Summary of Conference Call Records Company: Tencent Key Points 1. **Market Volatility and Emotional Response** Tencent's stock price experienced significant fluctuations, primarily driven by short-term funding and psychological factors rather than a shift in business fundamentals. The core reasons include: - Rumors regarding a substantial increase in the gaming value-added tax led to irrational market reactions, causing a flight of risk-averse capital [1] - The company entered a silent period before its annual report on January 18, resulting in the absence of regular buyback support of approximately HKD 1 billion per day, which left the stock vulnerable to negative pressures [1] - Technical sell-offs occurred as the stock price breached critical technical levels, triggering passive liquidations from quantitative hedging and margin financing, amplifying intraday declines [1] 2. **Tax Risk Overreaction** The current market panic is viewed as a classic case of "wrongful killing," with the core investment logic remaining intact. Key insights include: - The tax increase in the telecommunications sector is a "category realignment" rather than a broad increase, with no legal basis for tax hikes on internet applications at present. The implementation of the VAT law on January 1, 2026, specifies three tax rates, and any significant tax adjustments require rigorous legislative processes, making sudden tax increases unlikely in the short term [2] - Even under the most pessimistic scenario where Tencent's core "value-added services" and "marketing services" are reclassified into a 9% tax bracket (currently at 6%), the potential impact on Tencent's net profit would only be between 5% to 8%, which is manageable within the company's substantial cash reserves [2] 3. **Strong Profitability and Valuation** Tencent's profitability remains robust, with a gross margin reaching a historical high of 56% in Q3 2025. The growth rate of Non-IFRS net profit (18%) significantly outpaces revenue growth, and the monetization benefits from the WeChat ecosystem (including video accounts and mini-programs) continue to be realized [2] - The current TTM price-to-earnings ratio of around 22 times has already factored in most macroeconomic pessimism. Following the end of the silent period in March, the company's unprecedented buyback plan (totaling over HKD 100 billion in 2024) is expected to act as a stabilizing force for valuation recovery [2] 4. **AI and Strategic Positioning** The panic selling is attributed to an over-projection of "debt logic." Tencent plays a crucial role in the ongoing AI competition between China and the U.S., particularly in AI accessibility and the international expansion of internet gaming, while maintaining stable relations with authorities. The company's fundamental position remains solid, suggesting that investors should maintain composure and look for rebound opportunities after the recent declines [3]