NetEase (NTES, Financial) just gave investors a reason to cheer, with its stock surging over 9% after unveiling its Q3 2024 numbers. Sure, revenues dipped 3.9% year-over-year to RMB26.2 billion ($3.7 billion), but the real story here is the company's knockout performance in gaming and its unstoppable push into global markets. Fan favorites World of Warcraft and Hearthstone are back with a bang—player numbers skyrocketed by 50% and 150%, respectively, after their relaunch in China. Plus, Naraka: Bladepoint crushed it, climbing to No. 4 on iOS's grossing charts, while Racing Master dominated Japan's app store rankings.
CEO William Ding isn't just resting on these wins. He's doubling down on innovation with new blockbuster titles like Marvel Rivals and Where Winds Meet slated for December. Investors are also hyped about NetEase's financial muscle—RMB7.5 billion ($1.1 billion) in non-GAAP net income and a cash reserve north of RMB120 billion ($17.1 billion). Meanwhile, its side hustles, NetEase Cloud Music and Youdao, are quietly becoming growth engines, with Youdao posting its first-ever Q3 profit.
What's the takeaway? NetEase isn't just playing to win—it's setting itself up for global dominance. From chart-topping games to a robust international strategy, this is a company firing on all cylinders. Add a shiny new dividend and a pipeline full of blockbuster games, and you've got a story that's got investors hooked.
