Tencent capex jumps 176% on AI push as revenue beats estimates

Tencent Holdings nearly tripled its capital spending in the second quarter to fuel its AI push, as investments in computing power and models contributed to revenue growth. The company reported revenue of 204.8 billion yuan (US$30.4 billion) for the quarter ending in June, an 11 per cent increase year on year from 184.5 billion yuan.

Adjusted net income reached 68.4 billion yuan, matching consensus estimates. Tencent CEO Pony Ma Huateng stated that the company is building a new, AI-empowered version with intelligence, applications, and infrastructure. Capital expenditures jumped 176 per cent year on year to 52.8 billion yuan. Tencent has intensified procurement of computing power to turn AI models and applications into revenue.

President Martin Lau Chi-ping expects AI investment to yield significant profits by allocating computing power first for building models and applications. Despite increased AI spending, the firm posted a negative free cash flow of 13.8 billion yuan for the quarter, which would have been positive at 37.6 billion yuan without prepayments.

Wall Street analysts remain optimistic about Tencent's AI monetization prospects, projecting that it could offset investment costs by 2027. Fintech and business services revenue grew 9 per cent to 60.3 billion yuan, advertising and marketing revenue surged 22 per cent to 43.6 billion yuan, and domestic gaming revenue increased 17 per cent.

Overseas gaming revenue remained flat. Tencent's AI footprint expanded in workplace automation with its WorkBuddy AI agent, becoming China's most popular in June with nearly 21 million users. The company also launched its flagship AI model Hy3 globally, with the next version Hy4 slated for later this year.