Niu Technologies Announces Unaudited First Quarter 2024 Financial Results
Niu Technologies (NASDAQ: NIU), a leader in smart urban mobility, reported its unaudited Q1 2024 financial results. Revenues increased by 21.0% year-over-year to RMB 504.7 million. E-scooter sales rose 36.8%, with 129,139 units sold, and Chinese market sales surged 35.1%.
However, the net loss was RMB 54.8 million, an improvement from the previous year's RMB 60.3 million loss. Gross margin declined to 18.9%, down from 21.7% in Q1 2023. International sales revenue fell by 8.1%, while the revenue per e-scooter decreased by 11.6%. Operating expenses increased by 4.6% year-over-year. The company aims for Q2 revenue between RMB 912 million to RMB 995 million, representing a 10%-20% year-over-year increase.
- Revenues increased by 21.0% year-over-year to RMB 504.7 million.
- E-scooter sales volume surged 36.8% year-over-year to 129,139 units.
- Sales in China increased by 35.1% year-over-year.
- Number of franchised stores in China reached 2,878 by March 31, 2024.
- International sales network expanded to 58 distributors covering 54 countries.
- Cost per e-scooter decreased by 8.5% year-over-year.
- Net loss improved to RMB 54.8 million from RMB 60.3 million in Q1 2023.
- Selling and marketing expenses as a percentage of revenues decreased from 37.8% to 32.7% year-over-year.
- R&D expenses decreased by 17.3% year-over-year.
- General and administrative expenses dropped by 39.2% year-over-year.
- Operating expenses as a percentage of revenues decreased from 34.5% to 31.5% year-over-year.
- Gross margin for e-scooters in the China market decreased due to product mix changes, but overall cost control improved.
- Net loss was still significant at RMB 54.8 million.
- Gross margin decreased from 21.7% to 18.9% year-over-year.
- Revenue per e-scooter fell by 11.6% to RMB 3,908.
- International market revenue decreased by 8.1% year-over-year.
- Operating expenses increased by 4.6% year-over-year.
- Selling and marketing expenses increased by 45.6% year-over-year.
- Revenue per e-scooter in international markets decreased by 37.7% year-over-year.
- Accessories, spare parts, and services revenue grew by only 6.8% year-over-year.
- Adjusted net loss (non-GAAP) increased to RMB 48.5 million from RMB 46.1 million year-over-year.
- High increase in selling and marketing expenses, primarily from international market expansion, which may impact short-term profitability.
Insights
Niu Technologies' Q1 2024 financial results reveal several key points that warrant deeper analysis. Revenue increased by
Gross margin declined to
On the positive side, operating expenses as a percentage of revenue decreased, indicating better cost management. However, the increase in selling and marketing expenses by
For the retail investor, the critical takeaway is the discrepancy between rising revenue and persistent losses. While the increase in sales volume is promising, the declining margins suggest that profitability is still a challenge. Investors should monitor how effectively Niu Technologies can balance growth with profitability in future quarters.
Niu Technologies has shown impressive sales growth, particularly in its e-scooter segment. Domestically, e-scooter sales rose by
However, the drop in revenue per e-scooter by
Retail investors should be cautious about the company's ability to maintain this growth trajectory while managing costs effectively. The focus should be on how well Niu Technologies can convert this sales growth into sustainable profits, especially given the competitive nature of the global e-scooter market.
-- First Quarter Revenues of RMB 504.7 million, an increase of
-- First Quarter Net Loss of RMB 54.8 million, compared to Net Loss of RMB 60.3 million in the same period of last year
BEIJING, May 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Niu Technologies (“NIU”, or “the Company”) (NASDAQ: NIU), the world’s leading provider of smart urban mobility solutions, today announced its unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024.
First Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights
- Revenues were RMB 504.7 million, an increase of
21.0% year-over-year - Gross margin was
18.9% , compared with21.7% in the first quarter of 2023 - Net loss was RMB 54.8 million, compared with net loss of RMB 60.3 million in the first quarter of 2023
- Adjusted net loss (non-GAAP)1 was RMB 48.5 million, compared with adjusted net loss of RMB 46.1 million in the first quarter of 2023
First Quarter 2024 Operating Highlights
- The number of e-scooters sold was 129,139, up
36.8% year-over-year - The number of e-scooters sold in China was 110,115, up
35.1% year-over-year - The number of e-scooters sold in the international markets was 19,024, up
47.6% year-over-year - The number of franchised stores in China was 2,878 as of March 31, 2024
- International sales network expanded to 58 distributors covering 54 countries as of March 31, 2024
Dr. Yan Li, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, remarked, "Since their debut at the end of February, our newly launched products have received exceptionally positive feedback in the domestic market. Additionally, we are proactively expanding our retail footprint to bolster our sales channels. As a result, we anticipate continuous sales growth in China throughout the upcoming peak sales season."
Dr. Li continued, "Global expansion remains a top priority for us. Our retail channels in the US and Europe have significantly boosted our sales volume. To solidify our international presence, we are increasing our investments to establish a robust sales network. We are also taking steps to enhance our brand recognition with the introduction of new models. We are confident that we will deliver strong sales growth throughout 2024."
First Quarter 2024 Financial Results
Revenues were RMB 504.7 million, an increase of
| Revenues (in RMB million) | 2024 Q1 | 2023 Q1 | % change YoY | ||||||
| E-scooter sales from China market | 392.9 | 305.1 | + | ||||||
| E-scooter sales from international markets | 49.0 | 53.3 | - | ||||||
| E-scooter sales, sub-total | 441.9 | 358.4 | + | ||||||
| Accessories, spare parts and services | 62.8 | 58.8 | + | ||||||
| Total | 504.7 | 417.2 | + | ||||||
| Revenues per e-scooter (in RMB) | 2024 Q1 | 2023 Q1 | % change YoY | ||||||
| E-scooter sales from China market2 | 3,568 | 3,743 | - | ||||||
| E-scooter sales from international markets2 | 2,577 | 4,138 | - | ||||||
| E-scooter sales | 3,422 | 3,797 | - | ||||||
| Accessories, spare parts and services3 | 486 | 623 | - | ||||||
| Revenues per e-scooter | 3,908 | 4,420 | - | ||||||
- E-scooter sales revenues from China market were RMB 392.9 million, an increase of
28.8% year-over-year, and represented88.9% of total e-scooter revenues. The increase was mainly due to the increased sales volume of e-scooter, partially offset by a decrease in revenues per e-scooter in China market. - E-scooter sales revenues from international markets were RMB 49.0 million, a decrease of
8.1% year-over-year, and represented11.1% of total e-scooter revenues. The decrease was mainly due to the decline in sales of electric motorcycles and mopeds, partially offset by the increased sales of kick-scooter in international markets. - Accessories, spare parts sales and services revenues were RMB 62.8 million, an increase of
6.8% year-over-year and represented12.4% of total revenues. The increase was mainly due to the increase of accessories and spare parts sales in China market. - Revenues per e-scooter was RMB 3,908, a decrease of
11.6% year-over-year, mainly due to the increased proportion and changes in product mix of kick-scooter in international markets.
Cost of revenues was RMB 409.2 million, an increase of
Gross margin was
Operating expenses were RMB 164.9 million, an increase of
- Selling and marketing expenses were RMB 105.3 million (including RMB 2.0 million of share-based compensation), an increase of
45.6% from RMB 72.4 million in the first quarter of 2023, mainly due to the increase of RMB 19.8 million in after-sale services and rental expenses, and the increase of RMB 12.9 million in advertising and promotion activities, primarily result from the expansion into international markets. Selling and marketing expenses as a percentage of revenues was20.9% , compared with17.3% in the first quarter of 2023. - Research and development expenses were RMB 28.9 million (including RMB 1.4 million of share-based compensation), a decrease of
17.3% from RMB 35.0 million in the first quarter of 2023, mainly due to the decrease in share-based compensation of RMB 4.9 million. Research and development expenses as a percentage of revenues was5.7% , compared with8.4% in the first quarter of 2023. - General and administrative expenses were RMB 30.6 million (including RMB 2.6 million of share-based compensation), a decrease of
39.2% from RMB 50.3 million in the first quarter of 2023, mainly due to the decrease in allowance for doubtful accounts of RMB 20.0 million. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues was6.1% , compared with12.1% in the first quarter of 2023.
Operating expenses excluding share-based compensation were RMB 158.9 million, increased by
- Selling and marketing expenses excluding share-based compensation were RMB 103.3 million, an increase of
49.2% year-over-year, and represented20.5% of revenues, compared with16.6% in the first quarter of 2023. - Research and development expenses excluding share-based compensation were RMB 27.5 million, a decrease of
4.0% year-over-year, and represented5.4% of revenues, compared with6.9% in the first quarter of 2023. - General and administrative expenses excluding share-based compensation were RMB 28.1 million, a decrease of
38.9% year-over-year, and represented5.6% of revenues, compared with11.0% in the first quarter of 2023.
Government grants were nominal, compared with RMB 0.3 million in the same period of 2023.
Share-based compensation was RMB 6.3 million, compared with RMB 14.2 million in the same period of 2023.
Income tax benefit was RMB 6.2 million, compared with income tax expense of RMB 1.8 million in the same period of 2023.
Net loss was RMB 54.8 million, compared with net loss of RMB 60.3 million in the first quarter of 2023. The net loss margin was
Adjusted net loss (non-GAAP) was RMB 48.5 million, compared with an adjusted net loss of RMB 46.1 million in the first quarter of 2023. The adjusted net loss margin4 was
Basic and diluted net loss per ADS were both RMB 0.69 (US
Balance Sheet
As of March 31, 2024, the Company had cash and cash equivalents, term deposits and short-term investments of RMB 977.7 million in aggregate. The Company had restricted cash of RMB 214.3 million and short-term bank borrowings of RMB 200.0 million.
Business Outlook
NIU expects revenues of the second quarter 2024 to be in the range of RMB 912 million to RMB 995 million, representing a year-over-year increase of
The above outlook is based on information available as of the date of this press release and reflects the Company’s current and preliminary expectation and is subject to change.
Conference Call
The Company will host an earnings conference call on Monday, May 20, 2024 at 8:00 AM U.S. Eastern Time (8:00 PM Beijing/Hong Kong Time) to discuss its first quarter financial and business results and provide a corporate update.
To join via phone, participants need to register in advance of the conference call using the link provided below. Upon registration, participants will receive dial-in numbers and a personal PIN, which will be used to join the conference call.
| Event: | Niu Technologies First Quarter 2024 Financial Results Conference Call |
| Registration Link: | https://register.vevent.com/register/BI477a6648aefd4a098ea1543c61d39167 |
A live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the investor relations website at https://ir.niu.com/news-and-events/webcasts-and-presentations.
About NIU
As the world’s leading provider of smart urban mobility solutions, NIU designs, manufactures and sells high-performance electric motorcycles, mopeds, bicycles, as well as kick-scooters and e-bikes. NIU has a diversified product portfolio that caters to the various demands of our users and addresses different urban travel scenarios. Currently, NIU offers two model lineups, comprising a number of different vehicle types. These include (i) the electric motorcycle, moped and bicycle series, including the NQi, MQi, UQi, F series and others, and (ii) the micro-mobility series, including the kick-scooter series KQi and the e-bike series BQi. NIU has adopted an omnichannel retail model, integrating the offline and online channels, to sell its products and provide services to users.
For more information, please visit www.niu.com.
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
To supplement NIU’s consolidated financial results presented in accordance with the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), NIU uses the following non-GAAP financial measures: adjusted net loss and adjusted net loss margin. The presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. NIU believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide meaningful supplemental information regarding its performance and liquidity by excluding certain items that may not be indicative of its operating results. The Company believes that both management and investors benefit from referring to these non-GAAP financial measures in assessing its performance and when planning and forecasting future periods. These non-GAAP financial measures also facilitate management’s internal comparisons to NIU’s historical performance. The Company believes these non-GAAP financial measures are useful to investors in allowing for greater transparency with respect to supplemental information used by management in its financial and operational decision making. A limitation of using these non-GAAP financial measures is that these non-GAAP measures exclude certain items that have been and will continue to be for the foreseeable future a significant component in the Company’s results of operations. These non-GAAP financial measures presented here may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. Other companies may calculate similarly titled measures differently, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures to the Company’s data.
Adjusted net loss is defined as net loss excluding share-based compensation expenses. Adjusted net loss margin is defined as adjusted net loss as a percentage of the revenues.
For more information on non-GAAP financial measures, please see the tables captioned “Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results”.
Exchange Rate
This announcement contains translations of certain RMB amounts into U.S. dollars (“US$”) at specified rates solely for the convenience of the readers. Unless otherwise stated, all translations from RMB to US$ were made at the rate of RMB 7.2203 to US
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. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “likely to” and similar statements. Among other things, the business outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as NIU’s strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. NIU may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports 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. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about NIU’s beliefs, plans 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: NIU’s strategies; NIU’s future business development, financial condition and results of operations; NIU’s ability to maintain and enhance its “NIU” brand; its ability to innovate and successfully launch new products and services; its ability to maintain and expand its offline distribution network; its ability to satisfy the mandated safety standards relating to e-scooters; its ability to secure supply of components and raw materials used in e-scooters; its ability to manufacture, launch and sell smart e-scooters meeting customer expectations; its ability to grow collaboration with operation partners; its ability to control costs associated with its operations; general economic and business conditions in China and globally; and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in NIU’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and NIU does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.
Investor Relations Contact:
Niu Technologies
E-mail: ir@niu.com
| NIU TECHNOLOGIES | ||||||||
| UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | ||||||||
| As of | ||||||||
| December 31, | March 31, | March 31, | ||||||
| 2023 | 2024 | 2024 | ||||||
| RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||
| ASSETS | ||||||||
| Current assets | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 872,573,460 | 900,035,724 | 124,653,508 | |||||
| Term deposits-current | 97,555,565 | 77,690,250 | 10,759,975 | |||||
| Restricted cash | 107,666,733 | 214,278,458 | 29,677,224 | |||||
| Notes receivable | - | 841,979 | 116,613 | |||||
| Accounts receivable, net | 94,956,170 | 87,247,383 | 12,083,623 | |||||
| Inventories | 392,790,141 | 480,794,368 | 66,589,251 | |||||
| Prepayments and other current assets | 195,072,129 | 203,246,142 | 28,149,266 | |||||
| Total current assets | 1,760,614,198 | 1,964,134,304 | 272,029,460 | |||||
| Non-current assets | ||||||||
| Property, plant and equipment, net | 323,112,366 | 300,087,589 | 41,561,651 | |||||
| Intangible assets, net | 1,306,401 | 1,240,523 | 171,810 | |||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | 76,821,285 | 75,171,140 | 10,411,083 | |||||
| Deferred income tax assets | 20,747,021 | 26,420,397 | 3,659,183 | |||||
| Other non-current assets | 6,730,378 | 6,367,961 | 881,952 | |||||
| Total non-current assets | 428,717,451 | 409,287,610 | 56,685,679 | |||||
| Total assets | 2,189,331,649 | 2,373,421,914 | 328,715,139 | |||||
| LIABILITIES | ||||||||
| Current liabilities | ||||||||
| Short-term bank borrowings | 100,000,000 | 200,000,000 | 27,699,680 | |||||
| Notes payable | 167,282,688 | 249,820,844 | 34,599,787 | |||||
| Accounts payable | 575,724,288 | 605,268,781 | 83,828,758 | |||||
| Income taxes payable | 1,357,913 | 1,357,913 | 188,069 | |||||
| Advances from customers | 19,304,488 | 56,780,929 | 7,864,068 | |||||
| Deferred revenue-current | 41,755,097 | 39,554,099 | 5,478,179 | |||||
| Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | 165,511,396 | 150,153,395 | 20,796,006 | |||||
| Total current liabilities | 1,070,935,870 | 1,302,935,961 | 180,454,547 | |||||
| Deferred revenue-non-current | 13,168,111 | 12,933,753 | 1,791,304 | |||||
| Deferred income tax liabilities | 2,362,494 | 4,096,486 | 567,357 | |||||
| Operating lease liabilities | 280,421 | 211,506 | 29,293 | |||||
| Other non-current liabilities | 8,968,519 | 7,460,490 | 1,033,266 | |||||
| Total non-current liabilities | 24,779,545 | 24,702,235 | 3,421,220 | |||||
| Total liabilities | 1,095,715,415 | 1,327,638,196 | 183,875,767 | |||||
| SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY: | ||||||||
| Class A ordinary shares | 90,031 | 90,215 | 12,495 | |||||
| Class B ordinary shares | 10,316 | 10,316 | 1,429 | |||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 1,964,138,365 | 1,970,596,785 | 272,924,502 | |||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (9,495,674 | ) | (8,989,181 | ) | (1,244,987 | ) | ||
| Accumulated deficit | (861,126,804 | ) | (915,924,417 | ) | (126,854,067 | ) | ||
| Total shareholders’ equity | 1,093,616,234 | 1,045,783,718 | 144,839,372 | |||||
| Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | 2,189,331,649 | 2,373,421,914 | 328,715,139 | |||||
| NIU TECHNOLOGIES | |||||||
| UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS | |||||||
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||
| 2023 | 2024 | ||||||
| RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||
| Revenues | 417,236,018 | 504,734,575 | 69,904,931 | ||||
| Cost of revenues(a) | (326,861,860 | ) | (409,184,315 | ) | (56,671,373 | ) | |
| Gross profit | 90,374,158 | 95,550,260 | 13,233,558 | ||||
| Operating expenses: | |||||||
| Selling and marketing expenses(a) | (72,360,079 | ) | (105,333,173 | ) | (14,588,476 | ) | |
| Research and development expenses(a) | (35,004,134 | ) | (28,930,975 | ) | (4,006,894 | ) | |
| General and administrative expenses(a) | (50,324,650 | ) | (30,612,959 | ) | (4,239,846 | ) | |
| Total operating expenses | (157,688,863 | ) | (164,877,107 | ) | (22,835,216 | ) | |
| Government grants | 298,853 | 3,756 | 520 | ||||
| Operating loss | (67,015,852 | ) | (69,323,091 | ) | (9,601,138 | ) | |
| Interest expenses | (66,667 | ) | (966,400 | ) | (133,845 | ) | |
| Interest income | 8,112,383 | 9,254,711 | 1,281,763 | ||||
| Investment income | 426,836 | - | - | ||||
| Loss before income taxes | (58,543,300 | ) | (61,034,780 | ) | (8,453,220 | ) | |
| Income tax (expense) benefit | (1,794,824 | ) | 6,237,167 | 863,838 | |||
| Net loss | (60,338,124 | ) | (54,797,613 | ) | (7,589,382 | ) | |
| Other comprehensive loss | |||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of nil income taxes | (5,693,250 | ) | 506,493 | 70,148 | |||
| Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of reclassification | (345,356 | ) | - | - | |||
| Comprehensive loss | (66,376,730 | ) | (54,291,120 | ) | (7,519,234 | ) | |
| Net loss per ordinary share | |||||||
| —Basic | (0.39 | ) | (0.35 | ) | (0.05 | ) | |
| —Diluted | (0.39 | ) | (0.35 | ) | (0.05 | ) | |
| Net loss per ADS | |||||||
| —Basic | (0.77 | ) | (0.69 | ) | (0.10 | ) | |
| —Diluted | (0.77 | ) | (0.69 | ) | (0.10 | ) | |
| Weighted average number of ordinary shares and ordinary shares equivalents outstanding used in computing net loss per ordinary share | |||||||
| —Basic | 155,766,833 | 157,713,699 | 157,713,699 | ||||
| —Diluted | 155,766,833 | 157,713,699 | 157,713,699 | ||||
| Weighted average number of ADS outstanding used in computing net loss per ADS | |||||||
| —Basic | 77,883,417 | 78,856,850 | 78,856,850 | ||||
| —Diluted | 77,883,417 | 78,856,850 | 78,856,850 | ||||
| Note: | |||||||
| (a) Includes share-based compensation expenses as follows: | |||||||
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||
| 2023 | 2024 | ||||||
| RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||
| Cost of revenues | 290,987 | 303,535 | 42,039 | ||||
| Selling and marketing expenses | 3,128,077 | 2,010,112 | 278,397 | ||||
| Research and development expenses | 6,370,625 | 1,441,278 | 199,615 | ||||
| General and administrative expenses | 4,402,524 | 2,555,850 | 353,981 | ||||
| Total share-based compensation expenses | 14,192,213 | 6,310,775 | 874,032 | ||||
| NIU TECHNOLOGIES | |||||||
| RECONCILIATION OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP RESULTS | |||||||
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||
| 2023 | 2024 | ||||||
| RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||
| Net loss | (60,338,124 | ) | (54,797,613 | ) | (7,589,382 | ) | |
| Add: | |||||||
| Share-based compensation expenses | 14,192,213 | 6,310,775 | 874,032 | ||||
| Adjusted net loss | (46,145,911 | ) | (48,486,838 | ) | (6,715,350 | ) | |
__________________________
1 Adjusted net loss (non-GAAP) is defined as net loss excluding share-based compensation expenses
2 Revenues per e-scooter on e-scooter sales from China or international markets is defined as e-scooter sales revenues from China or international markets divided by the number of e-scooters sold in China or international markets in a specific period
3 Revenues per e-scooter on accessories, spare parts and services is defined as accessories, spare parts and services revenues divided by the total number of e-scooters sold in a specific period
4 Adjusted net loss margin is defined as adjusted net loss (non-GAAP) as a percentage of the revenues
FAQ
What were Niu Technologies' Q1 2024 revenues?
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