Conference Call to Be Held at 8:00 A.M. U.S. Eastern Time on August 15, 2019

GUANGZHOU, China, Aug. 15, 2019 /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 second quarter ended June 30, 2019.

Second Quarter 2019 Highlights

• Total net revenue for the second quarter of 2019 increased by 9.7% year over year to RMB22.7 billion (US$3.3 billion) from RMB20.7 billion in the prior year period.
• GMV^[1] for the second quarter of 2019 increased by 11% year over year to RMB35.1 billion from RMB31.6 billion in the prior year period.
• Gross profit for the second quarter of 2019 increased by 25.9% year over year to RMB5.1 billion (US$741.3 million) from RMB4.0 billion in the prior year period. 
• Net income attributable to Vipshop's shareholders for the second quarter of 2019 increased by 19.3% year over year to RMB813.5 million (US$118.5 million) from RMB681.6 million in the prior year period.
• Non-GAAP net income attributable to Vipshop's shareholders^[2] for the second quarter of 2019 increased by 84.2% year over year to RMB1.1 billion (US$154.8 million) from RMB576.9 million in the prior year period.
• The number of active customers^[3] for the second quarter of 2019 increased by 11% year over year to 33.1 million from 29.8 million in the prior year period.
• Total orders^[4] for the second quarter of 2019 increased by 33% year over year to 147.8 million from 111.3 million in the prior year period.

Mr. Eric Shen, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Vipshop, stated, "We are delighted to have finished the second quarter of 2019 with strong operational and financial results. During the quarter, we continued to demonstrate healthy growth momentum in our total active customers, which increased by 11% year over year. In addition, we recently announced our strategic acquisition of Shan Shan Outlets, aiming to further enhance our ecosystem and explore opportunities in online-and-offline integration. Since we refocused on discount apparel and our profitability, we have seen substantial improvement in our financial results and key operating metrics, proving our strategy is very effective. We remain committed to executing on our merchandising strategy and further expanding our market share in China's discount apparel sector. We are confident that we can continue to deliver steady profitability improvement in the future."

Mr. Donghao Yang, Chief Financial Officer of Vipshop, further commented, "We delivered solid financial results this quarter with a substantial improvement in our bottom-line both sequentially and on a year-over-year basis. Additionally, we generated robust free cash flow of RMB1.2 billion during the quarter, which increased by RMB2.2 billion from the prior year period. We continue to focus on our merchandising strategy, particularly in apparel–related categories, in which the GMV grew by 19% year over year in this quarter. The focus on the high margin apparel category has and will enable us to deliver continuous improvement in our gross margin and overall profitability. Going forward, we will continue to closely monitor the return on investment from all our businesses, especially that of our investment in offline stores. We aim to achieve balanced top- and bottom-line growth and are committed to delivering long-term, sustainable shareholder return."

Second Quarter 2019 Financial Results

REVENUE

Total net revenue for the second quarter of 2019 increased by 9.7% year over year to RMB22.7 billion (US$3.3 billion) from RMB20.7 billion in the prior year period, primarily driven by the growth in the number of total active customers.

GROSS PROFIT

Gross profit for the second quarter of 2019 increased by 25.9% year over year to RMB5.1 billion (US$741.3 million) from RMB4.0 billion in the prior year period. Gross margin for the second quarter of 2019 increased to 22.4% from 19.5% in the prior year period.

OPERATING EXPENSES

Total operating expenses for the second quarter of 2019 were RMB4.2 billion (US$612.5 million), as compared with RMB3.9 billion in the prior year period. As a percentage of total net revenue, total operating expenses for the second quarter of 2019 decreased to 18.5% from 18.9% in the prior year period.

• Fulfillment expenses for the second quarter of 2019 were RMB2.2 billion (US$320.3 million), as compared with RMB1.9 billion in the prior year period. As a percentage of total net revenue, fulfillment expenses for the second quarter of 2019 were 9.7%, as compared with 9.1% in the prior year period, primarily attributable to a write-down of RMB275.5 million related to the Zhaoqing warehouse due to land subsidence during construction. Excluding the write-down, fulfillment expenses as a percentage of total net revenue for the quarter were 8.5%.
• Marketing expenses for the second quarter of 2019 decreased to RMB877.6 million (US$127.8 million) from RMB899.6 million in the prior year period. As a percentage of total net revenue, marketing expenses for the second quarter of 2019 decreased to 3.9% from 4.3% in the prior year period.
• Technology and content expenses for the second quarter of 2019 decreased to RMB422.3 million (US$61.5 million) from RMB510.6 million in the prior year period. As a percentage of total net revenue, technology and content expenses for the second quarter of 2019 decreased to 1.9% from 2.5% in the prior year period.
• General and administrative expenses for the second quarter of 2019 were RMB706.3 million (US$102.9 million), as compared with RMB615.2 million in the prior year period. As a percentage of total net revenue, general and administrative expenses for the second quarter of 2019 were 3.1%, as compared with 3.0% in the prior year period.

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS

Income from operations for the second quarter of 2019 increased by 141.2% year over year to RMB965.4 million (US$140.6 million) from RMB400.3 million in the prior year period. Operating margin for the second quarter of 2019 increased to 4.2% from 1.9% in the prior year period.

Non-GAAP income from operations^[5] for the second quarter of 2019, which excludes share-based compensation expenses and amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions, increased by 97.6% year over year to RMB1.2 billion (US$171.2 million) from RMB594.8 million in the prior year period. Non-GAAP operating income margin^[6] for the second quarter of 2019 increased to 5.2% from 2.9% in the prior year period.

NET INCOME

Net income attributable to Vipshop's shareholders for the second quarter of 2019 increased by 19.3% year over year to RMB813.5 million (US$118.5 million) from RMB681.6 million in the prior year period. Net margin attributable to Vipshop's shareholders for the second quarter of 2019 increased to 3.6% from 3.3% in the prior year period. Net income attributable to Vipshop's shareholders per diluted ADS^[7] for the second quarter of 2019 increased to RMB1.21 (US$0.18) from RMB0.99 in the prior year period.

Non-GAAP net income attributable to Vipshop's shareholders for the second quarter of 2019, which excludes (i) share-based compensation expenses, (ii) amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions and equity method investments, (iii) tax effect of amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions, (iv) investment gain and revaluation of investments excluding dividends, (v) tax effect of investment gain and revaluation of investments excluding dividends, and (vi) share of gain in investment of limited partnership that is accounted for as an equity method investee, increased by 84.2% year over year to RMB1.1 billion (US$154.8 million) from RMB576.9 million in the prior year period. Non-GAAP net margin attributable to Vipshop's shareholders^[8] for the second quarter of 2019 increased to 4.7% from 2.8% in the prior year period. Non-GAAP net income attributable to Vipshop's shareholders per diluted ADS^[9] for the second quarter of 2019 increased to RMB1.58 (US$0.23) from RMB0.84 in the prior year period.

For the quarter ended June 30, 2019, the Company's weighted average number of ADSs used in computing diluted income per ADS was 673,241,463.

BALANCE SHEET AND CASH FLOW

As of June 30, 2019, the Company had cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash of RMB7.8 billion (US$1.1 billion) and short term investments of RMB238.3 million (US$34.7 million).

For the quarter ended June 30, 2019, net cash from operating activities was RMB3.4 billion (US$500.9 million), and free cash flow^[10], a non-GAAP measurement of liquidity, was as follows:

Business Outlook

For the third quarter of 2019, the Company expects its total net revenue to be between RMB17.8 billion and RMB18.7 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 RMB6.8650 to US$1.00, the effective noon buying rate for June 28, 2019 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 June 28, 2019, or at any other rate.

Conference Call Information

The Company will hold a conference call on Thursday, August 15, 2019 at 8:00 am Eastern Time or 8:00 pm Beijing Time to discuss its financial results and operating performance for the second quarter 2019.

The replay will be accessible through August 23, 2019 by dialing the following numbers:

A live and archived webcast of the conference call will also be available at the Company's investor relations website at https://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 www.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; 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) amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions and equity method investments, (iii) tax effect of amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions, (iv) investment gain and revaluation of investments excluding dividends, (v) tax effect of investment gain and revaluation of investments excluding dividends, and (vi) share of gain in investment of limited partnership that is accounted for as an equity method investee. 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) amortization of intangible assets, (c) investment gain and revaluation of investments excluding dividends, and (d) share of gain in investment of limited partnership that is accounted for as an equity method investee adds 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) amortization of intangible assets, (3) investment gain and revaluation of investments excluding dividends, and (4) share of gain in investment of limited partnership that is accounted for as an equity method investee. 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.