NetEase Inc. (NTES) shares plummeted 6.24% during intraday trading on Thursday, following the release of the company's first-quarter 2026 financial results.

The Chinese internet and gaming giant reported quarterly adjusted earnings of CNY17.46 per diluted American depositary share, a decline from CNY17.51 per share in the same quarter last year. While net revenues rose 6.1% to CNY30.59 billion and exceeded analyst expectations, investors focused on the year-over-year earnings drop and increased operating expenses.

Total operating expenses for the quarter increased by 6.5% compared to the prior year period. Additionally, the company's innovative businesses and others segment reported a 4.6% decrease in net revenues, contributing to mixed signals within the overall report. The market's negative reaction suggests the results fell short of investor expectations despite the revenue beat.