Chinese tech giant Tencent on Thursday released a new AI model that it claims can answer queries faster than global hit DeepSeek-R1, in the latest sign the startup's domestic and overseas success is putting pressure on its larger competitors in China.
Tencent remains a "Buy" due to its strong economic moat, solid growth prospects, and reasonable valuation despite recent stock price increases. China's macroeconomic outlook shows signs of improvement, with GDP growth expected to be 4.6% in 2025, potentially leading to a long-term bull market. Tencent's Q3 2024 results show solid growth with revenue up 8.1% YoY, operating profit up 20.3% YoY, and free cash flow up 14.5% YoY.
Asian markets diverge: Hang Seng rebounds on AI strength, Nikkei climbs on GDP data, but ASX 200 drops as RBA rate cut uncertainty lingers.
Shares of Tencent were set to open up 6.6% on Monday after the company said its Weixin messaging app has launched beta testing with Deepseek as firms race to link up with China's rising artificial intelligence start-up.
Tencent said its Weixin app's search function is beta testing access to DeepSeek, a major move by the country's dominant messaging app as firms race to link up with China's rising artificial intelligence start-up.
A U.S. district court has awarded Tencent nearly $85 million in compensation after finding that Taiwan-based TV box firm Unblock Tech and other distributors violated copyrights of video content developed by the Chinese tech giant.
Tencent's WeChat is a central hub in China, driving multiple revenue streams and offering a significant moat that Western tech giants envy. I prefer investing in Tencent through Prosus, which offers a discounted entry and benefits from Dutch tax laws and strategic buybacks. Prosus' double-buyback strategy enhances value creation by selling Tencent shares to repurchase its own undervalued shares, creating a compelling investment opportunity.
Ubisoft cut its 2024-2025 fiscal year guidance due to poor management execution and game launch delays, notably Assassin's Creed Shadows. Tencent is a likely buyer for Ubisoft, with the appointment of lead advisors indicating the deal is beyond the exploratory stage. Acquiring Ubisoft could add RMB 4bn to Tencent's gaming revenue, addressing its innovation challenges and aging IP portfolio.
Tencent shares present a buying opportunity despite U.S. blacklisting, as the company's fundamentals remain strong and minimally reliant on U.S. capital or technology. Tencent's aggressive buyback of HK$1.5 billion during the price drop demonstrates confidence and aims to capitalize on temporary price pressure. Strong financial performance with 7% revenue growth and 24% operating income increase, highlighting efficiency and profit expansion momentum into 2025.
Tencent's strong social media and fintech segments, coupled with a positive gross profit trend, underline favorable business trends. TCEHY's core value-added services and fintech segment are driving significant revenue and gross profit growth. The Company's valuation is highly attractive, trading at a low forward P/E ratio of 11.0x, and the company generates billions of dollars each quarter in free cash flow.
Eugene Hsiao, head of China equity strategy at Macquarie Capital, says "my best guess here is Tencent and CATL are not major suppliers to the U.S. military, hence the economic risk for them in the near term is fairly minimal, but I do think the 'oh no' moment really comes if this expands."
Prosus N.V. stock trades at a significant discount to its NAV, which primarily consists of Tencent Holdings Limited shares. Tencent itself has underperformed recently, meaning that Prosus potentially offers a “double discount” opportunity for value investors. I don't think Prosus can eliminate its NAV discount any time soon, but moves such as the Despegar.com acquisition are incrementally small steps in the right direction.