Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for the first half of 2025 was $18.7 million, representing a 37% increase year-on-year [4][6][21] - Gross profit increased by 17% to $15.1 million, with a gross margin maintained at 80% [6][24] - EBITDA was reported at $5.2 million, reflecting top-line growth and continued investment [5][6][21] - Net profit after tax was $4.66 million, with a net margin of 35% [6][24] - Interest income rose to $1.3 million from $0.7 million a year ago, driven by a larger loan receivable base [7][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The technology segment generated $9.3 million in revenue, up from $1.7 million a year ago, indicating a structural shift towards technology as a growth driver [3][19][21] - Consultancy revenue contributed $8.1 million, showing stability despite a return to typical activity levels after an exceptional 2024 [3][19][21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is expanding into GPU-as-a-service with the upcoming launch of its GPU Launch and GPU Cloud platform [4][20] - There is consistent interest from enterprise clients in AI-integrated server and cloud platforms, with discussions progressing into later stages [11][27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on building a portfolio of high-growth verticals across cybersecurity, AI, fintech, and technology development [3][19] - A planned IPO of VCCG, the capital market advisory arm, is targeted for the first quarter of 2026, reflecting strategic flexibility [4][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management emphasized a disciplined approach to capital allocation, prioritizing AI infrastructure and related services [9][25] - The company is focused on execution and scaling, with a clear strategy to convert initiatives into sustained earnings growth [5][32] Other Important Information - The company is increasing investments in cybersecurity, AI, data analytics, and fintech, areas with long-term potential [4][20] - The first half results reflect a scalable, margin-creating model supported by diversified revenue streams [8][24] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is capital allocation prioritized across AI, cybersecurity, fintech, and data analytics? - The company is prioritizing AI infrastructure and related services, followed by cybersecurity, while being selective in fintech and data analytics investments [9][25] Question: Should the moderation in consultancy revenue be viewed as a structural shift towards technology? - It is both a return to typical activity levels and a structural shift, with technology becoming a larger part of the business [10][26] Question: How is the current pipeline shaping for the second half of the year, particularly in technology? - The pipeline looks steady, with consistent interest in AI-integrated server and cloud platforms, and healthy consultancy mandates [11][27][29] Question: What are the key execution risks for the remaining of 2025? - Key risks include delivery capacity, timing of consultancy deal closures, capital deployment discipline, and regulatory developments [13][30]

Summary of China Software 2Q25 Conference Call Industry Overview - The conference call focused on the **China Software** industry, particularly the performance of various software companies in the second quarter of 2025 (2Q25) and the first half of 2025 (1H25) - Average revenue growth for the covered companies was **9% YoY** in 1H25, with an average net margin of **-3%** due to weak seasonality in the first half [1][2] Key Company Performances - **Kingsoft Office, Thundersoft, and Sensetime** reported revenues in 2Q25 that exceeded expectations due to increased AI spending - **Glodon and Sangfor** showed better-than-expected net income in 2Q25, attributed to improved employee productivity [1] - **Yonyou** reported a revenue growth of **7% YoY** in 2Q25, recovering from a **-21% YoY** decline in 1Q25, supported by small and medium business (SMB) growth [9] - **Thundersoft** experienced a **50% YoY** revenue increase, driven by strong growth in its AIoT business [26] - **Glodon** faced a **-5% YoY** revenue decline, but net margin improved to **13%** due to product mix upgrades and cost management [17] Core Insights and Trends - Companies are focusing on: 1. **Monetization of AI tools** to provide value-added features [2] 2. **Diversification** into overseas markets or new categories to counteract slower IT spending in certain segments [2] 3. **Integration of AI** with core software products to capture a larger share of clients' budgets [2] - The average **P/E ratio** for China software companies increased to **55x-60x**, indicating early signs of AI monetization, while the average **EV/Sales** ratio rose to **8x-9x** [2] Company Ratings and Recommendations - **Buy** ratings maintained for **Empyrean** and **Kingdee** - **Neutral** rating for **Yonyou** - **Sell** ratings for **ZWSOFT, Thundersoft, Glodon, and Sangfor** [3] Earnings Revisions - **Yonyou**: Revised down 2025 net loss to **Rmb594m** from **Rmb517m** due to lower revenues during transformation [12] - **Glodon**: Revenue estimates revised down by **1%-3%** for 2025-28E, but earnings revised up by **18%/12%/2%/1%** due to improved productivity [20] - **Thundersoft**: Revenue estimates revised up by **8%/5%/4%** for 2025-27E, reflecting higher revenues from the IoT business [30] - **Sangfor**: Revenue estimates revised down by **9%/2%/1%** for 2025-27E due to lower security software revenues [46] Other Important Insights - **ZWSOFT** launched new products with enhanced 3D CAD features, which are expected to support long-term growth despite current muted growth in 3D CAD software [39] - **Sangfor** is expanding its cloud computing product offerings, which is expected to contribute to revenue growth [45] - The overall sentiment in the industry is cautiously optimistic, with expectations of improved productivity and revenue growth driven by AI integration and new product offerings [1][2][3]