GUANGZHOU, China, Nov. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- MINISO Group Holding Limited (NYSE: MNSO) ("MINISO", "MINISO Group" or the "Company"), a fast-growing global value retailer offering a variety of design-led lifestyle products, today announced its unaudited financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2022 ended September 30, 2021.

Financial Highlights for the First Quarter of Fiscal Year 2022 ended September 30, 2021

• Revenue was RMB2,654.1 million (US$411.9 million), exceeding the high end of the Company's guidance range of RMB2,450 million to RMB2,650 million, representing an increase of 28.1% year over year and 7.4% quarter over quarter.
• Gross profit was RMB728.4 million (US$113.1 million), representing an increase of 39.4% year over year and 14.0% quarter over quarter. Gross margin was 27.4%, compared to 25.2% in the same period of 2020 and 25.8% in the previous quarter.
• Operating profit was RMB213.5 million (US$33.1 million), compared to a loss of RMB2.1 million in the same period of 2020 and a profit of RMB187.8 million in the previous quarter.
• Profit for the period was RMB154.5 million (US$24.0 million), compared to a loss of RMB1,676.3 million in the same period of 2020 and a profit of RMB111.2 million in the previous quarter.
• Adjusted net profit ^[1] was RMB184.2 million (US$28.6 million), representing an increase of 80.3% year over year and 27.0% quarter over quarter. Adjusted net margin^[1] was 6.9%, compared to 4.9% in the same period of 2020 and 5.9% in the previous quarter.

Operational Highlights for the First Quarter of Fiscal Year 2022 ended September 30, 2021

• Number of MINISO stores increased to 4,871 as of September 30, 2021, representing a quarterly net addition of 122 stores, compared to a quarterly net addition of 108 stores in the same period of 2020 and 162 stores in the previous quarter, respectively.
• Number of MINISO stores in China  increased to 3,035 as of September 30, 2021, representing a quarterly net addition of 96 stores, compared to a quarterly net addition of 100 stores in the same period of 2020 and 127 stores in the previous quarter, respectively.
• Number of MINISO stores in overseas markets increased to 1,836 as of September 30, 2021, representing a quarterly net addition of 26 stores, compared to a quarterly net addition of 8 stores in same period of 2020 and 35 stores in the previous quarter, respectively.
• Number of TOP TOY stores increased to 72 as of September 30, 2021, representing a quarterly net addition of 39 stores, compared to a quarterly net addition of 24 stores in the previous quarter.

The following table provides a breakdown of the number of MINISO and TOPTOY stores as well as their year-over-year and quarter-over-quarter changes of the relevant dates:

Mr. Guofu Ye, Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of MINISO, commented, "We kicked off fiscal year 2022 with a solid quarter. In spite of the headwinds from the resurgences of pandemic, rainstorm disaster and weak consumption data in domestic market in this quarter, we executed our strategies well and our domestic operations recorded an encouraging performance, while our overseas operations moved further along the path of recovery."

"During this quarter, we added 161 stores to our global store network, including 122 MINISO stores and 39 TOP TOY stores. MINISO Group's revenue reached RMB2,654.1 million, exceeding the high end of our expectation, demonstrating the resilience of our business model and core competitive strengths." Mr. Ye continued.

Mr. Saiyin Zhang, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of MINISO, commented, "MINISO Group's adjusted net profit reached RMB184.2 million in this quarter, increasing by 80.3% year-over-year, adjusted net margin of 6.9% was the highest in recent six quarters since the pandemic broke out. Going forward, our financial strategy will be to remain disciplined in our budgeting, cost controls, and allocation of capital, as we focus on the consistent delivery of solid financial performances."

Recent Developments

Impact of COVID-19

The outbreaks of the COVID-19 pandemic continued to significantly impact the Company's operations and results in the quarter ended September 30, 2021.

In China, sales growth was challenged by the outbreak of the Delta variant in Nanjing from late July to late August and in Heilongjiang and Fujian province in late September. The Company estimates that the GMV loss from those influenced stores in China during this quarter was north of RMB200 million. Going into the quarter ending December 31, 2021, the Company expects the effects of COVID-19 to persist and strict public health measures to remain in effect nationwide. With the recent regional outbreaks resurging across approximately 20 provinces and rigorous preventative health measures in force across the country, the Company currently estimates that its sales will continue to be pressured by the lingering effects of the pandemic in the short term. The Company will continue to focus on those elements of its business that are under its control, driving product innovation, enhancing inventory management, improving operating efficiency and executing omni-channel strategy to drive sales and protect margins.

In overseas markets, 157 stores had not resumed operations as of September 30, 2021, compared to 205 stores as of June 30, 2021. Many of those stores that resumed operations also had reduced operating hours due to regional resurgences of COVID-19.

Change to Board Composition

To comply with the relevant SEC and NYSE requirements on corporate governance, Mr. Guofu Ye has stepped down from his position as the chairman of the compensation committee and nominating and corporate governance committee of the Company's board of directors, effective on November 18, 2021. Mr. Ye will continue to serve as a director and chairman of the board of directors. The Company has appointed Mr. Yongping Wang as an independent director of its board of directors, effective on the same day. Mr. Wang will also serve as a member of the audit committee and compensation committee, and as the chairman of the nominating and corporate governance committee of the Company's board of directors. In addition, Mr. Yonghua Zhu has been appointed as the chairman of the compensation committee of the Company's board of directors.

After this change, the Company's three committees are in compliance with the relevant SEC and NYSE requirements that all of the members of these committees should consist of only independent directors.

Mr. Wang currently serves as the president of China Commercial Real Estate Association and as a vice chairman of The Commerce Economy Association of China. He also currently serves as an independent director of Easyhome New Retail Group Co., Ltd. (SZSE: 000785) and an independent non-executive director of SCE Intelligent Commercial Management Holdings Limited (HKEx.0606). Before that, Mr. Wang held various senior management positions in several national commercial real estate institutions, including as a vice-chairman and secretary-general of China Federation of Urban Commercial Outlets Construction Administration, a national commercial real estate industry association from 2003 to 2010. Mr. Wang started his career as a successful business news reporter in 1990, after receiving his bachelor's degree in economics from Hangzhou College of Commerce (now known as Zhejiang Gongshang University).

"We are very excited to welcome Mr. Wang to MINISO's board of directors. His extensive leadership experience and industry expertise in commercial real estate will bring significant value to MINISO as we move into the next stage of growth." said Mr. Ye.

Unaudited Financial Results for the First Quarter of Fiscal Year 2022 ended September 30, 2021

Revenue was RMB2,654.1 million (US$411.9 million), representing an increase of 28.1% year over year, primarily driven by the growth of the Company's domestic operations and the recovery of its international operations.

Revenue generated from domestic operations was RMB2,030.8 million (US$315.2 million), increasing by 17.9% year over year. Revenue generated from domestic operations of the MINISO brand was RMB1,873.5 million (US$290.8 million), increasing by 12.8% year over year, mainly driven by a year-over-year increase of 15.6% in average store count and a year-over-year increase of 58.0% in the Company's e-commerce business. The TOP TOY brand also contributed RMB109.2 million (US$16.9 million) to the Company's revenue generated from domestic operations.

Revenue generated from international operations was RMB623.3 million (US$96.7 million), representing an increase of 78.0% year over year, reflecting an improved recovery of sales in certain international markets and re-stocking by distributors for the upcoming holiday season.

Revenue per MINISO store, which is calculated by dividing the revenue of the MINISO brand by the average number of MINISO stores at the beginning and the end of the relevant period, was RMB519.1 thousand (US$80.6 thousand), representing a year-over-year increase of 10.5%. In particular, revenue per MINISO store in international markets increased by 65.3% year over year.

Cost of sales was RMB1,925.7 million (US$298.9 million), representing an increase of 24.3% year over year.

Gross profit was RMB728.4 million (US$113.1 million), representing an increase of 39.4% year over year.

Gross margin was 27.4%, compared to 25.2% in the same period of 2020. The year-over-year increase was primarily due to an increase in revenue contribution from international operations, which typically has a higher gross margin than domestic operations. International operations contributed 23.5% of revenue in the first quarter of fiscal year 2022, compared to 16.9% in the same period of 2020.

Other income was RMB16.1 million (US$2.5 million), compared to RMB36.0 million in the same period of 2020. The year-over-year decrease was primarily due to a decrease in government grants received by the Company in the first quarter of fiscal year 2022.

Selling and distribution expenses were RMB340.8 million (US$52.9 million), representing an increase of 18.9% year over year. Excluding share-based compensation expenses, selling and distribution expenses were RMB322.5 million (US$50.1 million), representing an increase of 40.0% year over year. The year-over-year increase was primarily attributable to increased personnel-related expenses, logistics expenses and marketing expenses that were in line with the year-over-year revenue growth and brand awareness improvement for both MINISO and TOP TOY, and to a lesser extent, increased licensing expenses associated with increased revenue contribution from IP products.

General and administrative expenses were RMB211.3 million (US$32.8 million), representing a decrease of 16.2% year over year. Excluding share-based compensation expenses, general and administrative expenses were RMB199.9 million (US$31.0 million), representing an increase of 28.7% year over year. The year-over-year increase was primarily due to increased personnel-related expenses and IT expenses for the Company's new initiatives such as TOP TOY, partially offset by decreased professional service fee related to the Company's IPO in the same period of 2020.

Other net income was RMB33.6 million (US$5.2 million), compared to a net loss of RMB15.7 million in the same period of 2020. The Company recorded other net loss in the same period of 2020 mainly due to an appreciation of Renminbi against U.S. dollar during that period, which resulted in foreign exchange losses. Increase in investment income also contributed to the change from net loss to net income in this quarter ended September 30, 2021.

Operating profit was RMB213.5 million (US$33.1 million), compared to a loss of RMB2.1 million in the same period of 2020.

Profit for the period was RMB154.5 million (US$24.0 million), compared to a loss of RMB1,676.3 million in the same period of 2020.

Adjusted net profit, which represents profit for the period excluding (i) fair value changes of redeemable shares with other preferential rights and (ii) equity-settled share-based payment expenses, was RMB184.2 million (US$28.6 million), representing an increase of 80.3% year over year.

Adjusted net margin was 6.9%, compared to 4.9% in the same period of 2020.

Basic and diluted earnings from operations per American Depositary Share ("ADS") were RMB0.50 (US$0.08) in the quarter ended September 30, 2021, compared to basic and diluted losses per ADS of RMB7.08 in the same period of 2020. Each ADS represents four of the Company's Class A ordinary shares.

Adjusted basic and diluted earnings per ADS were RMB0.60 (US$0.09) in the quarter ended September 30, 2021, compared to adjusted basic and diluted earnings per ADS of RMB0.40 in the same period of 2020.

See the sections entitled "Non-IFRS Financial Measures" and "Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Financial Measures" in this press release for more information about adjusted net profit, adjusted net margin, and adjusted basic and diluted earnings per ADS.

As of September 30, 2021, the combined balance of the Company's cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and other investments amounted to RMB6,138.5 million (US$952.7 million).

Business Outlook

For the second quarter of fiscal year 2022 ending December 31, 2021, the Company currently estimates its revenue to be between RMB2,500 million and RMB2,700 million, representing an increase of 8.8% to 17.5% year over year. This estimate represents management's current and preliminary views on the market and operational conditions as of the date of this press release, which does not factor in any of the potential future impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and is subject to change.

Conference Call

The Company's management will hold an earnings conference call at 7:00 A.M. Eastern Time on Thursday, November 18, 2021 (8:00 P.M. Beijing Time on the same day) to discuss the financial results. The conference call can be accessed via the following zoom link or by dialing the following numbers:

Access 1

Zoom link:
https://dooyle.zoom.us/j/89323740265?pwd=NkZObW1RMnA3RTRVSjlYOVBHc0xEUT09 
Meeting Number: 893 2374 0265
Meeting Passcode: 601915     

Access 2

Listeners may access the call by dialing the following numbers with the same meeting number and passcode with Access 1.

United States Toll Free:            833 548 0282 (or 877 853 5247)
Mainland China Toll Free:       400 182 3168 (or 400 616 8835)
Hong Kong, China Toll Free:   800 906 780 (or 800 931 189)
United Kingdom (Charge Fees): +44 208 080 6592 (or +44 330 088 5830)
France (Charge Fees):              +33 1 7037 9729 (or +33 1 7095 0103)
Singapore (Charge Fees):         +65 3165 1065 (or +65 3158 7288)
Canada (Charge Fees):             +1 647 374 4685 (or +1 647 558 0588)

Access 3

Listeners can also access the meeting through the Company's investor relations website at http://ir.miniso.com/.

A replay will be available approximately two hours after the conclusion of the live event at the Company's investor relations website at http://ir.miniso.com/.

About MINISO Group

MINISO Group is a fast-growing global value retailer offering a variety of design-led lifestyle products. The Company serves consumers primarily through its large network of MINISO stores, and promotes a relaxing, treasure-hunting and engaging shopping experience full of delightful surprises that appeals to all demographics. Aesthetically pleasing design, quality and affordability are at the core of every product in MINISO's wide product portfolio, and the Company continually and frequently rolls out products with these qualities. Since the opening of its first store in China in 2013, the Company has built its flagship brand "MINISO" as a globally recognized retail brand and established a massive store network worldwide. For more information, please visit https://ir.miniso.com/.

Exchange Rate

The U.S. dollar (US$) amounts disclosed in this press release, except for those transaction amounts that were actually settled in U.S. dollars, are presented solely for the convenience of the readers. The conversion of Renminbi (RMB) into US$ in this press release is based on the exchange rate set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System as of September 30, 2021, which was RMB6.4434 to US$1.0000. The percentages stated in this press release are calculated based on the RMB amounts.

Non-IFRS Financial Measures

In evaluating the business, MINISO considers and uses adjusted net profit, adjusted net margin, adjusted basic and diluted earnings per share and adjusted basic and diluted earnings per ADS as supplemental measures to review and assess its operating performance. The presentation of these non-IFRS financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with IFRS. MINISO defines adjusted net profit as profit/(loss) for the period excluding (i) fair value changes of redeemable shares with other preferential rights and (ii) equity-settled share-based payment expenses. MINISO calculates adjusted net margin by dividing adjusted net profit by revenue for the same period. MINISO computes adjusted basic and diluted net earnings per ADS by dividing the adjusted net profit attributable to the equity shareholders of the Company by the number of ADSs represented by the number of ordinary shares used in the basic and diluted (loss)/earnings per share calculation on an IFRS basis and retrospectively adjusting for the effect of the issuance of Series A preferred shares by the Company that are deemed to have been converted into ordinary shares since July 1, 2019. MINISO computes adjusted basic and diluted net earnings per share in the same way it calculates adjusted basic and diluted net earnings per ADS, except that it uses the number of ordinary shares used in the basic and diluted (loss)/earnings per share calculation on an IFRS basis as the denominator instead of the number of ADSs represented by these ordinary shares.

MINISO presents these non-IFRS financial measures because they are used by the management to evaluate its operating performance and formulate business plans. These non-IFRS financial measures enable the management to assess its operating results without considering the impacts of the aforementioned non-cash and other adjustment items that MINISO does not consider to be indicative of its operating performance in the future. Accordingly, MINISO believes that the use of these non-IFRS financial measures provides useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating its operating results in the same manner as the management and board of directors.

These non-IFRS financial measures are not defined under IFRS and are not presented in accordance with IFRS. These non-IFRS financial measures have limitations as analytical tools. One of the key limitations of using these non-IFRS financial measures is that they do not reflect all items of income and expense that affect MINISO's operations. Further, these non-IFRS financial measures may differ from the non-IFRS information used by other companies, including peer companies, and therefore their comparability may be limited.

These non-IFRS financial measures should not be considered in isolation or construed as alternatives to profit/(loss), net profit/(loss) margin, basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per share and basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per ADS, as applicable, or any other measures of performance or as indicators of MINISO's operating performance. Investors are encouraged to review MINISO's historical non-IFRS financial measures in light of the most directly comparable IFRS measures, as shown below. The non-IFRS financial measures presented here may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. Other companies may calculate similarly titled measures differently, limiting the usefulness of such measures when analyzing MINISO's data comparatively. MINISO encourages you to review its financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure.

For more information on the non-IFRS financial measures, please see the table captioned "Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Financial Measures" set forth at the end of this press release.

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 words or phrases such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "aim," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "is/are likely to," "potential," "continue" or other similar expressions. Among other things, the guidance for the fiscal year 2022's second quarter ending December 31, 2021 and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as MINISO's strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. MINISO 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 MINISO'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: MINISO's mission, goals and strategies; future business development, financial conditions and results of operations; the expected growth of the retail market and the market of branded variety retail of lifestyle products in China and globally; expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of MINISO's products; expectations regarding MINISO's relationships with consumers, suppliers, MINISO Retail Partners, local distributors, and other business partners; competition in the industry; proposed use of proceeds; and relevant government policies and regulations relating to MINISO's business and the industry. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in MINISO'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 MINISO undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

Investor Relations Contact:

Raine Hu, Mengru Wang
MINISO Group Holding Limited
Email: ir@miniso.com 
Phone: +86 (20) 36228788 Ext.8039

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SOURCE MINISO Group Holding Limited