BEST BEST Inc

The Company Plans to Reach Group Profitability by the End of 2023

HANGZHOU, China, May 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- BEST Inc. (NYSE: BEST) ("BEST" or the "Company"), a leading integrated smart supply chain solutions and logistics services provider in China and Southeast Asia, today announced its unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2023.

Johnny Chou, Founder, Chairman and CEO of BEST, commented, "We delivered exceptionally strong financial improvements in the first quarter of 2023 despite the traditionally slow first quarter and lingering impact from COVID. We significantly improved our bottom line by narrowing our net loss by 32.2% year over year, with BEST Supply Chain Management delivering profitability for the quarter and BEST Freight turning profitable in February and March.

"We have seen a strong recovering trend in consumer consumption post-COVID pandemic and demand for Freight services is increasing. In addition, many enterprises are developing into multiple sales channels to expand their market coverage and the demand for integrated logistics service partners with higher-level service capabilities is escalating. Our dedication to service quality, digital transformation, and customer satisfaction in the past quarters have made us more resilient and placed BEST in a strong position to quickly respond to the increasing market demand.

"During the first quarter, BEST Freight's recovery accelerated with total Freight volume growing by 5.1% year over year. This uptick has continued in April with volume further increased by 20.3% year over year and this growth momentum is expected to continue throughout 2023. BEST Supply Chain Management maintained robust growth as well. In the first quarter, its revenue increased by 7.7% year over year and its gross margin expanded to 8.2%.

"As economy in the Southeast Asia recovered rapidly, the volume of its e-commerce business also surged and boosted the growth of cross-border activities. With our adjusted business strategy and realigned organization, BEST Global has significantly enhanced its service capabilities and became more resilient to take on this growing market opportunity. In the first quarter, BEST Global's cross-border volume increased by 60% quarter over quarter and its parcel volume started the fast recovering trend.   

"Moving through 2023, we are confident that our commitment to operational excellence, combined with the synergistic opportunities across our core business lines will improve BEST's overall competitive position and drive sustainable growth and profitability," concluded Mr. Chou.

Gloria Fan, BEST's Chief Financial Officer, added, "With effective cost controls and operating efficiency improvements, our Group's gross margin has improved by 3.8 percentage points and net loss narrowed by 32.2% year over year for the first quarter of 2023. In addition, both BEST Freight and BEST Supply Chain Management generated positive cash flow from their operations during the quarter. We had a solid balance of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, and short-term investments of RMB3.2 billion at the end of the first quarter. Through our continued focus on service quality, digital transformation and synergies among our business lines, we expect to achieve Group profitability by the end of 2023."

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS^[1]

For the First Quarter Ended March 31, 2023:^[2]

• Revenue was RMB1,715.3 million (US$249.8 million), compared to RMB1,802.6 million in the first quarter of 2022. The decrease was primarily due to lower Global volume, which caused by the lingering impact of the COVID and reduced volume from some major e-commerce platforms.
• Gross loss was RMB8.5 million (US$1.2 million), compared to gross loss of RMB76.8 million in the first quarter of 2022. The improvement was primarily due to improved operating efficiency, the majority of which was attributable to BEST Freight and Supply Chain Management. Gross Loss Margin was 0.5%, compared to 4.3% in the first quarter of 2022.
• Net Loss from continuing operations was RMB257.6 million (US$37.5 million), compared to RMB379.9 million in the first quarter of 2022. Non-GAAP Net Loss from continuing operations^[3][4] was RMB245.5 million (US$35.8 million), compared to RMB359.2 million in the first quarter of 2022.
• Diluted loss per ADS^[5] from continuing operations was negative RMB12.38 (US$1.8) upon implementation of our ADS ratio change on April 4, 2023, compared to negative RMB18.4 in the first quarter of 2022 .Non-GAAP diluted loss per ADS^[3][4] from continuing operations was negative RMB11.77(US$1.71), compared to negative RMB17.34 in the first quarter of 2022.
• EBITDA^[6] from continuing operations was negative RMB218.9 million (US$31.9 million), compared to negative RMB315.3 million in the first quarter of 2022. Adjusted EBITDA^[3][5] from continuing operations was negative RMB206.8 million (US$30.1 million), compared to negative RMB294.6 million in the first quarter of 2022.

BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS^[7]

BEST Freight – Despite the first quarter seasonality and the lingering effects of COVID, BEST Freight showed swift recovery. BEST Freight's volume for the quarter increased by 5.1% year over year. Its gross loss and net loss narrowed by 96.4% and 53.6%, respectively, both year over year. BEST Freight's e-commerce volume contributed 21.5% of its total volume.

Looking ahead, BEST Freight will continue to develop digital transformation to improve its operating efficiency, leverage BEST Supply Chain Management customer base to capitalize on additional opportunities and develop the fulfillment franchise to further increase BEST Freight's service network. 

BEST Supply Chain Management – During the first quarter of 2023, the Company continued to grow its distribution capabilities ("Cloud OFCs") while expanding our service coverage into auto-parts and pharmaceutical markets. As a result, its revenue and distribution volume increased by 7.7% and 18.2% year over year, respectively. BEST Supply Chain Management's gross margin for the first quarter of 2023 was 8.2%, improving by 3.9 ppts year over year with a net profit of RMB 0.4 million.

As BEST Supply Chain Management remains the center of our synergistic logistics ecosystem, we have been focusing heavily on the digital transformation to improve our operating efficiency and enhance system interconnectivity with our customers. This differentiates our market offerings and brings us additional competitive advantages. At the same time, we will continue to develop and accelerate BEST Supply Chain Management's franchised fulfillment capabilities to further expand the network and improve its service capabilities.

BEST Global – Post COVID, economy of the Southeast Asia recovered rapidly and the volume of its e-commerce business surged. The growth of cross-border activities between China and the Southeast Asia also accelerated. The volume of BEST Global's cross-border business increased in Q1 by approximately 60% quarter over quarter and its coverage for small- and medium-sized enterprises in Southeast Asia increased by approximately 15% year over year. With our adjusted business strategies and realigned organization, BEST Global has significantly enhanced its service capabilities and started recovering its parcel volume.  We expect BEST Global to continue its fast recovery and growth throughout 2023. 

Others – The Company continued to wind down its Capital business line and expects to complete the wind-down by the end of 2023.

Key Operational Metrics

FINANCIAL RESULTS^[8]

For the First Quarter Ended March 31, 2023:

Revenue

The following table sets forth a breakdown of revenue by business segment for the periods indicated.

• Freight Service Revenue was RMB1,051.9 million (US$153.2 million) for the first quarter of 2023, compared to RMB1,092.8 million in the same period of last year; Freight service revenue decreased by 3.7% year over year primarily resulting from the wind-down of UCargo business units.
• Supply Chain Management Service Revenue increased by 7.7% year over year to RMB440.3 million (US$64.1 million) for the first quarter of 2023, up from RMB409 million in the same period of last year, primarily attributable to an expanded customer base and increased volume from existing customers.
• Global Service Revenue decreased by 26.7% year over year to RMB197 million (US$28.7 million) for the first quarter of 2023 from RMB268.7 million in the same period of last year, primarily due to the impact of COVID and reduced volume from some major e-commerce platforms.

Cost of Revenue

The following table sets forth a breakdown of cost of revenue by business segment for the periods indicated.

• Cost of Revenue for Freight was RMB1,054.6 million (US$153.6 million), or 100.3% of revenue in the first quarter of 2023. The 6.8 ppts decrease year over year in cost of revenue as a percentage of revenue was mainly due to higher volume and improved efficiency.
• Cost of Revenue for Supply Chain Management was RMB404.4 million (US$58.9million), or 91.8% of revenue in the first quarter of 2023. The 3.9 ppts decrease year over year in cost of revenue as a percentage of revenue was primarily due to improved operating efficiency and customer structure optimization.
• Cost of Revenue for Global was RMB249.2 million (US$36.3 million), or 126.5% of revenue in the first quarter of 2023. The 20.2 ppts increase year over year in cost of revenue as a percentage of revenue was primarily due to lower parcel volume.
• Cost of Revenue for Others was RMB15.5 million (US$2.3 million), or 59.5% of revenue in the first quarter of 2023，representing a 40.9 ppts decrease year over year basis.

Gross loss was RMB8.5 million (US$1.2 million) in the first quarter of 2023, compared to gross loss of RMB76.8 million in the first quarter of 2022. Gross Margin was negative 0.5%, compared to negative 4.3% in the first quarter of 2022. 

Operating Expenses

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses were RMB247.7 million (US$36.1 million) or 14.4% of revenue in the first quarter of 2023, compared to RMB255.0 million, or 14.1% of revenue in the first quarter of 2022. There was a one-off charge of RMB36.9 million in the first quarter of 2023. Excluding this one-off charge, SG&A expenses decreased by 17.3% year over year due to reduced employee headcount.

Research and Development Expenses were RMB28.7 million (US$4.2 million), or 1.7% of revenue in the first quarter of 2023, compared to RMB33.2 million, or 1.8% of revenue in the first quarter of 2022, primarily due to reduced employee headcount. 

Share-based Compensation ("SBC") Expenses included in the cost and expense items above were RMB12.1 million (US$1.8 million) in the first quarter of 2023, compared to RMB20.7 million in the first quarter of 2022. In the first quarter of 2023, RMB0.04 million (US$0.01 million) was allocated to cost of revenue, RMB0.5 million (US$0.08 million) was allocated to selling expenses, RMB10.5 million (US$1.5 million) was allocated to general and administrative expenses, and RMB1.1 million (US$0.2 million) was allocated to research and development expenses.

Net Loss and Non-GAAP Net Loss from continuing operations

Net Loss from continuing operations in the first quarter of 2023 was RMB257.6 million (US$37.5 million), compared to RMB379.9 million in the first quarter of 2022. Excluding SBC expenses, amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions, Non-GAAP Net Loss from continuing operations in the first quarter of 2023 was RMB245.5million (US$35.8 million), compared to RMB359.2 million in the first quarter of 2022.

Diluted loss per ADS and Non-GAAP diluted loss per ADS from continuing operations

Diluted loss per ADS from continuing operations in the first quarter of 2023 was negative RMB12.38 (US$1.8) upon implementation of our ADS ratio change on April 4, 2023, compared to negative RMB18.4 in the same period of 2022. Excluding SBC expenses, amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions and gain from appreciation of investment, non-GAAP diluted loss per ADS from continuing operations in the first quarter of 2023 was negative RMB11.77(US$1.71), compared to negative RMB17.34 in the first quarter of 2022. A reconciliation of non-GAAP diluted loss per ADS to diluted loss per ADS is included at the end of this results announcement.

Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin from continuing operations

Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations in the first quarter of 2023 was negative RMB206.8 million (US$30.1 million), compared to negative RMB294.6 million in the same period of 2022. Adjusted EBITDA Margin from continuing operations in the first quarter of 2023 was negative 12.1%, compared to negative 16.3% in the same period of 2022.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Short-term Investments

As of March 31, 2023, cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments were RMB3,171.8 million (US$461.9 million), compared to RMB5,261.1 million as of March 31, 2022. In 2022, the Company bought back approximately US$200 million (RMB1.4 billion) aggregate principal amount of its existing Convertible Senior Notes due 2024.

Net Cash Used In Continuing Operating Activities

Net cash used in continuing operating activities in the first quarter of 2023 was RMB163.2 million (US$23.8 million), compared to RMB304.1 million of net cash used in continuing operating activities in the same period of 2022. The decrease in net cash used in operating activities was mainly due to the decreased net loss in the first quarter of 2023. 

SHARES OUTSTANDING

As of May 18, 2023, the Company had approximately 396.8 million ordinary shares outstanding^[10]. Each American Depositary Share represents twenty (20) Class A ordinary shares.

As previously announced, effective from April 4, 2023, the Company has changed the ratio of its American Depositary Shares to its Class A ordinary shares, par value US$0.01 per share, from the original ADS ratio of one (1) ADS to five (5) Class A ordinary share, to a new ADS ratio of one (1) ADS to twenty (20) Class A ordinary shares.

FINANCIAL GUIDANCE

The Company confirms its guidance for total revenue between RMB9.0 billion and RMB9.5 billion for the full year of 2023.

This forecast reflects the Company's current and preliminary view based on its current business situation and market conditions, which are subject to change.

WEBCAST AND CONFERENCE CALL INFORMATION

The Company will hold a conference call at 9:00 pm U.S. Eastern Time on May 30, 2023 (9:00 am Beijing Time on May 31, 2023), to discuss its financial results and operating performance for the first quarter of 2023.

Participants may access the call by dialing the following numbers:

A replay of the conference call will be accessible through June 15, 2023 by dialing the following numbers:

Please visit the Company's investor relations website to view the earnings release prior to the conference call. A live and archived webcast of the conference call and a corporate presentation will be available at the same site.

ABOUT BEST INC.

BEST Inc. (NYSE: BEST) is a leading integrated smart supply chain solutions and logistics services provider in China and Southeast Asia. Through its proprietary technology platform and extensive networks, BEST offers a comprehensive set of logistics and value-added services, including freight delivery, supply chain management, and global logistics services. BEST's mission is to empower business and enrich life by leveraging technology and business model innovation to create a smarter, more efficient supply chain. For more information, please visit: http://www.best-inc.com/en/.   

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" and similar statements. Among other things, the business outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as BEST's strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. BEST may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), 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. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about BEST's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: BEST's goals and strategies; BEST's future business development, results of operations and financial condition; BEST's ability to maintain and enhance its ecosystem; BEST's ability to compete effectively; BEST's ability to continue to innovate, meet evolving market trends, adapt to changing customer demands and maintain its culture of innovation; fluctuations in general economic and business conditions in China and other countries in which BEST operates, and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in BEST's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and BEST does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

USE OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

In evaluating its business, BEST considers and uses non-GAAP measures, such as non-GAAP net loss/income, non-GAAP net loss/profit margin, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, EBITDA, and non-GAAP Diluted earnings/loss per ADS, as supplemental measures in the evaluation of the Company's operating results and in the Company's financial and operational decision-making. The Company believes these non-GAAP financial measures that help identify underlying trends in the Company's business that could otherwise be distorted by the effect of the expenses and gains that the Company includes in loss from operations and net loss. The Company believes that these non-GAAP financial measures 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 Company's management in its financial and operational decision-making. The presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. For more information on these non-GAAP financial measures, please see the table captioned "Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Measures to the Nearest Comparable GAAP Measures" in the results announcement.

The non-GAAP financial measures are provided as additional information to help investors compare business trends among different reporting periods on a consistent basis and to enhance investors' overall understanding of the Company's current financial performance and prospects for the future. These non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to results prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, but should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, U.S. GAAP results. In addition, the Company's calculation of the non-GAAP financial measures may be different from the calculation used by other companies, and therefore comparability may be limited.

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SOURCE BEST Inc.