惨烈！美团三年来首度报亏，核心本地商业Q3巨亏141亿元，预计Q4延续经营亏损

Core Viewpoint - Meituan reported its first quarterly loss in nearly three years, with an adjusted net loss of 16 billion RMB in Q3, compared to a profit of 12.8 billion RMB in the same period last year. The core local commerce business shifted from profit to loss, recording an operating loss of 14.1 billion RMB, down from a profit of 14.6 billion RMB year-on-year [1][3][6]. Financial Performance - In Q3, Meituan's revenue reached 95.5 billion RMB, a year-on-year increase of 2.0%, but below the estimated 97.5 billion RMB [6]. - The core local commerce segment's revenue decreased by 2.8% to 67.4 billion RMB, with an operating profit margin plummeting from 21.0% to -20.9% [7][10]. - The adjusted EBITDA for Q3 was a loss of 14.8 billion RMB, reflecting the financial strain on the company [5]. Market Competition - The company attributed its losses to intensified competition in the food delivery sector, leading to a 90.9% increase in sales and marketing expenses to 34.3 billion RMB, which now accounts for 35.9% of total revenue [9]. - Meituan anticipates that the trend of operating losses will continue into Q4 due to ongoing fierce competition with Alibaba and JD.com, both of which are heavily investing in discounts and subsidies [4][9]. New Business Growth - In contrast to the core business struggles, Meituan's new business segment saw a revenue increase of 15.9% to 28 billion RMB, driven by grocery retail and international expansion [10]. - Despite the growth, the new business segment reported an operating loss of 1.3 billion RMB, widening from 1 billion RMB the previous year, but the loss margin improved from 7.1% to 4.6% quarter-on-quarter [10]. Strategic Investments - The company is increasing its investment in artificial intelligence, with R&D expenses rising by 31.0% to 6.9 billion RMB, focusing on AI tools for merchants and user experience enhancements [12]. - Meituan is exploring entry into the Indian market, which is characterized by intense competition, indicating a strategic shift towards international markets [11][14]. Financial Position - As of the end of the quarter, Meituan held approximately 141.3 billion RMB in cash and cash equivalents, indicating a strong capital position despite the operational losses [13].