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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

*What’s Up With WeChat: Mainland China appears to have taken additional action against Tencent Holdings (700.HK) [Tencent], following Monday’s regulatory edict. Tencent is suspending new user registrations for its WeChat services, as it is undergoing a “security technical upgrade” in accordance with relevant laws and regulations. WeChat is Tencent’s most important business, and dominates mainland Chinese social media; and *Pain Trade Coming:Tencent is widely expected pay a large fine. In addition, Tencent may have to give up its exclusive music rights and possibly dispose of Kuwo and Kugou. Further, we have 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 for full year 2020, FinTech represents a growing 28.8% of revenue – and is a key and growing 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.

*What’s Up With WeChat: Mainland China appears to have taken additional action against Tencent Holdings (700.HK) [Tencent], following Monday’s regulatory edict. Tencent is suspending new user registrations for its WeChat services, as it is undergoing a “security technical upgrade” in accordance with relevant laws and regulations. WeChat is Tencent’s most important business, and dominates mainland Chinese social media; and *Pain Trade Coming:Tencent is widely expected pay a large fine. In addition, Tencent may have to give up its exclusive music rights and possibly dispose of Kuwo and Kugou. Further, we have 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 for full year 2020, FinTech represents a growing 28.8% of revenue – and is a key and growing 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.

Tencent

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