开年以来，国产大模型DeepSeek的爆火出圈，让越来越多企业意识到AI在商业中的巨大应 用潜力。深入理解AI如何塑造未来商业，成为每一个企业和管理者必须面对的关键课题。 2025年2月22日，在嘉宾派北京站访学中，校友们一同走进企业级人工智能领军企业第四范 式。第四范式联合创始人、首席科学家陈雨强为大家带来《行业大模型场景落地》的主题授 课，从技术演进的角度讲述了AI的发展逻辑和未来趋势，并通过实际案例阐释了行业大模 型的具体应用。 以下为授课内容精编版，Enjoy~ 最初，人工智能训练仅依靠几万条数据，而如今数据量已增至上千亿条，相当于增长了1亿倍。这一飞 跃不仅让模型的"容量"大大提升，也使得智能系统在面对复杂问题时具备了更强的能力。 欢迎各位嘉宾商学的企业家校友前来第四范式访学，我代公司创始人戴文渊向大家问好。我是第四范式 的联合创始人兼CTO陈雨强，创业前曾在百度和字节跳动任职。 当下，行业最火的莫过于DeepSeek。这些天来，全球同行们都在研究，DeepSeek是如何出现在被美国 技术封锁的中国的？从深层次看，这一现象反映了人工智能技术发展中的周期性变化和不同阶段的表现 特征。 公众最早接触到的 ...

Investment Rating - The report initiates coverage on the company with a "Buy" rating, setting a target price of HKD 64.00, indicating a potential upside of 25.6% from the current price of HKD 50.95 [2][5][17]. Core Insights - The report highlights that the company is positioned as a premium AI stock in the Hong Kong market, with three main highlights constructing its competitive moat [3]. - The company is expected to achieve a revenue compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24% from 2024 to 2027, with profitability anticipated to turn positive in 2026 [13][16][33]. Financial Overview - Revenue projections show a steady increase from RMB 3,083 million in 2022 to RMB 8,150 million by 2026, with year-on-year growth rates of 52.7% in 2022, 36.4% in 2023, and expected 24.9% in 2024 [4][19]. - The net profit is projected to improve from a loss of RMB 496 million in 2022 to a profit of RMB 251 million by 2026, indicating a significant turnaround [4][33]. - The company’s gross margin is expected to stabilize around 43-44% in the coming years, with a potential increase if hardware product margins improve [28][32]. Business Highlights - The "XianZhi AI Platform" is central to the company's strategy, having maintained the largest market share in China's machine learning platform sector for six consecutive years [11]. - The company has a diverse industry coverage, including finance, retail, manufacturing, and healthcare, with significant potential for further penetration [12][14]. - The integration of AI Agent technology is expected to enhance product capabilities and operational efficiency, driving further growth [15]. Valuation Insights - The current price corresponds to a price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 3.8 for 2025, which is below the average P/S ratios of comparable AI companies in both the US and China [17][57]. - The report suggests that the company’s valuation remains attractive, with a target price based on a P/S ratio of 4.5, reflecting the potential for valuation recovery [17][57]. Shareholder Structure and Market Dynamics - Following the unlocking of H shares, the shareholder structure has been optimized, contributing to increased trading volume and market interest [13][67]. - The company was included in the MSCI Global Small Cap Index, which is expected to further enhance its visibility and attractiveness to investors [52][67].

Summary of Conference Call Notes Company and Industry Overview - The discussion revolves around the AI industry, specifically focusing on the company Fourth Paradigm, which has been operational since 2014 and specializes in enterprise-level AI solutions [1][18]. - The company aims to enhance business efficiency and decision-making processes through its AI platforms, particularly the Central AI platform [2][18]. Core Business Strategies and Future Plans - The company plans to maintain its focus on core products, particularly the Central AI platform, while exploring new industries and clients over the next two to three years [2][3]. - There is an emphasis on expanding into new sectors such as industrial manufacturing, which has significant growth potential despite currently low market penetration [3][4]. - The company aims to leverage partnerships with industry-specific players to enhance its service offerings and market reach [13][14]. Financial Performance and Growth Expectations - The company anticipates stable revenue growth, projecting a revenue increase of around 15% annually, with expectations of reaching a revenue scale of 50-60 billion in the near future [21][29]. - The company has maintained a high customer retention rate of over 90% and aims to continue providing high-value AI solutions that yield significant returns on investment for clients [25][26]. Market Trends and Competitive Landscape - The AI market is characterized by rapid changes, with increasing adoption of large models and AI technologies across various sectors [24][25]. - The company differentiates itself from competitors by focusing on tailored AI solutions for specific business scenarios rather than a one-size-fits-all approach [31][32]. - The competitive landscape includes both traditional AI firms and new entrants, with Fourth Paradigm positioning itself as a specialized enterprise AI service provider [30][31]. Challenges and Considerations - The company acknowledges potential fluctuations in client budgets and market conditions, particularly in the B2B sector, but remains confident in its ability to adapt and maintain growth [24][25]. - There is a recognition of the need to balance profitability with continued investment in customer relationships and service quality [28][29]. Additional Insights - The company is exploring international expansion opportunities, particularly in regions like Canada and Southeast Asia, while still focusing on solidifying its domestic market presence [23]. - The discussion highlighted the importance of data governance and quality in AI applications, emphasizing the need for high-quality data to drive effective AI solutions [12][26]. This summary encapsulates the key points discussed during the conference call, providing insights into Fourth Paradigm's strategic direction, market positioning, and financial outlook within the AI industry.

Investment Rating - The report gives the company a "Buy" rating with a target price of HKD 47.20 per share for 2024 [4] Core Views - The company is a leading provider of decision intelligence solutions in China, focusing on platform-centric solutions that help enterprises achieve intelligent transformation [2] - The decision intelligence market is vast and diverse, with generative AI offering significant opportunities for reshaping enterprise software and improving product standardization [2][75] - The company emphasizes commercialization and practical application in specific industry scenarios, avoiding direct competition with giants like OpenAI [2][81] - Generative AI enhances the value proposition for downstream customers, but profitability and market expansion potential remain to be observed [2][82] Financial Projections - Revenue is projected to be RMB 5.076 billion, RMB 5.963 billion, and RMB 7.006 billion for 2024, 2025, and 2026, respectively [3] - The company is expected to achieve positive EBITDA and net profit by 2026, with EBITDA turning positive at RMB 126 million and net profit at RMB 177 million [3] Business Overview - The company offers three main business segments: the Prophet AI Platform, SHIFT Intelligent Solutions, and AIGS services, with the Prophet AI Platform contributing 60% of revenue in 2023 [74] - The company has developed four core technologies: automated machine learning, transfer learning, environmental learning, and automated reinforcement learning, which are widely applied in its decision intelligence solutions [113] - The company has expanded its industry coverage, with financial and energy sectors being its strongholds, while manufacturing, retail, and healthcare sectors show growth potential [126] Market and Industry Analysis - Decision intelligence is a typical application scenario for generative AI, with large language models (LLMs) empowering the entire decision-making process [147][148] - The decision intelligence platform market is highly competitive, with participants ranging from vertical industry solution providers to cross-industry technology suppliers [158] - In China, the company leads the decision AI market with a 22.6% market share, ahead of major internet companies like Baidu, Alibaba, Huawei, and Tencent [160][163] Competitive Analysis - The company is compared with Palantir, a global leader in big data analytics, with both companies leveraging generative AI to enhance their decision intelligence platforms [191] - While Palantir focuses on real-time decision-making platforms and global high-value clients, the company emphasizes industry-specific models and localized solutions for the Chinese market [80] Growth Strategy - The company adopts a "Prophet Inside" model, embedding its AI platform capabilities into industry-specific products and solutions, which aligns with the trend of product standardization driven by generative AI [178][181] - The company collaborates with ecosystem partners to expand its industry applications, covering over 20 industries and various scenarios, which is expected to drive future growth [182]

Summary of Conference Call Records Company/Industry Involved - The records primarily discuss a technology company focused on AI and enterprise services, particularly in sectors like finance and energy. Key Points and Arguments Revenue Growth and Client Engagement - The company reported a revenue increase of 104% year-over-year, indicating strong client engagement with 104 clients contributing to this growth. The revenue from these clients grew from 100 to 115, reflecting increased investment in the company's services [1] - The average annual revenue growth is approximately 2 billion, with a growth rate close to 12-15% [1] Industry Insights - Key industries mentioned include education, media, and energy, with significant growth potential in these sectors. The company aims to leverage its position within these industries to drive further growth [2] AI Product Development - The company has developed a public AI product, evolving through five versions over ten years, aimed at simplifying the AI modeling process for enterprises [3][4] - The AI modeling process has been automated, allowing even non-experts to engage in model training, significantly reducing the time required for data preparation and project implementation [5][6] Market Dynamics and Client Needs - The company emphasizes the importance of understanding client needs and providing tailored solutions, particularly in the banking sector, where different banks have unique advantages and requirements [7][16] - The company is focused on enhancing client interaction and experience through AI-driven solutions, aiming to improve operational efficiency and predictive capabilities [11][16] Competitive Landscape - The company differentiates itself from competitors by offering not just models but comprehensive solutions tailored to client needs, emphasizing the importance of data-driven decision-making [23][24] - The company acknowledges the presence of large competitors like Huawei and BAT but asserts that its approach to AI service delivery is distinct and focused on enterprise-specific applications [23][24] Financial Performance and Projections - The company anticipates continued revenue growth, with a significant increase in project volume correlating with higher computational power consumption. The revenue growth is expected to outpace average industry growth rates [27][28] - The company is cautious about mergers and acquisitions, preferring to focus on organic growth and strengthening existing client relationships [22] Challenges and Future Outlook - Despite the positive outlook, the company recognizes that the adoption of AI in enterprises is slower than anticipated, with a need for ongoing education and support for clients to fully leverage AI capabilities [29] - The company plans to maintain a stable R&D investment while focusing on enhancing its AI platform and expanding its service offerings [34] Other Important but Overlooked Content - The company is exploring the integration of generative models and diverse data types into its AI solutions, aiming to provide more comprehensive insights to clients [12][13] - There is a focus on standardizing solutions to improve scalability and efficiency in service delivery, which is seen as crucial for maintaining competitive advantage [36][37] - The company is also addressing the need for better data management practices among clients to facilitate smoother AI implementation [32][33]

Investment Rating and Target Price - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for Fourth Paradigm (6682 HK) with a target price of HKD 61.33 [4][7] - The target price is based on a 4.3x 2025E PS multiple, reflecting the company's broad industry coverage and large enterprise client base [4] Financial Performance - Fourth Paradigm reported revenue of RMB 3.22 billion for the first three quarters of 2024, a 26.1% YoY increase, with gross profit of RMB 1.35 billion and a gross margin of 42.0% [1] - In 3Q24, revenue reached RMB 1.35 billion (+24.7% YoY), with gross profit of RMB 560 million (+13% YoY) and a gross margin of 41.4% [1] - The company's revenue growth is primarily driven by its Prophet AI platform, which contributed RMB 920 million in 3Q24, accounting for 68.1% of total revenue [2] Business Highlights - Fourth Paradigm continues to expand its presence in key industries such as transportation, energy, finance, and telecommunications, with a total of 244 users, including 98 benchmark users [3] - The company has developed the Prophet AI Platform 5.0, which offers end-to-end capabilities in computing power, model layers, and application layers, enhancing AI Agent and GPU resource pooling capabilities [3] - Fourth Paradigm has collaborated with ecosystem partners to launch over 40 AI products using the "Prophet Inside" model [3] Future Outlook - The report forecasts revenue of RMB 5.0 billion, RMB 6.0 billion, and RMB 7.18 billion for 2024E, 2025E, and 2026E, respectively, representing a 19-20% YoY growth [4] - Net profit is expected to improve significantly, with forecasts of RMB -380 million, RMB -120 million, and RMB 120 million for 2024E, 2025E, and 2026E, respectively [4] Valuation and Peer Comparison - The company's 2025E PS multiple of 4.3x is higher than the peer average of 3.9x, reflecting its strong market position and growth potential [4] - Fourth Paradigm's valuation metrics, including PE and PB ratios, are expected to improve as profitability increases in the coming years [6]

Financial Performance - Total revenue for the first half of 2024 reached RMB 1.87 billion, a year-on-year increase of 27.1%[7] - Gross profit for the first half of 2024 was RMB 789.9 million, up 12.1% year-on-year[7] - Adjusted net loss for the first half of 2024 was RMB 168.5 million, narrowing by 4.0% year-on-year[7] - Revenue from the core business "4Paradigm Prophet AI Platform" reached RMB 1.25 billion, a year-on-year increase of 65.4%[7] - The company's gross margin for the first half of 2024 was 42.3%[7] - Fourth Paradigm Sage AI platform revenue reached RMB 1.251 billion, a year-on-year increase of 65.4%, accounting for 67.0% of the company's total revenue[8] - SHIFT intelligent solutions revenue was RMB 453 million, accounting for 24.3% of total revenue, but decreased by 22.1% year-on-year due to strategic focus on the Sage AI platform[10] - AIGS service revenue increased by 25.0% year-on-year to RMB 163 million, providing generative AI tools and services for the Sage AI platform[11] - Total revenue for the first half of 2024 increased by 27.1% year-over-year to RMB 1,866.6 million[14] - Core business, the Prophet AI platform, generated RMB 1,250.5 million in revenue, accounting for 67.0% of total revenue, with a year-over-year growth of 65.4%[15][17] - SHIFT intelligent solutions revenue decreased by 22.1% year-over-year to RMB 452.9 million[15][18] - AIGS services revenue increased by 25.0% year-over-year to RMB 163.1 million[15][19] - Gross profit increased by 12.1% year-over-year to RMB 789.9 million, while gross margin decreased from 48.0% to 42.3%[21] - R&D expenses increased by 28.4% year-over-year to RMB 850.0 million[24] - Operating loss decreased by 25.2% year-over-year to RMB 189.1 million[28] - Financial income increased by 33.9% year-over-year to RMB 28.6 million[28] - Other income increased significantly to RMB 77.0 million, primarily due to higher VAT refunds[26] - Other net gains increased by 39.8% year-over-year to RMB 54.2 million, mainly due to gains from the sale of a portion of Guangzhou Jianxin's equity[27] - The company's loss for the period was RMB 168.5 million, a decrease of 64.7% compared to RMB 477.7 million in the same period last year[30] - Adjusted loss for the period was RMB 168.5 million, a decrease of 4.0% compared to RMB 175.5 million in the same period last year[33] - Revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2024, increased to RMB 1,866,600 thousand, up 27.1% from RMB 1,468,104 thousand in the same period in 2023[80] - Gross profit for the six months ended June 30, 2024, was RMB 789,946 thousand, compared to RMB 704,581 thousand in the same period in 2023, reflecting a 12.1% increase[80] - Operating loss for the six months ended June 30, 2024, improved to RMB 189,120 thousand, down from RMB 252,953 thousand in the same period in 2023[80] - Net loss for the six months ended June 30, 2024, was RMB 168,532 thousand, a significant improvement from the net loss of RMB 477,678 thousand in the same period in 2023[80] - R&D expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2024, increased to RMB 850,045 thousand, up 28.4% from RMB 661,832 thousand in the same period in 2023[80] - Basic and diluted loss per share improved to RMB 0.33 in 2024 from RMB 1.66 in 2023, reflecting a reduction in net loss[115] R&D and Innovation - R&D expenses for the first half of 2024 were RMB 850 million, with an R&D expense ratio of 45.5%[7] - The company developed over 30 AI products for various industries in the first half of 2024[7] - The company launched over 30 AI products based on the Sage AI platform, covering more than 20 industries and various scenarios as of August 1, 2024[12] - The Sage AI platform 5.0, launched in March 2024, focuses on industry-specific large model development and management, supporting multimodal data and low-threshold modeling tools[8] - The "Sage Inside" model has been used to create an AI product matrix, enabling AI technology to empower various industries and scenarios[8] - The company's product matrix includes computing power, data, model tools, and ecosystem applications, expanding partnerships and industry coverage[12] - The company developed a smart flood prevention model in collaboration with a water conservancy unit, improving decision-making efficiency by 5 times[13] - The flood prevention model reduces warning and response time to minutes, enhancing real-time monitoring and resource allocation[13] - The company's AI-related technologies include AI-generated software (AIGS), AIoT, and enterprise-level AI solutions[181] - The company's AI platform-centric approach integrates AI applications, underlying computing infrastructure, and AI development platforms[181] - The company's AI technologies are focused on machine learning algorithms and statistical models for specific tasks without explicit programming[181] - The company's cloud computing strategy involves storing computer data and programs on multiple servers accessible via the internet[181] - The company's AIoT combines IoT connectivity with data-driven knowledge from AI[181] - The company's enterprise-level AI solutions aim to meet business needs and drive digital and automation transformation[181] - The company's AI development platform supports AI applications and underlying computing infrastructure[181] Market and Industry Coverage - The company covered 14 industries with a total of 185 users, including 86 benchmark users[7] - Average revenue contribution from benchmark users was RMB 11.48 million, up 26.9% year-on-year[7] - The company has cumulatively served 1,112 users from January 1, 2020, to June 30, 2024[7] - The Sage AI platform has expanded to cover 14 major industries, including transportation, finance, energy, and retail, supporting multi-scenario digital transformation[8] - Revenue from one external customer accounted for approximately 18.0% of the company's total revenue, amounting to RMB 335,632,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2024[104] - Customer contract revenue from the sale of the Prophet platform and products was RMB 1,252,055,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to RMB 755,956,000 for the same period in 2023[104] - Revenue from application development and other services was RMB 614,545,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to RMB 712,148,000 for the same period in 2023[104] Investments and Financial Position - The company's cash and cash equivalents and term deposits totaled approximately RMB 2,253.2 million as of June 30, 2024, compared to RMB 2,675.0 million as of December 31, 2023[35] - The company's liquid cash resources amounted to approximately RMB 2,778.0 million as of June 30, 2024, compared to RMB 3,295.3 million as of December 31, 2023[36] - The company's net current assets decreased from RMB 4,013.4 million as of December 31, 2023, to RMB 3,460.2 million as of June 30, 2024[37] - The company's current ratio increased to 3.5 as of June 30, 2024, from 3.4 as of December 31, 2023[38] - The company's capital gearing ratio decreased to 0.7% as of June 30, 2024, from 2.0% as of December 31, 2023[39] - The company's capital commitments for equity amounted to RMB 12.0 million as of June 30, 2024, unchanged from December 31, 2023[40] - The company had no significant contingent liabilities as of June 30, 2024[40] - The company invested RMB 390 million in the Gaoteng Overseas Equity No. 3 Private Equity Fund, which accounted for approximately 5.9% of the group's total assets as of June 30, 2024[46][47] - The company acquired a 22% stake in Guangzhou Jianxin Technology Co., Ltd. for RMB 88 million[45] - The company's investment in the Gaoteng Overseas Equity No. 3 Private Equity Fund generated a dividend income of RMB 10.341 million in the first half of 2024[48] - The company completed the conversion of 131,549,046 domestic shares into H shares, which were listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on September 13, 2024[51] - The company adopted a stock incentive plan and a share option plan, which were approved by the shareholders' meeting on September 19, 2024[52] - The company manages idle cash by purchasing and redeeming low-risk wealth management products issued by state-owned or high-credit banks[44] - The company maintains a strong cash position and a robust debt structure, with a comprehensive and professional review mechanism for annual and monthly capital planning[44] - The company repurchased a total of 259,800 H shares during the reporting period, with a total consideration of HKD 13,707,920 (excluding fees)[58] - As of the reporting date, the company holds 186,100 H shares that have been repurchased but not canceled, and 193,300 H shares held as treasury shares for potential employee incentives or liquidity purposes[60] - The net proceeds from the global offering amounted to approximately HKD 925.6 million, with HKD 117.6 million utilized as of June 30, 2024, and the remaining HKD 807.8 million to be used according to the prospectus[62] - 60% of the net proceeds from the global offering, amounting to HKD 555.4 million, have been allocated to strengthening the company's foundational research, technological capabilities, and solution development[63] - 20% of the net proceeds, totaling HKD 185.1 million, are designated for expanding the company's product offerings, building its brand, and entering new industry sectors[63] - 10% of the net proceeds, amounting to HKD 92.6 million, are reserved for strategic investments and acquisition opportunities[63] - 10% of the net proceeds, totaling HKD 92.6 million, are allocated for general corporate purposes[63] - The total net proceeds from the global offering amount to HKD 925.6 million, with HKD 807.8 million remaining unused as of June 30, 2024[63] - The company plans to fully utilize the remaining net proceeds according to the disclosed purposes and expected implementation timeline in the prospectus[64] - The company's audit committee reviewed the unaudited interim financial information for the six months ended June 30, 2024, and confirmed compliance with applicable accounting standards, laws, and regulations[56] - The company's independent auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers, conducted a review of the interim financial information for the six months ended June 30, 2024, in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements 2410[57] - Total assets as of June 30, 2024, were RMB 6,619,933 thousand, a decrease from RMB 7,147,274 thousand as of December 31, 2023[82] - Cash and cash equivalents as of June 30, 2024, were RMB 1,181,736 thousand, down from RMB 1,977,891 thousand as of December 31, 2023[82] - The company's equity attributable to owners of the company as of June 30, 2024, was RMB 5,180,053 thousand, compared to RMB 5,349,122 thousand as of December 31, 2023[82] - Non-current assets as of June 30, 2024, increased to RMB 1,756,377 thousand, up from RMB 1,490,748 thousand as of December 31, 2023[82] - The company's total equity and liabilities as of June 30, 2024, were RMB 6,619,933 thousand, down from RMB 7,147,274 thousand as of December 31, 2023[82] - Total liabilities decreased to RMB 1,416,306 thousand as of June 30, 2024, compared to RMB 1,694,760 thousand as of December 31, 2023[83] - Trade payables decreased to RMB 1,024,553 thousand as of June 30, 2024, from RMB 1,043,189 thousand as of December 31, 2023[83] - The company's total equity decreased to RMB 5,203,627 thousand as of June 30, 2024, from RMB 5,452,514 thousand as of January 1, 2024[84] - Net cash used in operating activities was RMB 402,193 thousand for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to RMB 863,282 thousand for the same period in 2023[86] - Net cash used in investing activities was RMB 385,497 thousand for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to net cash generated of RMB 1,175,511 thousand for the same period in 2023[86] - The company's accumulated losses increased to RMB 5,237,973 thousand as of June 30, 2024, from RMB 5,086,375 thousand as of January 1, 2024[84] - The company repurchased shares worth RMB 12,495 thousand during the six months ended June 30, 2024[84] - The company's non-current liabilities decreased to RMB 12,979 thousand as of June 30, 2024, from RMB 51,610 thousand as of December 31, 2023[83] - The company's current liabilities decreased to RMB 1,403,327 thousand as of June 30, 2024, from RMB 1,643,150 thousand as of December 31, 2023[83] - The company's total equity and liabilities decreased to RMB 6,619,933 thousand as of June 30, 2024, from RMB 7,147,274 thousand as of December 31, 2023[83] - Net cash used in financing activities was RMB 12,014 thousand, a significant improvement from RMB 76,534 thousand in the same period last year[87] - Cash and cash equivalents decreased by RMB 799,704 thousand, compared to an increase of RMB 235,695 thousand in the same period last year[87] - The company's total financial assets measured at fair value were RMB 1,022,999 thousand, with RMB 500,636 thousand in long-term investments and RMB 522,363 thousand in short-term investments[94] - Long-term investments measured at fair value increased by RMB 43,812 thousand, from RMB 456,824 thousand at the end of 2023 to RMB 500,636 thousand at the end of June 2024[94][97] - Short-term investments measured at fair value decreased by RMB 39,972 thousand, from RMB 562,335 thousand at the end of 2023 to RMB 522,363 thousand at the end of June 2024[94][96] - The company received RMB 42,300 thousand from borrowings and repaid RMB 33,950 thousand, resulting in a net borrowing of RMB 8,350 thousand[87] - Shareholder contributions were zero in 2024, compared to RMB 194,666 thousand in 2023[87] - The company paid RMB 12,495 thousand for share repurchases, significantly lower than the RMB 259,022 thousand paid in 2023[87] - The company received RMB 8,500 thousand from related party advances, compared to zero in 2023[87] - The company's cash and cash equivalents at the end of June 2024 were RMB 1,181,736 thousand, down from RMB 1,977,891 thousand at the beginning of the period[87] - The fair value of long-term investments measured at fair value through profit or loss was RMB 500,636,000 as of June 30, 2024, compared to RMB 456,824,000 as of December 31, 2023[102] - The fair value of short-term investments measured at fair value through profit or loss was RMB 522,363,000 as of June 30, 2024, compared to RMB 562,335,000 as of December 31, 2023[102] - Contract liabilities amounted to RMB 161,702,000 as of June 30, 2024, compared to RMB 146,184,000 as of December 31, 2023[106] - Government grants and VAT refunds contributed RMB 76,976,000 to other income for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to RMB 33,823,000 for the same period in 2023[107] - The company's contract assets amounted to RMB 19,972,000 as of June 30, 2024, compared to RMB 63,377,000 as of December 31, 2023[105] - The company's unrealized net gains for the six months ended June 30, 2024, were RMB 16,867,000, compared to RMB 10,561,000 for the same period in 2023[99] - Other net income increased to RMB 54,164 thousand in 2024 from RMB 38,755 thousand in 2023, driven by gains from fair value changes in financial assets and partial disposal of subsidiaries[108] - Employee benefit expenses decreased to RMB 254,007 thousand in 2024 from RMB 321,289 thousand in 2023, reflecting cost optimization efforts[108] - Technology service fees increased to RMB 1,032

Investment Rating - The report assigns an "Outperform" rating to the company, indicating an expectation of better performance compared to the market [4]. Core Insights - The company is leveraging its "Prophet Inside Model" to facilitate the application of AI across various industries, having evolved its AI platform from version 1.0 to 5.0 over ten years. As of H1 2024, the platform supports 14 major industries, including transportation, data centers, finance, and energy [4][6]. - The company has developed over 30 AI products that cover more than 20 industries, focusing on areas such as academic translation, health management, and supply chain solutions [4][6]. - The introduction of the "Prophet AIOS 5.1" version enhances GPU resource pooling capabilities, significantly improving hardware cost efficiency and GPU utilization [7]. Financial Summary - Revenue is projected to grow from 4,204 million in 2023 to 5,277 million in 2024, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 26% [5]. - The net profit is expected to improve from a loss of 909 million in 2023 to a loss of 349 million in 2024, indicating a 62% year-on-year improvement [5]. - The gross margin is expected to remain stable around 47% from 2023 to 2026, with a gradual increase in net profit margin projected to turn positive by 2026 [5][9]. Cash Flow and Balance Sheet - Operating cash flow is expected to improve from -999 million in 2023 to -497 million in 2024, indicating a trend towards positive cash flow in the future [9]. - The total assets are projected to grow from 6,316 million in 2024 to 7,434 million in 2026, while total liabilities are expected to increase from 2,437 million to 3,240 million in the same period [10]. Valuation and Price Target - The report suggests a price-to-sales (PS) ratio of 6-7 times for 2024, leading to a fair value range of 74.21 to 86.58 HKD per share [7].

Financial Performance - Total revenue for the first half of 2024 reached RMB 1.87 billion, representing a year-on-year growth of 27.1%[2] - Gross profit amounted to RMB 790 million, with a gross margin of 42.3%, down from 48.0% in the same period last year[2][3] - Adjusted net loss for the period was RMB 169 million, a decrease of 4.0% compared to RMB 176 million in the previous year, resulting in an adjusted net loss margin of 9.0%[2][3] - Revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2024, was RMB 1,866,600,000, representing a 27.1% increase from RMB 1,468,104,000 in the same period of 2023[11] - Gross profit increased to RMB 789,946,000, up 12.1% from RMB 704,581,000 year-over-year[11] - Operating loss improved to RMB (189,120,000), a reduction of 25.3% from RMB (252,953,000) in the prior year[11] - Net loss for the period was RMB (168,532,000), significantly lower than RMB (477,678,000) in the same period last year, marking a 64.7% improvement[12] - The period loss narrowed by 64.7% year-on-year to RMB 168.5 million, reflecting improved operational efficiency[33] - The company reported a loss attributable to owners of the company of RMB (151,598) thousand for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to a loss of RMB (456,068) thousand in 2023[26] Revenue Breakdown - Revenue from the core business, the Fourth Paradigm AI platform, was RMB 1.25 billion, showing a significant year-on-year increase of 65.4%[3][5] - The Fourth Paradigm AI platform accounted for approximately 67.0% of the group's total revenue[5] - SHIFT intelligent solutions business revenue was RMB 453 million, accounting for approximately 24.3% of total group revenue, with a year-on-year decline of 22.1%[7] - AIGS service revenue reached RMB 163 million, representing about 8.7% of total group revenue, with a year-on-year increase of 25.0%[8] - Revenue from SHIFT intelligent solutions decreased by 22.1% year-on-year to RMB 452.9 million, attributed to the transition of user demand to the Prophet AI platform[37] - Revenue from the Shisuo AIGS service grew by 25.0% year-on-year to RMB 163.1 million, benefiting from successful commercialization of large model capabilities[38] Research and Development - Research and development expenses for the first half of 2024 were RMB 850 million, accounting for 45.5% of total revenue[3] - Research and development expenses rose to RMB 850,045,000, a 28.5% increase compared to RMB 661,832,000 in the previous year[11] - The company has developed over 30 AI products across various industries, enhancing its product ecosystem[4][5] - The company has developed over 30 AI products based on the "Xianzhi AI platform," covering more than 20 industries by August 1, 2024[9] - The company aims to enhance AI application efficiency and core competitiveness across various industries through continuous technological innovation[6] - The company plans to invest in research and development to drive innovation and maintain competitive advantage[84] Customer and Market Engagement - The company served a total of 185 customers during the reporting period, with key customers contributing an average revenue of RMB 11.48 million, up 26.9% year-on-year[4] - The company has expanded its coverage to 14 industries, including transportation, energy, finance, and smart manufacturing[5] - The AI products are designed to support digital transformation across different sectors, enhancing service quality and operational efficiency[7] - The company reported a strong user growth rate, indicating increased adoption of its AI solutions[83] Financial Position and Cash Management - Total assets decreased to RMB 6,619,933,000 from RMB 7,147,274,000, reflecting a 7.4% decline[13] - Cash and cash equivalents were RMB 1,181,736,000, down from RMB 1,977,891,000, indicating a 40.2% decrease[13] - The company's current cash resources amounted to approximately RMB 2,778.0 million as of June 30, 2024, compared to RMB 3,295.3 million at the end of 2023[55] - The current ratio as of June 30, 2024, was approximately 3.5, an increase from 3.4 as of December 31, 2023, indicating strong financial risk resilience[57] - The company's debt-to-equity ratio was approximately 0.7% as of June 30, 2024, a significant decrease from 2.0% at the end of 2023, reflecting a stable capital structure[57] - The company manages its cash and cash equivalents and other financial assets by only transacting with state-owned banks and reputable financial institutions, minimizing credit risk[61] Corporate Governance and Compliance - The company has adopted corporate governance standards to protect shareholder interests and enhance transparency and accountability[70] - The board believes that the current arrangement of having the same individual serve as both Chairman and CEO will not compromise the balance of power and authority[70] - The company will continue to review and monitor its corporate governance practices to ensure compliance with established standards[71] - The company is committed to ensuring compliance with Hong Kong listing rules and regulations[81] Strategic Initiatives and Future Outlook - The company aims to enhance its artificial intelligence capabilities through the development of AI-generated software and AIoT solutions[83] - The company is focused on expanding its market presence and enhancing its product offerings in the enterprise-grade AI sector[84] - The average compound growth rate for the company's key segments is projected to be significant, reflecting strong market demand[83] - The company anticipates robust financial performance in the upcoming quarters, supported by its strategic initiatives[84] Employee Engagement and Development - As of June 30, 2024, the company employed a total of 958 employees, focusing on attracting and retaining talent through competitive salaries and benefits[66] - The company is committed to providing ongoing education and training programs to enhance employee skills and knowledge[67] Shareholder and Market Activities - The company did not declare or pay any dividends for the six months ended June 30, 2024[32] - The company repurchased a total of 259,800 shares during the reporting period, with a total cost of HKD 13,707,920[75] - The highest price per share during the repurchase was HKD 54.30, while the lowest was HKD 51.20[76]

Investment Overview - The company invested RMB 390 million in the Gao Teng Overseas Equity No. 3 Private Securities Investment Fund, representing approximately 5.3% of the total assets as of December 31, 2023[3] - As of December 31, 2023, the book value of the investment was approximately RMB 377.4 million[3] - The company holds 390 million shares of the fund, with an expected positive return upon the fund's maturity[6] Fund Focus - The fund primarily invests in an independent investment portfolio focused on debt and currency market products in the Asia-Pacific region[5] - The investment strategy is aimed at obtaining anticipated investment returns from the fund's projects[6]