games [15][10]. Cash Flow and Financial Position - As of September 30, 2025, the company's net cash totaled RMB 153.2 billion (US$ 21.5 billion), up from RMB 131.5 billion at the end of 2024 [21][10]. - Net cash provided by operating activities was RMB 12.9 billion (US$ 1.8 billion) for the quarter, compared to RMB 10.9 billion in the previous quarter [21][10]. Shareholder Returns - The board approved a dividend of US$ 0.1140 per share (US$ 0.5700 per ADS) for Q3 2025, payable on December 16, 2025 [22][10]. - The company extended its share repurchase program by an additional 36 months, with approximately 22.1 million ADSs repurchased for a total cost of US$ 2.0 billion as of September 30, 2025 [25][10].

Summary of Earnings Call for China Games & Entertainment Sector Industry Overview - The Games & Entertainment sector has shown strong year-to-date (YTD) performance, with most companies experiencing growth between 60-100% [1][2] - Recent performance has diverged since the second quarter results, indicating potential volatility [1] - Future growth is expected to depend on earnings delivery, upward revisions in earnings per share (EPS), and new growth engines, particularly in AI initiatives [1] Key Companies Discussed NetEase (NTES) - **Rating**: Buy - **YTD Performance**: +69% - **3Q Metrics**: Game revenue increased by 18% year-over-year (YoY), operating profit up 23% YoY, and deferred revenue up 22% YoY [4][17] - **Catalysts**: 1. Progress in AI integration into existing and new games [4][17] 2. New game testing and launch timelines [4][17] 3. Potential primary listing in Hong Kong [4][17] - **Outlook**: Expected to enter a new product cycle with two blockbuster titles targeted for launch in 2026, which could significantly impact revenue and market perception [21] Bilibili (BILI) - **Rating**: Buy - **YTD Performance**: +63% - **3Q Metrics**: Advertising sales up 20% YoY, game revenue down 16% YoY, operating profit at RMB646 million, up 137% YoY [8][32] - **Catalysts**: 1. New game "Sanguo Ncard" testing in late October with a launch expected by Chinese New Year 2026 [8][33] 2. AI initiatives rolling out in the Bili community [8][33] - **Outlook**: Anticipated reversal of game revenue decline and integration of AI to enhance advertising and user engagement, with operating profit margin expected to reach 10% by 4Q25 and 15%+ in 2026-27 [38][36] Kuaishou - **Rating**: Buy - **YTD Performance**: +86% - **3Q Metrics**: Advertising revenue up 13% YoY, GMV up 15% YoY [9][51] - **Catalysts**: 1. Updates on Kling revenue guidance and monthly grossing trends [9][51] 2. Capex and AI revenue outlook for 2026 [9][51] - **Outlook**: Expected to deliver in-line results for 3Q25, with focus on AI integration and eCommerce growth despite competition [56][52] Tencent Music (TME) - **Rating**: Buy - **YTD Performance**: +100% - **3Q Metrics**: Music service revenue up 23% YoY, average revenue per user (ARPU) up 11% YoY [9][10] - **Catalysts**: 1. Completion of Ximalaya deal and business consolidation [10] 2. Upside potential from SVIP and enhanced content offerings [10] - **Outlook**: Continued growth expected from the proliferation of the fans economy and K-pop resurgence in China [10] iQIYI - **Rating**: Neutral - **YTD Performance**: +8% - **3Q Metrics**: Subscription revenue down 3% YoY, adjusted operating profit at -RMB22 million [10][11] - **Catalysts**: 1. Details on new drama policy and potential regulatory tailwinds [11] 2. Updates on secondary listing in Hong Kong [11] - **Outlook**: Challenges remain with subscription growth and profitability, requiring close monitoring of policy impacts [11] Additional Insights - The gaming industry is projected to grow at a low teens percentage YoY in 2025, driven by a loosening of game supply regulations [3] - AI initiatives are expected to enhance advertising effectiveness and user engagement across platforms, particularly for Bili and Kuaishou [3][36] - The easing of content regulations is anticipated to positively impact companies like IQ and TME, potentially fostering a more supportive environment for international artists [3] Conclusion The China Games & Entertainment sector is poised for continued growth, driven by strategic initiatives in AI, new game launches, and regulatory support. Companies like NetEase, Bilibili, and Kuaishou are expected to leverage these opportunities to enhance their market positions and financial performance in the coming quarters.

Summary of NetEase Inc. (NTES) Earnings Review Company Overview - **Company**: NetEase Inc. (NTES) - **Market Cap**: $85.6 billion - **Enterprise Value**: $66.4 billion - **Industry**: China Games, Entertainment & Healthcare Tech Key Financial Highlights - **2Q Performance**: - Game revenue increased by 15% year-over-year (yoy) - Deferred revenue rose by 28% yoy - Operating profit (OP) grew by 24% yoy - **Market Reaction**: Despite solid results, share price reaction was muted with a -2% decline in ADR post-results [1][2][22] - **Future Projections**: Expected to maintain at least mid-teens yoy game revenue growth for 3Q25 and steady margins for the rest of 2025E [1][2] Core Insights - **Defensive Business Model**: The results highlighted the strength and evergreen nature of NetEase's legacy titles, which continue to perform well despite a lack of major new game launches in 2Q [1][3][17] - **S&M Spending**: Sales and marketing (S&M) spending normalized to 13-14% of sales, with management indicating improved ROI from elevated promotional spending during July-August [18][24] - **Game Pipeline**: Focus on a limited number of high-quality games for global markets, with notable upcoming titles including "Destiny Rising" (launching August 28) and updates for "Ananta" [2][19][32] Financial Forecasts - **Revenue Forecasts**: - 2025E: Rmb 114.91 billion (up 0.4% from previous estimates) - 2026E: Rmb 124.07 billion (up 0.8%) - 2027E: Rmb 132.55 billion [20][21] - **Net Profit Projections**: Revised up by 1.2% to 2.0% for 2025E-27E due to improved gross margins [20][21] Important Metrics - **P/E Ratio**: Currently trading at 15X forward P/E, which is a discount compared to peers and historical averages [2] - **EPS Growth**: Expected EPS growth of 4.1% in 2025E, with further growth projected in subsequent years [12] Additional Insights - **Deferred Revenue**: Strong deferred revenue growth indicates future revenue potential, with a 28% yoy increase in 2Q25 [22] - **Market Position**: NetEase has built a solid user base and community for its titles, which is expected to sustain its evergreen nature in the coming quarters [17] - **Cash Flow**: Positive cash flow from operations projected to increase, with free cash flow expected to reach Rmb 42.18 billion in 2025E [15] Conclusion NetEase Inc. demonstrated solid financial performance in 2Q, driven by its legacy titles and effective marketing strategies. The company is well-positioned for continued growth with a strong pipeline of upcoming games and a focus on maintaining efficient spending. The market's attention is likely to shift towards its potential blockbuster titles as they approach launch dates.

Financial Performance - NetEase's market capitalization was $854 billion as of August 13, 2025[9] - Net revenues for 2Q25 reached $39 billion[9] - Net income attributable to the company's shareholders for 2Q25 was $12 billion[9] - Basic net income per ADS (GAAP) for 2Q25 was $188[9] - Net cash as of June 30, 2025, amounted to $198 billion[9] Revenue Breakdown (2Q25) - Games and related value-added services generated $3184 million in net revenues[12] - Youdao's net revenues were $198 million[20] - NetEase Cloud Music's net revenues reached $275 million[23] - Innovative businesses and others contributed $237 million in net revenues[26] Games Performance - Online games accounted for 97% of games and related value-added services revenue in 2Q25[12] - Fantasy Westward Journey Online reached over 293 million peak concurrent players in August[18] ESG Ratings - NetEase received an AA rating from MSCI[9, 40] - NetEase's Sustainalytics rating indicates a low-risk company[40]

Summary of NetEase, Inc. Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: NetEase, Inc (NTES.O) - **Industry**: Internet Entertainment - **Market Cap**: US$87.283 billion - **Current Share Price**: US$136.12 - **Price Target**: Raised from US$145.00 to US$151.00, indicating an 11% upside potential [5][21] Key Financial Metrics - **2Q25 Revenue Growth**: Expected to be 12% YoY for game revenue and 20% for non-GAAP profit [2][8] - **Adjusted Net Profit**: Projected to grow 20% YoY to RMB 9.4 billion [8] - **EPS Estimates**: Slight increases of 1-2% for 2025-2027 [3][20] - **Revenue Projections**: - 2025: RMB 114,060 million - 2026: RMB 118,798 million - 2027: RMB 123,673 million [5][24] Business Developments - **Game Titles Performance**: - **Marvel Rival S3**: Popularity rebound, ranked 2 on Steam in July [7] - **Once Human**: Strong PC gross ranking post mobile launch, estimated annual revenue contribution of RMB 800 million to 1 billion [7] - **New Titles**: Five new games scheduled for summer 2025, expected to contribute marginally in 3Q [7] Market Positioning - **Competitive Landscape**: NetEase is well-positioned amid fund inflows from the food delivery segment, with positive business developments justifying its outperformance [1] - **Marketing Strategy**: Focus on long-term marketing expense ratio rather than short-term savings [2] Valuation and Risk Assessment - **Valuation Method**: Sum of the parts (SOTP) with a target P/E of 15x for the games business [30] - **Risk Factors**: - Shorter-than-expected life cycle of games - Weaker-than-expected margins due to loss-making businesses [41] Investment Thesis - **Overweight Rating**: Reiterated with a focus on market share gains through development capabilities and global expansion [31] - **Margin Improvement**: Expected from a favorable revenue mix and better cost control, leading to operating profit margin expansion towards 34% [31] Additional Insights - **Revenue Growth Drivers**: Anticipated acceleration in game revenue driven by localized content and new titles [32] - **Consensus Rating Distribution**: 90% Overweight, 10% Equal-weight [34] Conclusion - **Outlook**: Positive growth trajectory with a focus on game revenue and margin expansion, supported by a strong pipeline of new titles and strategic market positioning [43]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for NetEase, with a target price increase to USD 130 from USD 120, implying a 21.4% upside from the current share price of USD 107.11 [6][11][100] Core Insights - NetEase's recent earnings report showed a 25% beat in earnings, a 5% beat in game revenue, and an 11% beat in deferred revenue, leading to a revision of EPS growth to +18% year-on-year in 2025 [2][11] - The strong deferred revenue growth of 19% year-on-year indicates potential for accelerating game revenue growth in the upcoming quarters [2][97] - Upcoming game launches, including Marvel Mystic Mayhem and Destiny Rising, are anticipated to be key focus areas following the annual product launch event [2][11] Financial Performance - In Q1 2025, NetEase reported total revenue of RMB 28,829 million, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 7% [91] - Online game revenue grew by 15% year-on-year, driven by strong performances from titles such as Identity V, Where Winds Meet, and Marvel Rivals [94] - The gross profit margin (GPM) for games and related value-added services (VAS) was reported at 67%, with a non-GAAP operating profit of RMB 11,393 million, representing a 34% year-on-year increase [91][94] Game Highlights - Mobile game revenue only fell by 4% year-on-year, outperforming consensus expectations of a 6% decline, thanks to strong performances from Identity V and Where Winds Meet [3][94] - PC game revenue saw an impressive growth of 85% year-on-year, significantly above the consensus estimate of 67%, driven by contributions from WWM PC and Blizzard titles [3][94] - The launch of Once Human mobile resulted in 6 million new users in its first week, boosting the PC version's revenue by 500% [3][94] Margin Discussions - The report notes an increase in games and related VAS gross profit margin quarter-on-quarter, attributed to a reduced focus on non-game businesses and a shift towards profitability [4][94] - The report anticipates that it will take a few quarters for sales and marketing expenses as a percentage of revenue to normalize [4] Valuation Metrics - The report provides estimates for future financial performance, projecting revenue of RMB 116,721 million for 2025, with a year-on-year growth of 11% [98] - The estimated price-to-earnings (PE) ratio for 2025 is 12.6, indicating a favorable valuation compared to historical averages [7][14] Pipeline and Future Outlook - The report highlights key upcoming titles such as Ananta, expected to launch in 2026, which could significantly contribute to future revenue streams [2][90] - The successful return of Overwatch in China has set new records for peak concurrent users, indicating strong market demand for NetEase's offerings [94]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for NetEase Inc. (NTES) with a 12-month price target of $140.00, indicating an upside potential of 30.7% from the current price of $107.11 [1]. Core Insights - NetEase reported a strong performance in 1Q25, with game revenue increasing by 15% year-over-year (yoy) and operating profit rising by 34% yoy, alleviating concerns regarding its legacy and mobile games [1][22]. - The growth is expected to continue due to the success of newly released titles, a recovery in legacy titles, and improved promotional strategies [1][18]. - The report anticipates low to mid-teens yoy game revenue growth and further margin expansion for the remainder of 2025 [1]. Summary by Sections Financial Performance - In 1Q25, PC games revenue surged by 84% yoy, driven by successful titles such as Marvel Rivals and Where Wind Meets, alongside contributions from Blizzard games [2][22]. - Historical profit margins are at a high due to disciplined expense management and sequential gross profit margin (GPM) expansion [3]. Revenue and Earnings Forecasts - Revenue forecasts for 2025E have been revised upwards by 1.3% to 114,803.9 million RMB, with net profit estimates increased by 10.4% to 38,685.9 million RMB [20][21]. - The report projects a total revenue growth of 9.0% for 2025, with EBITDA growth of 18.6% and EPS growth of 16.6% [12]. Game Pipeline and Strategy - NetEase is focusing on a globalization strategy, with plans to release more titles targeting international markets, particularly in the PVP genre [17][25]. - Key upcoming titles include Marvel Mystic Mayhem and Destiny: Rising, with a focus on competitive gameplay to leverage R&D expertise [25][38]. Market Position and Valuation - The stock is currently trading at a P/E ratio of 14X for 2025E, which is considered a discount compared to peers and historical averages [18]. - The report highlights that international games revenue is expected to grow to 12.6% of total revenue by 2025E, driven by new global titles [33].

Financial Performance - NetEase's total net revenues for 1Q25 were $3.973 billion, a 7.4% increase year-over-year[39] - Games and related value-added services contributed $3.314 billion in net revenues for 1Q25, up 12.1% year-over-year[39] - Net income attributable to the company's shareholders for 1Q25 was $1.42 billion, a 34.9% increase year-over-year[39] - Basic net income per ADS (GAAP) for 1Q25 was $2.24[9] - The company's net cash position as of March 31, 2025, was $18.9 billion[9] Business Segments - Youdao's net revenues for 1Q25 were $179 million, a 6.8% decrease year-over-year[39] - NetEase Cloud Music's net revenues for 1Q25 were $256 million, reflecting an 8.5% decrease year-over-year[39] - Innovative businesses and others generated $224 million in net revenues for 1Q25, a 17.5% decrease year-over-year[39] Games Highlights - Online games accounted for 98% of games and related value-added services net revenues in 1Q25[12] - Where Winds Meet surpassed 30 million registered players as of March 2025[18] - Once Human mobile game quickly claimed the No1 position on the iOS download charts in more than 160 regions upon its April 2025 launch[18]