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

During the shopping season of the Singles Day:<ul>
<li>Alibaba (BABA)’ GMV up 26% YoY.</li>
<li>JD.com (JD)’ GMV up 33% YoY.</li>
<li>Vipshop (VIPS) released its performance for the first time.</li>
<li>However, Pinduoduo (PDD) refused to release any data.</li>
</ul>

During the shopping season of the Singles Day:
Alibaba (BABA)’ GMV up 26% YoY.
JD.com (JD)’ GMV up 33% YoY.
Vipshop (VIPS) released its performance for the first time.
However, Pinduoduo (PDD) refused to release any data.


China Internet Weekly (9Nov2020): Singles’ Day Performance, BABA, JD, VIPS, PDD

Head of Research, IPOs & Placements, Aequitas Research

Sumeet Singh

Head of Research, IPOs & Placements

Equity Capital Markets

Kuaishou Technology / Equity Capital Markets

<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/beijing-kuaishou-technology-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:29725:1" rel="noopener">Beijing Kuaishou Technology Co Ltd (1496219D CH)</a> (KT) is a content community and social platform. The company is backed by <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/tencent-holdings-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26:1" rel="noopener">Tencent Holdings (700 HK)</a>, Sequoia China, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/baidu-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:179:1" rel="noopener">Baidu (BIDU US)</a>, DST Global, Boyu Capital, Temasek and others. As of six months ended Jun 2020, it had 302m daily active users (DAUs), who spent 85 mins on average on the app every day. It also had 776m monthly active users (MAUs) and total e-commerce GMV of RMB109.6bn. On an average 1.1bn short videos were uploaded on its app during 1H20. As per iResearch, Kuaishou was globally the largest live streaming platform by gross billings from virtual gifting and average live streaming MPUs, the second largest short video platform by average DAUs, and the second largest live streaming e-commerce platform by GMV, over six months ended June 30, 2020.In my earlier note, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/kuaishou-technology-pre-ipo-the-positives-hot-segment-fast-growth" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kuaishou Technology Pre-IPO - The Positives - Hot Segment, fast growth</a>, I spoke about the positive aspects of the deal. In this note, I'll talk about the not so flattering aspects.

Beijing Kuaishou Technology Co Ltd (1496219D CH) (KT) is a content community and social platform. The company is backed by Tencent Holdings (700 HK), Sequoia China, Baidu (BIDU US), DST Global, Boyu Capital, Temasek and others. As of six months ended Jun 2020, it had 302m daily active users (DAUs), who spent 85 mins on average on the app every day. It also had 776m monthly active users (MAUs) and total e-commerce GMV of RMB109.6bn. On an average 1.1bn short videos were uploaded on its app during 1H20. As per iResearch, Kuaishou was globally the largest live streaming platform by gross billings from virtual gifting and average live streaming MPUs, the second largest short video platform by average DAUs, and the second largest live streaming e-commerce platform by GMV, over six months ended June 30, 2020.In my earlier note, Kuaishou Technology Pre-IPO - The Positives - Hot Segment, fast growth, I spoke about the positive aspects of the deal. In this note, I'll talk about the not so flattering aspects.

Kuaishou Technology Pre-IPO - The Negatives - Ample Doubts Remain

Asian Equities Analyst, Logistics & Transport, Tracking Traffic

Daniel Hellberg

Asian Equities Analyst, Logistics & Transport

Tracking Traffic

Focusing on Asian logistics, transportation, and travel companies

In the September quarter, revenue growth at <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>'s logistics arm CaiNiao Network accelerated sharply, as the unit continued to grow faster than Alibaba, total eCommerce sales, and China's express market.How has CaiNiao Network managed to grow so much faster than eCommerce and associated logistics spending, and what does it mean for China's listed express companies?In this note we identify likely drivers of CaiNiao's superior sales momentum. We also explain the threat CaiNiao's strength poses to the five express companies in which Alibaba has invested.In our view, CaiNiao's growth will make it tougher for commodity-type express companies to breathe. These companies are already under pressure from declining margins and rising CapEx requirements. <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/maanshan-dingtai-rare-a" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:4128:1" rel="noopener">S.F. Holding (002352 CH)</a>, which operates mostly outside of Alibaba's orbit and is thus insulated from many of these problems, remains the most attractive name in Chinese express, in our opinion, but <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/best-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:25494:1" rel="noopener">BEST Inc (BEST US)</a> is an interesting play on potential M&amp;A in the sector.

In the September quarter, revenue growth at Alibaba Group (BABA US)'s logistics arm CaiNiao Network accelerated sharply, as the unit continued to grow faster than Alibaba, total eCommerce sales, and China's express market.How has CaiNiao Network managed to grow so much faster than eCommerce and associated logistics spending, and what does it mean for China's listed express companies?In this note we identify likely drivers of CaiNiao's superior sales momentum. We also explain the threat CaiNiao's strength poses to the five express companies in which Alibaba has invested.In our view, CaiNiao's growth will make it tougher for commodity-type express companies to breathe. These companies are already under pressure from declining margins and rising CapEx requirements. S.F. Holding (002352 CH), which operates mostly outside of Alibaba's orbit and is thus insulated from many of these problems, remains the most attractive name in Chinese express, in our opinion, but BEST Inc (BEST US) is an interesting play on potential M&amp;A in the sector. 

As Growth Accelerates, Alibaba's CaiNiao Network Is Pushing Aside Commodity-Type Express Firms

Despite strong volume growth, Chinese express delivery firms <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/ningbo-xinhai-electric-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:10863:1" rel="noopener">Yunda Holding (002120 CH)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/yto-express" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:20319:1" rel="noopener">YTO Express (600233 CH)</a>, and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/zhejiang-idc-fluid-control-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:18695:1" rel="noopener">STO Express (002468 CH)</a> all reported poor earnings results in Q3.
On a combined basis, Gross Margin for these three companies declined by over 500 bps YoY, to just 6.8%. The three companies' combined Gross Margins have fallen by about two-thirds since Q316.
With Operating Cash Flow declining sharply in recent periods, these companies will soon face a tough choice: raise debt or equity capital to fund CapEx, or cut back on investments. The first choice would smother future growth; the latter would undermine long-term competitiveness.
In contrast to the struggles of Yunda, YTO, and STO, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/maanshan-dingtai-rare-a" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:4128:1" rel="noopener">S.F. Holding (002352 CH)</a>'s strategy of moving down-market to increase its share of inter-city parcel volumes continues to generate positive results. We retain our BUY rating on SF Holding on the expectation it can continue to profitably gain express market share in the medium-term.

Despite strong volume growth, Chinese express delivery firms Yunda Holding (002120 CH), YTO Express (600233 CH), and STO Express (002468 CH) all reported poor earnings results in Q3.
On a combined basis, Gross Margin for these three companies declined by over 500 bps YoY, to just 6.8%. The three companies' combined Gross Margins have fallen by about two-thirds since Q316.
With Operating Cash Flow declining sharply in recent periods, these companies will soon face a tough choice: raise debt or equity capital to fund CapEx, or cut back on investments. The first choice would smother future growth; the latter would undermine long-term competitiveness.
In contrast to the struggles of Yunda, YTO, and STO, S.F. Holding (002352 CH)'s strategy of moving down-market to increase its share of inter-city parcel volumes continues to generate positive results. We retain our BUY rating on SF Holding on the expectation it can continue to profitably gain express market share in the medium-term. 

Bad, Worse, & Worst | Ugly Q320 Results from Yunda, YTO Express, & STO Express

Equity Analyst, LightStream Research

Supun Walpola

Equity Analyst

Long-Short Analysis on Japan, Asia and the World

LightStream Research

LightStream conducts quantitatively rigorous and data-driven analysis with a focus on Japan and Asia.

We consistently cover the Tech, Consumer and Industrial sectors, and provide ECM and Events coverage more broadly.

We supplement traditional qualitative insights from company relationships with a robust quantitative foundation that examines as much historical data as is available.
We further refine the accuracy of our insights and calls through the use of alternative data to flesh out current trends, and through a valuation framework that emphasises non-superficial peer group selection and a proper attempt to understand the metrics and changes that have driven security valuations in the past.

Chinese government data for 3Q 2020 suggests that the strong demand for online shopping that was witnessed in the last quarter has somewhat declined with offline shopping taking precedence in the post-lockdown environment. However, we do not view this as particularly negative, rather, growth seems to have only normalised to the pre-pandemic level. Moreover, a YoY improvement in online retail penetration suggests that the Chinese e-commerce landscape is still fairly attractive, despite decelerating growth.Nevertheless, revenue growth of top e-commerce players such as <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>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/jd-com-inc-adr" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:446:1" rel="noopener">JD.com Inc (ADR) (JD US)</a>, and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/pinduoduo-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27250:1" rel="noopener">Pinduoduo (PDD US)</a> are expected to decline in 3Q 2020 compared to the strong last quarter. However, the market may have already accounted for this, as consensus revenue estimates are not very different to our revenue estimates based on government e-commerce data.

Chinese government data for 3Q 2020 suggests that the strong demand for online shopping that was witnessed in the last quarter has somewhat declined with offline shopping taking precedence in the post-lockdown environment. However, we do not view this as particularly negative, rather, growth seems to have only normalised to the pre-pandemic level. Moreover, a YoY improvement in online retail penetration suggests that the Chinese e-commerce landscape is still fairly attractive, despite decelerating growth.Nevertheless, revenue growth of top e-commerce players such as Alibaba Group (BABA US), JD.com Inc (ADR) (JD US), and Pinduoduo (PDD US) are expected to decline in 3Q 2020 compared to the strong last quarter. However, the market may have already accounted for this, as consensus revenue estimates are not very different to our revenue estimates based on government e-commerce data. 

China E-Commerce [Alt Data]: Alibaba/JD/PDD’s Strong 2Q Growth to Decline in 3Q, But Expected

China

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.

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PDD Holdings (PDD US)

China Internet Weekly (9Nov2020): Singles’ Day Performance, BABA, JD, VIPS, PDD

During the shopping season of the Singles Day: Alibaba ’ GMV up 26% YoY. JD.com’ GMV up 33% YoY. Vipshop released its performance for the first...

Ming Lu

Kuaishou Technology Pre-IPO - The Negatives - Ample Doubts Remain

Kuaishou Technology is a content community and social platform. The company is backed by Tencent Holdings (700 HK), Sequoia China, Baidu (BIDU US),...

Sumeet Singh

As Growth Accelerates, Alibaba's CaiNiao Network Is Pushing Aside Commodity-Type Express Firms

Amid a price war in China's express sector, the dramatic growth of Alibaba's logistics arm CaiNiao Network is adding to existing pressure on most...

Tracking Traffic

Bad, Worse, & Worst | Ugly Q320 Results from Yunda, YTO Express, & STO Express

Despite strong volume growth, a price war decimated earnngs for at least three of China's express delivery companies in Q3. Soon these companies...

Tracking Traffic

China E-Commerce [Alt Data]: Alibaba/JD/PDD’s Strong 2Q Growth to Decline in 3Q, But Expected

Revenue growth of top Chinese e-commerce players are expected to decline in 3Q 2020 compared to the strong last quarter based on government e...

Supun Walpola

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