Core Insights - The music industry is undergoing a transformation driven by the rise of short videos and the commercialization of music, leading to a reshaping of market dynamics and the emergence of new players [2][3][5] - Tencent Music Entertainment (TME) plays a pivotal role in this transformation, forming alliances with numerous music companies and achieving significant revenue growth [2][8] - The proliferation of online music platforms has resulted in a shift from traditional record companies, which are now facing challenges in adapting to the new market landscape [3][10] Group 1 - Haiku Music, based in Wuhan, has achieved an annual output value of 600 million yuan and expanded from 29 to 500 employees in just five years [1][2] - The Chengdu-based Kuaijing Music has seen a 47.7% year-on-year revenue growth in its music cultural park, making it one of the fastest-growing regions in the music industry [2] - TME reported a 20.6% revenue increase to 8.46 billion yuan in Q3 2025, with a 27% rise in adjusted net profit, marking eight consecutive quarters of double-digit growth [2][8] Group 2 - The rise of short videos has created a new revenue stream for music companies, with viral songs generating significant profits [5][10] - Independent musicians are increasingly targeting short video platforms for song promotion, leading to a rapid assessment of a song's potential success [5][6] - The music industry is experiencing a surge in the number of songs produced, with over 10,000 new songs added daily to platforms, resulting in a threefold increase in the music library over five years [16][18] Group 3 - Despite the increase in content supply, listener engagement is declining, with older songs still dominating play counts [18][20] - The average revenue per thousand plays on domestic platforms is around 1 yuan, significantly lower than the 20-50 yuan range on international platforms [21] - The industry is facing a cycle of homogenization and low quality, as music companies reduce costs and independent musicians struggle to earn a living [15][23] Group 4 - The industry consensus is shifting towards creating "catchy" songs to gain visibility, even at the cost of artistic integrity [24][27] - Many musicians are adopting a dual approach of seeking financial stability while pursuing their artistic passions [27][28] - The music industry is gradually recognizing the need for better support systems for independent musicians, including training for music agents and improved industry practices [30][32]

Tencent Music Entertainment Group (NYSE:TME) is one of the best breakout stocks to invest in. On November 12, analysts at Barclays raised Tencent Music Entertainment Group (NYSE:TME)’s price target to $28 from $27, impressed by the company’s strong third-quarter results. The firm also reiterated an Overweight rating buoyed by the company’s growth trajectory. Barclays Lifts Tencent Music Entertainment Group (TME) Price Target on Solid Q3 Results and Strong Growth Trajectory Photo by Dylan McLeod on Unspla ...

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Strong Buy" investment rating for Tencent Music [2][5] Core Insights - The company achieved total revenue of 8.46 billion RMB in Q3 2025, representing a year-on-year growth of 20.6%, with adjusted net profit increasing by 32.6% to 2.41 billion RMB [1][5] - Online music revenue continues to grow steadily, with a 27.2% year-on-year increase to 6.97 billion RMB, driven by subscription and advertising services [5][6] - The company is actively expanding into the fan economy and concert business, enhancing its competitive advantages through collaborations and content diversification [5][6] Financial Performance - Revenue and profit growth are supported by effective cost control, with gross margin improving from 42.6% in Q3 2024 to 43.5% in Q3 2025 [5][6] - The online music subscription revenue reached 4.5 billion RMB, up 17.2% year-on-year, driven by an increase in ARPPU from 10.8 RMB to 11.9 RMB [5][6] - The company expects revenues to reach 32.66 billion RMB, 36.98 billion RMB, and 41.30 billion RMB for the years 2025, 2026, and 2027 respectively, with adjusted net profits projected at 9.60 billion RMB, 10.85 billion RMB, and 12.18 billion RMB [6][8] Market Position and Strategy - Tencent Music holds a strong position in content copyright, with a focus on enhancing user willingness to pay and optimizing membership benefits [5][6] - The company is expanding its concert business, having successfully hosted multiple performances in various cities, attracting over 150,000 attendees [5][6] - The introduction of interactive fan communities and exclusive artist-related benefits is expected to drive further growth in subscription rates and user engagement [5][6]

Core Insights - Tencent Music's Q3 revenue reached 8.463 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 21%, exceeding Bloomberg's expectations by 2.8%, driven by growth in fan economy-related income [1] - The adjusted net profit attributable to shareholders (Non-IFRS) for Q3 was 2.41 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 33%, also surpassing Bloomberg's expectations by 3.7%, primarily due to high growth in online music [1] Revenue Breakdown - Online music revenue for Q3 was 6.97 billion yuan, up 27% year-on-year, with membership revenue contributing 4.49 billion yuan, an 18% increase year-on-year, driven by SVIP package offerings [2] - The average revenue per paying user (ARPPU) for Q3 was 11.9 yuan/month, a 12% year-on-year increase, with expectations for Q4 ARPPU to reach 12.2 yuan/month, a 14% increase year-on-year [2] - Non-subscription revenue for Q3 was 2.48 billion yuan, a significant 48% year-on-year increase, attributed to strong performance in concerts and innovative advertising formats [2] Social Entertainment Performance - Social entertainment revenue for Q3 was 1.49 billion yuan, a decrease of 2.7% year-on-year, primarily due to adjustments in live interaction features and stricter compliance procedures, though it has stabilized [2] - Q4 social entertainment revenue is expected to reach 1.50 billion yuan, reflecting an 8% year-on-year decline [2] Profit Forecast and Valuation - The company anticipates net profits attributable to shareholders for 2025-2027 to be 11.2 billion, 10.1 billion, and 11.4 billion yuan respectively, with adjustments made to membership payment rates and ARPPU [3] - A target price of 87.50 HKD (79.74 RMB) is set for 2026, based on a 24x P/E ratio, maintaining a "buy" rating [3]

Core Viewpoint - The company reported strong Q3 2025 results, exceeding Bloomberg expectations with significant revenue and profit growth driven by online music subscription services and non-subscription revenue streams [1][2]. Financial Performance - Q3 2025 revenue reached 8.46 billion yuan, a year-over-year increase of 20.6% and a quarter-over-quarter increase of 0.2% [1] - Net profit attributable to shareholders was 2.15 billion yuan, up 36% year-over-year but down 11% quarter-over-quarter [1] - Non-GAAP net profit stood at 2.48 billion yuan, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 28% and a quarter-over-quarter decrease of 6% [1] - Operating costs increased by 18.8% year-over-year, primarily due to rising costs in offline performances, IP-related expenses, and advertising agency fees [1] - Gross margin was 43.5%, showing a year-over-year increase of 0.9 percentage points but a quarter-over-quarter decrease of 0.9 percentage points [1] Business Segmentation - Online music service revenue was 6.97 billion yuan, a year-over-year increase of 27.2% and a quarter-over-quarter increase of 1.7% [2] - Subscription revenue within online music was 4.50 billion yuan, up 17.2% year-over-year and 2.7% quarter-over-quarter, driven by an increase in ARPPU [2] - Non-subscription revenue surged to 2.47 billion yuan, a year-over-year increase of 50.6% [2] User Metrics - The online music monthly active users (MAU) reached 551 million, a year-over-year decrease of 4% [2] - The number of paying users increased to 126 million, a year-over-year increase of 6% and a quarter-over-quarter increase of 1% [2] - The paying rate was 22.8%, up 2.2 percentage points year-over-year [2] Strategic Initiatives - The company is expanding its artist matrix by closely collaborating with K-POP and introducing 15 Chinese label artists [3] - A strategic partnership with Weverse, a well-known overseas fan service platform, will enhance user engagement on QQ Music [3] Profit Forecast - Revenue projections for 2025-2027 are 32.979 billion yuan, 36.856 billion yuan, and 40.732 billion yuan respectively, with net profits expected to be 11.127 billion yuan, 9.837 billion yuan, and 11.156 billion yuan [3] - The company maintains a "buy" rating based on the anticipated growth in online music paid users and ARPPU, alongside strong performance in non-subscription revenue [3]

Core Insights - The emergence of Qishui Music as a significant player in the music streaming industry is reshaping the competitive landscape, prompting established giants like Tencent Music and NetEase Cloud Music to reassess their market positions [1][2][9] User Growth and Market Dynamics - Qishui Music has rapidly grown to 120 million active users by September 2025, positioning itself as the fourth largest player in the industry, following Tencent Music, QQ Music, and NetEase Cloud Music [1][4] - Tencent Music's stock fell by 11% following its Q3 2025 earnings report, despite reporting a total revenue of 8.46 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 20.6% [1][8] - The user overlap between Qishui Music and traditional platforms like QQ Music and NetEase Cloud Music is only 2%-3%, indicating that Qishui Music is attracting new users rather than merely redistributing existing ones [9][10] Business Model and Revenue Streams - Qishui Music employs a "free + subscription" model, significantly lowering the barriers to entry for users, which contrasts with the traditional subscription-based revenue model of Tencent Music and NetEase Cloud Music [11][13] - Tencent Music's subscription revenue accounted for 53.2% of its total revenue in Q3 2025, while Qishui Music's approach focuses on user engagement through low-cost membership options and promotional offers [11][13] Competitive Strategies - Qishui Music leverages its integration with Douyin (TikTok) to enhance user engagement and retention, with 38% of its users also active on Douyin [4][6] - The platform's algorithm-driven recommendations and short video experiences have proven effective in attracting users, leading to a 90.7% year-on-year increase in active users as of September [6][8] Industry Implications - The loosening of exclusive music copyright agreements has allowed Qishui Music to enter the market more effectively, capitalizing on the shift towards shared rights among platforms [2][3] - The competitive pressure from Qishui Music is forcing Tencent Music and NetEase Cloud Music to innovate and adapt their business models to retain users and market share [17]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for Tencent Music-SW (01698) [1] Core Insights - The increase in ARPPU has driven subscription revenue growth, while non-subscription business has achieved breakthroughs [2][6] - For Q3 2025, the company reported revenue of 8.46 billion yuan, a year-over-year increase of 20.6%, and a net profit attributable to shareholders of 2.15 billion yuan, up 36% year-over-year [6][11] Financial Performance - Q3 2025 revenue of 8.46 billion yuan, with a year-over-year growth of 20.6% and a quarter-over-quarter growth of 0.2% [6] - Net profit attributable to shareholders reached 2.15 billion yuan, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 36% [6] - Non-GAAP net profit was 2.48 billion yuan, up 28% year-over-year [6] - Operating costs increased by 18.8% year-over-year, primarily due to rising costs in offline performances, IP-related expenses, and advertising agency fees [6] - Gross margin stood at 43.5%, with a year-over-year increase of 0.9 percentage points [6] Business Segmentation - Online music service revenue for Q3 2025 was 6.97 billion yuan, a year-over-year increase of 27.2% [7] - Subscription revenue within online music reached 4.5 billion yuan, up 17.2% year-over-year [7] - Non-subscription revenue surged to 2.47 billion yuan, a year-over-year increase of 50.6% [7] User Metrics - The number of paid users reached 126 million, a year-over-year increase of 6% [7] - The ARPPU for Q3 2025 was 11.9 yuan, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 10% [7] Future Projections - Revenue forecasts for 2025-2027 are 32.98 billion yuan, 36.86 billion yuan, and 40.73 billion yuan respectively [11] - Projected net profit for the same period is 11.13 billion yuan, 9.84 billion yuan, and 11.16 billion yuan respectively [11] - The report anticipates continued growth driven by an increase in paid users and ARPPU, alongside strong performance in non-subscription business [11]

Core Viewpoint - Tencent Music's Q3 performance exceeded expectations, driven by strong growth in non-subscription business and stable subscription growth [1] Financial Performance - Revenue increased by 21% year-on-year, with non-subscription business growing by 51% year-on-year and subscription business growing by 17% year-on-year [1] - Non-GAAP net profit exceeded expectations by 4% [1] Investment Outlook - The company is viewed positively due to its strong content and services, establishing a solid competitive moat [1] - The target price for US stocks has been revised down from $29.2 to $25.6, maintaining a "Buy" rating [1]

Investment Rating - The investment rating for Tencent Music (TME.N) is "Outperform the Market" [5][27]. Core Views - Tencent Music's online music business is experiencing steady growth, with a revenue increase of 20.6% year-on-year in Q3 2025, reaching 8.46 billion yuan. The adjusted profit margin also improved by 1.6 percentage points year-on-year [1][9]. - The company is expanding into the broader music sector, which is expected to drive future growth. The focus for 2026 will be on investments in this area, including the acquisition of Himalaya, which is anticipated to enhance ARPPU and contribute to profit growth [3][25]. - The subscription business is showing strong performance, with a 17.2% year-on-year revenue growth in Q3 2025, and the monthly ARPPU increased by 10.2% year-on-year to 11.9 yuan [2][17]. Summary by Sections Financial Performance - In Q3 2025, Tencent Music achieved total revenue of 8.46 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 20.6% and a quarter-on-quarter increase of 0.2%. Online music revenue accounted for 82% of total revenue [1][9]. - The gross margin for Q3 2025 was 43.5%, up 0.9 percentage points year-on-year but down 0.9 percentage points quarter-on-quarter, primarily due to the development of offline events [1][9]. - Adjusted net profit for Q3 2025 was 2.48 billion yuan, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 27.7% [1][9]. Subscription Business - The subscription revenue reached 4.5 billion yuan in Q3 2025, growing 17.2% year-on-year, with a net increase of 1.3 million paying users, resulting in a payment rate of 22.8% [2][17]. - The number of online music paying users was 126 million, an increase of 5.6% year-on-year [2][17]. Other Online Music Revenue - Other online music services, including advertising and digital albums, generated 2.47 billion yuan in revenue, a significant year-on-year increase of 50.5% [2][21]. - The advertising business is expanding its product offerings, and offline events, such as concerts, are contributing to revenue growth [2][21]. Social Entertainment Business - Revenue from social entertainment and other services was 1.49 billion yuan in Q3 2025, showing a decline of 2.7% year-on-year, but the decline is narrowing [2][24]. Financial Forecasts - The adjusted net profit forecasts for 2025-2027 are 9.6 billion, 10.9 billion, and 12.2 billion yuan, respectively, with a slight downward adjustment of 1-4% [3][25]. - The company is expected to maintain a strong market position with significant growth potential in the broader music sector [3][25].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for Tencent Music [4][6]. Core Views - The growth of the fan economy is expected to accelerate, leading to an increase in the company's membership ARPPU due to the rising proportion of SVIP bundled packages [4]. - The projected net profits for the years 2025 to 2027 are estimated at 11.2 billion, 10.1 billion, and 11.4 billion CNY respectively, with adjustments made to previous forecasts based on financial report updates [4]. - A target price of 87.50 HKD (approximately 79.74 CNY) is set for 2026, based on a P/E ratio of 24 times [4]. Financial Performance Summary - For Q3 2025, Tencent Music reported revenue of 8.463 billion CNY, a year-on-year increase of 21%, exceeding Bloomberg's expectations by 2.8% [11]. - The gross margin for Q3 2025 was 43.5%, up 0.9 percentage points year-on-year, driven by growth in music subscription and advertising service revenues [11]. - The adjusted net profit attributable to shareholders for Q3 2025 was 2.41 billion CNY, a 33% increase year-on-year, also surpassing Bloomberg's expectations by 3.7% [11]. - Online music revenue reached 6.97 billion CNY in Q3 2025, reflecting a 27% year-on-year growth, with membership revenue contributing 4.49 billion CNY, an 18% increase [11]. - The ARPPU for Q3 2025 was 11.9 CNY/month, a 12% increase year-on-year, with expectations for further growth in Q4 2025 [11]. Revenue Breakdown - Non-subscription revenue for Q3 2025 was 2.48 billion CNY, a significant 48% increase year-on-year, attributed to strong performance in concerts and innovative advertising formats [11]. - Social entertainment revenue for Q3 2025 was 1.49 billion CNY, a slight decrease of 2.7% year-on-year, but is expected to stabilize in Q4 2025 [11]. Future Projections - The report anticipates that the fan economy will continue to drive revenue growth, with expectations for Q4 2025 total revenue to reach approximately 8.45 billion CNY, maintaining high year-on-year growth [11]. - The projected revenue for 2025 is 32.706 billion CNY, with a year-on-year growth rate of 15.2% [14].