Tuniu Announces Unaudited Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2017 Financial Results

Net Revenues^[1] in 2017 Increased by 53.3% Year-Over-Year

Gross Profit in 2017 Increased by 80.9% Year-Over-Year

NANJING, China, March 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Tuniu Corporation (NASDAQ: TOUR) ("Tuniu" or the "Company"), a leading online leisure travel company in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.

Highlights for the Fourth Quarter of 2017

• Net revenues in the fourth quarter of 2017 were RMB469.9 million (US$72.2 million^[2]), an increase of 46.1% year-over-year when compared with Non-GAAP^[3] net revenues in the fourth quarter of 2016.
• Gross profit in the fourth quarter of 2017 was RMB235.2 million (US$36.1 million), an increase of 39.6% year-over-year when compared with Non-GAAP gross profit in the fourth quarter of 2016.

Highlights for the Fiscal Year 2017 and Recent Development

• Net revenues in 2017 were RMB2.2 billion (US$336.9 million), an increase of 53.3% year-over-year when compared with Non-GAAP net revenues in 2016.
• Gross profit in 2017 was RMB1.2 billion (US$179.5 million), an increase of 80.9% year-over-year when compared with Non-GAAP gross profit in 2016.
• Operating expenses were RMB2.1 billion (US$315.3 million) in 2017, a decrease of 34.6% year-over-year from 2016.
• Net loss was RMB771.3 million (US$118.6 million) in 2017, compared to a net loss of RMB2.4 billion in 2016.
• As of February 28, 2018, Tuniu had 14 local tour operators in total, among which 12 are located in China^[4] and 2 are located overseas^[5].

Comparison of Revenues

We adopted ASC 606 new revenue standard effective January 1, 2017 by applying the full retrospective method. To increase comparability of operating results and help investors better understand our business performance and operating trends, we have provided the following comparison between revenues, cost of revenues and gross profit for the fourth quarter and fiscal year of 2017 and the relevant Non-GAAP adjusted data for corresponding periods in 2016:

Additional information regarding our Non-GAAP definition and reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP results are provided at the end of this announcement.

Mr. Donald Dunde Yu, Tuniu's co-founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said, "2017 has been a year filled with achievements and milestones for Tuniu. We successfully expanded our own local tour operators on the service side and we continued to diversify our sales channels on the distribution side, which included opening offline retail stores throughout China. Going into 2018, we look forward to continuing the implementation of our core strategies of expanding our sales network, strengthening our service network and improving our technology network."

Ms. Maria Yi Xin, Tuniu's Chief Financial Officer, said, "For the full year 2017, Tuniu's net revenues increased by 53.3% year-over-year while gross profit increased by 80.9% year-over-year. Tuniu has lowered overall user acquisition costs through the expansion of its sales network and improved online content. We have also improved product margins through direct procurement and local tour operators, and continue to offer more choices to our customers through our destination-based products. Combining these elements, we are able to optimize the lifetime value of customers on Tuniu."

Fourth Quarter 2017 Results

Net revenues were RMB469.9 million (US$72.2 million) in the fourth quarter of 2017, representing a year-over-year increase of 46.1%, compared with Non-GAAP net revenues, from the corresponding period in 2016.

• Revenues from packaged tours, which are mainly recognized on a net basis, were RMB290.1 million (US$44.6 million) in the fourth quarter of 2017, representing a year-over-year increase of 32.2%, compared with Non-GAAP revenues from packaged tours, from the corresponding period in 2016. The increase was primarily due to the growth of organized tours and self-guided tours.
• Other revenues were RMB179.8 million (US$27.6 million) in the fourth quarter of 2017, representing a year-over-year increase of 75.9%, compared with Non-GAAP other revenues, from the corresponding period in 2016. The increase was primarily due to a rise in revenues generated from financial services and commission fees received from certain travel-related products.

Cost of revenues was RMB234.7 million (US$36.1 million) in the fourth quarter of 2017, representing a year-over-year increase of 53.2%, compared with Non-GAAP cost of revenues, from the corresponding period in 2016. As a percentage of net revenues, cost of revenues was 50.0% in the fourth quarter of 2017, compared to 47.6% as a percentage of Non-GAAP net revenues in the corresponding period in 2016.

Gross profit was RMB235.2 million (US$36.1 million) in the fourth quarter of 2017, representing a year-over-year increase of 39.6%, compared with Non-GAAP gross profit, from the corresponding period in 2016. The increase in gross profit was primarily due to improved economies of scale and optimized supply chain management.

Operating expenses were RMB456.0 million (US$70.1 million) in the fourth quarter of 2017, representing a year-over-year decrease of 40.2% from the corresponding period in 2016. Share-based compensation expenses and amortization of acquired intangible assets, which were allocated to operating expenses, were RMB54.0 million (US$8.3 million) in the fourth quarter of 2017. Non-GAAP operating expenses, which excluded share-based compensation expenses and amortization of acquired intangible assets, were RMB402.0 million (US$61.8 million) in the fourth quarter of 2017, representing a year-over-year decrease of 42.9%.

• Research and product development expenses were RMB111.2 million (US$17.1 million) in the fourth quarter of 2017, representing a year-over-year decrease of 34.7%. Non-GAAP research and product development expenses, which excluded share-based compensation expenses and amortization of acquired intangible assets of RMB1.7 million (US$0.3 million), were RMB109.4 million (US$16.8 million) in the fourth quarter of 2017, representing a year-over-year decrease of 34.9% from the corresponding period in 2016. Research and product development expenses as a percentage of net revenues were 23.7% in the fourth quarter of 2017, decreasing from 52.9% as a percentage of Non-GAAP net revenues in the corresponding period in 2016. The decrease was primarily due to the increase in efficiency resulting from economies of scale and implementation of operation systems, and optimization of research and product development personnel.
• Sales and marketing expenses were RMB193.7 million (US$29.8 million) in the fourth quarter of 2017, representing a year-over-year decrease of 51.3%. Non-GAAP sales and marketing expenses, which excluded share-based compensation expenses and amortization of acquired intangible assets of RMB34.4 million (US$5.3 million), were RMB159.3 million (US$24.5 million) in the fourth quarter of 2017, representing a year-over-year decrease of 56.5% from the corresponding period in 2016. Sales and marketing expenses as a percentage of net revenues were 41.2% in the fourth quarter of 2017, decreasing from 123.7% as a percentage of Non-GAAP net revenues in the corresponding period in 2016. The decrease was primarily due to the decline in brand promotions and preference for marketing channels with higher ROI.
• General and administrative expenses were RMB154.5 million (US$23.7 million) in the fourth quarter of 2017, representing a year-over-year decrease of 24.8%. Non-GAAP general and administrative expenses, which excluded share-based compensation expenses and amortization of acquired intangible assets of RMB17.9 million (US$2.7 million), were RMB136.6 million (US$21.0 million) in the fourth quarter of 2017, representing a year-over-year decrease of 24.5% from the corresponding period in 2016. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenues were 32.9% in the fourth quarter of 2017, decreasing from 63.9% as a percentage of Non-GAAP net revenues in the corresponding period in 2016. The decrease was primarily due to the increase in efficiency resulting from economies of scale and optimization of administrative personnel.

Loss from operations was RMB220.8 million (US$33.9 million) in the fourth quarter of 2017, compared to a loss from operations of RMB588.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2016. Non-GAAP loss from operations, which excluded share-based compensation expenses and amortization of acquired intangible assets, was RMB166.7 million (US$25.6 million) in the fourth quarter of 2017.

Net loss was RMB186.1 million (US$28.6 million) in the fourth quarter of 2017, compared to a net loss of RMB567.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2016. Non-GAAP net loss, which excluded share-based compensation expenses and amortization of acquired intangible assets, was RMB132.0 million (US$20.3 million) in the fourth quarter of 2017.

Net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders was RMB184.9 million (US$28.4 million) in the fourth quarter of 2017, compared to a net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of RMB561.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2016. Non-GAAP net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders, which excluded share-based compensation expenses and amortization of acquired intangible assets, was RMB130.7 million (US$20.1 million) in the fourth quarter of 2017.

As of December 31, 2017, the Company had cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments of RMB3.7 billion (US$562.6million).

Fiscal Year 2017 Results

Net revenues were RMB2.2 billion (US$336.9 million) in 2017, representing a year-over-year increase of 53.3%, compared with Non-GAAP net revenues in 2016.

• Revenues from packaged tours, which are mainly recognized on a net basis, were RMB1.6 billion (US$244.3 million) in 2017, representing a year-over-year increase of 49.8%, compared with Non-GAAP revenues from packaged tours in 2016. The increase was primarily due to the growth of organized tours and self-guided tours.
• Other revenues were RMB602.7 million (US$92.6 million) in 2017, representing a year-over-year increase of 56.0%, compared with Non-GAAP other revenues in 2016. The increase was primarily due to a rise in revenues generated from financial services and commission fees received from certain travel-related products.

Cost of revenues was RMB1.0 billion (US$157.4 million) in 2017, representing a year-over-year increase of 30.5%, compared with Non-GAAP cost of revenues in 2016. As a percentage of net revenues, cost of revenues was 46.7% in 2017, compared to 54.9% as a percentage of Non-GAAP net revenues in 2016.

Gross profit was RMB1.2 billion (US$179.5 million) in 2017, representing a year-over-year increase of 80.9%, compared with Non-GAAP gross profit in 2016. The increase in gross profit and gross margin was primarily due to improved economies of scale, increased operational efficiency and optimized supply chain management.

Operating expenses were RMB2.1 billion (US$315.3 million) in 2017, representing a year-over-year decrease of 34.6% from 2016. Share-based compensation expenses and amortization of acquired intangible assets, which were allocated to operating expenses, were RMB239.1 million (US$36.8 million) in 2017. Non-GAAP operating expenses, which excluded share-based compensation expenses and amortization of acquired intangible assets, were RMB1.8 billion (US$278.5 million) in 2017, representing a year-over-year decrease of 37.8%.

• Research and product development expenses were RMB541.1 million (US$83.2 million) in 2017, representing a year-over-year decrease of 10.0%. Non-GAAP research and product development expenses, which excluded share-based compensation expenses and amortization of acquired intangible assets of RMB8.5 million (US$1.3 million), were RMB532.7 million (US$81.9 million) in 2017, representing a year-over-year decrease of 10.3% from 2016. Research and product development expenses as a percentage of net revenues were 24.7% in 2017, decreasing from 42.0% as a percentage of Non-GAAP net revenues in 2016. The decrease was primarily due to the increase in efficiency resulting from economies of scale and implementation of operation systems, and optimization of research and product development personnel.
• Sales and marketing expenses were RMB894.1 million (US$137.4 million) in 2017, representing a year-over-year decrease of 52.9%. Non-GAAP sales and marketing expenses, which excluded share-based compensation expenses and amortization of acquired intangible assets of RMB138.3 million (US$21.3 million), were RMB755.8 million (US$116.2 million) in 2017, representing a year-over-year decrease of 57.3% from 2016. Sales and marketing expenses as a percentage of net revenues were 40.8% in 2017, decreasing from 132.9% as a percentage of Non-GAAP net revenues in 2016. The decrease was primarily due to the decline in brand promotions and preference for marketing channels with higher ROI.
• General and administrative expenses were RMB637.8 million (US$98.0 million) in 2017, representing a year-over-year decrease of 3.2%. Non-GAAP general and administrative expenses, which excluded share-based compensation expenses and amortization of acquired intangible assets of RMB92.4 million (US$14.2 million), were RMB545.4 million (US$83.8 million) in 2017, representing a year-over-year decrease of 4.4% from 2016. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenues were 29.1% in 2017, decreasing from 46.1% as a percentage of Non-GAAP net revenues in 2016. The decrease was primarily due to the increase in efficiency resulting from economies of scale and optimization of administrative personnel.

Loss from operations was RMB883.4 million (US$135.8 million) in 2017, compared to a loss from operations of RMB2.5 billion in 2016. Non-GAAP loss from operations, which excluded share-based compensation expenses and amortization of acquired intangible assets, was RMB643.2 million (US$98.9 million) in 2017.

Net loss was RMB771.3 million (US$118.6 million) in 2017, compared to a net loss of RMB2.4 billion in 2016. Non-GAAP net loss, which excluded share-based compensation expenses and amortization of acquired intangible assets, was RMB531.1 million (US$81.6 million) in 2017.

Net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders was RMB773.0 million (US$118.8 million) in 2017, compared to a net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of RMB2.4 billion in 2016. Non-GAAP net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders, which excluded share-based compensation expenses and amortization of acquired intangible assets, was RMB532.8 million (US$81.9 million) in 2017.

Business Outlook

For the first quarter of 2018, Tuniu expects to generate RMB469.7 million to RMB488.0 million of net revenues, which represents 3% to 7% growth year-over-year. This forecast reflects Tuniu's current and preliminary view on the industry and its operations, which is subject to change.

Conference Call Information

Tuniu's management will hold an earnings conference call at 8:00 am U.S. Eastern Time, on March 14, 2018, (8:00 pm, Beijing/Hong Kong Time, on March 14, 2018) to discuss the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2017 financial results.

To participate in the conference call, please dial the following numbers:

Conference ID: Tuniu 4Q 2017 Earnings Call

A telephone replay will be available one hour after the end of the conference through March 21, 2018. The dial-in details are as follows:

  Replay Access Code: 10117726

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

About Tuniu

Tuniu (Nasdaq:TOUR) is a leading online leisure travel company in China that offers a large selection of packaged tours, including organized and self-guided tours, as well as travel-related services for leisure travelers through its website tuniu.com and mobile platform. Tuniu has over 2,000,000 stock keeping units (SKUs) of packaged tours, covering over 420 departing cities throughout China and all popular destinations worldwide. Tuniu provides one-stop leisure travel solutions and a compelling customer experience through its online platform and offline service network. For more information, please visit http://ir.tuniu.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements made under the "safe harbor" provisions of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and 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," "confident" and similar statements. Tuniu 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 report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to fourth parties. Any statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Tuniu's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements that involve factors, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such factors and risks include, but are not limited to the following: Tuniu's goals and strategies; the growth of the online leisure travel market in China; the demand for Tuniu's products and services; its relationships with customers and travel suppliers; the Company's ability to offer competitive travel products and services; Tuniu's future business development, results of operations and financial condition; competition in the online travel industry in China; relevant government policies and regulations relating to the Company's structure, business and industry; and the general economic and business condition in China and elsewhere. Further information regarding these and other 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 is current as of the date of the press release, and Tuniu does not undertake any obligation to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

About Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement the Company's unaudited consolidated financial results presented in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP"), the Company has provided Non-GAAP information related to net revenue, cost of revenues, research and product development expenses, sales and marketing expenses, general and administrative expenses, operating expenses, loss from operations, net loss, net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests, net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders, net loss per ordinary share attributable to ordinary shareholders-basic and diluted and net loss per ADS, which excludes adjustment on net basis and timing of revenue recognition as in 2017, share-based compensation expenses and amortization of acquired intangible assets. We believe that the Non-GAAP financial measures used in this press release are useful for understanding and assessing underlying business performance and operating trends, and management and investors benefit from referring to these Non-GAAP financial measures in assessing our financial performance and when planning and forecasting future periods. For more information on these Non-GAAP financial measures, please see the table captioned "Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results" set forth at the end of this press release.

A limitation of using Non-GAAP financial measures excluding share-based compensation expenses and amortization of acquired intangible assets is that share-based compensation expenses and amortization of acquired intangible assets have been – and will continue to be – significant recurring expenses in the Company's business. You should not view Non-GAAP results on a stand-alone basis or as a substitute for results under GAAP, or as being comparable to results reported or forecasted by other companies.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

China
Mary Chen
Investor Relations Director
Tuniu Corporation
Phone: +86-25-6960-9988
E-mail: ir@tuniu.com

(Financial Tables Follow)

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