RLX Technology Announces Unaudited First Quarter 2026 Financial Results
Rhea-AI Summary
RLX Technology (NYSE: RLX) reported strong unaudited Q1 2026 results, with net revenues of RMB1,585.8 million, up 96.2% year over year, and gross margin improving to 31.8%.
U.S. GAAP net income rose 32.1% to RMB294.2 million, while non-GAAP net income increased 41.4% to RMB357.3 million. Non-GAAP income from operations grew 187.9% to RMB310.3 million.
International business contributed 72.3% of revenue, supported by a May 2025 acquisition and export policy changes. Cash, deposits and investments totaled RMB14,529.7 million, with RMB68.8 million net cash used in operating activities.
Positive
- Net revenues rose 96.2% year over year to RMB1,585.8 million
- Gross profit increased 118.3% to RMB504.3 million; margin reached 31.8%
- Non-GAAP income from operations grew 187.9% to RMB310.3 million
- U.S. GAAP income from operations up 215.9% to RMB244.6 million
- Non-GAAP net income rose 41.4% to RMB357.3 million
- International revenue share reached 72.3% of total net revenues
- Large liquidity position of RMB14,529.7 million in cash and investments
Negative
- Operating expenses increased to RMB259.6 million from RMB153.5 million
- Selling expenses more than doubled to RMB122.0 million
- General and administrative expenses rose to RMB107.2 million from RMB67.5 million
- Net cash used in operating activities was RMB68.8 million in Q1 2026
- Cash and investment balances fell from RMB15,732.1 million to RMB14,529.7 million
Key Figures
Previous Earnings Reports
| Date | Event | Sentiment | 24h Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 13 | Q4/FY 2025 earnings | Positive | -0.9% | Strong 2025 growth, higher margins, large cash balance and shareholder returns. |
| Nov 14 | Q3 2025 earnings | Positive | +10.3% | Rapid revenue growth, margin improvement and higher non-GAAP profitability in Q3. |
| Aug 22 | Q2 2025 earnings | Positive | +7.1% | Strong Q2 revenue growth, better gross margin and higher non-GAAP income. |
| May 16 | Q1 2025 earnings | Positive | +2.0% | Robust Q1 2025 growth, improved margins and higher net income with lower opex. |
| Mar 14 | Q4/FY 2024 earnings | Positive | -3.8% | Strong Q4 and full-year 2024 revenue growth and margin expansion from expansion. |
24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.
Earnings releases have generally been received positively, but with notable instances where strong results coincided with short-term price declines.
Across the last five earnings releases from March 2024 through March 2026, RLX consistently reported strong revenue growth, margin expansion, and rising non-GAAP profitability, largely driven by international expansion and mix optimization. Several announcements also highlighted substantial cash balances and ongoing capital returns via dividends and buybacks. Although three of these earnings events produced positive next-day moves, two saw shares trade lower despite solid fundamentals, indicating that strong financial updates have not always translated into immediate price strength.
Key Terms
non-gaap financial
e-vapor technical
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
First Quarter 2026 Financial Highlights
- Net revenues were
RMB1,585.8 million (US ) in the first quarter of 2026, increasing by$229.9 million 96.2% fromRMB808.3 million in the same period of 2025. - Gross margin was
31.8% in the first quarter of 2026, compared with28.6% in the same period of 2025. - Non-GAAP income from operations[1] was
RMB310.3 million (US ) in the first quarter of 2026, increasing by$45.0 million 187.9% fromRMB107.8 million in the same period of 2025. U.S. GAAP net income wasRMB294.2 million (US ) in the first quarter of 2026, increasing by$42.6 million 32.1% fromRMB222.7 million in the same period of 2025.- Non-GAAP net income[1] was
RMB357.3 million (US ) in the first quarter of 2026, increasing by$51.8 million 41.4% fromRMB252.7 million in the same period of 2025.
"We began this year with robust first-quarter results, underpinned by a highly scalable global ecosystem and our ability to capture emerging market opportunities," said Ms. Ying (Kate) Wang, Co-founder, Chairperson, and Chief Executive Officer of RLX Technology. "We continued to accelerate our international expansion and broaden our global operations. Notably, we refined our user-first approach through highly localized strategies and deep engagement with trusted regional business partners to ensure superior product-market fit, strengthening our global competitiveness. We also integrated our R&D, manufacturing, and commercial operations into Nexus, our cutting-edge hub that is driving greater supply chain efficiencies while allowing us to seamlessly meet rising demand. Looking ahead, we will build on this momentum by focusing on innovative and user-centric products, strengthening our distribution and retail capabilities, and deepening our presence in
Mr. Chao Lu, Chief Financial Officer of RLX Technology, commented, "In the first quarter, we delivered rapid top-line growth, with net revenues increasing to
First Quarter 2026 Financial Results
Net revenues were
Gross profit was
Gross margin increased to
Operating expenses were
Selling expenses were
General and administrative expenses were
Research and development expenses were
Non-GAAP income from operations was
Income tax expense was
Non-GAAP net income was
Non-GAAP basic and diluted net income per ADS[2] were
[1] Non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP income from operations are non-GAAP financial measures. For more information on |
[2] Non-GAAP basic and diluted net income per ADS is a non-GAAP financial measure. For more information on the Company's non-GAAP |
Balance Sheet and Cash Flow
As of March 31, 2026, the Company had cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, short-term bank deposits, net, short-term investments, long-term bank deposits, net, and long-term investment securities, net, of
Conference Call
The Company's management will host an earnings conference call at 8:00 AM
Dial-in details for the earnings conference call are as follows:
+1-888-317-6003 | |
International: | +1-412-317-6061 |
+800-963-976 | |
+852-5808-1995 | |
Mainland | 400-120-6115 |
Participant Code (English line): | 8804299 |
Participant Code (Chinese simultaneous interpretation line): | 8393299 |
Participants may choose between the English and Chinese simultaneous interpretation options above when joining the conference call. Please note that the Chinese simultaneous interpretation option is in listen-only mode. Participants should dial in 10 minutes before the scheduled start time and ask to be connected to the call for "RLX Technology Inc." using the appropriate English or Chinese Participant Code above.
Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company's investor relations website at https://ir.relxtech.com.
A replay of the conference call will be accessible approximately two hours after the conclusion of the call until May 27, 2026, by dialing the following telephone numbers:
+1-855-669-9658 | |
International: | +1-412-317-0088 |
Replay Access Code (English line): | 3048124 |
Replay Access Code (Chinese line): | 5502734 |
About RLX Technology Inc.
RLX Technology Inc. (NYSE: RLX) is a leading global branded e-vapor company. The Company leverages its strong in-house technology, product development capabilities and in-depth insights into adult smokers' needs to develop superior e-vapor products.
For more information, please visit: http://ir.relxtech.com.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The Company uses non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP income from operations and non-GAAP basic and diluted net income per ADS, each a non-GAAP financial measure, in evaluating its operating results and for financial and operational decision-making purposes. Non-GAAP net income represents net income excluding share-based compensation expenses, amortization and depreciation of assets arising from fair value step-up in business acquisitions, and tax effects on non-GAAP adjustments. Non-GAAP income from operations represents net income from operations excluding share-based compensation expenses and amortization and depreciation of assets arising from fair value step-up in business acquisitions. Non-GAAP basic and diluted net income per ADS is computed using non-GAAP net income attributable to RLX Technology Inc. and the same number of ADSs used in the
The Company presents these non-GAAP financial measures because they are used by the management to evaluate its operating performance and formulate business plans. The Company believes that they help identify underlying trends in its business that could otherwise be distorted by the effect of certain expenses that are included in net income. The Company also believes that the use of the non-GAAP measures facilitates investors' assessment of its operating performance, as they could 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 the management in its financial and operational decision making.
The non-GAAP financial measures are not defined under
For more information on the non-GAAP financial measures, 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
Safe Harbor Statement
This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the
RLX TECHNOLOGY INC. | |||
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | |||
(All amounts in thousands) | |||
As of | |||
December 31, | March 31, | March 31, | |
2025 | 2026 | 2026 | |
RMB | RMB | US$ | |
ASSETS | |||
Current assets: | |||
Cash and cash equivalents | 5,367,139 | 4,263,488 | 618,076 |
Restricted cash | 177,873 | 174,997 | 25,369 |
Short-term bank deposits, net | 2,310,486 | 3,015,006 | 437,084 |
Receivables from online payment platforms | 4,080 | 9,327 | 1,352 |
Short-term investments | 2,326,610 | 2,221,763 | 322,088 |
Accounts and notes receivable, net | 190,442 | 329,940 | 47,831 |
Inventories | 297,682 | 372,441 | 53,993 |
Amounts due from related parties | 210,239 | 548,968 | 79,584 |
Prepayments and other current assets, net | 319,478 | 615,473 | 89,225 |
Total current assets | 11,204,029 | 11,551,403 | 1,674,602 |
Non-current assets: | |||
Property, equipment and leasehold improvement, net | 245,981 | 251,779 | 36,500 |
Intangible assets, net | 213,141 | 194,823 | 28,243 |
Long-term investments, net | 8,330 | 8,330 | 1,208 |
Deferred tax assets, net | 29,104 | 35,818 | 5,193 |
Right-of-use assets, net | 82,430 | 73,890 | 10,712 |
Long-term bank deposits, net | 433,618 | 457,124 | 66,269 |
Long-term investment securities, net | 5,116,336 | 4,397,272 | 637,470 |
Goodwill | 567,181 | 563,398 | 81,676 |
Other non-current assets, net | 29,412 | 24,166 | 3,503 |
Total non-current assets | 6,725,533 | 6,006,600 | 870,774 |
Total assets | 17,929,562 | 17,558,003 | 2,545,376 |
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | |||
Current liabilities: | |||
Accounts and notes payable | 403,708 | 628,321 | 91,087 |
Contract liabilities | 84,003 | 80,050 | 11,605 |
Salary and welfare benefits payable | 93,947 | 72,350 | 10,489 |
Taxes payable | 159,718 | 164,195 | 23,803 |
Short-term loan | 92,100 | 135,169 | 19,595 |
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | 149,552 | 154,991 | 22,469 |
Amounts due to related parties | 474,627 | 92,661 | 13,433 |
Dividend payable | 478,833 | - | - |
Lease liabilities - current portion | 28,588 | 25,931 | 3,759 |
Total current liabilities | 1,965,076 | 1,353,668 | 196,240 |
Non-current liabilities: | |||
Deferred tax liabilities | 112,912 | 102,953 | 14,925 |
Lease liabilities - non-current portion | 55,671 | 50,475 | 7,317 |
Other non-current liability | 64,291 | 58,206 | 8,438 |
Total non-current liabilities | 232,874 | 211,634 | 30,680 |
Total liabilities | 2,197,950 | 1,565,302 | 226,920 |
Shareholders' Equity: | |||
Total RLX Technology Inc. shareholders' equity | 15,633,749 | 15,883,139 | 2,302,572 |
Noncontrolling interests | 97,863 | 109,562 | 15,884 |
Total shareholders' equity | 15,731,612 | 15,992,701 | 2,318,456 |
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | 17,929,562 | 17,558,003 | 2,545,376 |
RLX TECHNOLOGY INC. | ||||
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME | ||||
(All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data) | ||||
For the three months ended | ||||
March 31, | December 31, | March 31, | March 31, | |
2025 | 2025 | 2026 | 2026 | |
RMB | RMB | RMB | US$ | |
Total net revenues | 808,300 | 1,141,338 | 1,585,821 | 229,896 |
Cost of revenues | (477,526) | (722,798) | (965,446) | (139,960) |
Excise tax on products | (99,823) | (60,520) | (116,119) | (16,834) |
Gross profit | 230,951 | 358,020 | 504,256 | 73,102 |
Operating expenses: | ||||
Selling expenses | (58,989) | (111,154) | (122,039) | (17,692) |
General and administrative expenses | (67,468) | (95,319) | (107,207) | (15,542) |
Research and development expenses | (27,055) | (32,635) | (30,375) | (4,403) |
Total operating expenses | (153,512) | (239,108) | (259,621) | (37,637) |
Income from operations | 77,439 | 118,912 | 244,635 | 35,465 |
Other income: | ||||
Interest income, net | 135,953 | 141,948 | 113,820 | 16,500 |
Investment income | 8,386 | 9,812 | 9,718 | 1,409 |
Others, net | 29,143 | 32,035 | (28,761) | (4,169) |
Income before income tax | 250,921 | 302,707 | 339,412 | 49,205 |
Income tax expense | (28,181) | (16,390) | (45,257) | (6,561) |
Net income | 222,740 | 286,317 | 294,155 | 42,644 |
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | 700 | 6,770 | 10,019 | 1,452 |
Net income attributable to RLX Technology Inc. | 222,040 | 279,547 | 284,136 | 41,192 |
Other comprehensive (loss)/income: | ||||
Foreign currency translation adjustments | (15,671) | (135,439) | (173,952) | (25,218) |
Unrealized income/(loss) on long-term investment securities | 2,067 | (7,193) | (22,208) | (3,219) |
Total other comprehensive loss | (13,604) | (142,632) | (196,160) | (28,437) |
Total comprehensive income | 209,136 | 143,685 | 97,995 | 14,207 |
Less: total comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests | 636 | 6,900 | 11,699 | 1,696 |
Total comprehensive income attributable to RLX Technology Inc. | 208,500 | 136,785 | 86,296 | 12,511 |
Net income per ordinary share/ADS | ||||
Basic | 0.181 | 0.172 | 0.231 | 0.033 |
Diluted | 0.170 | 0.172 | 0.216 | 0.031 |
Weighted average number of ordinary shares/ADSs | ||||
Basic | 1,226,330,482 | 1,231,303,311 | 1,232,448,894 | 1,232,448,894 |
Diluted | 1,308,811,866 | 1,232,499,617 | 1,313,480,246 | 1,313,480,246 |
RLX TECHNOLOGY INC. | ||||
UNAUDITED RECONCILIATION OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP RESULTS | ||||
(All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data) | ||||
For the three months ended | ||||
March 31, | December 31, | March 31, | March 31, | |
2025 | 2025 | 2026 | 2026 | |
(As adjusted) (a) | ||||
RMB | RMB | RMB | US$ | |
Income from operations | 77,439 | 118,912 | 244,635 | 35,465 |
Add: share-based compensation expenses | ||||
Selling expenses | 3,310 | 4,441 | 5,919 | 858 |
General and administrative expenses | 24,271 | 22,204 | 45,841 | 6,645 |
Research and development expenses | 745 | 2,037 | 3,494 | 507 |
Amortization and depreciation of assets resulting from business acquisitions | ||||
Selling expenses | 2,003 | 10,063 | 9,956 | 1,443 |
General and administrative expenses | 28 | 478 | 469 | 68 |
Non-GAAP income from operations | 107,796 | 158,135 | 310,314 | 44,986 |
Net income | 222,740 | 286,317 | 294,155 | 42,644 |
Add: share-based compensation expenses | 28,326 | 28,682 | 55,254 | 8,010 |
Amortization and depreciation of assets resulting from business acquisitions | 2,031 | 10,541 | 10,425 | 1,511 |
Tax effects on non-GAAP adjustments | (425) | (2,554) | (2,527) | (366) |
Non-GAAP net income | 252,672 | 322,986 | 357,307 | 51,799 |
Net income attributable to RLX Technology Inc. | 222,040 | 279,547 | 284,136 | 41,192 |
Add: share-based compensation expenses | 28,326 | 28,682 | 55,254 | 8,010 |
Amortization and depreciation of assets resulting from business acquisitions (b) | 2,031 | 7,711 | 7,613 | 1,104 |
Tax effects on non-GAAP adjustments(b) | (425) | (1,846) | (1,824) | (264) |
Non-GAAP net income attributable to RLX Technology Inc. | 251,972 | 314,094 | 345,179 | 50,042 |
Non-GAAP net income per ordinary share/ADS | ||||
- Basic | 0.205 | 0.200 | 0.280 | 0.041 |
- Diluted | 0.193 | 0.200 | 0.263 | 0.038 |
Weighted average number of ordinary shares/ADSs | ||||
- Basic | 1,226,330,482 | 1,231,303,311 | 1,232,448,894 | 1,232,448,894 |
- Diluted | 1,308,811,866 | 1,232,499,617 | 1,313,480,246 | 1,313,480,246 |
Note (a): The Company completed the acquisition of the acquired company on May 31, 2025, which was accounted for as a business combination. Beginning in Q2 |
Note (b): The amortization and depreciation expense and related tax effect attributable to noncontrolling interests have been excluded from the presentation in the |
RLX TECHNOLOGY INC. | ||||
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS | ||||
(All amounts in thousands) | ||||
For the three months ended | ||||
March 31, | December 31, | March 31, | March 31, | |
2025 | 2025 | 2026 | 2026 | |
RMB | RMB | RMB | US$ | |
Net cash generated from/(used in) operating activities | 207,165 | 310,221 | (68,841) | (9,980) |
Net cash (used in)/generated from investing activities | (987,166) | 1,324,664 | (116,326) | (16,864) |
Net cash generated from/(used in) financing activities | 14,435 | 399,971 | (863,712) | (125,212) |
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | (8,040) | (66,321) | (57,648) | (8,357) |
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash | (773,606) | 1,968,535 | (1,106,527) | (160,413) |
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the beginning of the period | 5,644,359 | 3,576,477 | 5,545,012 | 803,858 |
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the end of the period | 4,870,753 | 5,545,012 | 4,438,485 | 643,445 |
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SOURCE RLX Technology Inc.