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GDS Holdings Analyst Upgrade Highlights Higher AI Demand Driven By DeepSeek, Other Platforms In China
GDSGDS(GDS) Benzinga· Benzinga·2025-03-20 18:15

Core Viewpoint - GDS Holdings Limited has been upgraded to Strong Buy by Raymond James analyst Frank G. Louthan, with a price target of 53,followinga9.153, following a 9.1% year-over-year increase in net revenue for Q4 to CN¥2.69 billion (371.13 million) [1][2] Group 1: Financial Performance - The revenue increase in Q4 was primarily driven by the ramp-up of data centers [1] - GDS expects FY25 total revenues between CN¥11.29 billion and CN¥11.59 billion, with adjusted EBITDA projected between CN¥5.19 billion and CN¥5.39 billion [1] - Louthan updated 2025 revenue and EBITDA estimates to CN¥11.45 billion and CN¥5.29 billion, respectively, down from CN¥14.08 billion and CN¥6.47 billion [4] Group 2: Market Misunderstanding - There was a misunderstanding regarding the Q4 results and forward guidance, as the reported figures excluded the subsidiary DayOne, which was moved to discontinued operations [2] - Consensus expectations were based on combined results from both GDS and DayOne, leading to a perceived miss in performance [2] Group 3: Strategic Outlook - The spin-off of the P-REIT, while reducing revenue and EBITDA, is viewed as having a net positive effect on valuation [3] - Management is preparing for increased demand for AI services driven by platforms like DeepSeek in China [3] - GDS secured 150 MW in new contracts and has shifted to a quicker 12-month billing cycle from a previous three-year timeline [4]