Gamers Embrace NetEase's Latest Releases, But Wall Street Remains Skeptical
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Nov 20 2025
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Should l Buy DAO?
Source: Benzinga
NetEase Financial Performance: NetEase reported a fiscal third-quarter revenue of $3.98 billion, an 8.2% year-on-year increase, but fell short of the analyst consensus estimate of $4.11 billion. The adjusted EPADS of $2.09 exceeded expectations of $1.88.
Gaming Revenue Growth: The company's gaming and related services revenue rose by 11.8% to $3.28 billion, with a gross margin increase to 69.3%, driven by successful self-developed games and licensed titles.
Youdao and NetEase Cloud Music Results: Youdao's revenue increased by 3.6% to $228.76 million, while NetEase Cloud Music's revenue decreased by 1.8% to $275.89 million, although its gross margin improved.
Shareholder Actions and Future Plans: NetEase's board approved a dividend of 57 cents per ADS and extended its share repurchase program for an additional 36 months. CEO William Ding highlighted ongoing innovation and global collaboration to enhance player value.
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Analyst Views on DAO
About DAO
Youdao Inc is a holding company principally engaged in the intelligent learning business, providing a variety of learning content, applications and solutions. The Company primarily operates its businesses through three segments. Learning Services segment mainly provides digital content services, science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics (STEAM) courses, and adult and vocational courses through the Youdao Lingshi, Youdao Literature, Youdao Premium Courses, NetEase Cloud Classroom and China University MOOC and others. Smart Devices segment mainly develops and offers smart devices, such as Youdao Dictionary Pen, Youdao Listening Pod, and Youdao Smart Learning Pad. The Company also provides education digitalization solutions, including Youdao Smart Learning Terminal, Youdao Smart Cloud, and Youdao Sports. Online Marketing Services segment mainly offers online marketing services, including performance-based advertising services and brand advertising services.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Disappointing Revenue: NetEase's Q4 revenue rose 3.0% year-on-year to $3.94 billion, falling short of the $4.10 billion analyst consensus, indicating competitive pressures that may affect investor confidence moving forward.
- Gaming Segment Growth: Revenues from games and related value-added services increased by 3.4% to $3.14 billion, with gross margin rising 384 basis points to 70.5%, reflecting the successful launch of self-developed games like Fantasy Westward Journey Online and Where Winds Meet.
- Cloud Music and Innovation Challenges: NetEase Cloud Music's revenue grew by 4.7% to $281.46 million, with gross margin expanding by 273 basis points to 34.7%, while innovative businesses saw a 10.4% decline in revenue to $292.77 million, indicating challenges in the diversification strategy.
- Dividend and Cash Flow: The board approved a dividend of 23.2 cents per share, up from 11.4 cents in Q3, demonstrating robust cash flow with $2.12 billion generated in operating cash flow for the quarter, which enhances shareholder return confidence.
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- Learning Services Revenue: Net revenues from learning services reached RMB 727.2 million (approximately $104.0 million), representing a 17.7% increase from the same period in 2024, highlighting sustained demand for online learning and strengthening the company's market position.
- Decline in Smart Devices Revenue: Net revenues from smart devices were RMB 176.5 million (approximately $25.2 million), a 26.6% decrease year-over-year, indicating challenges in this segment that could impact overall profitability.
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- Decline in Smart Devices: Net revenues from smart devices were RMB 176.5 million (approximately $25.2 million), a 26.6% decrease year-over-year, primarily due to weakened demand for smart learning devices, highlighting challenges in this segment.
- Operating Profit Decline: Operating income for Q4 was RMB 60.2 million (approximately $8.6 million), a 28.5% decrease from the same period in 2024, reflecting pressures on cost control and market competition despite overall revenue growth.
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- Earnings Announcement: NetEase will report its Q4 and FY 2025 financial results on February 11, 2026, before U.S. market open, which may influence investor sentiment.
- Conference Call Details: Following the earnings release, management will host a conference call at 7:00 a.m. ET (8:00 p.m. Beijing/Hong Kong Time) to discuss results and answer questions, enhancing transparency.
- Participation Instructions: Interested investors can join the call by dialing 1-914-202-3258 and providing conference ID: 10052758, ensuring they stay updated on the latest company developments.
- Replay Availability: A replay of the call will be accessible by dialing 1-855-883-1031 and entering PIN: 10052758, available until February 18, 2026, allowing those unable to attend live to catch up on the discussion.
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- Earnings Report Schedule: Youdao, Inc. will release its Q4 and FY 2025 financial results on February 11, 2026, before the U.S. market opens, which may influence investor confidence.
- Conference Call Details: Following the earnings release, Youdao's management will hold a conference call at 5:00 a.m. ET to discuss the financial results and answer investor questions, enhancing transparency.
- Webcast Availability: The conference call will be available via live and archived webcast on the company's investor relations website, ensuring investors can access relevant information at any time, thereby improving information dissemination efficiency.
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See More
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- Acknowledged Contributions: During his tenure, Ding played a pivotal role in the success of NetEase's flagship games, with CEO William Ding expressing gratitude and highlighting his importance in building R&D and operational capabilities, reflecting the company's commitment to talent.
- Consultant Role: Despite his retirement, Ding will continue as a consultant in 2026, a move that helps ensure stability during the transition while leveraging his extensive experience to guide future developments.
- Market Impact: The executive transition may trigger market scrutiny regarding NetEase's future strategies and business direction, particularly in the highly competitive online gaming sector, where maintaining market position will be crucial.
See More
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- Disappointing Revenue: NetEase's Q4 revenue rose 3.0% year-on-year to $3.94 billion, falling short of the $4.10 billion analyst consensus, indicating competitive pressures that may affect investor confidence moving forward.
- Gaming Segment Growth: Revenues from games and related value-added services increased by 3.4% to $3.14 billion, with gross margin rising 384 basis points to 70.5%, reflecting the successful launch of self-developed games like Fantasy Westward Journey Online and Where Winds Meet.
- Cloud Music and Innovation Challenges: NetEase Cloud Music's revenue grew by 4.7% to $281.46 million, with gross margin expanding by 273 basis points to 34.7%, while innovative businesses saw a 10.4% decline in revenue to $292.77 million, indicating challenges in the diversification strategy.
- Dividend and Cash Flow: The board approved a dividend of 23.2 cents per share, up from 11.4 cents in Q3, demonstrating robust cash flow with $2.12 billion generated in operating cash flow for the quarter, which enhances shareholder return confidence.
See More
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- Revenue Growth: Youdao reported a non-GAAP EPADS of $0.07 for Q4 2024, with revenue of $223.7 million, reflecting a 16.8% year-over-year increase and beating market expectations by $3.32 million, indicating strong performance in the education services sector.
- Learning Services Revenue: Net revenues from learning services reached RMB 727.2 million (approximately $104.0 million), representing a 17.7% increase from the same period in 2024, highlighting sustained demand for online learning and strengthening the company's market position.
- Decline in Smart Devices Revenue: Net revenues from smart devices were RMB 176.5 million (approximately $25.2 million), a 26.6% decrease year-over-year, indicating challenges in this segment that could impact overall profitability.
- Strong Online Marketing Services: Net revenues from online marketing services amounted to RMB 660.9 million (approximately $94.5 million), a 37.2% increase year-over-year, showcasing enhanced competitiveness in digital marketing, which may drive future growth.
See More
Youdao Reports Q4 2025 Financial Highlights with Mixed Results
- Revenue Growth: Total net revenues for Q4 2025 reached RMB 1.6 billion (approximately $223.7 million), representing a 16.8% increase from the same period in 2024, indicating strong performance in learning services and online marketing.
- Learning Services Performance: Net revenues from learning services were RMB 727.2 million (approximately $104.0 million), a 17.7% year-over-year increase driven by robust sales of AI-driven subscription services, reflecting sustained market demand for educational technology.
- Decline in Smart Devices: Net revenues from smart devices were RMB 176.5 million (approximately $25.2 million), a 26.6% decrease year-over-year, primarily due to weakened demand for smart learning devices, highlighting challenges in this segment.
- Operating Profit Decline: Operating income for Q4 was RMB 60.2 million (approximately $8.6 million), a 28.5% decrease from the same period in 2024, reflecting pressures on cost control and market competition despite overall revenue growth.
See More
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- Earnings Announcement: NetEase will report its Q4 and FY 2025 financial results on February 11, 2026, before U.S. market open, which may influence investor sentiment.
- Conference Call Details: Following the earnings release, management will host a conference call at 7:00 a.m. ET (8:00 p.m. Beijing/Hong Kong Time) to discuss results and answer questions, enhancing transparency.
- Participation Instructions: Interested investors can join the call by dialing 1-914-202-3258 and providing conference ID: 10052758, ensuring they stay updated on the latest company developments.
- Replay Availability: A replay of the call will be accessible by dialing 1-855-883-1031 and entering PIN: 10052758, available until February 18, 2026, allowing those unable to attend live to catch up on the discussion.
See More
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- Earnings Report Schedule: Youdao, Inc. will release its Q4 and FY 2025 financial results on February 11, 2026, before the U.S. market opens, which may influence investor confidence.
- Conference Call Details: Following the earnings release, Youdao's management will hold a conference call at 5:00 a.m. ET to discuss the financial results and answer investor questions, enhancing transparency.
- Webcast Availability: The conference call will be available via live and archived webcast on the company's investor relations website, ensuring investors can access relevant information at any time, thereby improving information dissemination efficiency.
- Company Background: Founded in 2006, Youdao specializes in AI applications, primarily offering learning services, online marketing services, and smart devices, demonstrating its strategic positioning in the education and advertising sectors.
See More
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- Executive Retirement: NetEase announced that Executive Vice President Yingfeng Ding will retire on December 31, 2025, after 23 years, marking a significant leadership change that may impact the company's future strategic direction.
- Acknowledged Contributions: During his tenure, Ding played a pivotal role in the success of NetEase's flagship games, with CEO William Ding expressing gratitude and highlighting his importance in building R&D and operational capabilities, reflecting the company's commitment to talent.
- Consultant Role: Despite his retirement, Ding will continue as a consultant in 2026, a move that helps ensure stability during the transition while leveraging his extensive experience to guide future developments.
- Market Impact: The executive transition may trigger market scrutiny regarding NetEase's future strategies and business direction, particularly in the highly competitive online gaming sector, where maintaining market position will be crucial.
See More
