TENCENT(00700) 胜利证券·2025-05-19 13:20Investment Rating - The report assigns a positive investment rating to Tencent Holdings (00700.HK), indicating a potential upside in the stock price of approximately 20%-50% from the current levels, with a target price range of HKD 600-750 [27]. Core Insights - Tencent's Q1 2025 financial results exceeded market expectations, with total revenue reaching RMB 1800.22 billion, a year-on-year increase of 13%, and adjusted net profit of RMB 613.29 billion, up 22% year-on-year [2][27]. - The company's strong performance is driven by its leading position in domestic gaming and significant growth in international markets, alongside robust contributions from high-margin businesses such as advertising and cloud services [2][27]. - Tencent's strategic focus on AI technology is enhancing operational efficiency and driving revenue growth across various segments, including gaming and advertising [27]. Financial Performance - In Q1 2025, Tencent achieved a core net profit margin of 26.5% and a gross profit margin of 56%, both reaching historical peaks [2][5]. - The company reported a free cash flow of RMB 471 billion and maintained a strong cash reserve of RMB 2052.53 billion, reflecting a healthy financial position [5][27]. - Capital expenditures surged by 91% year-on-year to RMB 274.8 billion, primarily for AI-related infrastructure and model development [5][8]. Gaming Business - Tencent's value-added services revenue grew by 17% year-on-year, with domestic gaming revenue increasing by 24% to RMB 429 billion, driven by record-breaking performances of titles like "Honor of Kings" and "Peacekeeper Elite" [9][10]. - International gaming revenue reached RMB 166 billion, up 23% year-on-year, contributing 27.9% to total gaming revenue [10][27]. - The integration of AI technology in gaming operations has improved efficiency, with a 40% increase in scene building efficiency and enhanced player experiences through AI-driven features [12][15][16]. Advertising Business - Tencent's marketing services revenue rose by 20% year-on-year to RMB 318.53 billion, driven by explosive growth in video account advertising [18][27]. - The advertising segment is transitioning from "traffic monetization" to "technology empowerment," with significant contributions from AI-driven advertising systems [18][20]. - The company is optimizing its advertising structure, leading to improved conversion rates and increased user engagement across its platforms [19][20]. Financial Technology and Enterprise Services - Revenue from financial technology and enterprise services reached RMB 549.07 billion, a 5% year-on-year increase, benefiting from a recovery in consumer spending and AI-driven enhancements in enterprise solutions [24][26]. - Tencent's cross-border payment services are expanding, with a 45% year-on-year increase in transaction volume, reflecting strong demand from Chinese tourists in Southeast Asia [25][26]. - The integration of AI in cloud services is driving significant growth, with a 60% year-on-year increase in AI-related cloud revenue [25][26]. Future Outlook - Tencent is expected to maintain a compound annual growth rate of over 20% in the gaming sector over the next two years, supported by the launch of cross-platform titles and a strategic push for international revenue [17][27]. - The company's AI strategy is anticipated to enhance its long-term growth potential, with a projected revenue growth of 8%-10% for 2025 [27].