Core Viewpoint - Qudian Inc. reported significant financial improvements in the second quarter of 2024, achieving a net income of RMB99.8 million (US$13.7 million) compared to a net loss of RMB76.9 million in the same period last year, driven primarily by the growth of its last-mile delivery business [2][5]. Financial Highlights - Total revenues for Q2 2024 were RMB53.3 million (US$7.3 million), a substantial increase from RMB11.1 million in Q2 2023 [2][3]. - The last-mile delivery business generated approximately RMB46.2 million (US$6.4 million) in revenue, up from RMB4.3 million in Q2 2023 [2][3]. - Net income per diluted ADS was RMB0.53 (US$0.07) for Q2 2024, compared to a net loss per diluted ADS of RMB0.34 in Q2 2023 [5][24]. Operating Costs and Expenses - Total operating costs and expenses rose to RMB110.8 million (US$15.2 million) from RMB106.7 million in Q2 2023 [3][4]. - Cost of revenues increased significantly to RMB46.2 million (US$6.4 million) from RMB12.7 million in Q2 2023, primarily due to the last-mile delivery business [3][4]. - General and administrative expenses decreased by 27.9% to RMB47.2 million (US$6.5 million) from RMB65.4 million in Q2 2023 [4]. Cash Flow and Financial Position - As of June 30, 2024, the company had cash and cash equivalents of RMB4,849.0 million (US$667.2 million) and restricted cash of RMB52.0 million (US$7.2 million) [6]. - For Q2 2024, net cash used in operating activities was RMB1,184.3 million (US$163.0 million), mainly due to labor-related costs and investments [6]. Last-Mile Delivery Business - The last-mile delivery service, branded as "Fast Horse," was launched in December 2022 and has expanded its operations to Australia and New Zealand, responding to the growing demand for cross-border e-commerce [7]. Share Repurchase Program - The company has an ongoing share repurchase program initiated in June 2022, allowing for the purchase of up to US$200 million worth of shares, with approximately US$113.0 million spent to date [8][9]. - A new share repurchase program was approved in March 2024, allowing for an additional US$300 million in purchases over the next 36 months [9].

Core Viewpoint - Qudian Inc. has appointed BDO China Shu Lun Pan Certified Public Accountants LLP as its new independent registered public accounting firm, effective September 6, 2024, succeeding Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP, with the change approved by the Audit Committee and Board of Directors [1][4]. Group 1: Auditor Transition - The decision to change auditors was made after careful consideration and was not due to any disagreements with EY regarding accounting principles, financial statement disclosures, or auditing procedures [1][2]. - EY's audit reports for the years ended December 31, 2022, and 2023 were unqualified and did not contain any adverse opinions or disclaimers [2]. - There have been no disagreements or reportable events with EY during the years ended December 31, 2022, and 2023, and up to the engagement of BDO [2][3]. Group 2: Company Background - Qudian is a consumer-oriented technology company that historically focused on providing credit solutions to consumers and is now exploring innovative logistics services to meet e-commerce demands [5].

Core Viewpoint - Qudian Inc. reported significant financial changes in the first quarter of 2024, with a notable increase in revenues driven by its last-mile delivery business, but also experienced substantial net losses compared to the previous year [2][3][5]. Financial Performance - Total revenues for Q1 2024 were RMB 55.8 million (US$ 7.7 million), a 155.5% increase from RMB 21.9 million in Q1 2023 [3][5]. - Net loss attributable to Qudian's shareholders was RMB 73.6 million (US$ 10.2 million), a stark contrast to a net income of RMB 414.3 million in the same period last year [5][6]. - Non-GAAP net loss was RMB 73.5 million (US$ 10.2 million), compared to a Non-GAAP net income of RMB 416.0 million in Q1 2023 [6][11]. Business Transition - The last-mile delivery business generated approximately RMB 53.8 million in revenue during Q1 2024, up from RMB 0.3 million in Q1 2023, indicating a successful transition from the previously wound-down QD Food business [2][3][8]. - The company is committed to executing its business transition while maintaining prudent cash management to protect its balance sheet [2]. Operating Costs - Total operating costs and expenses rose to RMB 128.4 million (US$ 17.8 million) from RMB 83.9 million in Q1 2023 [3][4]. - Cost of revenues increased to RMB 58.0 million (US$ 8.0 million), primarily due to expenses related to the last-mile delivery business [3][4]. Cash Flow and Financial Position - As of March 31, 2024, Qudian had cash and cash equivalents of RMB 7,040.0 million (US$ 975.0 million) and restricted cash of RMB 53.6 million (US$ 7.4 million) [7]. - Net cash used in operating activities was RMB 112.8 million (US$ 15.6 million), while net cash provided by investing activities was RMB 111.1 million (US$ 15.4 million) [7]. Share Repurchase Program - Qudian has a share repurchase program initiated in June 2022, allowing for the purchase of up to US$ 200 million worth of shares, with approximately US$ 113.0 million spent to date [9]. - A new share repurchase program was approved in March 2024, allowing for an additional US$ 300 million in purchases over the next 36 months [9].

Core Viewpoint - Qudian Inc. is considered a severely undervalued asset, trading at a significant discount to its liquidation value, with a strong cash position that allows for various opportunities [2][10] Group 1: Company Overview - Qudian operates as a consumer-oriented technology company providing credit solutions and has ventured into the ready-to-cook meal business through QD Food, with a presence in over 200 cities in China [3] - The company has also introduced last-mile delivery services under the brand "Fast Horse" to enhance logistics and meet consumer expectations [3] Group 2: Valuation Metrics - Qudian's diluted market capitalization is approximately $500 million, with a liquidation value estimated at around $1.319 billion, indicating a 60% discount on liquidation value [5][10] - The company has over $1.4 billion in current assets and only $111 million in total liabilities, showcasing a solid balance sheet [7][9] Group 3: Financial Performance - In 2023, Qudian reported a profit of $57 million in Q1 but faced losses in subsequent quarters, totaling $51 million across Q2, Q3, and Q4 [11] - Despite these losses, the company is unlocking value through share repurchase programs, which have been effective in enhancing shareholder value [15][16] Group 4: Share Repurchase Programs - Qudian initiated a share repurchase program in June 2022, with plans to buy back up to $200 million worth of shares, and has since spent around $94 million on this initiative [14][15] - A new program was approved in March 2024 to repurchase an additional $300 million worth of shares over the next 36 months, indicating confidence in the company's undervaluation [14] Group 5: Market Sentiment and Strategy - The current market sentiment towards Qudian is negative, but this presents a buying opportunity as shares are available at a significant discount [16] - The company is advised to continue its share repurchase strategy to maximize shareholder value, as each dollar spent on buybacks is generating substantial returns [15][16]

XIAMEN, China, May 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Qudian Inc. ("Qudian" or "the Company" or "We") (NYSE: QD), a consumer-oriented technology company, today announced that Mr. David Cui has replaced Mr. Shengwen Rong as a member of the board of directors (the "Board"), audit committee and compensation committee of the Company. Mr. Shengwen Rong resigned from the Board for personal reasons, effective as of May 11, 2024. Upon recommendation by the nominating and corporate governance committee of the Company, the Boa ...

Core Viewpoint - Qudian Inc. has filed its annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, with the SEC, highlighting its ongoing commitment to transparency and investor relations [1]. Company Overview - Qudian is a consumer-oriented technology company that historically focused on providing credit solutions to consumers [2]. - The company is exploring innovative logistics services to meet consumer demand for e-commerce transactions by leveraging its technological capabilities [2].

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Financial Performance - Total revenues for Q4 2023 were RMB63.8 million (US$9.0 million), a decrease of 60.1% from RMB160.1 million in Q4 2022[2] - Net loss attributable to Qudian's shareholders for Q4 2023 was RMB117.1 million (US$16.5 million), compared to a net income of RMB490.1 million in Q4 2022[2] - Full year 2023 total revenues were RMB126.3 million (US$17.8 million), representing a decrease of 78.1% from RMB577.5 million in 2022[3] - The company reported a net income of RMB39.1 million (US$5.5 million) for 2023, a significant recovery from a loss of RMB362.0 million in 2022[3] - Total revenues for the three months ended December 31, 2023, were RMB 63,794, a significant decrease from RMB 160,069 in the same period of 2022, representing a decline of approximately 60%[25] - Net income attributable to Qudian Inc.'s shareholders for the three months ended December 31, 2023, was a loss of RMB 117,074, compared to a profit of RMB 490,103 in the same period of 2022[25] - For the year ended December 31, 2023, total revenues were RMB 126,338, a decrease from RMB 577,492 in 2022, representing a decline of approximately 78%[26] - The net income attributable to Qudian Inc.'s shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2023, was RMB 39,133, a significant recovery from a loss of RMB 361,964 in 2022[26] Expenses and Liabilities - Total operating costs and expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2023, were RMB 184,126, up from RMB 108,842 in the same period of 2022, indicating an increase of approximately 69%[25] - Total current liabilities rose to RMB 754,486, an increase of 28.9% from RMB 584,930 as of December 31, 2022[28] - The company’s total liabilities increased to RMB 794,245, up 12.9% from RMB 703,723 in the previous year[28] Cash and Assets - Cash and cash equivalents totaled RMB7,207.3 million (US$1,015.1 million) as of December 31, 2023[14] - Cash and cash equivalents increased significantly to RMB 7,207,343, up 106.0% from RMB 3,486,376 in the previous year[27] - As of December 31, 2023, Qudian Inc. reported total assets of RMB 12,482,196, a decrease of 2.1% from RMB 12,746,435 as of December 31, 2022[27][28] - The company’s cash and cash equivalents represented approximately 57.7% of total current assets as of December 31, 2023[27] Shareholder Actions - Qudian has approved a new share repurchase program to buy up to US$300 million worth of Class A ordinary shares or ADSs over the next 36 months starting from June 13, 2024[4] - As of March 13, 2024, the company has cumulatively purchased 146.7 million ADSs for approximately US$675.4 million[5] Research and Development - Research and development expenses increased by 534.5% to RMB16.1 million (US$2.3 million) in Q4 2023, driven by an increase in staff headcount[8] Share Performance - Basic and diluted earnings per share for Class A and Class B ordinary shares were both RMB (0.57) for the three months ended December 31, 2023, compared to RMB 2.07 for the same period in 2022[25] - Non-GAAP net loss attributable to shareholders was RMB 116,574 for the same period, reflecting a significant decline from a non-GAAP net income of RMB 493,295 in Q4 2022[29] - Qudian Inc. reported a non-GAAP net income per share—basic of RMB (0.57) for Q4 2023, compared to RMB 2.08 in Q4 2022[29] Equity and Share Count - The weighted average number of Class A and Class B ordinary shares outstanding was 204,075,368 for the three months ended December 31, 2023, compared to 236,882,380 in the same period of 2022[25] - The weighted average shares outstanding decreased to 204,075,368 for the three months ended December 31, 2023, down from 236,882,380 in the previous year[29] - Total shareholders' equity decreased to RMB 11,687,951, a decline of 2.9% from RMB 12,042,712 as of December 31, 2022[28]

XIAMEN, China, March 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Qudian Inc. ("Qudian" or "the Company" or "We") (NYSE: QD), a consumer-oriented technology company, today announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter and full year ended December 31, 2023. Fourth Quarter 2023 Financial Highlights: Total revenues were RMB63.8 million (US$9.0 million), compared to RMB160.1 million for the same period of last year Net loss attributable to Qudian's shareholders was RMB117.1 million (US$16.5 million), compared to net i ...

XIAMEN, China, March 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Qudian Inc. ("Qudian" or "the Company" or "We") (NYSE: QD), a consumer-oriented technology company, today announced that its board of directors has authorized a share repurchase program under which the Company may repurchase up to US$300 million worth of its outstanding (i) American depositary shares ("ADSs"), each representing one Class A ordinary share, and/or (ii) Class A ordinary shares over the next 36 months starting from June 13, 2024. Under the share rep ...