Financial Performance - Total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2023, were RMB 27,752 million, a slight increase from RMB 26,770 million in 2022, representing a growth of approximately 3.6%[57] - Gross profit for 2023 was RMB 9,795 million, compared to RMB 3,747 million in 2022, indicating a significant increase of 161.5%[57] - Operating profit for 2023 reached RMB 6,059 million, a substantial rise from an operating loss of RMB 131 million in 2022[57] - Profit for the year 2023 was RMB 5,220 million, compared to a loss of RMB 302 million in 2022, marking a turnaround in profitability[57] - The company reported a profit for the year 2024 of RMB 7,109 million, up from RMB 5,220 million in 2023, representing a growth of approximately 36.3%[59] Assets and Liabilities - Total assets as of December 31, 2023, amounted to RMB 75,536 million, an increase from RMB 62,859 million in 2022, reflecting a growth of approximately 20.2%[60] - Total liabilities as of December 31, 2023, were RMB 18,334 million, compared to RMB 6,952 million in 2022, indicating a significant increase of 163.5%[60] - Investments in subsidiaries increased to RMB 51,534 million as of December 31, 2024, compared to RMB 38,375 million in 2023, reflecting a growth of 34.3%[61] Cash Flow - For the year ended December 31, 2023, the consolidated net cash inflow from operating activities was RMB 7,337 million, a slight decrease from RMB 7,481 million in 2022[63] - The net cash inflow from investing activities for 2023 was RMB 307 million, compared to a net outflow of RMB 1,446 million in 2022[63] - The net cash outflow from financing activities in 2023 was RMB 1,538 million, an improvement from RMB 3,419 million in 2022[63] - For the year ended December 31, 2024, the consolidated net cash inflow from operating activities is projected to be RMB 10,275 million, up from RMB 7,337 million in 2023[64] Regulatory Environment - The Group faces significant legal and operational risks due to regulatory authority in China, which could impact business operations and financial performance[48] - The VIE structure is essential for foreign investment exposure in China-based companies, as direct foreign investment is restricted[40] - Recent regulatory developments in China have strengthened oversight on cybersecurity and data privacy, which may affect operational compliance and data management strategies[69] - The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) implemented new filing requirements for PRC domestic companies seeking to list overseas, effective March 31, 2023[75] Legal Risks - The company faces significant competition from other online music services and emerging content forms like live streaming and user-generated videos[169] - As of December 31, 2024, there are 315 pending lawsuits related to copyright infringement against the company, with total damages sought amounting to approximately RMB198.7 million (US$27.2 million)[201] - The company may face litigation based on allegations of copyright infringement, which could require significant time and financial resources to defend against[135] Operational Challenges - The company faces risks related to user preferences and content licensing, which could adversely affect user retention and financial performance[90] - The company must navigate complex license agreements and potential copyright infringement claims, which may limit operational flexibility and financial outcomes[94] - Compliance with evolving cybersecurity and data protection laws may incur significant costs and necessitate adverse changes to business operations[99] Strategic Initiatives - The company is investing heavily in content creation and partnerships within the Tencent ecosystem to enhance user experience and meet evolving demands[207] - The company has devoted substantial efforts to monetize its content and user base, generating revenue from online music services and social entertainment, but faces challenges in increasing paying users[151] - The company is incorporating AI technology across its product offerings to enhance music content distribution and production, requiring it to stay current with industry trends[157] Economic Factors - Economic challenges in China or globally could materially impact the company's financial condition[100] - The global macro-economic environment presents challenges, including geopolitical tensions and economic sanctions that could impact the company's financial condition[237]

Core Viewpoint - Tencent Music's board of directors will review and vote on the company's unaudited performance for the three months ending March 31, 2025, on May 12, 2025 [1] Group 1 - The board meeting is scheduled for May 12, 2025 [1] - The meeting will include the review of the first quarter performance announcement [1]

港股午评：恒指收跌1.55% 芯片股回暖 中芯国际涨7% 金十数据4月9日讯，港股早盘大幅低开，随后拉升走高跌幅收窄，恒指收跌1.55%，报19815.24点；科 指收跌0.96%，报4524.62点。盘面上，中船系大涨，内房股拉升，芯片股强势，油气股下跌，医药股走 低。个股方面，中船防务(00317.HK)涨15.88%，融创中国(01918.HK)涨12.6%，中芯国际(00981.HK)涨 超7%，小米集团(01810.HK)涨3%，腾讯音乐(01698.HK)、蔚来汽车(09866.HK)跌超6%，联想集团 (00992.HK)跌6%领跌蓝筹股，中国石油股份(00857.HK)跌超5%。南向资金半日净买额达175亿元。 ...

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for Tencent Music [5] Core Views - The company is expected to see continuous improvement in online music revenue and profit margins due to the growth in paid users and ARPPU [2] - The forecasted net profits for the years 2024 to 2026 are 6.644 billion, 7.645 billion, and 9.133 billion CNY respectively, with a target price set at 66.89 HKD [2][5] Financial Performance Summary - For 2024, the company anticipates total revenue of 28.401 billion CNY, with a year-on-year growth of 2.3% [12] - The operating profit for 2024 is projected to be 7.349 billion CNY, reflecting a significant year-on-year increase of 53.8% [12] - The net profit attributable to the parent company for 2024 is expected to be 6.644 billion CNY, with a year-on-year growth of 35.0% [12] - The gross margin is forecasted to improve to 42.3% in 2024, up from 35.3% in 2023 [12] - The net margin is projected to reach 23.4% in 2024, compared to 17.7% in 2023 [12] - The company’s P/E ratio for 2025 is estimated at 26.1 times [12] Revenue Breakdown - In Q4 2024, the online music service revenue is expected to be 58.3 billion CNY, showing a year-on-year increase of 16.1% [9] - The social entertainment service revenue for Q4 2024 is projected at 16.3 billion CNY, a decrease of 13.0% year-on-year [9] - The total revenue for 2025 is anticipated to reach 310 billion CNY, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 9% [9]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for Tencent Music [5] Core Views - The company is expected to see continuous improvement in online music revenue and profit margins due to the growth in paid users and ARPPU [2] - The projected net profits for the years 2024 to 2026 are 66 billion, 76 billion, and 91 billion CNY respectively, with a target price set at 66.89 HKD [2] Financial Performance Summary - For 2024, the company anticipates revenue of 28.4 billion CNY, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 2.3% [12] - The operating profit for 2024 is projected to be 7.35 billion CNY, with a significant year-on-year increase of 53.8% [12] - The net profit attributable to the parent company for 2024 is expected to reach 6.64 billion CNY, marking a 35% increase year-on-year [12] - The gross margin is forecasted to improve to 42.3% in 2024, up from 35.3% in 2023 [12] - The net margin is projected to rise to 23.4% in 2024, compared to 17.7% in 2023 [12] - The return on equity (ROE) is expected to be 10.7% in 2024, increasing from 9.5% in 2023 [12] Revenue Breakdown - Online music service revenue for Q4 is reported at 58.3 billion CNY, showing a year-on-year increase of 16.1% [9] - Social entertainment service revenue for Q4 is 16.3 billion CNY, reflecting a year-on-year decrease of 13% [9] - The company expects total revenue for 2025 to reach 310 billion CNY, representing a year-on-year growth of 9% [9] User Metrics - The monthly active users (MAU) for Q4 stand at 560 million, a decrease of 3.5% year-on-year [9] - The monthly paying users (MPU) reached 120 million, an increase of 13.4% year-on-year [9] - The average revenue per paying user (ARPPU) is reported at 11 CNY per month, with expectations for it to rise to 11.3 CNY in Q1 2025 [9]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for Tencent Music (TME) with a current price of $15.09 and a fair value of $16.36 [9][40]. Core Insights - The report highlights that Tencent Music's profit performance exceeded expectations, balancing membership growth and ARPU (Average Revenue Per User) [3][9]. - The company is expected to continue enhancing its SVIP (Super VIP) membership scale and ARPU, leading to steady revenue growth [9][34]. - The online music revenue for Q4 2024 was reported at 58.31 billion RMB, showing a year-over-year increase of 16% [9][34]. Financial Performance Summary - **Revenue Forecast**: - 2023A: 27,752 million RMB - 2024A: 28,401 million RMB (growth rate: 2.3%) - 2025E: 30,973 million RMB (growth rate: 9.1%) - 2026E: 35,313 million RMB (growth rate: 14.0%) - 2027E: 38,160 million RMB (growth rate: 8.1%) [4] - **Net Profit Forecast**: - 2023A: 5,923 million RMB - 2024A: 7,671 million RMB (growth rate: 29.5%) - 2025E: 8,699 million RMB (growth rate: 13.4%) - 2026E: 10,359 million RMB (growth rate: 19.1%) - 2027E: 11,645 million RMB (growth rate: 12.4%) [4] - **EPS and Valuation Ratios**: - EPS for 2025E is projected at 5.58 RMB, with a P/E ratio of 21.60 [4]. - The report anticipates a continuous improvement in gross margin, reaching 45.1% and 47.4% in 2025 and 2026, respectively [35]. Business Segment Performance - **Online Music Business**: - Expected to generate revenues of 252.31 billion RMB and 298.59 billion RMB in 2025 and 2026, respectively, with growth rates of 16% and 18% [34]. - The net profit margin for the online music segment is projected to be 27% and 29% for 2025 and 2026 [36]. - **Social Entertainment Business**: - Revenue is expected to decline, with projections of 57.42 billion RMB and 54.55 billion RMB for 2025 and 2026, reflecting a year-over-year decrease of 14% and 5% [34][36]. Valuation Analysis - The fair value of Tencent Music is calculated at $16.36 per ADS, based on a segmented valuation approach [40]. - The online music business is valued at 28x P/E, while the social entertainment business is valued at 9x P/E [41].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for Tencent Music (TME.US/1698.HK) and raises the target price to $18 or HKD 70, indicating a potential upside of 19% from the current price of $15.09 [3][5]. Core Insights - Tencent Music's Q4 2024 revenue reached RMB 74.6 billion, a year-on-year increase of 8.2%, surpassing market expectations by 2.4%, primarily driven by better-than-expected social entertainment service revenue [1]. - The adjusted net profit for Q4 2024 was RMB 22.8 billion, exceeding market expectations of RMB 19.4 billion, attributed to improved gross profit and optimized operating expenses [1]. - The online music service revenue grew by 16.1% year-on-year in Q4 2024, supported by subscription and advertising revenue growth [2]. - The report forecasts continued growth in subscription revenue, with an expected ARPU increase to nearly RMB 12 by Q4 2025 [2]. - Social entertainment service revenue showed a sequential recovery, with a 6.0% increase quarter-on-quarter, although it still faced a year-on-year decline of 13.0% [2]. Financial Projections - The report projects the following financial metrics for Tencent Music: - FY24 revenue: RMB 28,401 million - FY25E revenue: RMB 30,817 million - FY26E revenue: RMB 34,176 million - FY27E revenue: RMB 37,711 million - Adjusted net profit for FY25E: RMB 8,627 million [4][10]. - The adjusted net profit margin is expected to improve, with FY25E and FY26E adjusted net profit margins projected at 28.0% and 28.5%, respectively [10].

Investment Rating - The investment rating for Tencent Music is "Buy" [7][11]. Core Views - The report highlights that Tencent Music's Q4 2024 performance exceeded expectations, driven by robust growth in paid user numbers and an increase in ARPPU (Average Revenue Per Paying User) [2][4]. - The company is expected to maintain its leading position in the industry, with strong integration capabilities and potential for margin expansion [3][4]. Summary by Sections Financial Performance - In Q4 2024, Tencent Music reported revenue of RMB 74.6 billion, a year-on-year increase of 8.2%, and an adjusted net profit of RMB 24 billion, up 43% year-on-year [1][4]. - Online music revenue grew by 16% to RMB 58.3 billion, with subscription revenue increasing by 18% to RMB 40.3 billion [2]. User Growth and ARPPU - The number of online paying users increased by 13.4% year-on-year to 121 million, aligning with expectations [2]. - ARPPU rose to RMB 11.1, reflecting a sequential increase driven by strong growth in SVIP (Super VIP) memberships [2][3]. Profitability and Margin Outlook - The gross margin for Q4 2024 was 43.6%, an increase of 5.3 percentage points year-on-year [3]. - The report anticipates further improvement in gross margin to 45% by 2025, supported by growth in paid users and a decrease in revenue share from live streaming [3]. Valuation and Target Price - The adjusted net profit forecasts for 2025-2027 have been raised to RMB 86.7 billion, RMB 95.4 billion, and RMB 107.4 billion, respectively [4][11]. - The target price is set at USD 19.10 or HKD 68.43, based on a 25x PE multiple for 2025 [4][11].

Core Viewpoint - Goldman Sachs sets a 12-month target price of HKD 52.6 for Tencent Music (01698) and maintains a "Buy" rating, highlighting strong financial performance and user growth [1][2]. Financial Performance - Tencent Music's gross margin reached a historical high of 43.6%, up 5 percentage points year-on-year and 1 percentage point quarter-on-quarter, exceeding Goldman Sachs' expectation of 42.9% [1][2]. - Operating profit margin increased by 8 percentage points year-on-year and 3.5 percentage points quarter-on-quarter, indicating robust operational efficiency [1]. - The company reported a quarterly net addition of 2 million subscription users, with average revenue per user (ARPU) showing quarter-on-quarter growth [1][3]. - Total operating expenses decreased by 7% year-on-year and 4% quarter-on-quarter, reaching the lowest level since Q2 2019, attributed to effective control over general and administrative expenses and R&D costs [1]. User Growth and Revenue - For Q4 2024, Tencent Music's revenue slightly exceeded expectations with an 8% year-on-year growth, driven by a 16% increase in online music service revenue and strong performance in social entertainment [2]. - The adjusted net profit grew by 45% year-on-year, surpassing market expectations by 18%, with growth accelerating compared to previous quarters [2]. Future Outlook - The target for Q1 2025 is to add over 2 million subscription users, with a focus on balancing user growth and ARPU [3]. - The gross margin is close to the company's mid-term target of 45%, with potential for further improvement through operational leverage and revenue share enhancement [3]. - The company aims to leverage artificial intelligence to personalize services and enhance user experiences [3]. Shareholder Returns - Tencent Music announced a dividend of USD 0.18 per American Depositary Share (ADS) for 2024, a 30% increase from the 2023 fiscal year, and approved a new stock buyback plan of up to USD 1 billion over 24 months starting March 2025 [4].

Core Viewpoint - Tencent Music's Q4 2024 earnings report shows mixed results, with subscription growth under pressure but improved profitability and cost management, indicating potential for future growth despite competitive challenges [1][7]. Subscription Performance - The number of subscription users increased by 2 million in Q4, remaining flat compared to Q3, which aligns with previous guidance [1]. - Subscription revenue grew by 18% year-over-year, driven by an increase in average revenue per paying user (ARPPU) [3][14]. - The company aims to increase its subscription penetration rate to 25%-30%, currently at 21.8% [17]. Profitability and Cost Management - Operating income for the core business reached 2.079 billion CNY, exceeding market expectations, with an operating profit margin of 27.9% [5][21]. - The gross profit margin improved to 43.6%, reflecting effective cost management and operational efficiency [20][21]. - Non-IFRS net income for Q4 was 2.399 billion CNY, a 43% year-over-year increase, primarily due to favorable currency fluctuations [22]. Shareholder Returns - A new share buyback plan of 1 billion USD over two years and a dividend of 273 million USD for 2024 were approved, resulting in a shareholder return yield of 3.5% [2][3]. Competitive Landscape - Monthly active users (MAU) decreased by 20 million to 556 million, raising concerns about competition, particularly from competitors like Kuaishou Music [2][12]. - Kuaishou Music's MAU has surged to nearly 100 million, indicating a significant competitive threat [8][13]. Cash Position - As of the end of Q4, Tencent Music had a net cash position of 25 billion CNY (approximately 3.5 billion USD), which could be utilized for shareholder returns and potential investments [4][23].