RMB9.0 Billion Full Year Adjusted Net Income Grew 32.3% 30.2 Billion Annual Parcels Expanded Market Share to 22.9%US$0.62 per Share Annual Dividend Increased 68%Upsizes Share Repurchase Program by USD500 million
SHANGHAI, March 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. (NYSE: ZTO and SEHK: 2057), a leading and fast-growing express delivery company in China ("ZTO" or the "Company"), today announced its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2023[1]. The Company grew parcel volume by 5.8 billion, or 23.8% year over year and expanded market share by 0.8 percentage points to 22.9% while maintaining high quality of service and customer satisfaction. Adjusted net income[2] increased 32.3% to reach RMB9.0 billion. Net cash generated from operating activities was RMB13,361.0 million.
Fourth Quarter 2023 Financial Highlights
Revenues were RMB10,619.4 million (US$1,495.7 million), an increase of 7.6% from RMB9,871.3 million in the same period of 2022. Gross profit was RMB3,128.2 million (US$440.6 million), an increase of 12.8% from RMB2,772.6 million in the same period of 2022. Net income was RMB2,209.8 million (US$311.2 million), an increase of 3.8% from RMB2,129.3 million in the same period of 2022. Adjusted EBITDA[3] was RMB3,651.8 million (US$514.3 million), an increase of 7.5% from RMB3,397.5 million in the same period of 2022. Adjusted net income was RMB2,214.4 million (US$311.9 million), an increase of 4.4% from RMB2,120.2 million in the same period of 2022. Basic and diluted net earnings per American depositary share ("ADS"[4]) were RMB2.72 (US$0.38) and RMB2.66 (US$0.37), an increase of 1.9% and 1.9% from RMB2.67 and RMB2.61 in the same period of 2022, respectively. Adjusted basic and diluted earnings per American depositary share attributable to ordinary shareholders[5] were RMB2.73 (US$0.38) and RMB2.67 (US$0.38), an increase of 2.6% and 2.7% from RMB2.66 and RMB2.60 in the same period of 2022, respectively. Net cash provided by operating activities was RMB3,923.3 million (US$552.6 million), compared with RMB3,769.8 million in the same period of 2022.
Fiscal Year 2023 Financial Highlights
Revenues were RMB38,418.9 million (US$5,411.2 million), an increase of 8.6% from RMB35,377.0 million in 2022. Gross profit was RMB11,662.5 million (US$1,642.6 million), an increase of 29.0% from RMB9,039.3 million in 2022. Net income was RMB8,754.5 million (US$1,233.0 million), an increase of 31.5% from RMB6,659.0 million in 2022. Adjusted EBITDA[3] was RMB14,107.3 million (US$1,987.0 million), an increase of 25.0% from RMB11,289.1 million in 2022. Adjusted net income[2] was RMB9,005.9 million (US$1,268.5 million), an increase of 32.3% from RMB6,806.0 million in 2022. Basic and diluted net earnings per American depositary share ("ADS"[4]) were RMB10.83 (US$1.53) and RMB10.60 (US$1.49), an increase of 28.8% and 26.8% from RMB8.41 and RMB8.36 in 2022. Adjusted basic and diluted net earnings per American depositary share attributable to ordinary shareholders were RMB11.14 (US$1.57) and RMB10.90 (US$1.54), an increase of 29.7% and 27.6% from RMB8.59 and RMB8.54 in 2022. Net cash provided by operating activities was RMB13,361.0 million (US$1,881.9 million), compared with RMB11,479.3 million in 2022.
Operational Highlights for Fourth Quarter 2023
Parcel volume was 8,705 million, an increase of 32.0% from 6,593 million in the same period of 2022. Number of pickup/delivery outlets was over 31,000 as of December 31, 2023. Number of direct network partners was over 6,000 as of December 31, 2023. Number of self-owned line-haul vehicles was over 10,000 as of December 31, 2023. Out of the over 10,000 self-owned trucks, over 9,200 were high capacity 15 to 17-meter-long models as of December 31, 2023, compared to approximately 11,000 as of December 31, 2022. Number of line-haul routes between sorting hubs was over 3,900 as of December 31, 2023, compared to approximately 3,750 as of December 31, 2022. Number of sorting hubs was 99 as of December 31, 2023, among which 91 are operated by the Company and 8 by the Company’s network partners.
(1)
An investor relations presentation accompanies this earnings release and can be found at http://zto.investorroom.com.
(2)
Adjusted net income is a non-GAAP financial measure, which is defined as net income before share-based compensation expense and non-recurring items such as gain on disposal of equity investments and subsidiaries and corresponding tax impact which management aims to better represent the underlying business operations.
(3)
Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure, which is defined as net income before depreciation, amortization, interest expenses and income tax expenses, and further adjusted to exclude the shared-based compensation expense and non-recurring items such as the gain on disposal of equity investments and subsidiaries which management aims to better represent the underlying business operations.
(4)
One ADS represents one Class A ordinary share.
(5)
Adjusted basic and diluted earnings per American depositary share attributable to ordinary shareholders is a non-GAAP financial measure. It is defined as adjusted net income attributable to ordinary shareholders divided by weighted average number of basic and American depositary diluted shares, respectively.
Mr. Meisong Lai, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ZTO, commented, "Amidst uncertainties and unexpected shifts in macroeconomic environment as well as in China express delivery industry during 2023, and by focusing on what we can do, ZTO delivered strong results for the year. We stayed ahead of the industry growth with 30.2 billion parcels and achieved 9 billion adjusted net income that grew 32.3% over last year. As we continued to evolve from being heavily dependent on experience to become increasingly assisted by data and analytics, we received positive outcome across many aspects of our business including partner network quality and stability, product and services enrichment, revenue mix improvements, operational productivity gain and last-mile presence."
Mr. Lai added, "The landscape of express delivery industry in China continues to bifurcate between bigger scale and higher profitability versus smaller in size or overcoming losses. ZTO is at the forefront of this divergence. Our strategies and execution have been effective in striking healthy balance amongst competing priorities including service quality, volume growth and earnings expansions throughout the years. Although uncertainties remain in near and longer term macroeconomic and industry specific development, we are certain of our clear competitive strengths that took years to build, and with unrelenting vigilance, we are well prepared to effectively manage risks and seize opportunities, as well as pragmatically raise shareholder returns."
Ms. Huiping Yan, Chief Financial Officer of ZTO, commented, "Moving in the same direction of the industry, ZTO’s core express ASP declined 11.3% or ¥16 cents for 2023, out of which, ¥5 cents were associated with volume incentives. Price competition remained intense particularly in ecommerce concentrated markets. The positive news is that our solid base scale and continuous productivity initiatives combined with stable SG&A cost structure altogether helped to offset the negative price impact. Our operating margin rate improved by 4.1 points for the year to reach 26%. With digitization driving operational decisions and execution process, our ability to deliver on strategic goals have greatly improved."
Ms. Yan added, "Capital spending for 2023 was ¥6.7 billion, and cash flow from operating activities grew 16.4% to reach ¥13.4 billion. The board has approved the establishment of a regular dividend policy starting with a $62 cents per share cash dividend for 2023, and no less than 40% payout ratio for 2024. Further, the board authorized an additional US$500 million stock repurchase amount to add to the previous total of US$1.5 billion buyback program. Benefiting from the positive long-term growth prospects of Chinese economy, logistics industry, and leveraging the Company’s competitive advantage and free cash generation, ZTO is well prepared to steadily increase return to our investors."
Fourth Quarter 2023 Unaudited Financial Results
Three Months Ended December 31,
2022
2023
RMB
%
RMB
US$
%
(in thousands, except percentages)
Express delivery services
9,168,541
92.9
9,759,253
1,374,562
91.9
Freight forwarding services
254,130
2.6
236,640
33,330
2.2
Sale of accessories
404,683
4.1
579,138
81,570
5.5
Others
43,973
0.4
44,403
6,254
0.4
Total revenues
9,871,327
100.0
10,619,434
1,495,716
100.0
Total Revenues were RMB10,619.4 million (US$1,495.7 million), an increase of 7.6% from RMB9,871.3 million in the same period of 2022. Revenue from the core express delivery business increased by 8.0% compared to the same period of 2022, as a net result of a 32.0% increase in parcel volume and an 18.2% decrease in parcel unit price. KA revenue including delivery fees from direct sales organizations, established to serve core express KA customers, decreased by 47.0% through either re-engagement of partner outlets or rationalization due to loss-making. Revenue from freight forwarding services decreased by 6.9% compared to the same period of 2022 mainly due to declining cross border e-commerce pricing. Revenue from sales of accessories, largely consisted of sales of thermal paper used for digital waybills’ printing, increased by 43.1% in line with parcel volume growth. Other revenues were mainly derived from financing services.
Three Months Ended December 31,
2022
2023
% of
% of
RMB
revenues
RMB
US$
revenues
(in thousands, except percentages)
Line-haul transportation cost
3,394,342
34.4
3,964,208
558,347
37.3
Sorting hub operating cost
2,139,620
21.7
2,257,047
317,898
21.3
Freight forwarding cost
238,464
2.4
227,547
32,049
2.1
Cost of accessories sold
147,838
1.5
162,227
22,849
1.5
Other costs
1,178,501
11.9
880,156
123,968
8.3
Total cost of revenues
7,098,765
71.9
7,491,185
1,055,111
70.5
Total cost of revenues was RMB7,491.2 million (US$1,055.1 million), an increase of 5.5% from RMB7,098.8 million in the same period last year.
Line haul transportation cost was RMB3,964.2 million (US$558.3 million), an increase of 16.8% from RMB3,394.3 million in the same period last year. The unit transportation cost decreased 11.5% or 5 cents mainly attributable to better economies of scale, optimized line-haul route planning and decrease in fuel price.
Sorting hub operating cost was RMB2,257.0 million (US$317.9 million), an increase of 5.5% from RMB2,139.6 million in the same period of last year. The increase primarily consisted of (i) RMB55.8 million (US$7.9 million) increase in labor-associated costs, a net result of wage increases partially offset by automation-driven efficiency improvement, and (ii) RMB84.2 million (US$11.9 million) increase in depreciation and amortization costs associated with automation equipment and other facilities. With standardization in operating procedures, improved performance evaluation system, the unit sorting cost decreased by 20.1% or 6 cents. As of December 31, 2023, there were 464 sets of automated sorting equipment were in service, compared to 458 sets as of December 31, 2022, which enhanced overall sorting operational efficiencies.
Cost of accessories sold was RMB162.2 million (US$22.8 million), increased by 9.7% compared with RMB147.8 million in the same period last year.
Other costs were RMB880.2 million (US$124.0 million), a decrease of 25.3% from RMB1,178.5 million in the same period last year. The decrease mainly consisted of (i) RMB273.7 million (US$38.5 million) decrease in dispatching costs associated with serving enterprise customers and (ii) RMB64.1 million (US$9.0 million) decrease in costs associated with expanding last mile business, offset by (iii) RMB34.1 million (US$4.8 million) increase in tax surcharge.
Gross Profit was RMB3,128.2 million (US$440.6 million), increased by 12.8% from RMB2,772.6 million in the same period last year as a combined result of revenues growth and cost productivity gain. Gross margin rate improved to 29.5% from 28.1% for the same period last year.
Total Operating Expenses were RMB373.2 million (US$52.6 million), compared to RMB312.7 million in the same period last year.
Selling, general and administrative expenses were RMB700.4 million (US$98.6 million), increased by 24.9% from RMB560.9 million in the same period last year. The increase primarily consisted of (i) RMB85.6 million (US$12.1 million) provision of losses from a credit loan provided to Shanghai Shuangcaiji Intelligent Technology Co., LTD, an equipment supplier, and (ii) RMB42.6 million (US$6.0 million) in depreciation and amortization expenses.
Other operating income, net was RMB327.2 million (US$46.1 million), compared to RMB248.1 million in the same period last year. Other operating income mainly consisted of (i) RMB191.2 million (US$26.9 million) of government subsidies and tax rebates, (ii) RMB71.8 million (US$10.1 million) of VAT super deduction, and (iii) RMB11.2 million (US$ 1.6 million) of rental income.
Income from operations was RMB2,755.1 million (US$388.0 million), an increase of 12.0% from RMB2,459.8 million for the same period last year. Operating margin rate increased to 25.9% from 24.9% in the same period last year.
Interest income was RMB201.4 million (US$28.4 million), compared with RMB111.8 million in the same period last year.
Interest expenses was RMB61.8 million (US$8.7 million), compared with RMB76.1 million in the same period last year.
Loss from fair value changes of financial instruments was RMB51.2 million (US$7.2 million), compared with a gain of RMB83.5 million in the same period last year. Such gain or loss from fair value changes of the financial instruments are determined by commercial banks according to market-based estimation of future redemption prices. The loss included RMB100.0 million (US$14.1 million) write off of certain trust products managed by Zhongrong International Trust Co. Ltd. (中融) who failed to make redemption payments upon maturity.
Income tax expenses were RMB636.6 million (US$89.7 million) compared to RMB500.5 million in the same period last year. Overall income tax rate increased by 3.0 percentage year over year, mainly due to RMB0.2 billion accrual of withholding tax on dividend payable to ZTO Express (Hong Kong) Limited.
Net income was RMB2,209.8 million (US$311.2 million), which increased by 3.8% from RMB2,129.3 million in the same period last year.
Basic and diluted earnings per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders were RMB2.72 (US$0.38) and RMB2.66 (US$0.37), compared to basic and diluted earnings per ADS of RMB2.67 and RMB2.61 in the same period last year, respectively.
Adjusted basic and diluted earnings per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders were RMB2.73 (US$0.38) and RMB2.67 (US$0.38), compared with RMB2.66 and RMB2.60 in the same period last year, respectively.
Adjusted net income was RMB2,214.4 million (US$311.9 million), compared with RMB2,120.2 million during the same period last year.
EBITDA[1] was RMB3,647.2 million (US$513.7 million), compared with RMB3,406.5 million in the same period last year.
Adjusted EBITDA was RMB3,651.8 million (US$514.3 million), compared to RMB3,397.5 million in the same period last year.
Net cash provided by operating activities was RMB3,923.3 million (US$552.6 million), compared with RMB3,769.8 million in the same period last year.
(1)
EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure, which is defined as net income before depreciation, amortization, interest expenses and income tax expenses which management aims to better represent the underlying business operations.
Fiscal Year 2023 Financial Results
Year Ended December 31,
2022
2023
RMB
%
RMB
US$
%
(in thousands, except percentages)
Express delivery services
32,575,698
92.1
35,488,060
4,998,389
92.4
Freight forwarding services
1,212,677
3.4
906,802
127,720
2.4
Sale of accessories
1,384,674
3.9
1,876,624
264,317
4.9
Others
203,947
0.6
147,429
20,765
0.3
Total revenues
35,376,996
100.0
38,418,915
5,411,191
100.0
Total Revenues were RMB38,418.9 million (US$5,411.2 million), an increase of 8.6% from RMB35,377.0 million last year. Revenue from the core express delivery business increased by 9.8%, as a net result of a 23.8% increase in parcel volume and an 11.3% decrease in parcel unit price. KA revenue including delivery fees from direct sales organizations, established to serve core express KA customers, decreased by 37.3% through either re-engagement of partner outlets for fulfilment or rationalization due to loss-making. Revenue from freight forwarding services decreased by 25.2% compared to last year due to post pandemic e-commerce price decline. Revenue from sales of accessories, largely consisted of sales of thermal paper used for digital waybills, increased by 35.5%, and in line with parcel volume growth. Other revenues were mainly derived from financing services.
Year Ended December 31,
2022
2023
% of
% of
RMB
revenues
RMB
US$
revenues
(in thousands, except percentages)
Line-haul transportation cost
12,480,170
35.3
13,591,627
1,914,341
35.4
Sorting hub operating cost
7,845,491
22.2
8,253,522
1,162,484
21.5
Freight forwarding cost
1,137,140
3.2
854,533
120,358
2.2
Cost of accessories sold
463,448
1.3
513,391
72,310
1.3
Other costs
4,411,472
12.4
3,543,316
499,066
9.2
Total cost of revenues
26,337,721
74.4
26,756,389
3,768,559
69.6
Total cost of revenues was RMB26,756.4 million (US$3,768.6 million), an increase of 1.6% from RMB26,337.7 million last year.
Line haul transportation cost was RMB13,591.6 million (US$1,914.3 million), an increase of 8.9% from RMB12,480.2 million last year. The unit transportation cost decreased by 12.1% or 6 cents mainly attributable to better economies of scale, optimized line-haul route planning and decreased fuel price.
Sorting hub operating cost was RMB8,253.5 million (US$1,162.5 million), an increase of 5.2% from RMB7,845.5 million last year. The increase primarily consisted of (i) RMB242.3 million (US$34.1 million) increase in labor-associated costs, a net result of wage increases partially offset by automation-driven efficiency improvement, and (ii)RMB245.7 million (US$34.6 million) increase in depreciation and amortization costs associated with automated equipment and other facilities. With standardization in operating procedures, improved performance evaluation system, the unit sorting cost decreased by 15.0% or 5 cents.
Cost of accessories sold was RMB513.4 million (US$72.3 million), increased by 10.8% compared with RMB463.4 million last year.
Other costs were RMB3,543.3 million (US$499.1 million), a decrease of 19.7% from RMB4,411.5 million in 2022. The decrease mainly consisted of (i) RMB904.7 million (US$127.4 million) decrease in dispatching costs associated with serving enterprise customers, offset by (ii) RMB137.2 million (US$19.3 million) increase in IT charges.
Gross Profit was RMB11,662.5 million (US$1,642.6 million), increased 29.0% from RMB9,039.3 million last year as a combined result of revenues growth and cost productivity gain. Gross margin rate improved to 30.4% from 25.6% last year.
Total Operating Expenses were RMB1,654.6 million (US$233.0 million), compared to RMB1,302.8 million last year.
Selling, general and administrative expenses were RMB2,425.3 million (US$341.6 million), increased by 16.7% from RMB2,077.4 million last year. The increase was primarily due to (i) RMB115.9 million (US$16.3 million) increase in compensation and benefit expenses, (ii) RMB85.6 million (US$12.1 million) provision of losses from a credit loan provided to Shanghai Shuangcaiji Intelligent Technology Co., LTD, an equipment supplier, (iii) RMB80.2 million (US$11.3 million) in headquarter facility expenses, and (iv) RMB74.8 million (US$10.5 million) depreciation and amortization costs associated with administrative equipment and facilities.
Other operating income, net was RMB770.7 million (US$108.5 million), compared to RMB774.6 million last year. Other operating income mainly consisted of (i) RMB397.0 million (US$55.9 million) of government subsidies and tax rebates, (ii) RMB277.4 million (US$39.1 million) of VAT super deduction, and (iii) RMB122.0 million (US$17.2 million) of rental income.
Income from operations was RMB10,007.9 million (US$1,409.6 million), an increase of 29.4% from RMB7,736.5 million last year. Operating margin rate increased to 26.0% from 21.9% last year.
Interest income was RMB706.8 million (US$99.5 million), compared with RMB503.7 million last year.
Interest expenses was RMB289.5 million (US$40.8 million), compared with RMB190.5 million last year.
Gain from fair value changes of financial instruments was RMB164.5 million (US$23.2 million) which included a loss of RMB100.0 million (US$14.1 million) of write off of certain trust products managed by Zhongrong International Trust Co. Ltd. (中融) who failed to make redemption payments upon maturity, compared with RMB46.2 million last year. Such gain or loss from fair value changes of the financial instruments are determined by commercial banks according to market-based estimation of future redemption prices.
Foreign currency exchange Gain, before tax was RMB93.5 million (US$13.2 million), mainly due to the appreciation of the onshore U.S. dollar-denominated bank deposits against the Chinese Renminbi.
Income tax expenses were RMB1,938.6 million (US$273.0 million) compared to RMB1,633.3 million last year. Overall income tax rate decreased by 1.6% for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared with the same period in 2022 due to an income tax refund of RMB207.1 million received in the third quarter by Shanghai Zhongtongji Network Technology Co., Ltd.(上海中通吉网络技术有限公司), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, for being recognized as a "Key Software Enterprise" that was qualified for a preferential tax rate of 10% for tax year 2022. Income tax expenses included RMB0.2 billion accrual of withholding tax on dividend payable to ZTO Express (Hong Kong) Limited.
Net income was RMB8,754.5 million (US$1,233.0 million), which increased by 31.5% from RMB6,659.0 million last year.
Basic and diluted earnings per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders were RMB10.83 (US$1.53) and RMB10.60 (US$1.49), compared to basic and diluted earnings per ADS of RMB8.41 and RMB8.36 last year, respectively.
Adjusted basic and diluted earnings per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders were RMB11.14 (US$1.57) and RMB10.90 (US$1.54), compared with RMB8.59 and RMB8.54 last year, respectively.
Adjusted net income was RMB9,005.9 million (US$1,268.5 million), compared with RMB6,806.0 million last year.
EBITDA[1] was RMB13,857.8 million (US$1,951.8 million), compared with RMB11,153.4 million last year.
Adjusted EBITDA was RMB14,107.3 million (US$1,987.0 million), compared to RMB11,289.1 million last year.
Net cash provided by operating activities was RMB13,361.0 million (US$1,881.9 million), compared with RMB11,479.3 million last year.
Recent Developments
Declaration of Dividend Payment
The board of directors (the "Board") has approved a cash dividend of US$0.62 per ADS and ordinary share for the fiscal year 2023, representing a 68% increase compared to the dividend for the fiscal year 2022, to holders of its ordinary shares and ADSs as of the close of business on April 10, 2024. The dividend payment represents a 40% dividend payout ratio. For holders of Class A ordinary shares, in order to qualify for entitlement to the dividend, all valid documents for the transfer of shares accompanied by the relevant share certificates must be lodged for registration with the Company’s Hong Kong branch share registrar, Computershare Hong Kong Investor Services Limited, at Shops 1712-1716, 17th Floor, Hopewell Centre, 183 Queen’s Road East, Wanchai, Hong Kong no later than 4:30 p.m. on April 10, 2024 (Hong Kong Time). The payment date is expected to be April 22, 2024 for holders of Class A ordinary shares, and April 29, 2024 for holders of ADSs.
Adoption of Semi-Annual Regular Dividend Policy
The Board has approved a semi-annual regular cash dividend policy starting from 2024. Under the semi-annual dividend policy, starting from 2024, the Company will declare and distribute a recurring cash dividend semi-annually, in which the aggregate amount of the semi-annual dividend for each year is equivalent to no less than 40% of the Company’s distributable profit in such fiscal year, or as otherwise authorized by the Board. The determination to make dividend distributions and the exact amount of such distributions in any particular semi-annual period will be based upon the Company’s operations and earnings, cash flow, financial condition, and other relevant factors, and subject to adjustment and determination by the Board.
Upsize and Extension of Share Repurchase Program
The Board has approved its share repurchase program in November 2018 and made subsequent modifications, whereby the latest modification increased the aggregate value of shares that may be repurchased to US$1.5 billion and extended the effective time through June 30, 2024. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had purchased an aggregate of 42,501,325 ADSs for US$1,063.0 million on the open market, including repurchase commissions. The remaining funds available under the share repurchase program is US$437.0 million.
The Board has approved to upsize the share repurchase program with US$500 million to increase the aggregate value of shares that may be repurchased to US$2.0 billion, and to extend the effective time by one year through June 30, 2025.
Business Outlook
Based on current market conditions and current operations, the Company’s parcel volume for 2024 is expected to be in the range of 34.73 billion to 35.64 billion, representing a 15% to 18% increase year over year. Such estimates represent management’s current and preliminary view, which are subject to change.
Exchange Rate
This announcement contains translation of certain Renminbi amounts into U.S. dollars at specified rates solely for the convenience of readers. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from Renminbi to U.S. dollars were made at the exchange rate of RMB7.0999 to US$1, the noon buying rate on December 29, 2023 as set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve Systems.
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The Company uses EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income, adjusted net income attributable to ordinary shareholders, and adjusted basic and diluted earnings per American depositary share attributable to ordinary shareholders, each a non-GAAP financial measure, in evaluating ZTO’s operating results and for financial and operational decision-making purposes.
Reconciliations of the Company’s non-GAAP financial measures to its U.S. GAAP financial measures are shown in tables at the end of this earnings release, which provide more details about the non-GAAP financial measures.
The Company believes that EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income, adjusted net income attributable to ordinary shareholders and adjusted basic and diluted earnings per American depositary share attributable to ordinary shareholders help identify underlying trends in ZTO’s business that could otherwise be distorted by the effect of the expenses and gains that the Company includes in income from operations and net income. The Company believes that EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income, adjusted net income attributable to ordinary shareholders and adjusted basic and diluted earnings per American depositary share attributable to ordinary shareholders provide useful information about its operating results, enhance the overall understanding of its past performance and future prospects and allow for greater visibility with respect to key metrics used by ZTO’s management in its financial and operational decision-making.
EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income, adjusted net income attributable to ordinary shareholders and adjusted basic and diluted earnings per American depositary share attributable to ordinary shareholders should not be considered in isolation or construed as an alternative to net income or any other measure of performance or as an indicator of the Company’s operating performance. Investors are encouraged to compare the historical non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures. EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income, adjusted net income attributable to ordinary shareholders and adjusted basic and diluted earnings per American depositary share attributable to ordinary shareholders 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 ZTO’s data. ZTO encourages investors and others to review the Company’s financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure.
Conference Call Information
ZTO’s management team will host an earnings conference call at 8:30 PM U.S. Eastern Time on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 (8:30 AM Beijing Time on Wednesday, March 20, 2024).
Dial-in details for the earnings conference call are as follows:
United States:
1-888-317-6003
Hong Kong:
800-963-976
Mainland China:
4001-206-115
Singapore:
800-120-5863
International:
1-412-317-6061
Passcode:
2471294
Please dial in 15 minutes before the call is scheduled to begin and provide the passcode to join the call.
A replay of the conference call may be accessed by phone at the following numbers until March 26, 2024:
United States:
1-877-344-7529
International:
1-412-317-0088
Passcode:
6936390
Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available at http://zto.investorroom.com.
About ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc.
ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. (NYSE: ZTO and SEHK:2057) ("ZTO" or the "Company") is a leading and fast-growing express delivery company in China. ZTO provides express delivery service as well as other value-added logistics services through its extensive and reliable nationwide network coverage in China.
ZTO operates a highly scalable network partner model, which the Company believes is best suited to support the significant growth of e-commerce in China. The Company leverages its network partners to provide pickup and last-mile delivery services, while controlling the mission-critical line-haul transportation and sorting network within the express delivery service value chain.
For more information, please visit http://zto.investorroom.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This announcement contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking" statements pursuant to 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 other similar expressions. Among other things, the business outlook and quotations from management in this announcement contain forward-looking statements. ZTO may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the "HKEX"), in its interim and annual reports to shareholders, in announcements, circulars or other publications made on the website of the HKEX, 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 but not limited to statements about ZTO’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: risks relating to the development of the e-commerce and express delivery industries in China; its significant reliance on certain third-party e-commerce platforms; risks associated with its network partners and their employees and personnel; intense competition which could adversely affect the Company’s results of operations and market share; any service disruption of the Company’s sorting hubs or the outlets operated by its network partners or its technology system; ZTO’s ability to build its brand and withstand negative publicity, or other favorable government policies. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in ZTO’s filings with the SEC and the HKEX. All information provided in this announcement is as of the date of this announcement, and ZTO does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
Summary of Unaudited Consolidated Comprehensive Income Data:
Three Months Ended December 31,
Year Ended December 31,
2022
2023
2022
2023
RMB
RMB
US$
RMB
RMB
US$
(in thousands, except for share and per share data)
Revenues
9,871,327
10,619,434
1,495,716
35,376,996
38,418,915
5,411,191
Cost of revenues
(7,098,765)
(7,491,185)
(1,055,111)
(26,337,721)
(26,756,389)
(3,768,559)
Gross profit
2,772,562
3,128,249
440,605
9,039,275
11,662,526
1,642,632
Operating (expenses)/income:
Selling, general and administrative
(560,859)
(700,357)
(98,643)
(2,077,372)
(2,425,253)
(341,590)
Other operating income, net
248,132
327,203
46,086
774,578
770,651
108,544
Total operating expenses
(312,727)
(373,154)
(52,557)
(1,302,794)
(1,654,602)
(233,046)
Income from operations
2,459,835
2,755,095
388,048
7,736,481
10,007,924
1,409,586
Other income/(expenses):
Interest income
111,768
201,383
28,364
503,722
706,765
99,546
Interest expense
(76,147)
(61,804)
(8,705)
(190,521)
(289,533)
(40,780)
Gain/(loss) from fair value changes of
financial instruments
83,504
(51,247)
(7,218)
46,246
164,517
23,172
Gain/(loss) on disposal of equity
investees and subsidiaries
and others
9,083
(4,589)
(646)
69,598
5,485
773
Impairment of investment in equity
investee
–
–
–
(26,328)
–
–
Foreign currency exchange gain
before tax
9,064
17,972
2,531
147,254
93,543
13,175
Income before income tax, and share of
loss in equity method
2,597,107
2,856,810
402,374
8,286,452
10,688,701
1,505,472
Income tax expense
(500,518)
(636,621)
(89,666)
(1,633,330)
(1,938,600)
(273,046)
Share of gain/(loss) in equity method
investments
32,696
(10,376)
(1,461)
5,844
4,356
614
Net income
2,129,285
2,209,813
311,247
6,658,966
8,754,457
1,233,040
Net loss/(gain) attributable to
non-controlling interests
33,326
(17,507)
(2,466)
150,090
(5,453)
(768)
Net income attributable to ZTO Express
(Cayman) Inc.
2,162,611
2,192,306
308,781
6,809,056
8,749,004
1,232,272
Net income attributable to ordinary
shareholders
2,162,611
2,192,306
308,781
6,809,056
8,749,004
1,232,272
Net earnings per share attributed to
ordinary shareholders
Basic
2.67
2.72
0.38
8.41
10.83
1.53
Diluted
2.61
2.66
0.37
8.36
10.60
1.49
Weighted average shares used in
calculating net earnings per ordinary
share/ADS
Basic
809,601,049
806,082,185
806,082,185
809,442,862
807,739,616
807,739,616
Diluted
841,226,602
837,291,253
837,291,253
820,273,531
838,948,683
838,948,683
Net income
2,129,285
2,209,813
311,247
6,658,966
8,754,457
1,233,040
Other comprehensive income/
(expenses), net of tax of nil:
Foreign currency translation adjustment
35,752
70,677
9,955
155,432
(104,052)
(14,655)
Comprehensive income
2,165,037
2,280,490
321,202
6,814,398
8,650,405
1,218,385
Comprehensive loss/(income)
attributable to non-controlling
interests
33,326
(17,507)
(2,466)
150,090
(5,453)
(768)
Comprehensive income attributable to
ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc.
2,198,363
2,262,983
318,736
6,964,488
8,644,952
1,217,617
Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets Data:
As of
December 31,
December 31,
2022
2023
RMB
RMB
US$
(in thousands, except for share data)
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
11,692,773
12,333,884
1,737,191
Restricted cash
895,483
686,568
96,701
Accounts receivable, net
818,968
572,558
80,643
Financing receivables
951,349
1,135,445
159,924
Short-term investment
5,753,483
7,454,633
1,049,963
Inventories
40,537
28,074
3,954
Advances to suppliers
861,573
821,942
115,768
Prepayments and other current assets
3,146,378
3,772,377
531,328
Amounts due from related parties
314,483
148,067
20,855
Total current assets
24,475,027
26,953,548
3,796,327
Investments in equity investee
3,950,544
3,455,119
486,643
Property and equipment, net
28,813,204
32,181,025
4,532,603
Land use rights, net
5,442,951
5,637,101
793,969
Intangible assets, net
29,437
23,240
3,273
Operating lease right-of-use assets
808,506
672,193
94,676
Goodwill
4,241,541
4,241,541
597,409
Deferred tax assets
750,097
879,772
123,914
Long-term investment
7,322,545
12,170,881
1,714,233
Long-term financing receivables
1,295,755
964,780
135,886
Other non-current assets
816,839
701,758
98,841
Amounts due from related parties-non current
577,140
584,263
82,292
TOTAL ASSETS
78,523,586
88,465,221
12,460,066
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities
Short-term bank borrowing
5,394,423
7,765,990
1,093,817
Accounts payable
2,202,692
2,557,010
360,147
Notes payable
200,000
–
–
Advances from customers
1,374,691
1,745,727
245,881
Income tax payable
228,422
333,257
46,938
Amounts due to related parties
49,138
234,683
33,054
Operating lease liabilities
229,718
186,253
26,233
Dividends payable
1,497
1,548
218
Other current liabilities
6,724,743
7,236,716
1,019,271
Total current liabilities
16,405,324
20,061,184
2,825,559
Non-current operating lease liabilities
510,349
455,879
64,209
Deferred tax liabilities
346,472
638,200
89,889
Convertible senior bond
6,788,971
7,029,550
990,091
TOTAL LIABILITIES
24,051,116
28,184,813
3,969,748
Shareholders’ equity
Ordinary shares (US$0.0001 par value; 10,000,000,000 shares authorized; 826,943,309
shares issued and 809,247,109 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2022; 812,866,663 shares issued and 804,719,252 shares outstanding as of December 31,
2023)
535
525
74
Additional paid-in capital
26,717,727
24,201,745
3,408,744
Treasury shares, at cost
(2,062,530)
(510,986)
(71,971)
Retained earnings
29,459,491
36,301,185
5,112,915
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(86,672)
(190,724)
(26,862)
ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. shareholders’ equity
54,028,551
59,801,745
8,422,900
Noncontrolling interests
443,919
478,663
67,418
Total Equity
54,472,470
60,280,408
8,490,318
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
78,523,586
88,465,221
12,460,066
Summary of Unaudited Consolidated Cash Flow Data:
Three Months Ended December 31,
Year Ended December 31,
2022
2023
2022
2023
RMB
RMB
US$
RMB
RMB
US$
(in thousands)
Net cash provided by operating activities
3,769,838
3,923,285
552,583
11,479,308
13,360,967
1,881,851
Net cash used in investing activities
(4,380,805)
1,181,169
166,364
(16,041,890)
(12,252,751)
(1,725,762)
Net cash (used in) / provided by financing
activities
(1,707,120)
(2,166,101)
(305,089)
7,058,202
(769,836)
(108,429)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash,
cash equivalents and restricted cash
(59,220)
4,450
627
338,106
109,843
15,471
Net (decrease) / increase in cash, cash
equivalents and restricted cash
(2,377,307)
2,942,803
414,485
2,833,726
448,223
63,131
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted
cash at beginning of period
14,980,394
10,108,507
1,423,753
9,769,361
12,603,087
1,775,107
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted
cash at end of period
12,603,087
13,051,310
1,838,238
12,603,087
13,051,310
1,838,238
The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the condensed consolidated balance sheets that sum to the total of the same such amounts shown in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows:
As of
December 31,
December 31,
2022
2023
RMB
RMB
US$
(in thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents
11,692,773
12,333,884
1,737,191
Restricted cash, current
895,483
686,568
96,701
Restricted cash, non-current
14,831
30,858
4,346
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
12,603,087
13,051,310
1,838,238
Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results
Three Months Ended December 31,
Year Ended December 31,
2022
2023
2022
2023
RMB
RMB
US$
RMB
RMB
US$
(in thousands, except for share and
per share data)
Net income
2,129,285
2,209,813
311,247
6,658,966
8,754,457
1,233,040
Add:
Share-based compensation expense [1]
–
–
–
178,980
254,976
35,913
Impairment of investment in equity investee [1]
–
–
–
26,328
–
–
(Gain) / Loss on disposal of equity investees and subsidiaries and others, net of income taxes
(9,083)
4,589
646
(58,275)
(3,513)
(495)
Adjusted net income
2,120,202
2,214,402
311,893
6,805,999
9,005,920
1,268,458
Net income
2,129,285
2,209,813
311,247
6,658,966
8,754,457
1,233,040
Add:
Depreciation
665,400
705,117
99,314
2,540,899
2,740,819
386,037
Amortization
35,199
33,855
4,768
129,647
134,390
18,928
Interest expenses
76,147
61,804
8,705
190,521
289,533
40,780
Income tax expenses
500,518
636,621
89,666
1,633,330
1,938,600
273,046
EBITDA
3,406,549
3,647,210
513,700
11,153,363
13,857,799
1,951,831
Add:
Share-based compensation expense
–
–
–
178,980
254,976
35,913
Impairment of investment in equity investee
–
–
–
26,328
–
–
(Gain) / Loss on disposal of equity investees and subsidiaries and others, before income taxes
(9,083)
4,589
646
(69,598)
(5,485)
(773)
Adjusted EBITDA
3,397,466
3,651,799
514,346
11,289,073
14,107,290
1,986,971
(1) Net of income taxes of nil
Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results
Three Months Ended December 31,
Year Ended December 31,
2022
2023
2022
2023
RMB
RMB
US$
RMB
RMB
US$
(in thousands, except for share and per share data)
Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders
2,162,611
2,192,306
308,781
6,809,056
8,749,004
1,232,272
Add:
Share-based compensation expense [1]
–
–
–
178,980
254,976
35,913
Impairment of investment in equity investee [1]
–
–
–
26,328
–
–
(Gain) / Loss on disposal of equity investees and subsidiaries and others, net of income taxes
(9,083)
4,589
646
(58,275)
(3,513)
(495)
Adjusted Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders
2,153,528
2,196,895
309,427
6,956,089
9,000,467
1,267,690
Weighted average shares used in calculating net earnings per ordinary share/ADS
Basic
809,601,049
806,082,185
806,082,185
809,442,862
807,739,616
807,739,616
Diluted
841,226,602
837,291,253
837,291,253
820,273,531
838,948,683
838,948,683
Net earnings per share/ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders
Basic
2.67
2.72
0.38
8.41
10.83
1.53
Diluted
2.61
2.66
0.37
8.36
10.60
1.49
Adjusted net earnings per share/ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders
Basic
2.66
2.73
0.38
8.59
11.14
1.57
Diluted
2.60
2.67
0.38
8.54
10.90
1.54
(1) Net of income taxes of nil
For investor and media inquiries, please contact:
ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc.Investor RelationsE-mail: ir@zto.comPhone: +86 21 5980 4508
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