iQIYI Inc. Prepares to Deliver Q3 2025 Financial Results
iQIYI Inc., the U.S.-listed video‑entertainment platform, has officially scheduled its third‑quarter 2025 earnings release for November 18, 2025. The announcement, reported by Wallstreet‑Online.de and GlobeNewswire on October 21, 2025, signals the company’s intent to provide shareholders with a comprehensive view of its performance amid a period of intense competitive pressure and regulatory scrutiny in the Chinese and global content markets.
Timing and Context
The company’s share price closed at $2.20 on October 19, 2025, well below its 52‑week low of $1.50 but still a modest recovery from the 52‑week high of $2.85. Market capitalization stands at roughly $1.95 billion, while the price‑to‑earnings ratio remains exceptionally high at 287.38, underscoring investors’ long‑term bets on content expansion rather than short‑term profitability.
The forthcoming earnings report will be pivotal for a company that has recently faced declining advertising revenues, shifting subscriber dynamics, and increased regulatory scrutiny in China. Analysts will closely monitor the company’s revenue mix, user growth figures, and profitability metrics, especially given the broader industry trend toward higher content costs and tighter margins.
Strategic Partnership in Thailand
A month earlier, iQIYI announced a strategic collaboration with Thailand’s Thai Media Fund (กองทุนพัฒนาสื่อปลอดภัยและสร้างสรรค์) to accelerate the export of Thai content to global audiences. The memorandum of understanding, reported by Khaosod on October 19, 2025, reflects iQIYI’s ambition to diversify its content library beyond Chinese productions and tap into the vibrant Southeast Asian market.
This partnership is likely to provide iQIYI with a pipeline of high‑quality Thai dramas, variety shows, and movies that can be localized for international subscribers. For iQIYI, the deal offers a strategic foothold in a region with a rapidly growing streaming audience and a growing appetite for Asian content. For Thai creators, the collaboration grants access to iQIYI’s distribution network and monetization platforms.
Revenue Forecasts and Investor Sentiment
While iQIYI’s own guidance remains forthcoming, market watchers can draw on the Sealand Securities research note on its parent company Baidu (BIDU‑SW) that includes projections for iQIYI’s non‑IFRS operating revenue. According to Sealand, iQIYI is expected to record a 9% year‑over‑year decline in operating revenue, translating to approximately RMB 6.6 billion (≈ $875 million) for the third quarter of 2025. The note also anticipates a non‑IFRS loss of RMB 21 million for iQIYI, a modest but notable dip that could reflect tighter cost controls or a shift toward more expensive original content.
These figures, while derived from an analyst’s forecast, are consistent with iQIYI’s historical performance patterns, where operating margins have gradually tightened as the company invests in original productions and international expansion. Investors will likely view the November earnings as a litmus test for the efficacy of iQIYI’s content strategy and its ability to monetize new markets, particularly in Southeast Asia.
Forward‑Looking Perspective
iQIYI’s strategy appears two‑fold:
Content Diversification – By partnering with Thai Media Fund and similar entities across Asia, iQIYI aims to reduce its reliance on Chinese‑origin content, which is increasingly subject to domestic regulation. This move should also broaden its appeal to international viewers seeking fresh, culturally diverse narratives.
Cost Discipline – The projected non‑IFRS loss signals a cautious approach to spending, potentially reflecting a focus on high‑return content and a more disciplined acquisition strategy. If executed successfully, this could stabilize margins in the medium term.
Given the company’s high valuation and the competitive environment dominated by global giants such as Netflix, Disney+, and local incumbents like Tencent Video, iQIYI must deliver compelling growth metrics to justify its premium. The November 18 earnings release will be a critical milestone in assessing whether its current trajectory can sustain investor confidence and support future expansion initiatives.
