BEIJING, March 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On March 14, 2025, UOB Kay Hian included Waterdrop Inc. (WDH) for the first time in its most recent report, commenting that the company has built a substantial user base through its strong brand equity and is well-positioned to unlock greater user full-lifetime value for sustained growth. Leveraging its proprietary technology, Waterdrop continues to enhance operational efficiency and improve overall profit margins. Given its attractive valuation, increasing shareholde ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4, total revenue was approximately $687 million, with annual revenue reaching $2.77 billion, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 5.4% [6][13] - Net profit attributable to ordinary shareholders for the quarter was over $99.6 million, with annual profit results doubling, meeting financial guidance [6][17] - The company has maintained profitability for twelve consecutive quarters and plans to launch a cash dividend of $0.20 per ordinary share and $0.02 per ADS [7][8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The insurance business achieved first-year premium (FYP) of about RMB 1.9 billion, representing 24.5% year-over-year growth, but a 7% quarter-on-quarter decrease [18] - Insurance-related revenue reached RMB 580 million, down 1% year-over-year and 3% quarter-on-quarter, with operating profits of $103 million and an 18% operating margin [19] - The digital clinical trial division income grew by 22.9% year-over-year, reflecting ongoing expansion in this segment [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The medical crowdfunding platform facilitated donations of $67.5 billion to approximately 3.4 million patients, indicating significant engagement and support [22] - The company partnered with 115 public charities and managed over 15,000 charitable projects, showcasing its commitment to social responsibility [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for a 20% annual revenue growth target for 2025, focusing on strategic investments aligned with federated revenue growth [12] - Waterdrop is recognized as China's largest online service platform for individuals seeking financial help, emphasizing its leadership in the insurtech sector [24] - The company is enhancing its AI capabilities, with plans to increase investments in 2025 to strengthen its technological edge [17][27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in maintaining stable growth and profitability in Q1, with safeguards in place for strategic investments [12] - The company highlighted the transformative potential of AI in redefining productivity and enhancing operational efficiency [11][50] - Management noted the importance of user-centric operations and technology-driven transparency in future business strategies [24] Other Important Information - The company has cumulatively repurchased about 52.1 million ADS in the open market, costing approximately $104 million, reflecting a commitment to shareholder value [8][9] - Waterdrop has achieved significant milestones in AI, including 48 LLM-related patents granted, indicating a strong focus on innovation [44] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the growth prospects for Waterdrop's AI applications? - Management indicated that AI technology will further consolidate Waterdrop's leading position in the insurtech industry over the next three to five years, leveraging industry know-how and application trends [50]

Exhibit 99.1 As a milestone, Waterdrop Medical Crowdfunding has been officially recognized as a pioneer in China's standardized medical crowdfunding sector. Following new legislation changes, the platform secured designation from the Ministry of Civil Affairs on December 25, 2024, becoming one of the first batch state-endorsed 'Online Service Platforms for Individuals Seeking Financial Help'. During this quarter, our digital clinical trial solution income continued its growth, realizing a year-over-year inc ...

Core Insights - Waterdrop Inc. reported strong financial results for Q4 and FY 2024, with significant increases in net profit and operating revenue, highlighting sustained profitability and growth in its insurance business [2][3][12] Financial Performance - In Q4 2024, Waterdrop achieved net operating revenue of RMB 686.8 million and a net profit of RMB 99.6 million, marking a 68.5% increase year-over-year [2] - For the full year 2024, net operating revenue rose by 5.4% to RMB 2,771.8 million, while net profit surged by 119.8% to RMB 367.5 million [3] - Operating expenses accounted for 45.1% of revenue in Q4 and 46.1% for the year, showing a decrease of 8.7 percentage points year-on-year [2][3] Shareholder Returns - Waterdrop declared a cash dividend of US$0.02 per ADS, with a payment date expected around April 30, 2025 [4] - The company has repurchased approximately 52.1 million ADSs for a total of US$103.7 million since initiating its share repurchase program in September 2021 [5] Insurance Business Highlights - Waterdrop's insurance-related revenue in Q4 2024 was RMB 582.4 million, with first-year premiums (FYP) reaching RMB 1,897.9 million, a 24.5% increase year-over-year [6] - The annual FYP for 2024 was RMB 7,472.8 million, reflecting a 5.1% growth [7] - The insurance business generated an annual operating profit of RMB 477.2 million [6] Medical Crowdfunding and Digital Solutions - Waterdrop Medical Crowdfunding raised RMB 67.5 billion for 3.40 million patients, demonstrating its impact in the healthcare sector [8] - The platform was recognized as a pioneer in China's standardized medical crowdfunding sector [9] - Waterdrop's Digital Clinical Trial Solution generated revenues of approximately RMB 25.5 million in Q4 2024, a 22.9% increase year-over-year [10] Strategic Initiatives - The company is focusing on optimizing customer acquisition channels and diversifying product offerings, resulting in a 14.9% increase in new users acquired [7] - Waterdrop is integrating AI-driven solutions to enhance its insurance ecosystem, improving customer interactions and sales strategies [7][12] Leadership Changes - Waterdrop appointed Mr. Chen Lin as an independent director and member of the audit committee, effective March 11, 2025 [13]

Core Viewpoint - Waterdrop Inc. has appointed Mr. Chen Lin as an independent director and a member of the audit committee, effective March 11, 2025, following the resignation of Mr. Ning Zhu due to personal reasons [1][2]. Group 1: Appointment Details - Mr. Chen Lin replaces Mr. Ning Zhu on the Board of Directors and the audit committee [1]. - Mr. Zhu's resignation was not due to any disputes or disagreements with the Company [2]. Group 2: Mr. Chen Lin's Background - Mr. Lin has held various positions at The University of Hong Kong, including Chair of Finance and Associate Vice President [3]. - He has served as an independent non-executive director for multiple companies since 2019, including Allianz Global Investors Fund Management Co., Ltd. and China Merchants Land Asset Management Co., Limited [3]. - Mr. Lin is involved in several advisory roles, including the Task Force on Promoting Web3 Development and the Fintech Advisory Group of the Securities and Futures Commission [4]. Group 3: Educational Qualifications - Mr. Lin holds a PhD in economics, a master's degree in economics, and an MBA from the University of Florida, along with a bachelor's degree in engineering from South China University of Technology [5]. Group 4: Company Statement - The Company expressed confidence that Mr. Lin's expertise will add significant value and positively impact people's lives [6]. - The Company also acknowledged Mr. Zhu's contributions and wished him well in his future endeavors [6]. Group 5: Company Overview - Waterdrop Inc. is a technology platform focused on insurance and healthcare services, aiming to leverage technology to provide services to billions [7].

Core Insights - Waterdrop Inc. reported outstanding financial results for Q4 and the full year of 2024, achieving a 119.8% year-on-year increase in net profit attributable to ordinary shareholders [3][15][20] - The company aims for faster growth in 2025 while enhancing its core competitiveness through technology [9] Financial and Operational Highlights for Q4 2024 - Net operating revenue increased by 4.2% year-over-year to RMB686.8 million (US$94.1 million) [9] - Operating costs and expenses rose by 0.2% year-over-year to RMB633.9 million (US$86.8 million) [10] - Net profit attributable to ordinary shareholders reached RMB99.6 million (US$13.6 million), a 68.7% increase year-over-year [11][15] - First-year premiums (FYP) from the insurance business amounted to RMB1,897.9 million (US$260.0 million), representing a 24.5% year-over-year increase [11] Business Segments Performance - The insurance business generated an FYP of RMB7,472.8 million (US$1,023.8 million) for the year, marking a 5.1% year-over-year growth [4] - Crowdfunding service fees increased by 62.8% year-over-year to RMB65.1 million (US$8.9 million) in Q4 2024 [12] - Digital clinical trial solution income grew by 22.9% year-over-year to RMB25.5 million (US$3.5 million) [6][12] Strategic Developments - Waterdrop Medical Crowdfunding was recognized as a pioneer in China's standardized medical crowdfunding sector [5] - The company integrated AI-driven models to enhance its insurance ecosystem, improving customer interactions [7] Cash Position and Shareholder Returns - As of December 31, 2024, the cash position was RMB3,670.3 million (US$502.8 million) [25] - The company announced a cash dividend of approximately US$7.3 million, with a share repurchase program totaling approximately US$103.7 million as of February 28, 2025 [8][22][21] Annual Financial Results for 2024 - Net operating revenue for the year increased by 5.4% year-over-year to RMB2,771.8 million (US$379.7 million) [17] - Operating costs and expenses decreased by 1.7% year-over-year to RMB2,593.7 million (US$355.3 million) [18] - Net profit attributable to ordinary shareholders for the year was RMB367.5 million (US$50.3 million), compared to RMB167.2 million for 2023 [20]

Core Viewpoint - Waterdrop Inc. is set to announce its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, on March 12, 2025, before U.S. markets open [1] Financial Results Announcement - The financial results will be discussed in a conference call scheduled for March 12, 2025, at 8:00 AM U.S. Eastern Time [2] - Dial-in details for the conference call include various international and toll-free numbers for participants from the United States, Hong Kong, and Mainland China [2] Conference Call Access - Telephone replays of the conference call will be available two hours after its conclusion until March 19, 2025 [3] - Live and archived webcasts of the conference call will be accessible on the Company's investor relations website [3] Company Overview - Waterdrop Inc. is a technology platform focused on insurance and healthcare services, aiming to create a positive social impact [4] - Founded in 2016, the company offers comprehensive services through Waterdrop Insurance Marketplace and Waterdrop Medical Crowdfunding [4]

Core Insights - Waterdrop Inc. has announced a strategic integration with DeepSeek to enhance its AI-driven insurance ecosystem, aiming for significant business growth and innovative applications of large-scale AI models in specialized insurance scenarios [1][2][3] Group 1: AI Integration and Service Enhancement - The integration of AI technology is set to transform traditional insurance agents into expert consultants, improving service precision and efficiency across the insurance service chain [2][4] - Waterdrop's AI Insurance Expert supports multi-modal interactions, managing complex dialogues and outperforming entry-level human agents in efficiency, with user engagement lasting up to 50 minutes per session [4][5] Group 2: Quality Inspection and Cost Reduction - Waterdrop has introduced a Large-scale AI Model Insurance Quality Inspection Solution that analyzes complex conversations and user intent, ensuring 100% coverage across all channels and reducing operational costs by over 50% compared to traditional manual inspections [5][6] Group 3: Personalized Insurance Solutions - The company is leveraging AI and big data analytics to create personalized insurance solutions for specific demographic segments, addressing disparities in healthcare access for historically underserved groups [6][7] - In 2024, Waterdrop launched 174 tailored insurance products, representing over 92% of its offerings, showcasing its commitment to innovative, technology-driven approaches in the insurance industry [7]

Financial Performance - Net operating revenue for Q3 2024 was RMB 704.1 million, with net profit attributable to ordinary shareholders reaching RMB 92.8 million, a 152.6% increase year-over-year [1] - Operating expenses accounted for 47.9% of revenue, a decrease of 6.9 percentage points year-over-year [1] - The company sustained profitability for the eleventh consecutive quarter [1] Insurance Business - Insurance-related revenue in Q3 2024 was RMB 600.7 million, with operating profit reaching RMB 123 million [3] - First-year premiums (FYPs) generated by the insurance business amounted to RMB 2,041.8 million, a 20.4% increase year-over-year [3] - The company established the "Three Good Services Alliance" with 14 insurance companies and launched "Public Review Panels" to enhance user-centric insurance services [4] AI and Technology Innovations - AI Consultant, powered by the "Waterdrop Guardian" large language model, generated million yuan in monthly premiums by serving user inquiries [5] - The company deployed "AI Service Quality Agent" to streamline service quality inspection processes, replacing manual work [5] - A conversational AI platform was developed to customize AI sales agents for businesses, with pilots initiated in insurance and non-insurance sectors [5] Medical Crowdfunding - Waterdrop Medical Crowdfunding raised RMB 66.3 billion for 3.32 million patients, with 466 million people cumulatively donating as of September 30, 2024 [6] - The platform recorded an operating loss of approximately RMB 17.9 million, though losses have narrowed compared to previous periods [6] Digital Clinical Trials - Waterdrop's Digital Clinical Trial Solution generated revenues of approximately RMB 24.3 million in Q3 2024 [7] - The E-Find Platform cumulatively enrolled over 9,500 patients into 1,137 clinical trial programs as of September 30, 2024 [7] Strategic Vision - The company remains user-centric and explores innovations powered by Large Language Models to boost business growth [8] - Waterdrop aims to build core capabilities and drive high-quality business growth by leveraging advanced technologies, adhering to its mission of bringing insurance and healthcare services to billions through technology [8]

Financial Data and Key Metrics - Total revenue for Q3 2024 reached RMB704 million, with a year-over-year increase of over 150% in net profit attributable to ordinary shareholders, amounting to RMB92.8 million [4] - For the first nine months of 2024, total revenue was RMB2.08 billion, up 5.8% year-on-year, with net profit attributable to ordinary shareholders at RMB260 million, a 142% increase compared to the previous year [5] - The company has achieved profitability for 11 consecutive quarters since Q1 2022 [5] Business Line Performance - Insurance Business: First year premiums totaled over RMB2 billion, with an operating profit margin above 20% [6] - Medical Crowdfunding: User numbers and crowdfunding amounts continued to rise, with segment losses further narrowed [7] - Healthcare Sector: The number of enrolled patients grew both year-on-year and quarter-over-quarter [8] - AI Development: Launched AI Top Sales Platform 3.0, which has expanded partnerships with insurers and initiated pilots in non-insurance sectors like e-commerce and education [9][10][11] Market Performance - Insurance Business: Generated RMB2.04 billion in FYP, with a 20.4% year-over-year increase and a 14.8% quarter-over-quarter increase [18] - Short-term insurance FYP hit RMB1.37 billion, up 30.3% year-over-year and 9.9% quarter-over-quarter [18] - Long-term insurance FYP reached RMB670 million, a year-on-year increase of 4.3% and a quarter-on-quarter increase of 26.4% [23] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - The company is leveraging AI technology to enhance service quality and efficiency, with AI Top Sales 3.0 platform reaching a new milestone in commercialization [11][12] - Waterdrop is investing in R&D to build its next core competitive advantage around AI applications [12] - The company has established collaboration intentions with 10 clients across various industries, with eight already in the testing phase [12] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The company remains committed to healthy operations and sustainable growth, focusing on long-term, high-quality growth centered around user needs [15] - AI capabilities and first-mover advantages in large language models position the company for greater opportunities and growth in the future [15] Other Important Information - The company has cumulatively repurchased approximately 50.9 million ADS from the open market, totaling around US$102 million, and completed a second special cash dividend of approximately US$7.3 million [13] - Waterdrop Charity platform has partnered with 115 public charitable organizations and launched over 15,000 charity projects [14] - The company received several strategic awards, including the China ESG Connected Pioneer Award and China ESG Excellence Award [14] Q&A Session - No specific questions or answers were provided in the content [50]