Earning Preview: NTES-S revenue expected to increase by 4.48%, institutional views tilt positive

Earnings Agent11:25

Abstract

NetEase-S will release its quarterly results on February 11, 2026 post-Market; this preview outlines revenue, margins, EPS trends, business highlights, and consensus expectations gathered through recent financial data and media analysis.

Market Forecast

Consensus expectations indicate NetEase-S is projected to deliver revenue of 28.46 billion RMB this quarter with year-over-year growth of 4.48%, alongside forecast EBIT of 9.42 billion RMB with 11.10% year-over-year growth and forecast EPS of 2.54 with 11.65% year-over-year growth; margin commentary is guided by last quarter’s gross profit margin of 64.10% and net profit margin of 30.38%. NetEase-S’s main business, Games and Related Value-Added Services, is expected to anchor performance with sustained engagement from flagship titles and steady monetization. The most promising segment is Games and Related Value-Added Services, which generated 23.33 billion RMB last quarter with robust in-game events and content cadence supporting mid-single-digit year-over-year growth signals.

Last Quarter Review

NetEase-S reported last quarter revenue of 28.36 billion RMB, gross profit margin of 64.10%, GAAP net profit attributable to the parent company of 8.62 billion RMB, net profit margin of 30.38%, and adjusted EPS of 2.95 with year-over-year growth of 26.61%. A notable highlight was resilient profitability despite slightly softer top-line versus estimates, reflected in margin discipline and operating leverage. Main business highlights: Games and Related Value-Added Services revenue reached 23.33 billion RMB, while NetEase Cloud Music delivered 1.96 billion RMB and Youdao 1.63 billion RMB, supported by content, subscriptions, and education technology services.

Current Quarter Outlook

Games and Related Value-Added Services

Games and Related Value-Added Services remain the core earnings engine this quarter, with revenue stability supported by ongoing updates to leading franchises and live-ops strategies that sustain player engagement. The company’s cadence of limited-time events, expansions, and cross-platform distribution has historically supported consistent monetization, and the forecasted total revenue implies healthy contribution from the games portfolio. Operational focus on in-game economies and user retention should safeguard gross margin quality near prior-quarter levels, even as content costs rise seasonally. While the previous quarter slightly undershot external revenue estimates, the robust EPS delivery points to effective cost control and disciplined marketing spend.

Most Promising Business

The most promising business this quarter remains Games and Related Value-Added Services, given its scale and visibility, with last quarter revenue at 23.33 billion RMB and market signals pointing to mid-single-digit year-over-year growth in the current period. Monetization improvements via seasonal battle passes, cosmetic offerings, and new IP launches underpin the earnings forecast’s 11.65% year-over-year EPS growth. The strategic balance between domestic titles and overseas publishing mitigates the risk of single-market volatility, supporting EBIT expansion of 11.10% year-over-year. Upside could come from stronger-than-expected event participation or successful new content drops, while downside risks include regulatory cadence and competitive product launches.

Stock Price Drivers This Quarter

Stock price performance is likely to hinge on the magnitude of the revenue print versus the 28.46 billion RMB forecast and whether gross profit margins hold around the 64.10% benchmark. EPS comparables are favorable given the prior quarter’s 2.95 actual versus the current 2.54 estimate, so any positive surprise in profitability could catalyze investor sentiment. Commentary on user engagement trends, overseas revenue mix, and pipeline visibility will be closely parsed, as will management’s guidance for content investments and marketing efficiency. A stable net profit margin near 30.38% would support the bullish case, while any visible cost inflation or content delays could pressure the shares.

Analyst Opinions

The majority of recent institutional commentary leans constructive, with bullish views outnumbering cautious ones based on earnings resilience and margin quality. Positive stances highlight consistent engagement across the games portfolio, visibility into live-ops monetization, and improving earnings efficiency that aligns with the 11.10% year-over-year EBIT growth forecast. Analysts emphasize the company’s ability to sustain mid-single-digit revenue growth while defending margins above 60.00%, which supports the EPS estimate of 2.54 and a potential beat on profitability if operating costs track favorably. The constructive view prioritizes execution in core franchises and near-term content catalysts, while acknowledging typical regulatory and competitive considerations without assigning them outsized probability.

Disclaimer: Investing carries risk. This is not financial advice. The above content should not be regarded as an offer, recommendation, or solicitation on acquiring or disposing of any financial products, any associated discussions, comments, or posts by author or other users should not be considered as such either. It is solely for general information purpose only, which does not consider your own investment objectives, financial situations or needs. TTM assumes no responsibility or warranty for the accuracy and completeness of the information, investors should do their own research and may seek professional advice before investing.

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