China Inc by BBW

China's changing tastes buffet western brands as Ant Group faces old headwinds

Burger King withdraws from Hong Kong, after facing similar issues on the Chinese Mainland. Why is life so difficult in China for this fast food giant? And Ant Group's purchase of a Hong Kong brokerage is getting extra scrutiny from Chinese regulators. Why is China so wary of this company?Text version: https://thebambooworks.com/chinas-fast-food-western-brands-ant-group-faces-headwinds-alibaba/

JD.com flees China’s brutal retail wars for Europe, as Beijing fails to tame price-cutting at home

JD.com has purchased brick-and-mortar retail chains in Germany and Hong Kong. Why is the company taking this route instead of sticking to e-commerce? And car trader Autohome has reported a fourth consecutive quarter of revenue contraction, as its ad revenue plunged. When will price wars hobbling China's oversaturated car market finally end? Read more: https://thebambooworks.com/jd-com-flees-chinas-retail-wars-europe-beijing-fails-to-tame-price-cutting/ 

Apple's China puzzle and an African phone pioneer’s peril

Apple returns to revenue growth in China, as it also closes its first store in the city of Dalian. What's next for the company in the world's largest smartphone market? And Transsion considers a Hong Kong IPO. Should investors buy into this biggest smartphone maker you've never heard of, banking on its status as Africa's top cellphone brand?

From Delhi risks to a domestic dairy bust

Smartphone glass maker Biel is building up an Indian production base, while appliance giant Haier is selling half of its Indian business. What's driving these two very different moves by Chinese companies in the fast-evolving Indian market? And two dairy companies are reporting stagnating sales. Is China's dairy sector past its high-growth glory days, and what's behind the slowdown?

China’s new investment playbook: VCs chase crypto as a travel upstart eyes New York

Two mid-sized Chinese venture capital firms are moving in new directions, one embracing cryptocurrencies and the other diversifying beyond retail. What's driving these moves? And up-and-coming online travel agent Klook is eying a major New York IPO. Why isn't it following a more recent trend to list in Hong Kong, and is there room for yet another travel agent in a crowded field of listed companies like Trip.com and Booking.com?

Private healthcare's unclear road, and a surging cosmetic surgeon

Private clinic operators for medical treatments like eye and dental care are facing a difficult path as Chinese consumers rein in their spending. What's ahead for this group? And cosmetic surgery services provider So-Young's shares have soared in recent weeks as investors embrace its shifting business model. Why are they suddenly so confident?

Hong Kong: China’s IPO pipeline and crypto lab

Companies raised $13.6 billion through Hong Kong IPOs in the first half of the year, giving the city the global fundraising title for that period. What's behind the sudden boom? And a growing number of Chinese companies are experimenting with cryptocurrencies in Hong Kong, even as such currencies are banned on the Mainland. What's driving such different approaches on the Mainland and in Hong Kong?

Macao's end of an era, and a ghost ship in search of a business

An era has ended in Macao with the planned closure of the city's remaining "satellite casinos" by the end of the year. Does this represent the latest step in the corporatization of Macao? And former financier-turned-educator-turned -food seller Qudian has announced it's pulling out of its latest foray into last-mile delivery. What value for investors is there in this kind of ever-changing company?

Labubu fever, and a skincare brawl

An early edition toy based on the red-hot Labubu character has fetched a record $150,000 in a recent auction. What's driving the craze, and is it sustainable? And a high-profile tussle between two leading skincare brands has left one of them bruised, with its stock down 30%. How can investors steer clear of this kind of damage?

WeRide's big share repurchase, and Huawei's PC Harmony

Huawei has released a PC version of its Harmony operating system, as well as two models using the OS. How likely are other PC and smartphone makers to adopt this made-in-China OS? And WeRide has launched a $100 million share buyback less than a year after its IPO. What prompted the move, and is this the best use of its dwindling cash?