EX-99.1 2 tm2230692d1_ex99-1.htm EXHIBIT 99.1

 

Exhibit 99.1

 

RLX Technology Announces Unaudited Third Quarter 2022 Financial Results

 

BEIJING, November 16, 2022 /PRNEWSWIRE/ - RLX Technology Inc. ("RLX Technology" or the "Company") (NYSE: RLX), a leading branded e-vapor company in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2022.

 

Third Quarter 2022 Financial Highlights

 

·Net revenues were RMB1,044.4 million (US$146.8 million), compared with RMB1,676.7 million in the same period of 2021.
·Gross margin was 50.0%, compared with 39.1% in the same period of 2021.
·U.S. GAAP net income was RMB505.2 million (US$71.0 million), compared with RMB976.4 million in the same period of 2021.
·Non-GAAP net income1 was RMB328.6 million (US$46.2 million), compared with RMB452.7 million in the same period of 2021.

 

"During the third quarter of 2022, we remained dedicated to preparing for a smooth transition to the new national standards, which came into full effect on October 1, 2022. Specifically, we wound down shipments of our older products and gradually switched to the National Transaction Platform on a regional basis. We have now achieved full geographical coverage nationwide," said Ms. Ying (Kate) Wang, Co-founder, Chairperson of the Board of Directors, and CEO of RLX Technology. "In addition to our efforts to proactively adapt to the new standards, we have focused on fulfilling our social responsibilities, which we see as one of our core competitive advantages. We recently published our annual corporate social responsibility report, summarizing our endeavors with respect to market responsibility, R&D investment, environmental protection, employee career development, and corporate governance. I am proud to share that our latest S&P CSA ESG score ranked ahead of 67% of our global peers, representing a powerful commendation of our commitment to sustainability and ESG best practices."

 

"We delivered net revenues of approximately RMB1.0 billion in the third quarter, recording a sequential decrease mainly due to the discontinuation of older products during the transition to the new national standards, as well as the second quarter's high comparison basis mainly attributable to frontloading of sales in anticipation of the discontinuation of older products. We remain confident that our diversified portfolio will continue to satisfy adult smokers' needs and that our sales will gradually recover," said Mr. Chao Lu, Chief Financial Officer of RLX Technology. "Meanwhile, our continuous efforts to improve operational efficiency are proving effective, evidenced by a 30.9% quarter-over-quarter decrease in non-GAAP operating expenses. However, our profitability in the coming quarters will be adversely affected by the application of 36% consumption tax to e-cigarettes manufacturers since November 1, 2022. Cost control measures will remain at the forefront of our strategic initiatives as we navigate the evolving regulatory environment while maintaining our sustainable long-term growth."

 

Third Quarter 2022 Financial Results

 

Net revenues were RMB1,044.4 million (US$146.8 million) in the third quarter of 2022, compared with RMB1,676.7 million in the same period of 2021. The decrease was primarily due to the suspension of store expansions and the discontinuation of older products during the transition to the new national standards.

 

Gross profit was RMB522.0 million (US$73.4 million) in the third quarter of 2022, compared with RMB656.0 million in the same period of 2021.

 

 

1 Non-GAAP net income is a non-GAAP financial measure. For more information on the Company's non-GAAP financial measures, please see the section “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and the table captioned "Unaudited Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results" set forth at the end of this press release.

 

 

 

Gross margin was 50.0 % in the third quarter of 2022, compared with 39.1% in the same period of 2021. The increase was primarily due to (i) a favorable change in channel mix. Since we gradually terminated partnerships with distributors who did not obtain wholesale licenses during the transition period, our sales contribution from retail stores increased as we began to directly provide products to these retail stores; and (ii) a decrease in direct cost related to promotional activities.

 

Operating expenses were RMB56.8 million (US$8.0 million) in the third quarter of 2022, compared with positive RMB241.3 million in the same period of 2021. The increase in operating expenses was primarily due to the change in share-based compensation expenses, which were positive RMB176.6 million (US$24.8 million) in the third quarter of 2022 compared with positive RMB523.7 million in the same period of 2021, consisting of (i) share-based compensation expenses of positive RMB24.2 million (US$3.4 million) recognized in selling expenses, (ii) share-based compensation expenses of positive RMB128.2 million (US$18.0 million) recognized in general and administrative expenses, and (iii) share-based compensation expenses of positive RMB24.2 million (US$3.4 million) recognized in research and development expenses. The change in share-based compensation expenses was primarily due to the changes in the fair value of the share incentive awards that the Company granted to its employees as affected by the fluctuations of the Company's share price.

 

Selling expenses were RMB52.5 million (US$7.4 million) in the third quarter of 2022, compared with RMB56.5 million in the same period of 2021, primarily due to the fluctuation of share-based compensation expenses while offset by the decrease in branding materials and shipping expenses.

 

General and administrative expenses were positive RMB41.7 million (US$5.9 million) in the third quarter of 2022, compared with positive RMB253.2 million in the same period of 2021. The change was mainly driven by the fluctuation of share-based compensation expenses.

 

Research and development expenses were RMB46.0 million (US$6.5 million) in the third quarter of 2022, compared with positive RMB44.6 million in the same period of 2021. The change was mainly driven by the fluctuation of share-based compensation expenses.

 

Income from operations was RMB465.2 million (US$65.4 million) in the third quarter of 2022, compared with RMB897.3 million in the same period of 2021.

 

Income tax expense was RMB70.9 million (US$10.0 million) in the third quarter of 2022, compared with RMB121.4 million in the same period of 2021.

 

U.S. GAAP net income was RMB505.2 million (US$71.0 million) in the third quarter of 2022, compared with RMB976.4 million in the same period of 2021.

 

Non-GAAP net income was RMB328.6 million (US$46.2 million) in the third quarter of 2022, compared with RMB452.7 million in the same period of 2021.

 

U.S. GAAP basic and diluted net income per American depositary share ("ADS") were RMB0.381 (US$0.053) and RMB0.379 (US$0.053), respectively, in the third quarter of 2022, compared with U.S. GAAP basic and diluted net income per ADS of RMB0.724 and RMB0.717, respectively, in the same period of 2021.

 

 

 

Non-GAAP basic and diluted net income per ADS2 were RMB0.247 (US$0.035) and RMB0.246 (US$0.035), respectively, in the third quarter of 2022, compared with non-GAAP basic and diluted net income per ADS of RMB0.334 and RMB0.332, respectively, in the same period of 2021.

 

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow

 

As of September 30, 2022, the Company had cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, short-term bank deposits, net, short-term investments, long-term bank deposits, net and long-term investment securities of RMB16,405.4 million (US$2,306.2 million), compared with RMB14,720.3 million as of September 30, 2021. For the third quarter ended September 30, 2022, net cash used in operating activities was RMB1,016.9 million (US$142.9 million).

 

Recent Regulatory Developments

 

On October 25, 2022, the Ministry of Finance of the People's Republic of China, General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China, and State Taxation Administration of the People's Republic of China jointly issued the Announcement on Imposing Consumption Tax on E-cigarettes (the "Announcement"). The Announcement, which came into effect on November 1, 2022, imposes consumption tax on manufacturers, importers and/or distributors of e-cigarettes in China.

 

With respect to the tax implications for e-cigarette manufacturers, such as RLX Technology, e-cigarette importers and e-cigarette distributors, the Announcement contains the following key provisions, among others:

 

lE-cigarette manufacturers/importers will be subject to ad valorem tax at the rate of 36% on the production or import of e-cigarettes.
lE-cigarette distributors will be subject to ad valorem tax at the rate of 11% on the wholesale distribution of e-cigarettes.

 

The regulatory development in the Announcement is expected to subject the Company to additional taxation, which may lead to an increase in taxes, costs and expenses as well as a material and adverse impact on the Company's profitability. Due to the regulatory regime development in 2022 and the corresponding impact on the Company's business operations, the Company's future operational results are subject to substantial uncertainties and may not be comparable to its historical results.

 

Conference Call

 

The Company's management will host an earnings conference call at 7:00 A.M. U.S. Eastern Time on November 16, 2022 (8:00 P.M. Beijing/Hong Kong Time on November 16, 2022).

 

Dial-in details for the earnings conference call are as follows:

 

United States (toll-free): +1-888-317-6003
International: +1-412-317-6061
Hong Kong, China (toll-free): +800-963-976
Hong Kong, China: +852-5808-1995
Mainland China: 400-120-6115
Participant Code: 9397863

 

 

2 Non-GAAP basic and diluted net income per ADS is a non-GAAP financial measure. For more information on the Company's non-GAAP financial measures, please see the section “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and the table captioned "Unaudited Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results" set forth at the end of this press release.

 

 

 

Participants should dial in 10 minutes before the scheduled start time and ask to be connected to the call for "RLX Technology Inc." with the Participant Code as set forth above.

 

Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company's investor relations website at https://ir.relxtech.com.

 

A replay of the conference call will be accessible approximately two hours after the conclusion of the call until November 23, 2022, by dialing the following telephone numbers:

 

United States: +1-877-344-7529
International: +1-412-317-0088
Replay Access Code: 6175184

 

 

 

About RLX Technology Inc.

 

RLX Technology Inc. (NYSE: RLX) is a leading branded e-vapor company in China. The Company leverages its strong in-house technology, product development capabilities, and in-depth insights into adult smokers' needs to develop superior e-vapor products.

 

For more information, please visit: http://ir.relxtech.com.

 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

 

The Company uses non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP basic and diluted net income per ADS, each a non-GAAP financial measure, in evaluating its operating results and for financial and operational decision-making purposes. Non-GAAP net income represents net income excluding share-based compensation expenses. Non-GAAP basic and diluted net income per ADS is computed using Non-GAAP net income attributable to RLX Technology Inc. and the same number of ADSs used in U.S. GAAP basic and diluted net income per ADS calculation.

 

The Company presents these non-GAAP financial measures because they are used by the management to evaluate its operating performance and formulate business plans. The Company believes that they help identify underlying trends in its business that could otherwise be distorted by the effect of certain expenses that are included in net income. The Company also believes that the use of the non-GAAP measures facilitates investors' assessment of its operating performance, as they could provide useful information about its operating results, enhances the overall understanding of its past performance and future prospects and allows for greater visibility with respect to key metrics used by the management in its financial and operational decision making.

 

The non-GAAP financial measures are not defined under U.S. GAAP and are not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools. They should not be considered in isolation or construed as an alternative to net income, basic and diluted net income per ADS or any other measure of performance or as an indicator of its operating performance. Investors are encouraged to review its historical non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures. The non-GAAP financial measures here may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. Other companies may calculate similarly titled measures differently, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures to our data. The Company encourages investors and others to review its financial information in its entirety and not rely on any single financial measure.

 

For more information on the non-GAAP financial measures, please see the table captioned "Unaudited Reconciliation of GAAP and non-GAAP Results" set forth at the end of this press release.

 

Exchange Rate Information

 

This announcement contains translations of certain RMB amounts into U.S. dollars at a specified rate solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from RMB to U.S. dollars and from U.S. dollars to RMB are made at a rate of RMB7.1135 to US$1.00, the exchange rate on September 30, 2022, set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board. The Company makes no representation that the RMB or U.S. dollar amounts referred could be converted into U.S. dollars or RMB, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all.

 

 

 

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 "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "aim," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "is/are likely to," "potential," "continue" and similar statements. Among other things, quotations from management in this announcement, as well as the Company's strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, 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 but not limited to statements about the Company'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: the Company's growth strategies; its future business development, results of operations and financial condition; trends and competition in China's e-vapor market; changes in its revenues and certain cost or expense items; PRC governmental policies, laws and regulations relating to the Company's industry, and general economic and business conditions globally and in China and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is current as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

For more information, please contact:

 

In China:


RLX Technology Inc.

Head of Investor Relations

Sam Tsang

Email: ir@relxtech.com

 

The Piacente Group, Inc.

Jenny Cai

Tel: +86-10-6508-0677

Email: RLX@tpg-ir.com

 

In the United States:

 

The Piacente Group, Inc.

Brandi Piacente

Tel: +1-212-481-2050

Email: RLX@tpg-ir.com

 

 

 

RLX TECHNOLOGY INC.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(All amounts in thousands)

 

   As of 
   December 31,   September 30,   September 30, 
   2021   2022   2022 
   RMB   RMB   US$ 
ASSETS               
Current assets:               
Cash and cash equivalents   5,208,967    904,777    127,192 
Restricted cash   500    1,990    280 
Short-term bank deposits, net   4,022,119    10,258,777    1,442,156 
Receivables from online payment platforms   10,006    3,495    491 
Short-term investments   3,621,637    3,335,193    468,854 
Accounts and notes receivable, net   14,024    70,164    9,863 
Inventories, net   589,088    55,194    7,759 
Amounts due from related parties   1,936    27,456    3,860 
Prepayments and other current assets, net   482,659    146,867    20,646 
Total current assets   13,950,936    14,803,913    2,081,101 
                
Non-current assets:               
Property, equipment and leasehold improvement, net   143,155    94,404    13,271 
Intangible assets, net   8,366    8,162    1,147 
Long-term investments, net   12,000    8,000    1,125 
Deferred tax assets, net   20,856    20,856    2,933 
Right-of-use assets, net   176,258    87,975    12,365 
Long-term bank deposits, net   2,004,593    907,974    127,641 
Long-term investment securities   -    996,670    140,110 
Other non-current assets, net   48,961    16,827    2,365 
Total non-current assets   2,414,189    2,140,868    300,957 
Total assets   16,365,125    16,944,781    2,382,058 
                
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY               
Current liabilities:               
Accounts and notes payable   1,288,845    666,250    93,660 
Short-term loan   -    100,000    14,058 
Contract liabilities   286,651    33,820    4,754 
Salary and welfare benefits payable   170,393    162,721    22,875 
Taxes payable   597,761    149,653    21,038 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities   313,396    202,171    28,421 
Lease liabilities - current portion   80,582    61,025    8,579 
Total current liabilities   2,737,628    1,375,640    193,385 
                
Non-current liabilities:               
Deferred tax liabilities   4,513    4,513    634 
Lease liabilities - non-current portion   104,232    38,059    5,350 
Total non-current liabilities   108,745    42,572    5,984 
Total liabilities   2,846,373    1,418,212    199,369 
                
Shareholders' Equity:               
Total RLX Technology Inc. shareholders' equity   13,514,952    15,558,611    2,187,194 
Noncontrolling interests   3,800    (32,042)   (4,505)
Total shareholders' equity   13,518,752    15,526,569    2,182,689 
                
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity   16,365,125    16,944,781    2,382,058 

 

 

 

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, or otherwise noted)

 

   For the three months ended   For the nine months ended 
   September 30,   June 30,   September 30,   September 30,   September 30,   September 30,   September 30, 
   2021   2022   2022   2022   2021   2022   2022 
   RMB   RMB   RMB   US$   RMB   RMB   US$ 
Net revenues   1,676,723    2,233,893    1,044,424    146,823    6,616,622    4,992,767    701,872 
Cost of revenues   (1,020,753)   (1,256,010)   (522,451)   (73,445)   (3,710,092)   (2,835,908)   (398,667)
Gross profit   655,970    977,883    521,973    73,378    2,906,530    2,156,859    303,205 
                                    
Operating expenses:                                   
Selling expenses   (56,525)   (122,634)   (52,544)   (7,387)   (474,066)   (251,125)   (35,303)
General and administrative expenses   253,231    (290,745)   41,746    5,869    (505,639)   (182,604)   (25,670)
Research and development expenses   44,607    (117,567)   (45,978)   (6,463)   (162,116)   (187,552)   (26,366)
Total operating expenses   241,313    (530,946)   (56,776)   (7,981)   (1,141,821)   (621,281)   (87,339)
                                    
Income from operations   897,283    446,937    465,197    65,397    1,764,709    1,535,578    215,866 
                                    
Other income:                                   
Interest income, net   22,633    42,724    56,237    7,906    48,117    126,112    17,729 
Investment income   27,463    40,631    38,104    5,357    66,258    110,974    15,600 
Others, net   150,498    115,586    16,573    2,330    156,515    249,016    35,006 
Income before income tax   1,097,877    645,878    576,111    80,990    2,035,599    2,021,680    284,201 
Income tax expense   (121,442)   (204,316)   (70,871)   (9,963)   (501,889)   (387,823)   (54,519)
Net income   976,435    441,562    505,240    71,027    1,533,710    1,633,857    229,682 
Less: net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests   2,520    (19,499)   1,883    265    2,520    (35,842)   (5,039)
Net income attributable to RLX Technology Inc.   973,915    461,061    503,357    70,762    1,531,190    1,669,699    234,721 
Other comprehensive income:                                   
Foreign currency translation adjustments   41,911    580,438    618,060    86,885    32,662    1,152,674    162,040 
Total other comprehensive income   41,911    580,438    618,060    86,885    32,662    1,152,674    162,040 
Total comprehensive income   1,018,346    1,022,000    1,123,300    157,912    1,566,372    2,786,531    391,722 
Less: total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests   2,520    (19,499)   1,883    265    2,520    (35,842)   (5,039)
Total comprehensive income attributable to RLX Technology Inc.   1,015,826    1,041,499    1,121,417    157,647    1,563,852    2,822,373    396,761 
                                    
Net income per ordinary share/ADS                                   
Basic   0.724    0.348    0.381    0.053    1.078    1.258    0.177 
Diluted   0.717    0.347    0.379    0.053    1.073    1.244    0.175 
                                    
Weighted average number of ordinary shares/ADSs                                   
Basic   1,345,928,878    1,323,877,777    1,322,824,853    1,322,824,853    1,419,969,217    1,327,552,588    1,327,552,588 
Diluted   1,357,908,401    1,330,060,097    1,329,164,753    1,329,164,753    1,427,055,536    1,341,861,541    1,341,861,541 

 

 

 

 

RLX TECHNOLOGY INC.

UNAUDITED RECONCILIATION OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP RESULTS

(All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, or otherwise noted)

 

   For the three months ended   For the nine months ended 
   September 30,   June 30,   September 30,   September 30,   September 30,   September 30,   September 30, 
   2021   2022   2022   2022   2021   2022   2022 
   RMB   RMB   RMB   US$   RMB   RMB   US$ 
Net income   976,435    441,562    505,240    71,027    1,533,710    1,633,857    229,682 
Add: share-based compensation expenses                                   
    Selling expenses   (90,768)   17,896    (24,189)   (3,400)   (21,538)   (48,232)   (6,780)
    General and administrative expenses   (320,126)   151,069    (128,200)   (18,022)   256,964    (207,219)   (29,130)
    Research and development expenses   (112,847)   24,213    (24,242)   (3,408)   (54,201)   (53,240)   (7,484)
Non-GAAP net income   452,694    634,740    328,609    46,197    1,714,935    1,325,166    186,288 
                                    
Net income attributable to RLX Technology Inc.   973,915    461,061    503,357    70,762    1,531,190    1,669,699    234,721 
Add: share-based compensation expenses   (523,741)   193,178    (176,631)   (24,830)   181,225    (308,691)   (43,394)
Non-GAAP net income attributable to RLX Technology Inc.   450,174    654,239    326,726    45,932    1,712,415    1,361,008    191,327 
                                    
Non-GAAP net income per ordinary share/ADS                                   
- Basic   0.334    0.494    0.247    0.035    1.206    1.025    0.144 
- Diluted   0.332    0.492    0.246    0.035    1.200    1.014    0.143 
Weighted average number of ordinary shares/ADSs                                   
- Basic   1,345,928,878    1,323,877,777    1,322,824,853    1,322,824,853    1,419,969,217    1,327,552,588    1,327,552,588 
- Diluted   1,357,908,401    1,330,060,097    1,329,164,753    1,329,164,753    1,427,055,536    1,341,861,541    1,341,861,541 

 

 

 

 

RLX TECHNOLOGY INC.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(All amounts in thousands)

 

   For the three months ended   For the nine months ended 
   September 30,   June 30,   September 30,   September 30,   September 30,   September 30,   September 30, 
   2021   2022   2022   2022   2021   2022   2022 
   RMB   RMB   RMB   US$   RMB   RMB   US$ 
Net cash (used in)/generated from operating activities   (142,852)   1,444,388    (1,016,862)   (142,947)   1,334,154    735,695    103,422 
Net cash (used in)/generated from investing activities   (38,534)   (4,145,885)   211,064    29,671    (6,473,141)   (4,885,585)   (686,805)
Net cash generated from/(used in) financing activities   389    (145,189)   (19,822)   (2,787)   10,031,637    (326,623)   (45,916)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash   23,372    171,597    22,772    3,201    21,083    173,813    24,436 
Net (decrease)/increase  in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash   (157,625)   (2,675,089)   (802,848)   (112,862)   4,913,733    (4,302,700)   (604,863)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the beginning of the period   6,526,159    4,384,704    1,709,615    240,334    1,454,801    5,209,467    732,335 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the end of the period   6,368,534    1,709,615    906,767    127,472    6,368,534    906,767    127,472