Huize Holding Limited Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Unaudited Financial Results
- GWP for full year 2023 increased by 18.2% to RMB5,800.9 million.
- Net profit for 2023 was RMB70.2 million, surpassing guidance.
- Huize served approximately 9.3 million insurance clients as of December 31, 2023.
- The company cooperated with 123 insurer partners, including those in Hong Kong.
- Huize aims to achieve double-digit revenue contribution from international markets in 2024.
- GWP facilitated in the fourth quarter of 2023 decreased by 14.1% year-over-year.
- Operating revenue in the fourth quarter of 2023 decreased by 8.7% year-over-year.
- Renewal premiums in the fourth quarter of 2023 decreased by 19.9% year-over-year.
Insights
The reported financial results from Huize Holding Limited, particularly the 18.2% year-over-year increase in Gross Written Premiums (GWP) and the 42.0% increase in First Year Premiums (FYP), indicate a robust growth in the company's core business operations. The strategic focus on long-term insurance products, which now comprise 92.3% of GWP, aligns with the increasing consumer demand for savings products in China. Additionally, the international expansion into the Hong Kong market and plans for Southeast Asia suggest a pursuit of diversified revenue streams, which is a positive sign for investors looking for growth in emerging markets.
However, the decrease in GWP and operating revenue in the fourth quarter of 2023 raises questions about the sustainability of growth and the impact of market conditions on the company's short-term performance. The reported net profit and non-GAAP net profit exceeding guidance is promising, but it's essential to monitor how the company manages operating costs and expenses in relation to revenue fluctuations. The share repurchase program indicates management confidence in the company's valuation, which could be a positive signal for investors.
Examining Huize's operational strategy, the focus on acquiring high-quality mass affluent customers and upselling to existing customers with high Lifetime Value (LTV) potential is a sound approach in the competitive insurance market. The reported 13th and 25th-month persistency ratios above 95% are particularly impressive, reflecting strong customer retention and satisfaction with their long-term life and health insurance products. This is a critical metric in the insurance industry, as high persistency ratios typically lead to more stable revenue streams.
Furthermore, the emphasis on integrating online and offline channels demonstrates an understanding of the evolving consumer behavior in the insurance sector. The investment in proprietary AI technology to enhance the service chain could provide a competitive edge in terms of operational efficiency and customer experience. These strategic initiatives are likely to resonate well with investors who value innovation and adaptability in a company's business model.
The commitment to investing in AI technology, as indicated by Huize's plans to integrate a proprietary AI large language model throughout the insurance service chain, reflects a forward-thinking approach to digital transformation within the insurance industry. The potential for AI to improve risk management, customer service and claims processing could be significant, leading to cost savings and improved customer engagement. As Huize targets international markets and aims for a double-digit percentage revenue contribution from these markets in 2024, the effectiveness of their AI solutions will be a key factor in scaling operations and maintaining service quality.
While the use of AI in insurance is not new, the development of in-house AI capabilities could differentiate Huize from competitors who may rely on third-party solutions. This technological advancement could enhance the company's value proposition to ecosystem partners, such as insurance carriers and independent agents, by offering advanced tools for product consultation and marketing.
SHENZHEN, China, March 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Huize Holding Limited (“Huize”, the “Company” or “we”) (NASDAQ: HUIZ), a leading insurance technology platform connecting consumers, insurance carriers and distribution partners digitally through data-driven and AI-powered solutions in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2023.
Full Year 2023 Financial and Operational Highlights
- Sustainable business resilience: Gross Written Premiums (“GWP”) facilitated on our platform for the full year of 2023 increased by
18.2% year-over-year to RMB5,800.9 million. Within GWP, First Year Premiums (“FYP”) accounted for RMB2,621.7 million, up42.0% year-over-year. Renewal premiums increased by3.9% year-over-year to RMB3,179.2 million. The increases in premiums reflect the success we have had in acquiring high-quality and loyal customers and expanding the wide spectrum of customized long-term insurance products we offer to meet the diverse protection needs of our clients, as well as the contribution of international revenue from our expansion into the Hong Kong market in the second half of 2023. - Ongoing cost optimization to improve profitability: Operating expenses for the full year of 2023 decreased by
15.4% year-over-year to RMB395.5 million from RMB467.3 million in 2022. Operating expense-to-revenue ratio improved to33.1% in 2023, a decrease of 7.3 percentage points year-over-year. We achieved a net profit of RMB70.2 million, and a non-GAAP net profit of RMB72.3 million for the full year of 2023, exceeding our guidance of RMB60 million.
- Cumulative number of insurance clients served increased to approximately 9.3 million as of December 31, 2023. We cooperated with 123 insurer partners, including 76 life and health insurance companies and 47 property and casualty insurance companies, as of December 31, 2023.
- As of December 31, 2023, our cash and cash equivalents were RMB249.3 million (US
$35.1 million ).
Mr. Cunjun Ma, Founder and CEO of Huize, said, “We are very pleased to report our fifth consecutive quarter of profitability, with net profit of RMB18.0 million and non-GAAP net profit of RMB16.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. Our net profit and non-GAAP net profit for the full year of 2023 reached RMB70.2 million and RMB72.3 million respectively, exceeding our guidance. These results are a testament to the successes we have had in acquiring high-quality customers, innovating products that meet the evolving demands of customers, optimizing our omnichannel distribution capabilities to integrate online and offline channels, and also our successful expansion into the international market marked by our entry into the Hong Kong market in the second half of 2023.”
“In 2023, we maintained our strategic focus on long-term insurance products with GWP contribution reaching
“FYP facilitated by our IFA (Independent Financial Advisers) platform business increased by
“Looking ahead, Huize is committed to capitalizing on the long-term growth opportunities of the insurance industry in China and Asia. We will enhance our ability to customize differentiated products for a variety of scenarios and strengthen our expertise in integrating online and offline product distribution and services for our ecosystem in our home market. We will continue to invest in our market expansion in Hong Kong and also actively pursue opportunities in the emerging markets of Southeast Asia. Our goal is to identify addressable growth markets with supportive demographics in Southeast Asia and replicate our proven business model, further diversify our revenue streams to more markets, and elevate our brand awareness and recognition on the international stage. We are targeting a double-digit percentage revenue contribution from international markets in 2024. At the same time, we have been investing in our own proprietary AI large language model and will strive to integrate our AI products throughout the entire insurance service chain to empower our business operations and ecosystem partners, which include insurance carriers, independent agents, and distribution channels, from the initial insurance product consultation to user engagement, marketing, risk management, customer service and claims service.”
Fourth Quarter 2023 Financial Results
GWP and operating revenue
GWP facilitated on our platform was RMB1,245.4 million (US
Operating revenue was RMB236.0 million (US
Operating costs
Operating costs were RMB136.3 million (US
Operating expenses
Selling expenses decreased by
General and administrative expenses were RMB27.3 million (US
Research and development expenses were RMB17.2 million (US
Net profit and Non-GAAP net profit for the period
Net profit in the fourth quarter of 2023 was RMB18.0 million (US
Full Year 2023 Financial Results
GWP and operating revenue
GWP facilitated was RMB5,800.9 million in 2023, an increase of
Operating revenue was RMB1,195.6 million (US
Operating costs
Operating costs were RMB749.0 million (US
Operating expenses
Selling expenses were RMB204.3 million (US
General and administrative expenses were RMB119.4 million (US
Research and development expenses were RMB71.8 million (US
Net profit and Non-GAAP net profit for the year
Net profit in 2023 was RMB70.2 million (US
Cash and cash equivalents
As of December 31, 2023, the combined balance of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents amounted to RMB249.3 million (US
Share Repurchase Program
As of December 31, 2023, the Company had purchased an aggregate of 1,516,667 ADSs for a total amount of approximately US
Conference Call
The Company’s management team will hold an earnings conference call at 8:00 A.M. Eastern Time on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 (8:00 P.M. Beijing/Hong Kong Time on Wednesday, March 20, 2024). Details for the conference call are as follows:
Event Title: Huize Holding Limited’s Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Earnings Conference Call
Registration Link: https://register.vevent.com/register/BI9f2357ef4abf4db29f2305d91b911828
All participants must use the link provided above to complete the online registration process in advance of the conference call. Upon registration, each participant will receive a confirmation email containing dial-in numbers and a unique access PIN, which will be used to join the conference call.
Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will also be available on the Company’s investor relations website at http://ir.huize.com.
About Huize Holding Limited
Huize Holding Limited is a leading insurance technology platform connecting consumers, insurance carriers and distribution partners digitally through data-driven and AI-powered solutions in China. Targeting mass affluent consumers, Huize is dedicated to serving consumers for their life-long insurance needs. Its online-to-offline integrated insurance ecosystem covers the entire insurance life cycle and offers consumers a wide spectrum of insurance products, one-stop services, and a streamlined transaction experience across all scenarios. By leveraging AI, data analytics, and digital capabilities, Huize empowers the insurance service chain with proprietary technology-enabled solutions for insurance consultation, user engagement, marketing, risk management, and claims service.
For more information, please visit http://ir.huize.com.
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measure Statement
In evaluating our business, we consider and use non-GAAP net profit/(loss) attributable to common shareholders as a supplemental measure to review and assess our operating performance. The presentation of the non-GAAP financial measure is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We define non-GAAP net profit/(loss) attributable to common shareholders as net profit/(loss) attributable to common shareholders excluding share-based compensation expenses and interest on convertible bond. Such adjustments have no impact on income tax because either the non-GAAP adjustments were recorded at entities located in tax free jurisdictions, such as the Cayman Islands or because the non-GAAP adjustments were recorded at operating entities located in the PRC for which the non-GAAP adjustments were not deductible for tax purposes.
We present the non-GAAP financial measure because it is used by our management to evaluate our operating performance and formulate business plans. Non-GAAP net profit/(loss) attributable to common shareholders enables our management to assess our operating results without considering the impact of share-based compensation expenses and the interest on convertible bond. We also believe that the use of this non-GAAP financial measure facilitates investors’ assessment of our operating performance.
This non-GAAP financial measure is not defined under U.S. GAAP and is not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The non-GAAP financial measure has limitations as an analytical tool. One of the key limitations of using adjusted net profit/(loss) attributable to common shareholders is that it does not reflect all items of income and expense that affect our operations. Further, the non-GAAP financial measure may differ from the non-GAAP financial information used by other companies, including peer companies, and therefore their comparability may be limited.
The non-GAAP financial measure should not be considered in isolation or construed as an alternative to net profit/(loss) attributable to common shareholders or any other measure of performance or as an indicator of our operating performance. Investors are encouraged to review the historical non-GAAP financial measure in light of the most directly comparable GAAP measure, as shown below. The non-GAAP financial measure presented here may not be comparable to similarly titled measure presented by other companies. Other companies may calculate similarly titled measures differently, limiting the usefulness of such measures when analyzing our data comparatively. We encourage investors and others to review our financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure.
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 RMB7.0999 to US
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. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Huize’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “confident” and similar statements. Among other things, business outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, contain forward-looking statements. Huize 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. 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: Huize’s goal and strategies; Huize’s expansion plans; Huize’s future business development, financial condition and results of operations; Huize’s expectation regarding the demand for, and market acceptance of, its online insurance products; Huize’s expectations regarding its relationship with insurer partners and insurance clients and other parties it collaborates with; general economic and business conditions; and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing.
Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Huize’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and Huize does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.
For investor and media inquiries, please contact:
Investor Relations
investor@huize.com
Media Relations
mediacenter@huize.com
Christensen Advisory
In China
Ms. Crystal Lai
Phone: +852 2117 0861
Email: crystal.lai@christensencomms.com
In U.S.
Ms. Linda Bergkamp
Phone: +1-480-614-3004
Email: linda.bergkamp@christensencomms.com
Huize Holding Limited | ||||||||||
Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets | ||||||||||
(all amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data) | ||||||||||
As of December 31 | As of December 31 | |||||||||
2022 | 2023 | |||||||||
RMB | RMB | USD | ||||||||
Assets | ||||||||||
Current assets | ||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 277,168 | 249,258 | 35,107 | |||||||
Restricted cash | 98,917 | 42,307 | 5,959 | |||||||
Short-term investments | - | 8,879 | 1,251 | |||||||
Contract assets, net of allowance for doubtful accounts | 49,888 | 41,481 | 5,842 | |||||||
Accounts receivables, net of allowance for impairment | 250,667 | 178,294 | 25,112 | |||||||
Insurance premium receivables | 1,792 | 927 | 130 | |||||||
Amounts due from related parties | 489 | 383 | 54 | |||||||
Deferred costs | - | 6,147 | 866 | |||||||
Prepaid expense and other receivables | 71,818 | 79,027 | 11,131 | |||||||
Total current assets | 750,739 | 606,703 | 85,452 | |||||||
Non-current assets | ||||||||||
Restricted cash | - | 29,687 | 4,181 | |||||||
Contract assets, net of allowance for doubtful accounts | 6,634 | 12,495 | 1,760 | |||||||
Property, plant and equipment, net | 38,518 | 54,107 | 7,621 | |||||||
Intangible assets, net | 53,498 | 50,743 | 7,147 | |||||||
Long-term investments | 77,305 | 76,688 | 10,801 | |||||||
Operating lease right-of-use assets | 162,180 | 115,946 | 16,331 | |||||||
Goodwill | 461 | 461 | 65 | |||||||
Other assets | 279 | 419 | 59 | |||||||
Total non-current assets | 338,875 | 340,546 | 47,965 | |||||||
Total assets | 1,089,614 | 947,249 | 133,417 | |||||||
Liabilities, Mezzanine Equity and Shareholders’ Equity | ||||||||||
Current liabilities | ||||||||||
Short-term borrowings | 150,000 | 30,000 | 4,225 | |||||||
Accounts payable | 262,266 | 211,905 | 29,846 | |||||||
Insurance premium payables | 27,567 | 37,514 | 5,284 | |||||||
Contract liabilities | 4,034 | 2,728 | 384 | |||||||
Other payables and accrued expenses | 58,251 | 35,093 | 4,943 | |||||||
Payroll and welfare payable | 43,938 | 56,207 | 7,917 | |||||||
Income taxes payable | 2,440 | 2,440 | 344 | |||||||
Operating lease liabilities | 10,075 | 16,949 | 2,387 | |||||||
Amount due to related parties | 495 | 2,451 | 345 | |||||||
Total current liabilities | 559,066 | 395,287 | 55,675 | |||||||
Non-current liabilities | ||||||||||
Deferred tax liabilities | 12,491 | 12,048 | 1,697 | |||||||
Operating lease liabilities | 176,032 | 129,299 | 18,211 | |||||||
Payroll and welfare payable | - | 200 | 28 | |||||||
Total non-current liabilities | 188,523 | 141,547 | 19,936 | |||||||
Total liabilities | 747,589 | 536,834 | 75,611 | |||||||
Commitments and contingencies | ||||||||||
Shareholders’ equity | ||||||||||
Class A common shares | 62 | 62 | 9 | |||||||
Class B common shares | 10 | 10 | 1 | |||||||
Treasury stock | (15,306 | ) | (28,580 | ) | (4,025 | ) | ||||
Additional paid-in capital | 904,935 | 905,958 | 127,602 | |||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (17,695 | ) | (14,060 | ) | (1,980 | ) | ||||
Accumulated deficits | (531,127 | ) | (458,237 | ) | (64,541 | ) | ||||
Total shareholders’ equity attributable to Huize Holding Limited shareholders | 340,879 | 405,153 | 57,066 | |||||||
Non-controlling interests | 1,146 | 5,262 | 740 | |||||||
Total shareholders’ equity | 342,025 | 410,415 | 57,806 | |||||||
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | 1,089,614 | 947,249 | 133,417 |
Huize Holding Limited | ||||||||||||||||||
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss) | ||||||||||||||||||
(all amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data) | ||||||||||||||||||
For the Three Months Ended December 31, | For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
2022 | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||
RMB | RMB | USD | RMB | RMB | USD | |||||||||||||
Operating revenue | ||||||||||||||||||
Brokerage income | 246,496 | 221,504 | 31,198 | 1,108,652 | 1,144,533 | 161,204 | ||||||||||||
Other income | 11,915 | 14,503 | 2,043 | 49,256 | 51,019 | 7,186 | ||||||||||||
Total operating revenue | 258,411 | 236,007 | 33,241 | 1,157,908 | 1,195,552 | 168,390 | ||||||||||||
Operating costs and expenses | ||||||||||||||||||
Cost of revenue | (158,355 | ) | (132,006 | ) | (18,593 | ) | (706,009 | ) | (729,068 | ) | (102,686 | ) | ||||||
Other cost | (3,855 | ) | (4,275 | ) | (602 | ) | (28,282 | ) | (19,938 | ) | (2,808 | ) | ||||||
Total operating costs | (162,210 | ) | (136,281 | ) | (19,195 | ) | (734,291 | ) | (749,006 | ) | (105,494 | ) | ||||||
Selling expenses | (41,814 | ) | (41,510 | ) | (5,847 | ) | (231,664 | ) | (204,261 | ) | (28,770 | ) | ||||||
General and administrative expenses | (38,611 | ) | (27,301 | ) | (3,845 | ) | (154,715 | ) | (119,404 | ) | (16,818 | ) | ||||||
Research and development expenses | (16,891 | ) | (17,222 | ) | (2,426 | ) | (80,911 | ) | (71,842 | ) | (10,119 | ) | ||||||
Total operating costs and expenses | (259,526 | ) | (222,314 | ) | (31,313 | ) | (1,201,581 | ) | (1,144,513 | ) | (161,201 | ) | ||||||
Operating income/(loss) | (1,115 | ) | 13,693 | 1,928 | (43,673 | ) | 51,039 | 7,189 | ||||||||||
Other income/(expenses) | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest expenses | (593 | ) | 492 | 69 | (5,062 | ) | 2,789 | 393 | ||||||||||
Unrealized exchange income/(loss) | 16 | (127 | ) | (18 | ) | (79 | ) | (436 | ) | (61 | ) | |||||||
Investment income/(loss) | 1 | (728 | ) | (103 | ) | (2,216 | ) | (1,656 | ) | (233 | ) | |||||||
Others, net | 8,419 | 4,090 | 576 | 19,490 | 18,401 | 2,592 | ||||||||||||
Profit/(loss) before income tax, and share of income/(loss) of equity method investee | 6,728 | 17,420 | 2,452 | (31,540 | ) | 70,137 | 9,880 | |||||||||||
Share of income/(loss) of equity method investee | 833 | 52 | 7 | (2,200 | ) | 417 | 59 | |||||||||||
Net profit/(loss) | 7,561 | 17,472 | 2,459 | (33,740 | ) | 70,554 | 9,939 | |||||||||||
Net profit/(loss) attributable to non-controlling interests | (611 | ) | (515 | ) | (73 | ) | (2,553 | ) | 366 | 52 | ||||||||
Net profit/(loss) attributable to common shareholders | 8,172 | 17,987 | 2,532 | (31,187 | ) | 70,188 | 9,887 | |||||||||||
Net profit/(loss) | 7,561 | 17,472 | 2,459 | (33,740 | ) | 70,554 | 9,939 | |||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax | (3,551 | ) | (4,854 | ) | (684 | ) | 9,600 | 3,635 | 512 | |||||||||
Comprehensive income/(loss) | 4,010 | 12,618 | 1,775 | (24,140 | ) | 74,189 | 10,451 | |||||||||||
Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to non-controlling interests | (611 | ) | (515 | ) | (73 | ) | (2,553 | ) | 366 | 52 | ||||||||
Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to common shareholders | 4,621 | 13,133 | 1,848 | (21,587 | ) | 73,823 | 10,399 | |||||||||||
Weighted average number of common shares used in computing net profit per share | ||||||||||||||||||
Basic and diluted | 1,020,675,722 | 991,808,483 | 991,808,483 | 1,021,958,881 | 1,000,940,698 | 1,000,940,698 | ||||||||||||
Net profit/(loss) per share attributable to common shareholders | ||||||||||||||||||
Basic and diluted | 0.01 | 0.02 | 0.00 | (0.03 | ) | 0.07 | 0.01 |
Huize Holding Limited | |||||||||||||||
Unaudited Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results | |||||||||||||||
(all amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data) | |||||||||||||||
For the Three Months Ended December 31, | For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
2022 | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | ||||||||||||
RMB | RMB | USD | RMB | RMB | USD | ||||||||||
Net profit/(loss) attributable to common shareholders | 8,172 | 17,987 | 2,532 | (31,187 | ) | 70,188 | 9,887 | ||||||||
Share-based compensation expenses | 5,964 | (1,600 | ) | (225 | ) | 10,411 | 2,109 | 297 | |||||||
Non-GAAP net profit/(loss) attributable to common shareholders | 14,136 | 16,387 | 2,307 | (20,776 | ) | 72,297 | 10,184 |
FAQ
What was the GWP for Huize Holding in full year 2023?
What was the net profit for Huize in 2023?
How many insurance clients did Huize serve as of December 31, 2023?
How many insurer partners did Huize cooperate with as of December 31, 2023?