Summary of GDS Holdings Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: GDS Holdings - **Industry**: Data Center and Cloud Services - **Date of Call**: September 2, 2025 Key Points Industry Outlook - **Positive Demand for IDC**: Management expressed confidence in the demand for China's IDC (Internet Data Center) sector, citing the highest move-in rate and robust new bookings expected in 2025. GDS has already surpassed 180 megawatts (MW) of new bookings in the first half of 2025, matching the historical peak from 2020-2021 [3][4] - **AI Data Center Build Intent**: The strong intent to build data centers for AI applications in China is a significant driver for growth in the IDC industry [3] Business Commitments and Strategy - **H20 Chip Supply Uncertainty**: GDS is currently evaluating the H20 chip situation, with no shipments to China since the ban in April. Despite this, management is confident in maintaining existing commitments and expects clarity on chip supply in the coming months [3] - **Target for New Business**: GDS aims to secure 200-300 MW of new business annually over the next few years, with a target of exceeding 200 MW in 2025. The company is well-positioned with a power quota and land bank of approximately 900 MW [3][4] - **Focus on Tier-One Markets**: GDS is concentrating on tier-one markets such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, which are preferred for AI inference due to their proximity to users and higher barriers to entry for competitors [3] Financial Performance and Projections - **Revenue Growth Drivers**: Current revenue growth is attributed to unit growth and a decline in monthly service revenue (MSR) due to contract renewals. The pricing downtrend that began in 2021 is stabilizing, with expectations for more stable pricing in the next 1-2 years [4] - **C-REIT Listing Impact**: The successful C-REIT IPO is seen as a means for capital recycling and enhancing GDS's valuation. The company plans to shift its primary listing from the US to Hong Kong within the next 12 months [5] International Expansion - **DayOne Business Growth**: GDS's international business, DayOne, has secured approximately 800 MW of customer commitments, primarily from Southeast Asia and Finland. AI currently accounts for 10-15% of DayOne's operations, with plans for expansion into Japan and Europe [5] Investment Thesis and Valuation - **Overweight Rating**: GDS is rated as "Overweight" with a price target of $46.00, based on strong demand from tier-one customers and the potential resumption of H20 shipments [6][7] - **Risks**: Key upside risks include stronger AI demand and resolution of GPU supply uncertainties, while downside risks involve long-term GPU availability in China [8] Conclusion - GDS Holdings is positioned for growth in the data center sector, driven by AI demand and strategic market focus. The company is navigating supply chain challenges while maintaining a robust growth outlook and capitalizing on its successful C-REIT listing.