Core Viewpoint - Bank of America Securities reports that Link REIT's mid-term performance for the fiscal year ending September 2026 is below expectations, leading to a downward revision of the Distribution Per Unit (DPU) forecast by 2% to 3% for the fiscal years 2026 to 2028, with the target price reduced from HKD 45 to HKD 43 [1] Group 1 - The main negative factor for Link REIT is the sharp decline in retail rental income from mainland China [1] - The 6% decrease in renewal rental rates in Hong Kong was anticipated, but the year-on-year decline in tenant sales for the second fiscal quarter was disappointing for the market [1] - The company is expected to stabilize its DPU through workforce cost reductions [1] Group 2 - By the mid-fiscal year 2027, Link REIT should be able to adjust its business portfolio to better cope with e-commerce competition [1] - The current valuation of the company is still considered attractive, and the "Buy" rating is reiterated [1]

Core Viewpoint - Bank of America Securities reports that Link REIT's (00823) mid-term performance for the fiscal year ending September 2026 is below expectations, leading to a downward revision of the Distribution Per Unit (DPU) forecast by 2% to 3% for the fiscal years 2026 to 2028, with the target price reduced from HKD 45 to HKD 43. However, the current valuation remains attractive, and a "Buy" rating is reiterated [1]. Group 1 - The main negative factor for Link REIT is the sharp decline in retail rental income from mainland China [1]. - The 6% decrease in renewal rents in Hong Kong was anticipated, but the widening year-on-year decline in tenant sales for the second fiscal quarter disappointed the market [1]. - It is expected that cost-cutting measures in human resources will help stabilize the DPU until the mid-point of the fiscal year 2027 [1]. Group 2 - The company is expected to adjust its business portfolio to better cope with competition from e-commerce [1].

Core Viewpoint - Pinduoduo's Q3 financial results indicate a slowdown in growth, particularly in advertising revenue, which has dropped to single-digit growth for the first time, raising concerns about the company's future performance [2][5][6]. Financial Performance - In Q3, Pinduoduo reported revenue of 108.3 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 9%, slightly above market expectations and better than the previous quarter's 7% growth [3]. - Operating profit for the quarter was 27.1 billion yuan, reflecting a year-on-year growth of only 1% [3]. - Following the earnings report, Pinduoduo's stock price fell over 7%, marking its worst single-day performance since the release of Q1 results [4]. Advertising Revenue - Pinduoduo's advertising revenue for the quarter was 53.3 billion yuan, missing expectations by 2.1 billion yuan and showing only an 8% year-on-year increase [5]. - This marks the first time Pinduoduo's advertising revenue growth has fallen to single digits, contrasting with Alibaba's 10% growth in customer management revenue for Q2 [6][7]. Reasons for Slowdown - The management team attributed the slowdown to increased competition and the unsustainability of high growth rates as the platform scales [8]. - Analysts suggest that the decline in advertising revenue may be due to a slowdown in GMV growth, which was only 9% in Q3, slightly above the industry average [9]. - Increased competition from platforms like Douyin and the impact of the instant retail battle are also seen as contributing factors [9]. Marketing Expenses and Subsidies - Pinduoduo's marketing expenses decreased by 0.5% year-on-year to 30.3 billion yuan, which was 2.6 billion yuan less than market expectations, as national subsidies have lessened [12]. - The reduction in subsidies has alleviated some financial pressure on Pinduoduo, allowing for a potential recovery in operating profit [12]. International Expansion - Pinduoduo's commission revenue reached 54.9 billion yuan in Q3, a 10% year-on-year increase, driven by clearer tariff policies and the expansion of Temu in international markets [14]. - Temu has seen significant growth, leading in global e-commerce app downloads and monthly active users, with a total download count exceeding 1.2 billion [15]. - However, international expansion poses challenges due to varying compliance requirements across countries and logistical issues in Latin America [16]. Future Outlook - Temu is expected to achieve breakeven in the first half of 2026 and potentially turn a profit in the second half, which could signal a new phase of profitability for Pinduoduo [17].

Core Insights - The global e-commerce competition and volatility are creating new variables for companies providing logistics and infrastructure services [1] - Jitu Express reported strong growth in global business volume, with daily package volume reaching 83.4 million, a year-on-year increase of 23.1% [1] - The Southeast Asian market showed exceptional performance, with package volume reaching 1.9968 billion, a staggering year-on-year increase of 78.7%, significantly exceeding the company's previous growth guidance of 55% [1][8] Southeast Asia Market Performance - Jitu's management indicated that the introduction of free shipping policies by e-commerce platforms like Shopee is driving growth in Southeast Asia, similar to trends seen in China years ago [3] - The company is expected to benefit as smaller suppliers unable to meet quality and cost requirements exit the market, enhancing Jitu's growth prospects in the region [3][8] - The Southeast Asian market's e-commerce penetration remains low, providing further growth opportunities for Jitu [8] China Market Strategy - In China, Jitu's package volume reached 5.5758 billion in Q3, a year-on-year increase of 10.4%, aligning with industry growth [4] - The company is shifting its strategy to focus on high-margin, price-insensitive mid-to-high-end customers, which may result in growth rates slightly below industry averages [6][5] - The recent collective price increase in the Chinese express delivery industry has raised Jitu's per-package revenue, but also introduced cost pressures [4][6] Operational Adjustments - Jitu is optimizing its network in China, reducing the number of partners and outlets to enhance operational efficiency [6][7] - The company aims to improve the profitability of its franchisees as a key strategy for sustainable operations in the Chinese market [5] New Market Developments - Jitu's new markets, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Mexico, Brazil, and Egypt, saw a package volume increase of 47.9% in Q3, with a total of 10.42 million packages [9] - However, challenges in the Mexican market due to increased tariffs are expected to impact Jitu's business in the fourth quarter [9]

Core Insights - Taobao officially announced the Double 11 sales event, starting pre-sales on October 15 and running until November 14, marking a significant battle in the e-commerce and takeaway sectors [1] - The competition is intensifying as Douyin e-commerce began its Double 11 promotions on September 8, a month earlier than last year, extending the sales period to 57 days [3] - Taobao's market share in e-commerce is crucial, contributing nearly 50% of Alibaba's revenue and 113% of its net profit for the fiscal year 2025 [2] E-commerce Competition - The competition landscape shows that in 2024, Taobao, Pinduoduo, JD.com, and Douyin's GMV are projected at 8 trillion, 5.2 trillion, 4.5 trillion, and 3.34 trillion respectively, with Taobao holding a 40% market share [2] - Taobao's Double 11 is not just a promotional event but a critical opportunity to demonstrate its market dominance and brand-building capabilities [2][3] - Douyin is focusing on increasing its share in the shelf e-commerce segment, aiming for a GMV target of 4.2 trillion, a 20% increase from 2024 [3] Strategic Implications - The e-commerce sector is seen as the profit center for Alibaba, while the takeaway business is viewed as a future growth area, indicating a strategic resource allocation between the two [4] - Limited traffic resources mean that prioritizing e-commerce could detract from the takeaway business, impacting overall profitability [4] - The overlap in teams between Taobao's flash sales and the Double 11 event presents both challenges and opportunities for operational efficiency [5] Consumer Behavior and Market Dynamics - The term "flash sales" has become synonymous with Taobao, indicating a shift in consumer perception and brand association [7] - Taobao's aggressive marketing and subsidies have successfully re-engaged consumers, with many returning to the platform for purchases [8] - The introduction of the 88VIP membership program enhances price competitiveness, allowing Taobao to maintain an edge over competitors [9] Future Outlook - The transition of Taobao flash sales from an offensive to a defensive position indicates the need for increased subsidies to maintain market share [11] - The upcoming Spring Festival in 2026 is anticipated to be a pivotal moment for the takeaway industry, with strategies in place to capitalize on consumer habits [12] - Alibaba's significant cash reserves position it favorably against competitors, allowing for sustained investment in market share growth [13]

Group 1 - Nvidia announced a $5 billion investment in Intel to support the struggling chipmaker, but did not grant key chip manufacturing orders [3] - Alibaba's founder Jack Ma is reportedly making a strong return to the company, focusing on AI and competing with rivals like JD and Meituan [3] - DeepSeek issued a statement warning against fraudsters impersonating the company for scams related to "computing power leasing" and "equity financing" [4] Group 2 - Dongfeng Motor Group announced a joint venture to manufacture and sell smart off-road vehicles, indicating a strategic partnership with Man Technology [9] - Samsung plans to hire 60,000 new employees over the next five years, focusing on semiconductor, biotechnology, and AI sectors [7] - Amazon will invest over $1 billion to increase wages and reduce healthcare costs for its delivery employees, raising average wages to over $23 per hour [13] Group 3 - Apple is in discussions with suppliers for trial production of a foldable iPhone in Taiwan, aiming for mass production in India by 2026 [13] - The global first AI Database Agent was launched by Teable, which recently secured angel round financing from investors including ZhenFund and Baidu Ventures [14] - The new national standard for RVs in China will take effect on March 1, 2026, prohibiting sleeping and bathing while the vehicle is in motion [19]

Core Viewpoint - Pinduoduo's revenue growth has slightly slowed in Q2, but effective control of marketing expenses has significantly narrowed the decline in net profit, with Non-GAAP net profit decreasing by only 5% to 32.71 billion RMB, far exceeding market expectations of 22.39 billion RMB [1][10][11] Financial Performance - Total revenue reached 103.98 billion RMB (approximately 14.35 billion USD), reflecting a year-on-year growth of 7%, which aligns closely with market expectations [6][8] - Operating profit was 25.79 billion RMB, a decrease of 21% year-on-year, while net profit was 30.75 billion RMB, down 4% year-on-year [6][10] - Non-GAAP adjusted earnings per ADS were 22.07 RMB, surpassing the market forecast of 15.50 RMB [6][10] - Operating cash flow dropped significantly to 21.64 billion RMB, a decline of 51% compared to the same period last year [6][14] Revenue Composition - Online marketing revenue was 55.7 billion RMB, showing a strong year-on-year growth of 13%, indicating improved advertising monetization capabilities [6][9] - Transaction service revenue was 48.3 billion RMB, remaining flat compared to the previous year, reflecting pressure on GMV growth [6][9] Cost and Expenses - Total operating expenses increased by 36% to 45.86 billion RMB, primarily due to rising fulfillment costs, bandwidth server costs, and payment processing fees [12][13] - Sales and marketing expenses were 27.21 billion RMB, growing by 4.5%, a significant slowdown from the 43% growth in the previous quarter [6][13] Strategic Initiatives - Pinduoduo has launched a "trillion support" strategy, which includes substantial merchant support measures, marking a significant investment in the ecosystem [15][16] - The company is betting on long-term value by increasing support for merchants, which poses a challenge for short-term performance [3][17]

Core Viewpoint - Sea's stock price surged this week, with its market capitalization returning to approximately $103 billion, nearing DBS Bank's $111 billion, positioning it to reclaim the title of Southeast Asia's most valuable company, driven by better-than-expected sales data [1][3] Group 1: Company Performance - Sea is rapidly approaching the title of Southeast Asia's most valuable company, supported by record sales and strong performance in e-commerce and logistics, reshaping the market landscape and demonstrating growth potential amid fierce competition [3] - The surge in Sea's stock price is directly linked to the company's impressive sales figures, as more Southeast Asian consumers flock to its e-commerce platform, Shopee [3] Group 2: Competitive Landscape - Shopee, as Southeast Asia's top e-commerce retailer, faces intense competition from established players like TikTok Shop and Lazada, as well as emerging challengers such as Shein and Temu [4] - Despite the real threats from competitors, Sea is building defenses through deepening and innovating its core business [5] Group 3: Logistics Strategy - A key part of Sea's strategy is its logistics company, SPX Express, which has been developed over several years and is becoming a critical advantage that differentiates it from competitors [6] - SPX Express typically completes most deliveries within a day in Singapore, making competitors' three-day delivery times seem slow, and it employs local residents for package delivery, creating a unique localized service network [6] Group 4: Competitive Pressure in Logistics - Sea's strong rise in logistics is putting significant pressure on competitors, with reports indicating that Alibaba-backed Ninja Van is feeling the squeeze from larger firms like J&T Global Express and SPX Express [7] - Ninja Van is reportedly negotiating internal financing, with its valuation potentially halved, and has laid off about 12% of its workforce, indicating the need to streamline operations and reduce reliance on e-commerce logistics [7]

Core Viewpoint - The CEO of Meituan's core local business segment, Wang Puzhong, commented on the impact of Taobao's 50 billion yuan subsidy for flash sales, indicating that this represents irrational competition, as Taobao aims to intimidate Meituan with significant financial backing, but Meituan is prepared to compete with much lower resource expenditure [1] Group 1 - Taobao's aggressive strategy includes a target to surpass Meituan in transaction volume [1] - Meituan asserts that it has not spent 800 million yuan and that its actual investment is significantly lower than Alibaba's [1]

Core Insights - Walmart is expanding its drone delivery service to five new cities to enhance online sales and improve delivery speed [1] - The company aims to be the first retailer to implement large-scale drone delivery operations across five states [1] - Faster delivery services are crucial for Walmart's growth as consumers increasingly prioritize convenience [1] Group 1: Expansion of Drone Delivery - Walmart will launch drone delivery services in Charlotte, Tampa, Atlanta, Houston, and Orlando, covering 100 stores [1] - The service will allow for delivery of items such as fresh fruits, eggs, pet food, and ice cream within minutes [1] - Walmart's Chief eCommerce Officer highlighted the flexibility that faster delivery windows provide to consumers [1] Group 2: Financial Implications - Walmart expects its online business to become profitable this year after investing billions to compete with e-commerce giants like Amazon [1] - The company is focused on reducing costs associated with e-commerce, which have been high due to shipping, labor, and fuel expenses [1] - Efforts to cut costs include automating warehouses and processing more orders in bulk [1] Group 3: Partnerships and Collaborations - Walmart is deepening its collaboration with Alphabet's drone company Wing, which began in 2023 in Dallas [2] - Wing has received FAA approval to operate drones within a 6-mile radius of Walmart stores [2] - Walmart is also partnering with another drone delivery company, Zipline, in Texas and Arkansas [2]