Conference Call to Be Held at 7:30 A.M. U.S. Eastern Time on May 22, 2024 GUANGZHOU, China, May 22, 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 ended March 31, 2024. First Quarter 2024 Highlights Total net revenues for the first quarter of 2024 increased by 0.4% year over year to RMB27.6 billion (US$3.8 billion) from RMB27.5 billion in the prior year period. GMV[1] for the first quarter of 2024 increased by 8.0% year over year to RMB52.4 billion from RMB48.5 billion in the prior year period. Gross profit for the first quarter of 2024 increased by 10.9% year over year to RMB6.5 billion (US$906.5 million) from RMB5.9 billion in the prior year period. Net income attributable to Vipshop's shareholders for the first quarter of 2024 increased by 24.6% year over year to RMB2.3 billion (US$320.9 million) from RMB1.9 billion in the prior year period. Non-GAAP net income attributable to Vipshop's shareholders[2] for the first quarter of 2024 increased by 24.8% year over year to RMB2.6 billion (US$357.7 million) from RMB2.1 billion in the prior year period. The number of active customers[3] for the first quarter of 2024 was 43.1 million, compared with 43.7 million in the prior year period. Total orders[4] for the first quarter of 2024 were 178.5 million, compared with 184.4 million in the prior year period. Mr. Eric Shen, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Vipshop, stated, "The first quarter saw slow business momentum after a strong start due to softer-than-expected seasonal demands. Nonetheless, sales of apparel categories continued to stand out and active Super VIP members achieved double-digit growth. To navigate the dynamic environment, we remain focusing on priorities of enhancing long-term strength. We continue to increase our appeal to consumers by addressing their preferences and strengthening our differentiation to consistently offer great values. While we are cautious in the near-term outlook, we are confident to achieve long-term growth with our unique value proposition and solid business foundation." Mr. Mark Wang, Chief Financial Officer of Vipshop, further commented, "We recorded another quarter of strong profit growth. Margins remained very healthy attributable to higher-margin categories and disciplined operations. In addition, we continued to implement our share repurchase program, as part of our long-term commitment to delivering consistent returns to our shareholders. Looking ahead, we believe we are in a great position to capture the growth opportunities while maintaining good profitability for the long term." First Quarter 2024 Financial Results REVENUES  Total net revenues for the first quarter of 2024 increased by 0.4% year over year to RMB27.6 billion (US$3.8 billion) from RMB27.5 billion in the prior year period. GROSS PROFIT Gross profit for the first quarter of 2024 increased by 10.9% year over year to RMB6.5 billion (US$906.5 million) from RMB5.9 billion in the prior year period. Gross margin for the first quarter of 2024 increased to 23.7% from 21.4% in the prior year period. OPERATING EXPENSES Total operating expenses for the first quarter of 2024 increased by 0.6% year over year to RMB4.09 billion (US$566.1 million) from RMB4.06 billion in the prior year period. As a percentage of total net revenues, total operating expenses for the first quarter of 2024 was 14.8%, compared with 14.7% in the prior year period. Fulfillment expenses for the first quarter of 2024 increased by 11.3% year over year to RMB2.0 billion (US$275.0 million) from RMB1.8 billion in the prior year period. As a percentage of total net revenues, fulfillment expenses for the first quarter of 2024 was 7.2%, compared with 6.5% in the prior year period. Marketing expenses for the first quarter of 2024 decreased by 17.4% year over year to RMB690.9 million (US$95.7 million) from RMB836.9 million in the prior year period. As a percentage of total net revenues, marketing expenses for the first quarter of 2024 decreased to 2.5% from 3.0% in the prior year period. Technology and content expenses for the first quarter of 2024 increased by 22.7% year over year to RMB481.9 million (US$66.7 million) from RMB392.8 million in the prior year period. As a percentage of total net revenues, technology and content expenses for the first quarter of 2024 was 1.7%, compared with 1.4% in the prior year period. General and administrative expenses for the first quarter of 2024 decreased by 11.3% year over year to RMB929.1 million (US$128.7 million) from RMB1.0 billion in the prior year period. As a percentage of total net revenues, general and administrative expenses for the first quarter of 2024 decreased to 3.4% from 3.8% in the prior year period. INCOME FROM OPERATIONS Income from operations for the first quarter of 2024 increased by 39.0% year over year to RMB2.8 billion (US$382.2 million) from RMB2.0 billion in the prior year period. Operating margin for the first quarter of 2024 increased to 10.0% from 7.2% in the prior year period. Non-GAAP income from operations[5] for the first quarter of 2024, which excluded share-based compensation expenses, increased by 33.4% year over year to RMB3.1 billion (US$423.1 million) from RMB2.3 billion in the prior year period. Non-GAAP operating margin[6] for the first quarter of 2024 increased to 11.1% from 8.3% in the prior year period. NET INCOME Net income attributable to Vipshop's shareholders for the first quarter of 2024 increased by 24.6% year over year to RMB2.3 billion (US$320.9 million) from RMB1.9 billion in the prior year period. Net margin attributable to Vipshop's shareholders for the first quarter of 2024 increased to 8.4% from 6.8% in the prior year period. Net income attributable to Vipshop's shareholders per diluted ADS[7] for the first quarter of 2024 increased to RMB4.18 (US$0.58) from RMB3.16 in the prior year period. Non-GAAP net income attributable to Vipshop's shareholders for the first quarter of 2024, which excluded (i) share-based compensation expenses, (ii) investment (gain) loss and revaluation of investments excluding dividends, (iii) reconciling items on the share of equity method investments, and (iv) tax effects on non-GAAP adjustments, increased by 24.8% year over year to RMB2.6 billion (US$357.7 million) from RMB2.1 billion in the prior year period. Non-GAAP net margin attributable to Vipshop's shareholders[8] for the first quarter of 2024 increased to 9.3% from 7.5% in the prior year period. Non-GAAP net income attributable to Vipshop's shareholders per diluted ADS[9] for the first quarter of 2024 increased to RMB4.66 (US$0.65) from RMB3.52 in the prior year period. For the quarter ended March 31, 2024, the Company's weighted average number of ADSs used in computing diluted income per ADS was 554,564,765. BALANCE SHEET AND CASH FLOW As of March 31, 2024, the Company had cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash of RMB24.6 billion (US$3.4 billion) and short term investments of RMB2.9 billion (US$402.9 million). For the quarter ended March 31, 2024, net cash used in operating activities was RMB560.7 million (US$77.7 million), and free cash flow[10], a non-GAAP measurement of liquidity, was as follows:   For the three months ended Mar 31, 2023 Mar 31, 2024 Mar 31, 2024 RMB'000 RMB'000 US$'000 Net cash generated from (used in) operating activities 460,713 (560,723) (77,659) Reconciling items:    Net impact from internet financing activities[11] (45,653) (63,163) (8,748)    Capital expenditures (1,102,128) (712,063) (98,620) Free cash outflow (687,068) (1,335,949) (185,027) For the trailing twelve months ended Mar 31, 2023 Mar 31, 2024 Mar 31, 2024 RMB'000 RMB'000 US$'000 Net cash generated from operating activities 12,176,690 13,393,077 1,854,920 Reconciling items:    Net impact from internet financing activities 223,035 87,454 12,112    Capital expenditures (3,559,033) (4,840,672) (670,425) Free cash inflow 8,840,692 8,639,859 1,196,607   Share Repurchase Program During the quarter ended March 31, 2024, the Company repurchased US$11.9 million of its ADSs under its current US$1 billion share repurchase program, which is effective through March 2025. The Company is committed to repurchasing approximately US$500 million of its ADSs by December 31, 2024. Business Outlook For the second quarter of 2024, the Company expects its total net revenues to be between RMB26.5 billion and RMB27.9 billion, representing a year-over-year decrease of approximately 5% to 0%. 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 translations 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 RMB7.2203 to US$1.00, the effective noon buying rate on March 29, 2024 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 March 29, 2024, or at any other rate. Conference Call Information The Company will hold a conference call on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at 7:30 am U.S. Eastern Time, 7:30 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/BIfaab70cbb119428a98161d745201c709  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/3g62kxeg. 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 ...