HK/China Equity Long-Short

Osbert Tang, CFA

Equity Bottom-Up

Tongcheng Travel Holdings  / Equity Bottom-Up

<ul>
<li>While adjusted net profit of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/tongcheng-elong-holdings-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27363:1" rel="noopener">Tongcheng Travel Holdings Ltd (780 HK)</a> plummeted in 4Q22, the positive momentum in 1Q23 as revealed supports a sharp recovery in FY23.</li>
<li>Its huge exposure to lower-tier cities will fuel outlook while increase in monetisation will support profitability rebound. Success at Blackwhale membership program is another growth engine.  </li>
<li>Management is confident that revenue growth and better efficiency will lead the return of FY23 margin to pre-pandemic levels. Net cash position (12% of share price) is an added strength. </li>
</ul>


While adjusted net profit of Tongcheng Travel Holdings Ltd (780 HK) plummeted in 4Q22, the positive momentum in 1Q23 as revealed supports a sharp recovery in FY23.
Its huge exposure to lower-tier cities will fuel outlook while increase in monetisation will support profitability rebound. Success at Blackwhale membership program is another growth engine.  
Management is confident that revenue growth and better efficiency will lead the return of FY23 margin to pre-pandemic levels. Net cash position (12% of share price) is an added strength. 


Tongcheng Travel (780 HK): Best for Capturing Lower-Tier Cities' Growth

Asian Equities Analyst, Logistics & Transport, Tracking Traffic

Daniel Hellberg

Asian Equities Analyst, Logistics & Transport

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

<ul>
<li>On Monday evening in the US, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/trip-com-group-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:180:1" rel="noopener">Trip.com (TCOM US)</a> reported Q422 results that beat low expectations, but shares in the US traded down about 3% in Tuesday's session</li>
<li>As for guidance, management offered few specifics but noted a sharp improvement in booking activity early in 2023, but also highlighted an outbound capacity bottleneck at the airlines</li>
<li>Just as Covid's negative impacts papered over the secular challenges facing Trip.com, the dramatic near-term recovery in travel activity also obscures longstanding threats</li>
</ul>


On Monday evening in the US, Trip.com (TCOM US) reported Q422 results that beat low expectations, but shares in the US traded down about 3% in Tuesday's session
As for guidance, management offered few specifics but noted a sharp improvement in booking activity early in 2023, but also highlighted an outbound capacity bottleneck at the airlines
Just as Covid's negative impacts papered over the secular challenges facing Trip.com, the dramatic near-term recovery in travel activity also obscures longstanding threats


Trip.com Q4/2022 Results: Back to Reality?

China Travel International Investment Hong Kong / Equity Bottom-Up

China Travel International Investment Hong Kong

<ul>
<li>Share price of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/china-travel-international-investment-hong-kong" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:3879:1" rel="noopener">China Travel International Investment Hong Kong (308 HK)</a> (CTII) rallied by 20% over the last 10 trading days but we see good room for more to come.</li>
<li>Our view is that HK-China border opening, revival in domestic tourism, supportive measures and upgrade in attractions are some key drivers for an increasing positive outlook.</li>
<li>At 0.45x 12-month forward P/B (1.5SD below average), there is significant potential for re-rating. Its net cash of HK$0.40/share, or 30% of share price, adds further comfort to us.</li>
</ul>


Share price of China Travel International Investment Hong Kong (308 HK) (CTII) rallied by 20% over the last 10 trading days but we see good room for more to come.
Our view is that HK-China border opening, revival in domestic tourism, supportive measures and upgrade in attractions are some key drivers for an increasing positive outlook.
At 0.45x 12-month forward P/B (1.5SD below average), there is significant potential for re-rating. Its net cash of HK$0.40/share, or 30% of share price, adds further comfort to us.


China Travel Intl Inv (308 HK): Here Comes My Turn!

Tracking Traffic

Focusing on Asian logistics, transportation, and travel companies

<ul>
<li>Despite slower top-line growth, Trip.com posted firmer margins in Q224</li>
<li>Cash Operating Expenses as a % of Net Revenue fell by around -250 bps Y/Y</li>
<li>Post-Covid, Trip.com has less competition; BUY with target of US$58 per ADS</li>
</ul>


Despite slower top-line growth, Trip.com posted firmer margins in Q224
Cash Operating Expenses as a % of Net Revenue fell by around -250 bps Y/Y
Post-Covid, Trip.com has less competition; BUY with target of US$58 per ADS


Trip.com Q224: Slower Growth | But Higher Margins | Competition Has Eased | BUY with US$58 Target

<ul>
<li>Outbound travel recovery remains sluggish, activity still far below 2019 levels</li>
<li>Domestic activity up 5% Y/Y in June, now well above pre-Covid levels</li>
<li>Trip.com gaining share during extended recovery, trades on 14x PER, BUY</li>
</ul>


Outbound travel recovery remains sluggish, activity still far below 2019 levels
Domestic activity up 5% Y/Y in June, now well above pre-Covid levels
Trip.com gaining share during extended recovery, trades on 14x PER, BUY


Monthly Chinese Tourism Tracker | Outbound Recovery Sluggish, but Trip.com Too Cheap | (July 2024)

China

Huazhu Group Limited operates a hotel operator and franchisor. The Company provides hotel leasing, directly hotel operation, and co-development services. Huazhu Group mainly conducts businesses in China.

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Huazhu Group (HTHT US)

Tongcheng Travel (780 HK): Best for Capturing Lower-Tier Cities' Growth

Positive business momentum in 1Q23 supports a sharp recovery in FY23. Huge exposure to lower-tier cities and increase in monetisation will support...

Osbert Tang, CFA

Trip.com Q4/2022 Results: Back to Reality?

As China emerges from Covid, old challenges remain for Trip.com. After posting solid Q422 results and pointing to signs of a strong recovery, these...

Daniel Hellberg

China Travel Intl Inv (308 HK): Here Comes My Turn!

HK-China border opening, revival in domestic tourism, supportive measures and upgrade in attractions are some key drivers for an increasing...

Osbert Tang, CFA

Trip.com Q224: Slower Growth | But Higher Margins | Competition Has Eased | BUY with US$58 Target

Trip.com posted slower revenue growth in Q2, but margins improved as the company expertly managed operating expenses. Post-Covid, Trip.com's...

Tracking Traffic

Monthly Chinese Tourism Tracker | Outbound Recovery Sluggish, but Trip.com Too Cheap | (July 2024)

Outbound Chinese travel demand continued its sluggish recovery in June, but remains far below 2019 levels. Tourism-linked shares have performed...

Tracking Traffic

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