360 Security Technology
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*At the time of publication

Profile

360 Security Technology Co. Ltd. is a Chinese technology company engaged in the design, development, and operation of network security products with offerings in the antivirus software, web browser, and mobile application spaces. Founded in 2005, the company has grown to become one of the leading Chinese internet companies and is now a household name in network security, catering to more than 600 million average monthly active users. The company has operations primarily in China and more than 90% of its revenue is generated from domestic consumers, while over 70% of its principal assets are located within the country.

Previous Close Price

Key Statistics

Dec RMB m20212022f2023f
Revenue10,88610,43111,522
Net Profit7499441,178
Profit Gth (%)(68.4)2624.8
PE (X)49.9x40.8x33.1x
Div Yield (%)1.51.92.3
P/BV (X)1.3x1.2x1.2x
Source: Analec ( At the time of publication )

Recent Developments

    Our Views

    1Q23 results was dragged by lower advertising revenue. The company’s revenue declined 22% y-o-y to Rmb2.0bn in 1Q23, with internet advertising business still impacted from the economic downturn. Gross margin expanded slightly to 60.7% (vs. 58.8% in 1Q22), due to better cost control. Overall, total operating expense remain stable, with R&D expenses rising slightly by 7% y-o-y (representing 38% of revenue). Net loss was Rmb186m in 1Q23, compared to a net profit of Rmb222m in 1Q22, mainly due to decline in revenue during the reported period.

    Business recovery to speed up in FY23. 1Q23 revenue growth was below our expectations as business recovery has been slower-than-expected during the reported period. We expect recovery to speed up and forecast revenue to increase c.15% y-o-y in FY23, supported by increasing demand for its network security services. The company is a key beneficiary of the AI theme as the on-going national AI development will further increase the needs for related data security services.

    Valuation:
    We upgrade 360 Security from HOLD to BUY as we expect faster growth in its network security business, supported by the national AI development. Our TP of Rmb21.1 (from Rmb7.4) is based on 12x forward P/S, largely in line with its 5-year historical average.

    Risks

    Rising competition, risk of obsolescence, availability of skilled manpower, regulatory challenges

    Valuation

    We upgrade 360 Security from HOLD to BUY as we expect faster growth in its network security business, supported by the national AI development. Our TP of Rmb21.1 (from Rmb7.4) is based on 12x forward P/S, largely in line with its 5-year historical average.
    Note: All views expressed are current as at the stated date of publication.

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