Global TMT analyst with Asia ex-Japan focus.

Mitchell Kim

Equity Bottom-Up

Investors' concerns over increasingly expanding regulatory restrictions and the potential market intervention led to a rout of Chinese tech and education stocks over the last several trading sessions. The select 9 Chinese tech stocks I follow collectively lost USD320 billion in value over 20 July to 27 July.  While some of the regulatory risks were known from March 2021, ramifications of the potential value-destroying restrictions on the education companies, termination of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/tencent-music-entertainment" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27255:1" rel="noopener">Tencent Music (TME US)'s</a> exclusive rights, and the suspension of new user registration for <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/tencent-holdings-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26:1" rel="noopener">Tencent (700 HK)</a>'s Wechat spook the market. Tencent's market cap has declined 19% during the seven-day period, which cannot be fully explained by the potential value lost from the recently announced regulatory measures, in my view.  Back in April (see <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 pointed out that Tencent shares could be overvalued by 20% on fintech risk alone.  The shares are down nearly 30% since then. I now believe the shares could be undervalued by 10%, notwithstanding the undefined regulatory risks ahead.  Having said that, catching a falling knife is not for the faint-hearted. These stocks rebounded on the US Wednesday trading session, possibly reflecting the sentiment "enough is enough." Bloomberg reported that the securities regulator assured select investment bankers that the education policies are not to be for other industries.     In this report, I summarize the announced regulatory events this year to date and share my thoughts on why the market may be over discounting Tencent's value by looking at the potential value impact of Tencent's fintech value (a reiteration from the April report) and the impact of the value decline of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/didi-chuxing-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27467:1" rel="noopener">DiDi Chuxing (DIDI US)</a> and Tencent Music.

Investors' concerns over increasingly expanding regulatory restrictions and the potential market intervention led to a rout of Chinese tech and education stocks over the last several trading sessions. The select 9 Chinese tech stocks I follow collectively lost USD320 billion in value over 20 July to 27 July.  While some of the regulatory risks were known from March 2021, ramifications of the potential value-destroying restrictions on the education companies, termination of Tencent Music (TME US)'s exclusive rights, and the suspension of new user registration for Tencent (700 HK)'s Wechat spook the market. Tencent's market cap has declined 19% during the seven-day period, which cannot be fully explained by the potential value lost from the recently announced regulatory measures, in my view.  Back in April (see Tencent (700 HK): Fintech Risk Is Lurking) I pointed out that Tencent shares could be overvalued by 20% on fintech risk alone.  The shares are down nearly 30% since then. I now believe the shares could be undervalued by 10%, notwithstanding the undefined regulatory risks ahead.  Having said that, catching a falling knife is not for the faint-hearted. These stocks rebounded on the US Wednesday trading session, possibly reflecting the sentiment "enough is enough." Bloomberg reported that the securities regulator assured select investment bankers that the education policies are not to be for other industries.     In this report, I summarize the announced regulatory events this year to date and share my thoughts on why the market may be over discounting Tencent's value by looking at the potential value impact of Tencent's fintech value (a reiteration from the April report) and the impact of the value decline of DiDi Chuxing (DIDI US) and Tencent Music.          

Tencent (700 HK): When to Catch a Falling Knife

Equity Analyst, LightStream Research

Oshadhi Kumarasiri

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.

After trading sideways during May/June 2021, bulls got excited as <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/alibaba-group" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28434:1" rel="noopener">Alibaba Group (9988 HK)</a> rallied by 10% in the last week of June to $229.4 per share. Unfortunately, the joy was cut short, as Xi Jinping’s government went back on the offence with a broadened crackdown on tech platforms, especially the US-listed Chinese tech companies like the recent ride-sharing IPO <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/didi-chuxing-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27467:1" rel="noopener">DiDi Chuxing (DIDI US)</a>. As a result, Alibaba’s share price dropped 15% to a new 52 week low. Before the dust settled the Chinese government introduced reforms to private education companies, preventing them from making profits from the after-school tutoring businesses.We believe all of these interventions are messages about the direction of the government policy over the next few years and the government’s effort to bring equality through preventing monopolistic behaviour and address cybersecurity, data collection and privacy concerns could be broader policies of Xi Jinping’s government as the Chinese economy enters a new era of growth.New economy stocks like Alibaba, Tencent, Vipshop and JD.com have never gone through a period of time that’s even remotely similar to the time frame it is about to go through in the next few years.Therefore, we think bottom fishing Chinese e-commerce stocks during this regulatory crackdown and economic policy transition could be of high risk unless they get to a point where they are bargains on price to book multiples.In this insight, we discuss some important points to make a note of, if you are considering bottom fishing Alibaba, one of the safest Chinese tech stocks in the market.

After trading sideways during May/June 2021, bulls got excited as Alibaba Group (9988 HK) rallied by 10% in the last week of June to $229.4 per share. Unfortunately, the joy was cut short, as Xi Jinping’s government went back on the offence with a broadened crackdown on tech platforms, especially the US-listed Chinese tech companies like the recent ride-sharing IPO DiDi Chuxing (DIDI US). As a result, Alibaba’s share price dropped 15% to a new 52 week low. Before the dust settled the Chinese government introduced reforms to private education companies, preventing them from making profits from the after-school tutoring businesses.We believe all of these interventions are messages about the direction of the government policy over the next few years and the government’s effort to bring equality through preventing monopolistic behaviour and address cybersecurity, data collection and privacy concerns could be broader policies of Xi Jinping’s government as the Chinese economy enters a new era of growth.New economy stocks like Alibaba, Tencent, Vipshop and JD.com have never gone through a period of time that’s even remotely similar to the time frame it is about to go through in the next few years.Therefore, we think bottom fishing Chinese e-commerce stocks during this regulatory crackdown and economic policy transition could be of high risk unless they get to a point where they are bargains on price to book multiples.In this insight, we discuss some important points to make a note of, if you are considering bottom fishing Alibaba, one of the safest Chinese tech stocks in the market.

Few Points to Consider Before Bottom Fishing Chinese Tech

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.

<ul>
<li>The market is looking for a signal of an easing of regulatory pressures on China BigTech</li>
<li>
<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> is in the eye of the regulatory storm, first with the crackdown on the Ant IPO, then with the anti-trust restrictions on Big Tech and more recently with China regulatory bodies focusing on US listed China tech</li>
<li>The share price is now close to the pandemic low of March 2020, having fallen a further 20% since the end of April</li>
<li>Alibaba valuations are compelling, even versus its China BigTech peers, and, less surprisingly, compared to <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/amazon-com-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:409:1" rel="noopener">Amazon.com Inc (AMZN US)</a>
</li>
<li>Alibaba’s market capitalization to revenue discount to its core peers has narrowed somewhat, as Chinese regulators have extended their focus on BigTech beyond the Alibaba group, but remains elevated</li>
<li>Furthermore, Alibaba’s premium to Amazon in terms of market capitalization to revenue has totally dissipated</li>
<li>We stick with our positive view on Alibaba and we believe that, even though regulatory risks have yet to recede, the secular growth story - albeit dented - in China tech still holds and that in the case of Alibaba, its modest valuations stand out</li>
<li>Risks to our positive view on Alibaba include further regulatory hurdles, such as market share limitations and tighter controls on big data, as well as client loss as a result of these regulatory limitations</li>
</ul>


The market is looking for a signal of an easing of regulatory pressures on China BigTech

Alibaba Group (BABA US) is in the eye of the regulatory storm, first with the crackdown on the Ant IPO, then with the anti-trust restrictions on Big Tech and more recently with China regulatory bodies focusing on US listed China tech
The share price is now close to the pandemic low of March 2020, having fallen a further 20% since the end of April
Alibaba valuations are compelling, even versus its China BigTech peers, and, less surprisingly, compared to Amazon.com Inc (AMZN US)

Alibaba’s market capitalization to revenue discount to its core peers has narrowed somewhat, as Chinese regulators have extended their focus on BigTech beyond the Alibaba group, but remains elevated
Furthermore, Alibaba’s premium to Amazon in terms of market capitalization to revenue has totally dissipated
We stick with our positive view on Alibaba and we believe that, even though regulatory risks have yet to recede, the secular growth story - albeit dented - in China tech still holds and that in the case of Alibaba, its modest valuations stand out
Risks to our positive view on Alibaba include further regulatory hurdles, such as market share limitations and tighter controls on big data, as well as client loss as a result of these regulatory limitations


Alibaba (BABA US) – Looking for a Reprieve from Regulatory Headwinds

Silver Point

Thomas J. Monaco

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

*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.

Pan-Asia Index Rebalances/ Events/ Delta One, Periscope Analytics

Brian Freitas

Pan-Asia Index Rebalances/ Events/ Delta One

Event-Driven

<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/li-auto-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28812:1" rel="noopener">Li Auto Inc. (LI US)</a> has got approval from the <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hong-kong-exchanges-clearing" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:490:1" rel="noopener">HKEX (388 HK)</a> for a dual primary listing. Media reports indicate that the company could raise between US$1bn-2bn in the offering. Based on the <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/xpeng-inc-4cc65854-d10c-4d20-bf7e-ca0e016715ff" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:33772:1" rel="noopener">XPeng (9868 HK)</a> timeline, Li Auto could list around 6-9 August.<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/xpeng-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:29217:1" rel="noopener">Xpeng (XPEV US)</a> / <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/xpeng-inc-4cc65854-d10c-4d20-bf7e-ca0e016715ff" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:33772:1" rel="noopener">XPeng (9868 HK)</a> raised US$1.8bn via a dual primary listing earlier this month and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/li-auto-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28812:1" rel="noopener">Li Auto Inc. (LI US)</a> is following closely behind. Maybe <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/nio-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27399:1" rel="noopener">NIO Inc (NIO US)</a> comes next.We expect <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/li-auto-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28812:1" rel="noopener">Li Auto Inc. (LI US)</a> to get Fast Entry to the Hang Seng Composite Index (HSCI) though, as a WVR security, the stock will only be eligible for Stock Connect once it has completed 6 months of listing plus 20 trading days.Li Auto could also be included in the <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hang-seng-china-enterprises-index" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22900:1" rel="noopener">Hang Seng China Enterprises Index (HSCEI INDEX)</a> at the December review. This will lead to a further drop in the HSCEI 2022 dividend futures since we do not expect <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/li-auto-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28812:1" rel="noopener">Li Auto Inc. (LI US)</a> to pay dividends in the near future, while the potential deletion is a higher dividend yielding stock.

Li Auto Inc. (LI US) has got approval from the HKEX (388 HK) for a dual primary listing. Media reports indicate that the company could raise between US$1bn-2bn in the offering. Based on the XPeng (9868 HK) timeline, Li Auto could list around 6-9 August.Xpeng (XPEV US) / XPeng (9868 HK) raised US$1.8bn via a dual primary listing earlier this month and Li Auto Inc. (LI US) is following closely behind. Maybe NIO Inc (NIO US) comes next.We expect Li Auto Inc. (LI US) to get Fast Entry to the Hang Seng Composite Index (HSCI) though, as a WVR security, the stock will only be eligible for Stock Connect once it has completed 6 months of listing plus 20 trading days.Li Auto could also be included in the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index (HSCEI INDEX) at the December review. This will lead to a further drop in the HSCEI 2022 dividend futures since we do not expect Li Auto Inc. (LI US) to pay dividends in the near future, while the potential deletion is a higher dividend yielding stock.

Li Auto (LI US) Dual Primary Listing: HSCI Fast Entry; HSCEI Dec Inclusion & Div Futures Lower

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 (9988 HK)

Tencent (700 HK): When to Catch a Falling Knife

Chinese tech stocks are reeling from the latest regulatory announcements. Tencent fell 19% in 7 days. Is the time ripe to catch a falling knife?...

Mitchell Kim

Few Points to Consider Before Bottom Fishing Chinese Tech

We think bottom fishing Chinese e-commerce stocks during this regulatory crackdown and economic policy transition could be of high risk unless they...

Oshadhi Kumarasiri

Alibaba (BABA US) – Looking for a Reprieve from Regulatory Headwinds

Alibaba remains in the Chinese regulators' sights, with the share price falling further in 3Q21; yet its valuations, relative to its China peers,...

Victor Galliano

Tencent Holdings – Only The Beginning

TENCENT: Mainland China appears to have taken action against Tencent, with suspension of WeChat new user registrations. Tencent is expected pay a...

Thomas J. Monaco

Li Auto (LI US) Dual Primary Listing: HSCI Fast Entry; HSCEI Dec Inclusion & Div Futures Lower

Li Auto is looking to dual-primary list in HK. The stock should get Fast Entry to the HSCI and join Southbound Stock Connect in Q1 2022. Li Auto...

Brian Freitas

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