17 Education & Technology Group Inc. Announces First Quarter 2024 Unaudited Financial Results
17 Education & Technology Group (NASDAQ: YQ) announced its unaudited financial results for Q1 2024. Net revenues reached RMB25.5 million (US$3.5 million), up 175% YoY from RMB9.3 million. Gross margin improved to 38.4% from 24.4% in Q1 2023. Despite the net loss narrowing to RMB56.1 million (US$7.8 million) from RMB92.5 million, it still represented a negative 219.9% of net revenues. Adjusted net loss (non-GAAP) was RMB42.7 million (US$5.9 million), down from RMB64.0 million. Cash and cash equivalents stood at RMB447.2 million (US$61.9 million) as of March 31, 2024. The company attributes growth to its core SaaS business and operational efficiency improvements.
- Net revenues increased by 175% YoY to RMB25.5 million (US$3.5 million).
- Gross margin improved to 38.4% from 24.4% in Q1 2023.
- Net loss decreased to RMB56.1 million (US$7.8 million) from RMB92.5 million.
- Adjusted net loss (non-GAAP) decreased to RMB42.7 million (US$5.9 million) from RMB64.0 million.
- Total operating expenses decreased by 31.6% YoY to RMB72.7 million (US$10.1 million).
- Sales and marketing expenses decreased by 13.9% YoY to RMB18.8 million (US$2.6 million).
- Research and development expenses decreased by 56.9% YoY to RMB19.1 million (US$2.6 million).
- Cash and cash equivalents were RMB447.2 million (US$61.9 million) as of March 31, 2024.
- Net loss as a percentage of net revenues was negative 219.9%, though improved from negative 997.9% in Q1 2023.
- Loss from operations was RMB62.9 million (US$8.7 million), representing a negative 246.7% of net revenues.
- Adjusted net loss (non-GAAP) as a percentage of net revenues was still high at negative 167.4%.
- Cost of revenues increased by 124% YoY to RMB15.7 million (US$2.2 million).
- General and administrative expenses remained high at RMB34.8 million (US$4.8 million), though decreased by 13.3% YoT.
Insights
17 Education & Technology Group Inc. has shown a significant improvement in its financial metrics for the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period last year. Notably, the revenue increased by
The reduction in net loss to
On the downside, the net loss as a percentage of revenue is still quite high at
For investors, the key takeaway is the company's ability to drive revenue growth while managing costs and narrowing losses, though it remains in a loss-making position. Positive momentum in the SaaS segment could be indicative of better times ahead, but continued vigilance is warranted.
Analyzing the market context, 17 Education & Technology Group Inc.'s performance should be viewed through the lens of the rapidly evolving education technology sector in China. The impressive
However, the company's significant net loss, even after adjustments, raises questions about its long-term viability and ability to achieve sustainable profitability. The high operational expenses relative to revenue underscore the challenges in scaling up while managing costs. Nevertheless, the company's improvement in operational efficiency and cost control indicates a positive direction.
For retail investors, the key insight is the balance between growth potential and ongoing financial challenges. The company's strategic initiatives and market position suggest potential for future gains, but the persistent losses and high operational costs warrant a cautious approach.
BEIJING, June 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 17 Education & Technology Group Inc. (NASDAQ: YQ) (“17EdTech” or the “Company”), a leading education technology company in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the first quarter of 2024.
First Quarter 2024 Highlights1
- Net revenues were RMB25.5 million (US
$3.5 million ), compared with net revenues of RMB9.3 million in the first quarter of 2023. - Gross margin was
38.4% , compared with24.4% in the first quarter of 2023. - Net loss was RMB56.1 million (US
$7.8 million ), compared with net loss of RMB92.5 million in the first quarter of 2023. - Net loss as a percentage of net revenues was negative
219.9% in the first quarter of 2024, compared with negative997.9% in the first quarter of 2023. - Adjusted net loss2 (non-GAAP), which excluded share-based compensation expenses of RMB13.4 million (US
$1.9 million ), was RMB42.7 million (US$5.9 million ), compared with adjusted net loss (non-GAAP) of RMB64.0 million in the first quarter of 2023. - Adjusted net loss (non-GAAP) as a percentage of net revenues was negative
167.4% in the first quarter of 2024, compared with negative690.6% adjusted net loss (non-GAAP) as a percentage of net revenues in the first quarter of 2023.
| 1 | For a reconciliation of non-GAAP numbers, please see the table captioned “Reconciliations of non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP measures” at the end of this press release. | ||
| 2 | Adjusted net income (loss) represents net income (loss) excluding share-based compensation expenses. | ||
Mr. Andy Liu, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company commented, “In the first quarter, we continued to strengthen our core SaaS teaching and learning business through enhancing high-quality products and service solutions, expanding sales network and services into new opportunity areas. Our primary business achieved robust growth, with a notable top-line growth during the quarter.”
“We continue to optimize our business structures to harness synergies across all business lines for improved operational efficiency.” he added.
Mr. Michael Du, Director and Chief Financial Officer of the Company commented, “In the quarter, our net loss on a GAAP basis continued to narrow compared with the same period in 2023. Our teaching and learning SaaS business exhibited consistent progress with new projects winnings and delivery. Additionally, we diversified the range of services within existing projects to fortify our revenue streams. The wider customer base has also allowed us greater flexibility and resilience during this environment.”
First Quarter 2024 Unaudited Financial Results
Net Revenues
Net revenues for the first quarter of 2024 were RMB25.5 million (US
Cost of Revenues
Cost of revenues for the first quarter of 2024 was RMB15.7 million (US
Gross Profit and Gross Margin
Gross profit for the first quarter of 2024 was RMB9.8 million (US
Gross margin for the first quarter of 2024 was
Total Operating Expenses
The following table sets forth a breakdown of operating expenses by amounts and percentages of revenue during the periods indicated (in thousands, except for percentages):
| For the three months ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2024 | Year- | ||||||||||||||||
| RMB | % | RMB | USD | % | over- year | |||||||||||||
| Sales and marketing expenses | 21,828 | 235.4 | % | 18,787 | 2,602 | 73.7 | % | -13.9 | % | |||||||||
| Research and development expenses | 44,273 | 477.4 | % | 19,081 | 2,643 | 74.8 | % | -56.9 | % | |||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 40,182 | 433.3 | % | 34,845 | 4,826 | 136.6 | % | -13.3 | % | |||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 106,283 | 1,146.1 | % | 72,713 | 10,071 | 285.1 | % | -31.6 | % | |||||||||
Total operating expenses for the first quarter of 2024 were RMB72.7 million (US
Sales and marketing expenses for the first quarter of 2024 were RMB18.8 million (US
Research and development expenses for the first quarter of 2024 were RMB19.1 million (US
General and administrative expenses for the first quarter of 2024 were RMB34.8 million (US
Loss from Operations
Loss from operations for the first quarter of 2024 was RMB62.9 million (US
Net Loss
Net loss for the first quarter of 2024 was RMB56.1 million (US
Adjusted Net Loss (non-GAAP)
Adjusted net loss (non-GAAP) for the first quarter of 2024 was RMB42.7 million (US
Please refer to the table captioned “Reconciliations of non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP measures” at the end of this press release for a reconciliation of net loss under U.S. GAAP to adjusted net loss (non-GAAP).
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Term Deposit
Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and term deposit were RMB447.2 million (US
Conference Call Information
The Company will hold a conference call on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at 9:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time (Thursday, June 6, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. Beijing time) to discuss the financial results for the first quarter of 2024.
Please note that all participants will need to preregister for the conference call participation by navigating to https://register.vevent.com/register/BI8e11cfcc29d944e986b715c7c11309cc.
Upon registration, you will receive an email containing participant dial-in numbers, and PIN number. To join the conference call, please dial the number you receive, enter the PIN number, and you will be joined to the conference call instantly.
Additionally, a live and archived webcast of this conference call will be available at https://ir.17zuoye.com/.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
17EdTech’s management uses adjusted net income (loss) as a non-GAAP financial measure to gain an understanding of 17EdTech’s comparative operating performance and future prospects.
Adjusted net income (loss) represents net loss excluding share-based compensation expenses and such adjustment has no impact on income tax.
Adjusted net income (loss) is used by 17EdTech’s management in their financial and operating decision-making as a non-GAAP financial measure; because management believes it reflects 17EdTech’s ongoing business and operating performance in a manner that allows meaningful period-to-period comparisons. 17EdTech’s management believes that such non-GAAP measure provides useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating 17EdTech’s operating performance in the same manner as management does, if they so choose. Specifically, 17EdTech believes the non-GAAP measure provides useful information to both management and investors by excluding certain charges that the Company believes are not indicative of its core operating results.
The non-GAAP financial measure has limitations. It does not include all items of income and expense that affect 17EdTech’s income from operations. Specifically, the non-GAAP financial measure is not prepared in accordance with GAAP, may not be comparable to non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies and, with respect to the non-GAAP financial measure that excludes certain items under GAAP, does not reflect any benefit that such items may confer to 17EdTech. Management compensates for these limitations by also considering 17EdTech’s financial results as determined in accordance with GAAP. The presentation of this additional information is not meant to be considered superior to, in isolation from or as a substitute for results prepared in accordance with US GAAP.
Exchange Rate Information
The Company’s business is primarily conducted in China and all of the revenues are denominated in Renminbi (“RMB”). However, periodic reports made to shareholders will include current period amounts translated into U.S. dollars (“USD” or “US$”) using the exchange rate as of balance sheet date, for the convenience of the readers. Translations of balances in the consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, change in shareholders’ deficit and cash flows from RMB into USD as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2024 are solely for the convenience of the readers and were calculated at the rate of US
About 17 Education & Technology Group Inc.
17 Education & Technology Group Inc. is a leading education technology company in China, offering smart in-school classroom solution that delivers data-driven teaching, learning and assessment products to teachers, students and parents. Leveraging its extensive knowledge and expertise obtained from in-school business over the past decade, the Company provides teaching and learning SaaS offerings to facilitate the digital transformation and upgrade at Chinese schools, with a focus on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of core teaching and learning scenarios such as homework assignments and in-class teaching. The product utilizes the Company’s technology and data insights to provide personalized and targeted learning and exercise content that is aimed at improving students’ learning efficiency.
Safe Harbor Statement
This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States 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” and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about 17EdTech’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. 17EdTech may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to 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: 17EdTech’s growth strategies; its future business development, financial condition and results of operations; its ability to continue to attract and retain users; its ability to carry out its business and organization transformation, its ability to implement and grow its new business initiatives; the trends in, and size of, China’s online education market; competition in and relevant government policies and regulations relating to China's online education market; its expectations regarding demand for, and market acceptance of, its products and services; its expectations regarding its relationships with business partners; 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 17EdTech’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and 17EdTech does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.
For investor and media inquiries, please contact:
17 Education & Technology Group Inc.
Ms. Lara Zhao
Investor Relations Manager
E-mail: ir@17zuoye.com
| 17 EDUCATION & TECHNOLOGY GROUP INC. | ||||||
| UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | ||||||
| (In thousands of RMB and USD, except for share and per ADS data, or otherwise noted) | ||||||
| As of December 31, | As of March 31, | |||||
| 2023 | 2024 | 2024 | ||||
| RMB | RMB | USD | ||||
| ASSETS | ||||||
| Current assets | ||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 306,929 | 274,549 | 38,025 | |||
| Term deposits | 169,756 | 172,634 | 23,910 | |||
| Accounts receivable | 59,206 | 26,842 | 3,718 | |||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 94,835 | 94,758 | 13,124 | |||
| Total current assets | 630,726 | 568,783 | 78,777 | |||
| Non-current assets | ||||||
| Property and equipment, net | 32,013 | 29,764 | 4,122 | |||
| Right-of-use assets | 20,007 | 16,181 | 2,241 | |||
| Other non-current assets | 1,780 | 1,927 | 267 | |||
| TOTAL ASSETS | 684,526 | 616,655 | 85,407 | |||
| LIABILITIES | ||||||
| Current liabilities | ||||||
| Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | 128,001 | 102,327 | 14,172 | |||
| Deferred revenue and customer advances, current | 44,949 | 40,881 | 5,662 | |||
| Operating lease liabilities, current | 7,647 | 6,354 | 880 | |||
| Total current liabilities | 180,597 | 149,562 | 20,714 | |||
| As of December 31, | As of March 31, | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2024 | 2024 | |||||||
| RMB | RMB | USD | |||||||
| Non-current liabilities | |||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities, non-current | 9,660 | 8,939 | 1,238 | ||||||
| TOTAL LIABILITIES | 190,257 | 158,501 | 21,952 | ||||||
| SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | |||||||||
| Class A ordinary shares | 305 | 305 | 42 | ||||||
| Class B ordinary shares | 38 | 38 | 5 | ||||||
| Treasury stock | (97 | ) | (304 | ) | (42 | ) | |||
| Additional paid-in capital | 10,987,407 | 11,000,749 | 1,523,586 | ||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive income | 77,363 | 84,190 | 11,662 | ||||||
| Accumulated deficit | (10,570,747 | ) | (10,626,824 | ) | (1,471,798 | ) | |||
| TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | 494,269 | 458,154 | 63,455 | ||||||
| TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | 684,526 | 616,655 | 85,407 | ||||||
| 17 EDUCATION & TECHNOLOGY GROUP INC. | |||||||||
| UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS | |||||||||
| (In thousands of RMB and USD, except for share and per ADS data, or otherwise noted) | |||||||||
| For the three months ended March 31, | |||||||||
| 2023 | 2024 | 2024 | |||||||
| RMB | RMB | USD | |||||||
| Net revenues | 9,273 | 25,501 | 3,532 | ||||||
| Cost of revenues | (7,010 | ) | (15,699 | ) | (2,174 | ) | |||
| Gross profit | 2,263 | 9,802 | 1,358 | ||||||
| Operating expenses (Note 1) | |||||||||
| Sales and marketing expenses | (21,828 | ) | (18,787 | ) | (2,602 | ) | |||
| Research and development expenses | (44,273 | ) | (19,081 | ) | (2,643 | ) | |||
| General and administrative expenses | (40,182 | ) | (34,845 | ) | (4,826 | ) | |||
| Total operating expenses | (106,283 | ) | (72,713 | ) | (10,071 | ) | |||
| Loss from operations | (104,020 | ) | (62,911 | ) | (8,713 | ) | |||
| Interest income | 7,774 | 5,137 | 711 | ||||||
| Foreign currency exchange gain | 13 | 160 | 22 | ||||||
| Other income, net | 3,712 | 1,537 | 213 | ||||||
| Loss before provision for income tax and loss from equity method investments | (92,521 | ) | (56,077 | ) | (7,767 | ) | |||
| Income tax expenses | — | — | — | ||||||
| Loss from equity method investments | (16 | ) | — | — | |||||
| Net loss | (92,537 | ) | (56,077 | ) | (7,767 | ) | |||
| Net loss available to ordinary shareholders of 17 | (92,537 | ) | (56,077 | ) | (7,767 | ) | |||
| Education & Technology Group Inc. | |||||||||
| Net loss per ordinary share | |||||||||
| Basic and diluted | (0.19 | ) | (0.14 | ) | (0.02 | ) | |||
| Net loss per ADS (Note 2) | |||||||||
| Basic and diluted | (9.50 | ) | (7.00 | ) | (1.00 | ) | |||
| Weighted average shares used in calculating net loss per ordinary share | |||||||||
| Basic and diluted | 486,558,988 | 387,566,725 | 387,566,725 | ||||||
| Note 1: Share-based compensation expenses were included in the operating expenses as follows: | |||||||||
| For the three months ended March 31, | |||||||||
| 2023 | 2024 | 2024 | |||||||
| RMB | RMB | USD | |||||||
| Share-based compensation expenses: | |||||||||
| Sales and marketing expenses | 5,067 | 2,026 | 281 | ||||||
| Research and development expenses | 6,964 | 3,780 | 524 | ||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 16,464 | 7,582 | 1,050 | ||||||
| Total | 28,495 | 13,388 | 1,855 | ||||||
| Note 2: Each one ADS represents fifty Class A ordinary shares. Effective on December 18, 2023, the Company changed the ratio of its ADS to its Class A ordinary shares from one ADSs representing ten Class A ordinary shares to one ADS representing fifty Class A ordinary shares. All earnings per ADS figures in this report give effect to the foregoing ADS to share ratio change. | |||||||||
| 17 EDUCATION & TECHNOLOGY GROUP INC. | |||||||||
| Reconciliations of non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP measures | |||||||||
| (In thousands of RMB and USD, except for share, per share and per ADS data) | |||||||||
| For the three months ended March 31, | |||||||||
| 2023 | 2024 | 2024 | |||||||
| RMB | RMB | USD | |||||||
| Net Loss | (92,537 | ) | (56,077 | ) | (7,767 | ) | |||
| Share-based compensation | 28,495 | 13,388 | 1,855 | ||||||
| Income tax effect | — | — | — | ||||||
| Adjusted net loss | (64,042 | ) | (42,689 | ) | (5,912 | ) | |||
FAQ
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