GUANGZHOU, China, May 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- MINISO Group Holding Limited (NYSE:MNSO, HKEX: 9896)) ("MINISO", "MINISO Group" or the "Company"), a global value retailer offering a variety of trendy lifestyle products featuring IP design, today announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 (the "March Quarter"). Financial Highlights Revenue was RMB3,723.5 million (US$515.7 million), representing an increase of 26.0% year over year. Gross profit was RMB1,616.5 million (US$223.9 million), representing an increase of 39.1% year over year. Gross margin was 43.4%, compared to 39.3% in the same period of 2023. Operating profit was RMB743.3 million (US$102.9 million), representing an increase of 29.1% year over year. Profit for the period was RMB586.0 million (US$81.2 million), representing an increase of 24.4% year over year. Adjusted net profit(1) was RMB616.9 million (US$85.4 million), representing an increase of 27.7% year over year. Adjusted net margin(1) was 16.6%, compared to 16.4% in the same period of 2023. Adjusted EBITDA(1) was RMB965.3 million (US$133.7 million), representing an increase of 36.7% year over year. Adjusted EBITDA margin(1) was 25.9%, compared to 23.9% in the same period of 2023. Operational Highlights As of March 31, 2024, MINISO brand has expanded its retail footprint to a significant milestone of 6,630 stores. This growth was underscored by a remarkable net addition of 217 stores in the March Quarter alone, a figure that represents nearly a threefold increase compared to the net new store openings in the same period of last year. For the first time, MINISO brand has surpassed the 4,000 store mark in mainland China, reaching a total of 4,034 stores as of March 31, 2024. This achievement was marked by a net addition of 108 new stores in the March Quarter, nearly doubling the net new stores opened in the same period of last year. Number of MINISO stores in overseas markets was 2,596 as of March 31, 2024, with a net opening of 109 new stores in the March Quarter, a significant increase from the 16 net new stores opened in the same period of last year. Number of TOP TOY stores was 160 as of March 31, 2024, increasing by 44 stores year over year and 12 stores quarter over quarter. Note: (1)     See the sections titled "Non-IFRS Financial Measures" and "Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Financial Measures" in this press release for more information. The following table provides a breakdown of the number of MINISO and TOP TOY stores as well as their year-over-year and quarter-over-quarter changes as of the relevant dates: As of March 31, 2023 December 31, 2023 March 31, 2024 YoY QoQ Number of MINISO stores(1) 5,514 6,413 6,630 1,116 217 Mainland China 3,383 3,926 4,034 651 108 —Directly operated stores 16 26 29 13 3 —Third-party stores 3,367 3,900 4,005 638 105 Overseas 2,131 2,487 2,596 465 109 —Directly operated stores 150 238 281 131 43 —Third-party stores 1,981 2,249 2,315 334 66 Number of TOP TOY stores(2) 116 148 160 44 12 —Directly operated stores 9 14 17 8 3 —Third-party stores 107 134 143 36 9 For more information about MINISO stores, please refer to "Unaudited Additional Information" in this press release. Notes: (1) "MINISO stores" refers to the offline stores operated under the "MINISO" brand, including those directly operated by the Company, and those operated by third parties under the MINISO Retail Partner model and the distributor model. (2) "TOP TOY stores" refers to the offline stores operated under the "TOP TOY" brand, including those directly operated by the Company, and those operated by third parties under the MINISO Retail Partner model. Mr. Guofu Ye, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of MINISO, commented, "This past March Quarter has seen our fastest pace of store openings for the first quarters ever, establishing a robust foundation towards our goal of a net addition of 900 to 1,100 stores in 2024. We also embarked on our path towards our five-year strategic goal with a stronger March Quarter compared to the high base of the same period of 2023. We are pleased to see initial effect from our IP and globalization strategies and as a result, our total revenue reached RMB3.7 billion with a 26% increase year over year, which was primarily attributable to a 19% increase in average store count and a 9% same-store sales growth." Mr. Ye added, "Revenue generated from overseas markets surged by 53% year over year, which exceeded even our most optimistic expectations and set a new record for the first quarters. This was largely attributable to a 92% year-over-year increase in revenue from our directly operated markets, which have seen a growth of over 80% for four consecutive quarters. The rapid expansion in our directly operated markets has not only been sustained but has also led to a 28% increase in our adjusted net profit, with a healthy adjusted net margin of 16.6%. Our strong financial and operational performance across the board continues to reflect the relevance and resilience of our business model and universal appealing of our product offerings. We possess the necessary patience and perseverance and remain committed to a long-term approach, taking each step with care and diligence to accomplish our five-year development plan to maintain a revenue compound annual growth rate of no less than 20%." Mr. Eason Zhang, CFO and Vice President of MINISO, commented, "Gross margin for this March Quarter reached 43.4%, even higher than peak season of last December Quarter, thanks to a sustained strong momentum from overseas markets and TOP TOY. In longer term, we are confident to increase gross margin steadily by leveraging our core capabilities in IP product development, supply chain integration and globalization." Mr. Zhang continued, "Our performance in March Quarter once again demonstrates the strength of our business model and reflects our ability to execute on our IP and globalization strategy. Looking forward into the June quarter 2024, we expect our sales to continue to grow healthily on a year-over-year basis, driven by better store-level performance and store network expansion. Meanwhile, we will also continue to carefully manage cost and capital allocation as we focus on consistently delivering solid profits and healthy cash flow. I am very confident that we will once again meet our full-year targets and deliver on our fun and value to consumers worldwide." Unaudited Financial Results Revenue was RMB3,723.5 million (US$515.7 million), representing an increase of 26.0% year over year, primarily driven by a 19.3% increase in the average store count and an around 9% same-store sales growth on group level. Revenue generated from mainland China increased by 16.2% year over year to RMB2,501.7 million (US$346.5 million), primarily driven by (i) an increase of 15.6% in revenue from MINISO's offline stores in mainland China, which was primarily due to a 18.7% growth in average store count, and the same-store sales was about 98% of the same period of last year's high comparable base, and (ii) a surge of 55.1% in revenue from TOP TOY, which was primarily due to a 32.2% growth in average store count, and a same-store sales growth of around 26% when compared to the same period in 2023. Revenue generated from overseas markets increased by 52.6% year over year to RMB1,221.9 million (US$169.2 million). This significant growth was primarily attributable to a 19.7% expansion in average store count, coupled with a robust same-store sales growth of around 21%. During the March Quarter, revenue from overseas markets constituted 32.8% of our total revenue, marking a notable rise from the 27.1% share during the same period in 2023. It is also worth noting that revenue from our overseas directly operated markets contributed around 58% to the total overseas market revenue for the March Quarter. This represents a higher revenue share when compared on both a year-over-year and quarter-over-quarter basis, underscoring the strategic importance and strong performance of these markets. For more information on the composition and year-over-year change of revenue, please refer to the "Unaudited Additional Information" in this press release. Cost of sales was RMB2,107.1 million (US$291.8 million), representing an increase of 17.6% year over year. Gross profit was RMB1,616.5 million (US$223.9 million), representing an increase of 39.1% year over year. Gross margin was 43.4%, compared to 39.3% in the same period of 2023. The year-over-year increase was primarily attributable to (i) higher revenue contribution from directly operated markets which accounted for around 58% of revenue from overseas markets, compared to around 46% in the same period of 2023, and (ii) higher gross margin of TOP TOY due to a shift in product mix towards more profitable products. Selling and distribution expenses were RMB696.0 million (US$96.4 million), representing an increase of 58.5% year over year. Excluding share-based compensation expenses, selling and distribution expenses were RMB672.0 million (US$93.1 million), representing an increase of 55.7% year over year, mainly attributable to (i) increases in personnel-related expenses, logistics expenses and other expenses in relation to the growth of the Company's business, (ii) increased expenses mainly in relation to overseas directly operations, including payroll, rental expense as well as depreciation and amortization expenses, and (iii) an increase in promotion and advertising expenses, mainly in connection with the strategic upgrade of MINISO brand and the growth of our offline-to-online business. General and administrative expenses were RMB191.3 million (US$26.5 million), representing an increase of 23.3% year over year. Excluding share-based compensation expenses, general and administrative expenses were RMB184.4 million (US$25.5 million), representing an increase of 22.4% year over year, mainly attributable to an increase in personnel-related expenses in relation to the growth of the Company's business. Other net income was RMB14.8 million (US$2.1 million), compared to RMB3.3 million in the same period of 2023. The year-over-year increase was mainly attributable to an increase in fair value of an investment. Operating profit was RMB743.3 million (US$102.9 million), representing an increase of 29.1% year over year. Net finance income was RMB25.0 million (US$3.5 million), flat year over year. Profit for the period was RMB586.0 million (US$81.2 million), representing an increase of 24.4% year over year. Adjusted net profit, which represents profit for the period excluding equity-settled share-based payment expenses, was RMB616.9 million (US$85.4 million), representing an increase of 27.7% year over year. Adjusted net margin was 16.6%, compared to 16.4% in the same period of 2023. Adjusted EBITDA was RMB965.3 million (US$133.7 million), representing an increase of 36.7% year over year. Adjusted EBITDA margin was 25.9%, compared to 23.9% in the same period of 2023. Basic and diluted earnings per ADS were both RMB1.88 (US$0.26) in this quarter, representing an increase of 27.0% year over year from RMB1.48 in the same period of 2023. Each ADS represents four of the Company's ordinary shares. Adjusted basic and diluted earnings per ADS were both RMB1.96 (US$0.27) in this quarter, representing an increase of 28.9% year over year from RMB1.52 in the same period of 2023. Conference Call The Company's management will hold an earnings conference call at 5:00 A.M. Eastern Time on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 (5:00 P.M. Beijing Time on the same day) to discuss the financial results. The conference call can be accessed by the following Zoom link or dialing the following numbers: Access 1 Join Zoom meeting. Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/97077291846?pwd=cUlpRG45UWxFaGg5eTlqdHBlaGxDUT09  Meeting Number: 970 7729 1846 Meeting Passcode: 9896 Access 2 Listeners may access the call by dialing the following numbers by using the same meeting number and passcode with access 1. United States:                            +1 689 278 1000 (or +1 719 359 4580) Hong Kong, China:                  +852 5803 3730 (or +852 5803 3731) United Kingdom:                      +44 203 481 5237 (or +44 131 460 1196) France:                                      +33 1 7037 9729 (or +33 1 7037 2246) Singapore:                                +65 3158 7288 (or +65 3165 1065) Canada:                                    +1 438 809 7799 (or +1 204 272 7920) Access 3 Listeners can also access the meeting through the Company's investor relations website at https://ir.miniso.com/. The replay will be available approximately two hours after the conclusion of the live event at the Company's investor relations website at https://ir.miniso.com/. About MINISO Group MINISO Group is a global value retailer offering a variety of trendy lifestyle products featuring IP design. The Company serves consumers primarily through its large network of MINISO stores, and promotes a relaxing, treasure-hunting and engaging shopping experience full of delightful surprises that appeals to all demographics. Aesthetically pleasing design, quality and affordability are at the core of every product in MINISO's wide product portfolio, and the Company continually and frequently rolls out products with these qualities. Since the opening of its first store in China in 2013, the Company has built its flagship brand "MINISO" as a globally recognized consuming brand and established a massive store network worldwide. For more information, please visit https://ir.miniso.com/. Exchange Rate The U.S. dollar (US$) amounts disclosed in this press release, except for those transaction amounts that were actually settled in U.S. dollars, are presented solely for the convenience of the readers. The conversion of Renminbi (RMB) into US$ in this press release is based on the exchange rate set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System as of March 29, 2024, which was RMB7.2203 to US$1.0000. The percentages stated in this press release are calculated based on the RMB amounts. Non-IFRS Financial Measures In evaluating the business, MINISO considers and uses adjusted net profit, adjusted net margin, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted basic and diluted net earnings per share and adjusted basic and diluted net earnings per ADS as supplemental measures to review and assess its operating performance. The presentation of these non-IFRS financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with IFRS. MINISO defines adjusted net profit as profit for the period excluding equity-settled share-based payment expenses. MINISO calculates adjusted net margin by dividing adjusted net profit by revenue for the same period. MINISO defines adjusted EBITDA as adjusted net profit plus depreciation and amortization, finance costs and income tax expense. Adjusted EBITDA margin is computed by dividing adjusted EBITDA by revenue for the period. MINISO computes adjusted basic and diluted net earnings per ADS by dividing adjusted net profit attributable to the equity shareholders of the Company by the number of ADSs represented by the number of ordinary shares used in the basic and diluted earnings per share calculation on an IFRS basis. MINISO computes adjusted basic and diluted net earnings per share in the same way as it calculates adjusted basic and diluted net earnings per ADS, except that it uses the number of ordinary shares used in the basic and diluted earnings per share calculation on an IFRS basis as the denominator instead of the number of ADSs represented by these ordinary shares. MINISO presents these non-IFRS financial measures because they are used by the management to evaluate its operating performance and formulate business plans. These non-IFRS financial measures enable the management to assess its operating results without considering the impacts of the aforementioned non-cash and other adjustment items that MINISO does not consider to be indicative of its operating performance in the future. Accordingly, MINISO believes that the use of these non-IFRS financial measures provides useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating its operating results in the same manner as the management and board of directors. These non-IFRS financial measures are not defined under IFRS and are not presented in accordance with IFRS. These non-IFRS financial measures have limitations as analytical tools. One of the key limitations of using these non-IFRS financial measures is that they do not reflect all items of income and expense that affect MINISO's operations. Further, these non-IFRS financial measures may differ from the non-IFRS information used by other companies, including peer companies, and therefore their comparability may be limited. These non-IFRS financial measures should not be considered in isolation or construed as alternatives to profit, net profit margin, basic and diluted earnings per share and basic and diluted earnings per ADS, as applicable, or any other measures of performance or as indicators of MINISO's operating performance. Investors are encouraged to review MINISO's historical non-IFRS financial measures in light of the most directly comparable IFRS measures, as shown below. The non-IFRS financial measures presented here may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. Other companies may calculate similarly titled measures differently, limiting the usefulness of such measures when analyzing MINISO's data comparatively. MINISO encourages you to review its financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure. For more information on the non-IFRS financial measures, please see the table captioned "Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Financial Measures" set forth at the end of this press release. 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 words or phrases such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "aim," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "is/are likely to,", "potential," "continue" or other similar expressions. Among other things, the quotations from management in this announcement, as well as MINISO's strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. MINISO may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the "HKEX"), 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 MINISO'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: MINISO's mission, goals and strategies; future business development, financial conditions and results of operations; the expected growth of the retail market and the market of branded variety retail of lifestyle products in China and globally; expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of MINISO's products; expectations regarding MINISO's relationships with consumers, suppliers, MINISO Retail Partners, local distributors, and other business partners; competition in the industry; proposed use of proceeds; and relevant government policies and regulations relating to MINISO's business and the industry. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in MINISO's filings with the SEC and the HKEX. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and MINISO undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law. Investor Relations Contact: Raine Hu MINISO Group Holding LimitedEmail: +86 (20) 36228788 Ext.8039       MINISO GROUP HOLDING LIMITED UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION (Expressed in thousands) As at As at December 31, 2023 March 31, 2024 (Audited) (Unaudited) RMB'000 RMB'000 US$'000 ASSETS Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment 769,306 855,894 118,540 Right-of-use assets