Core Viewpoint - KE Holdings Inc. ("Beike") reported its unaudited financial results for the second quarter of 2025, highlighting a focus on high-quality development amidst changing consumer demands in China's real estate sector, with significant advancements in AI technology driving productivity gains [3][4]. Business and Financial Highlights - The company achieved a gross transaction value (GTV) of RMB 878.7 billion (US$ 122.7 billion), representing a year-over-year increase of 4.7% [8]. - Net revenues rose by 11.3% to RMB 26.0 billion (US$ 3.6 billion) compared to RMB 23.4 billion in the same period of 2024, driven by new home transaction services and growth in home renovation and rental services [10]. - The number of active non-Lianjia stores increased by 36.8% year-over-year, while active non-Lianjia agents grew by nearly 24% year-over-year [7]. - Net income decreased by 31.2% to RMB 1,307 million (US$ 182 million) compared to RMB 1,900 million in the same period of 2024 [19]. Revenue Breakdown - Net revenues from existing home transaction services were RMB 6.7 billion (US$ 0.9 billion), down 8.4% year-over-year, while new home transaction services increased by 8.6% to RMB 8.6 billion (US$ 1.2 billion) [10]. - Home renovation and furnishing services saw a 13.0% increase in net revenues to RMB 4.6 billion (US$ 0.6 billion) [10]. - Home rental services experienced significant growth, with net revenues increasing by 78.0% to RMB 5.7 billion (US$ 0.8 billion) [10]. Cost and Profitability - Total cost of revenues increased by 20.5% to RMB 20.3 billion (US$ 2.8 billion) [12]. - Gross profit decreased by 12.5% to RMB 5.7 billion (US$ 0.8 billion), with gross margin declining to 21.9% from 27.9% year-over-year [13]. - Operating income was RMB 1,059 million (US$ 148 million), down from RMB 2,015 million in the same period of 2024, leading to an operating margin decrease to 4.1% [17]. Shareholder Returns - The company repurchased approximately US$ 394 million worth of shares in 2025, representing about 1.7% of total shares outstanding at the end of 2024 [9]. - The share repurchase program was upsized from US$ 3 billion to US$ 5 billion and extended until August 31, 2028 [25]. Cash Position - As of June 30, 2025, the combined balance of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and short-term investments was RMB 53.1 billion (US$ 7.4 billion) [23]. Future Outlook - The company plans to continue adapting to the evolving dynamics of the real estate market by enhancing service offerings and leveraging AI technology for improved efficiency [5].

Core Insights - KE Holdings Inc. ("Beike") reported strong financial performance in Q1 2025, with total transaction value increasing by 34.0% year-over-year and net revenues rising by 42.4% [3][5][7] - The company continues to expand its housing transaction services, with significant growth in active stores and agents, and is focusing on AI applications to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency [3][4][5] Business and Financial Highlights - Net revenues reached RMB 23.3 billion (US$ 3.2 billion), up 42.4% year-over-year, driven by growth in both existing and new home transaction services [5][8] - Gross transaction value (GTV) was RMB 843.7 billion (US$ 116.3 billion), an increase of 34.0% year-over-year, with existing home transactions growing by 28.1% and new home transactions by 53.0% [7][8] - Home rental services saw a remarkable increase in net revenues, reaching RMB 5.1 billion (US$ 0.7 billion), up 93.8% year-over-year [5][8] Operational Efficiency - Operating expenses decreased by 31.3% quarter-over-quarter to RMB 4.2 billion (US$ 0.6 billion), contributing to improved profitability [5][10] - Net income for Q1 2025 was RMB 855 million (US$ 118 million), a 97.9% increase year-over-year, while adjusted net income was RMB 1,393 million (US$ 192 million) [5][16][17] Strategic Focus - The company is committed to its "One Body, Three Wings" strategy, emphasizing long-term development and prudent investment in AI applications [3][4][8] - Share repurchase program continues, with approximately US$ 139 million allocated to buybacks in Q1 2025, representing about 0.6% of total issued shares [6][21] Market Context - The overall market for new home sales remained stable, with national sales relatively flat year-over-year, contrasting with significant declines in the previous year [4][5] - The company is leveraging its platform to empower industry partners, resulting in a notable increase in the number of active stores and agents by 29.6% and 23.0% year-over-year, respectively [3][5]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2024, total revenue reached RMB93.5 billion, growing over 20% year-over-year [21][37] - Gross margin was 24.6%, with an adjusted operating margin of 7.4% for the year [40] - Adjusted net margin reached 7.7%, with full-year adjusted net income at RMB7.21 billion [40] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Existing home transactions GTV rose nearly 11% year-over-year to RMB2.25 trillion, while new home transaction GTV was RMB970 billion, down 3.3% year-over-year [21][37] - Home renovation and furnishing business revenue grew by 36% year-over-year to RMB14.8 billion [23][39] - Home rental services revenue surged by 135% year-over-year to RMB14.3 billion, with over 430,000 rental units under management [24][39] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The proportion of existing home GTV in total market GTV increased from 40% in 2023 to 46% in 2024 [35] - New home sales declined by 18% in 2024, but existing home transactions rose by about 15% year-over-year [85][88] - Average area and proportion of homes with three bedrooms and above increased year-over-year in key cities [36] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance service quality and empower top-performing agents, focusing on a new paradigm for growth [16][30] - The "one body, three wings" strategy has achieved interim success, with a focus on scale growth in home renovation and furnishing [22][39] - The company plans to leverage AI technology to improve operational efficiency and customer experience [12][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management noted that the real estate market is experiencing accelerated changes, with increased uncertainty in customer decision-making [10][34] - The company expects the existing home market to realize moderate recovery in 2025, while the new home market adjustment may continue [100] - Management emphasized the importance of technology and human-centric approaches to address industry challenges [29][31] Other Important Information - The company repurchased around US$716 million worth of shares in 2024, accounting for about 3.9% of total shares outstanding [60][61] - A final cash dividend of US$0.12 per ordinary share was approved for 2024, totaling approximately US$0.4 billion [62] Q&A Session Summary Question: Utilization of technology for Beike - Management discussed the potential of AI to enhance efficiency and user experience across various business areas, including home renovation and customer services [66][68] Question: Property market outlook - Management highlighted the strong rebound in the property market since September 2024, with expectations for stabilization in existing home prices [82][84] Question: Agency business growth - Management reported a 20% increase in active non-Lianjia stores and an 11% increase in active non-Lianjia agents, emphasizing the importance of ecosystem governance [103][106] Question: Home rental business stability - Management noted significant growth in the home rental business, focusing on service and efficiency to maintain stability and improve profitability [120][122]