CLSA has released a report indicating that KINGSOFT's revenue for the fourth quarter of last year met expectations, but reflects weak fundamentals. The firm has lowered its valuation multiples and increased the discount estimate for the holding company, leading to a corresponding reduction in the target price from HK$35.5 to HK$29.1, while maintaining an "Outperform" rating. Revenue from the gaming business decreased by 33% year-on-year, which was 1.5% higher than the bank's forecast, mainly due to a high base in the same period of the previous fiscal year, putting pressure on popular games. Office software business revenue increased by 17% year-on-year, primarily driven by strong growth in WPS365 and accelerated development of to-C business. The bank expects this year to be a transitional period for the gaming business, especially in terms of leadership and strategic adjustments. Although the bank forecasts gaming business revenue to decrease by approximately 10% to 19% year-on-year, office software business revenue is expected to accelerate, growing by 20% year-on-year. Considering the headwinds from the gaming business, CLSA has lowered its revenue forecasts for KINGSOFT for this year and next by 7% each, and reduced its operating profit forecasts for the respective years by 21% and 16%.
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