GDS Holdings Past Earnings Performance
Past criteria checks 5/6
GDS Holdings has been growing earnings at an average annual rate of 36.7%, while the IT industry saw earnings growing at 12.1% annually. Revenues have been growing at an average rate of 9.3% per year. GDS Holdings's return on equity is 11.3%, and it has net margins of 29.8%.
Key information
36.71%
Earnings growth rate
36.32%
EPS growth rate
| IT Industry Growth | 22.43% |
| Revenue growth rate | 9.28% |
| Return on equity | 11.30% |
| Net Margin | 29.83% |
| Last Earnings Update | 30 Jun 2026 |
Recent past performance updates
Recent updates
Narrative Update • Sep 03
GDS: China AI Infrastructure Demand Will Drive 2026 Upside Potential
Analysts have trimmed their price target on GDS Holdings by $10 to $52, citing updated expectations for fair value, discount rate, revenue growth, profit margin, and future P/E assumptions. What’s in the News for GDS Holdings GDS Holdings reported Q2 2026 revenue of RMB 3.09b and net income of RMB 837.6m, with diluted earnings of ¥0.44 per share.Seeking Alpha • Aug 27
GDS Holdings: Record Bookings Strengthen The 2027 Earnings Case
Summary GDS Holdings' backlog reached 757 MW in Q2, providing stronger visibility into future revenue and EBITDA as contracted capacity is delivered. Management raised 2026 EBITDA and CAPEX guidance, reflecting stronger-than-expected AI-driven demand and development activity. Our SOTP valuation remains supportive, with both the transaction-based and fair-value DayOne scenarios indicating upside ahead. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Narrative Update • Aug 20
GDS: AI Capacity Buildout And China Data Center Program Will Drive Upside
Analysts have reduced their price target on GDS Holdings to $52 from $62, citing expectations for 7% year-over-year revenue growth and 2% adjusted EBITDA growth in Q2 as key inputs into updated fair value and cash flow assumptions. What’s in the News for GDS Holdings GDS Holdings reported Q2 2026 revenue of RMB 3.09b and net income of RMB 837.6m, which marked a return to profitability with diluted earnings of ¥0.44 per share, according to recent earnings reports.
Narrative Update • Aug 06
GDS: AI Data Center Buildout And ESG Progress Will Support Future Upside
Analysts have trimmed their price target on GDS Holdings to $36 from $37, reflecting slightly lower fair value estimates and updated assumptions around discount rate, revenue growth and profit margins, while still seeing potential supported by progress toward the 2026 bookings target and expected AI driven demand in China. What’s in the News for GDS Holdings GDS Holdings released its 2025 Sustainability Report that highlights progress on its decarbonization roadmap and broader sustainability performance.Narrative Update • Jul 22
GDS: China AI Data Center Push Will Support 2026 Upside Potential
GDS Holdings' updated analyst price target of $36, down $1 from $37, reflects lower fair value estimates and profit margin expectations, even as analysts point to progress on bookings and to potential longer term benefits from AI driven demand in China. What’s in the News for GDS Holdings GDS Holdings is highlighted in an article on the 15 best AI stocks to buy and hold for the next five years, with the piece citing Bloomberg reporting that China is preparing to invest about 2 trillion yuan over five years to build a nationwide network of data centers, which could support the country’s AI ambitions and potentially benefit companies like GDS Holdings.Narrative Update • Jun 14
GDS: AI Data Center Buildout And China Program Will Drive Upside
Narrative update The analyst price target for GDS Holdings has shifted slightly lower to $36 from $37. Analysts cite progress toward the 2026 bookings goal of +500MW and note expectations that current investment plans could support stronger revenue and EBITDA trends beyond 2026 as AI hyperscale demand in China develops.Narrative Update • May 31
GDS: 2026 Bookings Outlook And AI Demand Will Drive Future Upside
Analysts have trimmed their price target for GDS Holdings to $36 from $37, citing updated assumptions around fair value, discount rate, growth, and margins, even as they point to potential upside tied to the 2026 bookings outlook and longer term AI driven demand in China. Analyst Commentary Bullish Takeaways Bullish analysts point to the company’s 2026 bookings target of +500MW as a key support for their fair value assumptions, tying higher contracted capacity to potential revenue and EBITDA expansion over time.Narrative Update • May 16
GDS: Governance Shift And New Guidance Will Drive Future Upside Potential
Analysts have made a marginal upward adjustment to their price target on GDS Holdings to $56.93 from $56.89, citing updated assumptions around the discount rate, revenue growth, profit margin, and a future P/E of 142.86x. What's in the News Board meeting scheduled for May 19, 2026, to approve unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026 (company announcement).Narrative Update • Apr 28
GDS: Governance Shift Will Support Future Upside Potential
Analysts have raised their price target for GDS Holdings to $56.89 from $53.72, citing updated assumptions for revenue growth, profit margins, and future P/E that are incorporated into their fair value models. What's in the News GDS issued earnings guidance for 2026, with total revenues expected in the range of RMB 12,400 million to RMB 12,900 million, which implies a year on year change of approximately 8.5% to 12.8% based on the company’s own comparison.Narrative Update • Apr 13
GDS: 2026 Guidance And Preferred Equity Raise Will Support Upside
Analysts have modestly raised their price target on GDS Holdings to $71.22 from $68.63, citing updated assumptions around revenue growth, profit margins, and a revised framework for future P/E. What's in the News GDS issued earnings guidance for 2026, with total revenues expected in a range of RMB 12,400 million to RMB 12,900 million, which the company states implies a year on year increase of about 8.5% to 12.8% (Corporate guidance).Narrative Update • Mar 30
GDS: Higher Control Concentration And Costly Preferred Shares Will Pressure Shares
Analysts have raised their price target on GDS Holdings by roughly $3, reflecting updated views on fair value, growth assumptions, and future P/E expectations, even as projected profit margins are revised lower. What's in the News GDS issued earnings guidance for 2026, with total revenues expected in a range of RMB 12,400 million to RMB 12,900 million, which implies a projected year on year change of roughly 8.5% to 12.8% (Corporate Guidance).Analysis Article • Mar 30
GDS Holdings (NASDAQ:GDS) Posted Healthy Earnings But There Are Some Other Factors To Be Aware Of
Despite announcing strong earnings, GDS Holdings Limited's ( NASDAQ:GDS ) stock was sluggish. We think that the market...Narrative Update • Mar 16
GDS: Governance Shift And Preferred Financing Will Support Future Upside Potential
Analysts have nudged their price target on GDS Holdings higher to about $53.72 from roughly $52.89. This reflects updated assumptions around discount rates, revenue growth, profit margins and future P/E levels.Narrative Update • Mar 02
GDS: New Preferred Deal And Governance Changes Will Support Upside
Analysts have made a small upward adjustment to their GDS Holdings price target to $52.89 from $52.73, reflecting updated assumptions related to fair value, discount rate, revenue growth, profit margin and future P/E. What's in the News GDS Holdings closed a private placement of Series B Redeemable Convertible Preferred Shares on February 6, 2026, raising gross proceeds of US$300,000,000, with participation from Chinese institutional investors including new investor Huatai Capital Investment Limited (Key Developments).Narrative Update • Feb 16
GDS: 300MW 2025 Leasing And 2026 Installs Will Support Upside
Narrative Update Analysts have adjusted their fair value estimate for GDS Holdings from $48.30 to $52.73, citing updated assumptions on discount rates, long term revenue growth, profit margins, and future P/E expectations following recent mixed 3Q25 results and steady 2025 guidance. Analyst Commentary Bullish and bearish analysts are reading the same mixed 3Q25 update and 2025 guidance in very different ways, which shows up directly in how they think about fair value and upside versus execution risk.Narrative Update • Feb 02
GDS: 2025 Leasing And 2026 Installs Will Support Earnings Upside
Narrative Update The analyst price target for GDS Holdings is adjusted to US$68.63 from US$63.03 as analysts factor in higher modeled revenue growth, improved profit margins, a lower discount rate, and a reduced future P/E assumption supported by recent Street research that includes mixed 3Q25 results with maintained 2025 guidance and a new Outperform initiation. Analyst Commentary Bullish analysts are signaling constructive sentiment on GDS Holdings, even where price targets are adjusted, with the focus staying on execution against guidance and long term growth potential.Analysis Article • Jan 31
GDS Holdings Limited's (NASDAQ:GDS) 28% Share Price Surge Not Quite Adding Up
GDS Holdings Limited ( NASDAQ:GDS ) shareholders have had their patience rewarded with a 28% share price jump in the...Narrative Update • Jan 19
GDS: Execution Risk Around 300MW 2025 Leasing Will Pressure Shares
Analysts have slightly reduced their price targets on GDS Holdings, with recent moves such as TD Cowen trimming its target to US$37 and a new Outperform initiation at Macquarie with a US$46.70 target, reflecting updated views on mixed 3Q25 results, maintained 2025 guidance, expectations for 300MW of 2025 leasing, and higher installs in 2026. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research shows a mixed but cautious tone around GDS Holdings, with some bearish analysts trimming expectations even as others initiate coverage with constructive views.Narrative Update • Jan 05
GDS: 2025 Leasing And 2026 Installs Will Drive Shares Higher
Our updated view trims the analyst price target for GDS Holdings by about US$1, reflecting analysts' mixed reactions to recent 3Q25 results, maintained 2025 guidance, and expectations for 300MW of 2025 leasing with higher 2026 installs that support a more moderate profit and P/E outlook. Analyst Commentary Bullish Takeaways Bullish analysts point to the maintained 2025 guidance and planned 300MW of 2025 leasing as key supports for the current valuation framework, suggesting the existing plan is intact despite mixed 3Q25 results.Narrative Update • Dec 14
GDS: 2025 Leasing Pipeline Will Support Long-Term Earnings Upside
Analysts have nudged their fair value estimate for GDS Holdings modestly higher, from about $61.83 to $63.03. They cited supportive Street research that highlights solid long term revenue growth prospects, despite a slightly lower near term price target and mixed quarterly results.Narrative Update • Nov 14
GDS: Profit Margins And Net Debt Will Drive Shares Higher
Analysts have raised their price target for GDS Holdings from $47.44 to $48.21 per share. They cite updated projections that reflect slightly improved profit margins and lower expected net debt following recent developments.Narrative Update • Aug 27
900MW Land In China Will Expand AI Data Centers
GDS Holdings’ consensus price target has increased to $47.25 as analysts cite improved balance sheet strength from asset-backed deals and a REIT IPO, anticipated dual-primary listing in Hong Kong, and resumed high-end chip shipments in China as catalysts for higher valuation and growth. Analyst Commentary Bullish analysts cite improved valuation and balance sheet strength following asset-backed securities deals and a commercial real estate investment trust (C-REIT) IPO, which reduced net debt.Seeking Alpha • Mar 12
GDS Holdings: Capped International Expansion Due To High Financial Leverage
Summary GDS Holdings Limited has seen a 600% stock appreciation due to its data center developments in China, but it remains unprofitable with a $600 million loss in 2024. Despite revenue growth and improved margins, GDS's high debt levels and significant interest expenses hinder profitability, leading to a sell rating. The company's aggressive expansion in China and Southeast Asia is funded by increasing debt, raising concerns about future financial stability and potential shareholder dilution. Shares are overvalued, trading at exorbitant multiples, and are expected to correct significantly if upcoming financial reports do not show positive bottom-line results. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Feb 24
GDS Holdings: AI Boom Fuels Rally, But Monetization Risks Remain (Rating Upgrade)
Summary GDS Holdings shares have surged due to bullish sentiment on China's AI sector, driven by DeepSeek's cost-effective AI model and Alibaba-Apple partnership. We upgrade GDS to Hold from Sell, citing balanced risk-reward and the need for more evidence of domestic demand stabilization. DeepSeek's AI applications and increased data center capex by major CSPs like Alibaba and Tencent could benefit GDS significantly. Concerns remain about AI monetization in China, competitive pricing pressures, and potential deceleration in revenue growth impacting GDS's profitability. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
New Narrative • Dec 23
Surging AI Demand And Global Expansion Will Boost The Company's Earnings Growth
Surge in AI demand and strategic positioning in Tier 1 markets are driving growth and enhancing future revenue prospects through hyperscale campuses.Seeking Alpha • Nov 20
GDS Holdings: From AI Darling To Cash-Burning Nomad
Summary GDS Holdings Limited's Q3 2024 revenue and EPS met expectations, but margin pressures, AI impact skepticism, and high international capex are key concerns. Despite strong YTD performance, international growth faces headwinds from elevated capex, competition, and regulatory risks, impacting execution. China's growth is stagnant due to soft demand, delayed AI impact, and customer churn, with increased power costs reducing EBITDA margins. Valuing GDS at $12.69/share implies a 31% downside; we remain cautious due to growth stagnation, delayed AI impact, and high capex. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Aug 22
GDS Holdings: Multiple Positives (Rating Upgrade)
Summary GDS Holdings Limited anticipates that its EBITDA growth can accelerate from +4.7% in Q1 and +6.2% in Q2 to +9.2% for the full year. GDS Holdings' international segment saw its revenue jump by +690.2% YoY in Q2 2024, and the company expects to raise its full-year 2024 capital expenditure guidance for its international business. The company's net debt-to-EBITDA metric declined from 7.7 times for Q1 2024 to 7.2 times in Q2 2024, and it has plans to further reduce its financial leverage. I have upgraded my rating for GDS Holdings Limited stock to a Buy, considering the multiple positive read-throughs from the company's recent disclosures. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Jun 13
GDS Holdings: A Datacenter Play That Hasn't Been Overbought... Yet
Summary GDS Holdings is a leading high-performance data developer and provider in China, with a unique cloud computing platform and a track record of outperformance. The company has demonstrated significant growth and expansion, with a strong customer base consisting of leading companies in data services. GDS stock is currently undervalued, with a target price of $11.78, representing a 41.74% upside from the current trading price. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • May 25
GDS: Eyes On Domestic And International Businesses
Summary The Q1 2024 results for the company's Mainland Chinese or domestic data center business were uninspiring, with low-single digit percentage revenue and EBITDA expansion on an adjusted basis. GDS' international data center business revenue grew strongly in the first quarter, and the outlook for this segment is good, as evidenced by the upsized equity financing. I have kept my existing Hold rating for GDS unchanged after analyzing the prospects for both the company's domestic and international businesses. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Mar 12
GDS Preparing To Spin Off Its Global Business?
Summary GDS is aiming to raise up to $600 million by selling part of its fast-growing global unit that operates data centers in Malaysia and plans to enter Indonesia. The funding would give a small group of global investors a majority of the global operation’s stock, potentially paving the way for the unit’s spinoff. The company announced in December that it had secured a 1.27 billion ringgit ($271 million) green financing facility from a group of major Malaysian lenders. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Feb 20
GDS: Fundraising And Q4 Results Preview
Summary A slower pace of EBITDA growth for GDS in Q4 2023 is likely, given the unfavorable demand-supply environment for China's data center market. The conclusion of the fundraising process for the company's international business in time to come could possibly translate into lower financial leverage and higher valuations for the stock. A Hold rating for GDS is maintained following a consideration of the company's expected Q4 2023 financial performance and the international business' fundraising process. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaRevenue & Expenses Breakdown
Revenue & Expenses Breakdown
How GDS Holdings makes and spends money. Based on latest reported earnings, on an LTM basis.
Earnings and Revenue History
| Date | Revenue | Earnings | G+A Expenses | R&D Expenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 Jun 26 | 12,264 | 3,659 | 942 | 33 |
| 31 Mar 26 | 12,076 | 2,770 | 990 | 34 |
| 31 Dec 25 | 11,432 | 895 | 1,047 | 33 |
| 30 Sep 25 | 11,201 | 1,165 | 1,100 | 32 |
| 30 Jun 25 | 10,934 | 277 | 1,075 | 32 |
| 31 Mar 25 | 10,613 | 183 | 1,036 | 34 |
| 31 Dec 24 | 10,322 | -854 | 1,039 | 36 |
| 30 Sep 24 | 10,014 | -3,464 | 870 | 42 |
| 30 Jun 24 | 9,913 | -3,723 | 983 | 44 |
| 31 Mar 24 | 9,806 | -3,783 | 1,058 | 38 |
| 31 Dec 23 | 9,782 | -3,985 | 1,111 | 38 |
| 30 Sep 23 | 9,804 | -1,358 | 1,314 | 35 |
| 30 Jun 23 | 9,653 | -1,277 | 1,297 | 31 |
| 31 Mar 23 | 9,491 | -1,425 | 1,322 | 36 |
| 31 Dec 22 | 9,268 | -1,348 | 1,194 | 32 |
| 30 Sep 22 | 9,109 | -1,666 | 1,329 | 38 |
| 30 Jun 22 | 8,803 | -1,651 | 1,287 | 41 |
| 31 Mar 22 | 8,356 | -1,588 | 1,245 | 40 |
| 31 Dec 21 | 7,819 | -1,314 | 1,171 | 39 |
| 30 Sep 21 | 7,263 | -1,257 | 1,113 | 37 |
| 30 Jun 21 | 6,726 | -1,144 | 1,055 | 39 |
| 31 Mar 21 | 6,205 | -933 | 957 | 41 |
| 31 Dec 20 | 5,739 | -738 | 837 | 40 |
| 30 Sep 20 | 5,287 | -561 | 733 | 37 |
| 30 Jun 20 | 4,828 | -459 | 632 | 32 |
| 31 Mar 20 | 4,471 | -451 | 571 | 26 |
| 31 Dec 19 | 4,122 | -500 | 541 | 22 |
| 30 Sep 19 | 3,773 | -506 | 504 | 20 |
| 30 Jun 19 | 3,469 | -503 | 484 | 17 |
| 31 Mar 19 | 3,122 | -499 | 469 | 16 |
| 31 Dec 18 | 2,792 | -430 | 440 | 14 |
| 30 Sep 18 | 2,468 | -424 | 408 | 12 |
| 30 Jun 18 | 2,130 | -395 | 376 | 10 |
| 31 Mar 18 | 1,828 | -369 | 339 | 8 |
| 31 Dec 17 | 1,616 | -327 | 319 | 7 |
| 30 Sep 17 | 1,422 | -314 | 301 | 7 |
| 30 Jun 17 | 1,295 | -308 | 274 | 7 |
| 31 Mar 17 | 1,195 | -377 | 327 | 9 |
| 31 Dec 16 | 1,056 | -403 | 299 | 9 |
| 30 Sep 16 | 953 | -357 | 278 | 8 |
| 30 Jun 16 | 846 | -326 | 270 | 7 |
| 31 Mar 16 | 762 | -234 | 187 | 5 |
| 31 Dec 15 | 704 | -217 | 186 | 4 |
Quality Earnings: GDS has high quality earnings.
Growing Profit Margin: GDS's current net profit margins (29.8%) are higher than last year (2.5%).
Free Cash Flow vs Earnings Analysis
Past Earnings Growth Analysis
Earnings Trend: GDS has become profitable over the past 5 years, growing earnings by 36.7% per year.
Accelerating Growth: GDS's earnings growth over the past year (1220.1%) exceeds its 5-year average (36.7% per year).
Earnings vs Industry: GDS earnings growth over the past year (1220.1%) exceeded the IT industry 1.5%.
Return on Equity
High ROE: GDS's Return on Equity (11.3%) is considered low.
Return on Assets
Return on Capital Employed
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Company Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/09/18 13:31 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/09/18 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/06/30 |
| Annual Earnings | 2025/12/31 |
Data Sources
The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
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| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
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| Market Prices | 30 years |
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| Ownership | 10 years |
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| Management | 10 years |
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| Key Developments | 10 years |
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* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.
Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.
Analysis Model and Snowflake
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Industry and Sector Metrics
Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.
Analyst Sources
GDS Holdings Limited is covered by 37 analysts. 18 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| Nathan Crossett | Berenberg |
| Huiqun Li | BofA Global Research |
| Yishi Chen | CCB International Securities Limited |