Vipshop Reports Unaudited Third Quarter 2021 Financial Results

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 quarter ended September 30, 2021.

Third Quarter 2021 Highlights

Total net revenue for the third quarter of 2021 increased by 7.5% year over year to RMB24.9 billion (US$3.9 billion) from RMB23.2 billion in the prior year period.

GMV[1] for the third quarter of 2021 increased by 5% year over year to RMB40.2 billion from RMB38.3 billion in the prior year period.

Gross profit for the third quarter of 2021 was RMB4.8 billion (US$751.4 million), as compared with RMB4.9 billion in the prior year period.

Net income attributable to Vipshop's shareholders for the third quarter of 2021 was RMB628.4 million (US$97.5 million), as compared with RMB1.2 billion in the prior year period.

Non-GAAP net income attributable to Vipshop's shareholders [2] for the third quarter of 2021 was RMB1.0 billion (US$159.6 million), as compared with RMB1.4 billion in the prior year period.

The number of active customers [3] for the third quarter of 2021 increased to 43.9 million from 43.4 million in the prior year period.

Total orders [4] for the third quarter of 2021 were 172.9 million, which largely stayed flat as compared with 172.8 million in the prior year period.

Mr. Eric Shen, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Vipshop, stated, 'In the third quarter of 2021, our business demonstrated resilience in a challenging macro and retail environment. Our key operating metrics continued to improve year over year, with total active customers increasing to 43.9 million and total GMV reaching RMB40.2 billion. We are encouraged by the developments made through the implementation of our merchandising strategy, which enabled our core brand partners to increase sales efficiencies, while also expanding our high-value customer base. We will continue to strengthen our position as a leading discount retailer for brands and our value proposition to partners and customers to drive solid, quality and sustainable business growth.'

Mr. David Cui, Chief Financial Officer of Vipshop, further commented, 'We have delivered top-line growth in line with our expectations, primarily driven by the solid contribution from our high-value customers who helped improve the overall average revenue per user. Our profitability remained solid as we were more disciplined in spending and focused on improving operating efficiencies. Going forward, we will continue to drive business synergies on the merchandising and operation ends to deliver steady financial performance.'

Third Quarter 2021 Financial Results

REVENUE

Total net revenue for the third quarter of 2021 increased by 7.5% year over year to RMB24.9 billion (US$3.9 billion) from RMB23.2 billion in the prior year period, primarily driven by the growth in the average revenue per user.

GROSS PROFIT

Gross profit for the third quarter of 2021 was RMB4.8 billion (US$751.4 million), as compared with RMB4.9 billion in the prior year period. Gross margin for the third quarter of 2021 was 19.4%, as compared with 21.1% in the prior year period.

OPERATING EXPENSES

Total operating expenses for the third quarter of 2021 were RMB4.2 billion (US$659.2 million), as compared with RMB3.9 billion in the prior year period. As a percentage of total net revenue, total operating expenses for the third quarter of 2021 was 17.0%, as compared with 16.9% in the prior year period.

Fulfillment expenses for the third quarter of 2021 were RMB1.6 billion (US$251.2 million), which largely stayed flat as compared with the corresponding period in 2020. As a percentage of total net revenue, fulfillment expenses for the third quarter of 2021 decreased to 6.5% from 7.0% in the prior year period.

Marketing expenses for the third quarter of 2021 were RMB1.2 billion (US$192.7 million), as compared with RMB1.1 billion in the prior year period. As a percentage of total net revenue, marketing expenses for the third quarter of 2021 was 5.0%, as compared with 4.9% in the prior year period.

Technology and content expenses for the third quarter of 2021 were RMB366.8 million (US$56.9 million), as compared with RMB305.1 million in the prior year period. As a percentage of total net revenue, technology and content expenses for the third quarter of 2021 was 1.5%, as compared with 1.3% in the prior year period.

General and administrative expenses for the third quarter of 2021 were RMB1.0 billion (US$158.4 million), as compared with RMB848.6 million in the prior year period. As a percentage of total net revenue, general and administrative expenses for the third quarter of 2021 was 4.1%, as compared with 3.7% in the prior year period.

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS

Income from operations for the third quarter of 2021 was RMB770.8 million (US$119.6 million), as compared with RMB1.2 billion in the prior year period. Operating margin for the third quarter of 2021 was 3.1%, as compared with 5.4% in the prior year period.

Non-GAAP income from operations[5] for the third quarter of 2021, which excluded share-based compensation expenses and amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions, was RMB1.1 billion (US$163.9 million), as compared with RMB1.5 billion in the prior year period. Non-GAAP operating income margin[6] for the third quarter of 2021 was 4.2%, as compared with 6.4% in the prior year period.

NET INCOME

Net income attributable to Vipshop's shareholders for the third quarter of 2021 was RMB628.4 million (US$97.5 million), as compared with RMB1.2 billion in the prior year period. Net margin attributable to Vipshop's shareholders for the third quarter of 2021 was 2.5%, as compared with 5.4% in the prior year period. Net income attributable to Vipshop's shareholders per diluted ADS[7] for the third quarter of 2021 decreased to RMB0.92 (US$0.14) from RMB1.80 in the prior year period.

Non-GAAP net income attributable to Vipshop's shareholders for the third quarter of 2021, which excluded (i) share-based compensation expenses, (ii) impairment loss of investments, (iii) investment gain and revaluation of investments excluding dividends, (iv) share of loss (gain) in investment of limited partnerships that are accounted for as equity method investees, (v) amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions, and (vi) tax effects on non-GAAP adjustments, was RMB1.0 billion (US$159.6 million), as compared with RMB1.4 billion in the prior year period. Non-GAAP net margin attributable to Vipshop's shareholders[8] for the third quarter of 2021 was 4.1%, as compared with 6.0% in the prior year period. Non-GAAP net income attributable to Vipshop's shareholders per diluted ADS[9] for the third quarter of 2021 decreased to RMB1.50 (US$0.23) from RMB2.01 in the prior year period.

For the quarter ended September 30, 2021, the Company's weighted average number of ADSs used in computing diluted income per ADS was 684,019,890.

BALANCE SHEET AND CASH FLOW

As of September 30, 2021, the Company had cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash of RMB13.2 billion (US$2.0 billion) and short term investments of RMB3.7 billion (US$569.3 million).

For the quarter ended September 30, 2021, net cash used in operating activities was RMB1.7 billion (US$261.7 million), and free cash flow[10], a non-GAAP measurement of liquidity, was as follows:

For the three months ended Sep 30, 2020

See full results at: https://vipshopholdingsltd.gcs-web.com/news-releases/news-release-details/vipshop-reports-unaudited-third-quarter-2021-financial-results

Business Outlook

For the fourth quarter of 2021, the Company expects its total net revenue to be between RMB35.8 billion and RMB37.6 billion, representing a year-over-year growth rate of approximately 0% to 5%. These forecasts reflect the Company's current and preliminary view on the market and operational conditions, which is subject to change.

Exchange Rate

The Company's business is primarily conducted in China and the significant majority of revenues generated are denominated in Renminbi. This announcement contains currency conversions of Renminbi amounts into U.S. dollars solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from Renminbi to U.S. dollars are made at a rate of RMB6.4434 to US$1.00, the effective noon buying rate on September 30, 2021 as set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board. No representation is made that the Renminbi amounts could have been, or could be, converted, realized or settled into U.S. dollars at that rate on September 30, 2021, or at any other rate.

A replay of the conference call will be accessible until November 24, 2021 via the following dial-in details:

United States Toll Free: [phone]

International: [phone]

Conference ID: #1080234

A live and archived webcast of the conference call will also be available at the Company's investor relations website at http://ir.vip.com.

[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, Shan Shan Outlets and city 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 and city 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] 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) impairment loss of investments, (iii) investment gain and revaluation of investments excluding dividends, (iv) share of loss (gain) in investment of limited partnerships that are accounted for as equity method investees, (v) amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions, and (vi) tax effects on non-GAAP adjustments.

[3] '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.

[4] '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.

[5] Non-GAAP income from operations is a non-GAAP financial measure, which is defined as income from operations excluding share-based compensation expenses and amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions.

[6] 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.

[7] 'ADS' means American depositary share, each of which represents 0.2 Class A ordinary share.

[8] 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.

[9] 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.

[10] Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure, which is defined as net cash from (used in) 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.

[11] 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 its customers and suppliers.

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 https://ir.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; the potential impact of the COVID-19 to Vipshop's business operations and the economy in China and elsewhere generally; 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) impairment loss of investments, (iii) investment gain and revaluation of investments excluding dividends, (iv) share of loss (gain) in investment of limited partnerships that are accounted for as equity method investees, (v) amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions, and (vi) tax effects on non-GAAP adjustments. 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 and amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions. 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) impairment loss of investments, (c) amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions, (d) investment gain and revaluation of investments excluding dividends, and (e) share of loss (gain) in investment of limited partnerships that are accounted for as equity method investees add 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) impairment loss of investments, (3) amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions, (4) investment gain and revaluation of investments excluding dividends, and (5) share of loss (gain) in investment of limited partnerships that are accounted for as equity method investees. 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.

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SOURCE Vipshop Holdings Limited

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