TLDR:
- NetEase stock drops 4.15% despite strong Q3 results and gaming growth.
- NetEase posts solid Q3 growth, but stock drops due to mixed performance.
- NetEase’s gaming division shines, yet stock falls amid weaker sectors.
- Despite strong earnings, NetEase’s stock slides as market grows cautious.
- NetEase’s mixed results lead to stock dip, raising growth concerns.
NetEase (NTES) stock saw a significant decline of 4.15%, closing at $133.42 despite strong financial results for the third quarter of 2025.
The company reported a revenue growth of 8.2% year-over-year, reaching RMB 28.4 billion ($ 4.0 billion). This robust performance was driven by the company’s gaming division, though several other sectors experienced mixed results. The decline in stock price has raised questions about the market’s reaction to NetEase’s broader strategy and its future outlook.
Solid Performance in Gaming Sector
NetEase’s gaming business delivered impressive growth, with revenues from games and related services reaching RMB 23.3 billion ($3.3 billion), an increase of 11.8% compared to the same period last year. This growth was largely fueled by the continued success of established titles like Fantasy Westward Journey Online and the recent launch of Destiny: Rising, which performed well across global markets. The company’s ability to maintain high player engagement through gameplay updates and new game launches has strengthened its position in the competitive gaming sector.
However, despite the success in this division, the market’s reaction was tempered. The decline in NetEase’s stock price suggests that investors may have anticipated stronger results or are concerned about long-term growth prospects outside the gaming sector. While NetEase has shown resilience in its core business, it faces challenges in diversifying its revenue streams and achieving broader market confidence.
Mixed Results in Other Business Segments
Net revenues from NetEase’s non-gaming sectors showed mixed results for Q3 2025. The Youdao division, which focuses on education technology, saw a modest revenue increase of 3.6%, reaching RMB 1.6 billion ($228.8 million). In contrast, NetEase Cloud Music saw a slight revenue decline of 1.8%, with total revenues of RMB 2.0 billion ($275.9 million). The innovative businesses segment, which includes a variety of newer ventures, saw a significant decline of 18.9% year-over-year.
These declines in key segments outside of gaming may have raised concerns about NetEase’s ability to scale its non-gaming business divisions. Despite strong growth in gaming, the drop in performance in other areas could impact the company’s overall profitability in the future.
Net Income and Shareholder Returns
NetEase reported a net income attributable to shareholders of RMB 8.6 billion ($ 1.2 billion) for the third quarter of 2025, maintaining steady profitability. The company also posted a non-GAAP net income of RMB 9.5 billion ($1.3 billion). The company’s cash reserves remained strong, with a net cash balance of RMB 153.2 billion ($21.5 billion) as of September 30, 2025.
Despite the strong financials, NetEase’s stock price fell, which may reflect investor concerns about the sustainability of growth beyond its gaming division. NetEase approved a quarterly dividend of $0.1140 per share, reflecting its commitment to shareholder returns. The stock’s decline underscores the market’s cautious view on the company’s broader prospects.




