DigitalCFO Newsroom | 31 March 2022
X Financial Approved a Share Repurchase Plan
X Financial, a leading online personal finance company in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.
Fourth Quarter 2021 Financial Highlights
- Total net revenue in the fourth quarter of 2021 was RMB823.4 million (US$129.2 million), representing an increase of 15.0% from RMB716.3 million in the same period of 2020.
- Income from operations in the fourth quarter of 2021 was RMB311.6 million (US$48.9 million), compared with loss from operations of RMB857.3 million in the same period of 2020.
- Net income attributable to X Financial shareholders in the fourth quarter of 2021 was RMB145.5 million (US$22.8 million), compared with net loss attributable to X Financial shareholders of RMB655.5 million in the same period of 2020.
- Non-GAAP adjusted net income attributable to X Financial shareholders in the fourth quarter of 2021 was RMB183.0 million (US$28.7 million), compared with Non-GAAP adjusted net loss attributable to X Financial shareholders of RMB630.8 million in the same period of 2020.
- Net income per basic and diluted American depositary share (“ADS”)[2] in the fourth quarter of 2021 was RMB2.64 (US$0.41) and RMB2.58 (US$0.40), compared with net loss per basic and diluted ADS of RMB12.24 and RMB12.24, respectively, in the same period of 2020.
- Non-GAAP adjusted net income per basic and adjusted diluted ADS in the fourth quarter of 2021 was RMB3.30 (US$0.52) and RMB3.24 (US$0.51), compared with Non-GAAP adjusted net loss per basic and diluted ADS of RMB11.76 and RMB11.76, respectively, in the same period of 2020.
Fourth Quarter 2021 Operational Highlights
- The total loan amount facilitated and provided[3] in the fourth quarter of 2021 was RMB13,084 million, representing an increase of 50.9% from RMB8,673 million in the same period of 2020 and a decrease of 13.3% from RMB15,085 million in the previous quarter. Xiaoying Credit Loan[4] accounted for 100.0% of the Company’s total loan amount facilitated and provided in the fourth quarter of 2021, compared with 92.2% in the same period of 2020.
- The total outstanding loan balance[5] as of December 31, 2021 was RMB24,912 million, compared with RMB24,509 million as of September 30, 2021 and RMB13,218 million as of December 31, 2020.
- The delinquency rate for all outstanding loans that are past due for 31-60 days as of December 31, 2021 was 1.48%, compared with 0.96% as of September 30, 2021 and 0.79% as of December 31, 2020.
- The number of cumulative borrowers[6] was 8.2 million as of December 31, 2021.
- Total cumulative registered users reached 67.0 million as of December 31, 2021.
Fiscal Year 2021 Financial Highlights
- Total net revenue in 2021 was RMB3,626.5 million (US$569.1 million), representing an increase of 65.4% from RMB2,193.0 million in 2020.
- Income from operations in 2021 was RMB1,311.0 million (US$205.7 million), compared with loss from operations of RMB1,430.3 million in 2020.
- Net income attributable to X Financial shareholders in 2021 was RMB825.4 million (US$129.5 million), compared with net loss attributable to X Financial shareholders of RMB1,308.5 million in 2020.
- Non-GAAP adjusted net income attributable to X Financial shareholders in 2021 was RMB913.8 million (US$143.4 million), compared with non-GAAP adjusted net loss attributable to X Financial shareholders of RMB1,228.4 million in 2020.
- Net income per basic and diluted American depositary share (“ADS”) was RMB15.06 (US$2.36) and RMB14.70 (US$2.31) in 2021, compared with net loss per basic and diluted American depositary share (“ADS”) of RMB24.42 and RMB24.42, respectively, in 2020.
- Non-GAAP adjusted net income per basic and adjusted diluted ADS was RMB16.68 (US$2.62), and RMB16.26 (US$2.55) in 2021, compared with non-GAAP adjusted net loss per basic and adjusted diluted ADS of RMB22.92 and RMB22.92, respectively, in 2020.
Fiscal Year 2021 Operational Highlights
- The total loan amount facilitated and provided in 2021 was RMB51,859 million, representing an increase of 74.7% from RMB29,676 million in 2020.
- The total loan amount facilitated and provided of Xiaoying Credit Loan in 2021 was RMB51,859 million, representing an increase of 115.6% from RMB24,058 million in 2020. Xiaoying Credit Loan accounted for 100.0% of the Company’s total loan amount facilitated and provided in 2021, compared with 81.1% in 2020.
Mr. Justin Tang, the Founder, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Company, commented, “We are very pleased to conclude 2021 with another solid quarter of financial results, delivering profitability for the full year. Both our top and bottom lines for the fourth quarter significantly improved over the same period of 2020. Despite a challenging macro economy and regulatory environment in 2021, we have successfully turned our business back on track and maintained steady growth momentum compared with 2020. The total loan amount facilitated and provided in 2021 increased by 75% year-over-year to RMB52 billion from RMB30 billion. With a very focused product strategy and effective cost control initiatives, we turned profitable in 2021 and our bottom line outperformed the full year of 2019, the year before the COVID-19 outbreak.”
“In the fourth quarter of 2021, we invested RMB315 million and become an indirect minority shareholder of Newup Bank of Liaoning, a PRC company and non-state-owned bank (“Newup Bank”). We are exploring opportunities to cooperate with Newup Bank to better serve Small-Medium Companies (“SMEs”) and we are confident that, based on our advantages in technology and risk management capabilities, the co-operation with Newup Bank could bring more possibilities to our business to jointly empower and support the development of the economy in China.”
“Heading into 2022, we expect regulatory uncertainties to subside with clearer guidelines from authorities. The Chinese government has affirmed the value of Fintech industry to address people’s inclusive financial needs and support the development of SMEs. We remain cautiously optimistic about our business outlook while being prepared for any macro uncertainties that may emerge in 2022.”
“In order to pass on our confidence to the market and increase shareholders value, our board has been timely evaluating, based on current market environment, regulatory policy and condition of business operation, multiple ways of returning profits to our shareholders, including share repurchase as well as cash dividend distribution. Recently, our board approved a US$15 million share repurchase plan, which reflects our confidence in the Company’s fundamentals, strategy and sustainable growth. We are looking forward to an increase of shareholder value in the future.”
Mr. Kent Li, President of the Company, added, “During the fourth quarter, our total loan amount facilitated and provided reached RMB13 billion, an increase of 51% year-over-year. As mentioned in our previous guidance, we saw a moderate sequential decline in the loan volume in the fourth quarter, which was mainly attributed to the year-end outstanding loan balance requirements of our institutional funding partners. In the first quarter of 2022, the level of available funds has resumed its normal pattern. Since 2020, we have shifted our product focus to Xiaoying Card Loan, which contributed 100% to the total loan amount facilitated and provided in 2021. With this focused and proven product strategy, we are confident in our ability to sustain steady growth in the loan facilitation business in 2022.”
“Regarding asset quality, the delinquency rate for all outstanding loans that are past due for 31-60 days as of December 31, 2021 was 1.48%, higher than 0.96% as of September 30, 2021 and 0.79% as of December 31, 2020. This fluctuation is mainly attributed to the liquidity tightening in the fourth quarter of 2021. Since February 2022, we have seen our asset quality gradually improving as a result of ample liquidity in financial markets and our stricter risk management measures.”
“In 2021, we officially commenced operation of our microcredit business in the third quarter after we received regulatory approval for our microcredit license, and during the fourth quarter, we further increased its registered capital to RMB1 billion in compliance with the regulations. We are on track with our microcredit business and look forward to creating more value for our shareholders.”
Mr. Frank Fuya Zheng, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, added, “We are pleased to deliver solid financial results for both the fourth quarter and the full year of 2021. Total net revenue increased by 15% year-over-year to RMB823 million in the fourth quarter. We saw a significant improvement in our bottom line. In the fourth quarter, net income improved to RMB146 million from a loss of RMB656 million in the same period of 2020, and Non-GAAP adjusted net income improved to RMB183 million from a loss of RMB631 million in the same period of 2020. For the full year 2021, total net revenue increased by 65% to RMB3,626 million. Thanks to our relentless efforts on cost management, total operating costs and expenses decreased by 36% to RMB2,315 million. Net income improved to RMB825 million in 2021 from a loss of RMB1,309 million, and Non-GAAP adjusted net income improved to RMB914 million in 2021 from a loss of RMB1,228 million a year ago.”
“In conclusion, we are greatly encouraged by the strong results we delivered in 2021, which fully demonstrate the resilience and growth potential of our business. Going forward, we will continue to expand and deepen our cooperation with more institutional funding partners to meet the needs of consumers and SMEs, and execute our proven strategy to drive sustainable long-term growth and returns for our partners and shareholders.”
Fourth Quarter 2021 Financial Results
Total net revenue in the fourth quarter of 2021 increased by 15.0% to RMB823.4 million (US$129.2 million) from RMB716.3 million in the same period of 2020, primarily due to an increase in the total loan amount facilitated and provided of Xiaoying Card Loan this quarter compared with the same period of 2020.
Loan facilitation service fees under the direct model in the fourth quarter of 2021 increased by 3.2% to RMB487.8 million (US$76.5 million) from RMB472.6 million in the same period of 2020, primarily due to an increase in the amount of Xiaoying Card Loan facilitated through the direct model compared with the same period of 2020.
Post-origination service fees in the fourth quarter of 2021 increased by 129.0% to RMB94.8 million (US$14.9 million) from RMB41.4 million in the same period of 2020, primarily due to the cumulative effect of increased volume of loans facilitated in the previous quarters. Revenues from post-origination services are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the underlying loans as the services are being provided.
Financing income in the fourth quarter of 2021 increased by 27.6% to RMB219.1 million (US$34.4 million) from RMB171.7 million in the same period of 2020, primarily due to a change in the product mix resulting from an increase in revenue generated by Xiaoying Card Loan this quarter compared with the same period of 2020, which carried a higher service fee rate; and also partially offset by a decrease in average loan balances held by the Company.
Other revenue in the fourth quarter of 2021 decreased by 28.6% to RMB21.8 million (US$3.4 million) from RMB30.5 million in the same period of 2020, primarily due to a decrease in commission fees from our online shopping mall.
Origination and servicing expenses in the fourth quarter of 2021 decreased by 29.9% to RMB385.8 million (US$60.5 million) from RMB550.7 million in the same period of 2020, primarily due to the decline in collection expenses resulting from the asset quality improvement and a decrease in insurance fee paid to insurance company.
General and administrative expenses in the fourth quarter of 2021 increased by 71.0% to RMB62.2 million (US$9.8 million) from RMB36.4 million in the same period of 2020, primarily due to an increase in share-based compensation expenses in the fourth quarter of 2021.
Sales and marketing expenses in the fourth quarter of 2021 increased by 9.5% to RMB5.3 million (US$0.8 million) from RMB4.9 million in the same period of 2020, primarily due to an increase in marketing expenses resulting from the business expansion.
Provision for accounts receivable and contract assets in the fourth quarter of 2021 was RMB19.5 million (US$3.1 million), compared with reversal of provision for accounts receivable and contract assets of RMB13.2 million in the same period of 2020, primarily due to an increase in accounts receivable from facilitation services as a result of the increase in total loan facilitation amount in the fourth quarter of 2021 compared with the same period of 2020.
Provision for loans receivable in the fourth quarter of 2021 was RMB40.3 million (US$6.3 million), compared with RMB33.7 million in the same period of 2020, primarily due to an increase in loans receivable held by the Company as a result of the increase in total loan amount facilitated and provided in the fourth quarter of 2021 compared with the same period of 2020.
Income from operations in the fourth quarter of 2021 was RMB311.6 million (US$48.9 million), compared with loss from operations of RMB857.3 million in the same period of 2020.
Income before income taxes and loss from equity in affiliates in the fourth quarter of 2021 was RMB301.1 million (US$47.3 million), compared with loss before income taxes and loss from equity in affiliates of RMB877.2 million in the same period of 2020.
Income tax expense in the fourth quarter of 2021 was RMB154.2 million (US$24.2 million), compared with income tax benefit of RMB227.0 million in the same period of 2020.
Net income attributable to X Financial shareholders in the fourth quarter of 2021 was RMB145.5 million (US$22.8 million), compared with net loss attributable to X Financial shareholders of RMB655.5 million in the same period of 2020.
Non-GAAP adjusted net income attributable to X Financial shareholders in the fourth quarter of 2021 was RMB183.0 million (US$28.7 million), compared with Non-GAAP adjusted net loss attributable to X Financial shareholders of RMB630.8 million in the same period of 2020.
Net income per basic and diluted ADS in the fourth quarter of 2021 was RMB2.64 (US$0.41), and RMB2.58 (US$0.40), compared with net loss per basic and diluted ADS of RMB12.24 and RMB12.24, respectively, in the same period of 2020.
Non-GAAP adjusted net income per basic and diluted ADS in the fourth quarter of 2021 was RMB3.30 (US$0.52), and RMB3.24 (US$0.51), compared with Non-GAAP adjusted net loss per basic and diluted ADS of RMB11.76 and RMB11.76, respectively, in the same period of 2020.
Cash and cash equivalents was RMB584.8 million (US$91.8 million) as of December 31, 2021, compared with RMB971.8 million as of September 30, 2021.
Long-term investments were RMB560.0 million (US$87.9 million) as of December 31, 2021, compared with RMB295.6 million as of December 31, 2020, primarily due to an acquisition, with a total consideration of RMB315 million, of 45% outstanding shares of Shenyang Tianxinhao Technology Limited, a PRC company, which holds 28% equity interest of Newup Bank. The Company does not have ability to take in the control or management of the affairs or the conduct of the business of Newup Bank.
Fiscal Year 2021 Financial Results
Total net revenue in 2021 increased by 65.4% to RMB3,626.5 million (US$569.1 million) from RMB2,193.0 million in 2020, primarily due to an increase in the total loan amount facilitated and provided of Xiaoying Card Loan this year compared with 2020.
Loan facilitation service fees under the direct model in 2021 increased by 101.0% to RMB2,545.4 million (US$399.4 million) from RMB1,266.5 million in 2020, primarily due to an increase in the amount of Xiaoying Card Loan facilitated through the direct model during the year compared with 2020.
Loan facilitation service fees under the intermediary model in 2021 decreased by 99.6% to RMB0.2 million (US$0.03 million), compared with RMB41.4 million in the same period of 2020, primarily due to the fact that substantially all of the institutional funding partners invested their funds in the loans facilitated under the direct model and/or the trust model, depending on their investment strategies.
Post-origination service fees in 2021 increased by 54.8% to RMB315.6 million (US$49.5 million) from RMB203.8 million in 2020, primarily due to the cumulative effect of increased volume of loans facilitated during the year. Revenues from post-origination services are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the underlying loans as the services are being provided.
Financing income in 2021 increased by 9.6% to RMB671.9 million (US$105.4 million) from RMB612.9 million in 2020, primarily due to a change in the product mix resulting from an increase in revenue generated by Xiaoying Card Loan in 2021 compared with 2020, which carried a higher service fee rate; and also partially offset by a decrease in average loan balances held by the Company.
Other revenue in 2021 increased by 36.6% to RMB93.4 million (US$14.7 million) from RMB68.3 million in 2020, primarily due to an increase in technology service fees received for providing assistant technology development services and referral service fee for introducing borrowers to other platforms.
Origination and servicing expenses in 2021 decreased by 5.2% to RMB1,963.0 million (US$308.0 million) from RMB2,071.5 million in 2020, primarily due to the decline in collection expenses resulting from the asset quality improvement and a decrease in interest expenses related to a decline in average loan balances held by the Company, and partially offset by the increase in commission fees resulting from the increased in total loan amount facilitated and provided this year compared with 2020.
General and administrative expenses in 2021 increased by 4.8% to RMB187.9 million (US$29.5 million) from RMB179.2 million in 2020, primarily due to the increase in share-based compensation expenses in 2021.
Sales and marketing expenses in 2021 decreased by 41.5% to RMB20.8 million (US$3.3 million) from RMB35.6 million in 2020, primarily due to a continuing cost reduction in promotional and advertising activities in the first half of 2021.
Provision for accounts receivable and contract assets in the fourth quarter was RMB77.2 million (US$12.1 million), compared with RMB121.5 million in 2020, primarily due to a decrease in the average estimated default rate compared with 2020.
Provision for loans receivable in 2021 was RMB76.0 million (US$11.9 million), compared with RMB245.2 million in 2020, primarily due to a decrease in the average estimated default rate compared with 2020, and partially offset by an increase in loans receivable held by the Company as a result of the increase in total loan amount facilitated and provided in 2021 compared with 2020.
Income from operations in 2021 was RMB1,311.0 million (US$205.7 million), compared with loss from operations of RMB1,430.3 million in 2020.
Income before income taxes and gain from equity in affiliates in 2021 was RMB1,190.8 million (US$186.9 million), compared with loss before income taxes and loss from equity in affiliates of RMB1,601.5 million in 2020.
Income tax expense in 2021 was RMB368.7 million (US$57.9 million), compared with income tax benefit of RMB299.9 million in 2020.
Net income attributable to X Financial shareholders in 2021 was RMB825.4 million (US$129.5 million), compared with net loss attributable to X Financial shareholders of RMB1,308.5 million in 2020.
Non-GAAP adjusted net income attributable to X Financial shareholders in 2021 was RMB913.8 million (US$143.4 million), compared with Non-GAAP adjusted net loss attributable to X Financial shareholders of RMB1,228.4 million in 2020.
Net income per basic and diluted ADS in 2021 was RMB15.06 (US$2.36), and RMB14.70 (US$2.31), compared with net loss per basic and diluted ADS of RMB24.42 and RMB24.42, respectively, in 2020.
Non-GAAP adjusted net income per basic and diluted ADS in 2021 was RMB16.68 (US$2.62), and RMB16.26 (US$2.55), compared with Non-GAAP adjusted net loss per basic and diluted ADS of RMB22.92 and RMB22.92, respectively, in 2020.
Cash and cash equivalents was RMB584.8 million (US$91.8 million) as of December 31, 2021, compared with RMB746.4 million as of December 31, 2020.
Share Repurchase Plan
The board of directors of the Company has approved a share repurchase plan under which the Company may repurchase up to US$15 million worth of its Class A ordinary shares in the form of American depositary shares (“ADSs”) over the next eighteen months, effective until September, 2023. Under the share repurchase plan, the repurchase may be made from time to time through various means, including open market transactions, privately negotiated transactions, and through other legally permissible means, depending on market conditions and in accordance with applicable rules and regulations. The manner, timing and amount of any share repurchases will be determined by the Company’s management in its discretion based on its evaluation of various factors. The Company expects to fund repurchases out of its existing cash balance.
Business Outlook
The Company expects total loan amount facilitated and provided for the first quarter of 2022 to be between RMB15.0 billion and RMB15.4 billion, and the range of increment in total loan amount facilitated and provided for 2022 to be from 15% to 25%. This forecast reflects the Company’s current and preliminary views, which are subject to changes.
