Iqiyi - IQ STOCK NEWS

iQIYI (Nasdaq: IQ) has announced a proposed offering of US$300 million convertible senior notes due 2030. The notes will be senior, unsecured obligations maturing on March 15, 2030, unless repurchased, redeemed, or converted earlier.

Key features of the notes include: holders may require repurchase on March 15, 2028, or during fundamental changes; conversion rights activate after a 40-day compliance period; and upon conversion, holders will receive cash, ADSs, or a combination thereof. The notes are offered offshore to non-U.S. persons under Regulation S.

The company plans to use proceeds for repayment/repurchase of existing debt securities and general corporate purposes. The offering may impact ADS market price due to expected convertible arbitrage strategies by holders, including potential short-selling activities.

iQIYI (IQ) reported its Q4 and FY2024 financial results, showing declining performance across key metrics. Q4 total revenues decreased 14% YoY to RMB6.61 billion (US$906.0 million), with operating income falling 63% to RMB285.4 million. The company reported a Q4 net loss of RMB189.4 million, compared to net income of RMB466.2 million in Q4 2023.

For FY2024, total revenues decreased 8% to RMB29.23 billion (US$4.00 billion). Operating income declined 39% to RMB1.81 billion, while net income fell 60% to RMB764.1 million. The company maintained positive operating margins, though reduced from previous year levels.

The decline was primarily attributed to a lighter content slate affecting membership services revenue, which fell 15% YoY in Q4. However, management noted strong momentum from late November 2024 with successful blockbuster releases and significant progress in mini-drama initiatives.

iQIYI reported significant viewership growth during the Chinese New Year period (Jan. 28 to Feb. 4, 2025). The platform saw strong engagement across multiple content categories, with variety shows leading in viewing time. The 2025 Spring Festival Gala achieved a 135% year-over-year increase in average viewing time per user on iQIYI International.

The platform's drama series, including 'The White Olive Tree' and 'Unbreakable 2', dominated popularity rankings. Viewing time for Season 1 of 'Unbreakable' increased nearly tenfold compared to last year's holiday period. The 'Light On Theater' content saw a 22% increase in overall viewing time.

User interaction showed remarkable growth, with bullet comments increasing 118% year-over-year. The platform's VR immersive theater experience saw a 206% increase in visitors during the holiday period. Mini-dramas gained popularity, with over 70% of viewers aged 35 and below.

iQIYI has announced significant upgrades to its Diamond VIP membership, allowing members to automatically unlock Member Express Packages without additional costs. The platform's membership system now includes five tiers: Basic, Golden, Basic (TV), Platinum, and Diamond VIP, catering to both individual and family viewing needs.

The Member Express Packages service, launched in 2023, has seen strong adoption with over 10 million VIP members using it for popular shows. The Basic VIP membership, featuring ad-supported content, has gained popularity among new users in smaller markets and younger demographics. The platform also introduced a Golden VIP Family option for an additional RMB8 ($1.1) monthly.

Diamond VIP benefits now include increased device limits from 5 to 8, while Platinum and Diamond VIP members enjoy exclusive access to eXave MAX high-definition streaming, covering over 23,000 episodes. In 2024, iQIYI launched Membership Day and the 717 Member Day, offering exclusive events, merchandise, and IP-related benefits.

iQIYI (NASDAQ: IQ), a leading Chinese online entertainment video services provider, has scheduled its fourth quarter and fiscal year 2024 financial results announcement for February 18, 2025, before the U.S. market opens. The company will host an earnings conference call at 6:30 AM U.S. Eastern Time (7:30 PM Beijing Time) on the same day.

Participants can pre-register for the conference call through a provided online registration link. A telephone replay will be available until February 25, 2025. Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be accessible through the company's investor relations website.

iQIYI has successfully concluded the multi-city tour of its stage adaptation 'Mysterious Lotus Casebook', demonstrating the company's effective IP development strategy. The original drama series was one of iQIYI's biggest hits in 2023, achieving a content popularity index above 10,000 and earning a Magnolia Awards nomination at the Shanghai TV Festival.

The IP has shown strong commercial performance, generating RMB80 million (US$11 million) in merchandise sales across 1,300 SKUs. The company has expanded the IP's reach through tourism partnerships with Suyun Thirteen Gardens and Hengdian World Studios, creating immersive experiences. The theatrical adaptation has garnered significant social media attention on Weibo during its tour across multiple Chinese cities, including Hangzhou, Xi'an, Chengdu, and Beijing, with plans for expansion in 2025.

iQIYI announced the return of its acclaimed 'Light On Theater' suspense drama brand with seven new titles. The lineup includes 'Low IQ Crime,' 'Let Wind Goes By,' 'A Life for a Life,' 'Drifting Away,' 'Dead End,' 'Breaking the Shadows,' and 'Justifiable Defense.' Launched in 2020, the brand gained prominence with its breakout hit 'The Bad Kids,' which set new standards for Chinese suspense storytelling.

The platform has expanded its genre-based approach with 'Love On Theater' for romance and 'Laugh On Theater' for comedy series. The brand has achieved international recognition, with series winning awards at the Busan International Film Festival and being selected for the Berlinale Series. 'The Bad Kids' was adapted into a Japanese version in 2024, demonstrating the brand's global appeal.

iQIYI hosted its 10th annual Scream Night 2024 on December 7 at the Galaxy Arena in Macao, presenting 66 honors across various entertainment categories. The event generated over 1,700 trending searches on Chinese social media, with 90+ reaching top spots.

Notable awards included 'Drama of the Year' for For the Young Ones and Fangs of Fortune, while Tendays won 'Original Variety Show of the Year.' Three series—A Journey to Love, War of Faith, and Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty II: To the West—were honored for surpassing a 10,000 popularity index.

The event also recognized social impact initiatives, including the 'Growth Plan Inspired by Movies' in Xinjiang and Macao, which focuses on providing educational content to young people.

iQIYI has launched a new 'Extra Large Font' function on its app to enhance accessibility for senior users. The feature includes enlarged text size options, simplified poster layouts, prominent voice search, and streamlined navigation. The update also offers audio volume amplification up to 300% and enhanced color settings.

The platform retains essential functionalities while introducing 'Micro-Drama Theater' and 'Short-Drama Theater' content. This development builds on the company's previous accessibility initiatives, including the 'Senior Mode' launched in December 2021. iQIYI has also introduced a Standard VIP Family and Friends Membership service, offering discounted additional accounts for family members.