Core Viewpoint - Tongcheng Travel's performance is steadily growing driven by the release of public travel demand, AI technology revolution, and global expansion [1][4] Financial Performance - In Q1 2025, Tongcheng Travel achieved revenue of 4.377 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 13.2%; adjusted EBITDA reached 1.159 billion yuan, up 41.3% [2][3] - The company reported a 40% year-on-year increase in international ticket sales and a 50% increase in international hotel night stays [2] Business Segments - The three core business segments of transportation, accommodation, and vacation all experienced double-digit growth in Q1 2025, with transportation revenue increasing by 15.2% to 2 billion yuan, accommodation revenue rising by 23.3% to 1.19 billion yuan, and vacation revenue growing by 20% to 603 million yuan [1][2] - The annual service user count reached 1.96 billion, with annual paying users hitting a record high of 247 million [2] AI Integration - Tongcheng Travel has advanced its AI capabilities, achieving a 43% improvement in efficiency and an 80% increase in booking efficiency through the integration of "Chengxin AI" and DeepSeek [3] - The AI system can generate personalized travel plans based on user input, enhancing user experience and operational efficiency [3] Market Outlook - The CEO of Tongcheng Travel expressed optimism about the growing travel market, particularly among non-first-tier city consumers, and plans to continue focusing on the mass travel market while enhancing AI capabilities [4]

Investment Rating - The report assigns a "Buy" rating to Tongcheng Travel with a 12-month price target of HK$24.50, implying a potential upside of 19.5% from the current price of HK$20.50 [7][29]. Core Insights - Tongcheng Travel's 1Q25 earnings were in line with revenue expectations, with a margin beat. The management highlighted improving pricing trends in domestic hotel average daily rates (ADR) and airfare, expecting this momentum to continue due to resilient travel demand and a low base effect [2][3]. - The company is focusing on enhancing monetization through improved value-added services (VAS) sales, effective cross-selling between transportation and hotel products, and optimized subsidies, which could sustain high take rates of approximately 4% for transportation and 9.5% for accommodation in 2Q [2][3]. - Core OTA revenue is expected to slow down temporarily in 2Q with a year-over-year growth estimate of 13.4%, but is projected to return to high-teens growth in the second half of the year as the base effect normalizes [2][4]. Revenue and Earnings Estimates - Total revenue estimates for 2Q and 2025 remain unchanged at 9.9% and 12.1% year-over-year growth, respectively. The core OTA business is expected to maintain healthy growth at 13.4% for 2Q and 16.4% for FY25E [4][11]. - The adjusted net margin is projected to remain stable at 15.9% for 2Q and 17.2% for 2025E [4]. Business Updates - Gross merchandise volume (GMV) is estimated to have experienced negative year-over-year growth in 1Q due to weakness in domestic airfare, while domestic hotel GMV is expected to show healthy double-digit room night growth [3]. - Outbound air ticketing and hotel room nights saw robust growth of 40-50% year-over-year in 1Q, with management targeting to improve this mix to high-single digits by 4Q [3]. - The company currently manages 2,500 hotels, with over 1,400 in the pipeline, and expects the addition of Wanda Hotel Management to enhance its brand portfolio and profitability [3]. Valuation Metrics - The report indicates a DCF-based price target of HK$24.50, which implies a P/E ratio of 15x for 2025 and 13x for 2026 [5][12]. - The company is trading at a P/E of 13.3x for 2025, which is considered undemanding with a PEG ratio of 0.8x [2][5]. Financial Highlights - Revenue projections for Tongcheng Travel show significant growth from Rmb6,585 million in 2022 to an estimated Rmb19,447 million in 2025, with net earnings expected to rise from Rmb646 million in 2022 to Rmb3,364 million in 2025 [6]. - The adjusted diluted EPS is projected to increase from Rmb0.29 in 2022 to Rmb1.46 in 2025, with a dividend per share expected to grow from Rmb0.00 in 2022 to Rmb0.20 in 2025 [6][8].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Strong Buy" rating for the company [1][4]. Core Views - The company achieved a revenue of 4.38 billion yuan in Q1 2025, representing a year-on-year growth of 13.2%. Adjusted EBITDA and net profit were 1.16 billion yuan and 790 million yuan, respectively, with year-on-year growth of 41.3% and 41.1% [1][7]. - Domestic travel demand remains robust, supported by improved commission rates and sustained leisure travel demand. The company's revenue is expected to continue its high growth trend, aided by the ongoing expansion of international business and cost optimization [1][7]. Financial Data and Valuation - Revenue projections for the upcoming years are as follows: 2023 at 11.9 billion yuan, 2024 at 17.3 billion yuan, 2025E at 19.3 billion yuan, 2026E at 21.9 billion yuan, and 2027E at 24.4 billion yuan, with growth rates of 81%, 46%, 11%, 13%, and 12% respectively [3][9]. - The adjusted net profit for 2025E is projected at 2.63 billion yuan, with a year-on-year growth of 33% [3][9]. - The company’s current price-to-earnings (PE) ratio based on non-GAAP earnings is 19.5 for 2023, decreasing to 10.0 by 2027 [3][10]. Business Performance - In Q1 2025, the company’s revenue from accommodation bookings, transportation tickets, vacation services, and other businesses were 1.19 billion yuan, 2.00 billion yuan, 590 million yuan, and 600 million yuan, reflecting year-on-year changes of +23.3%, +15.2%, -11.8%, and +20.0% respectively [7]. - The company’s average monthly paying users increased by 9.2% year-on-year to 46.5 million, with annual paying users reaching 250 million, a 7.8% increase [7]. Cost Management and Profitability - The gross margin for Q1 2025 was 68.8%, an increase of 3.8 percentage points year-on-year. The adjusted net profit margin was 18.0%, up 3.6 percentage points from the previous year [7]. - The company has effectively reduced costs and improved efficiency, leading to a notable enhancement in profitability [7].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net revenue of RMB4.4 billion, representing a 13.2% year-over-year increase from the same period in 2024 [26] - Adjusted net profit reached RMB788 million, reflecting a 41.1% year-over-year growth, with an adjusted net margin of 18% compared to 14.4% in the same period of 2024 [26] - The core OTA business revenue grew by 18.4% year-over-year, totaling RMB3.8 billion, driven by growth in accommodation reservation and transportation ticketing [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Transportation ticketing revenue was RMB2.0 billion, a 15.2% increase year-over-year [26] - Accommodation reservation business achieved RMB1.2 billion, representing a 23.3% increase from the same period in 2024 [27] - International accommodation business saw over 50% growth year-over-year in room nights sold [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The outbound travel segment accounted for more than 5% of total transportation ticketing revenues, marking a year-over-year increase of three percentage points [27] - The number of hotels in operation totaled over 2,500, with more than 1,400 in the pipeline [18] - The annual paying user count reached a historical high of 247 million, with cumulative travelers served achieving 1,496 million [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to deepen its domestic market presence while accelerating the expansion of its outbound travel business [7] - Plans to acquire Wanda Hotel Management Company were announced, which is expected to enhance the company's influence within the hotel management sector [11] - The company is committed to technological advancements, integrating AI into business operations to improve service quality and efficiency [8] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains optimistic about the long-term prospects of China's travel industry, supported by government initiatives and changing consumer preferences [11][30] - The company is focused on enhancing user value and driving technological iteration to improve service efficiency [10] - Management expects continued growth in the travel industry, with a focus on diverse travel preferences and experiences [30] Other Important Information - The company has been recognized for its ESG performance, being included in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook China for the third consecutive year [24] - The standalone app has shown strong growth, with daily active users increasing by nearly 60% year-over-year [19] Q&A Session All Questions and Answers Question: Growth pattern of core OTA business in upcoming quarters - Management highlighted the resilience of the Chinese travel market and expects steady growth with healthy profitability, focusing on enhancing ARPU and optimizing marketing investments [35][37] Question: Forecast for outbound business growth and its contribution to total revenue - The outbound travel segment has shown remarkable growth, with international room night sales and air ticketing volumes increasing by over 50% year-over-year, expected to be a key growth driver [45][48] Question: Impact of AI agent DeepTrip on user engagement and future features - DeepTrip is still in early adoption stages, with innovative features being integrated to enhance user experience and engagement, expected to grow organically over time [49][51] Question: Update on standalone app performance and its contribution to revenue - The standalone app has seen significant user growth and is expected to continue contributing to overall revenue, with a focus on enhancing user engagement and ARPU [55][58] Question: Macro uncertainties and their impact on travel demand - Despite macro uncertainties, management remains optimistic about the travel industry's growth, citing strong consumer demand and positive trends in pricing [64][66] Question: Rationale behind the acquisition of Wanda Hotel Management - The acquisition is seen as a strategic move to enhance the company's hotel management capabilities and market presence in the luxury segment, leveraging existing user insights and technology [68][70]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net revenue of RMB4.4 billion, representing a 13.2% year-over-year increase from the same period in 2024 [27] - Adjusted net profit reached RMB788 million, reflecting a 41.1% year-over-year growth, with an adjusted net margin of 18% compared to 14.4% in the same period of 2024 [27] - The core OTA business revenue grew by 18.4% year-over-year, totaling RMB3.8 billion, driven by growth in accommodation reservation and transportation ticketing [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Transportation ticketing revenue was RMB2.0 billion, a 15.2% increase year-over-year [27] - Accommodation reservation business achieved RMB1.2 billion, representing a 23.3% increase from the same period in 2024 [28] - International accommodation business saw significant growth, contributing to overall performance [29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The outbound travel segment accounted for over 5% of total transportation ticketing revenues, marking a year-over-year increase of three percentage points [28] - International room night sales and international air ticketing volumes increased by more than 40% year-over-year [46] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to deepen its domestic market presence while accelerating the expansion of its outbound travel business [7] - Plans to acquire Wanda Hotel Management Company to enhance influence within the hotel management sector and support sustainable growth [11] - Focus on technological advancements and integrating AI into business operations to improve service quality and efficiency [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains optimistic about the long-term prospects of China's travel industry, supported by government initiatives and changing consumer preferences [11][31] - The company plans to enhance user value and drive technological iteration to improve service efficiency [9] - Positive signals in the travel market, including increased ADR and consumer willingness to pay for quality accommodations, indicate a robust recovery [64] Other Important Information - The company has established a comprehensive hotel brand portfolio with over 2,500 hotels in operation and more than 1,400 in the pipeline [18] - The standalone app has seen a 60% year-over-year increase in daily active users, contributing significantly to user acquisition [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Growth pattern of core OTA business in upcoming quarters - Management highlighted the resilience of the Chinese travel market and expects steady growth with healthy profitability, focusing on enhancing ARPU and optimizing marketing investments [36][38] Question: Forecast for outbound business growth - Outbound travel segment has shown remarkable growth, with international air ticketing revenue accounting for over 45% of total transportation ticketing revenue [46][48] Question: Impact of AI agent DeepTrip on user engagement - DeepTrip is still in early adoption stages, with innovative features being integrated to enhance user experience and engagement over time [49][50] Question: Update on standalone app performance - The standalone app has significantly contributed to user acquisition and revenue growth, with ongoing efforts to enhance user engagement and ARPU [54][58] Question: Macro uncertainties and travel demand sustainability - Despite macro uncertainties, management remains optimistic about the travel industry's growth, citing strong consumer demand and changing consumption patterns [63][64] Question: Rationale behind the acquisition of Wanda Hotel Management - The acquisition is seen as a strategic move to enhance the company's hotel management capabilities and leverage existing user insights for better marketing and operational efficiency [68][70]

1Q2025 Performance - Total revenue reached RMB 4.4 billion, a YoY increase of 13.2%[14] - Core OTA revenue was RMB 3.8 billion, up 18.4% YoY[14] - Tourism revenue amounted to RMB 585.0 million[14] - Adjusted net profit was RMB 788.2 million, with a margin of 18.0%[14] - Adjusted EBITDA reached RMB 1.2 billion, representing a margin of 26.5% and a YoY growth of 41.3%[14] - The company served accumulated number of travelers of 1.96 billion, over 50% YoY Growth[11] Operating Metrics - Average Monthly Paying Users (MPUs) reached a record high of 46.5 million, a YoY increase of 9.2%[11] - International room nights sold grew by 7.8% YoY to 247.3 million[11] - International air ticketing volume increased by over 40% YoY[11] User Base and Market Focus - Over 87% of registered users are from non-first-tier cities in China[27] - Over 68% of new paying Weixin users are from non-first-tier cities in China[28] Hotel Management Platform - The company has opened over 2,500 hotels[47] - The hotel management platform covers over 300 cities[47] - The hotel management platform has over 30 million members[47]

Core Insights - Tongcheng Travel reported a strong performance in Q1 2025, with revenue reaching 4.377 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 13.2%, and an adjusted net profit of 788 million yuan, indicating robust growth momentum [1] - The company served 1.96 billion users annually, with paid users hitting a record high of 247 million, reflecting the increasing consumer demand for travel [1] - The transportation segment saw a revenue increase of 15.2% to 2 billion yuan, while the accommodation segment grew by 23.3% to 1.19 billion yuan, driven by a surge in outbound travel from non-first-tier cities [1] Revenue Breakdown - International flight bookings increased by over 40%, and international hotel night stays rose by over 50%, showcasing significant growth in the international travel sector [1] - The company is focusing on enhancing the "first mile" and "last mile" of travel, creating a diverse product system to meet personalized user needs [1] Innovation and Technology - Tongcheng Travel is investing in AI applications, launching the AI agent DeepTrip, which enhances operational efficiency by closing the loop from "AI recommendation" to "AI decision execution + booking execution" [1] - The CEO emphasized the commitment to deepening engagement in the mass tourism market and actively developing AI capabilities to provide smarter and more efficient travel services [2]

Core Viewpoint - Tongcheng Travel (00780.HK) reported a revenue of RMB 4.377 billion for the three months ending March 31, 2025, representing a year-on-year growth of 13.2% [1] - The company achieved a profit of RMB 679 million, a significant increase of 69.5% year-on-year, driven by continuous revenue growth, optimized marketing strategies, and improved operational efficiency [1] Financial Performance - Adjusted EBITDA for the period was RMB 1.159 billion, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 41.3% [1] - Adjusted net profit rose by 41.1% to RMB 788 million, with an adjusted net profit margin improving significantly to 18.0% [1] User Metrics - The number of annual paying users reached a record high of 247.3 million, up 7.8% year-on-year [1] - Cumulative service users for the twelve months increased by 7.3% to 1,959.5 million [1] - Average monthly paying users in the first quarter grew by 9.2% to 46.5 million, also a new high [1] Market Reach - Over 87% of registered users reside in non-first-tier cities in China as of March 31, 2025 [1] - More than 68% of new paying users on the WeChat platform came from non-first-tier cities during the three months ending March 31, 2025 [1] Service Offerings - The online platform offers approximately 450,000 flight routes operated by over 760 airlines and agents, around 4 million hotel options, 170,000+ car routes, 800+ ferry routes, and tickets for over 10,000 tourist attractions [2]

Core Insights - The company reported a revenue increase of 13.2% year-on-year, rising from RMB 3.866 billion in Q1 2024 to RMB 4.377 billion in Q1 2025 [1] - Adjusted EBITDA grew by 41.3% year-on-year, from RMB 820 million in Q1 2024 to RMB 1.159 billion in Q1 2025, with an EBITDA margin improvement from 21.2% to 26.5% [1] - Adjusted net profit increased by 41.1% year-on-year, from RMB 558 million in Q1 2024 to RMB 788 million in Q1 2025, with a net profit margin rise from 14.4% to 18.0% [1] - The average monthly paying users increased by 9.2% year-on-year, from 42.6 million in Q1 2024 to 46.5 million in Q1 2025 [1]

Financial Performance - Revenue for the first quarter of 2025 increased by 13.2% year-on-year to RMB 4,377.4 million, compared to RMB 3,866.3 million in the first quarter of 2024[3] - Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter of 2025 rose by 41.3% year-on-year to RMB 1,159.4 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin increasing from 21.2% to 26.5%[3] - Adjusted net profit for the first quarter of 2025 increased by 41.1% year-on-year to RMB 788.2 million, with an adjusted net profit margin improving from 14.4% to 18.0%[3] - Total revenue increased by 13.2% from RMB 3,866.3 million in Q1 2024 to RMB 4,377.4 million in Q1 2025[22] - Revenue from the core online travel platform rose by 18.4% to RMB 3,792.4 million, driven by a 23.3% increase in accommodation booking services and a 15.2% increase in transportation ticketing services[23] - Gross profit increased to RMB 3,012.5 million, up from RMB 2,514.8 million, reflecting a gross margin improvement[22] - Operating profit surged to RMB 817.3 million, compared to RMB 455.0 million in the previous year[22] - The company recorded a net profit of RMB 678.5 million in Q1 2025, compared to RMB 400.3 million in Q1 2024[44] - The net profit for the three months ended March 31, 2025, was RMB 678,501,000, a significant increase of 69.5% compared to RMB 400,256,000 for the same period in 2024[46] - Total comprehensive income for the period amounted to RMB 671,205,000, up from RMB 399,626,000, reflecting a growth of 67.9% year-over-year[46] User Growth and Engagement - Average monthly paying users grew by 9.2% year-on-year to 46.5 million in the first quarter of 2025, up from 42.6 million in the first quarter of 2024[6] - Annual paying users reached a record high of 247.3 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 7.8%[8] - Cumulative service users for the twelve months ended March 31, 2025, increased by 7.3% year-on-year to 1,959.5 million[6] - Over 87% of registered users reside in non-first-tier cities in China, with more than 68% of new paying users from these areas[8] - The company has strengthened its operational efficiency and user engagement through effective user acquisition strategies and interactive marketing[9] - The self-owned app has shown significant growth in daily active users, supported by continuous product optimization and creative content on social media platforms[9] Revenue Breakdown - In Q1 2025, transportation ticketing service revenue increased by 15.2% year-over-year to RMB 2,002.2 million, driven by enhanced value-added products and improved marketing ROI[11] - Accommodation business revenue grew by 23.3% year-over-year to RMB 1,189.6 million, with international hotel room nights increasing by over 50%[12] - Other business revenue rose by 20.0% year-over-year to RMB 602.6 million, supported by strong performance in hotel management and PMS[13] - Vacation segment revenue decreased by 11.8% to RMB 585.0 million, primarily due to reduced outbound travel income from Southeast Asia[24] Strategic Initiatives - The company announced the acquisition of 100% equity in Wanda Hotel Management, which is expected to enhance its brand matrix and profitability in the high-end hotel sector[13] - The company upgraded its self-developed travel industry model and launched the AI assistant DeepTrip, which integrates booking services for a seamless user experience[15] - The company aims to enhance user value by enriching product offerings and improving user experience while expanding its outbound tourism business[18] - The hotel management business is set to continue its growth, with over 2,500 hotels currently operating and more than 1,400 in preparation[13] Market Outlook - The company continues to capture market opportunities, driven by diverse travel demands and experiential tourism trends in China[7] - The outlook for the Chinese tourism market remains optimistic, with government support and a steady recovery in international flight capacity[17] Financial Position - Non-current assets totaled RMB 19,351,722,000 as of March 31, 2025, slightly down from RMB 19,536,635,000 at the end of December 2024[47] - Current assets increased to RMB 18,972,316,000 from RMB 18,240,561,000, indicating a growth of 4.0%[47] - The total assets reached RMB 38,324,038,000, compared to RMB 37,777,196,000, representing a 1.5% increase[48] - Total liabilities stood at RMB 16,949,790,000, slightly up from RMB 16,814,889,000, reflecting a 0.8% increase[48] - The equity attributable to the company's shareholders increased to RMB 20,403,671,000 from RMB 20,001,471,000, marking a growth of 2.0%[48] Governance and Compliance - The company has adhered to the corporate governance code throughout the reporting period, ensuring compliance with relevant standards[51] - The board of directors consists of executive directors and independent non-executive directors, including co-chairmen Wu Zhixiang and Liang Jianzhang[58][59] - Tencent Holdings Limited is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange with stock code 700, established under Cayman Islands law[59] Expenses and Income - Selling and marketing expenses rose by 6.2% to RMB 1,453.5 million, accounting for 33.0% of total revenue[28] - Administrative expenses increased by 15.9% to RMB 307.4 million, representing 5.8% of total revenue[29] - Financial asset impairment losses recorded a net amount of RMB 8.8 million, compared to a reversal of RMB 6.4 million in the previous year[30] - Other income increased by 24.8% to RMB 17.9 million, mainly due to higher government subsidies received[32] - Other income net amount increased from RMB 0.6 million in Q1 2024 to RMB 31.0 million in Q1 2025, primarily due to foreign exchange gains in Q1 2025[33] - Income tax expense rose significantly from RMB 52.1 million in Q1 2024 to RMB 126.6 million in Q1 2025, attributed to an increase in taxable profits[34]