NETEASE INC-ADR (NASDAQ:NTES) stands out as a strong candidate for quality investors, meeting key criteria for financial health, profitability, and sustainable growth. The company operates in China’s entertainment sector, with a diversified business model spanning gaming, online music, education, and e-commerce.
Key Strengths
High Return on Invested Capital (ROIC): NTES has an impressive ROIC of 123.03%, well above the 15% threshold for quality stocks. This indicates efficient use of capital to generate profits.
Strong Profitability: The company maintains an operating margin of 28.10%, outperforming 98.6% of its industry peers. Its profit margin of 28.20% is also among the best in the sector.
Low Debt Burden: With a Debt-to-Free Cash Flow ratio of just 0.33, NTES could pay off its debt in less than four months using current cash flows—a sign of financial stability.
Consistent Growth: Revenue has grown at a 5-year CAGR of 9.73%, while EBIT growth has been even stronger at 16.49%, indicating improving operational efficiency.
High Profit Quality: The company converts 132.7% of net income into free cash flow, well above the 75% benchmark, reflecting strong earnings sustainability.
Valuation & Dividend
NTES trades at a P/E ratio of 15.55, below both the industry average and the S&P 500, suggesting reasonable valuation. It also offers a dividend yield of 2.73%, with a sustainable payout ratio of 37.6%.
Risks to Consider
Analysts project a decline in EPS growth over the next few years, which could weigh on performance. However, revenue is still expected to grow at nearly 10% annually.