Overseas Chinese Equities, Aequitas Research

Ming Lu

Overseas Chinese Equities

IPOs and Placements coverage across Asia Pacific

Aequitas Research

We cover all listing across the Asia Pacific along with follow-up placements. As of Dec 2020, our team had covered 539 IPOs with a hit rate of 73.5% and 685 placements with a hit rate of 66.8%.

We combine fundamental bottom-up views with our proprietary quantitative framework to provide a holistic coverage across new listings and placements. Our coverage includes pre-IPO notes before the deal is launched, follow-up analysis once the deal is live and post-listing trading analysis as well.

Equity Bottom-Up

Alibaba Group Holding  / Equity Bottom-Up

<ul>
<li>Alibaba Pictures’ revenue increased by 44% YoY and EBTIDA increased by 61% in the March quarter.</li>
<li>Cainiao, Alibaba’s logistics network, plans to purchase fresh food from the places of origin.</li>
<li>Li Auto finished a round of layoff, in which headcount was reduced to 22,000 from 30,000.</li>
</ul>


Alibaba Pictures’ revenue increased by 44% YoY and EBTIDA increased by 61% in the March quarter.
Cainiao, Alibaba’s logistics network, plans to purchase fresh food from the places of origin.
Li Auto finished a round of layoff, in which headcount was reduced to 22,000 from 30,000.


China Consumption Weekly (3 Jun 2024): Alibaba, Alibaba Pictures, Li Auto, JD.com, JD Health

Analyst

Steve Zhou, CFA

Equity Capital Markets

Alibaba Group Holding  / Equity Capital Markets

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/alibaba-group-holding-ltd-d7b798e2-202d-4e01-9a1e-799e2ae8f0c7" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28434:1" rel="noopener">Alibaba Group Holding (9988 HK)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/jd-com-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:29043:1" rel="noopener">JD.com (9618 HK)</a> both announced the issuance of convertible debt last week (Alibaba on May 23 and JD.com on May 21). </li>
<li>Both have mentioned that the reasons for the issuance are the low funding cost (0.25% coupon for JD.com and 0.5% for Alibaba) and to fund their current share repurchase program. </li>
<li>I think the convertible debt structures makes sense and it is beneficial for both companies to buy back as much as possible at the current share price.</li>
</ul>



Alibaba Group Holding (9988 HK) and JD.com (9618 HK) both announced the issuance of convertible debt last week (Alibaba on May 23 and JD.com on May 21). 
Both have mentioned that the reasons for the issuance are the low funding cost (0.25% coupon for JD.com and 0.5% for Alibaba) and to fund their current share repurchase program. 
I think the convertible debt structures makes sense and it is beneficial for both companies to buy back as much as possible at the current share price.


Alibaba/JD.com:  Thoughts On The Recent Convertible Bond Issuance

Independent research on the U.S. markets, Baptista Research

Baptista Research

Independent research on the U.S. markets

Baptista Research is an independent financial research house focused on the U.S. markets. We provide equity research as well as credit research reports on the top-listed U.S. companies with most of our focus on technology, consumer goods and services, automobiles, industrials, oil and gas, pharma, and healthcare. Our research has served more than 3000 institutional investors including mutual funds, hedge funds, banks, family offices, and various buy-side firms. We operate a research subscription service where institutions, as well as retail investors, can have priority access to all our research. We also have a wide distribution of our research reports across some of the top global financial platforms. Apart from equity research and credit research, we also provide advisory services with respect to mergers & acquisitions (M&A), private equity/ venture capital fundraising, valuation reports, and investment management services for corporates.
Baptista Research is owned and managed by Ishan Majumdar, an ex-Venture Capitalist/ Investment Banker, a Chartered Accountant, and a Masters’ degree holder in Management from HEC Paris. Ishan has nearly a decade of experience in Mergers and Acquisitions, Leveraged Buyouts (LBOs), Venture Capital Investing, Corporate Strategy, and Valuation in front-office roles at the likes of BNP Paribas CIB, Credit Agricole CIB, Groupe Danone, and TIW Private Equity. He has worked on and closed multiple acquisition deals, leveraged buyouts, and start-up investment transactions.

<ul><li>Alibaba Group’s March Quarter and Full Fiscal Year 2024 results show that major segments such as the Taobao and Tmall Group, Alibaba International Digital Commerce, and core public cloud offerings are experiencing growth.</li><li>The Taobao and Tmall Group achieved double-digit year-over year growth, while Alibaba International Digital Commerce revenue increased by 45%.</li><li>Moreover, AI related revenue increased triple digit year-over-year, demonstrating the potential of AI technology in fueling the company’s growth.</li></ul>

Alibaba Group’s March Quarter and Full Fiscal Year 2024 results show that major segments such as the Taobao and Tmall Group, Alibaba International Digital Commerce, and core public cloud offerings are experiencing growth.The Taobao and Tmall Group achieved double-digit year-over year growth, while Alibaba International Digital Commerce revenue increased by 45%.Moreover, AI related revenue increased triple digit year-over-year, demonstrating the potential of AI technology in fueling the company’s growth.

Alibaba Group: A Story Of Cross-Border E-commerce Scale-up! - Major Drivers

Blue Lotus Non US Internet research, Blue Lotus Research Institute

Ying Pan

Blue Lotus Non US Internet research

China growth and global non-US Internet equities

Blue Lotus Research Institute

Blue Lotus Research is a Hong Kong Type 4 Licensed investment advisory firm focusing on Chinese growth equities and global non-US Internet equities

<ul>
<li>BABA reported CY1Q24 top line, GAAP operating profit and non-GAAP net income 0.9%, (4.6%) and (6.7%) vs. consensus, and in-line, in-line, (6.9%) vs. our estimate;</li>
<li>Results reaffirmed our positive view as increased investment is leading to significant improvement in key businesses: (1) Taobao/Tmall stabilized, (2) overseas e-commerce accelerated along with overseas AntFin and Cainiao</li>
<li>We expect pay-off from its strategy shift in 2H of the year. Spin-off, dividends,and share buy-backs provide valuation support until then.We maintain BUY and US$85 TP, implying 9.5x CY25 P/E.</li>
</ul>


BABA reported CY1Q24 top line, GAAP operating profit and non-GAAP net income 0.9%, (4.6%) and (6.7%) vs. consensus, and in-line, in-line, (6.9%) vs. our estimate;
Results reaffirmed our positive view as increased investment is leading to significant improvement in key businesses: (1) Taobao/Tmall stabilized, (2) overseas e-commerce accelerated along with overseas AntFin and Cainiao
We expect pay-off from its strategy shift in 2H of the year. Spin-off, dividends,and share buy-backs provide valuation support until then.We maintain BUY and US$85 TP, implying 9.5x CY25 P/E.


[Alibaba (BABA US, BUY, TP US$85) Review]: Positive Transformation Still Underway…BUY on Dip

<ul>
<li>On first look, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/alibaba-group-holding-ltd-d7b798e2-202d-4e01-9a1e-799e2ae8f0c7" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28434:1" rel="noopener">Alibaba Group Holding (9988 HK)</a> missed on margins in 4QFY24 as adjusted EBITA declined by 5% yoy.</li>
<li>We can give the company the benefit of the doubt given that the important segments of the company are heading into the right direction.  </li>
<li>Alibaba returned USD13.4bn and USD16.5bn to shareholders in FY23 and FY24, compared to the current market cap of USD197bn</li>
</ul>


On first look, Alibaba Group Holding (9988 HK) missed on margins in 4QFY24 as adjusted EBITA declined by 5% yoy.
We can give the company the benefit of the doubt given that the important segments of the company are heading into the right direction.  
Alibaba returned USD13.4bn and USD16.5bn to shareholders in FY23 and FY24, compared to the current market cap of USD197bn


Alibaba (9988 HK):  Core Segments Moving Into The Right Direction

China

JD.com Inc is an online direct sales company in China.  The Company offers a wide selection of products through its website and mobile applications.  JD.com sells appliances, computers, digital products, communication products, garments, books, and household items to consumers and vendors.

Alibaba Group Holding Limited provides online sales services. The Company provides internet infrastructure, electronic commerce, online financial, and internet content services through its subsidiaries. Alibaba Group Holding offers its products and services worldwide.

PDD Holdings Inc. is a multinational commerce group that owns and operates a portfolio of businesses. The Company focuses on digital economy so that local communities and small businesses can benefit from the increased productivity and new opportunities. PDD Holdings has built a network of sourcing, logistics, and fulfillment capabilities for its underlying businesses.

Prosus N.V. provides internet based services. The Company focuses on investments in internet, digital media, e-commerce retailing, and consumer internet companies. Prosus serves customers worldwide.

Hainan Island Construction Co Ltd.  is a property development company. The Company also operates regional malls and hotels.

Guangzhou Friendship Group Co., Ltd operates supermarkets and department stores in Guangzhou, China.  The Company sells a variety of consumer products, including apparel, food and beverages, electronics, jewelry, cosmetics, and electric appliances.  Guangzhou Friendship also leases real estate properties.

Guangzhou Friendship Group Co, Ltd. (000987 CH)

Golden Eagle Retail Group Limited operates department stores in China. The Company's stores target mid-range and high-end market segments in China, and contain various functions and amenities such as dining, entertainment, beauty and personal care, cinemas, and preschool education in addition to their core function as an international department store.

Tianjin Quanye Bazaar (Group) Co., Ltd. owns and operates department stores and supermarkets, as well as sells general merchandise on a wholesale basis. Tianjin Quanye also provides storage and cargo delivery services, and invests in real estate and interior decoration businesses.

Xian International Medical Investment Co Ltd is principally engaged in the medical services industry.

Xian International Medical Invest (000516 CH)

Dollar General Corporation operates a chain of discount retail stores located primarily in the southern, southwestern, midwestern, and eastern United States. The Company offer a broad selection of merchandise, including consumable products such as food, paper and cleaning products, health, beauty, pet supplies, and non-consumables such as seasonal merchandise.

Trent Limited operates a chain of retail stores that sell fashion apparel, cosmetics, perfumery products and toiletry items. The Company sells apparel for men, women and children. Trent sells its cosmetics products under the "Westside" and "Trent" brand names.

Dollar Tree, Inc. operates a discount variety store chain in the United States. The Company sells an assortment of everyday general merchandise at the $1.00 price point.

Pan Pacific International Holdings Corporation operates discount stores which sell consumer electronics, daily necessities, groceries, watches, and sporting goods. The Company mostly operates small scale stores based in Tokyo.

Pan Pacific International Holdings (7532 JP)

Target Corporation operates general merchandise discount stores. The Company focuses on merchandising operations which includes general merchandise and food discount stores and a fully integrated online business. Target also offers credit to qualified applicants through its branded proprietary credit cards.

Naspers Limited operates in the technology industry. The Company invests in global internet companies across the world.

Next Plc conducts retailing, home shopping, and customer services management operations.  The Company's retail stores sell ladies wear, mens wear, childrens wear, and housewares.

Avenue Supermarts Ltd. (ASL) owns and operates hypermarkets and supermarkets. The Company offers products such as garments, footwears, toys and games, bed and bath linen, stationery, grocery, household, and electronic products. ASL operates throughout India.

Dollarama Inc. operates as an online marketplace. The Company offers cleaning, school, office, home, kitchen, food, health, beauty, hardware, electronics, toys, and pets products, as well as provides delivery services. Dollarama serves customers in Canada.

MercadoLibre, Inc. operates an online trading site for the Latin American markets. The Company's website allows businesses and individuals to list items, conduct sales, and purchases online in either a fixed-price and auction format. MercadoLibre offers classified advertisements for motor vehicles, vessels, aircraft, and real estate, as well as online payment services.

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Alibaba Group Holding (9988 HK)

China Consumption Weekly (3 Jun 2024): Alibaba, Alibaba Pictures, Li Auto, JD.com, JD Health

Alibaba Pictures’ revenue increased by 44% YoY in the March quarter. Alibaba’s Cainiao plans to purchase fresh food from the places of origin. Li...

Ming Lu

Alibaba/JD.com: Thoughts On The Recent Convertible Bond Issuance

I think the convertible debt structures makes sense and it is beneficial for both companies to buy back as much as possible at the current share...

Steve Zhou, CFA

Alibaba Group: A Story Of Cross-Border E-commerce Scale-up! - Major Drivers

Alibaba Group’s March Quarter and Full Fiscal Year 2024 results show that major segments such as the Taobao and Tmall Group, Alibaba International...

Baptista Research

[Alibaba (BABA US, BUY, TP US$85) Review]: Positive Transformation Still Underway…BUY on Dip

BABA reports mixed Q1 results but positive outlook with increased investment leading to improvement in key businesses, expecting payoff in 2H of...

Blue Lotus Research Institute

Alibaba (9988 HK): Core Segments Moving Into The Right Direction

On first look, Alibaba Group (9988 HK) missed on margins in 4QFY24 as adjusted EBITA declined by 5% yoy, though I believe important segments of the...

Steve Zhou, CFA

Price Gauge

52-week Range

Market Cap (USDm)

P/E

Dividend (Yield)

China Consumption Weekly (3 Jun 2024): Alibaba, Alibaba Pictures, Li Auto, JD.com, JD Health

Alibaba Pictures’ revenue increased by 44% YoY in the March quarter. Alibaba’s Cainiao plans to purchase fresh food from the places of origin. Li...

Ming Lu

Alibaba/JD.com: Thoughts On The Recent Convertible Bond Issuance

I think the convertible debt structures makes sense and it is beneficial for both companies to buy back as much as possible at the current share...

Steve Zhou, CFA

Alibaba Group: A Story Of Cross-Border E-commerce Scale-up! - Major Drivers

Alibaba Group’s March Quarter and Full Fiscal Year 2024 results show that major segments such as the Taobao and Tmall Group, Alibaba International...

Baptista Research

[Alibaba (BABA US, BUY, TP US$85) Review]: Positive Transformation Still Underway…BUY on Dip

​BABA reports mixed Q1 results but positive outlook with increased investment leading to improvement in key businesses, expecting payoff in 2H of...

Blue Lotus Research Institute

Alibaba (9988 HK): Core Segments Moving Into The Right Direction

On first look, Alibaba Group (9988 HK) missed on margins in 4QFY24 as adjusted EBITA declined by 5% yoy, though I believe important segments of the...

Steve Zhou, CFA

BABA reports mixed Q1 results but positive outlook with increased investment leading to improvement in key businesses, expecting payoff in 2H of...