Core Viewpoint - Kingsoft Cloud Holdings Limited has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating a positive outlook based on rising earnings estimates, which significantly influence stock prices [1][3]. Earnings Estimates and Revisions - The Zacks rating system focuses on the consensus measure of EPS estimates from sell-side analysts, which is crucial for understanding a company's earnings trajectory [2]. - Kingsoft Cloud is projected to earn -$0.32 per share for the fiscal year ending December 2025, reflecting a year-over-year change of 28.9% [8]. - Over the past three months, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Kingsoft Cloud has increased by 5.8%, indicating a positive trend in earnings estimates [8]. Impact of Institutional Investors - Changes in earnings estimates are strongly correlated with stock price movements, largely due to institutional investors who adjust their valuations based on these estimates [4]. - An increase in earnings estimates typically leads to higher fair value calculations for stocks, prompting institutional buying or selling, which in turn affects stock prices [4]. Zacks Rank System - The Zacks Rank system classifies stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) stocks historically generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988 [7]. - Kingsoft Cloud's upgrade to Zacks Rank 2 places it in the top 20% of Zacks-covered stocks, suggesting a strong potential for market-beating returns in the near term [10].

BEIJING, April 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kingsoft Cloud Holdings Limited (“Kingsoft Cloud” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: KC and HKEX: 3896), a leading cloud service provider in China, today announced the pricing of its underwritten public offering (the “Public Offering”) of 18,500,000 of American depositary shares (the “ADSs”), each representing 15 ordinary shares of the Company, at a price of US$11.27 per ADS or a total of 277,500,000 ordinary shares at a price of HK$5.83 per ordinary share, based upon eac ...

BEIJING, April 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kingsoft Cloud Holdings Limited (“we,” “Kingsoft Cloud” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: KC and HKEX: 3896), a leading cloud service provider in China, today announced that it filed its annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on April 15, 2025. The annual report can be accessed on the Company's investor relations website at http://ir.ksyun.com as well as the SEC's website at http://www.se ...

Customer Metrics - The total number of Premium Customers decreased from 537 in 2022 to 486 in 2023, with a slight recovery to 492 in 2024[533]. - Average revenues per Premium Customer decreased from RMB 14.9 million in 2022 to RMB 14.2 million in 2023, and further to RMB 14.0 million in 2024[542]. Revenue Performance - Public Cloud Services revenues were RMB 5,360,282 thousand in 2022, decreasing to RMB 4,381,741 thousand in 2023, but projected to rise to RMB 5,007,251 thousand in 2024, representing 64.3% of total revenues[544]. - Enterprise Cloud Services revenues were RMB 2,816,976 thousand in 2022, slightly declining to RMB 2,663,993 thousand in 2023, with a forecasted increase to RMB 2,777,777 thousand in 2024, accounting for 35.7% of total revenues[544]. - Revenues increased by 10.5% from RMB7,047.5 million in 2023 to RMB7,785.2 million (US$1,066.6 million) in 2024, driven by strong demand from AI business and enterprise cloud projects[559]. - Revenues from public cloud services rose by 14.3% from RMB4,381.7 million in 2023 to RMB5,007.3 million (US$686.0 million) in 2024, primarily due to AI business demand[560]. Profitability and Losses - Gross profit increased by 57.7% from RMB850.2 million in 2023 to RMB1,340.9 million (US$183.7 million) in 2024, with gross profit margin improving from 12.1% to 17.2%[563]. - Operating loss decreased by 17.5% from RMB2,108.6 million in 2023 to RMB1,739.0 million (US$238.2 million) in 2024, with operating loss margin improving from 29.9% to 22.3%[567]. - Net loss decreased by 9.4% from RMB2,183.6 million in 2023 to RMB1,979.0 million (US$271.1 million) in 2024, with net loss margin improving from 31.0% to 25.4%[574][575]. - The adjusted net loss for Kingsoft Cloud decreased from RMB 2.69 billion in 2022 to RMB 1.98 billion in 2024, indicating an improvement of about 26%[603]. - The adjusted EBITDA is projected to turn positive in 2024, reaching RMB 638.9 million, compared to a loss of RMB 755 million in 2022[603]. - The adjusted gross margin improved from 5.3% in 2022 to an estimated 17.2% in 2024, showing a significant increase of 224%[601]. Expenses - Research and development expenses were RMB 971,216 thousand in 2022, decreasing to RMB 784,807 thousand in 2023, and projected to rise to RMB 845,989 thousand in 2024[551]. - Research and development expenses increased by 7.8% from RMB784.8 million in 2023 to RMB846.0 million (US$115.9 million) in 2024, mainly due to rising personnel-related expenses[564]. - Operating expenses increased from RMB 2,680,952 thousand in 2022 to RMB 2,958,720 thousand in 2023, with a forecast of RMB 3,079,936 thousand in 2024[551]. - General and administrative expenses decreased by 21.2% from RMB1,060.0 million in 2023 to RMB834.9 million (US$114.4 million) in 2024, primarily due to reduced credit loss expenses[566]. Cash Flow and Financing - The company generated net cash from operating activities of RMB628.4 million (US$86.1 million) in 2024, contrasting with a net cash outflow of RMB169.1 million in 2023[619][620]. - Net cash used in investing activities was RMB3,620.4 million (US$496.0 million) in 2024, primarily due to the purchase of property and equipment amounting to RMB3,672.1 million (US$503.1 million)[623]. - The company recorded net cash generated from financing activities of RMB3,255.4 million (US$446.0 million) in 2024, mainly from short-term borrowings of RMB2,465.9 million (US$337.8 million)[626]. - Kingsoft Cloud's accumulated deficit reached RMB14,292.0 million (US$1,958.0 million) as of December 31, 2024, with net current liabilities of RMB2,318.6 million (US$317.7 million)[614][617]. - Kingsoft Cloud made a capital contribution of RMB 431.3 million (US$59.1 million) to its WFOEs in 2024[605]. - The company provided loans amounting to RMB 219 million (US$30 million) to the VIEs in 2024, while repaying RMB 50 million (US$6.9 million)[606]. Taxation and Regulatory - Kingsoft Cloud's PRC entities benefit from a preferential income tax rate of 15% as High New Technology Enterprises, which will continue until 2026 for several subsidiaries[595]. - The company is required to set aside at least 10% of its after-tax profits each year for statutory reserve funds, which limits the distributable profits available for dividends[611]. - Kingsoft Cloud's management believes the likelihood of incurring double taxation due to non-deductible transfers is remote, despite potential tax planning challenges[610]. Market and Competitive Landscape - The competitive landscape remains challenging, with increased competition potentially affecting the company's financial condition and results of operations[539]. - The company aims to enhance the quality and efficiency of existing products and solutions to retain and acquire new customers[534]. - The company plans to continue investing in technology and infrastructure to enhance product capabilities and expand resources[537]. Asset Management - The fair value of the Cloud service and solutions reporting unit as of September 30, 2024, was RMB4,205.0 million (US$576.1 million), exceeding its carrying amount by RMB1,169.9 million (US$160.3 million) or 39%[644]. - Impairment losses for long-lived assets associated with the public cloud asset group were recognized at RMB919.7 million (US$126.0 million) for the year ended December 31, 2024[651]. - The company entered into a non-cancelable one-year IDC service agreement with total contractual minimum purchase commitments of RMB600.0 million (US$82.2 million)[636]. - The remaining purchase commitment for IDC services as of December 31, 2024, was RMB252.9 million (US$34.6 million)[636]. - As of December 31, 2024, financial lease liabilities were RMB1,182.0 million (US$161.9 million), primarily related to electronic equipment and data center machinery[634]. Borrowings and Liabilities - As of December 31, 2024, short-term third-party borrowings amounted to RMB2,225.8 million (US$304.9 million) and long-term borrowings were RMB1,660.6 million (US$227.5 million), both with fixed annual interest rates ranging from 2.70% to 5.97%[631]. - Kingsoft Cloud has not declared or paid any dividends and intends to retain available funds for business operations and expansion[607]. - The company experienced net operating cash outflows in 2023, highlighting ongoing liquidity challenges despite improvements in cash generation in 2024[614][620]. - Kingsoft Cloud's future working capital and capital expenditures will be financed through cash generated from operations and potential additional financing, with a focus on maintaining prudent capital management[615]. - Capital expenditures for 2024 reached RMB4,124.7 million (US$565.1 million), with property and equipment purchases accounting for 99.7% of total capital expenditures[630].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved total revenue of RMB2,232.1 million in Q4 2024, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 29.6% [30] - Non-GAAP operating profit turned positive for the first time, reaching RMB24.4 million compared to a loss of RMB187.6 million in the same period last year [34] - Non-GAAP gross profit reached a record high of RMB427.7 million, up 63% year-over-year, with a non-GAAP gross margin of 19.2% [11][33] - Non-GAAP EBITDA margin reached 16.1%, compared to negative 1.6% in the same quarter last year [35] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Public Cloud revenue grew by 34% year-over-year to RMB1,409.8 million, driven by AI-related business [30][15] - Enterprise Cloud revenue amounted to RMB822.3 million, increasing by 22.7% year-over-year [18] - AI-related business achieved gross billing of RMB474 million, representing nearly 500% year-over-year growth [13][27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue from the Xiaomi and Kingsoft ecosystem reached RMB493 million, up 78% year-over-year, contributing 22% to total revenues [14] - The company is positioned as the sole strategic cloud platform within the Xiaomi and Kingsoft ecosystem, capitalizing on AI opportunities [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to deepen cooperation with the Xiaomi and Kingsoft ecosystem and explore AI opportunities to create value for stakeholders [23] - The focus is on high-quality and sustainable development, with expectations for accelerated revenue growth and improved profitability in 2025 [37] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted the positive impact of AI advancements on the cloud computing industry, indicating a broader acceptance and application of AI technologies [45] - The company expects revenue growth in both Public Cloud and Enterprise Cloud to accelerate in 2025, with a positive non-GAAP operating profit anticipated for the full year [29][30] Other Important Information - The company has a strong liquidity position with cash and cash equivalents totaling RMB2,648.8 million as of December 31, 2024 [36] - Total capital expenditures for AI investments are projected to be around RMB10 billion for 2025, supported by shareholder arrangements [52] Q&A Session Summary Question: Industry outlook and impact of AI trends - Management discussed how AI advancements are reshaping the cloud computing landscape, presenting both opportunities and challenges for Kingsoft Cloud [40][45] Question: Update on 2025 capital expenditure plan - Management provided insights into the efficient asset-light model for data centers and the expected total investment in AI for 2025 [48][52] Question: Expectations for 2025 revenue growth and drivers - Management indicated that AI will be a significant growth driver, alongside contributions from the Xiaomi and Kingsoft ecosystem [56][60] Question: Margin performance and long-term profitability trend - Management expressed confidence in continued margin expansion, with EBITDA and operating profit expected to grow at a faster pace than gross margin [61][63] Question: Demand for AI inference and legacy Public Cloud business outlook - Management noted strong demand for AI inference within the Xiaomi ecosystem, while traditional Public Cloud business may continue generating revenue [68][72] Question: Pricing strategy for GPU Cloud revenue - Management emphasized a differentiated pricing model for AI-related services, which are expected to command higher fees due to their value in client workflows [80][86]

Core Viewpoint - Kingsoft Cloud Holdings Limited reported strong financial performance for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2024, achieving profitability in non-GAAP operating profit for the first time, driven by the growth of AI applications and demand from its ecosystem [2][10][19]. Financial Highlights - Total revenues for Q4 2024 reached RMB2,232.1 million (US$305.8 million), a year-over-year increase of 29.6% from RMB1,722.5 million in Q4 2023 [3][10]. - Revenue from public cloud services was RMB1,409.8 million (US$193.1 million), up 34.0% year-over-year [3][11]. - Revenue from enterprise cloud services increased to RMB822.3 million (US$112.7 million), representing a 22.7% year-over-year growth [11]. - Gross profit for Q4 2024 was RMB426.0 million (US$58.4 million), a significant increase of 68.3% from RMB253.1 million in Q4 2023, with a gross margin of 19.1% [6][10]. AI Business Growth - Gross billing from AI business surged by approximately 500% year-over-year to RMB474 million, accounting for 34% of public cloud revenue [2][10]. - Revenue from Xiaomi and Kingsoft Group increased by 76% year-over-year, highlighting the effectiveness of the company's ecosystem strategy [2][10]. Cost Management - Cost of revenues for Q4 2024 was RMB1,806.2 million (US$247.4 million), up 22.9% from RMB1,469.3 million in Q4 2023, aligning with revenue growth [5][20]. - Total operating expenses decreased by 21.2% year-over-year to RMB469.5 million (US$64.3 million) [7][10]. Profitability Metrics - Non-GAAP operating profit for Q4 2024 was RMB24.4 million (US$3.3 million), compared to a loss of RMB187.6 million in Q4 2023 [10][12]. - Non-GAAP EBITDA for Q4 2024 was RMB359.7 million (US$49.3 million), a significant improvement from RMB-27.7 million in Q4 2023 [17][25]. Fiscal Year Performance - Total revenues for the fiscal year 2024 reached RMB7,785.2 million (US$1,066.6 million), a 10.5% increase from RMB7,047.5 million in 2023 [19][24]. - Net loss for the fiscal year narrowed to RMB1,979.0 million (US$271.1 million) from RMB2,183.6 million in 2023 [24][25].

BEIJING, March 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kingsoft Cloud Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: KC and HKEX: 3896) (“Kingsoft Cloud” or the “Company”), a leading cloud service provider in China, today announced that it will release its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2024 ended December 31, 2024 before the open of U.S. markets on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. Kingsoft Cloud’s management will host an earnings conference call on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 8:15 am, U.S. Eastern Time (8:1 ...

Kingsoft Cloud Holdings Limited Sponsored ADR (KC) shares soared 20.5% in the last trading session to close at $15.14. The move was backed by solid volume with far more shares changing hands than in a normal session. This compares to the stock's 10.8% gain over the past four weeks.Kingsoft Cloud is benefiting from its strong integration with the Xiaomi and Kingsoft ecosystems, driving AI-powered cloud services expansion, enhanced enterprise solutions, and impressive AI revenue growth, positioning it as a le ...

For those looking to find strong Computer and Technology stocks, it is prudent to search for companies in the group that are outperforming their peers. Is Kingsoft Cloud Holdings Limited Sponsored ADR (KC) one of those stocks right now? By taking a look at the stock's year-to-date performance in comparison to its Computer and Technology peers, we might be able to answer that question.Kingsoft Cloud Holdings Limited Sponsored ADR is a member of the Computer and Technology sector. This group includes 618 indi ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Company achieved total revenue of RMB1.89 billion, reflecting a 16% year-over-year increase, marking a return to double-digit growth [15][36] - Adjusted gross profit reached RMB308 million, up 56.7% year-over-year, with an adjusted gross margin of 16.3% [15][38] - Adjusted EBITDA reached RMB185 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 9.8%, showing a significant year-over-year increase of 13 percentage points [10][16] - Net operating cash inflow amounted to RMB228 million, demonstrating strong cash-generating ability from operating activities [16][32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Public cloud services revenue reached RMB1.18 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 16% [17][36] - AI revenue surged to RMB362 million, accounting for 31% of public cloud revenues, with triple-digit year-over-year growth for five consecutive quarters [11][29] - Enterprise cloud services revenue amounted to RMB710 million, up 16.7% year-over-year, driven by increased demand in selected verticals [20][36] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue contribution from Xiaomi and Kingsoft ecosystem increased by 36% year-over-year, with the ecosystem clients contributing 28% of public cloud revenue [13][30] - Company’s market share has steadily increased amid a decline in market share for other Internet cloud service providers [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Company continues to focus on high-quality and sustainable development strategy, enhancing profitability and cash-generating capabilities [25][41] - Emphasis on AI transformation and collaboration with Xiaomi and Kingsoft ecosystem to capitalize on growth opportunities [12][25] - Plans to explore new AI business models and deepen cooperation with ecosystem partners [12][25] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the growth potential from the Xiaomi and Kingsoft ecosystem, driven by strong AI opportunities [45][47] - Anticipated continued improvement in profitability and market share, with a focus on AI and cloud demand [33][35] - Guidance for Q4 2024 indicates expectations for accelerated revenue growth and improved profitability [33][34] Other Important Information - Company has secured additional CapEx resources for AI investments, applying for a cap of RMB11.3 billion for the next three years from related party transactions [59][60] - Strong liquidity position with cash and cash equivalents totaling RMB1,617.9 million [40] Q&A Session Summary Question: Growth potentials of strategic customers and service strategy - Management highlighted the rapid growth of business opportunities from the Xiaomi and Kingsoft ecosystem, supported by strong AI-related functions and customer demand [45][46] Question: Outlook on adjusted EBITDA margin and operating margin - Management noted significant expansion in gross margin and EBITDA margin, with expectations for continued improvement in operating profit [48][50] Question: Margin profile of AI business and revenue from Xiaomi and Kingsoft Group - Management indicated that AI-related products deliver higher gross margins compared to traditional public cloud services, with both segments achieving double-digit growth [54][56] Question: Outlook for CapEx for this year and next year - Management confirmed secured CapEx resources and plans to utilize funding from shareholders to support AI business growth without diluting public shareholders [59][60]