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Qudian Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2024 Unaudited Financial Results

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XIAMEN, China, Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Qudian Inc. (“Qudian” or “the Company” or “We”) (NYSE: QD), a consumer-oriented technology company in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2024.

Third Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights:

Total revenues were RMB55.0 million (US$7.8 million), compared to RMB29.6 million for the same period of last yearNet income attributable to Qudian’s shareholders was RMB131.9 million (US$18.8 million), compared to net loss of RMB181.2 million for the same period of last year; net income per diluted ADS was RMB0.71 (US$0.10) for the third quarter of 2024Non-GAAP net income attributable to Qudian’s shareholders was RMB131.9 million (US$18.8 million), compared to Non-GAAP net loss of RMB179.8 million for the same period of last year. We exclude share-based compensation expenses from our non-GAAP measures. Non-GAAP net income per diluted ADS was RMB0.71 (US$0.10) for the third quarter of 2024

The Company’s last-mile delivery business continued to make steady progress in 2024, which generated approximately RMB53.5 million in revenue in the third quarter of 2024, compared to RMB28.6 million for the third quarter of 2023. Moving forward, the Company expects to remain steadfast in its commitment to executing its business transition and simultaneously maintaining prudent cash management to safeguard its balance sheet.

Third Quarter Financial Results

Sales income and others increased by 85.9% to RMB55.0 million (US$7.8 million) from RMB29.6 million for the third quarter of 2023, which was primarily attributable to the increase in sales income generated from last-mile delivery business.

Total operating costs and expenses decreased to RMB122.0 million (US$17.4 million) from RMB141.1 million for the third quarter of 2023.

Cost of revenues increased by 5.7% to RMB48.9 million (US$7.0 million) from RMB46.3 million for the third quarter of 2023, primarily due to the increase in service cost related to last-mile delivery business.

General and administrative expenses decreased by 27.5% to RMB58.6 million (US$8.3 million) from RMB80.8 million for the third quarter of 2023, primarily due to the reduce in professional services fees after the Company completed research and consultation for last-mile delivery business in its early stage.

Research and development expenses increased by 29.3% to RMB14.6 million (US$2.1 million) from RMB11.3 million for the third quarter of 2023, primarily due to the increase in staff salaries as the Company continues to explore new business opportunities.

Loss from operations was RMB67.0 million (US$9.5 million), compared to RMB100.8 million for the third quarter of 2023.

Interest and investment income, net was RMB228.4 million (US$32.6 million), compared to interest and investment loss of RMB7.1 million for the third quarter of 2023, primarily attributable to the increase of income from investments in the third quarter of 2024.

Gain on derivative instrument was RMB30.2 million (US$4.3 million), compared to loss on derivative instrument of RMB108.0 million for the third quarter of 2023, mainly attributable to the increase in quoted price of the underlying equity securities relating to the derivative instruments we held.

Net income attributable to Qudian’s shareholders was RMB131.9 million (US$18.8 million), compared to net loss attributable to Qudian’s shareholders of RMB181.2 million in the third quarter of 2023. Net income per diluted ADS was RMB0.71 (US$0.10).

Non-GAAP net income attributable to Qudian’s shareholders was RMB131.9 million (US$18.8 million), compared to Non-GAAP net loss attributable to Qudian’s shareholders of RMB179.8 in the third quarter of 2023. Non-GAAP net income per diluted ADS was RMB0.71 (US$0.10).

Cash Flow

As of September 30, 2024, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of RMB4,847.0 million (US$690.7 million) and restricted cash of RMB779.5 million (US$111.1 million). Restricted cash mainly represents security deposits held in designated bank accounts for the guarantee of short-term borrowings. Such restricted cash is not available to fund the general liquidity needs of the Company.

For the third quarter of 2024, net cash provided by operating activities was RMB679.9 million (US$96.9 million), mainly due to the net proceeds from redemption of time and structured deposit. Net cash used in investing activities was RMB541.8 million (US$77.2 million), mainly due to payments of deposit pledged as collateral for derivative instrument. Net cash provided by financing activities was RMB638.0 million (US$90.9 million), mainly due to the proceeds from short-term borrowings and partially offset by the repurchase of ordinary shares.

Last-mile Delivery Business

In response to the surging demand for cross-border e-commerce transactions, the Company has proactively sought innovative logistic services and solutions to meet global consumers’ expectations for swift and top-tier delivery services. In December 2022, the Company launched its last-mile delivery services under the brand name of “Fast Horse.” The business was initially launched on a trial basis and has gradually achieved meaningful scale in Australia during the second quarter of 2023. As of the date of this release, the Company’s last-mile delivery service is available in Australia and New Zealand.

Update on Share Repurchase

Our Board approved a share repurchase program in March 2024 to purchase up to US$300 million worth of Class A ordinary shares or ADSs in the next 36 months starting from June 13, 2024. From the launch of the share repurchase program on June 13, 2024 to November 18, 2024, the Company has in aggregate purchased 12.1 million ADSs in the open market for a total amount of approximately US$25.3 million (an average price of $2.1 per ADS) pursuant to the share repurchase program.

As of November 18, 2024, the Company had in aggregate purchased 166.4 million ADSs for a total amount of approximately US$719.5 million (an average price of $4.3 per ADS).

About Qudian Inc.

Qudian Inc. (“Qudian”) is a consumer-oriented technology company. The Company historically focused on providing credit solutions to consumers. Qudian is exploring innovative logistics services to satisfy consumers’ demand for e-commerce transactions by leveraging its technology capabilities.

For more information, please visit http://ir.qudian.com.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We use Non-GAAP net income/loss attributable to Qudian’s shareholders, a Non-GAAP financial measure, in evaluating our operating results and for financial and operational decision-making purposes. We believe that Non-GAAP net income/loss attributable to Qudian’s shareholders helps identify underlying trends in our business by excluding the impact of share-based compensation expenses, which are non-cash charges. We believe that Non-GAAP net income/loss attributable to Qudian’s shareholders provides useful information about our operating results, enhances the overall understanding of our past performance and future prospects and allows for greater visibility with respect to key metrics used by our management in its financial and operational decision-making.

Non-GAAP net income/loss attributable to Qudian’s shareholders is not defined under U.S. GAAP and is not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. This Non-GAAP financial measure has limitations as an analytical tool, and when assessing our operating performance, cash flows or our liquidity, investors should not consider them in isolation, or as a substitute for net loss /income, cash flows provided by operating activities or other consolidated statements of operation and cash flow data prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

We mitigate these limitations by reconciling the Non-GAAP financial measure to the most comparable U.S. GAAP performance measure, all of which should be considered when evaluating our performance.

For more information on this Non-GAAP financial measure, please see the table captioned “Unaudited Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results” set forth at the end of this press release.

Exchange Rate Information

This announcement contains translations of certain RMB amounts into U.S. dollars (“US$”) at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise stated, all translations from RMB to US$ were made at the rate of RMB7.0176 to US$1.00, the noon buying rate in effect on September 30, 2024, in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board. The Company makes no representation that the RMB or US$ amounts referred could be converted into US$ or RMB, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all.

Statement Regarding Preliminary Unaudited Financial Information

The unaudited financial information set out in this earnings release is preliminary and subject to potential adjustments. Adjustments to the consolidated financial statements may be identified when audit work has been performed for the Company’s year-end audit, which could result in significant differences from this preliminary unaudited financial information.

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. Among other things, the expectation of its collection efficiency and delinquency, contain forward-looking statements. Qudian 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. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Qudian’s beliefs 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: Qudian’s goal and strategies; Qudian’s expansion plans; Qudian’s future business development, financial condition and results of operations; Qudian’s expectations regarding demand for, and market acceptance of, its products; Qudian’s expectations regarding keeping and strengthening its relationships with customers, business partners 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 Qudian’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and Qudian does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

In China:
Qudian Inc.
Tel: +86-592-596-8208
E-mail: ir@qudian.com

 

 

QUDIAN INC.

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

Three months ended September 30,

(In thousands except for number

2023

2024

of shares and per-share data)

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

RMB

RMB

US$

Revenues:

Sales income and others

29,598

55,015

7,840

Total revenues

29,598

55,015

7,840

Operating cost and expenses:

Cost of revenues

(46,279)

(48,913)

(6,970)

Sales and marketing

(2,123)

(303)

General and administrative

(80,796)

(58,580)

(8,348)

Research and development

(11,277)

(14,576)

(2,077)

Expected credit (loss)/reversal for receivables and other assets

(3,974)

2,798

399

Impairment gain/(loss) from other assets

1,258

(604)

(86)

Total operating cost and expenses

(141,068)

(121,998)

(17,385)

Other operating income

10,668

Loss from operations

(100,802)

(66,983)

(9,545)

Interest and investment (loss)/income, net

(7,099)

228,420

32,550

Gain/(Loss) from equity method investments

1,010

(1,390)

(198)

(Loss)/Gain on derivative instruments

(107,969)

30,246

4,310

Foreign exchange gain/(loss), net

274

(7,898)

(1,125)

Other income

10,694

2,030

289

Other expenses

(2,157)

(13,809)

(1,968)

Net (loss)/income before income taxes

(206,049)

170,616

24,313

Income tax expenses

24,821

(38,702)

(5,515)

Net (loss)/income

(181,228)

131,914

18,798

Net (loss)/income attributable to Qudian Inc.’s
shareholders

(181,228)

131,914

18,798

(Loss)/Earnings per share for Class A and Class B
ordinary shares:

Basic

(0.84)

0.73

0.10

Diluted

(0.84)

0.71

0.10

(Loss)/Earnings per ADS (1 Class A ordinary share
equals 1 ADSs):

Basic

(0.84)

0.73

0.10

Diluted

(0.84)

0.71

0.10

Weighted average number of Class A and Class B
ordinary shares outstanding:

Basic

214,666,223

180,111,125

180,111,125

Diluted

214,666,223

185,092,607

185,092,607

Other comprehensive loss:

Foreign currency translation adjustment

(1,471)

(60,991)

(8,691)

Total comprehensive (loss)/income

(182,699)

70,923

10,107

Total comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to
Qudian Inc.’s shareholders 

(182,699)

70,923

10,107

 

 

 

QUDIAN INC.

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

As of June 30,

As of September 30,

(In thousands except for number

2024

2024

of shares and per-share data)

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

RMB

RMB

US$

ASSETS:

 Current assets:

 Cash and cash equivalents

4,849,019

4,847,011

690,694

 Restricted cash

51,984

779,529

111,082

Time and structured deposit

2,948,606

1,988,626

283,377

 Short-term investments

1,091,177

485,814

69,228

 Accounts receivables

39,418

38,492

5,485

 Other current assets

615,275

2,104,961

299,955

 Total current assets

9,595,479

10,244,433

1,459,821

 Non-current assets:

 Right-of-use assets

163,246

163,539

23,304

 Investment in equity method investee

150,691

148,701

21,190

 Long-term investments

210,448

83,987

11,968

 Property and equipment, net

1,410,125

1,450,975

206,762

 Intangible assets

2,764

1,668

238

 Other non-current assets

469,476

459,272

65,446

 Total non-current assets

2,406,750

2,308,142

328,908

TOTAL ASSETS

12,002,229

12,552,575

1,788,729

QUDIAN INC.

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Continued)

As of June 30,

As of September 30,

(In thousands except for number

2024

2024

of shares and per-share data)

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

RMB

RMB

US$

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY 

 Current liabilities: 

 Short-term borrowings and interest payables

720,000

102,599

 Short-term lease liabilities

19,789

19,853

2,829

 Derivative instruments-liability

248,228

85,795

12,226

 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 

202,856

188,209

26,820

 Income tax payable 

25,947

33,728

4,806

 Total current liabilities 

496,820

1,047,585

149,280

 Non-current liabilities: 

 Long-term lease liabilities

51,432

51,661

7,362

 Total non-current liabilities 

51,432

51,661

7,362

 Total liabilities 

548,252

1,099,246

156,642

 Shareholders’ equity: 

 Class A Ordinary shares 

132

132

19

 Class B Ordinary shares 

44

44

6

 Treasury shares 

(1,196,636)

(1,263,641)

(180,067)

 Additional paid-in capital 

4,031,438

4,026,876

573,825

 Accumulated other comprehensive loss 

14,434

(46,556)

(6,634)

 Retained earnings 

8,604,565

8,736,474

1,244,938

 Total shareholders’ equity 

11,453,977

11,453,329

1,632,087

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY 

12,002,229

12,552,575

1,788,729

 

 

 

QUDIAN INC.

Unaudited Reconciliation of GAAP And Non-GAAP Results

Three months ended September 30,

2023

2024

(In thousands except for number

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

of shares and per-share data)

RMB

RMB

US$

Total net (loss)/income attributable to Qudian Inc.’s shareholders

(181,228)

131,914

18,798

Add: Share-based compensation expenses 

1,432

Non-GAAP net (loss)/income attributable to Qudian Inc.’s shareholders

(179,796)

131,914

18,798

Non-GAAP net (loss)/income per share—basic

(0.84)

0.73

0.10

Non-GAAP net (loss)/income per share—diluted

(0.84)

0.71

0.10

Weighted average shares outstanding—basic

214,666,223

180,111,125

180,111,125

Weighted average shares outstanding—diluted

214,666,223

185,092,607

185,092,607

 

 

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SOURCE Qudian Inc.

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Right Choice Construction Awarded Ground-up West Houston STEM Academy Project

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HOUSTON, Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Right Choice Construction is awarded the ground-up build of Genius Kids STEM Academy. 

The state-of-the-art educational center will fulfill its mission of fostering a passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) among children in the rapidly growing communities west of Houston.

Dr. Ajmal Murad, CEO of Genius Kids STEM Academy, shares his excitement for the project: “We believe that nurturing a passion for STEM is crucial for shaping our community’s future. This center will serve as a valuable resource, empowering our children to explore their interests and develop critical thinking skills that will benefit them for years to come.”

Right Choice Construction has worked closely with Genius Kids STEM Academy to bring this 9,500 SQ FT vision to life.

“Our team is thrilled to collaborate with Genius Kids STEM on this exciting project,” says Right Choice Construction owner Danielle Wright. “Children are our future. We are proud to construct a learning environment that is both inspiring and conducive to the development of young minds.”

The structure’s design is tailored to reflect the school’s mission of facilitating an early education focused on science and discovery. Enlarged overhangs are incorporated into the building’s architecture to provide filtered natural light throughout the classroom spaces.

Project lead Eugenia Forgang of Houston based Daniel Scott Turner Design states, “We envisioned a low-roofed structure which stretches across the Katy Prairie. The school interiors weave a palette of natural materials designed to promote and support healthy indoor learning environments.”

The Katy-based STEM academy will support its community’s educational needs. Genius Kids aims to provide a cutting-edge space where children can engage in learning experiences that encourage curiosity and critical thinking.

About Right Choice Construction

Right Choice Construction is a woman-owned commercial construction company with over 25 years of experience in the industry. Right Choice Construction is a Certified City of Houston Women Business Enterprise (WBE) and Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) under the Small Business Administration (SBA). Right Choice Construction specializes in ground-up construction, and its principles of compliance, quality and client satisfaction are at the core of its operations. Learn more at rightchoiceconstruction.com.

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SOURCE Right Choice Construction

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Unanet Acquires GovPro AI to Enable Customers to Win More Business

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Cutting-edge AI technology complements Unanet’s CRM solution by automating proposal writing

DULLES, Va., Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Unanet, the leading provider of project-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) for the government contracting (GovCon) and architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries, today announced it has acquired Washington, D.C.-based GovPro AI, the leader in AI-powered proposal writing platforms for GovCons. By incorporating GovPro AI’s technology into the Unanet product portfolio, Unanet is offering customers a solution to one of their most challenging and growth-constraining problems: the enormous amount of time, money, and resources invested in responding to complex and highly technical requests for proposals (RFP).

“Unanet is continuing to deliver on its promise to solve real business challenges for our customers,” said Steve Karp, Chief Innovation Officer, Unanet. “In addition to helping customers across the GovCon and AEC industries respond to RFPs more efficiently, GovPro AI’s technology and team will accelerate Unanet’s broader AI strategy via thought leadership, new technologies, and class-leading R&D methodologies that will benefit all our customers. We are excited to welcome this talented team of innovators to Unanet and invest in their solution, so it evolves to meet the constantly changing needs of our customers.”

Unanet chose GovPro AI to improve GovCons’ business development processes due to its unique and compelling blend of expertise in GovCon procurement processes, as well as the secure application of AI to solve real-world business needs. GovPro AI’s platform uses AI to create a high-quality first proposal draft – known to GovCons as the ‘pink team’ draft – for virtually any federal RFP in a matter of hours. Unanet plans to extend GovPro AI’s technology into the AEC market in 2025.

Industry experts estimate the cost of responding to a single RFP can typically be $50,000$100,000 — a significant investment for most firms and outright cost-prohibitive for smaller ones. According to Unanet’s most recent GAUGE Report, 45% of GovCons cite lack of business development resources as a challenge, and 69% say they are having issues winning new contracts.

This solution, backed by Unanet’s industry-leading service and support, enables customers to win more business faster, at a lower cost, and more strategically. GovCons can use the GovPro AI platform to reduce their average RFP time-to-draft by 70% and cut proposal generation costs in half. Additionally, customers can better evaluate their ‘go/no go’ decision-making and pursue those opportunities with a higher probability of winning.

Unanet can now offer its customers an option for a robust, comprehensive business development package composed of Unanet CRM and GovPro AI technologies, so they have:

Opportunity identification and assessmentRelationship managementPipeline managementAI-powered proposal generation

“Unanet’s commitment is to empower our customers’ business success with modern, purpose-built technology and people-centric service,” said Craig Halliday, CEO of Unanet. “When customers tell us about their business challenges, we evaluate all available options and invest in solving those challenges with best-in-class solutions either through in-house development, partnerships, or via acquisition. We’re on the same team as our customers, and it’s our job to support and further their success.”

GovPro AI was the brainchild of Alexander Cohen, who began contract writing government RFPs to earn extra money in graduate school. After his work helped win over $150M in business, it soon became clear there was a significant market opportunity to start a dedicated business focused on RFP preparation. Cohen and his select team of highly experienced experts from some of the world’s largest and most successful technology companies, government agencies, and GovCons started GovPro AI. Their first solution was a secure, highly specified RFP response platform leveraging generative AI technology. The depth of talent, technology, and management expertise made GovPro AI stand-out among other automation solutions.

“Being part of the Unanet team means we can advance our innovation and refine the solution features,” said Alexander Cohen, Founder of GovPro AI. “I’m looking forward to exploring new use cases for customers and continuing to deliver a more efficient, modern way of improving business development.”

Unanet completed the acquisition this month. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Current GovPro AI customers will continue to have full access to the solution at their original terms, with the addition of the Unanet customer service commitment.

About Unanet
Unanet is a leading provider of project-based ERP and CRM solutions purpose-built for government contractors, architecture, engineering, construction, and professional services. More than 4,000 project-driven organizations depend on Unanet to turn their information into actionable insights, drive better decision-making, maintain regulatory compliance, and accelerate business growth. All backed by a people-centered team invested in the success of your projects, people, and financials. For more information, visit www.unanet.com.

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SOURCE Unanet

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Vectorworks, Inc. Wins at the 2024 Construction Computing Awards

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Vectorworks Architect Named Architectural Design Software of the Year at 18th Annual Awards.

COLUMBIA, Md., Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Global design and BIM software provider Vectorworks, Inc. announces its latest accomplishment—Vectorworks Architect has been named Architectural Design Software of the Year at this year’s Construction Computing Awards. Winners were selected through public voting and a panel of expert judges and announced on Nov. 7 at the Leonardo Royal Hotel London City.

Design is at the core of what we do, and with the latest enhancements in Vectorworks 2025, we’re reinforcing our commitment to providing design professionals with tools that bring their boldest visions to life at every phase

The Construction Computing Awards, commonly known as “The Hammers,” honor the technology, tools, and solutions that drive efficient design, construction, maintenance, and modification in projects ranging from commercial buildings to social housing and civil engineering.

“It’s a tremendous honor that Vectorworks Architect was recognized for quality and versatility,” said Vectorworks Chief Marketing Officer Jeremy Powell. “This award highlights our dedication to empowering designers to push boundaries and achieve absolute creative expression and efficiency. Design is at the core of what we do, and with the latest enhancements in Vectorworks 2025, we’re reinforcing our commitment to providing design professionals with tools that bring their boldest visions to life at every phase.”

Built to showcase your skill and creativity, Vectorworks Architect allows you to sketch, model, and document in a fully integrated workflow with the world’s most design-centric BIM solution. With superior 2D graphics, 3D modeling, and visualization tools, Architect is built to deliver absolute creative expression and maximum efficiency.

Winners will be featured in the November/December 2024 issue of CAD User and Construction Computing magazines. The complete list of winners and runners-up is available on the Construction Computing Awards website.

To learn more about Vectorworks Architect, visit vectorworks.net/architect or experience the software with a 7-day free trial. Learn more about the latest release of Vectorworks, its interactive features, and more by visiting vectorworks.net/2025.

About Vectorworks, Inc.
Vectorworks, Inc. is an award-winning design and BIM software provider serving the architecture, landscape architecture and design, and entertainment industries in 85 countries. Professionals worldwide are using Vectorworks on Mac and Windows to create, connect, and influence the next generation of design. Built with designers in mind since 1985, Vectorworks software offers you the freedom to follow your imagination wherever it leads you. Headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, with offices in the UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan, Vectorworks is a part of the Nemetschek Group. Learn how you can design without limits at vectorworks.net or follow @Vectorworks.

Media Contact

Kamica Price, Vectorworks, Inc., 443-542-0606, kprice@vectorworks.net, vectorworks.net

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