NetEase.INC generated a nearly 7 percent increase in its second-quarter profit, led by strong revenue in the online game sector.

Net profit totaled US$68.5 million, or 53 cents per share, compared to US$64.2 million in the year-earlier period, or a 6.7 percent year-on-year rise, the company said in a statement yesterday.

Revenue rose 22 percent to reach US$127.7 million from US$104.8 million in the same period last year.

Revenue from online gaming jumped 31 percent annually to US$114 million, or 89 percent of its total income in the second quarter.

Online marketing services contributed US$10.7 million, a surge of 78 percent quarter on quarter but it was 30 percent down from the same quarter in 2008.

"Online advertising revenue improved due to the increasing advertising spending as a result of the country's stimulus plan as well as the company's efforts in ensuring a better portal content," said William Ding, director and CEO of NetEase.

He also said the firm will launch two online games this year.

The company is still waiting for approval from the General Administration of Press and Publication for the World of Warcraft online game.

(Shanghai Daily August 14, 2009)