Global TMT analyst with Asia ex-Japan focus.

Mitchell Kim

Equity Bottom-Up

<ul>
<li>While Tencent’s 25% YoY total revenue growth in 1Q21 was respectable, <strong>extended slow online games revenue growth increases the downside risk for the stock</strong>, in my view.  In 2018, Tencent's share price fell from the peak of HKD470 to nearly HKD250 as game revenue growth fell from 30%+ to single digits. </li>
<li> I flagged that <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/tencent-holdings-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26:1" rel="noopener">Tencent (700 HK)</a> will not be able to sustain the 30-40% YoY game revenue growth in my report, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/tencent-700-hk-taking-foot-off-the-pedal" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:49643" rel="noopener">Tencent (700 HK): Taking Foot Off the Pedal</a>, after Tencent’s 4Q20 results on 25 March 2021. <strong> In 1Q21, Tencent’s total online game revenue (including smartphone revenues in social media) growth decelerated to 15% YoY</strong>, the lowest rate since 3Q19. </li>
<li>
<strong>Games revenue growth remains a key share price driver</strong> because the segment still contributes 64% of the total gross profit (Game business is the majority of VAS segment) even though it only makes up 40% of the total revenues.</li>
<li> <strong>Added to the game revenue slowdown risk, the Fintech restructuring risk is still looming.</strong> In my Tencent report, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/tencent-700-hk-fintech-risk-is-lurking" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:50512" rel="noopener">Tencent (700 HK): Fintech Risk Is Lurking</a>, I noted that stricter consumer loan and asset management regulation will adversely impact Tencent shares more than Alibaba because of Tencent’s greater ownership of its fintech business.      </li>
<li>
<strong>The saving grace for Tencent in 1Q21 was fintech and cloud businesses.</strong>  Fintech and business services (incl Cloud) was the largest growth driver in 1Q21.  However, FinTech Service revenue growth benefitted from the comparison with the stay-at-home law impacted 1Q20.  </li>
<li>
<strong>Tencent's 1Q21 results were broadly at par with <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/netease-inc-adr" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:17203:1" rel="noopener">NetEase Inc (NTES US)</a> but underperformed e-commerce platforms' results</strong> -- <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/vipshop-holdings-ltd-adr" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:1088:1" rel="noopener">Vipshop Holdings (VIPS US)</a> -- on revenue, gross profit and operating profit (normalized) growth.  </li>
</ul>


While Tencent’s 25% YoY total revenue growth in 1Q21 was respectable, extended slow online games revenue growth increases the downside risk for the stock, in my view.  In 2018, Tencent's share price fell from the peak of HKD470 to nearly HKD250 as game revenue growth fell from 30%+ to single digits. 
 I flagged that Tencent (700 HK) will not be able to sustain the 30-40% YoY game revenue growth in my report, Tencent (700 HK): Taking Foot Off the Pedal, after Tencent’s 4Q20 results on 25 March 2021.  In 1Q21, Tencent’s total online game revenue (including smartphone revenues in social media) growth decelerated to 15% YoY, the lowest rate since 3Q19. 

Games revenue growth remains a key share price driver because the segment still contributes 64% of the total gross profit (Game business is the majority of VAS segment) even though it only makes up 40% of the total revenues.
 Added to the game revenue slowdown risk, the Fintech restructuring risk is still looming. In my Tencent report, Tencent (700 HK): Fintech Risk Is Lurking, I noted that stricter consumer loan and asset management regulation will adversely impact Tencent shares more than Alibaba because of Tencent’s greater ownership of its fintech business.      

The saving grace for Tencent in 1Q21 was fintech and cloud businesses.  Fintech and business services (incl Cloud) was the largest growth driver in 1Q21.  However, FinTech Service revenue growth benefitted from the comparison with the stay-at-home law impacted 1Q20.  

Tencent's 1Q21 results were broadly at par with NetEase Inc (NTES US) but underperformed e-commerce platforms' results -- Alibaba Group (BABA US), JD.com Inc (ADR) (JD US), and Vipshop Holdings (VIPS US) -- on revenue, gross profit and operating profit (normalized) growth.  


Tencent (700 HK): Take a Deep Breath and Reassess: Online Game Growth Is Slowing

<ul>
<li>
<strong>There are only a few large cap stocks in Asia that can deliver on 30%+ revenue growth and trade at 1x P/Sales (TTM)</strong> and forward P/E of 40x (on consensus estimate). <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> just happens to be one of them.  </li>
<li>
<strong>JD reported the highest topline growth</strong> (39% YoY) in the last 5 years, aided by the explosive JD Logistics and marketplace revenue growth.  The stock still trades at 34% below the peak in March. </li>
<li>JD's product revenue growth was 35% YoY, outpacing the China over all online physical goods sales growth of 32%.  This suggests <strong>JD is gaining market share. </strong>I highlight this trend in my report, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/china-e-commerce-robust-consumption-data-hints-at-online-spending-spree" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:50798" rel="noopener">China E-Commerce: Robust Consumption Data Hints at Online Spending Spree</a>.  </li>
<li>
<strong>Some may be concerned over operating margin declining, but I remain constructive as the core business (JD Retail) operating margin hit 4%</strong>, second highest level in its history.  However, total Non-GAAP operating profit margin declined to 1.7% from 2.2% in 1Q20.  This was due to investments in JD Logistics capacity and in new businesses -- Jingxi, cloud and AI.  </li>
<li>Risk: The market may hold back its enthusiasm as lower revenue growth relative to 1Q21 is estimated in 2Q21 because of the skewed growth in 2Q20.  Management stressed that similar growth is expected for 1H21 compared to 1Q20.  </li>
</ul>



There are only a few large cap stocks in Asia that can deliver on 30%+ revenue growth and trade at 1x P/Sales (TTM) and forward P/E of 40x (on consensus estimate). JD.com Inc (ADR) (JD US) just happens to be one of them.  

JD reported the highest topline growth (39% YoY) in the last 5 years, aided by the explosive JD Logistics and marketplace revenue growth.  The stock still trades at 34% below the peak in March. 
JD's product revenue growth was 35% YoY, outpacing the China over all online physical goods sales growth of 32%.  This suggests JD is gaining market share. I highlight this trend in my report, China E-Commerce: Robust Consumption Data Hints at Online Spending Spree.  

Some may be concerned over operating margin declining, but I remain constructive as the core business (JD Retail) operating margin hit 4%, second highest level in its history.  However, total Non-GAAP operating profit margin declined to 1.7% from 2.2% in 1Q20.  This was due to investments in JD Logistics capacity and in new businesses -- Jingxi, cloud and AI.  
Risk: The market may hold back its enthusiasm as lower revenue growth relative to 1Q21 is estimated in 2Q21 because of the skewed growth in 2Q20.  Management stressed that similar growth is expected for 1H21 compared to 1Q20.  


JD.com (JD US): Robust Growth, Impressive Core Profit

APAC IPOs & Placements

Zhen Zhou, Toh

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.

Event-Driven

<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/jd-logistics" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:31500:1" rel="noopener">JD Logistics (JDL HK)</a> is looking to raise US$4bn in its upcoming Hong Kong IPO and JD.com holds an 81% stake in the company prior to the IPO.</p><p>In this note, we will look at the impact of JD Logistics’ IPO on JD.com’s valuation.</p><p>We had previously covered JD Logistics IPO in:</p><ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/jd-logistics-pre-ipo-peer-comparison-shielded-from-price-war" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:50575" rel="noopener">JD Logistics (京东物流) Pre-IPO - Peer Comparison - Shielded from Price War</a> </li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/jd-logistics-pre-ipo-tethered-to-jd-group-and-looking-beyond" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:48396" rel="noopener">JD Logistics (京东物流) Pre-IPO - Tethered to JD Group and Looking Beyond</a> </li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/jd-logistics-pre-ipo-thoughts-on-valuation" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:50953" rel="noopener">JD Logistics (京东物流) Pre-IPO - Thoughts on Valuation</a> </li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/jd-logistics-pre-ipo-phip-updates-and-fine-tuning-valuation" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:51008" rel="noopener">JD Logistics (京东物流) Pre-IPO - PHIP Updates and Fine-Tuning Valuation</a> </li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/jd-logistics-pre-ipo-index-implications-it-will-cut-close" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:51054" rel="noopener">JD Logistics (京东物流) Pre-IPO - Index Implications - It Will Cut Close</a> </li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/jd-logistics-pre-ipo-bull-bear-case-valuation-sensitivity" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:51105" rel="noopener">JD Logistics (京东物流) Pre-IPO - Bull/Bear Case + Valuation Sensitivity</a> </li>
</ul>

JD Logistics (JDL HK) is looking to raise US$4bn in its upcoming Hong Kong IPO and JD.com holds an 81% stake in the company prior to the IPO.In this note, we will look at the impact of JD Logistics’ IPO on JD.com’s valuation.We had previously covered JD Logistics IPO in:

JD Logistics (京东物流) Pre-IPO - Peer Comparison - Shielded from Price War 

JD Logistics (京东物流) Pre-IPO - Tethered to JD Group and Looking Beyond 

JD Logistics (京东物流) Pre-IPO - Thoughts on Valuation 

JD Logistics (京东物流) Pre-IPO - PHIP Updates and Fine-Tuning Valuation 

JD Logistics (京东物流) Pre-IPO - Index Implications - It Will Cut Close 

JD Logistics (京东物流) Pre-IPO - Bull/Bear Case + Valuation Sensitivity 


JD.com (京东) HoldCo Valuation Quick Note - Impact of JD Logistics (京东物流) IPO

IPOs and Catalysts/Events, Global Equity Research Ltd

Arun George

IPOs and Catalysts/Events

Uncompromised, Independent, Conflict-Free Research

Global Equity Research Ltd

Global Equity Research was started in 2017 by a group of experienced research professionals. It was founded on a passionate belief in the importance and the need for uncompromised, independent, conflict-free research. We aim to provide differentiated and actionable primary and bottom up fundamental research.

Equity Capital Markets

<div><p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/waterdrop-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:33018:1" rel="noopener">Waterdrop Inc (WDH US)</a> is the largest independent third-party insurance platform in China as measured by life and health insurance first-year premiums (FYP) distributed in 2020, according to iResearch. Waterdrop 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>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/swiss-re-ag-1f83dcbc-730e-46fa-82f2-bfe7e8e361a1" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27914:1" rel="noopener">Swiss Re AG (SREN SW)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/meituan-dianping" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26970:1" rel="noopener">Meituan (3690 HK)</a>.</p></div><div><p>At the mid-point of the proposed IPO price range of $10.00-12.00 per ADS, Waterdrop will have a market cap of $4.3 billion. At the mid-point of the IPO price range, the net proceeds are $301.6 million. New and existing shareholders have indicated on $210 million of the IPO, including Boyu Capital ($100 million), HOPU Investments (at least $80 million), and Kevin Sunny Holding ($30 million). The indications of interest represent 63.6% of the ADSs on offer at the mid-point of the IPO price range.</p></div><div><div><div class="content-highlight"><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/waterdrop-ipo-initiation-going-for-brokers" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:50610" rel="noopener">Waterdrop IPO Initiation: Going for Brokers</a>, we opined that as a leading online third-party insurance broker, Waterdrop is well-positioned to benefit from favourable industry trends. The key unknown is whether the changing regulations will throw a spanner in the works. Notwithstanding the regulatory overhang, we concluded that Waterdrop is worth a look. Our analysis suggests that the IPO price range is full at the high-end but has some upside at the low-end. </p></div></div></div>

Waterdrop Inc (WDH US) is the largest independent third-party insurance platform in China as measured by life and health insurance first-year premiums (FYP) distributed in 2020, according to iResearch. Waterdrop is backed by Tencent Holdings (700 HK), Swiss Re AG (SREN SW) and Meituan (3690 HK).At the mid-point of the proposed IPO price range of $10.00-12.00 per ADS, Waterdrop will have a market cap of $4.3 billion. At the mid-point of the IPO price range, the net proceeds are $301.6 million. New and existing shareholders have indicated on $210 million of the IPO, including Boyu Capital ($100 million), HOPU Investments (at least $80 million), and Kevin Sunny Holding ($30 million). The indications of interest represent 63.6% of the ADSs on offer at the mid-point of the IPO price range.In Waterdrop IPO Initiation: Going for Brokers, we opined that as a leading online third-party insurance broker, Waterdrop is well-positioned to benefit from favourable industry trends. The key unknown is whether the changing regulations will throw a spanner in the works. Notwithstanding the regulatory overhang, we concluded that Waterdrop is worth a look. Our analysis suggests that the IPO price range is full at the high-end but has some upside at the low-end. 

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

China

Vipshop Holdings Ltd. retails branded products at discount over the Internet. The Company retails through flash sales, in which limited quantities of an item are sold at deep discount for a specified period of time.

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Vipshop Holdings (VIPS US)

Tencent (700 HK): Take a Deep Breath and Reassess: Online Game Growth Is Slowing

Tencent's online game revenue growth slowed to 15% YoY. The stock nearly halved in 2018 when the growth rate fell to single digits. Can it happen...

Mitchell Kim

JD.com (JD US): Robust Growth, Impressive Core Profit

When a USD115 billion revenue company is growing 39% YoY and core business operating margin improving 27 bps to 4%, it is hard to sit on the fence....

Mitchell Kim

JD.com (京东) HoldCo Valuation Quick Note - Impact of JD Logistics (京东物流) IPO

JD Logistics (JDL HK) is looking to raise US$4bn in its upcoming Hong Kong IPO and JD.com holds an 81% stake in the company prior to the IPO.

Zhen Zhou, Toh

Waterdrop IPO: Valuation Insights

Waterdrop has launched its IPO to raise net proceeds of $301.6 million at the mid-point of the price range of $10-12. The price range is full at...

Arun George

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

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