iQIYI (IQ) swings to positive cash flow as Q2 loss deepens
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
iQIYI, Inc. (IQ) reported second quarter 2026 results showing slightly lower revenue but stronger cash generation. Total revenues were RMB6.29 billion, down 5% year over year, as modest declines in membership and advertising were partly offset by content distribution revenue of RMB681.5 million, up 56% year over year. Other revenues fell 58% due to changes in certain business cooperation arrangements.
Cost discipline continued: Selling, general and administrative expenses fell 22% year over year to RMB744.2 million, and research and development expenses declined 6%. GAAP operating loss widened to RMB104.8 million and non-GAAP operating loss to RMB30.3 million, mainly reflecting softer revenue mix. Net loss attributable to iQIYI increased to RMB287.5 million, primarily driven by a RMB219.8 million income tax expense, including RMB193.6 million of discrete tax and interest at a mainland China subsidiary.
Cash generation improved significantly. Net cash provided by operating activities was RMB339.6 million, compared with a small outflow a year earlier, and free cash flow reached RMB319.6 million. As of June 30, 2026, the company held RMB4.12 billion in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments, and had repurchased about 21.8 million ADSs for US$24.1 million under its up to US$100 million share repurchase program.
Positive
- Content distribution revenue grew 56% year over year to RMB681.5 million, supporting revenue mix despite overall top-line decline.
- SG&A expenses decreased 22% year over year to RMB744.2 million, reflecting tighter cost control and more disciplined marketing spending.
- Free cash flow improved to RMB319.6 million from negative RMB34.1 million a year earlier, indicating stronger cash generation.
- Total other expense fell 91% year over year to RMB5.5 million, mainly due to lower interest expense, easing non-operating drag.
Negative
- Total revenues declined 5% year over year to RMB6.29 billion, with membership and advertising revenues each down 2%.
- Other revenues dropped 58% year over year to RMB344.9 million, driven by alterations in certain business cooperation arrangements.
- Net loss attributable to iQIYI more than doubled to RMB287.5 million, largely because income tax expense rose to RMB219.8 million.
- Non-GAAP net result swung to a loss of RMB209.7 million from non-GAAP net income of RMB14.7 million in the prior-year quarter.
Filing Explained
The filing identifies a US$636.6 million non-current loan to PAG and reports a RMB582,085 thousand attributable net loss for the first six months.
This Form 6-K furnishes iQIYI’s unaudited second-quarter results for the period ended
For the six months ended
Key Figures
Key Terms
free cash flow financial
non-GAAP operating income/(loss) financial
convertible senior notes financial
deferred tax assets financial
Earnings Snapshot
FAQ
How did iQIYI (IQ) perform financially in the second quarter of 2026?
What were iQIYI (IQ)’s key revenue drivers in Q2 2026?
Why did iQIYI (IQ)’s net loss increase in Q2 2026?
How strong was iQIYI (IQ)’s cash position and free cash flow in Q2 2026?
What cost trends did iQIYI (IQ) report for Q2 2026?
How much stock did iQIYI (IQ) repurchase under its buyback program by Q2 2026?
What were iQIYI (IQ)’s key non-GAAP results in Q2 2026?
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.