Core Insights - The company reported a strong performance in Q4 2025, with net revenues of RMB 1.6 billion, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 16.8% and marking the sixth consecutive quarter of operating profitability [4][7] - Learning services net revenues grew 17.7% year over year to RMB 727.2 million, attributed to a return to growth following strategic restructuring [1][6] - Online marketing revenue surged 37.2% in Q4 to RMB 660.9 million, driven by demand from various sectors including gaming and AI applications [5][11] Financial Performance - For the full year 2025, total net revenues rose 5% year over year to RMB 5.9 billion, with operating profit increasing by 48.7% to RMB 221.3 million [3] - The company achieved its first annual positive operating cash flow of RMB 55.2 million in 2025, a significant improvement from cash used in 2024 [3][4] - Q4 net cash provided by operating activities was RMB 184.2 million, up 16.4% from the prior year [4][7] Growth Drivers - AI-driven subscription services were a key growth driver, with Q4 sales exceeding RMB 100 million, up more than 80% year over year [8] - The company plans to enhance its learning services with continued product innovation and expects to achieve "around double-digit" year-over-year growth in 2026 [9] - The launch of new AI tools, such as ScholarAI, contributed to significant sales growth, with fourth-quarter sales doubling quarter over quarter [9] Segment Performance - The smart devices segment saw a decline, with net revenues of RMB 176.5 million in Q4, down 26.6% year over year [16] - Despite the decline in smart devices, the Youdao Dictionary Pen remained a top-selling product during major shopping events [16][17] - The company highlighted the performance of Youdao Lingshi, which saw revenue growth of over 40% year over year and improved retention rates [7] Strategic Focus - Management emphasized a balanced approach to expenditures, focusing on strategic investments while maintaining cost discipline [2] - The company plans to continue investing in AI applications, gaming, and international KOL business as growth areas for 2026 [15][19] - The commitment to an "AI-native" strategy includes ongoing investment in vertical large language models and AI agents across various business lines [19]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, net revenues reached RMB 1.6 billion, a 16.8% year-over-year increase, driven by growth in learning services and online marketing services [4][15] - Operating profit for Q4 was RMB 60.2 million, marking a 113% quarter-over-quarter increase but a 28.5% decrease year-over-year [4] - For the full year 2025, total net revenues were RMB 5.9 billion, a 5% increase year-over-year, with operating profit growing to RMB 221.3 million, up 48.7% year-over-year [5][20] - Net cash flow from operating activities for 2025 was RMB 55.2 million, a significant improvement from a net outflow of RMB 67.9 million in 2024 [6][20] Business Line Performance Changes - Learning services in Q4 generated net revenues of RMB 727.2 million, a 17.7% year-over-year increase, with digital content services contributing RMB 436.1 million, up 12.2% year-over-year [6][15] - Online marketing services saw Q4 net revenues of RMB 660.9 million, a 37.2% increase year-over-year, driven by demand from the NetEase Group and overseas markets [9][16] - Smart devices segment reported Q4 net revenues of RMB 176.5 million, down 26.6% year-over-year, primarily due to decreased demand for smart learning devices [11][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The online marketing segment's gross margin was 27.8% in Q4, reflecting a 2 percentage point sequential improvement despite a year-over-year decline [11] - International KOL revenues increased by over 50% year-over-year in Q4, with successful campaigns executed in over 50 countries [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to continue its AI-native strategy, focusing on innovative product development and competitive positioning in learning services and advertising [13][24] - Plans for 2026 include leveraging AI capabilities to enhance online marketing services and learning services, with expectations of double-digit growth in learning services [25][26] - The company is committed to improving the operational health of its smart devices segment while focusing on key products like the dictionary pen and tutoring pen [29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving sustainable growth through AI-driven innovations and strategic investments [48][49] - The company anticipates strong momentum in its core business units, particularly in AI-driven subscription services and advertising [48] Other Important Information - Youdao Lingshi's revenue surged over 40% year-over-year, with retention rates exceeding 75% [7] - The company plans to introduce new AI applications and agents to enhance user engagement and expand service offerings [28][56] Q&A Session Summary Question: 2026 outlook across different business lines - Management aims to grow sustainably while enhancing innovative product offerings, supported by the AI-native strategy [24] Question: Plans for Youdao Lingshi in 2026 - Management is confident in Youdao Lingshi's growth, focusing on product refinement and efficient customer acquisition [33][34] Question: Outlook for overseas advertisement growth in 2026 - The company plans to deepen its international KOL business and explore overseas programmatic advertising to drive growth [41][42] Question: Goal for total cash flow in 2026 - The focus will be on improving operating cash flow while maintaining a balanced approach to strategic investments [49][50] Question: Deployment of AI agents in Youdao's business - AI agents will be applied in advertising and learning applications, enhancing user experience and operational efficiency [55][56]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, net revenues reached RMB 1.6 billion, a 16.8% year-over-year increase, driven by growth in learning services and online marketing services [4][15] - Full year 2025 total net revenues were RMB 5.9 billion, a 5% increase year-over-year, with operating profit growing to RMB 221.3 million, up 48.7% year-over-year [5][20] - Net cash flow from operating activities for Q4 was RMB 184.2 million, up 16.4% year-over-year, marking the first full year of net cash inflow from operating activities at RMB 55.2 million [4][5][20] Business Line Performance Changes - Learning services in Q4 generated net revenues of RMB 727.2 million, a 17.7% year-over-year increase, with digital content services contributing RMB 436.1 million, up 12.2% year-over-year [6][15] - Online marketing services saw Q4 net revenues of RMB 660.9 million, a 37.2% increase year-over-year, driven by demand from the NetEase Group and overseas markets [9][16] - Smart devices segment reported Q4 net revenues of RMB 176.5 million, down 26.6% year-over-year, primarily due to decreased demand for smart learning devices [11][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The online marketing segment's gross margin was 27.8% in Q4, reflecting a 2 percentage point sequential improvement despite a year-over-year decline [11][17] - International KOL revenues increased by over 50% year-over-year in Q4, with successful campaigns executed in over 50 countries [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to continue its AI-native strategy, focusing on innovative product development and competitive positioning in learning services and advertising [13][24] - Plans for 2026 include leveraging AI capabilities to enhance online marketing services and learning services, with expectations of double-digit growth in learning services [25][27] - The company is committed to improving operational health in the smart devices segment while enhancing user engagement through AI-driven features [29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving sustainable growth through innovation and competitive products, with a focus on AI-driven solutions [24][29] - The company anticipates strong momentum in marketing demands across sectors such as AI applications and gaming, aiming to improve targeting precision and conversion efficiency [25][26] Other Important Information - The company launched new AI applications, including ScholarAI and Youdao AnyDub, which contributed to record high revenue in AI-driven subscription services [8][28] - The Youdao Lingshi business is expected to continue its growth trajectory, with plans for product refinement and efficient customer acquisition strategies [33][34] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the management's thoughts on the 2026 outlook across different business lines? - Management aims to grow sustainably while enhancing innovative product offerings, supported by their AI-native strategy [24] Question: What is the plan for the Youdao Lingshi business in 2026? - The strategy includes product refinement and efficient customer acquisition, with confidence in future growth due to improved AI features [33][34] Question: How does management view the outlook for overseas advertisement growth in 2026? - The company plans to deepen its international KOL business and explore programmatic advertising to drive long-term growth [41][42] Question: Is the goal for 2026 to achieve a net inflow for total cash flow? - The focus will remain on enhancing operating cash flow while balancing strategic investments and cost discipline [49][50] Question: In what areas will AI agents be deployed, and what is the potential impact? - AI agents will be applied in advertising and learning applications, with significant potential to enhance user experience and operational efficiency [55][56]

Core Viewpoint - Youdao, Inc. reported its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2025, highlighting a mixed performance with increased total net revenues but declines in certain segments, particularly smart devices and learning services [1][2]. Financial Highlights Fourth Quarter 2025 - Basic and diluted net income per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders were RMB0.41 (US$0.06) and RMB0.40 (US$0.06), down from RMB0.71 and RMB0.70 in Q4 2024 [1]. - Total net revenues reached RMB1.6 billion (US$223.7 million), a 16.8% increase from RMB1.3 billion in Q4 2024 [1]. - Net revenues from learning services were RMB727.2 million (US$104.0 million), up 17.7% from RMB617.7 million in Q4 2024 [1]. - Net revenues from smart devices were RMB176.5 million (US$25.2 million), down 26.6% from RMB240.4 million in Q4 2024 [1]. - Net revenues from online marketing services were RMB660.9 million (US$94.5 million), a 37.2% increase from RMB481.7 million in Q4 2024 [1]. Fiscal Year 2025 - Total net revenues for the year were RMB5.9 billion (US$845.0 million), a 5.0% increase from RMB5.6 billion in 2024 [2]. - Net revenues from learning services were RMB2.6 billion (US$376.2 million), down 4.2% from RMB2.7 billion in 2024 [2]. - Net revenues from smart devices were RMB739.6 million (US$105.8 million), down 18.2% from RMB903.7 million in 2024 [2]. - Net revenues from online marketing services were RMB2.5 billion (US$363.0 million), up 28.5% from RMB2.0 billion in 2024 [2]. Profitability Metrics - Gross margin for Q4 2025 was 45.1%, down from 47.8% in Q4 2024 [1]. - Gross profit for Q4 2025 was RMB705.4 million (US$100.9 million), a 10.1% increase from RMB640.8 million in Q4 2024 [1]. - For the fiscal year 2025, gross margin was 44.3%, compared to 48.9% in 2024 [2]. Operating Expenses - Total operating expenses for Q4 2025 were RMB645.2 million (US$92.3 million), compared to RMB556.6 million in Q4 2024 [2]. - Sales and marketing expenses for Q4 2025 were RMB437.1 million (US$62.5 million), up 14.5% from RMB381.8 million in Q4 2024 [2]. - Research and development expenses for Q4 2025 were RMB142.6 million (US$20.4 million), an increase of 18.2% from RMB120.7 million in Q4 2024 [2]. Cash Flow and Financial Position - As of December 31, 2025, Youdao's cash and short-term investments totaled RMB743.2 million (US$106.3 million), up from RMB662.6 million a year earlier [2]. - Net cash provided by operating activities for Q4 2025 was RMB184.2 million (US$26.3 million) [2]. - Youdao has received financial support from the NetEase Group, including RMB878.0 million in short-term loans and US$132.1 million in long-term loans [2]. Future Outlook - The company aims to focus on its AI-Native strategy, emphasizing learning services and advertising, with plans to advance vertical large language models and expand AI-driven applications [1].

Core Insights - Youdao, Inc. reported a 3.6% increase in net revenues for Q3 2025, totaling RMB1,628.5 million (US$228.8 million) compared to RMB1,572.5 million in Q3 2024 [5][8] - The company emphasized its AI-Native Strategy, which has led to significant growth in online marketing services and AI-driven subscription services [3][4] Financial Performance - Net revenues from online marketing services surged by 51.1% year-over-year to RMB739.7 million (US$103.9 million), driven by demand from the NetEase group and international markets [9][8] - Learning services revenues decreased by 16.2% to RMB643.1 million (US$90.3 million), attributed to a strategic focus on higher ROI customer engagements [6][8] - Revenues from smart devices fell by 22.1% to RMB245.8 million (US$34.5 million), primarily due to reduced demand for smart learning devices [7][8] Profitability Metrics - Gross profit for Q3 2025 was RMB687.9 million (US$96.6 million), reflecting a 12.9% decrease from RMB789.5 million in Q3 2024, with a gross margin of 42.2% compared to 50.2% in the previous year [10][8] - Income from operations dropped significantly by 73.7% to RMB28.3 million (US$4.0 million), resulting in an operating margin of 1.7% [16][8] - Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders was nearly zero, down from RMB86.3 million in Q3 2024, with non-GAAP net income at RMB9.2 million (US$1.3 million) [17][18] Operating Expenses - Total operating expenses decreased to RMB659.6 million (US$92.7 million) from RMB682.2 million in the same period last year [13][8] - Sales and marketing expenses fell by 6.1% to RMB487.7 million (US$68.5 million), while research and development expenses increased by 6.9% to RMB127.8 million (US$18.0 million) [14][13] Cash Flow and Financial Position - As of September 30, 2025, Youdao's cash and short-term investments totaled RMB557.7 million (US$78.3 million), down from RMB662.6 million at the end of 2024 [19][8] - The company reported net cash used in operating activities of RMB58.6 million (US$8.2 million) for the quarter [19][8] Future Outlook - Youdao plans to continue executing its AI-Native Strategy, focusing on the application of its large language model, Confucius, to enhance customer value [4][3] - The company remains confident in achieving its full-year targets, including operating cash-flow breakeven for the first time [4][3]

Core Viewpoint - Youdao, Inc. reported its first-ever profitable second quarter, driven by strong execution of its AI Native Strategy and the launch of new AI products, including the Large Language Model Confucius 3 and AI Essay Grading function [3][5][18]. Financial Highlights - Net revenues for Q2 2025 were RMB 1.4 billion (US$ 197.9 million), a 7.2% increase from RMB 1.3 billion in Q2 2024 [5][18]. - Revenues from learning services were RMB 657.8 million (US$ 91.8 million), up 2.2% from RMB 643.8 million in Q2 2024 [5][18]. - Revenues from smart devices decreased by 23.9% to RMB 126.8 million (US$ 17.7 million) due to declining consumer electronics demand [6][18]. - Revenues from online marketing services increased by 23.8% to RMB 632.9 million (US$ 88.3 million), driven by demand from the gaming industry and overseas markets [7][18]. Profitability Metrics - Gross profit for Q2 2025 was RMB 609.4 million (US$ 85.1 million), a 4.3% decrease from RMB 636.8 million in Q2 2024, with a gross margin of 43.0% compared to 48.2% in the same period last year [8][18]. - The gross margin for learning services remained stable at 59.8%, while the gross margin for smart devices improved to 41.5% from 30.3% in Q2 2024 [9][10][18]. - The gross margin for online marketing services decreased to 25.8% from 39.1% in Q2 2024 due to strategic expansion efforts [10][18]. Operating Expenses - Total operating expenses for Q2 2025 were RMB 580.6 million (US$ 81.0 million), down from RMB 709.3 million in Q2 2024 [11][18]. - Sales and marketing expenses decreased by 22.1% to RMB 401.8 million (US$ 56.1 million) due to reduced marketing expenditures [11][18]. - Research and development expenses decreased by 16.1% to RMB 128.3 million (US$ 17.9 million) due to a reduction in headcount [12][18]. Income and Loss Metrics - Income from operations for Q2 2025 was RMB 28.8 million (US$ 4.0 million), compared to a loss of RMB 72.6 million in Q2 2024, resulting in a margin of 2.0% [14][18]. - Net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders was RMB 17.8 million (US$ 2.5 million), significantly improved from a loss of RMB 99.5 million in the same period last year [16][18]. - Non-GAAP net income attributable to ordinary shareholders was RMB 12.5 million (US$ 1.7 million), compared to a non-GAAP net loss of RMB 96.0 million in Q2 2024 [16][18]. Cash and Financial Support - As of June 30, 2025, Youdao's cash and short-term investments totaled RMB 617.0 million (US$ 86.1 million), down from RMB 662.6 million at the end of 2024 [19][18]. - Net cash provided by operating activities for Q2 2025 was RMB 185.0 million (US$ 25.8 million) [19][18]. - NetEase Group has agreed to provide financial support, including RMB 878.0 million in short-term loans and US$ 130.7 million in long-term loans [19][18]. Share Repurchase Program - The company has repurchased approximately 7.5 million ADSs for a total consideration of approximately US$ 33.8 million under its share repurchase program [21][18].

Financial Performance (1Q25) - Net revenues reached RMB 1,298.3 million [4], compared to RMB 1,391.9 million in 1Q24 [4] and RMB 1,339.8 million in 4Q24 [4] - Online marketing services revenue increased by 2.6% year-over-year to RMB 505.4 million [26] - Smart devices revenue increased by 5.1% year-over-year to RMB 190.5 million [37] - Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of the company was RMB 76.743 million [43] - Operating cash flow net outflows narrowed by 34.7% in 1Q25 [8] Business Segments - Learning services revenue was RMB 602.4 million [43] - Youdao is positioned as an AI-powered solutions provider for learning and advertising [15] AI Strategy and Products - The company is focusing on an AI strategy, integrating AI with learning services, smart devices, and online marketing services [11] - AI-based college admission advisers were upgraded in 1Q25, contributing to over 25% year-over-year gross billing growth [21] - Youdao SpaceOne, an AI-powered large screen tutoring pen, launched in 1Q25 and contributed to over 20% year-over-year growth in dictionary pen revenue [41] Online Marketing Services - Youdao established an official partnership with Google in 1Q25 for overseas advertising expansion [27] - Youdao MagicBox, an AI-powered creative suite, was launched in 1Q25 [29]

Core Insights - Youdao, Inc. reported a significant improvement in profitability for Q1 2025, achieving an operating income of RMB104.0 million, a 247.7% increase year-over-year [3][17] - The company experienced a 6.7% decrease in net revenues, totaling RMB1.3 billion (US$178.9 million) compared to the same period in 2024 [5][13] - Youdao's strategic focus on high-ROI customer acquisition is expected to enhance operational efficiency despite short-term revenue declines [6] Financial Performance - Net revenues from learning services decreased by 16.1% to RMB602.4 million (US$83.0 million) [6][13] - Net revenues from smart devices increased by 5.1% to RMB190.5 million (US$26.3 million), driven by sales of the Youdao Dictionary Pen [7][13] - Net revenues from online marketing services rose by 2.6% to RMB505.4 million (US$69.6 million) [7][13] Profitability Metrics - Gross profit for Q1 2025 was RMB614.2 million (US$84.6 million), a 9.9% decrease from the previous year [8][13] - The overall gross margin was 47.3%, down from 49.0% in Q1 2024 [8][13] - The gross margin for learning services decreased to 59.8% from 63.1% year-over-year, while smart devices saw an increase to 52.3% from 32.6% [9][10] Operating Expenses - Total operating expenses decreased to RMB510.2 million (US$70.3 million) from RMB651.6 million in the same period last year [12][13] - Sales and marketing expenses fell by 21.5% to RMB357.6 million (US$49.3 million) [14][13] - Research and development expenses decreased by 21.3% to RMB115.5 million (US$15.9 million) [15][13] Net Income and Earnings Per Share - Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders increased over sixfold to RMB76.7 million (US$10.6 million) [18][19] - Basic and diluted net income per ADS for Q1 2025 was RMB0.65 (US$0.09) and RMB0.64 (US$0.09), respectively, compared to RMB0.11 and RMB0.10 for the same period in 2024 [19][13] Cash and Financial Support - As of March 31, 2025, Youdao's cash and short-term investments totaled RMB424.5 million (US$58.5 million), down from RMB662.6 million at the end of 2024 [20] - The company has received financial support from NetEase Group, including RMB878.0 million in short-term loans and US$128.5 million in long-term loans [20] Share Repurchase Program - Youdao's board authorized a share repurchase program of up to US$40 million, with approximately 7.5 million ADSs repurchased for about US$33.8 million as of March 31, 2025 [22]