GDS(GDS)2025-03-19 15:18Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2024, revenue increased by 9.1% and adjusted EBITDA increased by 13.9% year-on-year [27] - For the full year 2024, revenue increased by 5.5% and adjusted EBITDA increased by 3% year-on-year [27] - Adjusted EBITDA margin for 2024 was 47.2%, down from 48.4% in 2023 [28] - Cash flow before financing for 2024 was positive RMB 379 million [30] - At year-end 2024, cash balance was RMB 7.9 billion and net debt to last quarter annualized adjusted EBITDA multiple was 6.8 times [32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gross move-in during 2024 was 79,000 square meters, the highest in company history, all in Tier 1 markets [15] - Utilization rate at the end of 2024 was 74%, expected to increase to high 70s% by the end of 2025 [16] - Gross additional area committed during 2024 was 49,000 square meters, consistent with the past two years [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Demand for AI inferencing in Tier 1 markets is expected to grow significantly, with potential demand running into multiples of gigawatts over the next few years [8] - The company has multiple sites suitable for AI inferencing around major cities, with around 900 megawatts of developable capacity remaining after fulfilling new orders [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains committed to a strategy focused on Tier 1 markets, prioritizing backlog delivery and selective new business [13] - The asset monetization program is expected to provide flexibility for future investments while maintaining commitments to shareholders [12] - The company aims to achieve steady growth and a stronger financial position through disciplined capital expenditure and recycling capital [12] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the demand for AI-related services, particularly in Tier 1 markets, while remaining cautious about chip supply uncertainties [56] - The company anticipates a shift in demand from AI training to AI inferencing, which is expected to benefit its resource positioning [73] - Management expects the utilization rate to rebalance in the Tier 1 market within the next 6 to 12 months [75] Other Important Information - DayOne, now an equity investee, ended 2024 with 467 megawatts of total IT power committed, with expectations of significant growth in the coming years [21] - The company executed its first asset monetization transaction, selling equity in certain data center project companies, with an enterprise value of approximately RMB 2.9 billion [34] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on the plan to spin off DayOne and IPO schedule - Management plans to list DayOne within 18 months, confident in its growth and potential for a successful IPO [46] Question: Status of C-REIT progress - Significant progress has been made, but specific details cannot be disclosed yet; updates will be provided when allowed [48] Question: CapEx based on existing orders and new order wins - Current CapEx includes the new 152 megawatt order; management is cautious about new orders due to chip supply uncertainties [54][56] Question: Customer types and workloads - Demand is mainly driven by AI inferencing, with improved lead times for order fulfillment now at around 12 months [65] Question: Supply and demand dynamics in Tier 1 markets - The market is starting to rebalance, with expectations for improved pricing and demand driven by established companies [76] Question: Use of ABS proceeds - Proceeds can be used for debt reduction or reinvestment; the ABS transaction was well-timed with new investment opportunities [84] Question: Update on Thailand and Batam projects - The new data center in Thailand is driven by strong customer demand, while the Batam project is progressing well with successful deliveries [88][89]