Silver Point

Thomas J. Monaco

Independent Insight Provider

Silver Point is a boutique research firm that focuses on the broader financial services sector, with a particular focus on troubled institutions globally. 

Asia Ex Japan

Equity Bottom-Up

*The Hits Keep Coming: On April 29, 2021, Reuters reported that SAMR is preparing a fine for Tencent Holdings (700.HK) [Tencent] as part of its antitrust review. Tencent’s fine is expected to be a minimum of CNY 10 bn or 2% of domestic sales. In addition, the report states that the investigation specifically focuses on music streaming. In addition to the fine, Tencent may have to give up its exclusive music rights and possibly dispose of Kuwo and Kugou; and*Earnings To Decline, Capital Requirements To Increase: No doubt that Tencent will also follow Alibaba Group (BABA.US) [Alibaba] in their formation of a financial holding company. For Tencent, WeChat Pay and the broader lending/deposit taking business are likely to be reined-in. At CNY 38.5 bn, FinTech represents a growing 28.8% of revenue – and are key component of Tencent’s current and future results.  No matter what spin that Tencent wants to place on its other businesses, an FHC represents significant downside risks. Earnings will compress, as capital requirements increase.

*The Hits Keep Coming: On April 29, 2021, Reuters reported that SAMR is preparing a fine for Tencent Holdings (700.HK) [Tencent] as part of its antitrust review. Tencent’s fine is expected to be a minimum of CNY 10 bn or 2% of domestic sales. In addition, the report states that the investigation specifically focuses on music streaming. In addition to the fine, Tencent may have to give up its exclusive music rights and possibly dispose of Kuwo and Kugou; and*Earnings To Decline, Capital Requirements To Increase: No doubt that Tencent will also follow Alibaba Group (BABA.US) [Alibaba] in their formation of a financial holding company. For Tencent, WeChat Pay and the broader lending/deposit taking business are likely to be reined-in. At CNY 38.5 bn, FinTech represents a growing 28.8% of revenue – and are key component of Tencent’s current and future results.  No matter what spin that Tencent wants to place on its other businesses, an FHC represents significant downside risks. Earnings will compress, as capital requirements increase.

Financials & FinTech research, Galliano’s Financials Research

Victor Galliano

Financials & FinTech research

Financials & FinTech, EM & Developed Markets

Galliano’s Financials Research

Galliano's Financials Research provides fundamental research in Emerging Markets financials, including FinTech, as well as financials in select Developed Markets.

The investment style applied is generally value oriented, although Growth At Reasonable Price (GARP) strategies can also be used where appropriate. 

Our investment research approach aim is often contrarian, looking to capitalise on overly sceptical or optimistic consensus views. In terms of valuation techniques, the focus is on PBV ratio to ROE, PE multiples and dividend yield, as well as the application of PEG ratios and, where appropriate, Sum of the Parts (SOTP) valuations.

Alibaba Group Holding  / Equity Bottom-Up

<ul>
<li>PBoC’s regulatory pressure and scrutiny are seemingly coming to a head at <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/ant-group-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:24240:1" rel="noopener">Ant Financial Services Group (6688 HK)</a> </li>
<li>At the China Digital Summit, the disclosure of “co-operation” between Ant Group and regulator implies that PBoC has secured that Ant Group  share their “big data” lake and capabilities with the PBoC</li>
<li>This news regarding big data sharing signals diminishing regulatory risk going forward</li>
<li>Bloomberg Intelligence reported that the Ant Group valuation could be as low as USD29bn; we see this as too bearish, even in the worst case</li>
<li>Even under our “new reality” business valuation, we arrive at an SOTP valuation range – which factors in the cost of capital needs – of USD41bn to USD62bn</li>
<li>We turn constructive on <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/alibaba-group-holding-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:787:1" rel="noopener">Alibaba Group (BABA US)</a>, with a great deal of Ant Group regulatory risk discounted, and given Alibaba’s attractive valuations relative to its peer group</li>
<li>Risks to our constructive view on Alibaba include a bigger than expected capital call as a core shareholder, to capitalise Ant Group’s credit business, and a worse than expected loss of payments market share from e-Yuan introduction</li>
</ul>


PBoC’s regulatory pressure and scrutiny are seemingly coming to a head at Ant Financial Services Group (6688 HK) 
At the China Digital Summit, the disclosure of “co-operation” between Ant Group and regulator implies that PBoC has secured that Ant Group  share their “big data” lake and capabilities with the PBoC
This news regarding big data sharing signals diminishing regulatory risk going forward
Bloomberg Intelligence reported that the Ant Group valuation could be as low as USD29bn; we see this as too bearish, even in the worst case
Even under our “new reality” business valuation, we arrive at an SOTP valuation range – which factors in the cost of capital needs – of USD41bn to USD62bn
We turn constructive on Alibaba Group (BABA US), with a great deal of Ant Group regulatory risk discounted, and given Alibaba’s attractive valuations relative to its peer group
Risks to our constructive view on Alibaba include a bigger than expected capital call as a core shareholder, to capitalise Ant Group’s credit business, and a worse than expected loss of payments market share from e-Yuan introduction


Ant Group-Alibaba (BABA): Are We There Yet?

*Glittering Quarter: Hong Kong Exchanges &amp; Clearing (388.HK) [HKEX] reported 1Q21 earnings of HKD 3.8 bn, improving HKD 915 mn (31.3%) linked quarter. Results were even more impressive when we exclude investment income (declined HKD 363 mn or 43.8% linked quarter) – increasing HKD 1.3 bn (61.0%) to HKD 3.4 bn. Results were highlighted by HKEX’ positive operating jaws, as recurring revenue increased HKD 1.2 bn (28.6%) while operating expenses declined HKD 194 mn (14.5%) over the period;  and*Risks Are Increasing: In addition to an extended valuation when ADT has begun to turn and having a new CEO with no exchange experiences, HKEX needs to contend with the government’s examination of a stamp duty increase and mainland China’s contemplation of a new stock exchange to attract overseas-listed firms (including Hong Kong) which will bolster Shanghai’s status as a global financial center.

*Glittering Quarter: Hong Kong Exchanges &amp; Clearing (388.HK) [HKEX] reported 1Q21 earnings of HKD 3.8 bn, improving HKD 915 mn (31.3%) linked quarter. Results were even more impressive when we exclude investment income (declined HKD 363 mn or 43.8% linked quarter) – increasing HKD 1.3 bn (61.0%) to HKD 3.4 bn. Results were highlighted by HKEX’ positive operating jaws, as recurring revenue increased HKD 1.2 bn (28.6%) while operating expenses declined HKD 194 mn (14.5%) over the period;  and*Risks Are Increasing: In addition to an extended valuation when ADT has begun to turn and having a new CEO with no exchange experiences, HKEX needs to contend with the government’s examination of a stamp duty increase and mainland China’s contemplation of a new stock exchange to attract overseas-listed firms (including Hong Kong) which will bolster Shanghai’s status as a global financial center.

Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing – Golden Quarter, But Risks Are High

Global TMT analyst with Asia ex-Japan focus.

Mitchell Kim

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

<ul>
<li>Our analysis of China retail sales data for 1Q21 shows online retail spending growth has been big.  If I am looking for an entry point, I would look to take a long position now before the earnings rather than after.   </li>
<li>Online sales growth was strongest for apparel, food, then general merchandise and electronics. </li>
<li>Vipshop (apparel) and PDD (food) should be big winners.   </li>
<li>but Alibaba's 54% revenue growth and JD's 34% is not to be brushed aside.  </li>
<li>Find out why I would still prefer to own Alibaba and JD.com over VIPS and PDD. </li>
<li>More details on China retail sales data breakdown, 1Q21 earnings expectations and valuations comparisons provided in this report. </li>
</ul>


Our analysis of China retail sales data for 1Q21 shows online retail spending growth has been big.  If I am looking for an entry point, I would look to take a long position now before the earnings rather than after.   
Online sales growth was strongest for apparel, food, then general merchandise and electronics. 
Vipshop (apparel) and PDD (food) should be big winners.   
but Alibaba's 54% revenue growth and JD's 34% is not to be brushed aside.  
Find out why I would still prefer to own Alibaba and JD.com over VIPS and PDD. 
More details on China retail sales data breakdown, 1Q21 earnings expectations and valuations comparisons provided in this report. 


China E-Commerce: Robust Consumption Data Hints at Online Spending Spree

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.

<ul class="">
<li>The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) began to investigate Meituan.</li>
<li>We believe Meituan must be fined after the investigation.</li>
<li>We also believe Alibaba’s Ele.me will benefit from the investigation and may possibly change its disadvantageous situation.</li>
<li>We set the downside for Meituan between 21% and 23%.</li>
</ul>


The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) began to investigate Meituan.
We believe Meituan must be fined after the investigation.
We also believe Alibaba’s Ele.me will benefit from the investigation and may possibly change its disadvantageous situation.
We set the downside for Meituan between 21% and 23%.


Meituan (3690 HK): Forthcoming Punishment Will Benefit Alibaba

China

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.

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Alibaba Group Holding (BABA US)

Tencent Holdings – Spanking

TENCENT HOLDINGS: Reuters reports that SAMR is preparing to fine Tencent a minimum of CNY 10 bn. Tencent may also have to give up its exclusive...

Thomas J. Monaco

Ant Group-Alibaba (BABA): Are We There Yet?

The level of regulatory pressures and scrutiny on Ant Group impacts its valuation, but it is not as bad as recent estimates suggest; with the worst...

Victor Galliano

Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing – Golden Quarter, But Risks Are High

HONG KONG EXCHANGES & CLEARING: HKEX 1Q21 operating earnings increased 61.0% QOQ, highlighted by positive operating jaws. HKEX needs to contend a...

Thomas J. Monaco

China E-Commerce: Robust Consumption Data Hints at Online Spending Spree

China retail sales data hints at a big online spending quarter. Vipshop and PDD are expected to be big winners, but find out why you should jump...

Mitchell Kim

Meituan (3690 HK): Forthcoming Punishment Will Benefit Alibaba

State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) began to investigate Meituan. We believe penalty must follow. We also believe Alibaba’s Ele.me...

Ming Lu

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