Kuaishou Technology (01024) Q1 2025 Earnings Call May 27, 2025 07:00 AM ET Company Participants Felix Liu - Executive DirectorLincoln Kong - Executive DirectorBrian Gong - Internet & Media ResearchDaniel Chen - Executive Director - Equity Research Conference Call Participants Xueqing Zhang - Media Analyst Operator Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Quexua Technology First Quarter twenty twenty five Financial Results Conference Call. Please note that English simultaneous interpretation will be provided for man ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, total revenue increased by 10.9% year on year to RMB 32.6 billion, with adjusted net profit reaching RMB 4.6 billion, representing an adjusted net margin of 14% [7][38][44] - Gross profit margin approached 55%, with a gross profit of RMB 17.8 billion, reflecting a 10.4% year on year growth [8][41] - Cost of revenue rose by 11.5% year on year to RMB 14.8 billion, accounting for 45.4% of total revenue [41] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue from online marketing services grew by 8% year on year to RMB 18 billion, driven by AI technology integration [17][39] - E-commerce GMV increased by 15.4% year on year, with the number of monthly average active paying users reaching 135 million [22][40] - Live streaming revenue returned to positive growth, increasing by 14.4% year on year to RMB 9.8 billion [28][40] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overseas business achieved a revenue increase of 32.7% to RMB 1.32 billion, marking its first quarter of operating profit [31][38] - Local services GMV saw rapid growth, with over 65% of growth coming from lower-tier cities [33][36] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on AI technology integration across its business lines to enhance user experience and operational efficiency [7][12] - Strategic initiatives for the 618 shopping festival include significant traffic resources and subsidies to boost merchant sales [69][72] - The company aims to maintain its leading position in AI technology while expanding its user base and enhancing monetization strategies [49][78] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving double-digit growth in online marketing services in the second quarter, driven by improved client placements [62] - The company anticipates that AI investments will contribute positively to profitability in the medium to long term, with expectations of narrowing losses in AI-related areas [78] Other Important Information - The average daily time spent per DAU on the Kuaishou app was 133.8 minutes, with total user time spent rising by 5.9% year on year [14] - The company repurchased approximately HKD 1.42 billion worth of shares, accounting for about 0.68% of total shares outstanding [44] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on Clean AI's commercialization and growth strategy - Clean AI's revenue reached RMB 150 million in Q1, with paid subscriptions accounting for nearly 70% of revenue, and plans for further product iterations and global expansion [48][49][52] Question: How AI is empowering existing businesses - AI has enhanced marketing material production and customer service, leading to increased conversion rates and operational efficiencies [56][58] Question: Recent trends in online marketing services and key growth strategies - The company expects a return to double-digit growth in online marketing services, with strong performance in content consumption and local services sectors [62][66] Question: Strategy for the 618 shopping festival - The company will provide substantial traffic resources and subsidies, focusing on user engagement and tailored support for merchants [69][72] Question: Investment plan on AI and its impact on profitability - AI investments are expected to increase, particularly in R&D, but the overall impact on profit margins is projected to be manageable, with AI seen as a future growth driver [78]