GUANGZHOU, China- Vipshop Holdings Limited (NYSE: VIPS), a leading online discount retailer for brands in China ('Vipshop' or the 'Company'), today announced its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2019.
Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2019 Highlights
Total net revenue for the fourth quarter of 2019 increased by 12.4% year over year to RMB29.3 billion (US$4.2 billion) from RMB26.1 billion in the prior year period. Total net revenue for the full year of 2019 increased by 10.0% year over year to RMB93.0 billion (US$13.4 billion) from RMB84.5 billion in the prior year.
GMV[1] for the fourth quarter of 2019 increased by 14% year over year to RMB47.6 billion from RMB41.8 billion in the prior year period. GMV for the full year of 2019 increased by 13% year over year to RMB148.2 billion from RMB131.0 billion in the prior year[2].
Gross profit for the fourth quarter of 2019 increased by 30.0% year over year to RMB7.0 billion (US$1.0 billion) from RMB5.4 billion in the prior year period. Gross profit for the full year of 2019 increased by 21.2% year over year to RMB20.7 billion (US$3.0 billion) from RMB17.1 billion in the prior year.
Net income attributable to Vipshop's shareholders for the fourth quarter of 2019 increased by 111.4% year over year to RMB1.5 billion (US$209.1 million) from RMB688.7 million in the prior year period. Net income attributable to Vipshop's shareholders for the full year of 2019 increased by 88.7% year over year to RMB4.0 billion (US$577.0 million) from RMB2.1 billion in the prior year.
Non-GAAP net income attributable to Vipshop's shareholders[3] for the fourth quarter of 2019 increased by 111.4% year over year to RMB1.9 billion (US$277.4 million) from RMB913.6 million in the prior year period. Non-GAAP net income attributable to Vipshop's shareholders for the full year of 2019 increased by 84.4% year over year to RMB5.0 billion (US$720.1 million) from RMB2.7 billion in the prior year.
The number of active customers[4] for the fourth quarter of 2019 increased by 19% year over year to 38.6 million from 32.4 million in the prior year period. The number of active customers for the full year of 2019 increased by 14% year over year to 69.0 million from 60.5 million in the prior year.
Total orders[5] for the fourth quarter of 2019 increased by 24% year over year to 174.6 million from 140.3 million in the prior year period. Total orders for the full year of 2019 increased by 29% year over year to 566.3 million from 437.4 million in the prior year.
Mr. Eric Shen, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Vipshop, stated, 'We are delighted to have finished the year of 2019 with strong financial results and operating performance. Specifically, our total active customers for the fourth quarter of 2019 maintained a robust year-over-year growth rate of 19%, and our annual active customers for the year of 2019 reached 69.0 million. During the fourth quarter of 2019, we discontinued our delivery unit operated by Pinjun, which has and will continue to save significant delivery cost for the Company. In addition, now our customers are able to enjoy the superior delivery services offered by SF Holding. Although our business is experiencing some short-term impact from the novel coronavirus outbreak, we are fully confident in the long-term potential of the Chinese economy and the growth opportunities in China's discount retail segment. Looking ahead, we remain committed to the execution of our merchandising strategy, providing diversified solutions for our suppliers to monetize their inventory while offering deep value to our customers.'
Mr. Donghao Yang, Chief Financial Officer of Vipshop, further commented, 'In the fourth quarter of 2019, we delivered healthy topline growth and extraordinary profitability, even including one-time expenses related to the discontinuation of our delivery unit Pinjun. Our core business is highly profitable, driven by the high margin apparel category. During the fourth quarter of 2019, apparel-related categories contributed to over 70% of our total GMV. Going forward, we will continue to balance our top- and bottom-line, investing to grow our business while maintaining healthy margins.'
Fourth Quarter 2019 Financial Results
REVENUE
Total net revenue for the fourth quarter of 2019 increased by 12.4% year over year to RMB29.3 billion (US$4.2 billion) from RMB26.1 billion in the prior year period, primarily driven by the growth in the number of total active customers.
GROSS PROFIT
Gross profit for the fourth quarter of 2019 increased by 30.0% year over year to RMB7.0 billion (US$1.0 billion) from RMB5.4 billion in the prior year period. Gross margin for the fourth quarter of 2019 increased to 23.9% from 20.6% in the prior year period.
OPERATING EXPENSES
Total operating expenses for the fourth quarter of 2019 were RMB5.4 billion (US$771.3 million), as compared with RMB4.6 billion in the prior year period. As a percentage of total net revenue, total operating expenses for the fourth quarter of 2019 were 18.3%, as compared with 17.5% in the prior year period, primarily attributable to one-time expenses related to the discontinuation of the Company's delivery unit operated by Pinjun.
Fulfillment expenses for the fourth quarter of 2019 were RMB2.1 billion (US$294.9 million), as compared with RMB2.1 billion in the prior year period. As a percentage of total net revenue, fulfillment expenses for the fourth quarter of 2019 decreased to 7.0% from 8.0% in the prior year period, primarily attributable to the change in fulfillment logistic arrangement.
Marketing expenses for the fourth quarter of 2019 decreased to RMB944.1 million (US$135.6 million) from RMB1.1 billion in the prior year period. As a percentage of total net revenue, marketing expenses for the fourth quarter of 2019 decreased to 3.2% from 4.3% in the prior year period.
Technology and content expenses for the fourth quarter of 2019 decreased to RMB362.2 million (US$52.0 million) from RMB533.2 million in the prior year period. As a percentage of total net revenue, technology and content expenses for the fourth quarter of 2019 decreased to 1.2% from 2.0% in the prior year period.
General and administrative expenses for the fourth quarter of 2019 were RMB1.7 billion (US$248.8 million), as compared with RMB820.6 million in the prior year period. As a percentage of total net revenue, general and administrative expenses for the fourth quarter of 2019 were 5.9%, as compared with 3.1% in the prior year period, primarily attributable to a severance payment of RMB652.0 million (US$93.7 million) and other provision of assets of RMB154.2 million (US$22.1 million) related to the discontinuation of Pinjun, as well as an impairment of RMB200.2 million (US$28.8 million) related to the Company's Tai'an and Hengyang warehouses.
Goodwill impairment loss for the fourth quarter of 2019 was RMB278.3 million (US$40.0 million), as compared with nil in the prior year period, primarily attributable to the goodwill write-down of Pinjun.
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS
Income from operations for the fourth quarter of 2019 increased by 76.9% year over year to RMB1.8 billion (US$255.0 million) from RMB1.0 billion in the prior year period. Operating margin for the fourth quarter of 2019 increased to 6.1% from 3.8% in the prior year period.
Non-GAAP income from operations[6] for the fourth quarter of 2019, which excluded share-based compensation expenses, amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions, and goodwill impairment loss, increased by 93.7% year over year to RMB2.2 billion (US$311.1 million) from RMB1.1 billion in the prior year period. Non-GAAP operating income margin[7] for the fourth quarter of 2019 increased to 7.4% from 4.3% in the prior year period.
NET INCOME
Net income attributable to Vipshop's shareholders for the fourth quarter of 2019 increased by 111.4% year over year to RMB1.5 billion (US$209.1 million) from RMB688.7 million in the prior year period. Net margin attributable to Vipshop's shareholders for the fourth quarter of 2019 increased to 5.0% from 2.6% in the prior year period. Net income attributable to Vipshop's shareholders per diluted ADS[8] for the fourth quarter of 2019 increased to RMB2.14 (US$0.31) from RMB1.00 in the prior year period.
Non-GAAP net income attributable to Vipshop's shareholders for the fourth quarter of 2019, which excluded (i) share-based compensation expenses, (ii) goodwill impairment loss, (iii) impairment loss of investments, (iv) amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions, (v) tax effect of amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions, (vi) investment gain and revaluation of investments excluding dividends, (vii) tax effect of investment gain and revaluation of investments excluding dividends, and (viii) share of loss in investment of limited partnership that is accounted for as an equity method investee, increased by 111.4% year over year to RMB1.9 billion (US$277.4 million) from RMB913.6 million in the prior year period. Non-GAAP net margin attributable to Vipshop's shareholders[9] for the fourth quarter of 2019 increased to 6.6% from 3.5% in the prior year period. Non-GAAP net income attributable to Vipshop's shareholders per diluted ADS[10] for the fourth quarter of 2019 increased to RMB2.84 (US$0.41) from RMB1.33 in the prior year period.
For the quarter ended December 31, 2019, the Company's weighted average number of ADSs used in computing diluted income per ADS was 679,882,040.
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About Vipshop Holdings Limited
Vipshop Holdings Limited is a leading online discount retailer for brands in China. Vipshop offers high quality and popular branded products to consumers throughout China at a significant discount to retail prices. Since it was founded in August 2008, the Company has rapidly built a sizeable and growing base of customers and brand partners. For more information, please visit www.vip.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the 'safe harbor' provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as 'will,' 'expects,' 'anticipates,' 'future,' 'intends,' 'plans,' 'believes,' 'estimates' and similar statements. Among other things, the business outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as Vipshop's strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. Vipshop may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the 'SEC'), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Vipshop's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: Vipshop's goals and strategies; Vipshop's future business development, results of operations and financial condition; the expected growth of the online discount retail market in China; Vipshop's ability to attract customers and brand partners and further enhance its brand recognition; Vipshop's expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of flash sales products and services; competition in the discount retail industry; fluctuations in general economic and business conditions in China and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Vipshop's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and Vipshop does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The condensed consolidated financial information is derived from the Company's unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ('U.S. GAAP'), except that comparative consolidated statements of income and cash flows for the period presented and detailed footnote disclosures required by Accounting Standards Codification 270, Interim Reporting ('ASC270'), have been omitted. Vipshop uses non-GAAP net income attributable to Vipshop's shareholders, non-GAAP net income attributable to Vipshop's shareholders per diluted ADS, non-GAAP income from operations, non-GAAP operating income margin, non-GAAP net margin attributable to Vipshop's shareholders, and free cash flow, each of which is a non-GAAP financial measure. Non-GAAP net income attributable to Vipshop's shareholders is net income attributable to Vipshop's shareholders excluding (i) share-based compensation expenses, (ii) goodwill impairment loss, (iii) impairment loss of investments, (iv) amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions, (v) tax effect of amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions, (vi) investment gain and revaluation of investments excluding dividends, (vii) tax effect of investment gain and revaluation of investments excluding dividends, and (viii) share of loss in investment of limited partnership that is accounted for as an equity method investee. Non-GAAP net income attributable to Vipshop's shareholders per diluted ADS is computed using non-GAAP net income attributable to Vipshop's shareholders divided by weighted average number of diluted ADS outstanding for computing diluted earnings per ADS. Non-GAAP income from operations is income from operations excluding share-based compensation expenses, amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions, and goodwill impairment loss. Non-GAAP operating income margin is non-GAAP income from operations as a percentage of total net revenue. Non-GAAP net margin attributable to Vipshop's shareholders is non-GAAP net income attributable to Vipshop's shareholders as a percentage of total net revenue. Free cash flow is net cash from operating activities adding back the impact from Internet financing activities and less capital expenditures, which include purchase and deposits of property and equipment and land use rights, and purchase of other assets. Impact from Internet financing activities added back or deducted from free cash flow contains changes in the balances of financial products, which are primarily consumer financing and supplier financing that the Company provides to customers and suppliers. The Company believes that separate analysis and exclusion of the non-cash impact of (a) share-based compensation, (b) goodwill impairment loss, (c) impairment loss of investments, (d) amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions, (e) investment gain and revaluation of investments excluding dividends, and (f) share of loss in investment of limited partnership that is accounted for as an equity method investee adds clarity to the constituent parts of its performance. The Company reviews these non-GAAP financial measures together with GAAP financial measures to obtain a better understanding of its operating performance. It uses these non-GAAP financial measures for planning, forecasting and measuring results against the forecast. The Company believes that non-GAAP financial measures are useful supplemental information for investors and analysts to assess its operating performance without the effect of (1) non-cash share-based compensation expenses, (2) goodwill impairment loss, (3) impairment loss of investments, (4) amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions, (5) investment gain and revaluation of investments excluding dividends, and (6) share of loss in investment of limited partnership that is accounted for as an equity method investee. Free cash flow enables the Company to assess liquidity and cash flow, taking into account the impact from Internet financing activities and the financial resources needed for the expansion of fulfillment infrastructure and technology platform. Share-based compensation expenses and amortization of intangible assets have been and will continue to be significant recurring expenses in its business. However, the use of non-GAAP financial measures has material limitations as an analytical tool. One of the limitations of using non-GAAP financial measures is that they do not include all items that impact the Company's net income for the period. In addition, because non-GAAP financial measures are not measured in the same manner by all companies, they may not be comparable to other similar titled measures used by other companies. One of the key limitations of free cash flow is that it does not represent the residual cash flow available for discretionary expenditures.
The presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. For more information on these non-GAAP financial measures, please see the table captioned 'Vipshop Holdings Limited Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results' at the end of this release.
[1] 'Gross merchandise value (GMV)' is defined as the total Renminbi value of all products and services sold through the Company's online sales business, online marketplace platform, offline stores, and Shan Shan Outlets during the relevant period, including through the Company's websites and mobile apps, third-party websites and mobile apps, Vipshop offline stores and Vipmaxx offline stores, as well as Shan Shan Outlets that were fulfilled by either the Company or its third-party merchants, regardless of whether or not the goods were delivered or returned. GMV includes shipping charges paid by buyers to sellers. For prudent considerations, the Company does not consider products or services to be sold if the relevant orders were placed and canceled pre-shipment and only included orders that left the Company's or other third-party vendors' warehouses.
[2] Including GMV generated by Shan Shan Outlets for the second half of 2019.
[3] Non-GAAP net income attributable to Vipshop's shareholders is a non-GAAP financial measure, which is defined as net income attributable to Vipshop's shareholders excluding (i) share-based compensation expenses, (ii) goodwill impairment loss, (iii) impairment loss of investments, (iv) amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions, (v) tax effect of amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions, (vi) investment gain and revaluation of investments excluding dividends, (vii) tax effect of investment gain and revaluation of investments excluding dividends, and (viii) share of loss in investment of limited partnership that is accounted for as an equity method investee.
[4] 'Active customers' is defined as registered members who have purchased from the Company's online sales business or the Company's online marketplace platforms at least once during the relevant period.
[5] 'Total orders' is defined as the total number of orders placed during the relevant period, including the orders for products and services sold through the Company's online sales business and the Company's online marketplace platforms (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, orders from the Company's offline stores and outlets), net of orders returned.
[6] Non-GAAP income from operations is a non-GAAP financial measure, which is defined as income from operations excluding share-based compensation expenses, amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions, and goodwill impairment loss.
[7] Non-GAAP operating income margin is a non-GAAP financial measure, which is defined as non-GAAP income from operations as a percentage of total net revenues.
[8] 'ADS' means American depositary share, each of which represents 0.2 Class A ordinary share.
[9] Non-GAAP net margin attributable to Vipshop's shareholders is a non-GAAP financial measure, which is defined as non-GAAP net income attributable to Vipshop's shareholders, as a percentage of total net revenues.
[10] Non-GAAP net income attributable to Vipshop's shareholders per diluted ADS is a non-GAAP financial measure, which is defined as non-GAAP net income attributable to Vipshop's shareholders, divided by the weighted average number of diluted ADS outstanding for computing diluted earnings per ADS.
[11] Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure, which is defined as net cash from operating activities adding back the impact from Internet financing activities and less capital expenditures, which include purchase and deposits of property and equipment and land use rights, and purchase of other assets.
[12] Net impact from Internet financing activities represents net cash flow relating to the Company's financial products, which are primarily consumer financing and supplier financing that the Company provides to customers and suppliers.
SOURCE Vipshop Holdings Limited
Jessie Fan, +86 (20) 2233-0732, IR@vipshop.com
VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED 
