Boqii Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Fiscal Year 2021 Unaudited Financial Results

SHANGHAI, May 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Boqii Holding Limited ("Boqii" or the "Company") (NYSE: BQ), a leading pet-focused platform in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended March 31, 2021.

Fiscal Q4 2021 Operational and Financial Highlights

• Total revenues were RMB230.4 million (US$35.2 million), an increase of 47.1% from RMB156.6 million in the same quarter of fiscal year 2020.
• Net loss was RMB41.5 million (US$6.3 million), compared to net loss of RMB28.2 million in the same quarter of fiscal year 2020.
• Adjusted net loss was RMB38.9 million (US$5.9 million), compared to adjusted net loss of RMB35.7 million in the same quarter of fiscal year 2020.
• EBITDA^[1] was a loss of RMB38.8 million (US$5.9 million), compared to a loss of RMB9.4 million in the same quarter of fiscal year 2020.
• Total GMV^[2] was RMB553.7 million (US$84.5 million), an increase of 50.7% from RMB367.5 million in the same quarter of fiscal year 2020.
• Active buyers were 1.3 million, an increase of 35.2% from 1.0 million in the same quarter of fiscal year 2020.

Fiscal Year 2021 Operational and Financial Highlights

• Total revenues were RMB1,011.0 million (US$154.3 million), an increase of 31.3% from RMB770.2 million in the fiscal year 2020.
• Net loss was RMB193.2 million (US$29.5 million), compared to net loss of RMB175.9 million in the fiscal year 2020.
• Adjusted net loss was RMB149.6 million (US$22.8 million), compared to adjusted net loss of RMB189.3 million in the fiscal year 2020.
• EBITDA was a loss of RMB176.9 million (US$27.0 million), compared to a loss of RMB113.0 million in the fiscal year 2020.
• Total GMV was RMB2,435.2 million (US$371.7 million), an increase of 56.3% from RMB1,557.7 million in the fiscal year 2020.
• Active buyers were 3.8 million, an increase of 17.4% from 3.3 million in the fiscal year 2020.

CEO & CFO Quote

"Despite challenges brought by Covid-19 and various unprecedented changes in Fiscal 2021, we completed a successful IPO last September and delivered strong results that shows upward trajectory for all four quarters. Our Full year GMV grew 56.3% to RMB2.4 billion, and average spending per active buyer grew 33.2% to RMB634.8." Mr. Hao Liang, Boqii's Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer commented, "we continued to expand our portfolio of quality content, products, and services to deliver a satisfying and well-rounded customer experience. Earlier in April 2021, we announced a strategic partnership with Chinese short-video giant Kuaishou Technology to boost pet content, support pet influencers and raise more awareness on pet care. We were also able to establish a closer connection to pets and pet parents with the opening of our offline flagship store in May. I am proud of how our passion and care for pets and pet-care bring pet-lovers together into an evergrowing community."

Ms. Yingzhi (Lisa) Tang, Boqii's Co-Founder, Co-CEO and CFO commented: "We had a solid fourth quarter with a 47.1% year over year revenue growth and a 35.2% increase in active buyers. For the full year of 2021 was a year of setting new record, with revenue reaching RMB1.0 billion RMB and GMV surpassing RMB 2.4 billion. These excellent results were driven by our 3.8 million spending customers. We expect to see the trend continue long into the future as we expand our portfolio offerings and establish more key Boqii experience touchpoints." 

Fiscal Q4 2021 Financial Results

Total revenues were RMB230.4 million (US$35.2 million), representing an increase of 47.1% from RMB156.6 million in the same quarter of fiscal year 2020. The increase was primarily due to the continued organic growth of our business, coupled by the recovery of China's economy from Covid-19.

Gross profit was RMB45.3 million (US$6.9 million), an increase of 46.7% from RMB30.8 million in the same quarter of fiscal year 2020.

Gross margin was 19.6%, compared with 19.7% in the same quarter of fiscal 2020.

Operating expenses were RMB81.4 million, an increase of 38.4% from RMB58.8 million in the same quarter of fiscal year 2020. Operating expenses as a percentage of total revenues was 35.3%, down from 37.6% in the same quarter of fiscal year 2020.

• Fulfillment Expenses were RMB24.0 million, remained consistent with RMB23.9 million in the same quarter of fiscal year 2020. Fulfillment expenses as a percentage of total revenues were 10.4%, down from 15.3% in the same quarter of fiscal year 2020. The decrease was mainly due to: (i) the improved utilization of warehouses by adjusting inventory mix; (ii) relocation of warehouses across China to be more cost-efficient; and (iii) lower delivery service prices through renegotiation with third-party delivery service providers.
• Sales and marketing expenses were RMB38.8 million, an increase of 54.9% from RMB25.0 million in the same quarter of fiscal year 2020. Sales and marketing expenses as a percentage of total revenue were 16.8%, compared to 16.0% in the same quarter of fiscal year 2020. The increase was primarily due to the increased personnel expense of RMB3.9 million and increased advertising expenses of RMB6.8 million during the Spring Festival Holiday.
• General and administrative expenses were RMB18.6 million, an increase of 89.4% from RMB9.8 million in the same quarter of fiscal year 2020. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total revenue were 8.1%, compared to 6.3% in the same quarter of fiscal year 2020. The increase was primarily due to share-based compensation expense of RMB2.3 million and the increased personnel expense of RMB2.7 million.

Operating loss was RMB36.1 million (US$5.5 million), an increase of 29.1% compared to RMB28.0 million in the same quarter of fiscal year 2020.

EBITDA was a loss of RMB38.8 million (US$5.9 million), compared to a loss of RMB9.4 million in the same quarter of fiscal year 2020.

Net loss was RMB41.5 million (US$6.3 million), compared to net loss of RMB28.2 million in the same quarter of fiscal year 2020.

Adjusted net loss was RMB38.9 million (US$5.9 million), compared to adjusted net loss of RMB35.7 million in the same quarter of fiscal year 2020.

Diluted net loss per share was RMB0.61 (US$0.09), compared to diluted net loss per share of RMB3.46 in the same quarter of fiscal year 2020.

Total cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments were RMB460.8 million (US$70.3 million), compared to RMB475.4 million as of December 31, 2020.

Fiscal Year 2021 Financial Results

Total revenues were RMB1,011.0 million (US$154.3 million), representing an increase of 31.3% from RMB770.2 million in the fiscal year 2020. The increase was primarily due to the continued organic growth of our business, coupled by the recovery of China's economy from Covid-19.

Gross profit was RMB187.3 million (US$28.6 million), an increase of 18.0% from RMB158.8 million in the fiscal year 2020.

Gross margin was 18.5%, compared with 20.6% in the fiscal year 2020. The decrease in gross margin was mainly due to our increased proportion of revenue from Boqii Mall, where we provide more favorable pricing for our valued users and more interaction opportunities.

Operating expenses were RMB394.4 million, an increase of 32.1% from RMB298.6 million in the fiscal year 2020. Operating expenses as a percentage of total revenues was 39.0%, compared to 38.8% in the fiscal year 2020. The increase was primarily due to share-based compensation expenses, amounting to RMB55.0 million. Pursuant to the Amended and Restated 2018 Global Share Plan, the performance condition for options granted thereunder was satisfied upon completion of the first public offering; and as a result, the company, upon the completion of this offering, recorded RMB44.1 million of cumulative share-based compensation expenses for those options for which the vesting conditions have been satisfied as of such date. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021, additional RMB10.9 millions of share-based compensation expense was recorded. Other increase was mainly due to the increased freight charges and personnel expenses along with the revenue increase.

• Fulfillment Expenses were RMB120.2 million, an increase of 3.7% from RMB115.9 million in the fiscal year 2020. Fulfillment expenses as a percentage of total revenues were 11.9%, down from15.0% in the fiscal year 2020. The decrease was mainly due to: (i) the improved utilization of warehouses by adjusting inventory mix; (ii) relocation of warehouses across China to be more cost-efficient; and (iii) lower delivery service prices through renegotiation with third-party delivery service providers.
• Sales and marketing expenses were RMB160.2 million, an increase of 24.8% from RMB128.4 million in the fiscal year 2020. Sales and marketing expenses as a percentage of total revenue were 15.8%, down from 16.7% in the fiscal year 2020. The decrease was mainly due to the lower customer acquisition cost, as we employed more cost-efficient channels and generated more revenue from Boqii Mall, where the customer acquisition cost is minimal.
• General and administrative expenses were RMB114.0 million, an increase of 110.0% from RMB54.3 million in the fiscal year 2020. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total revenue were 11.3%, compared to 7.0% in the fiscal year 2020. The increase was primarily due to share-based compensation expense and one-off IPO related expense. For the fiscal year 2020 and 2021, the share-based compensation expenses were nil and RMB 42.1 million, respectively and one-off IPO related expenses were RMB 2.5 million and RMB 10.3 million, respectively.

Operating loss was RMB206.0 million (US$31.4 million), an increase of 49.9% compared to RM137.4 million in the fiscal year 2020.

EBITDA was a loss of RMB176.9 million (US$27.0 million), compared to a loss of RMB113.0 million in the fiscal year 2020.

Net loss was RMB193.2 million (US$29.5 million), compared to net loss of RMB175.9 million in the fiscal year 2020.

Adjusted net loss was RMB149.6 million (US$22.8 million), compared to adjusted net loss of RMB189.3 million in the fiscal year 2020.

Diluted net loss per share was RMB1.29 (US$0.20), compared to diluted net loss per share of RMB17.31 in the fiscal year 2020.

Total cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments were RMB460.8 million (US$70.3 million), compared to RMB475.4 million as of December 31, 2020.

Conference Call

Boqii's management will hold a conference call to discuss the financial results at 8:00 AM on Wednesday, May 26, 2021, U.S. Eastern Time (8:00 PM on Wednesday, May 26, 2021, Beijing/Hong Kong Time).

To join the conference, please dial in 15 minutes before the conference is scheduled to begin using below numbers. Please ask to be joined into the Boqii Holding Limited call

A replay of the conference call may be accessed by phone at the following numbers until June 02, 2021.

A live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company's investor relations website at http://ir.boqii.com/.

About Boqii Holding Limited

Boqii Holding Limited (NYSE: BQ) is China's largest pet-focused platform We are the leading online destination for pet products and supplies in China with our broad selection of high-quality products including global leading brands, local emerging brands, and our own private label, Yoken and Mocare, offered at competitive prices. Our online sales platforms, including Boqii Mall and our flagship stores on third-party e-commerce platforms, provide customers with convenient access to a wide selection of high-quality pet products and an engaging and personalized shopping experience. Our Boqii Community provides an informative and interactive content platform for users to share their knowledge and love for pets.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "target," "aim," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "potential," "continue," "is/are likely to" or other similar expressions. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports filed with, or furnished to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual reports 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 the Company's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Further information regarding such risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The Company uses non-GAAP financial measures, namely adjusted net loss, adjusted net loss margin, EBITDA and EBITDA margin, in evaluating its operating results and for financial and operational decision-making purposes. The Company defines (i) adjusted net loss as net loss excluding fair value change of derivative liabilities and share-based compensation expenses, (ii) adjusted net loss margin as adjusted net loss as a percentage of total revenues, (iii) EBITDA as net loss excluding income tax expenses, interest expense, interest income, depreciation and amortization expenses, (iv) EBITDA margin as EBITDA as a percentage of total revenues. The Company believes adjusted net loss, adjusted net loss margin, EBITDA and EBITDA margin enhance investors' overall understanding of its financial performance and allow for greater visibility with respect to key metrics used by its management in its financial and operational decision-making.

These non-GAAP financial measures are not defined under U.S. GAAP and are not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. As these non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools and may not be calculated in the same manner by all companies, they may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures used by other companies. The Company compensates for these limitations by reconciling the non-GAAP financial measures to the nearest U.S. GAAP performance measures, which should be considered when evaluating the Company's performance. For reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, please see the section of the accompanying tables titled, "Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results." The Company encourages investors and others to review its financial information in its entirety and not rely on any single financial measure.

Exchange Rate

This press release contains translations of certain RMB amounts into U.S. dollars ("USD") at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise stated, all translations from RMB to USD were made at the rate of RMB6.5518 to US$1.00, the noon buying rate in effect on March 31, 2021 in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board. The Company makes no representation that the RMB or USD amounts referred to could be converted into USD or RMB, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

In China:

Boqii Holding Limited
Investor Relations
Tel: +86-21-6882-6051
Email: ir@boqii.com

The Blueshirt Group
Ms. Susie Wang
Email: susie@blueshirtgroup.com

In the United States:

The Blueshirt Group
Ms. Julia Qian
Email: julia@blueshirtgroup.com

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