RLX Technology Announces Unaudited Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Results
Rhea-AI Summary
RLX Technology (NYSE: RLX) reported strong financial results for Q4 and fiscal year 2024. Net revenues reached RMB813.5 million (US$111.4 million) in Q4 2024, up from RMB520.5 million in Q4 2023. Full-year revenues grew 73.3% to RMB2,748.6 million (US$376.6 million).
Gross margin improved to 27.0% in Q4 2024 (vs 23.7% in Q4 2023) and 26.4% for full-year 2024 (vs 24.4% in 2023). Q4 U.S. GAAP net income was RMB127.4 million, while full-year net income reached RMB564.3 million.
The company's international expansion drove significant growth, with improved profitability from revenue mix optimization and cost initiatives. RLX returned approximately US$122.9 million to shareholders in 2024 through share repurchases and dividends.
Positive
- Net revenues increased 73.3% year-over-year to RMB2.7 billion in FY2024
- Gross margin improved to 27.0% in Q4 2024 from 23.7% in Q4 2023
- Operating expenses decreased 5.7% year-over-year in FY2024
- Returned US$122.9 million to shareholders through buybacks and dividends
Negative
- Q4 2024 U.S. GAAP net income decreased to RMB127.4M from RMB216.0M in Q4 2023
- Q4 2024 Non-GAAP net income declined to RMB251.5M from RMB432.6M in Q4 2023
- Q4 2024 operating loss of RMB11.5 million
- Income tax expense increased 86.1% year-over-year in FY2024
Insights
RLX Technology's Q4 and fiscal year 2024 results demonstrate strong revenue momentum driven by successful international expansion. Q4 revenue reached
Notably, gross margin improved to
Q4 showed sequential improvement in operating performance, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of growing non-GAAP operating profit. However, Q4 GAAP net income declined
RLX's balance sheet remains robust with
RLX Technology's 2024 financial performance reveals a successful pivot toward global markets, transforming from a primarily China-focused operation to capturing significant international growth. This geographic diversification strengthens the company's long-term outlook while reducing regulatory concentration risk in any single market.
Management's references to "holistically upgraded organizational framework" and "refined business models" for international markets suggest RLX has made substantial operational adjustments to support its global expansion. These investments appear to be yielding returns as evidenced by the
The company's product strategy emphasizes both open-system and disposable e-vapor products, demonstrating adaptability to diverse market preferences. This portfolio diversification allows RLX to compete across multiple product segments and price points, expanding its addressable market.
Looking ahead, management's focus on three strategic pillars - innovation, compliance, and product portfolio diversity - indicates a balanced approach to sustainable growth. The emphasis on compliance is particularly important in the highly regulated e-vapor industry, where regulatory changes can significantly impact market access.
The sequential improvement in non-GAAP operating profit for four consecutive quarters reflects successful execution of this international strategy. While operating expenses decreased
Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights
- Net revenues were
RMB813 .5 million (US .4 million) in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared with RMB520.5 million in the same period of 2023.$111 - Gross margin was
27.0% in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared with23.7% in the same period of 2023. U.S. GAAP net income wasRMB127 .4 million (US .5 million) in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared with$17 RMB216 .0 million in the same period of 2023.- Non-GAAP net income[1] was
RMB251 .5 million (US .5 million) in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared with$34 RMB432 .6 million in the same period of 2023.
Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Highlights
- Net revenues were
RMB2,748 .6 million (US .6 million) in fiscal year 2024, compared with RMB 1,586.4 million in the prior year.$376 - Gross margin was
26.4% in fiscal year 2024, compared with24.4% in the prior year. U.S. GAAP net income wasRMB564.3 million (US ) in fiscal year 2024, compared with$77.3 million RMB541 .0 million in the prior year.- Non-GAAP net income was
RMB934.0 million (US ) in fiscal year 2024, compared with$128.0 million RMB903 .9 million in the prior year.
"2024 was a remarkable year for RLX, highlighted by tremendous progress in our global operations," commented Ms. Ying (Kate) Wang, Co-founder, Chairperson of the Board of Directors, and Chief Executive Officer of RLX Technology. "We've holistically upgraded our organizational framework and refined our business models to address international markets' diverse and dynamic needs, driving significant growth and solidifying our market leadership in multiple regions. The innovative open-system and disposable e-vapor products we introduced in 2024 set new trends across the international markets, reaffirming our dedication to advancing harm-reduction solutions. Moving into 2025, we will prioritize innovation, compliance, and diversity in our product portfolio while navigating the industry dynamics to capture new opportunities and drive long-term success."
Mr. Chao Lu, Chief Financial Officer of RLX Technology, added, "Our focus on global expansion throughout 2024 fueled an impressive year-over-year increase in full-year revenue to
Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Results
Net revenues were
Gross profit was
Gross margin was
Operating expenses were
Selling expenses were
General and administrative expenses were RMB153.7 million (
Research and development expenses were
Loss from operations was
Income tax expense was
Non-GAAP net income was
Non-GAAP basic and diluted net income per ADS[2] were
Balance Sheet and Cash Flow
As of December 31, 2024, the Company had cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, short-term bank deposits, net, short-term investments, net, long-term bank deposits, net and long-term investment securities, net of
Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Results
Net revenues were
Gross profit was
Gross margin increased to
Operating expenses were
Selling expenses increased by
General and administrative expenses increased by
Research and development expenses decreased by
Loss from operations was
Income tax expense was
Non-GAAP net income was
Non-GAAP basic and diluted net income per ADS were
Share Repurchase Program and Dividend Payment
The Company repurchased approximately
By repurchasing shares throughout 2024 and declaring cash dividends in November 2024, the Company returned approximately
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: | 7971219 |
Participants should dial in 10 minutes before the scheduled start time and ask to be connected to the call for "RLX Technology Inc." with the Participant Code as set forth 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 March 21, 2025, by dialing the following telephone numbers:
+1-877-344-7529 | |
International: | +1-412-317-0088 |
Replay Access Code: | 5229492 |
[1] Non-GAAP net income is a non-GAAP financial measure. For more information on the Company's non-GAAP financial measures, please see the section "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and the table captioned "Unaudited Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results" set forth at the end of this press release. |
[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 financial measures, please see the section "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and the table captioned "Unaudited Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results" set forth at the end of this press release. |
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 operating profit 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. 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 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, enhances the overall understanding of its past performance and future prospects and allows 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
For more information, please contact:
In
RLX Technology Inc.
Head of Capital Markets
Sam Tsang
Email: ir@relxtech.com
Piacente Financial Communications
Jenny Cai
Tel: +86-10-6508-0677
Email: RLX@tpg-ir.com
In
Piacente Financial Communications
Brandi Piacente
Tel: +1-212-481-2050
Email: RLX@tpg-ir.com
RLX TECHNOLOGY INC. | |||
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | |||
(All amounts in thousands) | |||
As of | |||
December 31, | December 31, | December 31, | |
2023 | 2024 | 2024 | |
RMB | RMB | US$ | |
ASSETS | |||
Current assets: | |||
Cash and cash equivalents | 2,390,298 | 5,593,492 | 766,305 |
Restricted cash | 29,760 | 50,867 | 6,969 |
Short-term bank deposits, net | 2,631,256 | 2,179,886 | 298,643 |
Receivables from online payment platforms | 6,893 | 4,722 | 647 |
Short-term investments, net | 3,093,133 | 719,755 | 98,606 |
Accounts and notes receivable, net | 60,482 | 78,484 | 10,752 |
Inventories | 144,850 | 142,552 | 19,530 |
Amounts due from related parties | 118,736 | 346,132 | 47,420 |
Prepayments and other current assets, net | 508,435 | 185,091 | 25,357 |
Total current assets | 8,983,843 | 9,300,981 | 1,274,229 |
Non-current assets: | |||
Property, equipment and leasehold improvement, net | 77,358 | 50,787 | 6,958 |
Intangible assets, net | 69,778 | 52,796 | 7,233 |
Long-term investments, net | 8,000 | 8,000 | 1,096 |
Deferred tax assets, net | 58,263 | 38,067 | 5,215 |
Right-of-use assets, net | 52,562 | 24,110 | 3,303 |
Long-term bank deposits, net | 1,757,804 | 727,448 | 99,660 |
Long-term investment securities, net | 5,236,109 | 6,599,365 | 904,109 |
Goodwill | 66,506 | 59,581 | 8,163 |
Other non-current assets, net | 4,874 | 9,914 | 1,358 |
Total non-current assets | 7,331,254 | 7,570,068 | 1,037,095 |
Total assets | 16,315,097 | 16,871,049 | 2,311,324 |
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | |||
Current liabilities: | |||
Accounts and notes payable | 266,426 | 458,538 | 62,819 |
Contract liabilities | 49,586 | 10,610 | 1,454 |
Salary and welfare benefits payable | 39,256 | 73,740 | 10,102 |
Taxes payable | 77,164 | 126,154 | 17,283 |
Short-term loan | - | 40,000 | 5,480 |
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | 103,996 | 108,816 | 14,908 |
Amounts due to related parties | 101,927 | 27,401 | 3,754 |
Dividend payable | 881 | 1,144 | 157 |
Lease liabilities - current portion | 29,435 | 11,447 | 1,568 |
Total current liabilities | 668,671 | 857,850 | 117,525 |
Non-current liabilities: | |||
Deferred tax liabilities | 23,591 | 16,196 | 2,219 |
Lease liabilities - non-current portion | 24,419 | 7,050 | 966 |
Total non-current liabilities | 48,010 | 23,246 | 3,185 |
Total liabilities | 716,681 | 881,096 | 120,710 |
Shareholders' Equity: | |||
Total RLX Technology Inc. shareholders' equity | 15,609,393 | 15,988,216 | 2,190,376 |
Noncontrolling interests | (10,977) | 1,737 | 238 |
Total shareholders' equity | 15,598,416 | 15,989,953 | 2,190,614 |
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | 16,315,097 | 16,871,049 | 2,311,324 |
RLX TECHNOLOGY INC. | ||||||||
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF | ||||||||
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS) | ||||||||
(All amounts in thousands, except for number of shares and per share data, or otherwise noted) | ||||||||
For the three months ended | For the year ended | |||||||
December 31, | September 30, | December 31, | December 31, | December 31, | December 31, | December 31, | ||
2023 | 2024 | 2024 | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2024 | ||
RMB | RMB | RMB | US$ | RMB | RMB | US$ | ||
Net revenues | 520,468 | 756,288 | 813,489 | 111,448 | 1,586,397 | 2,748,576 | 376,553 | |
Cost of revenues | (327,325) | (473,379) | (516,305) | (70,733) | (856,329) | (1,718,006) | (235,366) | |
Excise tax on products | (69,730) | (76,933) | (77,278) | (10,587) | (342,354) | (304,053) | (41,655) | |
Gross profit | 123,413 | 205,976 | 219,906 | 30,128 | 387,714 | 726,517 | 99,532 | |
Operating expenses: | ||||||||
Selling expenses | (37,985) | (68,975) | (45,369) | (6,216) | (213,723) | (229,466) | (31,437) | |
General and administrative expenses | (204,030) | (123,226) | (153,710) | (21,058) | (498,015) | (515,887) | (70,676) | |
Research and development expenses | (21,904) | (24,435) | (32,374) | (4,435) | (172,686) | (88,309) | (12,098) | |
Total operating expenses | (263,919) | (216,636) | (231,453) | (31,709) | (884,424) | (833,662) | (114,211) | |
Loss from operations | (140,506) | (10,660) | (11,547) | (1,581) | (496,710) | (107,145) | (14,679) | |
Other income: | ||||||||
Interest income, net | 157,928 | 156,659 | 146,664 | 20,093 | 627,879 | 616,388 | 84,445 | |
Investment income | 182,699 | 13,070 | 11,072 | 1,517 | 245,700 | 49,636 | 6,800 | |
Others, net | 30,925 | 40,745 | 7,497 | 1,027 | 214,874 | 99,924 | 13,690 | |
Income before income tax | 231,046 | 199,814 | 153,686 | 21,056 | 591,743 | 658,803 | 90,256 | |
Income tax expense | (15,078) | (30,423) | (26,303) | (3,604) | (50,755) | (94,459) | (12,941) | |
Net Income | 215,968 | 169,391 | 127,383 | 17,452 | 540,988 | 564,344 | 77,315 | |
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling | 2,491 | 3,737 | 5,422 | 743 | 6,660 | 12,507 | 1,713 | |
Net income attributable to RLX Technology Inc. | 213,477 | 165,654 | 121,961 | 16,709 | 534,328 | 551,837 | 75,602 | |
Other comprehensive (loss)/income: | ||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustments | (132,470) | (181,148) | 268,079 | 36,727 | 198,534 | 143,811 | 19,702 | |
Unrealized (loss)/income on long-term investment | (11,288) | 5,292 | (8,151) | (1,117) | 632 | (2,167) | (297) | |
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income | (143,758) | (175,856) | 259,928 | 35,610 | 199,166 | 141,644 | 19,405 | |
Total comprehensive income/(loss) | 72,210 | (6,465) | 387,311 | 53,062 | 740,154 | 705,988 | 96,720 | |
Less: total comprehensive income attributable to | 2,491 | 3,730 | 5,442 | 745 | 6,660 | 12,520 | 1,713 | |
Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to | 69,719 | (10,195) | 381,869 | 52,317 | 733,494 | 693,468 | 95,007 | |
Net income per ordinary share/ADS | ||||||||
Basic | 0.166 | 0.135 | 0.100 | 0.014 | 0.407 | 0.448 | 0.061 | |
Diluted | 0.161 | 0.129 | 0.094 | 0.013 | 0.399 | 0.428 | 0.059 | |
Weighted average number of ordinary shares/ADSs | ||||||||
Basic | 1,285,752,182 | 1,225,417,517 | 1,225,140,420 | 1,225,140,420 | 1,311,401,901 | 1,232,148,531 | 1,232,148,531 | |
Diluted | 1,324,466,240 | 1,287,927,444 | 1,291,925,422 | 1,291,925,422 | 1,340,445,653 | 1,288,911,783 | 1,288,911,783 | |
RLX TECHNOLOGY INC. | ||||||||
UNAUDITED RECONCILIATION OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP RESULTS | ||||||||
(All amounts in thousands, except for number of shares and per share data) | ||||||||
For the three months ended | For the year ended | |||||||
December 31, | September 30, | December 31, | December 31, | December 31, | December 31, | December 31, | ||
2023 | 2024 | 2024 | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2024 | ||
RMB | RMB | RMB | US$ | RMB | RMB | US$ | ||
Net income | 215,968 | 169,391 | 127,383 | 17,452 | 540,988 | 564,344 | 77,315 | |
Add: share-based compensation expenses | ||||||||
Selling expenses | 12,128 | 5,768 | 13,020 | 1,784 | 16,700 | 32,563 | 4,461 | |
General and administrative expenses | 194,153 | 85,295 | 103,894 | 14,233 | 334,344 | 348,629 | 47,762 | |
Research and development expenses | 10,335 | 1,446 | 7,210 | 988 | 11,824 | (11,537) | (1,581) | |
Non-GAAP net income | 432,584 | 261,900 | 251,507 | 34,457 | 903,856 | 933,999 | 127,957 | |
Net income attributable to RLX Technology Inc. | 213,477 | 165,654 | 121,961 | 16,709 | 534,328 | 551,837 | 75,602 | |
Add: share-based compensation expenses | 216,616 | 92,509 | 124,124 | 17,005 | 362,868 | 369,655 | 50,642 | |
Non-GAAP net income attributable to RLX | 430,093 | 258,163 | 246,085 | 33,714 | 897,196 | 921,492 | 126,244 | |
Non-GAAP net income per ordinary share/ADS | ||||||||
- Basic | 0.335 | 0.211 | 0.201 | 0.028 | 0.684 | 0.748 | 0.102 | |
- Diluted | 0.325 | 0.200 | 0.190 | 0.026 | 0.669 | 0.715 | 0.098 | |
Weighted average number of ordinary | ||||||||
- Basic | 1,285,752,182 | 1,225,417,517 | 1,225,140,420 | 1,225,140,420 | 1,311,401,901 | 1,232,148,531 | 1,232,148,531 | |
- Diluted | 1,324,466,240 | 1,287,927,444 | 1,291,925,422 | 1,291,925,422 | 1,340,445,653 | 1,288,911,783 | 1,288,911,783 | |
RLX TECHNOLOGY INC. | ||||||||||
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS | ||||||||||
(All amounts in thousands) | ||||||||||
For the three months ended | For the year ended | |||||||||
December 31, | September 30, | December 31, | December 31, | December 31, | December 31, | December 31, | ||||
2023 | 2024 | 2024 | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2024 | ||||
RMB | RMB | RMB | US$ | RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||
Net cash generated from operating activities | 305,197 | 156,554 | 497,011 | 68,090 | 198,703 | 854,349 | 117,045 | |||
Net cash generated from investing activities | 310,274 | 139,120 | 1,901,084 | 260,447 | 2,091,145 | 3,018,001 | 413,464 | |||
Net cash used in financing activities | (791,905) | (74,780) | (130,366) | (17,860) | (1,193,216) | (678,031) | (92,890) | |||
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash, cash | (18,544) | (45,818) | 62,865 | 8,613 | 34,340 | 29,982 | 4,108 | |||
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents | (194,978) | 175,076 | 2,330,594 | 319,290 | 1,130,972 | 3,224,301 | 441,727 | |||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the | 2,615,036 | 3,138,689 | 3,313,765 | 453,984 | 1,289,086 | 2,420,058 | 331,547 | |||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the | 2,420,058 | 3,313,765 | 5,644,359 | 773,274 | 2,420,058 | 5,644,359 | 773,274 | |||
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SOURCE RLX Technology Inc.