Core Insights - The article presents the "Top 10 Core Assets for 2026" as voted by millions of members from over 70 countries, highlighting the collective wisdom of global investors in navigating market uncertainties [2][5]. Summary by Categories Core Assets - The selected core assets include: - **Zhongji Xuchuang (中际旭创)**: Market cap of 6,778 million RMB, focusing on AI and advanced manufacturing [3] - **Tencent (腾讯)**: Market cap of 49,160 million RMB, centered on AI applications [3] - **Alibaba (阿里巴巴)**: Market cap of 24,500 million RMB, involved in AI and cloud computing [3] - **Gold ETF (黄金ETF)**: Market cap of 1 million RMB, categorized under precious metals [3] - **Luoyang Molybdenum (洛阳钼业)**: Market cap of 4,279 million RMB, with no specific industry listed [3] - **China Ping An (中国平安)**: Market cap of 12,400 million RMB, in the financial sector [3] - **Dongfang Caifu (东方财富)**: Market cap of 3,663 million RMB, with no specific industry listed [3] - **Wanhua Chemical (万华化学)**: Market cap of 2,400 million RMB, in the chemical industry [3] - **WuXi AppTec (药明合联)**: Market cap of 1,515 million RMB, in the pharmaceutical sector [3] - **Trip.com Group (携程集团)**: Market cap of 3,250 million RMB, in consumer discretionary [3] Market Context - The investment landscape in China for 2025 is characterized by uncertainties, including fluctuating recovery expectations, geopolitical tensions, and evolving trends in real estate and AI [4]. - The article emphasizes the importance of collective intelligence in investment decisions, asserting that the aggregated insights from millions can effectively guide investors through market complexities [5][7]. Performance Metrics - From 2019 to 2025, the "Top 10 Core Assets Index" achieved a cumulative growth of 318.67%, significantly outperforming the CSI 300 Index (+56.2%) and the Hang Seng Index (-0.82%) [11]. - In 2025, the equal-weighted return of the top assets reached 35.1%, again surpassing the performance of major indices [11]. Selection Criteria - The selected companies must meet four key principles: 1. Represent Chinese enterprises with a domestic market focus 2. Align with future economic directions and create long-term value 3. Possess competitive advantages or potential in emerging sectors 4. Have a projected market cap growth of 20% or more in 2026 [10] Individual Company Insights - **Zhongji Xuchuang**: Expected to benefit from a surge in AI-related demand, with a projected market cap growth of 25%-30% [12]. - **Tencent**: Anticipated to see a 25%-30% increase in adjusted net profit, driven by its strong domestic user base and advertising revenue [13]. - **Alibaba**: Forecasted to achieve a 25%-28% stock price increase, supported by its dual focus on AI and consumer markets [14]. - **Gold ETF**: Positioned as a key hedging tool, with a projected 28%-32% growth in fund inflows [15]. - **Luoyang Molybdenum**: Expected to maintain its leading position in the battery materials sector, with a projected net profit of 320-350 million RMB [16]. - **China Ping An**: Anticipated to grow its market cap by 20%-25%, benefiting from the domestic financial market's recovery [17]. - **Dongfang Caifu**: Projected to see a 22%-28% increase in market cap, driven by the growth in wealth management services [18]. - **Wanhua Chemical**: Expected to achieve a net profit of 155-162 million RMB, supported by domestic demand [19]. - **WuXi AppTec**: Positioned as a leader in the ADC field, with significant growth driven by domestic innovation [20]. - **Trip.com Group**: Forecasted to grow revenue by over 25%, capitalizing on the recovery of domestic travel [21]. Conclusion - The selected core assets reflect a strategic alignment with China's economic growth and key sectors, including AI, renewable energy, finance, and healthcare, emphasizing their potential for long-term value creation [22].

Core Insights - Tencent Holdings reported a 15% increase in third-quarter revenue, reaching 192.9 billion yuan (US$27.1 billion), compared to 167.2 billion yuan in the same period last year [1] - Net profit rose by 19% to 63.1 billion yuan, exceeding the Bloomberg analyst estimate of 55.9 billion yuan [1] Revenue and Profit Performance - Revenue for the third quarter was 192.9 billion yuan, a 15% increase year-over-year from 167.2 billion yuan [1] - Net profit increased to 63.1 billion yuan, a 19% rise compared to the previous year [1] AI Investments and Growth - The company's strategic investments in AI are enhancing business areas such as ad targeting and game engagement, as well as improving efficiency in coding and production [3] - Tencent has experienced over a 20% increase in research and development efficiency due to AI-powered automation [5] - 90% of Tencent's engineers are utilizing the CodeBuddy IDE, which is powered by the Hunyuan foundational model [5] AI Model Development - Tencent has open-sourced more than 30 new AI models this year, including leading 3D generation models and models simulating the physical world [6] - The Hunyuan Image 3.0 model launched in September has surpassed Google DeepMind's Nano Banana as the leading image generation model [6] User Engagement with AI Applications - The AI chatbot app Yuanbao had 32 million monthly active users in September, making it the third most used AI app in China [7]

Core Viewpoint - The market is reacting to Metta's increased capital expenditures and the changing competitive landscape, particularly with Google and TikTok gaining strength in AI and advertising [1][2][3][4]. Group 1: Metta's Position and Strategy - Metta has shifted back to a focus on investment after a period of harvesting previous investments, indicating a strategic pivot in response to market conditions [2][4]. - Advertisers initially viewed Metta as sheltered from competition, but as Google improved its AI capabilities and TikTok solidified its position, the competitive tailwinds for Metta have diminished [3][4]. - There is a concern about potential margin compression for Metta, but the company has demonstrated a capacity for returns on investments, similar to Microsoft [5][8]. Group 2: Competitive Landscape - Google has shown significant growth in AI-related revenue, with product revenue increasing over 200% year-over-year, indicating strong market performance [9]. - The search segment for Google has exceeded expectations, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in a rapidly changing environment [10][11]. - Microsoft is facing supply constraints despite high demand, with a reported 39% growth in Azure, indicating a strong backlog and commitment to AI from customers [14][16]. Group 3: Market Trends and Investor Behavior - There is a noticeable shift in investor focus towards energy and infrastructure sectors, moving away from internet and software investments, which may impact companies like Metta [6][8]. - The market is currently narrow, with momentum favoring companies like Alphabet and Google, which are perceived as having better growth prospects [8][9]. - Investors are increasingly valuing backlog and bookings over immediate revenue, suggesting a potential misalignment in market perceptions [18].

Core Insights - Tencent has shown signs of recovery after a prolonged period of stagnation, indicating a potential return to previous highs [1] Company Analysis - The article suggests that Tencent is emerging from a three-year period of underperformance, likening its resurgence to an "animal" awakening from sleep [1] Market Context - The current market sentiment around Tencent reflects optimism, as the company approaches historical high levels, suggesting a positive shift in investor confidence [1]

Group 1 - Many investors view Tencent Holdings through a geopolitical lens due to uncertain regulatory cycles and geopolitical tensions [1] - The presence of ongoing oversight from officials contributes to the cautious sentiment among investors regarding Chinese companies [1] Group 2 - The article highlights the challenges faced by Chinese companies, including Tencent, in the current investment climate [1]

Investment Rating - The report assigns a "Buy" rating for Tencent Holdings with a target price of HK$670, implying an expected share price return of 28.6% and a total return of 29.5% [3][10]. Core Insights - Tencent's 1Q25 results exceeded expectations, with total revenues growing by 13% year-over-year (yoy) to Rmb180.0 billion, driven by strong performance in domestic games and online advertising, which grew by 24% and 20% yoy, respectively [1][2]. - Non-IFRS net profit for 1Q25 was Rmb61.3 billion, reflecting a 22% yoy increase, surpassing consensus estimates [1][2]. - The report highlights the ongoing benefits of AI integration across Tencent's business segments, contributing to higher margins and revenue growth [6]. Revenue Breakdown - Total Value-Added Services (VAS) revenues increased by 17% yoy to Rmb92 billion, with online games revenues at Rmb59.5 billion, up 24% yoy [1][2]. - Online advertising revenues rose by 20% yoy to Rmb31.9 billion, exceeding expectations [1][2]. - Fintech and business services revenues grew by 5% yoy to Rmb54.9 billion, driven by consumer loan services and wealth management [1]. Deferred Revenues - Total deferred revenues increased by 15% yoy to Rmb127.4 billion, with current deferred revenues up 16% yoy [1][2]. Capital Expenditure - Tencent's capital expenditure for 1Q25 was Rmb27.5 billion, representing a significant increase of 91% yoy [1][6].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating on Tencent Holdings with a 12-month sum-of-the-parts (SOTP) based target price of HK$590, indicating an upside of 13.2% from the current price of HK$521 [12][24]. Core Insights - Tencent reported a solid performance in 1Q25, with total revenues increasing by 13% year-over-year (yoy) to Rmb180.022 billion, surpassing the consensus estimate of Rmb175.629 billion [13][21]. - The company's earnings per share (EPS) grew by 25% yoy, reaching Rmb6.58, which also exceeded the expected growth of 20% [13][21]. - Key growth drivers included a 24% yoy increase in gaming revenues and a 20% yoy rise in advertising revenues, both outperforming expectations [11][15]. - Gross margin expanded to 55.8%, the highest level since 2Q16, driven by a favorable mix shift towards higher-margin businesses [11][17]. Summary by Sections Revenue Performance - Total revenues for 1Q25 were Rmb180.022 billion, reflecting a 13% increase yoy, with gaming revenues at Rmb59.5 billion (+24% yoy) and advertising revenues at Rmb31.853 billion (+20% yoy) [13][15]. - FinTech and Business Services (FBS) revenue grew by 5% yoy to Rmb54.907 billion, aligning with expectations [17]. Profitability Metrics - Adjusted operating profit increased by 18% yoy to Rmb69.320 billion, exceeding the consensus estimate [13][17]. - Gross profit reached Rmb100.493 billion, with a gross margin of 55.8%, up 3.2 percentage points yoy [17][19]. Capital Expenditure and Cash Flow - Capital expenditure was Rmb27 billion in 1Q25, down from Rmb37 billion in 4Q24, contributing to a free cash flow of Rmb47.1 billion [11][22]. - The company continued its share repurchase program, executing HK$17.1 billion in buybacks during the quarter [11]. Strategic Focus Areas - The report highlights the sustainability of gaming revenue growth, particularly with the performance of evergreen titles and the potential contribution from VALORANT Mobile [2]. - Progress in AI applications and capital expenditure on AI technologies is also a focal point, with recent upgrades enhancing Weixin's capabilities [3][8]. - The implications of AI-driven advertising technology upgrades and revamped eCommerce strategies are expected to bolster marketing services growth [8][9]. Market Positioning - Tencent's unique WeChat ecosystem and global gaming assets are viewed as key strengths that will enable the company to deliver compounding earnings through macro cycles [11]. - The company is positioned as a significant beneficiary of AI applications, particularly with its WeChat super-app and Tencent Cloud's standing as a top player in China's public cloud market [11].

Financial Performance - Total revenue reached RMB 180 billion, a 13% YoY increase and a 4% QoQ increase[10] - Value-added Services revenue was RMB 92.1 billion, up 17% YoY and 17% QoQ[10] - Gross profit increased to RMB 100.5 billion, a 20% YoY increase and an 11% QoQ increase[10] - Non-IFRS operating profit was RMB 69.3 billion, reflecting an 18% YoY increase and a 17% QoQ increase[10] - Non-IFRS net profit attributable to equity holders reached RMB 61.3 billion, a 22% YoY increase and an 11% QoQ increase[10] Business Segments - Social Networks revenue grew by 7% YoY and 10% QoQ, reaching RMB 32.6 billion[10] - Domestic Games revenue increased by 24% YoY and 29% QoQ, totaling RMB 42.9 billion[10] - International Games revenue grew by 23% YoY and 4% QoQ, reaching RMB 16.6 billion[10] - Marketing Services revenue increased by 20% YoY but decreased by 9% QoQ, totaling RMB 31.9 billion[10] - FinTech and Business Services revenue grew by 5% YoY but decreased by 2% QoQ, reaching RMB 54.9 billion[10] Key Metrics - Weixin & WeChat MAU reached 1,402 million[11] - QQ Mobile devices MAU reached 534 million[11]

Core Points - The European Union imposed fines totaling 700 million euros ($683 million) on Apple and Meta for violating digital competition rules under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) [3][4][6] - Apple was fined 500 million euros ($571 million) for restricting app developers from directing users to cheaper purchasing options outside its App Store [4][10] - Meta was fined 200 million euros for forcing users to choose between personalized ads or paying for an ad-free experience [4][11] Company-Specific Summaries Apple - The European Commission accused Apple of imposing unfair rules that prevent app developers from steering consumers to alternative purchasing channels [9][10] - Apple has 60 days to comply with the ruling or face unspecified periodic penalty payments [4] - The company claims it has made significant efforts to comply with the DMA, stating it has spent hundreds of thousands of engineering hours on changes [10][8] Meta - Meta's fine stems from its strategy of offering users the option to pay for ad-free versions of Facebook and Instagram, which the EU deemed insufficient for user consent regarding personal data usage [11][12] - The company introduced a third option allowing users to see fewer personalized ads without paying, which is currently under assessment by the Commission [13] - Meta's Chief Global Affairs Officer criticized the fines as a multibillion-dollar tariff that would harm its business model and negatively impact European economies [14]