Revenue Growth - Net revenues increased by 20.2% to RMB93.5 billion in 2024 from RMB77.8 billion in 2023, driven by new home transaction services and expansion in home renovation and rental businesses [45]. - Total GTV rose by 6.6% to RMB3,349.4 billion in 2024 from RMB3,142.9 billion in 2023, reflecting the company's proactive growth strategy [45]. - Net revenues from home renovation and furnishing surged by 36.1% to RMB14.8 billion in 2024 from RMB10.9 billion in 2023, attributed to increased orders and enhanced delivery capabilities [46]. - Net revenues from home rental services skyrocketed by 135.0% to RMB14.3 billion in 2024 from RMB6.1 billion in 2023, mainly due to the growth in rental units under the Carefree Rent model [48]. - Total net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2024, reached RMB 93,457,498, an increase from RMB 77,776,932 in 2023, representing a growth of approximately 20% [147]. - Existing home transaction services generated RMB 28,201,003 in revenue, while new home transaction services contributed RMB 33,653,403, reflecting increases of 0.9% and 10.1% respectively compared to the previous year [147]. - Home renovation and furnishing segment reported net revenues of RMB 14,768,947 in 2024, significantly up from RMB 10,850,497 in 2023, with a contribution of RMB 4,539,251 [172]. - Home rental services achieved net revenues of RMB 14,334,479 in 2024, compared to RMB 6,099,747 in 2023, resulting in a contribution of RMB 714,973 [172]. Financial Performance - Gross profit increased by 5.6% to RMB22.9 billion in 2024 from RMB21.7 billion in 2023, with a gross margin of 24.6% compared to 27.9% in 2023 [58]. - Income from operations decreased to RMB3,765 million in 2024 from RMB4,797 million in 2023, resulting in an operating margin of 4.0% compared to 6.2% in 2023 [60]. - Net income fell to RMB4,078 million in 2024 from RMB5,890 million in 2023 [62]. - Net income attributable to KE Holdings Inc. for 2024 was RMB 4,064,900, a decrease of approximately 30.9% from RMB 5,883,224 in 2023 [149]. - The company reported a total comprehensive income of RMB 4,442,990 for 2024, down from RMB 6,546,627 in 2023, reflecting a decline of about 32.1% [150]. - Adjusted net income for 2024 was RMB 7,211,073, down from RMB 9,798,488 in 2023, reflecting a decrease of about 26.4% [203]. - Net income for 2024 was RMB 4,078,180, down from RMB 5,889,604 in 2023, with an effective tax rate of 40.6% [173][177]. Cash Flow and Investments - Net cash provided by operating activities decreased from RMB11,414,244 thousand in 2023 to RMB9,447,137 thousand in 2024 [78]. - Net cash used in investing activities increased from RMB3,977,440 thousand in 2023 to RMB9,378,025 thousand in 2024, reflecting higher investment in short-term and long-term assets [90]. - Net cash used in financing activities decreased from RMB7,218 million in 2023 to RMB5,795 million in 2024, with a notable repurchase of ordinary shares [93]. - Capital expenditures rose from RMB874 million in 2023 to RMB1,037 million in 2024, primarily for property, plant, and equipment [95]. - Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash decreased from RMB25,857,461 thousand at the beginning of 2024 to RMB20,301,414 thousand at the end of the year [78]. - The company reported a significant increase in customer deposits payable to RMB 6,078,623 as of December 31, 2024, compared to RMB 3,900,564 in 2023, reflecting a growth of 55.9% [153]. Assets and Liabilities - Total assets grew to RMB 133,149,283 as of December 31, 2024, compared to RMB 120,331,931 in 2023, representing an increase of approximately 10.7% [151]. - Total liabilities increased to RMB 61,701,288 as of December 31, 2024, up from RMB 48,130,826 as of December 31, 2023, representing a growth of 28.1% [153]. - Total shareholders' equity decreased slightly to RMB 71,447,995 as of December 31, 2024, compared to RMB 72,201,105 as of December 31, 2023, a decline of 1.0% [154]. - The accumulated deficit as of December 31, 2024, was RMB (32,472,121), reflecting a significant increase from RMB (37,127,085) as of December 31, 2023 [191]. Shareholder Returns and Dividends - A final cash dividend of US$0.12 per ordinary share, or US$0.36 per ADS, was approved, amounting to approximately US$0.4 billion [134]. - The company repurchased a total of 144,663,195 Class A ordinary shares represented by ADSs during the reporting period, at an aggregate consideration of approximately US$715.5 million [117]. - The board of directors approved an increase in the share repurchase authorization from US$2 billion to US$3 billion, extending the program until August 31, 2025 [116]. Employee and Governance - The company had a total of 135,072 employees as of December 31, 2024, with the largest group being agents and supporting staff at 108,609 [113]. - The company plans to continue granting share-based incentive awards to employees to encourage contributions to growth and development [114]. - The company has complied with all applicable principles and code provisions of the Corporate Governance Code during the reporting period [124]. Research and Development - Research and development expenses increased to RMB 2,283,424 in 2024, compared to RMB 1,936,780 in 2023, marking a rise of approximately 17.8% [149].

VIE Structure and Regulatory Risks - As of December 31, 2024, the VIEs collectively held 34.2% of the company's cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, and 10.9% of total assets[31]. - Revenues contributed by the VIEs accounted for 0.8% of total net revenues for the fiscal years 2022, 2023, and 2024[31]. - The VIEs and their subsidiaries owned approximately 2%, 5%, and 13% of the company's issued patents, registered trademarks, and copyrights to software programs, respectively, as of December 31, 2024[31]. - The company operates primarily through its PRC subsidiaries and VIEs, relying on contractual arrangements to direct activities and receive economic benefits[30]. - The company faces unique risks associated with its VIE structure, including potential regulatory changes that could affect the enforceability of contractual arrangements[35]. - The company has not received any formal inquiry or sanction from PRC authorities regarding its historical issuance of securities to foreign investors[41]. - The company is subject to evolving PRC laws and regulations, including those related to cybersecurity and data privacy, which could materially affect its operations[39]. - The company must obtain various licenses and permits for its operations, including those for real estate brokerage and value-added telecommunication services[40]. - The company’s holding structure may limit its ability to offer securities to investors, potentially leading to significant declines in the value of its ADSs[39]. - The PCAOB has not issued any new determination that it is unable to inspect or investigate completely registered public accounting firms headquartered in any jurisdiction as of the date of the annual report[42]. - If identified as a Commission-Identified Issuer for two consecutive years, the company would be subject to trading prohibitions under the HFCAA[43]. - The company does not expect to be identified as a Commission-Identified Issuer after filing the annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 or 2023[42]. - The VIEs may transfer cash to the WFOEs by paying service fees based on 100% of the balance of the gross consolidated profits after certain deductions[49]. - The company has not made any dividends or distributions to the Parent by its subsidiaries for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2023, and 2024[50]. - The company is legally required to monitor and verify property listings to ensure compliance with PRC laws, which is critical for maintaining trust with customers[91]. - The company may face regulatory investigations or penalties if it fails to maintain the quality and authenticity of property listings[91]. - The PRC anti-monopoly regulators have strengthened enforcement, which could impact the company's operations and compliance costs[97]. - The maximum fines for illegal concentration of business operators can reach up to 10% of the previous year's sales revenue[101]. - The company is subject to risks associated with potential changes in PRC regulations affecting its VIE structure[207]. - The contractual arrangements with VIEs are governed by PRC law, which may lead to uncertainties in enforcement and potential adverse effects on the company's ability to direct VIE activities and receive economic benefits[216]. - Conflicts of interest may arise with certain shareholders of the VIEs, potentially impacting the company's ability to enforce contractual arrangements and receive timely payments[217]. - The company may invoke equity pledge agreements to enforce shareholder obligations, but reliance on legal proceedings could disrupt business operations and introduce uncertainty[218]. - Personal disputes involving VIE shareholders could adversely affect equity interests and the enforceability of contractual arrangements, leading to potential loss of control over VIEs[219]. - PRC tax authorities may scrutinize contractual arrangements, and any findings of non-compliance could result in increased tax liabilities and penalties for the VIEs, adversely affecting the company's financial position[220]. - Bankruptcy or liquidation of VIEs could result in loss of access to material assets necessary for business operations, significantly impacting the company's financial condition[221]. - The evolving interpretation of the PRC Foreign Investment Law may affect the viability of the company's corporate structure and operations, particularly regarding foreign investment restrictions[222]. - Changes in China's economic, political, or social conditions could materially impact the company's business operations and financial results, as revenues are primarily derived from China[224]. - The PRC government's oversight and discretion over business operations may lead to material adverse changes in operations and the value of the company's securities[230]. - Recent regulatory changes regarding overseas listings and foreign investment may hinder the company's ability to conduct future financing activities, potentially affecting the value of its securities[231]. Financial Performance and Cash Flow - As of December 31, 2024, total assets amounted to RMB 133,149,283 thousand, an increase from RMB 120,331,931 thousand as of December 31, 2023[57][58]. - Cash and cash equivalents decreased from RMB 19,634,716 thousand in 2023 to RMB 11,442,965 thousand in 2024, representing a decline of approximately 41.6%[57][58]. - Total current liabilities increased to RMB 52,744,258 thousand in 2024 from RMB 39,523,983 thousand in 2023, reflecting a rise of about 33.4%[57][58]. - Total shareholders' equity remained stable at RMB 71,447,995 thousand in 2024 compared to RMB 72,201,105 thousand in 2023[57][58]. - Short-term investments rose to RMB 41,317,700 thousand in 2024 from RMB 34,257,958 thousand in 2023, indicating an increase of approximately 20.5%[57][58]. - Total non-current assets decreased to RMB 56,545,938 thousand in 2024 from RMB 50,578,308 thousand in 2023, a decline of about 11.8%[57][58]. - The amount due from Group companies increased significantly to RMB 87,092,970 thousand in 2024 from RMB 72,894,425 thousand in 2023, marking an increase of approximately 19.4%[57][58]. - Total liabilities increased to RMB 61,701,288 thousand in 2024 from RMB 48,130,826 thousand in 2023, reflecting a rise of about 28.2%[57][58]. - Restricted cash increased from RMB 6,222,745 thousand in 2023 to RMB 8,858,449 thousand in 2024, representing an increase of approximately 42.5%[57][58]. - The total current assets decreased to RMB 76,603,345 thousand in 2024 from RMB 69,753,623 thousand in 2023, a decline of about 9.5%[57][58]. - Total net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2024, reached RMB 93,457,498 thousand, a significant increase from RMB 77,776,932 thousand in 2023, representing a growth of approximately 20%[60]. - Gross profit for 2024 was RMB 22,944,055 thousand, up from RMB 21,718,014 thousand in 2023, indicating a year-over-year increase of about 5.6%[60]. - Net income attributable to KE Holdings Inc. for 2024 was RMB 4,064,900 thousand, compared to RMB 5,883,224 thousand in 2023, reflecting a decrease of approximately 30.8%[60]. - Operating cash flow from third parties for 2024 amounted to RMB 9,447,137 thousand, a notable increase from RMB 2,971,131 thousand in 2023[64]. - Cash flows from investing activities in 2024 resulted in a net outflow of RMB 9,378,025 thousand, compared to a net inflow in 2023, indicating a shift in investment strategy[64]. - The company reported a total cost of revenues of RMB 70,513,443 thousand for 2024, which is an increase from RMB 56,058,918 thousand in 2023, marking a rise of approximately 25.8%[60]. - The share of income from subsidiaries for 2024 was RMB 3,734,104 thousand, compared to RMB 5,883,224 thousand in 2023, indicating a decline of about 36.5%[60]. - The company experienced a significant increase in operating expenses, which totaled RMB 19,179,088 thousand in 2024, compared to RMB 16,920,944 thousand in 2023, reflecting a rise of approximately 7.4%[60]. - Operating cash flow from third parties for the year ended December 31, 2023, was RMB 11,414,244 thousand, an increase from RMB 8,518,843 thousand in 2022, representing a growth of approximately 34.5%[65]. - Net cash provided by operating activities for 2023 was RMB 11,414,244 thousand, compared to RMB 8,518,843 thousand in 2022, indicating a significant increase of approximately 34.5%[66]. - Cash flows from investing activities resulted in a net outflow of RMB 3,977,440 thousand in 2023, compared to an outflow of RMB 8,472,355 thousand in 2022, showing an improvement of approximately 53%[66]. - The company reported a net cash used in financing activities of RMB 7,218,210 thousand for 2023, compared to RMB 1,213,082 thousand in 2022, reflecting a significant increase in financing outflows[66]. - The total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at the end of 2023 was RMB 25,857,461 thousand, up from RMB 25,594,259 thousand at the end of 2022, representing a slight increase of approximately 1%[66]. - Investment in subsidiaries and net assets of VIEs increased to RMB 70,866,589 thousand by December 31, 2023, from RMB 59,780,970 thousand at the end of 2022, marking an increase of approximately 18.5%[69]. - The share of income from subsidiaries for 2023 was RMB 3,734,104 thousand, compared to RMB 5,618,262 thousand in 2022, indicating a decrease of approximately 33.4%[69]. - The company incurred share-based compensation costs of RMB 2,726,075 thousand for subsidiaries and VIEs in 2023, compared to RMB 3,215,549 thousand in 2022, reflecting a decrease of approximately 15.2%[69]. - The cash paid for business combinations in 2023 was RMB 9,893 thousand, a decrease from RMB 3,147,760 thousand in 2022, indicating a significant reduction in acquisition-related expenditures[66]. - The effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents resulted in a net increase of RMB 44,608 thousand in 2023, compared to an increase of RMB 28,644 thousand in 2022, showing a positive trend in currency impact[66]. - The company incurred a net loss of RMB1,397 million in 2022 but generated net incomes of RMB5,890 million in 2023 and RMB4,078 million (US$559 million) in 2024[119]. - The company expects to continue incurring costs and operating expenses to support anticipated future growth, which may exceed expectations[119]. - The company’s business is sensitive to economic conditions, with potential adverse effects from a severe or prolonged downturn in the global or Chinese economy[120]. - Labor costs in the PRC are expected to continue increasing, which may adversely affect the company's profitability if these costs cannot be passed on to customers[191]. - Certain PRC subsidiaries have failed to make full social insurance and housing fund contributions, which could lead to fines and adversely affect the company's financial condition[192]. - The company has historically hired dispatched workers, and exceeding the 10% limit of dispatched workers could result in fines and operational challenges[193]. Market Conditions and Competitive Landscape - The housing-related industry in China has experienced a slowdown, affecting transaction volumes and prices, which may adversely impact the company's financial performance[78]. - The PRC government has implemented various measures to stabilize the housing market, including easing restrictions on residential property purchases and reducing mortgage rates[82]. - In 2023, the company reduced commission rates for existing home transactions in Beijing, splitting fees equally between sellers and buyers[83]. - The company's business is sensitive to economic conditions, and a prolonged downturn in the global or Chinese economy could materially affect its financial condition[75]. - The company faces increasing competition in the housing transactions and services industry, which could lead to declining market share and commission rates[157]. - The company derives a substantial portion of its revenues from major cities, particularly Beijing and Shanghai, exposing it to market risks[161]. - The company may face competition from related parties, such as Ziroom, in the home rental services sector[158]. - Expansion into new geographical areas poses risks due to varying housing market conditions and potential competition from established local players[176]. Strategic Initiatives and Business Development - The company launched its home renovation and furnishing services, Beiwoo, in April 2020, and completed the acquisition of Shengdu in April 2022[93]. - The corporate strategy was upgraded to "One Body, Three Wings" in 2023, adding the Beihaojia business to facilitate supply-side upgrades for new homes[93]. - The company has expanded into new service categories, including home renovation and furnishing, and launched its Beihaojia business, which focuses on upgrading new homes[172]. - The Beihaojia business primarily provides C2M product solutions for real estate developers, leveraging extensive data accumulation, but market acceptance remains uncertain[173]. - The company has upgraded its corporate strategy to "One Body, Three Wings," adding Beihaojia as a third wing, although this business model is still in its early stages[172]. - The company may incur additional costs due to project delays caused by factors such as labor shortages and material delivery delays[128]. - The company is subject to risks associated with maintaining relationships with real estate developers, which are critical for new property listings[125]. - The company’s home renovation and furnishing services are exposed to risks related to project cost overruns and quality issues[127]. - The company may be required to pay damages for breach of contract if it fails to renew agreements with landlords on satisfactory terms[134]. - The company relies on a large number of business partners, including real estate developers and financial institutions, to provide quality services, and any failure on their part could materially impact the company's reputation and financial condition[146]. - The company faces significant risks associated with strategic alliances, investments, or acquisitions, which may not yield expected results and could adversely affect financial performance[147]. Compliance and Internal Controls - The company has maintained a comprehensive data protection program and implemented strict internal policies to ensure compliance with data protection regulations[116]. - As of the date of the annual report, there had been no material incidents of data leakage or regulatory sanctions against the company[116]. - The PRC Data Security Law, effective September 2021, requires security reviews for data activities that may affect national security[111]. - The company is subject to various anti-corruption laws, and violations could adversely affect its reputation and financial condition[169]. - The company does not maintain business interruption insurance or key-man insurance, which could expose it to significant costs and disruptions[186]. - The company has concluded that its internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2024, but failure to maintain this could lead to loss of investor confidence[200]. - The company may need additional capital for growth and operations, and may face challenges in obtaining this capital on acceptable terms[201]. - The company is subject to new internet advertising regulations effective May 1, 2023, which may impose additional compliance obligations and operational costs[196]. - Violations of advertising laws could result in penalties, including fines up to RMB2 million, which may adversely affect the company's financial condition[197]. - The company may face legal and regulatory proceedings that could materially affect its business and financial condition[165]. Intellectual Property and Data Management - The company’s intellectual property rights are essential for its competitive position, and failure to protect these rights could lead to significant business risks[149]. - The validity and enforceability of intellectual property rights in internet-related industries in China are evolving, increasing the risk of infringement claims against the company[155]. - The company generates and processes a large amount of data, facing risks related to cybersecurity and data privacy compliance[105]. - Regulatory authorities globally are considering new data protection laws, which could impose additional compliance costs on the company[117].

Core Viewpoint - KE Holdings Inc. will hold its annual general meeting (AGM) on June 13, 2025, to consider proposed resolutions supported by the board of directors [1][2]. Group 1: AGM Details - The AGM is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Beijing time on June 13, 2025, at the Oriental Electronic Technology Building in Beijing [1]. - Shareholders of ordinary shares and American depositary shares (ADSs) as of May 13, 2025, are entitled to attend and vote at the AGM [2]. Group 2: Financial Reporting - The company has filed its annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) [3]. Group 3: Company Overview - KE Holdings Inc. is a leading integrated online and offline platform for housing transactions and services in China, operating under the Lianjia brand [4]. - The company has over 23 years of experience through Lianjia, which supports its infrastructure and standards for housing transactions [4].

I wrote about KE Holdings (NYSE: BEKE ) with a hold rating, as I wanted to see more signs of growth acceleration and an improved macro environment. After waiting for a few months, reviewing 4Q24 earnings, and looking atI am an individual investor that is now fully focus on managing my own capital that I have saved up over the years. My investing background spreads across a wide spectrum as I believe there are merits to each approach, for instance: Fundamental investing [Bottoms-up etc.], Technical investing ...

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company is "Buy" with a maintained rating for the next six months [6] Core Views - The company achieved a revenue of 93.5 billion yuan in 2024, representing a year-on-year increase of 20.2%, while net profit decreased by 30.8% to 4.078 billion yuan [1] - The company reported a significant increase in Q4 performance, with revenue reaching 31.1 billion yuan, up 54.1% year-on-year, driven by total transaction volume growth and expansion in the rental business [1] - The company initiated a cash dividend plan, proposing a dividend of $0.12 per share, with an expected total payout of approximately $400 million [1] Summary by Sections Revenue and Profitability - In 2024, the company generated a total revenue of 93.5 billion yuan, with a gross profit margin of 24.6%, a decrease of 3.3 percentage points compared to the previous year [1] - The adjusted net profit (non-GAAP) for 2024 was 7.211 billion yuan, down 26.4% year-on-year [1] Business Segments - The existing housing business generated a net income of 28.2 billion yuan in 2024, remaining stable year-on-year, contributing a profit of 12.18 billion yuan with a profit margin of 43.2% [2] - The new housing segment reported a net income of 33.7 billion yuan in 2024, an increase of 10.1% year-on-year, with a profit margin of 24.8% [3] - The non-housing business, including home decoration and rental services, showed significant growth, with home decoration revenue increasing by 36.1% to 14.8 billion yuan and rental income soaring by 135% to 14.3 billion yuan [4] Future Projections - The company expects revenue growth to continue, with projected revenues of 106.7 billion yuan in 2025 and 126.4 billion yuan in 2026, reflecting growth rates of 14.21% and 18.39% respectively [5] - The forecasted non-GAAP net profit for 2025 is 8.221 billion yuan, with a growth rate of -8.82% [5]

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company is "Buy" with a maintained rating for the next six months [6]. Core Views - The company achieved a revenue of 93.5 billion RMB in 2024, representing a year-on-year growth of 20.2%, while net profit decreased by 30.8% to 4.078 billion RMB [1]. - The fourth quarter of 2024 saw a significant revenue increase of 54.1% year-on-year, reaching 31.1 billion RMB, driven by total transaction volume growth and expansion in the rental business [1][2]. - The company's "One Body Three Wings" strategy is progressing steadily, with notable growth in both existing and new housing transaction businesses [5]. Summary by Sections Financial Performance - In 2024, the company reported a non-GAAP adjusted net profit of 7.211 billion RMB, down 26.4% year-on-year, with a gross margin of 24.6%, a decrease of 3.3 percentage points compared to the previous year [1]. - The fourth quarter of 2024 saw a gross profit of 7.2 billion RMB, a 39.4% increase year-on-year, with a gross margin of 23%, down 2.5 percentage points from the same period last year [1]. Existing Housing Business - By the end of 2024, the number of active stores increased by 18.3% year-on-year to 49,700, and the number of active agents reached 445,000, up 12.1% year-on-year [2]. - The net income from existing housing for the entire year was 28.2 billion RMB, remaining stable year-on-year, contributing a profit of 12.18 billion RMB with a profit margin of 43.2%, down 4.0 percentage points from the previous year [2]. New Housing Business - The new housing segment generated a net income of 33.7 billion RMB in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 10.1%, contributing a profit of 8.35 billion RMB with a profit margin of 24.8%, down 1.8 percentage points from the previous year [3]. - In the fourth quarter of 2024, new housing net income reached 13.1 billion RMB, a 72.7% increase year-on-year, with a gross transaction volume (GTV) of 355.3 billion RMB, up 49.3% year-on-year [3]. Non-Housing Growth Engines - The home decoration business generated 14.8 billion RMB in revenue for 2024, a 36.1% increase year-on-year, with a profit margin of 30.7%, up 1.7 percentage points from the previous year [4]. - The rental business saw a revenue increase of 135% year-on-year to 14.3 billion RMB, with a profit margin of 5%, turning positive from a negative margin in the previous year [4]. - Emerging businesses and others contributed 2.5 billion RMB in revenue, an 8.8% increase year-on-year, primarily due to increased net income from financial services [4].

Core Insights - The investment thesis on KE Holdings (NYSE: BEKE) was published in June 2024, leading to a stock rally of nearly 50% in under six months, prompting a downgrade to 'hold' in November [1] Company Overview - KE Holdings operates in the real estate sector, focusing on both U.S. and Asia markets, with a multi-family office investment strategy [1] Analyst Background - The analyst has extensive experience, including a background in a multi-billion dollar value fund, covering equities without market capitalization restrictions [1] - The analyst holds a bachelor's and master's degree in accounting and finance and is a CFA Charterholder [1] Investment Approach - The investment style is influenced by notable investors such as Warren Buffett, Peter Lynch, and Charlie Munger, with a flexible approach encompassing growth, GARP, deep value, turnaround, cyclical, and special situations [1] - The research methodology includes gathering information from public filings, industry periodicals, conferences, company visits, analyst calls, and management meetings [1]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for the company with a target price of $25.12, down from a previous $27.88, reflecting a 27x PE for 2025, which is higher than the global comparable company's average of 22.7x [4][28]. Core Insights - The company reported a 54.1% year-on-year revenue growth in Q4, reaching 31.13 billion RMB, exceeding consensus expectations by 7% [1]. - The Gross Transaction Value (GTV) increased by 55.5% year-on-year to 1.14 trillion RMB, also surpassing expectations by 9% [1]. - The revenue growth across different segments includes existing homes (47.5%), new homes (72.7%), home decoration (12.8%), and rental services (108.7%) [1]. - Adjusted net profit decreased by 21.6% year-on-year to 1.34 billion RMB, falling short of expectations by 40%, primarily due to one-time expenses [1][4]. Revenue and Profit Forecast - For 2025, the company expects revenue to reach 110.04 billion RMB, with a year-on-year growth of 17.74% [6][22]. - The adjusted net profit forecast for 2025 is 8.12 billion RMB, reflecting a decrease of 29.6% from previous estimates due to rising personnel costs and a declining take rate [4][22]. - The company anticipates a significant increase in market share in the existing home segment, projecting a 5-7 percentage point increase in market share in first-tier cities [2][13]. Segment Performance - The existing home business outperformed expectations with a 47.5% year-on-year revenue growth in Q4, and GTV growth of 59.1%, particularly strong in first-tier cities [2]. - The new home business also exceeded expectations with a 72.7% year-on-year revenue growth in Q4, and GTV growth of 49.3% [2]. - The home decoration segment showed a 12.8% year-on-year revenue growth, with a significant increase in contract amounts [3]. Operational Efficiency and Innovations - The company is leveraging AI tools to enhance operational efficiency, including AI-driven customer service and property management systems, which have shown improvements in operational metrics [15][18]. - The home decoration business is expected to achieve quarterly breakeven due to improved supply chain management and the introduction of new product offerings [3][16][17]. Market Context - The report highlights a recovery in the real estate market, particularly in existing homes, driven by favorable policies and a significant increase in transaction volumes [13]. - The rental business has seen a substantial increase in managed properties, with operational efficiencies improving customer satisfaction and reducing vacancy periods [14].

KE Holdings Inc. (NYSE:BEKE) Q4 2024 Earnings Conference Call March 18, 2025 8:00 AM ET Company Participants Siting Li - IR Director Stanley Peng - Co-Founder, Chairman & CEO Tao Xu - Executive Director & CFO Conference Call Participants Jizhou Dong - Nomura Timothy Zhao - Goldman Sachs Griffin Chan - Citi Eddy Wang - Morgan Stanley Sophie Zhang - CICC [Transcript Provided to Seeking Alpha by the Company] Operator Hello, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for standing by for KE Holdings Inc.’s Fourth Quarter a ...

KE (BEKE) Q4 2024 Earnings Call March 18, 2025 08:00 AM ET Company Participants Siting Li - Investor RelationsYongdong Peng - CEO, Co-Founder, Chairman & Executive DirectorTao Xu - CFO & Executive DirectorJizhou Dong - Head of China Consumer & Property Conference Call Participants Timothy Zhao - Equity Research AnalystGriffin Chan - AnalystEddy Wang - AnalystXiaodan Zhang - Equity Research Analyst Operator Hello, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for standing by for KE Holdings Inc. Fourth Quarter and Fiscal ...