X Financial Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2022 Unaudited Financial Results

SHENZHEN, China, March 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — X Financial (NYSE: XYF) (the “Company” or “we”), a leading online personal finance company in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.

Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2022 Operational Highlights

• The total loan amount facilitated and originated^[1] in the fourth quarter of 2022 was RMB21,700 million, representing an increase of 65.9% from RMB13,084 million in the same period of 2021.
• The total loan amount facilitated and originated in 2022 was RMB73,655 million, representing an increase of 42.0% from RMB51,859 million in 2021.
• Total number of active borrowers^[2] was 1,370,496 in the fourth quarter of 2022, representing an increase of 93.0% from 710,048 in the same period of 2021.
• Total number of active borrowers was 3,326,774 in 2022, representing an increase of 40.3% from 2,371,537 in 2021.

• The total outstanding loan balance^[3] as of December 31, 2022 was RMB37,992 million, compared with RMB24,912 million as of December 31, 2021.
• The delinquency rate for all outstanding loans that are past due for 31-60 days^[4] as of December 31, 2022 was 1.02%, compared with 1.48% as of December 31, 2021.
• The delinquency rate for all outstanding loans that are past due for 91-180 days^[5] as of December 31, 2022 was 1.93%, compared with 2.62% as of December 31, 2021.

Fourth Quarter 2022 Financial Highlights

• Total net revenue in the fourth quarter of 2022 was RMB955.6 million (US$138.6 million), representing an increase of 16.1% from RMB823.4 million in the same period of 2021.
• Income from operations in the fourth quarter of 2022 was RMB274.0 million (US$39.7 million), compared with RMB311.6 million in the same period of 2021.
• Net income in the fourth quarter of 2022 was RMB274.6 million (US$39.8 million), compared with RMB145.5 million in the same period of 2021.
• Non-GAAP^[6] adjusted net income in the fourth quarter of 2022 was RMB277.9 million (US$40.3 million), compared with RMB183.0 million in the same period of 2021.
• Net income per basic and diluted American depositary share (“ADS”)^[7] in the fourth quarter of 2022 was RMB5.28 (US$0.77) and RMB5.16 (US$0.75), compared with RMB2.64 and RMB2.58, respectively, in the same period of 2021.
• Non-GAAP adjusted net income per basic and adjusted diluted ADS in the fourth quarter of 2022 was RMB5.34 (US$0.77) and RMB5.22 (US$0.76), compared with RMB3.30 and RMB3.24, respectively, in the same period of 2021.

Fiscal Year 2022 Financial Highlights

• Total net revenue in 2022 was RMB3,563.0 million (US$516.6 million), representing a decrease of 1.8% from RMB3,626.5 million in 2021.
• Income from operations in 2022 was RMB1,082.3 million (US$156.9 million), compared with RMB1,311.0 million in 2021.
• Net income in 2022 was RMB812.0 million (US$117.7 million), compared with RMB825.4 million in 2021.
• Non-GAAP adjusted net income in 2022 was RMB873.7 million (US$126.7 million), compared with RMB913.8 million in 2021.
• Net income per basic and diluted American depositary share (“ADS”) in 2022 was RMB15.42 (US$2.24) and RMB15.12 (US$2.19), compared with RMB15.06 and RMB14.70, respectively, in 2021.
• Non-GAAP adjusted net income per basic and adjusted diluted ADS in 2022 was RMB16.56 (US$2.40) and RMB16.26 (US$2.36), compared with RMB16.68 and RMB16.26, respectively, in 2021.

Mr. Justin Tang, the Founder, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Company, commented, “We are very pleased to end the year with another solid quarter. The loan facilitation amount in the fourth quarter of 2022 exceeded our guidance and our total net revenue grew rapidly, increasing on both an annual and quarterly basis. Despite the very challenging environment in the midst of the COVID-19 resurgence throughout the year, we achieved a 42% increase in the loan facilitation amount in 2022 and maintained our asset quality at historical high levels. This further demonstrates the resilience of our business model, especially during challenging times, and confirms that we are on the right track for sustainable growth thanks to strong execution by our team and continuous optimization of our risk control system.”

“With the end of the strict COVID control policy and the reopening of China in December last year, the country’s focus has shifted back to stimulating economic growth. We believe that domestic consumption will play an important role in driving China’s economic growth this year and, so far in the first quarter, we have seen a recovery in consumer sentiment. In addition, small and medium-sized enterprises (“SMEs”) are expected to receive more support from the government to drive their business recovery and future growth. All of these factors will benefit the overall personal finance market in China, where our business is rooted.”

“On the regulatory side, according to the central bank, Ant Group and 13 other platform companies have basically completed business rectification under the government’s guidance and supervision, and regulators will continue to promote the healthy development of the platform economy. While we believe that the overall regulatory environment will be broadly stable this year, we will closely monitor and adapt quickly to any policy changes, and ensure compliance in our operations as always.”

“In conclusion, we are cautiously optimistic about the outlook for this year and expect continued rapid growth in our loan facilitation amount and expansion in both our top and bottom lines.”

Mr. Kent Li, President of the Company, added, “During the fourth quarter, our total loan amount facilitated and originated reached RMB21.7 billion, up 65.9% year-over-year and 9.5% quarter-over-quarter, bringing our total loan amount for the full year to RMB73.7 billion. Our premium borrower base remained stable and we continued to improve asset quality by leveraging our data-driven and technology-empowered risk control system. Our delinquency rate for all outstanding loans past due for 31-60 days decreased to 1.02% as of the end of December 2022 from 1.48% a year ago. In addition, we have continued to strengthen collaborations with our institutional funding partners, and with more credit lines provided by them since the fourth quarter, we see further opportunities to optimize our funding costs and improve operational efficiency.”

Mr. Frank Fuya Zheng, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, added, “We were pleased to resume year-over-year top line growth in the fourth quarter. Total net revenue was RMB955.6 million, up 16.1% year-over-year and 6.8% quarter-over-quarter. We have also significantly improved our bottom line on both an annual and quarterly basis. Net income for the quarter was RMB274.6 million, up 88.7% year-over-year and 29.7% quarter-over-quarter. Despite macro headwinds in 2022, we remained confident in our prospects and continued our efforts to reward our shareholders. Through an expanded share repurchase program, we repurchased a total of 266,882 ADSs and 46,487,276 Class A ordinary shares in 2022, which will be accretive to earnings per share in 2023 as certain shares will be canceled or held as treasury shares during the year. In 2023, we will continue to execute our share repurchase plan, which will further enhance shareholders’ value. With a stabilized regulatory environment and a gradual post-pandemic economic recovery, we expect revenue growth to accelerate and earnings to improve in line with top line growth. Looking ahead, we remain committed to returning value to our shareholders while maintaining sustainable business growth with healthy fundamentals, a proven strategy and strong execution capabilities.”

Fourth Quarter 2022 Financial Results

Total net revenue in the fourth quarter of 2022 increased by 16.1% to RMB955.6 million (US$138.6 million) from RMB823.4 million in the same period of 2021, primarily due to an increase in the total loan amount facilitated and originated this quarter compared with the same period of 2021.

Loan facilitation service fees in the fourth quarter of 2022 increased by 15.2% to RMB562.1 million (US$81.5 million) from RMB487.8 million in the same period of 2021, primarily due to an increase in the total loan amount facilitated this quarter compared with the same period of 2021.

Post-origination service fees in the fourth quarter of 2022 increased by 12.7% to RMB106.8 million (US$15.5 million) from RMB94.8 million in the same period of 2021, 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 2022 increased by 13.5% to RMB248.6 million (US$36.0 million) from RMB219.1 million in the same period of 2021, primarily due to an increase in average loan balances compared with the same period of 2021.

Other revenue in the fourth quarter of 2022 increased by 75.0% to RMB38.1 million (US$5.5 million), compared with RMB21.8 million in the same period of 2021, primarily due to an increase in referral service fee for introducing borrowers to other platforms.

Origination and servicing expenses in the fourth quarter of 2022 increased by 52.6% to RMB588.7 million (US$85.4 million) from RMB385.8 million in the same period of 2021, primarily due to an increase in commission fees resulting from the increase in total loan amount facilitated and originated this quarter compared with the same period of 2021.

Reversal of provision for accounts receivable and contract assets in the fourth quarter of 2022 was RMB25.6 million (US$3.7 million), compared with provision for accounts receivable and contract assets of RMB19.5 million in the same period of 2021, primarily due to a decrease in the average estimated default rate which reflects an improvement in the credit quality of customers due to the Company’s comprehensive risk management capabilities and stringent assessment criteria compared with the same period of 2021 .

Provision for loans receivable in the fourth quarter of 2022 was RMB75.4 million (US$10.9 million), compared with RMB40.3 million in the same period of 2021, primarily due to an increase in loans receivable held by the Company as a result of the increase in total loan amount facilitated and originated this quarter compared with the same period of 2021.

Income from operations in the fourth quarter of 2022 was RMB274.0 million (US$39.7 million), compared with RMB311.6 million in the same period of 2021.

Income before income taxes and loss from equity in affiliates in the fourth quarter of 2022 was RMB382.5 million (US$55.5 million), compared with income before income taxes and loss from equity in affiliates of RMB301.1 million in the same period of 2021.

Income tax expense in the fourth quarter of 2022 was RMB75.0 million (US$10.9 million), compared with RMB154.2 million in the same period of 2021.

Net income in the fourth quarter of 2022 was RMB274.6 million (US$39.8 million), compared with RMB145.5 million in the same period of 2021.

Non-GAAP adjusted net income in the fourth quarter of 2022 was RMB277.9 million (US$40.3 million), compared with RMB183.0 million in the same period of 2021.

Net income per basic and diluted ADS in the fourth quarter of 2022 was RMB5.28 (US$0.77), and RMB5.16 (US$0.75), compared with RMB2.64 and RMB2.58, respectively, in the same period of 2021.

Non-GAAP adjusted net income per basic and diluted ADS in the fourth quarter of 2022 was RMB5.34 (US$0.77), and RMB5.22 (US$0.76), compared with RMB3.30 and RMB3.24 respectively, in the same period of 2021.

Cash and cash equivalents was RMB602.3 million (US$87.3 million) as of December 31, 2022, compared with RMB653.7 million as of September 30, 2022.

Fiscal Year 2022 Financial Results

Total net revenue in 2022 decreased by 1.8% to RMB3,563.0 million (US$516.6 million) from RMB3,626.5 million in 2021, primarily due to a decrease in average total borrowing cost of the borrowers; and also partially offset by an increase in the total loan amount facilitated and originated this year compared with 2021.

Loan facilitation service fees in 2022 decreased by 19.7% to RMB2,044.3 million (US$296.4 million) from RMB2,545.6 million in 2021, primarily due to a decrease in average total borrowing cost of the borrowers; and also partially offset by an increase in the total loan amount facilitated this year compared with 2021.

Post-origination service fees in 2022 increased by 18.0% to RMB372.5 million (US$54.0 million) from RMB315.6 million in 2021, 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 2022 increased by 43.8% to RMB966.3 million (US$140.1 million) from RMB671.9 million in 2021, primarily due to an increase in average loan balances compared with 2021.

Other revenue in 2022 increased by 92.6% to RMB179.9 million (US$26.1 million), compared with RMB93.4 million in 2021, primarily due to an increase in referral service fee for introducing borrowers to other platforms and an increase in technology service fees received for providing assistant technology development services.

Origination and servicing expenses in 2022 increased by 8.3% to RMB2,126.7 million (US$308.3 million) from RMB1,963.0 million in 2021, primarily due to the following factors: (i) an increase in commission fees resulting from the increase in total loan amount facilitated and originated this year, (ii) an increase in interest expenses as a result of an increase in payable to institutional funding partners and investors, and (iii) partially offset by a decrease in insurance fee paid to insurance company.

Provision for accounts receivable and contract assets in 2022 was RMB21.8 million (US$3.2 million), compared with RMB77.2 million in 2021, primarily due to a decrease in the average estimated default rate which reflects an improvement in the credit quality of customers due to the Company’s comprehensive risk management capabilities and stringent assessment criteria compared with 2021.

Provision for loans receivable in 2022 was RMB158.6 million (US$23.0 million), compared with RMB76.0 million in 2021, primarily due to an increase in loans receivable held by the Company as a result of the increase in the total loan amount facilitated and originated this year compared with 2021.

Income from operations in 2022 was RMB1,082.3 million (US$156.9 million), compared with RMB1,311.0 million in 2021.

Income before income taxes and loss from equity in affiliates in 2022 was RMB1,223.5 million (US$177.4 million), compared with income before income taxes and gain from equity in affiliates of RMB1,190.8 million in 2021.

Income tax expense in 2022 was RMB389.4 million (US$56.5 million), compared with RMB368.7 million in 2021.

Net income in 2022 was RMB812.0 million (US$117.7 million), compared with RMB825.4 million in 2021.

Non-GAAP adjusted net income in 2022 was RMB873.7 million (US$126.7 million), compared with RMB913.8 million in 2021.

Net income per basic and diluted ADS in 2022 was RMB15.42 (US$2.24), and RMB15.12 (US$2.19), compared with RMB15.06 and RMB14.70, respectively, in 2021.

Non-GAAP adjusted net income per basic and diluted ADS in 2022 was RMB16.56 (US$2.40), and RMB16.26 (US$2.36), compared with RMB16.68 and RMB16.26 respectively, in 2021.

Cash and cash equivalents was RMB602.3 million (US$87.3 million) as of December 31, 2022, compared with RMB584.8 million as of December 31, 2021.

Share Repurchase Plan

On November 16, 2022, the Company announced that its board of directors authorized to increase its share repurchase program to US$30 million from US$20 million, effective through September 2023. In the fourth quarter, the Company repurchased an aggregate of 48,704 ADSs and 18,285,504 Class A ordinary shares (representing 3,096,288 ADSs) or 6.4% of total outstanding shares for a total consideration of US$7.6 million.

As of the date of this announcement, the Company repurchased an aggregate of 266,882 ADSs and 46,487,276 Class A ordinary shares (representing 8,014,761 ADSs) or 16.5% of total outstanding shares for a total consideration of US$21.1 million.

Business Outlook

For the first quarter of 2023, the Company expects the total loan amount facilitated and originated to be between RMB23.8 billion and RMB24.8 billion.

Conference Call

X Financial’s management team will host an earnings conference call at 7:00 AM U.S. Eastern Time on March 31, 2023 (7:00 PM Beijing / Hong Kong Time on the same day).

Dial-in details for the earnings conference call are as follows:

Please dial in ten minutes before the call is scheduled to begin and provide the passcode to join the call.

A replay of the conference call may be accessed by phone at the following numbers until April 7, 2023:

Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available at http://ir.xiaoyinggroup.com.

About X Financial

X Financial (NYSE: XYF) (the “Company”) is a leading online personal finance company in China. The Company is committed to connecting borrowers on its platform with its institutional funding partners. With its proprietary big data-driven technology, the Company has established strategic partnerships with financial institutions across multiple areas of its business operations, enabling it to facilitate and originate loans to prime borrowers under a risk assessment and control system.

For more information, please visit: http://ir.xiaoyinggroup.com.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures Statement

In evaluating our business, we consider and use non-GAAP measures as supplemental measures to review and assess our operating performance. We present the non-GAAP financial measures because they are used by our management to evaluate our operating performance and formulate business plans. We believe that the use of the non-GAAP financial measures facilitates investors’ assessment of our operating performance and help investors to identify underlying trends in our business that could otherwise be distorted by the effect of certain income or expenses that we include in income (loss) from operations and net income (loss). We also believe that the non-GAAP measures provide useful information about our core operating results, enhance the overall understanding of our past performance and future prospects and allow for greater visibility with respect to key metrics used by our management in its financial and operational decision-making.

We use in this press release the following non-GAAP financial measures: (i) adjusted net income, (ii) adjusted net income per basic ADS, and (iii) adjusted net income per diluted ADS, each of which excludes share-based compensation expense, impairment losses on financial investments, income (loss) from financial investments and impairment losses on long-term investments. These non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools, and when assessing our operating performance, investors should not consider them in isolation, or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

We mitigate these limitations by reconciling the non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measures, which should be considered when evaluating our performance. We encourage you to review our financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure.

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.

Exchange Rate Information

This announcement contains translations of certain RMB amounts into U.S. dollars at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from RMB to U.S. dollars are made at a rate of RMB6.8972 to US$1.00, the exchange rate set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System as of December 30, 2022.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “potential,” “continue,” “ongoing,” “targets,” “guidance” and similar statements. The Company 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. Any statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company’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 not limited to the following: the Company’s goals and strategies; its future business development, financial condition and results of operations; the expected growth of the credit industry, and marketplace lending in particular, in China; the demand for and market acceptance of its marketplace’s products and services; its ability to attract and retain borrowers and investors on its marketplace; its relationships with its strategic cooperation partners; competition in its industry; and relevant government policies and regulations relating to the corporate structure, business and industry. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this announcement is current as of the date of this announcement, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

For more information, please contact:

X Financial
Mr. Frank Fuya Zheng
E-mail: ir@xiaoying.com

Christensen IR

In China
Mr. Eric Yuan
Phone: +86-10-5900-1548
E-mail: eric.yuan@christensencomms.com

In US
Ms. Linda Bergkamp
Phone: +1-480-614-3004
Email: linda.bergkamp@christensencomms.com