NOAH HOLDINGS LIMITED ANNOUNCES UNAUDITED FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER 2023 AND AUDITED FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR FULL YEAR 2023

USA - English

• APAC - English

SHANGHAI, March 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Noah Holdings Limited ("Noah" or the "Company") (NYSE: NOAH and HKEX: 6686), a leading and pioneer wealth management service provider offering comprehensive one-stop advisory services on global investment and asset allocation primarily for Mandarin-speaking high-net-worth investors, today announced its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter of 2023 and the audited financial results for the full year ended December 31, 2023.

FOURTH QUARTER 2023 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

• Net revenues were RMB799.5 million (US$112.6 million), a 9.4% decrease from the corresponding period in 2022, mainly due to decreases in performance-based income generated from private equity products and recurring service fees generated from RMB private equity and private secondary products. The decreases were partially offset by a 13.8% increase in one-time commissions from more distribution of insurance products. On a sequential basis, net revenues increased by 6.6% driven by an increase in the distribution of insurance products.

• Income from operations was RMB220.7 million (US$31.1 million), effectively flat when compared with the corresponding period in 2022 and a decrease of 11.3% sequentially, primarily due to an increase in marketing activities which was partially offset by a decrease in government grants. 

• Net income attributable to Noah shareholders was RMB216.5 million (US$30.5 million), a 54.8% increase from the corresponding period in 2022, primarily due to a RMB99.0 million non-recurring contingent litigation expense recorded during the fourth quarter of 2022. Net income attributable to Noah shareholders decreased by 7.2% sequentially, primarily due to mark to market adjustments made to certain balance sheet investments.
• Non-GAAP^[1] net income attributable to Noah shareholders was RMB233.7 million (US$32.9 million), an increase of 56.7% from the corresponding period in 2022 and 0.6% from the third quarter of 2023.

FULL YEAR 2023 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

• Net revenues were RMB3,294.7 million (US$464.0 million), a 6.3% increase from 2022, primarily due to a 59.8% increase in one-time commissions from more distribution of insurance products which was partially offset by a 55.5% decrease in performance-based income.

• Income from operations was RMB1,097.9 million (US$154.6 million), a 0.9% increase from 2022, mainly due to a 6.3% increase in net revenues which was partially offset by a 9.2% increase in total operating costs and expenses associated with the low base effect created by strict COVID-19 lockdowns in 2022.

• Net income attributable to Noah shareholders was RMB1,009.5 million (US$142.2 million), a 3.4% increase from 2022, due to a 0.9% increase in income from operations and a RMB99.0 million non-recurring contingent litigation expense recorded in 2022.
• Non-GAAP net income attributable to Noah shareholders was RMB1,018.8 million (US$143.5 million), a 1.0% increase from 2022.

FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR 2023 OPERATIONAL UPDATES

Wealth Management Business

Noah offers global investment products and provides value-added services to global mandarin-speaking high-net-worth investors in its wealth management business. Noah primarily distributes private equity, private secondary, mutual funds and other products denominated in RMB, USD and other currencies.

• Total number of registered clients as of December 31, 2023 was 455,827, a 4.2% increase from December 31, 2022 and a 0.8% increase from September 30, 2023.
• Total number of active clients^[2] who transacted with Noah during the fourth quarter of 2023 was 9,033, a 30.0% decrease from the fourth quarter of 2022 and a 4.8% decrease from the third quarter of 2023. Total number of active clients who transacted with Noah in 2023 was 22,453, a 37.4% decrease from 2022.
• Aggregate value of investment products distributed during the fourth quarter of 2023 was RMB16.5 billion (US$2.3 billion), an 8.1% decrease from the corresponding period in 2022, mainly due to a decrease in the distribution of mutual fund products.

• Aggregate value of investment products distributed during 2023 was RMB74.1 billion (US$10.4 billion), a 5.4% increase from 2022, mainly due to an increase in the distribution of private secondary and mutual fund products.

• Coverage network in mainland China included 44 cities as of December 31, 2023, compared with 59 cities as of September 30, 2023, and 75 cities as of December 31, 2022. Noah continues to streamline its presence in China with a focus on strengthening its operations in central hub cities.
• Number of relationship managers was 1,252 as of December 31, 2023, a decrease of 11.1% from September 30, 2023, and 1.9% from December 31, 2022. As of December 31, 2023, Noah had 89 overseas relationship managers, a 15.6% increase from September 30, 2023.

Asset Management Business

Noah's asset management business is conducted through Gopher Asset Management Co., Ltd. ("Gopher Asset Management"), a leading multi-asset manager in China with global investment capabilities and overseas offices in Hong Kong and the United States. Gopher Asset Management develops and manages assets ranging from private equity, real estate, public securities to multi-strategy investments denominated in RMB, USD and other currencies. 

• Total assets under management as of December 31, 2023 remained stable at RMB154.6 billion (US$21.8 billion), compared with RMB154.9 billion as of September 30, 2023 and RMB157.1 billion as of December 31, 2022.

Other Businesses

Noah's other businesses mainly provide clients with additional comprehensive services and investment products. Operating results for other businesses also include headquarter rental income, depreciation and amortization, as well as operating expenses.

Ms. Jingbo Wang, co-founder and Chairwoman of Noah, said "Despite a very challenging year for capital markets, I am pleased to report that Noah generated growth in both net revenues and non-GAAP net income in 2023. We are starting the year on a strong footing, having spent the past few quarters repositioning ourselves to drive growth in this challenging market environment. The pace of our international expansion continues to increase as our clients' demand for global asset allocation grows. During the year, overseas AUM grew 10.7%; overseas net revenue grew 73.0%; and overseas registered clients and active clients grew 14.2% and 38.0%, respectively. Our balance sheet is robust, clean and is generating sufficient capital to support Noah's overseas expansion."

"Reflecting our ongoing effort to improve corporate governance, we split the CEO and Chairperson roles at the end of the year with the appointment of Mr. Yin Zhe as CEO. Zhe's alignment with our values and culture, coupled with his instrumental role in building our Gopher Asset Management franchise, made him the ideal candidate. We have been working seamlessly together since he took on this new role and I have the upmost confidence in his ability to execute our growth initiatives going forward."

FOURTH QUARTER 2023 FINANCIAL RESULTS

Net Revenues

Net revenues for the fourth quarter of 2023 were RMB799.5 million (US$112.6 million), a 9.4% decrease from the corresponding period in 2022.

• Wealth Management Business
  • Net revenues from one-time commissions for the fourth quarter of 2023 were RMB306.4 million (US$43.2 million), a 15.1% increase from the corresponding period in 2022 driven by an increase in the distribution of insurance products.
  • Net revenues from recurring service fees for the fourth quarter of 2023 were RMB253.4 million (US$35.7 million), a 20.5% decrease from the corresponding period in 2022, due to a shift in product mix and client investment preferences, as well as a decrease in recurring service fees generated from private secondary and private equity products.
  • Net revenues from performance-based income for the fourth quarter of 2023 were RMB0.1 million, compared with RMB14.1 million in the corresponding period of 2022, primarily due to a decrease in performance-based income from private equity fund products.
  • Net revenues from other service fees for the fourth quarter of 2023 were RMB50.4 million (US$7.1 million), a 4.9% increase from the corresponding period in 2022, primarily due to the growing number of value-added services Noah offers its high-net-worth clients.

• Asset Management Business
  • Net revenues from recurring service fees for the fourth quarter of 2023 were RMB174.4 million (US$24.6 million), a 13.5% increase from the corresponding period in 2022, due to an increase in the number of real estate investments in the United States and offshore private equity investments managed by Gopher Asset Management.
  • Net revenues from performance-based income for the fourth quarter of 2023 were RMB11.7 million (US$1.7 million), an 82.3% decrease from the corresponding period in 2022, primarily due to a decrease in performance-based income from private equity investments managed by Gopher Asset Management.

• Other Businesses
  • Net revenues for the fourth quarter of 2023 were RMB3.0 million (US$0.4 million), compared with RMB12.0 million in the corresponding period in 2022, driven by the winding down of the Company's loan portfolio.

Operating Costs and Expenses

Operating costs and expenses for the fourth quarter of 2023 were RMB578.8 million (US$81.5 million), a 12.6% decrease from the corresponding period in 2022. Operating costs and expenses primarily consisted of 1) compensation and benefits of RMB300.8 million (US$42.4 million); 2) selling expenses of RMB157.4 million (US$22.2 million); 3) general and administrative expenses of RMB98.6 million (US$13.9 million); 4) reversal of credit losses of RMB1.0 million (US$0.1 million); and 5) other operating expenses of RMB25.6 million (US$3.6 million).

• Operating costs and expenses for the wealth management business for the fourth quarter of 2023 were RMB459.6 million (US$64.7 million), a 1.8% decrease from the corresponding period in 2022, primarily due to a 5.7% decrease in net revenues.
• Operating costs and expenses for the asset management business for the fourth quarter of 2023 were RMB90.7 million (US$12.8 million), a 30.0% decrease from the corresponding period in 2022, primarily due to a decrease in performance-based compensation.
• Operating costs and expenses for other businesses for the fourth quarter of 2023 were RMB28.5 million (US$4.0 million), a 56.1% decrease from the corresponding period in 2022, due to a decrease in recorded credit losses.

Operating Margin

Operating margin for the fourth quarter of 2023 was 27.6%, compared with 24.9% for the corresponding period in 2022.

• Operating margin for the wealth management business for the fourth quarter of 2023 was 24.7%, compared with 27.7% for the corresponding period in 2022.
• Operating margin for the asset management business for the fourth quarter of 2023 was 51.3%, compared with 41.9% for the corresponding period in 2022.
• Loss from other businesses for the fourth quarter of 2023 was RMB25.5 million (US$3.6 million), compared with RMB52.9 million in the corresponding period of 2022, primarily due to a decrease in provisions for credit losses.

Investment Income/loss

Investment loss for the fourth quarter of 2023 was RMB53.6 million (US$7.5 million), compared with investment income of RMB62.2 million for the corresponding period in 2022, primarily due to unrealized losses from fair value changes on certain equity investments.

Income Tax Expenses

Income tax expenses for the fourth quarter of 2023 were RMB34.1 million (US$4.8 million), a 43.7% decrease from the corresponding period in 2022, primarily due to a lower effective tax rate.

Income from Equity in Affiliates

Income from equity in affiliates for the fourth quarter of 2023 was RMB52.8 million (US$7.4 million), compared with RMB12.3 million for the corresponding period in 2022. The increase was primarily due to an increase in income recognized from the funds of funds that Noah manages and invests in as the general partner or fund manager.

Net Income

• Net Income
  • Net income for the fourth quarter of 2023 was RMB213.3 million (US$30.0 million), a 51.8% increase from the corresponding period in 2022.
  • Net margin for the fourth quarter of 2023 was 26.7%, an increase from 15.9% in the corresponding period in 2022.
  • Net income attributable to Noah shareholders for the fourth quarter of 2023 was RMB216.5 million (US$30.5 million), a 54.8% increase from the corresponding period in 2022.
  • Net margin attributable to Noah shareholders for the fourth quarter of 2023 was 27.1%, an increase from 15.9% in the corresponding period in 2022.
  • Net income attributable to Noah shareholders per basic and diluted ADS for the fourth quarter of 2023 was RMB3.12 (US$0.44) and RMB3.12 (US$0.44), respectively, an increase from RMB2.01 and RMB2.01 respectively, in the corresponding period in 2022.

• Non-GAAP Net Income Attributable to Noah Shareholders
  • Non-GAAP net income attributable to Noah shareholders for the fourth quarter of 2023 was RMB233.7 million (US$32.9 million), a 56.7% increase from the corresponding period in 2022.
  • Non-GAAP net margin attributable to Noah shareholders for the fourth quarter of 2023 was 29.2%, an increase from 16.9% in the corresponding period in 2022.
  • Non-GAAP net income attributable to Noah shareholders per diluted ADS for the fourth quarter of 2023 was RMB3.36 (US$0.47), an increase from RMB2.14 in the corresponding period in 2022.

FULL YEAR 2023 FINANCIAL RESULTS

Net Revenues

Net revenues for 2023 were RMB3,294.7 million (US$464.0 million), a 6.3% increase from 2022, primarily due to an increase in one-time commissions associated with Noah's wealth management business. 

• Wealth Management Business
  • Net revenues from one-time commissions for 2023 were RMB1,082.4 million (US$152.5 million), a 72.2% increase from 2022, primarily due to an increase in the distribution of insurance products.
  • Net revenues from recurring service fees for 2023 were RMB1,101.7 million (US$155.2 million), a 10.2% decrease from 2022, due to a shift in product mix and client investment preferences, as well as a decrease in recurring service fees generated from private secondary and private equity products.
  • Net revenues from performance-based income for 2023 were RMB86.0 million (US$12.1 million), a 57.3% decrease from 2022, primarily due to a decrease in performance-based income from private secondary products.
  • Net revenues from other service fees for 2023 were RMB221.1 million (US$31.1 million), a 54.1% increase from 2022, primarily due to the growing number of value-added services Noah offers to its high-net-worth clients.

• Asset Management Business
  • Net revenues from recurring service fees for 2023 were RMB712.5 million (US$100.3 million), a 5.0% increase from 2022.
  • Net revenues from performance-based income for 2023 were RMB51.1 million (US$7.2 million), a 52.1% decrease from 2022, primarily due to a decrease in performance-based income from private equity products.

• Other Businesses
  • Net revenues for 2023 were RMB37.3 million (US$5.3 million), a 43.5% decrease from 2022.

Operating costs and expenses

Operating costs and expenses for 2023 were RMB2,196.8 million (US$309.4 million), a 9.2% increase from 2022. Operating costs and expenses for 2023 primarily consisted of 1) compensation and benefits of RMB1,456.8 million (US$205.2 million); 2) selling expenses of RMB485.8 million (US$68.4 million); 3) general and administrative expenses of RMB275.7 million (US$38.8 million); 4) reversal of credit losses of RMB7.0 million (US$1.0 million); and 5) other operating expenses of RMB112.5 million (US$15.8 million).

• Operating costs and expenses for the wealth management business for 2023 were RMB1,681.4 million (US$236.8 million), a 15.3% increase from 2022, primarily due to an increase in compensation and benefits for relationship managers.
• Operating costs and expenses for the asset management business for 2023 were RMB379.5 million (US$53.5 million), a 1.8% decrease from 2022, primarily due to a decrease in performance-based compensation.
• Operating costs and expenses for other businesses for 2023 were RMB135.9 million (US$19.1 million), an 18.5% decrease from 2022, primarily due to a decrease in other operating expenses.

Operating Margin

Operating margin for 2023 was 33.3%, compared to 35.1% for 2022.

• Operating margin for the wealth management business for 2023 was 32.5%, compared with 33.7% for 2022, mainly due to an increase in compensation and benefits for relationship managers.
• Operating margin for the asset management business for 2023 was 50.5%, compared with 53.7% for 2022.
• Loss from other businesses for 2023 was RMB98.6 million (US$13.9 million), compared with RMB100.8 million for 2022, due to a 43.5% decrease in net revenues. 

Investment Loss/Income

Investment loss for 2023 was RMB61.5 million (US$8.7 million), compared with investment income of RMB85.6 million for 2022.

Income Tax Expenses

Income tax expenses for 2023 were RMB262.4 million (US$37.0 million), a 1.8% decrease from 2022, primarily due to a lower effective tax rate.

Income from Equity in Affiliates

Income from equity in affiliates for 2023 was RMB54.1 million (US$7.6 million), compared with RMB89.1 million in 2022. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in income recognized from the funds of funds that Noah manages and invests in as the general partner or fund manager.  

Net Income

• Net Income
  • Net income for 2023 was RMB1,001.0 million (US$141.0 million), a 3.0% increase from 2022.
  • Net margin for 2023 was 30.4%, a decrease from 31.3% in 2022.
  • Net income attributable to Noah shareholders for 2023 was RMB1,009.5 million (US$142.2 million), a 3.4% increase from 2022.
  • Net margin attributable to Noah shareholders for 2023 was 30.6%, a decrease from 31.5% in 2022.
  • Net income attributable to Noah shareholders per basic and diluted ADS for 2023 was RMB14.53 (US$2.05) and RMB14.53 (US$2.05), respectively, an increase from RMB14.29 and RMB14.28, respectively, in 2022.

• Non-GAAP Net Income Attributable to Noah Shareholders
  • Non-GAAP net income attributable to Noah shareholders for 2023 was RMB1,018.8 million (US$143.5 million), a 1.0% increase from 2022.
  • Non-GAAP net margin attributable to Noah shareholders for 2023 was 30.9%, a decrease from 32.5% in 2022.
  • Non-GAAP net income attributable to Noah shareholders per diluted ADS for 2023 was RMB14.66 (US$2.07), a decrease from RMB14.75 in 2022.

BALANCE SHEET AND CASH FLOW

As of December 31, 2023, the Company had RMB5,192.1 million (US$731.3 million) in cash and cash equivalents, compared with RMB4,403.9 million as of December 31, 2022 and RMB4,959.6 million as of September 30, 2023.

Net cash inflow from the Company's operating activities during the fourth quarter of 2023 was RMB152.5 million (US$21.5 million), compared with RMB33.0 million in the corresponding period in 2022, primarily due to a decrease in trading debt products in the fourth quarter of 2023. Net cash inflow from the Company's operating activities in 2023 was RMB1,318.3 million (US$185.7 million), compared with RMB632.9 million in 2022.

Net cash inflow from the Company's investing activities during the fourth quarter of 2023 was RMB226.8 million (US$31.9 million), compared with net cash inflow of RMB58.3 million in the corresponding period in 2022. Net cash outflow from the Company's investing activities in 2023 was RMB247.1 million (US$34.8 million), compared to net cash inflow of RMB74.3 million in 2022, mainly due to cash payments on short term investments.

Net cash outflow from the Company's financing activities was RMB94.0 million (US$13.2 million) in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to net cash inflow of RMB8.0 million in the corresponding period in 2022. Net cash outflow from the Company's financing activities in 2023 was RMB199.8 million (US$28.1 million), compared to net cash inflow of RMB233.8 million in 2022. The cash inflow in 2022 was mainly due to the net proceeds from the Company's initial public offering and listing in Hong Kong while the cash outflow in 2023 was mainly due to final dividend payments.

ANNUAL AND SPECIAL DIVIDEND

On March 26, 2024, the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board") approved an annual dividend of approximately RMB509.0 million (US$71.7 million) in total, which is equivalent to 50% of full year 2023 non-GAAP net income attributable to Noah shareholders, in accordance with the capital management and shareholder return policy (the "Policy") adopted on November 29, 2023. The Board has also approved a non-recurring special dividend of approximately RMB509.0 million (US$71.7 million) in total. The annual and special dividend payment plan will be reviewed during and announced after the Annual General Meeting, which is expected to be held in June 2024.

CONFERENCE CALL 

The Company's senior management will host an earnings conference call to discuss its Q4 and full year 2023 Results and recent business activities. Details of the conference call are as follows:

A telephone replay will be available starting approximately one hour after the end of the conference until April 2, 2024 at 1-877-344-7529 (US Toll Free) and 1-412-317-0088 (International Toll) with the access code 1565571.

DISCUSSION ON NON-GAAP MEASURES

In addition to disclosing financial results prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, the Company's earnings release contains non-GAAP financial measures excluding the effects of all forms of share-based compensation and net of tax impact, if any. See "Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Results" at the end of this press release.

The non-GAAP financial measures disclosed by the Company should not be considered a substitute for financial measures prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The financial results reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP and reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP results should be carefully evaluated. The non-GAAP financial measures used by the Company may be prepared differently from and, therefore, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.

When evaluating the Company's operating performance in the periods presented, management reviewed the foregoing non-GAAP net income attributable to Noah shareholders and per diluted ADS and non-GAAP net margin attributable to Noah shareholders to supplement U.S. GAAP financial data. As such, the Company's management believes that the presentation of the non-GAAP financial measures provides important supplemental information to investors regarding financial and business trends relating to its results of operations in a manner consistent with that used by management.  

ABOUT NOAH HOLDINGS LIMITED

Noah Holdings Limited (NYSE: NOAH and HKEX:6686) is a leading and pioneer wealth management service provider offering comprehensive one-stop advisory services on global investment and asset allocation primarily for mandarin-speaking high-net-worth investors. In 2023, Noah distributed RMB74.1 billion (US$10.4 billion) of investment products. Through Gopher Asset Management, Noah had assets under management of RMB154.6 billion (US$21.8 billion) as of December 31, 2023.

Noah's wealth management business primarily distributes private equity, private secondary, mutual fund and other products denominated in RMB and other currencies. Noah's network covers 44 cities in mainland China, as well as Hong Kong (China), Taiwan (China), New York, Silicon Valley and Singapore. A total of 1,252 relationship managers provide customized financial solutions for clients through this network, and meet their international investment needs. The Company's wealth management business had 455,827 registered clients as of December 31, 2023. Through Gopher Asset Management, Noah manages private equity, public securities, real estate, multi-strategy and other investments denominated in Renminbi and other currencies. The Company also provides other businesses.

For more information, please visit Noah at ir.noahgroup.com.

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION

In this announcement, the unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter of 2023 and audited financial results for the full year ended December 31, 2023 are stated in RMB. This announcement contains currency conversions of certain RMB amounts into US$ at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from RMB to US$ are made at a rate of RMB7.0999 to US$1.00, the effective noon buying rate for December 29, 2023 as set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT 

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under 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," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "confident" and similar statements. Noah may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual report to shareholders, in announcements, circulars or other publications made on the website of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the "Hong Kong Stock Exchange"), 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 Noah's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. These statements include, but are not limited to, estimates regarding the sufficiency of Noah's cash and cash equivalents and liquidity risk. A number of factors could cause Noah's actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: its goals and strategies; its future business development, financial condition and results of operations; the expected growth of the wealth management and asset management market in China and internationally; its expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of the products it distributes; investment risks associated with investment products distributed to Noah's investors, including the risk of default by counterparties or loss of value due to market or business conditions or misconduct by counterparties; its expectations regarding keeping and strengthening its relationships with key clients; relevant government policies and regulations relating to its industries; its ability to attract and retain qualified employees; its ability to stay abreast of market trends and technological advances; its plans to invest in research and development to enhance its product choices and service offerings; competition in its industries in China and internationally; general economic and business conditions in China; and its ability to effectively protect its intellectual property rights and not to infringe on the intellectual property rights of others. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Noah's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and Noah does not undertake any obligation to update any such information, including forward-looking statements, as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under the applicable law.

Contacts:

Noah Holdings Limited
Melo Xi
Tel: +86-21-8035-8292
[email protected]

-- FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL TABLES FOLLOW --

SOURCE Noah Holdings Limited