Daily Equities Bottom-Up: Tesla Motors Inc: Come Hell or High Water and more

In this briefing:

1. Tesla Motors Inc: Come Hell or High Water
2. FutureBright (703 HK): Typhoon Dampens 3Q Results
3. Nintendo: Is the Hype Surrounding the Switch Slowly Dying Down?

1. Tesla Motors Inc: Come Hell or High Water

It is our view, that come hell or high-water, in 2019, Tesla Motors (TSLA US) will establish itself as the pre-eminent large-cap growth stock. Those that are short would cover the position at a loss and those that are long are looking at another Apple Inc (AAPL US) or Amazon.com Inc (AMZN US) in the making. The ride may be volatile, but will be worth it. 

2. FutureBright (703 HK): Typhoon Dampens 3Q Results

We recently met with management to discuss the company’s 3Q results and outlook for the coming year.

There was clear disappointment that goals for 2018 had not been achieved: rising opex dampened the recovery in EBITDA, despite solid SSSg, the Hengqin Land sale is racked with yet further delays, and the key rental property is still untenanted. That said, we feel much of the frustration is due to positive outcomes on all front being just around the corner.

This note aims to give a brief update on the key pillars forming our thesis.

3. Nintendo: Is the Hype Surrounding the Switch Slowly Dying Down?

Nintendo reported their 2QFY03/19 in October with results showing growth at both the top line and bottom line albeit not living up to consensus expectations. Top line grew by 4.0% YoY to JPY388.9bn in 1H03/19 while OP grew by 53.9% YoY to JPY61.4bn. OP in the last quarter (2QFY03/19) was the second highest the company has experienced over the last five years. This growth has been mainly driven by the sales of Nintendo Switch hardware which sold just over 5m units in 1HFY03/19. However, YoY growth remained at 3.4% compared to 4.9m units sold in 1HFY03/18. This has left investors worried about Nintendo’s aggressive target of selling 20m units of the Switch for FY03/19. Of this target, the company has managed to achieve only around 25.0% in 1H. Nintendo’s financial performance follows a seasonal trend with the December quarter showing stronger performance due to increased sales during Christmas. While the company’s current quarter is likely to show strong results, we remain skeptical about the company reaching the aforementioned target for FY03/19.

Switch Sales Have Caused an Improvement in Nintendo’s OP….

….Despite a Slowdown in the Growth of Units Sales

Nintendo’s Last Quarter Has Also Failed to Live Up To Consensus Expectations