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.

Equity Bottom-Up

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.

Telco/Internet specialist

Kirk Boodry

Redex Research

The more news that comes out, the worse it seems to get for Didi Global. A coalition of regulators descended on Didi headquarters last Friday as the company’s decision to go public despite Cyberspace Administration (CAC) admonishments it should wait have been taken as a challenge to the government. We expect management saw an opportunity to grab a high valuation with super Q1 numbers which in turn was sweetened by a lucrative options award and that may have made them complacent. We don’t know where regulators will take this but we do feel confident in saying that there are no quick fixes here – too many regulators are involved now and it will likely take months for the company to get out from under this level of scrutiny.

The more news that comes out, the worse it seems to get for Didi Global. A coalition of regulators descended on Didi headquarters last Friday as the company’s decision to go public despite Cyberspace Administration (CAC) admonishments it should wait have been taken as a challenge to the government. We expect management saw an opportunity to grab a high valuation with super Q1 numbers which in turn was sweetened by a lucrative options award and that may have made them complacent. We don’t know where regulators will take this but we do feel confident in saying that there are no quick fixes here – too many regulators are involved now and it will likely take months for the company to get out from under this level of scrutiny.

Softbank has been touting Vision Fund’s IPO flywheel for almost all of 2021 but expect that to fade as the reality of China’s crackdown sinks in. It’s stake in Didi is worth $8bn as of Friday down from $10.6bn invested at the parent and $12bn total whilst other recent IPOs (YMM -28% on 23 July, ZME -35%, DDL -8%) are also under pressure. The good news is Vision Fund China assets are &lt;10% of total China exposure and Alibaba has been through the regulatory wringer already. That limits China downside but it does call into question Vision Fund hopes for valuation gains from liquidity events. There is a direct read across with Zuoyebang and VIPThink which are banned from going public whilst three of the largest private investments remaining in Vision Fund 1 (Bytedance, ele.me and Guazi) are likely to remain on the sidelines. We expect the holding company discount is likely to remain in the 44% range.

Softbank has been touting Vision Fund’s IPO flywheel for almost all of 2021 but expect that to fade as the reality of China’s crackdown sinks in. It’s stake in Didi is worth $8bn as of Friday down from $10.6bn invested at the parent and $12bn total whilst other recent IPOs (YMM -28% on 23 July, ZME -35%, DDL -8%) are also under pressure. The good news is Vision Fund China assets are &lt;10% of total China exposure and Alibaba has been through the regulatory wringer already. That limits China downside but it does call into question Vision Fund hopes for valuation gains from liquidity events. There is a direct read across with Zuoyebang and VIPThink which are banned from going public whilst three of the largest private investments remaining in Vision Fund 1 (Bytedance, ele.me and Guazi) are likely to remain on the sidelines. We expect the holding company discount is likely to remain in the 44% range.

Softbank Group - China Has Just Blown a Hole in Vision Fund’s Rapid Listing Theme

China

DiDi Chuxing Inc operates passenger transportation platforms. The Company provides mobility solutions, cloud computing, and other application based services. DiDi Chuxing serves customers worldwide.

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DiDi Global (DIDIY US)

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

Didi Global - Greed Is Not Always Good

Regulatory pressure has exploded and there are no quick fixes – too many regulators are involved and it will take months to get out from this. A...

Kirk Boodry

Softbank Group - China Has Just Blown a Hole in Vision Fund’s Rapid Listing Theme

Softbank has been touting Vision Fund’s IPO flywheel and 4 of 6 recent listings have been Chinese but that is fading as the reality of China’s...

Kirk Boodry

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