PDD fell over 7%, expected global uncertainty to impact short-term and even long-term financial performance

E-commerce platform Temu's parent company Pinduoduo (PDD.US) reported a 14% year-on-year increase in adjusted net profit for the third quarter, reaching RMB 31.38 billion, with adjusted earnings per share of RMB 21.08, exceeding the expected RMB 16.84. Revenue was RMB 108.28 billion, falling short of market expectations. Pinduoduo Co-CEO Chen Lei stated that the current international environment is becoming increasingly complex, with significant changes in trade policies, taxation, data, and product compliance regulations across various countries and regions, posing greater challenges and uncertainties for the company, which may impact short-term and even long-term financial performance.

Co-CEO Zhao Jiazhen also mentioned that the company will continue to optimize its supply chain and build its platform ecosystem, believing that for a considerable period, Pinduoduo may be at a temporary disadvantage compared to some peers and face certain financial pressures. However, the company will still choose to sacrifice some short-term profits to create more long-term development space.

Management stated during the earnings conference call that they have seen overall consumer sentiment remain positive over the past few months, with market confidence also recovering. During major promotional events, the e-commerce industry as a whole has shown a stable and improving trend. In the future, Pinduoduo will continue to increase investment around its platform ecosystem, such as through merchant fee reductions and support for quality merchant marketing, to create greater space for the development and upgrading of the industrial chain.

The night before (19th), Pinduoduo's stock price was significantly pressured, closing down 7.33% to USD 119.58