Zhi Tong Cai Jing·2025-04-28 01:39Core Insights - Goldman Sachs recently engaged with Chinese software supply chain companies to discuss customer software budgets, advancements in generative AI, and growth and profitability prospects for the second half of 2025. It is anticipated that the average revenue growth for Chinese software companies covered by Goldman Sachs will be 26% year-on-year in 2025, with sequential revenue growth expected across all four quarters [1]. Group 1: Generative AI Impact - The emergence of enhanced local foundational models, such as deep search models, has shifted customer software budgets from functional tools to generative AI software, leading to increased average revenue per user and attracting new paying customers [1]. - As demand rises and profitable business models for enterprise (B-end) and consumer (C-end) users become clearer, more software companies are investing in the development of application software based on foundational models [1]. - Generative AI is enabling enterprises to reduce operational costs, such as recruitment tools, with revenue from generative AI for covered Chinese software companies expected to rise from 0%-10% in 2025 to 10%-50% by 2028 [1]. Group 2: Revenue Contributions and Projections - The contribution of generative AI revenue to various companies is projected to increase significantly by 2028, with specific companies like Kingsoft Office and iFlytek expected to see substantial growth in their generative AI revenue contributions [2]. - The revenue growth for different segments, including electronic design automation, marketing, CAD/BIM, and automotive software, is expected to be robust in 2025, with generative AI applications playing a key role [10][29]. Group 3: Software Company Strategies - Companies are shifting their business models to subscription-based services, which provide predictable revenue streams and better operational leverage, particularly in the context of generative AI applications [7]. - Software companies are focusing on providing customized solutions for large clients while also developing standardized solutions for small and medium enterprises [24][25]. - The monetization of generative AI is occurring in both B-end and C-end markets, with existing clients paying more for upgraded versions with AI features and new clients converting from free to paid status more rapidly [26]. Group 4: Growth and Profitability Outlook - Companies like Kingsoft Office and Yonyou are expected to achieve steady revenue growth, with Kingsoft focusing on expanding its AI user base and Yonyou optimizing its product mix to improve gross margins [31]. - The automotive software sector is witnessing increased demand due to the push for intelligent vehicle strategies, benefiting the entire automotive technology supply chain [29]. - Cybersecurity companies are adapting to market demands by integrating multiple point solutions into platform offerings, driven by the increasing need for security solutions in the context of generative AI [30].