Kanzhun Ltd.: A Disruptor In China's Online Recruitment Industry

Investment Overview - The company is given a buy rating due to its disruptive business model, which is expected to help it continuously gain market share from incumbents [1] - The company benefits from a strong flywheel effect, enhancing its competitive advantage and allowing it to capture more market share [1] Business Description - The company is the largest online recruitment platform in China by monthly average users (MAU), with 47 million MAU in 1Q24, nearly 4x the MAU in FY19 [2] - The primary business segment is online recruitment services for enterprise customers, accounting for 99% of the business revenue in FY23 [2] Market Opportunity - Online recruitment penetration in China has significant growth potential, especially among blue-collar workers, where the company has a strong market presence [2] - Online recruitment is more cost-effective and efficient compared to traditional methods, offering wider reach, improved efficiency, and enhanced decision-making through data analytics [2] - The aging blue-collar workforce in China and the tough labor environment are expected to drive employers to adopt online recruitment solutions, intensifying competition for younger workers [2] Disruptive Business Model - The company's platform allows direct chat between hiring managers and jobseekers, improving efficiency by enabling both parties to gather more information before interviews [4] - The platform protects jobseekers' personal information by requiring permission to share complete resumes and contact details, ensuring fair chances for all candidates [4] - The company's AI system refines recommendations based on factors like desired position, salary expectations, and engagement behavior, improving customer satisfaction and attracting more employers [5] Growth Momentum - The company's revenue grew by 33% to RMB1.7 billion in 1Q24, with cash billings increasing by 15% sequentially (24% annually) to RMB2.05 billion [6] - Adjusted operating margin expanded significantly to 23% in 1Q24, up from 10.6% in 1Q23 [6] - MAUs grew by 17% year-over-year in 1Q24, accelerating to 24% in March, setting a strong base for 2Q24 [6] - The company has 5.7 million enterprise customers, with significant room for further penetration given China's over 50 million enterprises [6] Financial Performance - Revenue grew from RMB1,944 million in 2020 to RMB7,738 million in 2023, with a projected growth rate of 30% in 2024 [8] - Adjusted EBITDA margin improved from -13% in 2020 to 32% in 2023, with expectations to remain flat at 32% in the future [9] - The company trades at a premium valuation of 17x forward EBITDA, supported by its strong revenue growth compared to peers [14] Valuation and Target Price - The company's enterprise value is RMB71,136 million, with a market capitalization of RMB83,037 million [11] - The target share price is set at $25, based on the company's strong growth momentum and disruptive business model [13] Conclusion - The company's disruptive business model and strong flywheel effect are expected to drive continued market share gains in China's online recruitment industry [16] - The platform's efficiency improvements and direct interaction between employers and jobseekers contribute to its competitive advantage [16] - The company's strong growth momentum justifies its premium valuation compared to peers [16]