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On Friday, Benchmark analysts increased their price target on NetEase.com (NASDAQ:NTES) shares to $115.00, up from the previous target of $105.00, while maintaining a Buy rating on the company’s stock. The adjustment followed NetEase’s fourth-quarter financial report for 2024, which revealed mixed results. According to InvestingPro analysis, NetEase maintains a "GREAT" financial health score and appears undervalued at current levels, with 8 additional key insights available to subscribers.
NetEase’s revenue for the quarter did not meet consensus expectations, primarily due to a weaker performance in the mobile gaming sector. Despite this, the company’s trailing twelve-month revenue reached $14.4 billion with an impressive 62.5% gross profit margin. The company surpassed profitability forecasts, which provided a positive counterbalance to the revenue shortfall. The revenue miss was attributed to the mobile games segment, but this was partially offset by strong growth in PC games. This growth was fueled by the return of popular Blizzard titles such as "World of Warcraft" (WoW) and "Hearthstone," continued success of existing games, and the addition of new releases. For deeper insights into NetEase’s financial performance, InvestingPro subscribers can access comprehensive Pro Research Reports covering 1,400+ top stocks.
Looking ahead, Benchmark analysts are optimistic about NetEase’s future, especially in the PC gaming division. The recent launch of high-profile games like "Marvel Rivals" is expected to sustain robust growth for PC games in the fiscal year 2025. Although mobile games did not perform as well in the fourth quarter of 2024, there are early indicators of stabilization seen in deferred revenue. The analysts anticipate a gradual recovery in the mobile gaming segment throughout FY25.
Based on the improved outlook for NetEase’s gaming operations, Benchmark has revised its growth projection for the company’s games segment. They now forecast a year-over-year increase of 6.5% for FY25, an uptick from the previously estimated 5%. The raised price target to $115 reflects these earnings revisions and the modestly improved forecast for NetEase’s gaming business.
In other recent news, NetEase reported its fourth-quarter and full-year 2024 financial results, revealing a 1.1% year-over-year increase in revenue to RMB8.0 billion for the fiscal year. The company achieved a gross profit jump of 27.5% to RMB2.7 billion, with a significant improvement in gross margin from 26.7% to 33.7%. Despite these gains, fourth-quarter revenue fell short of analyst estimates, reaching RMB26.75 billion compared to the expected RMB27.13 billion. However, NetEase’s adjusted earnings per share for the quarter exceeded expectations, coming in at RMB15.09, above the consensus of RMB12.42.
In terms of analyst activity, CFRA raised its price target for NetEase to $110, citing improved margins and effective cost control as contributing factors. Meanwhile, Citi maintained its Buy rating with a $121 price target, noting that while non-gaming revenues were weaker than expected, the online gaming segment performed well. Non-GAAP net profit for the quarter was RMB9.7 billion, surpassing both Citi and consensus estimates. NetEase’s online music services experienced a 23.1% revenue growth, driven by an increase in paying subscribers, although social entertainment revenues declined. As NetEase continues to expand its content offerings and enhance its music-driven community, analysts remain focused on the company’s strategic initiatives and financial performance.
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