Core Viewpoint - Tencent is expected to achieve a revenue growth of 13% year-on-year in Q4 2025, with adjusted net profit increasing by 16% to 643 billion [1] Group 1: Gaming Business - Tencent's gaming revenue is projected to grow by 16% year-on-year in Q4, with a sequential slowdown due to the longer deferral period of "Delta" and no new game launches in the domestic market [2] - "Counter-Strike: Future" has launched on both platforms, reaching over 10 million players shortly after its release, with expected first-year revenue between 35-70 billion [2] - Key upcoming projects for 2026 include "Rock Kingdom: World" in March and "Honor of Kings World" in spring, along with several other titles [2] Group 2: Financial Technology - Financial technology revenue is anticipated to grow by 9% year-on-year in Q4, primarily due to a slowdown in social retail growth [3] - AI mini-programs are expected to enhance e-commerce, transportation, and local life scenarios, with significant growth in token usage and paid penetration rates anticipated in 2026 [3] - In 2025, the monetization scale of AI application mini-programs increased by 108%, with eCPM rising by 75% [3] Group 3: Advertising Revenue - Advertising revenue is expected to grow by 20% year-on-year in Q4, driven by increased budgets from long-tail advertisers and efficiency improvements from AI [4] - WeChat is gradually evolving towards a shelf-like e-commerce model, introducing social relationship-based product recommendations and exploring differentiated social e-commerce features [4] - In 2025, the GPM of WeChat mini-stores increased to 1.5 times compared to 2024, with a 70% year-on-year growth in the average number of active merchants [4] Group 4: Profit Forecast and Valuation - Revenue forecasts for Tencent have been adjusted downwards by 0.5% to 0.8% for 2025-2027, primarily due to changes in gaming revenue deferral predictions [5] - Adjusted net profit forecasts have been revised down by 0.9% to 0.5% to 263.1 billion, 299.4 billion, and 342.5 billion respectively, mainly due to increased AI investment costs [5] - The target price for Tencent is set at 792 HKD, corresponding to a 21.6 times PE valuation for 2026 [5]

Core Viewpoint - Daiwa has downgraded Tencent Holdings' revenue forecast for the last quarter due to weak overall performance, particularly in the gaming sector, while maintaining a "Buy" rating but lowering the target price from HKD 750 to HKD 725 [1] Group 1: Revenue Performance - Tencent's local gaming business revenue for the last quarter is expected to be RMB 37.3 billion, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 12% but a quarter-on-quarter decline of 13% [1] Group 2: Earnings Forecast - Daiwa has reduced its earnings per share estimates for Tencent for 2026 to 2027 by 1% to 2% [1] Group 3: Business Outlook - The slowdown in Tencent's domestic gaming business is anticipated due to seasonal factors and a high base effect, while the international gaming business is expected to stabilize after an exceptionally strong third quarter [1] - Increased recruitment of AI talent and GPU leasing costs are projected to exert upward pressure on operating expenses [1]

Core Viewpoint - Daiwa has downgraded Tencent Holdings' revenue forecast for the last quarter due to weak overall performance, particularly in the gaming sector, while maintaining a "Buy" rating but lowering the target price from HKD 750 to HKD 725 [1] Group 1: Revenue Performance - Tencent's local gaming business revenue for the last quarter is estimated to be RMB 37.3 billion, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 12% but a quarter-on-quarter decline of 13% [1] - The slowdown in domestic gaming revenue is attributed to seasonal factors and a high base effect from the previous year [1] Group 2: Future Projections - Daiwa has revised its earnings per share estimates for Tencent for 2026 to 2027 down by 1% to 2% [1] - The international gaming business, after an exceptionally strong performance in the third quarter, is expected to stabilize [1] Group 3: Operational Costs - The recruitment of AI talent and the costs associated with GPU leasing are anticipated to exert upward pressure on operating expenses [1]

Core Viewpoint - The Hang Seng Index fell by 0.29% on January 20, with southbound capital transactions totaling HKD 97.283 billion, resulting in a net inflow of HKD 36.63 billion [1] Group 1: Southbound Capital Transactions - Total southbound capital transactions amounted to HKD 97.283 billion, with buy transactions at HKD 50.473 billion and sell transactions at HKD 46.810 billion, leading to a net buy of HKD 36.63 billion [1] - The Hong Kong Stock Connect (Shenzhen) recorded a total transaction amount of HKD 37.804 billion, with net buying of HKD 2.18 billion, while the Hong Kong Stock Connect (Shanghai) had a total transaction amount of HKD 59.479 billion, with net buying of HKD 34.44 billion [1] Group 2: Active Stocks - Tencent Holdings had the highest transaction amount among active stocks, totaling HKD 63.88 billion, with a net buy of HKD 6.63 billion, despite a closing price drop of 1.48% [1][2] - Other notable stocks included Alibaba-W and Xiaomi Group-W, with transaction amounts of HKD 48.94 billion and HKD 46.53 billion, respectively [1] - The most significant net sell was recorded for SMIC, with a net sell of HKD 7.18 billion and a closing price drop of 3.25% [1][2] Group 3: Continuous Net Buying - Five stocks experienced continuous net buying for more than three days, with Tencent Holdings leading at 10 days, followed by Alibaba-W at 7 days and Huahong Semiconductor at 4 days [2] - The total net buying amounts during this period were HKD 106.21 billion for Tencent Holdings, HKD 47.56 billion for Alibaba-W, and HKD 14.29 billion for Xiaomi Group-W [2]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for Tencent with a target price of 792 HKD [6][5][28] Core Insights - Tencent's revenue for Q4 2025 is expected to grow by 13% year-on-year, with adjusted net profit projected to increase by 16% to 643 billion RMB [1] - Key growth drivers include the launch of multiple new games, improved advertising efficiency through AI, and enhanced support for AI mini-programs on WeChat [1][3][4] - The gaming segment is anticipated to see a 16% increase in revenue, while advertising revenue is expected to rise by 20% [2][4] Summary by Relevant Sections Gaming Business - Tencent's gaming revenue for Q4 is projected to grow by 16%, with the new game "Counter-Strike: Future" expected to generate 35-70 billion RMB in its first year [2][12] - The game fills a gap in Tencent's PVE shooting game offerings and has already achieved over 10 million players shortly after launch [2][12][16] Financial Technology - Financial technology revenue is expected to grow by 9%, driven by a slowdown in social retail growth [3] - AI mini-programs are anticipated to enhance e-commerce and local services, with significant growth expected in 2026 [3][19] Advertising Revenue - Advertising revenue is projected to increase by 20%, driven by budget increases from long-tail advertisers and efficiency improvements from AI [4] - WeChat's advertising capabilities are evolving, with new features aimed at enhancing social commerce [4][19] Profit Forecast and Valuation - Revenue forecasts for Tencent have been slightly adjusted downwards for 2025-2027, with adjusted net profit estimates also revised [5][24] - The target price of 792 HKD corresponds to a PE ratio of 21.6 for 2026, reflecting a slight decrease from previous estimates [5][28][30]

Core Insights - Goldman Sachs reports that the Chinese gaming and entertainment sector experienced significant stock price increases in 2025, with large and mid-cap stocks rising by 50% to 80% compared to the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index's 26% [1] - The report indicates that the strong performance is driven equally by valuation expansion and earnings per share growth [1] - Looking ahead to 2026, the firm believes the risk-reward profile remains attractive, with a focus on "alpha" driven opportunities [1] Group 1: Market Trends - Chinese gaming publishers and content platforms, represented by Tencent Holdings and NetEase, are accelerating their overseas expansion, leveraging capital, talent, and technological capabilities [2] - The global market share of Chinese game manufacturers is expected to increase from the current level of approximately 15% [2] Group 2: AI Impact - AI is seen as a transformative force, reducing production and labor costs while enhancing efficiency and revenue potential, particularly in gaming and advertising sectors [2] - The total addressable market (TAM) for AI-generated film tools is projected to expand tenfold by 2028 [2] Group 3: Investment Recommendations - Goldman Sachs identifies key buy stocks including Tencent, NetEase, Kuaishou, Bilibili, and Tencent Music, with Tencent's core business expected to maintain low to mid-double-digit growth annually [2] - The firm maintains a "buy" rating on Tencent, lowering the target price from HKD 770 to HKD 752 [2]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the report indicates that the Chinese gaming and entertainment sector is expected to experience significant stock price increases, with mid to large-cap stocks rising by 50% to 80% by 2025, compared to a 26% increase in the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index [1] - The report attributes the anticipated price increase to a combination of valuation expansion and earnings per share growth, with a strong performance expected to continue into early 2026, where some stocks may rise by 30% compared to a 3-5% increase in related indices [1] - The report emphasizes that the future risk-reward profile remains attractive, leaning towards "alpha" driven opportunities, particularly favoring companies with new growth potential, such as those leveraging AI applications and accelerating overseas expansion [1] Group 2 - Chinese gaming publishers and content platforms, represented by Tencent Holdings and NetEase, are accelerating their overseas expansion, leveraging their capital, talent, and technological capabilities to increase their global market share from the current level of approximately 15% [2] - AI applications are seen as a disruptive force, reducing production and labor costs while enhancing efficiency and revenue potential, particularly in the gaming and advertising sectors, with expectations of a tenfold expansion in the total addressable market for AI-generated video tools by 2028 [2] - Core buy recommendations include Tencent, NetEase, Kuaishou, Bilibili, and Tencent Music, with Tencent's core business (gaming and advertising) projected to maintain low to mid-double-digit growth annually, supported by evergreen games and its advertising ecosystem [2]

Financial Forecast - The company is expected to achieve revenue of 195.4 billion yuan in Q4 2025, representing a year-over-year growth of 13% [1] - Value-added services are projected to generate 90.9 billion yuan, with a year-over-year increase of 15% [1] - Within value-added services, the gaming sector is anticipated to reach 59.3 billion yuan, growing by 21% year-over-year, while social networking is expected to generate 31.6 billion yuan, up by 6% [1] - Online advertising revenue is forecasted at 40.5 billion yuan, reflecting a 16% year-over-year growth [1] - Financial technology and enterprise services are expected to generate 61.9 billion yuan, with a year-over-year growth of 10% [1] - The gross margin is projected to be 20%, an increase of 3.0 percentage points year-over-year, resulting in a gross profit of 108.7 billion yuan, up by 20% [1] - Non-IFRS operating profit is expected to be 70 billion yuan, an 18% increase year-over-year, with a non-IFRS net profit of 65.1 billion yuan, also up by 18% [1] Gaming Sector - Revenue from gaming is expected to grow by 21% year-over-year in Q4 2025, with domestic and overseas markets growing by 17% and 28% respectively [1] - Domestic evergreen games are performing steadily, with shooting games showing strong performance, particularly titles like "Delta Force" and "Valorant Mobile" contributing to revenue growth [1] - Several key new games are set to launch in Q1 2026, indicating strong future growth potential in the gaming sector [1] - Overseas, Supercell's "Clash Royale" continues to generate high revenue, and the AAA game "Dying Light: The Beast" is performing strongly, supporting sustained high growth in overseas gaming [1] Marketing Services - Revenue from marketing services is projected to grow by 16% year-over-year in Q4 2025, with the WeChat ecosystem advertising being the main growth driver [2] - The performance of video accounts and search ads remains strong, benefiting from enhanced advertising efficiency and conversion rates due to the synergy of content ecology and AI capabilities [2] Financial Technology and Enterprise Services - Revenue from financial technology and enterprise services is expected to grow by 10% year-over-year in Q4 2025, with stable payment business and double-digit growth in wealth management and micro-loan services [2] - Cloud business is anticipated to exceed 20% year-over-year growth, with WeChat's small store e-commerce technology service fees continuing to contribute to revenue [2] - Recent organizational adjustments in AI business aim to enhance the efficiency of large model development, with WeChat officially launching an AI mini-program developer growth plan [2] Profit Forecast and Investment Rating - The company is adjusting its profit expectations, forecasting revenues of 752.8 billion yuan, 847.5 billion yuan, and 931.5 billion yuan for 2025-2027 [2] - Non-IFRS net profit is projected to be 260 billion yuan, 299.2 billion yuan, and 338.4 billion yuan for the same period, with corresponding Non-IFRS EPS of 29, 33, and 37 yuan [2] - Based on the SOTP valuation method, the target market value for Tencent Holdings' various businesses in 2026 is set at 6.5 trillion yuan, corresponding to a target price of 791 HKD, maintaining a "buy" rating [2]

Investment Rating - The investment rating for Tencent Holdings is "Outperform the Market" (maintained) [2][8][23] Core Views - Tencent is expected to achieve revenue of CNY 194.6 billion in Q4 2025, representing a year-on-year growth of 13%. The network advertising sector is anticipated to perform steadily, benefiting from the release of advertising inventory and AI integration. The gaming business is expected to show strong performance, particularly with the game "Delta Operation" [4][9] - The company is increasing its investment in AI, which is expected to offset some operational leverage release. The AI investment will primarily manifest in R&D expenses, projected to grow by 28% in Q4 2025 [4][10] - The gaming segment is projected to generate revenue of CNY 58 billion in Q4 2025, with a year-on-year growth of 18%. Domestic game revenue is expected to grow by 16%, supported by established titles like "Honor of Kings" and "Peacekeeper Elite" [5][15][21] - Marketing services revenue is expected to reach CNY 41.3 billion in Q4 2025, reflecting an 18% year-on-year increase, driven by AI enhancements in advertising efficiency [6][19] - Financial technology and enterprise services are projected to grow by 9% year-on-year, with revenue expected to reach CNY 61.2 billion in Q4 2025, primarily driven by payment services [20] Summary by Relevant Sections Financial Performance - Q4 2025 revenue is expected to be CNY 194.6 billion, with a 13% year-on-year increase. Non-IFRS operating profit is projected at CNY 68.1 billion, up 15% year-on-year, and net profit is expected to be CNY 65.2 billion, reflecting an 18% increase [4][10][11] - The expected Non-IFRS net profit margin is 34% for Q4 2025 [10] Gaming Business - The gaming revenue forecast for Q4 2025 is CNY 58 billion, with an 18% year-on-year growth. Domestic game revenue is expected to grow by 16%, while overseas game revenue is projected to increase by 22% [5][21] Marketing Services - Marketing services revenue is anticipated to be CNY 41.3 billion in Q4 2025, marking an 18% year-on-year growth. AI-driven enhancements are expected to improve advertising efficiency significantly [6][19] Financial Technology and Enterprise Services - Revenue from financial technology and enterprise services is expected to reach CNY 61.2 billion in Q4 2025, with a 9% year-on-year growth, primarily driven by payment services [20]

Investment Rating - The investment rating for Tencent Holdings is "Outperform the Market" (maintained) [2][8][23] Core Views - Tencent is expected to achieve revenue of CNY 194.6 billion in Q4 2025, representing a year-on-year growth of 13%. The network advertising sector is anticipated to perform steadily, benefiting from the release of advertising inventory and AI integration. The gaming business is expected to show strong performance, particularly with the game "Delta Action" [4][9] - The company is increasing its investment in AI, which is expected to offset some operational leverage release. The R&D expenses related to AI are projected to grow by 28% in Q4 2025 [4][10] - The gaming revenue is projected to reach CNY 58 billion in Q4 2025, with a year-on-year growth of 18%. Domestic game revenue is expected to grow by 16%, supported by established titles like "Honor of Kings" and "Peacekeeper Elite" [5][21] - Marketing services revenue is expected to be CNY 41.3 billion in Q4 2025, reflecting an 18% year-on-year increase, driven by AI enhancements in advertising [6][19] - Financial technology and enterprise services are projected to grow by 9% year-on-year, with revenue expected to reach CNY 61.2 billion in Q4 2025 [20] Summary by Sections Financial Performance - For Q4 2025, Tencent's Non-IFRS operating profit is expected to be CNY 68.1 billion, a 15% increase year-on-year. The Non-IFRS net profit is projected to be CNY 65.2 billion, reflecting an 18% year-on-year growth, with a net profit margin of 34% [10][11] - The overall revenue for 2025 is forecasted to be CNY 752 billion, with a year-on-year growth of 14% [11][30] Gaming Sector - The gaming business is expected to generate CNY 58 billion in revenue for Q4 2025, with a year-on-year growth of 18%. The domestic gaming revenue is projected to grow by 16% [5][21] - Upcoming game releases, including "Delta Action" and "Future of Counterattack," are anticipated to enhance revenue streams [21] Marketing Services - Marketing services revenue is expected to reach CNY 41.3 billion in Q4 2025, with an 18% year-on-year increase. AI-driven advertising solutions are expected to improve operational efficiency for advertisers [6][19] Financial Technology and Enterprise Services - Financial technology and enterprise services are projected to grow by 9% year-on-year, with expected revenue of CNY 61.2 billion in Q4 2025. The growth is primarily driven by payment services and the introduction of AI applications in WeChat mini-programs [20]