Conference Call to Be Held at 7:30 A.M. U.S. Eastern Time on February 28, 2024
GUANGZHOU, China, Feb. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — 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 and full year ended December 31, 2023.
Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Highlights
Total net revenues for the fourth quarter of 2023 increased by 9.2% year over year to RMB34.7 billion (US$4.9 billion) from RMB31.8 billion in the prior year period. Total net revenues for the full year of 2023 increased by 9.4% year over year to RMB112.9 billion (US$15.9 billion) from RMB103.2 billion in the prior year.
GMV[1] for the fourth quarter of 2023 increased by 21.9% year over year to RMB66.4 billion from RMB54.4 billion in the prior year period. GMV for the full year of 2023 increased by 18.7% year over year to RMB208.0 billion from RMB175.2 billion in the prior year.
Gross profit for the fourth quarter of 2023 increased by 19.3% year over year to RMB8.2 billion (US$1.2 billion) from RMB6.9 billion in the prior year period. Gross profit for the full year of 2023 increased by 19.0% year over year to RMB25.7 billion (US$3.6 billion) from RMB21.6 billion in the prior year.
Net income attributable to Vipshop’s shareholders for the fourth quarter of 2023 increased by 32.2% year over year to RMB3.0 billion (US$415.8 million) from RMB2.2 billion in the prior year period. Net income attributable to Vipshop’s shareholders for the full year of 2023 increased by 28.9% year over year to RMB8.1 billion (US$1.1 billion) from RMB6.3 billion in the prior year.
Non-GAAP net income attributable to Vipshop’s shareholders[2] for the fourth quarter of 2023 increased by 43.4% year over year to RMB3.2 billion (US$450.5 million) from RMB2.2 billion in the prior year period. Non-GAAP net income attributable to Vipshop’s shareholders for the full year of 2023 increased by 39.1% year over year to RMB9.5 billion (US$1.3 billion) from RMB6.8 billion in the prior year.
The number of active customers[3] for the fourth quarter of 2023 increased by 2.3% year over year to 48.5 million from 47.5 million in the prior year period. The number of active customers for the full year of 2023 increased by 3.9% year over year to 87.4 million from 84.1 million in the prior year.
Total orders[4] for the fourth quarter of 2023 increased by 7.2% year over year to 234.3 million from 218.5 million in the prior year period. Total orders for the full year of 2023 increased by 9.8% year over year to 812.3 million from 739.5 million in the prior year.
Mr. Eric Shen, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Vipshop, stated, “We rounded off 2023 with a set of results well beyond our expectations, as we successfully executed our merchandising strategy to seize opportunities in value-based spending amid strong seasonal demand. Apparel categories continued to fuel our growth and outperformed the industry average all year long, which helped us cross RMB200 billion in total annual GMV for the first time in our history. Our strategy focusing on discount retail for brands pays off. We have made great progress in merchandise expansion and value-for-money perception. This has been instrumental in increased customer loyalty and double-digit growth in active Super VIP members. Looking ahead, we are confident that our sustainable business model will lead us to longer-term growth.”
Mr. Mark Wang, Chief Financial Officer of Vipshop, further commented, “We delivered another quarter of solid financial performance, ending 2023 as the most profitable year in our history. Benefiting from a number of efficiency improvement initiatives last year, we are acting faster, pushing forward company priorities, and building greater synergies. We look forward to maintaining operating discipline while investing in areas that can better engage with brand partners and customers. Moreover, our board of directors approved an annual cash dividend policy, demonstrating our confidence in future growth and earnings as well as long-term commitment to shareholder value creation.”
Fourth Quarter 2023 Financial Results
REVENUES
Total net revenues for the fourth quarter of 2023 increased by 9.2% year over year to RMB34.7 billion (US$4.9 billion) from RMB31.8 billion in the prior year period, primarily attributable to the growth in active customers and spending driven by the recovery in consumption of discretionary categories.
GROSS PROFIT
Gross profit for the fourth quarter of 2023 increased by 19.3% year over year to RMB8.2 billion (US$1.2 billion) from RMB6.9 billion in the prior year period. Gross margin for the fourth quarter of 2023 increased to 23.7% from 21.7% in the prior year period.
OPERATING EXPENSES
Total operating expenses for the fourth quarter of 2023 increased by 4.8% year over year to RMB4.9 billion (US$685.8 million) from RMB4.6 billion in the prior year period. As a percentage of total net revenues, total operating expenses for the fourth quarter of 2023 decreased to 14.0% from 14.6% in the prior year period.
Fulfillment expenses for the fourth quarter of 2023 increased by 17.0% year over year to RMB2.5 billion (US$355.7 million) from RMB2.2 billion in the prior year period. As a percentage of total net revenues, fulfillment expenses for the fourth quarter of 2023 was 7.3%, as compared with 6.8% in the prior year period.
Marketing expenses for the fourth quarter of 2023 decreased by 10.7% year over year to RMB843.2 million (US$118.8 million) from RMB944.1 million in the prior year period. As a percentage of total net revenues, marketing expenses for the fourth quarter of 2023 decreased to 2.4% from 3.0% in the prior year period.
Technology and content expenses for the fourth quarter of 2023 increased by 21.5% year over year to RMB496.4 million (US$69.9 million) from RMB408.5 million in the prior year period. As a percentage of total net revenues, technology and content expenses for the fourth quarter of 2023 was 1.4%, as compared with 1.3% in the prior year period.
General and administrative expenses for the fourth quarter of 2023 decreased by 11.7% year over year to RMB1.0 billion (US$141.5 million) from RMB1.1 billion in the prior year period. As a percentage of total net revenues, general and administrative expenses for the fourth quarter of 2023 decreased to 2.9% from 3.6% in the prior year period.
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS
Income from operations for the fourth quarter of 2023 increased by 46.2% year over year to RMB3.7 billion (US$516.7 million) from RMB2.5 billion in the prior year period. Operating margin for the fourth quarter of 2023 increased to 10.6% from 7.9% in the prior year period.
Non-GAAP income from operations[5] for the fourth quarter of 2023, which excluded share-based compensation expenses, increased by 42.5% year over year to RMB4.0 billion (US$556.8 million) from RMB2.8 billion in the prior year period. Non-GAAP operating margin[6] for the fourth quarter of 2023 increased to 11.4% from 8.7% in the prior year period.
NET INCOME
Net income attributable to Vipshop’s shareholders for the fourth quarter of 2023 increased by 32.2% year over year to RMB3.0 billion (US$415.8 million) from RMB2.2 billion in the prior year period. Net margin attributable to Vipshop’s shareholders for the fourth quarter of 2023 increased to 8.5% from 7.0% in the prior year period. Net income attributable to Vipshop’s shareholders per diluted ADS[7] for the fourth quarter of 2023 increased to RMB5.35 (US$0.75) from RMB3.66 in the prior year period.
Non-GAAP net income attributable to Vipshop’s shareholders for the fourth quarter of 2023, which excluded (i) share-based compensation expenses, (ii) impairment loss of investments, (iii) investment (gain) loss and revaluation of investments excluding dividends, (iv) reconciling items on the share of equity method investments, and (v) tax effects on non-GAAP adjustments, increased by 43.4% year over year to RMB3.2 billion (US$450.5 million) from RMB2.2 billion in the prior year period. Non-GAAP net margin attributable to Vipshop’s shareholders[8] for the fourth quarter of 2023 increased to 9.2% from 7.0% in the prior year period. Non-GAAP net income attributable to Vipshop’s shareholders per diluted ADS[9] for the fourth quarter of 2023 increased to RMB5.79 (US$0.82) from RMB3.65 in the prior year period.
For the quarter ended December 31, 2023, the Company’s weighted average number of ADSs used in computing diluted income per ADS was 551,902,525.
BALANCE SHEET AND CASH FLOW
As of December 31, 2023, the Company had cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash of RMB26.3 billion (US$3.7 billion) and short term investments of RMB2.0 billion (US$279.3 million).
For the quarter ended December 31, 2023, net cash generated from operating activities was RMB8.7 billion (US$1.2 billion), and free cash flow[10], a non-GAAP measurement of liquidity, was as follows:
For the three months ended
Dec 31, 2022
Dec 31, 2023
Dec 31, 2023
RMB’000
RMB’000
US$’000
Net cash generated from operating activities
6,525,597
8,696,378
1,224,859
Reconciling items:
Net impact from internet financing activities[11]
243,833
53,725
7,567
Capital expenditures
(587,100)
(1,398,506)
(196,975)
Free cash inflow
6,182,330
7,351,597
1,035,451
Full Year 2023 Financial Results
Total net revenues for the full year of 2023 increased by 9.4% year over year to RMB112.9 billion (US$15.9 billion) from RMB103.2 billion in the prior year.
Gross profit for the full year of 2023 increased by 19.0% year over year to RMB25.7 billion (US$3.6 billion) from RMB21.6 billion in the prior year. Gross margin for the full year of 2023 increased to 22.8% from 21.0% in the prior year.
Income from operations for the full year of 2023 increased by 46.9% year over year to RMB9.1 billion (US$1.3 billion) from RMB6.2 billion in the prior year. Operating margin for the full year increased to 8.1% from 6.0% in the prior year.
Non-GAAP income from operations for the full year of 2023, which excluded share-based compensation expenses, increased by 43.3% year over year to RMB10.6 billion (US$1.5 billion) from RMB7.4 billion in the prior year. Non-GAAP operating margin for the full year of 2023 increased to 9.4% from 7.2% in the prior year.
Net income attributable to Vipshop’s shareholders for the full year of 2023 increased by 28.9% year over year to RMB8.1 billion (US$1.1 billion) from RMB6.3 billion in the prior year. Net margin attributable to Vipshop’s shareholders for the full year of 2023 increased to 7.2% from 6.1% in the prior year. Net income attributable to Vipshop’s shareholders per diluted ADS for the full year of 2023 increased to RMB14.42 (US$2.03) from RMB9.83 in the prior year.
Non-GAAP net income attributable to Vipshop’s shareholders for the full year of 2023, which excluded (i) share-based compensation expenses, (ii) impairment loss of investments, (iii) investment (gain) loss and revaluation of investments excluding dividends, (iv) reconciling items on the share of equity method investments, and (v) tax effects on non-GAAP adjustments, increased by 39.1% year over year to RMB9.5 billion (US$1.3 billion) from RMB6.8 billion in the prior year. Non-GAAP net margin attributable to Vipshop’s shareholders for the full year of 2023 increased to 8.4% from 6.6% in the prior year. Non-GAAP net income attributable to Vipshop’s shareholders per diluted ADS for the full year of 2023 increased to RMB16.90 (US$2.38) from RMB10.67 in the prior year.
For the full year of 2023, the Company’s weighted average number of ADSs used in computing diluted earnings per ADS was 562,761,990.
For the full year of 2023, net cash generated from operating activities was RMB14.4 billion (US$2.0 billion), and free cash flow, a non-GAAP measurement of liquidity, was as follows:
For the trailing twelve months ended
Dec 31, 2022
Dec 31, 2023
Dec 31, 2023
RMB’000
RMB’000
US$’000
Net cash generated from operating activities
10,519,692
14,414,513
2,030,242
Reconciling items:
Net impact from internet financing activities
408,550
104,964
14,784
Capital expenditures
(3,102,589)
(5,230,737)
(736,734)
Free cash inflow
7,825,653
9,288,740
1,308,292
Share Repurchase Program
During the quarter ended December 31, 2023, the Company repurchased US$3.4 million of its ADSs under its current US$1 billion share repurchase program, which is effective through March 2025. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had an unutilized amount of US$548.1 million under this program.
Annual Dividend Policy and Declaration of 2023 Dividend
On February 22, 2024, the board of directors of the Company adopted an annual cash dividend policy, under which the Company may choose to declare and distribute a cash dividend each year in accordance with the memorandum and articles of association of the Company and the applicable laws and regulations. Under the policy, the board of directors of the Company reserves the discretion relating to the determination to make dividend distributions and the amount of such distributions in any particular year, depending on the Company’s operations and earnings, cash flow, financial condition, and other relevant factors.
Accordingly, on the same day, for the fiscal year of 2023, the board of directors of the Company declared a dividend of US$2.15 per ordinary share, or US$0.43 per ADS, to holders of ordinary shares and holders of ADSs of record as of the close of business on March 15, 2024. The aggregate amount of cash dividends to be paid will be approximately US$250 million, which is expected to be paid on April 8, 2024. Holders of the Company’s ADSs will receive the cash dividends through the depositary, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, subject to the terms of the deposit agreement.
Business Outlook
For the first quarter of 2024, the Company expects its total net revenues to be between RMB27.5 billion and RMB28.9 billion, representing a year-over-year increase 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 RMB7.0999 to US$1.00, the effective noon buying rate on December 29, 2023 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 December 29, 2023, or at any other rate.
Conference Call Information
The Company will hold a conference call on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at 7:30 am U.S. Eastern Time, 8:30 pm Beijing Time to discuss the financial results.
All participants wishing to join the conference call must pre-register online using the link provided below.
Registration Link: https://register.vevent.com/register/BIcb871fc012e045edb5fd02b7c2874334
Once pre-registration has been completed, each participant will receive dial-in numbers and a unique access PIN via email. To join the conference, participants should use the dial-in details followed by the PIN code.
A live webcast of the earnings conference call can be accessed at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/rvsmyjg9. An archived webcast will be available at the Company’s investor relations website at http://ir.vip.com.
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 needs 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 margin, non-GAAP net margin attributable to Vipshop’s shareholders, and free cash flow, each of which is a non-GAAP financial measure. For the periods presented in this press release, 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) loss and revaluation of investments excluding dividends, (iv) reconciling items on the share of equity method investments, and (v) tax effects on non-GAAP adjustments. Non-GAAP net income attributable to Vipshop’s shareholders per diluted ADS is computed using non-GAAP …