Tuniu Announces Unaudited Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2020 Financial Results

NANJING, China, March 16, 2021 /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, 2020.

"In 2020, Tuniu's unwavering focus helped us to achieve significant breakthroughs in our business. Under the pressure of COVID-19 related challenges, we continued to provide high-quality services that put the safety and interests of our customers first. In order to ensure the rapid recovery of our domestic travel business, we have adjusted our business focus, accelerated product upgrades, and explored new marketing and distribution channels. In the new year we will maintain our focus on developing better products, services, and technologies to offer integrated one-stop services for customers" said Mr. Donald Dunde Yu, Tuniu's founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "In 2020, we further strengthened our cost control measures and since the fourth quarter we continued to optimize our internal management system, which will help build a solid foundation for the company's business development in 2021."

Fourth Quarter 2020 Results

Net revenues were RMB118.7 million (US$18.2 million^[1]) in the fourth quarter of 2020, representing a year-over-year decrease of 73.7% from the corresponding period in 2019. The decrease was primarily due to the negative impact brought by the outbreak and spread of COVID-19.

• Revenues from packaged tours were RMB83.1 million (US$12.7 million) in the fourth quarter of 2020, representing a year-over-year decrease of 75.9% from the corresponding period in 2019. The decrease was primarily due to the decline in travel to international destinations impacted by the outbreak and spread of COVID-19.
  
• Other revenues were RMB35.6 million (US$5.5 million) in the fourth quarter of 2020, representing a year-over-year decrease of 66.7% from the corresponding period in 2019. The decrease was primarily due to the decline in service fees received from insurance companies and revenues generated from financial services.

Cost of revenues was RMB70.8 million (US$10.9 million) in the fourth quarter of 2020, representing a year-over-year decrease of 69.8% from the corresponding period in 2019. As a percentage of net revenues, cost of revenues was 59.7% in the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to 52.0% in the corresponding period in 2019.

Gross margin was 40.3% in the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to a gross margin of 48.0% in the fourth quarter of 2019.

Operating expenses were RMB960.1 million (US$147.1 million) in the fourth quarter of 2020, representing a year-over-year increase of 47.5% from the corresponding period in 2019. Share-based compensation expenses, amortization of acquired intangible assets and impairment of acquired intangible assets, which were allocated to operating expenses, were RMB35.8 million (US$5.5 million) in the fourth quarter of 2020. Non-GAAP^[2] operating expenses, which excluded share-based compensation expenses, amortization of acquired intangible assets and impairment of acquired intangible assets, were RMB924.3 million (US$141.6 million) in the fourth quarter of 2020, representing a year-over-year increase of 60.4%.

• Research and product development expenses were RMB12.8 million (US$2.0 million) in the fourth quarter of 2020, representing a year-over-year decrease of 83.8%. Non-GAAP research and product development expenses, which excluded share-based compensation expenses and amortization of acquired intangible assets of RMB1.9 million (US$0.3 million), were RMB11.0 million (US$1.7 million) in the fourth quarter of 2020, representing a year-over-year decrease of 85.8% from the corresponding period in 2019. The decrease was primarily due to the decrease in research and product development personnel related expenses.
  
• Sales and marketing expenses were RMB113.2 million (US$17.3 million) in the fourth quarter of 2020, representing a year-over-year decrease of 52.8%. Non-GAAP sales and marketing expenses, which excluded share-based compensation expenses, amortization of acquired intangible assets and impairment of acquired intangible assets of RMB24.6 million (US$3.8 million), were RMB88.5 million (US$13.6 million) in the fourth quarter of 2020, representing a year-over-year decrease of 48.8% from the corresponding period in 2019. The decrease was primarily due to the decrease in sales and marketing personnel related expenses.
  
• General and administrative expenses were RMB844.8 million (US$129.5 million) in the fourth quarter of 2020, representing a year-over-year increase of 147.4%. Non-GAAP general and administrative expenses, which excluded share-based compensation expenses and amortization of acquired intangible assets of RMB9.3 million (US$1.4 million), were RMB835.5 million (US$128.0 million) in the fourth quarter of 2020, representing a year-over-year increase of 149.2% from the corresponding period in 2019. The increase was primarily due to the provision provided for receivables with the amount of RMB0.8 billion recorded due to the COVID-19.

Loss from operations was RMB912.2 million (US$139.8 million) in the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to a loss from operations of RMB434.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2019. Non-GAAP loss from operations, which excluded share-based compensation expenses, amortization of acquired intangible assets and impairment of acquired intangible assets, was RMB875.8 million (US$134.2 million) in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Net loss was RMB921.8 million (US$141.3 million) in the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to a net loss of RMB401.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2019. Non-GAAP net loss, which excluded share-based compensation expenses, amortization of acquired intangible assets and impairment of acquired intangible assets, was RMB885.4 million (US$135.7 million) in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders was RMB901.9 million (US$138.2 million) in the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to a net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of RMB367.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2019. Non-GAAP net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders, which excluded share-based compensation expenses, amortization of acquired intangible assets and impairment of acquired intangible assets, was RMB865.6 million (US$132.7 million) in the fourth quarter of 2020.

As of December 31, 2020, the Company had cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments of RMB1.6 billion (US$247.9 million). The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted our business operations, and will continue to impact our results of operations and cash flows for subsequent periods. Based on our liquidity assessment and management actions, we believe that our available cash, cash equivalents and maturity of investments will be sufficient to meet our working capital requirements and capital expenditures in the ordinary course of business for the next twelve months.

Fiscal Year 2020 Results

Net revenues were RMB450.3 million (US$69.0 million) in 2020, representing a year-over-year decrease of 80.3% from 2019. The decrease was primarily due to the negative impact brought by the outbreak and spread of COVID-19.

• Revenues from packaged tours were RMB302.4 million (US$46.3 million) in 2020, representing a year-over-year decrease of 84.0% from 2019. The decrease was primarily due to the suspension of sale of packaged tours impacted by the outbreak and spread of COVID-19^[3].
  
• Other revenues were RMB147.9 million (US$22.7 million) in 2020, representing a year-over-year decrease of 62.5% from 2019. The decrease was primarily due to the decline in commissions received from other travel-related products and service fees received from insurance companies impacted by the outbreak and spread of COVID-19, as well as revenues generated from financial services.

Cost of revenues was RMB237.1 million (US$36.3 million) in 2020, representing a year-over-year decrease of 80.2% from 2019. As a percentage of net revenues, cost of revenues was 52.7% in 2020 compared to 52.6% in 2019.

Gross margin was 47.3% in 2020, compared to a gross margin of 47.4% in 2019.

Operating expenses were RMB1.6 billion (US$238.2 million) in 2020, representing a year-over-year decrease of 20.4% from 2019. Share-based compensation expenses, amortization of acquired intangible assets and impairment of acquired intangible assets, which were allocated to operating expenses, were RMB102.2 million (US$15.7 million) in 2020. Non-GAAP operating expenses, which excluded share-based compensation expenses, amortization of acquired intangible assets and impairment of acquired intangible assets, were RMB1.5 billion (US$222.5 million) in 2020, representing a year-over-year decrease of 15.5%.

• Research and product development expenses were RMB100.5 million (US$15.4 million) in 2020, representing a year-over-year decrease of 66.9%. Non-GAAP research and product development expenses, which excluded share-based compensation expenses and amortization of acquired intangible assets of RMB7.6 million (US$1.2 million), were RMB92.9 million (US$14.2 million) in 2020, representing a year-over-year decrease of 67.9% from 2019. The decrease was primarily due to the decrease in research and product development personnel related expenses.
  
• Sales and marketing expenses were RMB372.0 million (US$57.0 million) in 2020, representing a year-over-year decrease of 59.7%. Non-GAAP sales and marketing expenses, which excluded share-based compensation expenses, amortization of acquired intangible assets and impairment of acquired intangible assets of RMB77.8 million (US$11.9 million), were RMB294.2 million (US$45.1 million) in 2020, representing a year-over-year decrease of 60.8% from 2019. The decrease was primarily due to the decrease in sales and marketing personnel related expenses and promotion expenses.
  
• General and administrative expenses were RMB1.1 billion (US$170.0 million) in 2020, representing a year-over-year increase of 48.0%. Non-GAAP general and administrative expenses, which excluded share-based compensation expenses and amortization of acquired intangible assets of RMB16.8 million (US$2.6 million), were RMB1.1 billion (US$167.4 million) in 2020, representing a year-over-year increase of 55.1% from 2019. The increase was primarily due to the provision provided for receivables with the amount of RMB0.8 billion recorded due to the COVID-19.

Loss from operations was RMB1.3 billion (US$205.5 million) in 2020, compared to a loss from operations of RMB870.8 million in 2019. Non-GAAP loss from operations, which excluded share-based compensation expenses, amortization of acquired intangible assets and impairment of acquired intangible assets, was RMB1.2 billion (US$189.7 million) in 2020.

Net loss was RMB1.3 billion (US$205.9 million) in 2020, compared to a net loss of RMB729.4 million in 2019. Non-GAAP net loss, which excluded share-based compensation expenses, amortization of acquired intangible assets and impairment of acquired intangible assets, was RMB1.2 billion (US$190.1 million) in 2020.

Net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders was RMB1.3 billion (US$200.5 million) in 2020, compared to a net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of RMB699.2 million in 2019. Non-GAAP net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders, which excluded share-based compensation expenses, amortization of acquired intangible assets and impairment of acquired intangible assets, was RMB1.2 billion (US$184.6 million) in 2020.

Business Outlook

Tuniu's business has been significantly and negatively impacted by the outbreak and spread of COVID-19 since January 2020. As a result of the continued influence by COVID-19, for the first quarter of 2021, the Company expects to generate RMB60.9 million to RMB69.6 million of net revenues, which represents 60% to 65% decrease year-over-year. This forecast reflects Tuniu's current and preliminary view on the industry and its operations, which is subject to change.

Appointment of New Director

Tuniu also announced that Mr. Haijin Cheng has been appointed as an independent director to the Company's board of directors effective on March 17, 2021, replacing Ms. Cindy Chen who has resigned from the board effective on the same date. Mr. Haijin Cheng will also replace Ms. Cindy Chen as a member of the Company's audit committee.

Mr. Haijin Cheng has extensive experience in internal auditing, financial management and strategic M&A with companies in a range of industries and countries. Mr. Cheng is the founder and president of Shanghai Huan Pu Management Consulting Co., which provides management advisory services to domestic and foreign companies. Prior to founding Huan Pu, Mr. Cheng served as the leader of the business development department in General Electric (China) Ltd, director of the business development department in Honeywell (China) Ltd., senior officer of the audit department in Bank of China (Hong Kong) and corporate accountant in C. P. Group of Thailand. Mr. Cheng currently serves as an independent director of Centre Testing International Group Co., Ltd. (300012.SZ), an A-share company listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. Mr. Cheng is a Certified Public Accountant USA and received an MBA degree from Cornell University.

Conference Call Information

Tuniu's management will hold an earnings conference call at 8:00 am U.S. Eastern Time, on March 16, 2021, (8:00 pm, Beijing/Hong Kong Time, on March 16, 2021) to discuss the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2020 financial results.

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

Conference ID: Tuniu 4Q 2020 Earnings Call

A telephone replay will be available one hour after the end of the conference through March 23, 2021. The dial-in details are as follows:

Replay Access Code: 10152996

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 covers 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, including a dedicated team of professional customer service representatives, 24/7 call centers, extensive networks of offline retail stores and self-operated local tour operators. 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 third 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; the impact of the COVID-19 on Tuniu's business operations, the travel industry and the economy of China and elsewhere generally; 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 cost of revenues, research and product development expenses, sales and marketing expenses, general and administrative expenses, other operating income, total operating expenses, loss from operations, net loss, net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders, net loss per ordinary share attributable to ordinary shareholders-basic and diluted and net loss per ADS-basic and diluted, which excludes share-based compensation expenses, amortization of acquired intangible assets and impairment 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, amortization of acquired intangible assets and impairment of acquired intangible assets is that share-based compensation expenses, amortization of acquired intangible assets and impairment 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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