Tuniu Announces Unaudited Third Quarter 2017 Financial Results

NANJING, China, Nov. 27, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Tuniu Corporation (NASDAQ: TOUR) ("Tuniu" or the "Company"), a leading online leisure travel company in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2017.

Highlights for the Third Quarter of 2017

• Net revenues in the third quarter of 2017 was RMB806.1 million (US$121.2 million^[1]), an increase of 53.5% year-over-year when compared with Non-GAAP^[2] net revenues in the third quarter of 2016.
• Gross profit in the third quarter of 2017 was RMB440.9 million (US$66.3 million), an increase of 73.5% year-over-year when compared with Non-GAAP gross profit in the third quarter of 2016.
• Non-GAAP net income in the third quarter of 2017 was RMB39.7 million (US$6.0 million), compared with a Non-GAAP net loss of RMB496.7 million in the third quarter of 2016.

Comparison of Revenues

We adopted ASC 606 new revenue standard effective January 1, 2017 by applying the full retrospective method. To increase comparability of operating results and help investors better understand our business performance and operating trends, we have provided the following comparison between revenues, cost of revenues and gross profit for the third quarter of 2017 and the relevant Non-GAAP adjusted data for corresponding period in 2016:

Additional information regarding our Non-GAAP definition and reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP results are provided at the end of this announcement.

Mr. Donald Dunde Yu, Tuniu's co-founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said, "We are delighted to report solid results for the third quarter of 2017. Net revenues increased by 53.5% year-over-year during the third quarter while gross profit increased by 73.5% year-over-year. Tuniu continues to make exceptional progress with our core strategies of expanding our offline sales presence, implementing our own local tour operators and improving our technology infrastructure. These strategies are developing into our core competitive advantage, differentiating Tuniu from its industry peers as well as strengthening our leading position in China's attractive online leisure travel industry."

Ms. Maria Yi Xin, Tuniu's Chief Financial Officer, said, "The strategies that we have implemented in the past years are starting to benefit our operations and financials. As a result, for the first time since our listing, we have reached non-GAAP profitability, a positive step towards achieving long-term profitability. As we continue to execute our core strategies and optimize our operations, Tuniu will expand while maximizing value for our customers and shareholders."

Third Quarter 2017 Results

Net revenues were RMB806.1 million (US$121.2 million) in the third quarter of 2017, representing a year-over-year increase of 53.5%, compared with Non-GAAP net revenues, from the corresponding period in 2016.

• Revenues from packaged tours, which are mainly recognized on a net basis, were RMB604.0 million (US$90.8 million) in the third quarter of 2017, representing a year-over-year increase of 53.0%, compared with Non-GAAP revenues from packaged tours, from the corresponding period in 2016. The increase was primarily due to the growth of organized tours and self-guided tours.
• Other revenues were RMB202.0 million (US$30.4 million) in the third quarter of 2017, representing a year-over-year increase of 55.0%, compared with Non-GAAP other revenues, from the corresponding period in 2016. The increase was due to a rise in revenues generated from financial services and commission fees received from certain travel-related products.

Cost of revenues was RMB365.2 million (US$54.9 million) in the third quarter of 2017, representing a year-over-year increase of 34.7%, compared with Non-GAAP cost of revenues, from the corresponding period in 2016. As a percentage of net revenues, cost of revenues was 45.3% in the third quarter of 2017, compared to 51.6% as a percentage of Non-GAAP net revenues in the corresponding period in 2016.

Gross profit was RMB440.9 million (US$66.3 million) in the third quarter of 2017, representing a year-over-year increase of 73.5%, compared with Non-GAAP gross profit, from the corresponding period in 2016. The increase in gross profit and gross margin was primarily due to improved economies of scale, increased operational efficiency and optimized supply chain management.

Operating expenses were RMB506.9 million (US$76.2 million) in the third quarter of 2017, representing a year-over-year decrease of 38.9% from the corresponding period in 2016. Share-based compensation expenses and amortization of acquired intangible assets, which were allocated to operating expenses, were RMB66.4 million (US$10.0 million) in the third quarter of 2017. Non-GAAP operating expenses, which excluded share-based compensation expenses and amortization of acquired intangible assets, were RMB440.5 million (US$66.2 million) in the third quarter of 2017, representing a year-over-year decrease of 43.2%.

• Research and product development expenses were RMB124.0 million (US$18.6 million) in the third quarter of 2017, representing a year-over-year decrease of 26.2%. Non-GAAP research and product development expenses, which excluded share-based compensation expenses and amortization of acquired intangible assets of RMB2.4 million (US$0.4 million), were RMB121.6 million (US$18.3 million) in the third quarter of 2017, representing a decrease of 26.9% from the corresponding period in 2016. Research and product development expenses as a percentage of net revenues were 15.4% in the third quarter of 2017, decreasing from 32.0% as a percentage of Non-GAAP net revenues in the corresponding period in 2016. The decrease was primarily due to the increase in efficiency resulting from economies of scale and implementation of operation systems, and optimization of research and product development personnel.
• Sales and marketing expenses were RMB224.8 million (US$33.8 million) in the third quarter of 2017, representing a year-over-year decrease of 54.8%. Non-GAAP sales and marketing expenses, which excluded share-based compensation expenses and amortization of acquired intangible assets of RMB34.7 million (US$5.2 million), were RMB190.1 million (US$28.6 million) in the third quarter of 2017, representing a year-over-year decrease of 59.2% from the corresponding period in 2016. Sales and marketing expenses as a percentage of net revenues were 27.9% in the third quarter of 2017, decreasing from 94.6% as a percentage of Non-GAAP net revenues in the corresponding period in 2016. The decrease was primarily due to the decline in brand promotions and preference for marketing channels with higher ROI.
• General and administrative expenses were RMB165.9 million (US$24.9 million) in the third quarter of 2017, representing a year-over-year decrease of 1.3%. Non-GAAP general and administrative expenses, which excluded share-based compensation expenses and amortization of acquired intangible assets of RMB29.3 million (US$4.4 million), were RMB136.5 million (US$20.5 million) for the third quarter of 2017, representing a year-over-year decrease of 7.6% from the corresponding period in 2016. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenues were 20.6% in the third quarter of 2017, decreasing from 32.0% as a percentage of Non-GAAP net revenues in the corresponding period in 2016. The decrease was primarily due to the increase in efficiency resulting from economies of scale and optimization of administrative personnel.

Loss from operations was RMB66.0 million (US$9.9 million) in the third quarter of 2017, compared to a loss from operations of RMB584.1 million in the third quarter of 2016. Non-GAAP income from operations, which excluded share-based compensation expenses and amortization of acquired intangible assets, was RMB0.6 million (US$0.1 million) in the third quarter of 2017.

Net loss was RMB27.0 million (US$4.1 million) in the third quarter of 2017, compared to a net loss of RMB559.0 million in the third quarter of 2016. Non-GAAP net income, which excluded share-based compensation expenses and amortization of acquired intangible assets, was RMB39.7 million (US$6.0 million) in the third quarter of 2017.

Net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders was RMB29.3 million (US$4.4 million) in the third quarter of 2017, compared to a net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of RMB556.2 million in the third quarter of 2016. Non-GAAP net income attributable to ordinary shareholders, which excluded share-based compensation expenses and amortization of acquired intangible assets, was RMB37.4 million (US$5.6 million) in the third quarter of 2017.

As of September 30, 2017, the Company had cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments of RMB4.4 billion (US$658.7 million).

Business Outlook

For the fourth quarter of 2017, Tuniu expects to generate RMB450.4 million to RMB466.5 million of net revenues, which represents 40% to 45% growth year-over-year compared with Non-GAAP net revenues in the corresponding period in 2016. This forecast reflects Tuniu's current and preliminary view on the industry and its operations, which is subject to change.

Conference Call Information

Tuniu's management will hold an earnings conference call at 8:00 am U.S. Eastern Time, on November 27, 2017, (9:00 pm, Beijing/Hong Kong Time, on November 27, 2017) to discuss the third quarter 2017 financial results.

To participate in the conference call, please dial the following numbers:

Conference ID: Tuniu 3Q 2017 Earnings Call

A telephone replay will be available one hour after the end of the conference through December 4, 2017. The dial-in details are as follows:

Replay Access Code: 10114447

Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will also be available on the Company's investor relations website at http://ir.tuniu.com.

About Tuniu

Tuniu (Nasdaq:TOUR) is a leading online leisure travel company in China that offers a large selection of packaged tours, including organized and self-guided tours, as well as travel-related services for leisure travelers through its website tuniu.com and mobile platform. Tuniu has over 2,000,000 stock keeping units (SKUs) of packaged tours, covering over 420 departing cities throughout China and all popular destinations worldwide. Tuniu provides one-stop leisure travel solutions and a compelling customer experience through its online platform and offline service network. For more information, please visit http://ir.tuniu.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements made under the "safe harbor" provisions of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and 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. Tuniu may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports filed with or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, 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. Any statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Tuniu's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements that involve factors, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such factors and risks include, but are not limited to the following: Tuniu's goals and strategies; the growth of the online leisure travel market in China; the demand for Tuniu's products and services; its relationships with customers and travel suppliers; the Company's ability to offer competitive travel products and services; Tuniu's future business development, results of operations and financial condition; competition in the online travel industry in China; relevant government policies and regulations relating to the Company's structure, business and industry; and the general economic and business condition in China and elsewhere. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release is current as of the date of the press release, and Tuniu does not undertake any obligation to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

About Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement the Company's unaudited consolidated financial results presented in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP"), the Company has provided Non-GAAP information related to net revenue, cost of revenues, research and product development expenses, sales and marketing expenses, general and administrative expenses, operating expenses, loss from operations, net loss, net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests, net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders, net loss per ordinary share attributable to ordinary shareholders-basic and diluted and net loss per ADS, which excludes adjustment on net basis and timing of revenue recognition as in 2017, share-based compensation expenses and amortization of acquired intangible assets. We believe that the Non-GAAP financial measures used in this press release are useful for understanding and assessing underlying business performance and operating trends, and management and investors benefit from referring to these Non-GAAP financial measures in assessing our financial performance and when planning and forecasting future periods. For more information on these Non-GAAP financial measures, please see the table captioned "Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results" set forth at the end of this press release.

A limitation of using Non-GAAP financial measures excluding share-based compensation expenses and amortization of acquired intangible assets is that share-based compensation expenses and amortization of acquired intangible assets have been - and will continue to be - significant recurring expenses in the Company's business. You should not view Non-GAAP results on a stand-alone basis or as a substitute for results under GAAP, or as being comparable to results reported or forecasted by other companies.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

China

Mary Chen
Investor Relations Director
Tuniu Corporation
Phone: +86-25-6960-9988
E-mail: [email protected]

(Financial Tables Follow)

SOURCE Tuniu

Related Links

http://ir.tuniu.com