Key Takeaways JD Retail gained strong momentum in the second quarter of 2025, validating its execution-driven strategy.JD Retail revenues rose 21% year over year in the second quarter of 2025 to RMB 310.1 billion ($43.3 billion).JD is leveraging logistics and direct sourcing to meet rising consumer demand efficiently.JD.com (JD) is reinforcing its leadership in China’s e-commerce market through a vertically integrated, supply chain-driven model that combines retail, logistics and marketplace services. JD Re ...

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The internet sector in China is expected to enter a new phase in 2025, driven by recent government policy support measures and improving consumer sentiment [1][2][33] - A basket of 18 stocks across various sub-sectors is recommended for investors, indicating a diversified investment approach [1][16][53] Core Insights Ecommerce - Consumer sentiment is crucial for the recovery of the ecommerce sector, with a projected focus on user growth and monetization strategies [3][34][58] - Alibaba (BABA) is expected to benefit from the ramp-up of Quanzhantui (QZT) and new product monetization, with a positive FY26 outlook [3][34] - JD's strategies on user growth and supply chain capabilities are anticipated to remain effective, while PDD's profitability outlook will be closely monitored [3][34] - The online shopping GMV for physical goods increased by 8% YoY in 8M2024, with food and beverages up 19% YoY [58] Entertainment - High-quality games are essential for success in the online gaming sector, with Tencent's key titles consistently ranking in the top positions for iOS game grossing [4][38] - NetEase is expected to see market anticipation for the mobile version of "Where Winds Meet," which could act as a share price catalyst [4][38] Online Advertising - The online advertising industry is projected to grow, with major platforms like Tencent, BABA, and Baidu expected to maintain their market shares [5][40] - AI technology is anticipated to enhance advertising capabilities, improving user experience and conversion rates [5][40] Verticals - The travel sector is viewed as a preferred vertical, with companies like TCOM expected to gain market share in domestic and outbound travel [12][41] - BEKE is expected to benefit from government support measures in online property transactions [12][41] Logistics - The logistics industry is expected to see parcel volume growth driven by recovering consumer sentiment, with ZTO and JDL positioned for strong performance [13][42][45] Cloud Computing - Alibaba, Baidu, and Tencent are expected to see significant growth in cloud revenue, particularly from AI migration [14][49] Fintech - Loan volume growth is anticipated to benefit from a recovery in consumer sentiment, with a focus on high-quality borrowers [15][47] Additional Insights - The report emphasizes the importance of different valuation methodologies across sub-sectors, with online shopping currently trading at the low end of sector valuation [51] - Capital return strategies, including share repurchase programs by Tencent and BABA, are highlighted as key areas of interest for investors [52] Conclusion - The internet sector in China is poised for a recovery in 2025, with various sub-sectors showing potential for growth driven by consumer sentiment, government support, and technological advancements [1][2][33][36]

Core Insights - JD.com reported a robust 22.4% year-on-year revenue growth for Q2 2025, reaching RMB 356.7 billion (US$ 49.8 billion) [10][16] - The company's core JD Retail business achieved a 20.6% year-on-year revenue growth, with an operating margin of 4.5%, marking a historic high [3][23] - JD Food Delivery showed significant growth, with daily order volume exceeding 25 million during the JD 618 Grand Promotion [14] Financial Performance - Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders for Q2 2025 was RMB 6.2 billion (US$ 0.9 billion), down from RMB 12.6 billion in Q2 2024 [10][25] - Non-GAAP net income attributable to ordinary shareholders was RMB 7.4 billion (US$ 1.0 billion) for Q2 2025, compared to RMB 14.5 billion for Q2 2024 [10][25] - Diluted net income per ADS was RMB 4.15 (US$ 0.58) for Q2 2025, a decrease from RMB 8.19 in Q2 2024 [10][26] Business Segments - JD Retail generated net revenues of RMB 310.1 billion (US$ 43.3 billion) in Q2 2025, with an income from operations of RMB 13.9 billion (US$ 1.9 billion) [10][23] - JD Logistics reported net revenues of RMB 51.6 billion (US$ 7.2 billion) for Q2 2025, reflecting a 16.6% year-on-year increase [32] - New Businesses, including JD Food Delivery, saw a remarkable 198.8% year-on-year revenue growth in Q2 2025 [32] Cost and Expenses - Cost of revenues increased by 22.2% to RMB 300.0 billion (US$ 41.9 billion) for Q2 2025 [17] - Fulfillment expenses rose by 28.6% to RMB 22.1 billion (US$ 3.1 billion) for Q2 2025, representing 6.2% of net revenues [18] - Marketing expenses surged by 127.6% to RMB 27.0 billion (US$ 3.8 billion) for Q2 2025, accounting for 7.6% of net revenues [19] Share Repurchase Program - The company repurchased approximately 80.7 million Class A ordinary shares for about US$ 1.5 billion during the first half of 2025 [4][5] - As of the announcement date, the remaining amount under the share repurchase program was US$ 3.5 billion [4] Strategic Initiatives - JD.com launched the "One Step Ahead – Accelerated Upgrade Program" for 3C electronics to enhance user experience and drive sales [7] - JD Logistics expanded its global warehousing capabilities, opening new warehouses in multiple countries, including the US and UK [11] - JD Health strengthened its position as an online marketplace for new and specialty medicine launches in China [13]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The conference call discusses the China Internet sector, particularly focusing on mega-cap companies and their upcoming Q2 earnings reports. - It is anticipated that aggregate profits for the China Internet sector will decline by 10% year-over-year (YoY) for the first time since Q2 2022, primarily due to challenges in eCommerce and local services [1][1]. Core Insights and Arguments 1. **AI and Cloud Revenue Growth**: - There is an expected sequential acceleration in AI/cloud hyperscaler revenue growth, with Alibaba Cloud projected to grow by 23% YoY, up from 18% in the previous quarter. This growth is attributed to rising demand for AI inference and applications [1][1]. - Comparatively, other cloud services like Google Cloud, Azure, and AWS are expected to grow by 32%, 39%, and 17% respectively during the same period [1][1]. 2. **Profit Declines in Transaction Platforms**: - Significant profit declines are anticipated across major transaction platforms, with Alibaba's EBITA expected to drop by 16% YoY, and Meituan and JD projected to see declines of 58-70% YoY due to increased competition in food delivery and merchant support measures [1][1]. - In contrast, sub-segments such as gaming and mobility are expected to show healthy profit growth, with Tencent's adjusted EBIT growth estimated at 15% YoY [1][1]. 3. **Government Policies and Competition**: - The intensity of food delivery competition is expected to peak in Q3, with a potential for a more fragmented market in the long term. ECommerce players are positioning food delivery as a customer acquisition channel [1][1]. - The report suggests that while competition may moderate in the near term, it will likely extend longer than anticipated, affecting the overall landscape of food delivery services [1][1]. 4. **Company-Specific Expectations**: - **Tencent**: Expected to report Q2 revenue growth of 11% YoY, with adjusted EBIT growth of 15% YoY, driven by solid performance in games and marketing services [1][1]. - **Alibaba**: Anticipated to see a 3% YoY revenue increase in Q1 FY26, with a significant decline in adjusted EBITA by 16% YoY due to investments in food delivery and instant shopping [1][1]. - **PDD**: Projected revenue growth of 11% YoY in Q2, but adjusted EBIT is expected to decline by 38% YoY [1][1]. - **Meituan**: Expected to report a 16% YoY revenue increase, but adjusted EBIT is projected to decline by 58% YoY due to competitive pressures [1][1]. - **JD**: Anticipated revenue growth of 16% YoY, but adjusted EBIT is expected to decline by 70% YoY [1][1]. - **DiDi**: Expected to see revenue growth of 8% YoY, with adjusted EBIT growth of 32% YoY, driven by operational leverage [1][1]. Other Important Insights - The report highlights the ongoing competition in eCommerce, particularly in food delivery and on-demand shopping, with Alibaba's instant shopping volumes reaching 15 million daily [1][1]. - Geopolitical developments and their implications on cross-border business models are also discussed, particularly in light of expanded tariffs and potential delisting risks for ADR companies [1][1]. - The report emphasizes the importance of AI investments and the expected increase in capital expenditures for AI applications in the second half of 2025 [1][1]. This summary encapsulates the key points discussed in the conference call, providing insights into the current state and future outlook of the China Internet sector and its major players.

Group 1 - JD reported strong performance in its e-Commerce core business, beating both top and bottom line estimates for the first fiscal quarter [1] - The company's core JD Retail business showed particularly strong results [1]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for JD.com Inc. with target prices of US$50 and HK$194, indicating a potential upside of 39.9% and 43.3% respectively [2][28]. Core Insights - JD.com is viewed as an under-appreciated differentiated business in the Chinese internet sector, benefiting from domestic consumption policies and category expansion, which are expected to drive valuation multiple expansion [2]. - The company reported its fastest quarterly active customer growth since 2021, achieving a 20% year-over-year increase in 1Q25, with strong double-digit growth across all categories [1]. - JD's food delivery service is seen as a synergistic extension of its retail business, with daily order volumes nearing 20 million, contributing to increased user engagement and retention [1][11]. - The company is committed to shareholder returns, having executed a cumulative US$1.5 billion in share repurchases year-to-date 2025, with an additional US$3.5 billion available under its three-year repurchase program [1][10]. Summary by Sections JD Retail Growth - JD Retail experienced a 20% year-over-year growth in active customers in 1Q25, with expectations for double-digit top line and profit growth throughout the year [1]. - The company anticipates a healthy trend during the 618 shopping festival while maintaining disciplined spending [1]. Food Delivery Business - JD views its food delivery service as integral to its retail strategy, enhancing user frequency and attracting new customers [1]. - The company aims to differentiate its food delivery service through quality offerings, rider benefits, and lower merchant charges, leveraging its logistics expertise [1][11]. Shareholder Returns - JD.com has executed a cumulative US$1.5 billion in share repurchases in 2025, with a remaining US$3.5 billion available until August 2027 [1][10].

Core Insights - China's e-commerce landscape is rapidly evolving, with PDD Holdings and JD.com as dominant players, each with distinct business models [1][2] - Recent financial results from both companies indicate potential investment opportunities as China's economy stabilizes and consumer confidence improves [2] PDD Holdings - PDD Holdings reported a 24% year-over-year revenue growth in Q4 2024, reaching RMB 110.6 billion ($15.15 billion), and a full-year growth of 59% [4] - Transaction services revenues surged by 33% in Q4, showcasing strong monetization capabilities [4] - Non-GAAP operating profit increased by 14% to RMB 28 billion, with non-GAAP net income at RMB 29.9 billion [4] - Operating margin compressed to 24% in Q4 2024 from 28% in the previous year due to significant ecosystem investments [5] - Global expansion through Temu faces challenges, including increased competition and regulatory scrutiny, particularly in the U.S. [6] - Consensus earnings estimate for 2025 is $11.99 per share, reflecting a 5.92% growth from 2024, but has decreased by 1.8% over the past 30 days [7] JD.com - JD.com achieved a 13.4% year-over-year revenue growth in Q4 2024, totaling RMB 347 billion ($47.5 billion), with full-year revenues at RMB 1.16 trillion, up 6.8% [8][9] - JD Retail revenues grew by 14.7% in Q4, with electronics and home appliances increasing by 15.8% [9] - Operating margin for JD Retail improved to 3.3% in Q4 and 4.0% for the full year, with non-GAAP net income rising 36% year-over-year to RMB 47.8 billion [10] - JD's logistics capabilities and strategic expansion into on-demand retail enhance user engagement and create competitive advantages [11] - The company offers shareholder returns through a $1.0 annual dividend per ADS and a $5 billion share repurchase program [12] - Consensus earnings estimate for 2025 is $4.76 per share, indicating an 11.74% year-over-year growth [12] Price Performance and Valuation - PDD shares have declined by 3.2% over the past year, underperforming the Zacks Retail-Wholesale sector's growth of 16.2%, while JD shares have returned 52.8% [13][14] - JD trades at a forward P/E of 8.24x, significantly below the industry average of 19.25x, indicating it is undervalued [16] - PDD's forward P/E is 9.17x, reflecting market concerns about its growth strategy and potential volatility in revenue and profit performance [17] Investment Outlook - JD.com is positioned as the superior investment choice due to consistent margin expansion, strategic logistics investments, and diversified growth drivers [20] - JD's valuation discount and tangible shareholder returns create a compelling risk-reward profile, especially as China's consumption recovery gains momentum [20] - JD currently holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), while PDD has a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold) [21]

Core Insights - JD.com reported its fourth fiscal quarter and full-year results on March 6, 2025, surpassing both top and bottom line estimates [1] - The company experienced strong growth in its core segment, JD Retail, particularly in the electronics category [1] Financial Performance - The results indicate a robust performance in the e-commerce sector, reflecting the company's effective strategies and market positioning [1] - The growth in JD Retail suggests a positive trend in consumer demand, especially for electronic products [1]